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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
or
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _______________ to ______________
Commission file number 0-11951
JSCE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
DELAWARE 37-1337160
(State of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification)
150 NORTH MICHIGAN AVENUE
CHICAGO, IL 60601
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
</TABLE>
REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER: (312) 346-6600
----------------------
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
Indicate by check mark whether 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 ___
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
As of January 31, 1999, none of the registrant's voting stock was held by
non-affiliates.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of January
31, 1999: 1,000
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<S> <C>
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Part of Form 10-K
Into Which
Document is
Document Incorporated
-------- ------------
Sections of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Proxy Statement
for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 27, 1999 III
</TABLE>
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JSCE, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
December 31, 1998
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Page No.
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<S> <C> <C>
Item 1. Business ................................................................................. 3
Item 2. Properties ............................................................................... 8
Item 3. Legal Proceedings ........................................................................ 8
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ...................................... 10
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters .................... 10
Item 6. Selected Financial Data .................................................................. 11
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .... 12
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ............................... 19
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data .............................................. 21
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure ..... 48
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant ....................................... 48
Item 11. Executive Compensation ................................................................... 48
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management ........................... 48
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions ........................................... 48
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports On Form 8-K .......................... 49
</TABLE>
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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report on Form
10-K, certain matters discussed herein, including (without limitation) under
Part 1, Item 1, "Business--Environmental Compliance", under Part I, Item 3,
"Legal Proceedings" and under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," contain forward
looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Reform Act
of 1995. This document contains certain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 21 E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
about JSCE, Inc. Although the Company believes that, in making any such
statements, its expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such
statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and
results to be materially different from those projected. When used in this
document, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends," and similar
expressions as they relate to JSCE, Inc. or its management are intended to
identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are
subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements,
certain of which are beyond the control of JSCE, Inc., include: the impact of
general economic conditions in the U.S. and in other countries in which JSCE,
Inc. and its subsidiaries currently do business; industry conditions, including
competition and product and raw material prices; fluctuations in exchange rates
and currency values; capital expenditure requirements; legislative or regulatory
requirements, particularly concerning environmental matters; interest rates;
access to capital markets; the timing of and value received in connection with
asset divestitures; and obtaining required approvals, if
2
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any, of debt holders. The actual results, performance or achievement by JSCE,
Inc. could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these
forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurances can be given that any
of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or
occur, or if any of them do so, what impact they will have on the results of
operations and financial condition of JSCE, Inc.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
JSCE, Inc., hereinafter referred to as "JSCE", is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation. On May 10, 1998, Jefferson Smurfit
Corporation ("JSC"), a Delaware Corporation, now known as Smurfit-Stone
Container Corporation ("SSCC") entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the
"Merger Agreement") with JSC Acquisition Corporation, also a wholly-owned
subsidiary of SSCC, and Stone Container Corporation ("Stone"). Pursuant to the
terms of the Merger Agreement, JSC Acquisition Corporation was merged with and
into Stone (the "Merger") on November 18, 1998.
As a result of the Merger, Stone became a 100% owned subsidiary of SSCC. SSCC
continues to own 100% of the equity interest of JSCE, Inc. SSCC has no
operations other than its investment in JSCE and Stone. JSCE owns 100% of the
equity interest in Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.), ("JSC (U.S.)"). JSCE
has no operations other than its investment in JSC (U.S.). JSCE and JSC (U.S.),
together with their consolidated subsidiaries, are hereinafter referred to as
the "Company". JSC (U.S.) has extensive operations throughout the United States.
The Company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, is a large, integrated
producer of containerboard, corrugated containers and other packaging products.
The Company believes its high level of integration enhances its ability to
respond quickly and efficiently to customers and to fill orders on short lead
times. The Company operates in three major business segments: (1) Containerboard
and Corrugated Containers; (2) Boxboard and Folding Cartons and (3) Reclamation.
For a summary of revenues, profits, identifiable assets, capital expenditures
and depreciation, depletion and amortization for each of the Company's segments,
see Note 12, "Business Segment Information" of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements contained in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data".
PRODUCTS
The Company closed three containerboard mills located in Alton, IL, Circleville,
OH and Jacksonville, FL on December 1, 1998. Amounts in the discussion below
include these paper mill facilities through November 30, 1998. In addition, the
Company recently announced its intention to divest the newsprint mills owned by
Smurfit Newsprint Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSC (U.S.) ("SNC")
and accordingly its former newsprint segment is now accounted for as a
discontinued operation.
CONTAINERBOARD AND CORRUGATED CONTAINERS SEGMENT
The primary products of the Company's Containerboard and Corrugated Containers
segment include corrugated containers, containerboard, solid bleached sulfate
("SBS") and timber products. This segment includes 4 paper mills and 52
container plants located in the United States. Sales for the Company's
Containerboard and Corrugated Container segment in 1998 were $1,735 million
(including $39 million of intersegment sales).
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Production of the Company's containerboard mills and sales of the Company's
corrugated container facilities for the last three years were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Tons produced (in thousands)
Containerboard 1,978 2,024 2,061
Solid bleached sulfate 185 190 189
Corrugated containers sold (in billion sq. ft.) 29.9 31.7 30.0
</TABLE>
The Company's containerboard mills produce a full line of containerboard, which
for 1998 included 1,045,000 tons of unbleached kraft linerboard, 316,000 tons of
mottled white linerboard, 509,000 tons of recycled medium and 108,000 tons of
semi-chemical medium. The Company's containerboard mills and corrugated
container operations are highly integrated, with the majority of containerboard
produced by the Company used internally by its corrugated container operations.
In 1998, the Company's container plants consumed 1,951,000 tons of
containerboard, representing an integration level of approximately 99%.
Corrugated containers are used to ship such diverse products as home appliances,
electric motors, small machinery, grocery products, produce, books, tobacco and
furniture and for many other applications, including point of purchase displays.
The Company provides innovative packaging solutions, stressing the value-added
aspects of its corrugated containers, including labeling and multi-color
graphics to differentiate its products and respond to customer requirements. The
Company's container plants are located nationwide, serving local customers and
large national accounts. The Company's sales of corrugated containers in 1998
were $1,202 million.
The Company also produces SBS a portion of which is consumed internally by the
Company's folding carton plants.
The Company manages approximately one million acres of owned and leased
timberland in the southeastern United States. In 1998, the Company harvested
954,000 cords of timber, which would satisfy approximately 42% of the wood fiber
requirements for the Company's paper mills.
BOXBOARD AND FOLDING CARTONS SEGMENT
The primary products of the Company's Boxboard and Folding Cartons segment
include coated recycled boxboard and folding cartons. Sales for the Company's
Boxboard and Folding Carton segment in 1998 were $784 million.
Production of coated recycled boxboard in 1998, 1997 and 1996 by the Company's
boxboard mills was 582,000, 585,000 and 538,000 tons, respectively. The
Company's boxboard and folding carton operations are also integrated, with the
majority of tons produced by the Company's boxboard mills used internally by its
folding carton operations. In 1998, the Company's folding carton plants consumed
611,000 tons of recycled boxboard and SBS, representing an integration level of
approximately 75%.
Folding cartons are sold to manufacturers of consumable goods, especially food,
beverage, detergents, paper products and other consumer products. The Company's
folding carton plants offer extensive converting capabilities, including web and
sheet lithographic, rotogravure and flexographic printing, laminating and a full
line of structural and graphic design services. Folding cartons are used
primarily to protect customers' products while providing point of purchase
advertising. The Company makes folding cartons for a wide variety of
applications, including food and fast foods, detergents, paper products,
beverages, health and beauty aids and other consumer products. Customers range
from small local accounts to large national accounts. The Company's folding
carton plants are located nationwide. Folding carton sales volumes for 1998,
1997 and 1996 were 536,000, 488,000 and 474,000 tons, respectively. The
Company's sales of folding cartons in 1998 were $698 million.
4
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The Company has focused its capital expenditures and its marketing activities in
this segment to support a strategy of enhancing product quality as it relates to
packaging graphics, increasing flexibility while reducing customer lead time and
assisting customers in innovative package designs.
The Company provides marketing consultation and research activities through its
Design and Market Research (DMR) center. It provides customers with graphic and
product design tailored to the specific technical requirements of lithographic,
rotogravure and flexographic printing, as well as photography for packaging,
sales promotion concepts, and point of purchase displays.
OTHER PRODUCTS
Newsprint
SNC manufactures newsprint at two mills located in Oregon. SNC produced 575,000,
574,000 and 522,000 metric tons of newsprint during 1998, 1997 and 1996,
respectively. In 1998 sales of newsprint were $303 million. For the past three
years, an average of approximately 44% of SNC's newsprint production has been
sold to The Times Mirror company ("Times Mirror") pursuant to a long-term
newsprint agreement (the "Newsprint agreement") entered into in connection with
the Company's acquisition of SNC from Times Mirror in February 1986. Under the
terms of the Newsprint Agreement, SNC supplies newsprint to Times Mirror
generally at prevailing market prices. Sales of newsprint to Times Mirror in
1998 amounted to $126 million.
Cladwood'r'
Cladwood'r'is a wood composite panel used by the housing industry, manufactured
from sawmill shavings and other wood residuals and overlaid with recycled
newsprint. SNC has two Cladwood'r' plants located in Oregon. Sales for
Cladwood'r' in 1998 were $21 million.
Specialty Packaging
The Company produces a wide variety of specialty packaging products including
uncoated recycled boxboard, papertubes and cores, solid fiber partitions and
consumer packaging. Papertubes and cores are used primarily for paper, film and
foil, yarn carriers and other textile products and furniture components.
Flexible packaging, paper and metallized paper labels and heat transfer labels
are used in a wide range of consumer product applications. In addition, a
contract packaging plant provides custom contract packaging services including
cartoning, bagging, liquid-filling or powder-filling and high-speed
overwrapping. The Company produces high-quality rotogravure cylinders and has a
full-service organization experienced in the production of color separations and
lithographic film for the commercial printing, advertising and packaging
industries. In 1998, the Company's sales of specialty packaging products were
$294 million (including $17 million of intersegment sales).
Reclamation Operations
The Company's reclamation operations procure fiber resources for the Company's
paper mills as well as other producers. The Company operates 27 reclamation
facilities that collect, sort, grade and bale recovered paper. The Company also
collects aluminum and glass. In addition, the Company operates a nationwide
brokerage system whereby it purchases and resells recovered paper to the
Company's recycled paper mills and other producers on a regional and national
contract basis. Brokerage contracts provide bulk purchasing, resulting in lower
prices and cleaner recovered paper. Many of the reclamation facilities are
located close to the Company's recycled paper mills, assuring availability of
supply, when needed, with minimal shipping costs. Tons of recovered paper
collected for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were 5,155,000, 4,832,000 and 4,464,000,
respectively. In 1998, 33% of the recovered paper collected was sold internally
to the Company's paper mills. The Company's sales of recycled materials in 1998
were $397 million (including $132 million of intersegment sales).
5
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FIBER RESOURCES
Wood fiber and recycled fiber are the principal raw materials used in the
manufacture of the Company's paper products. The Company satisfies a significant
portion of its needs for wood fiber through its forestry operations and
essentially all of its need for recycled fiber through the operation of its
reclamation facilities and nationwide brokerage system. The Company's wood fiber
requirements not satisfied internally are purchased on the open market or under
long-term contracts.
Wood fiber and recycled fiber are purchased in highly competitive, price
sensitive markets, which have historically exhibited price and demand
cyclicality. A decrease in the supply of wood fiber due to conservation
regulation has caused, and will likely continue to cause, higher wood fiber
costs in some of the regions in which the Company procures wood fiber.
Fluctuations in supply and demand for recycled fiber has from time to time
caused tight supplies of recycled fiber and at those times the Company has
experienced an increase in the cost of such fiber. While the Company has not
experienced any significant difficulty in obtaining wood fiber and recycled
fiber in proximity to its mills, there can be no assurances that this will
continue to be the case for any or all of its mills.
MARKETING
The marketing strategy for the Company's mills is to maximize sales of products
to manufacturers located within an economical shipping area. Converting plants
focus on both specialty products tailored to fit customers' needs and high
volume sales of commodity products. The Company also seeks to broaden the
customer base for each of its segments rather than to concentrate on only a few
accounts for each plant. These objectives have led to decentralization of
marketing efforts, such that each plant has its own sales force, and many have
product design engineers, who are in close contact with customers to respond to
their specific needs. National sales offices are also maintained for customers
who purchase through a centralized purchasing office. National account business
may be allocated to more than one plant because of production capacity and
equipment requirements.
The Company's business is not dependent upon a single customer or upon a small
number of major customers. The Company does not believe that the loss of any one
customer would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
COMPETITION
The markets in which the Company sells its principal products are highly
competitive and comprised of many participants. Although no single company is
dominant, the Company does face significant competitors in each of its
businesses. The Company's competitors include large vertically integrated
companies as well as numerous smaller companies. The industries in which the
Company competes are particularly sensitive to price fluctuations brought about
by shifts in industry capacity and other cyclical industry conditions. Other
competitive factors include design, quality and service, with varying emphasis
depending on product line.
BACKLOG
Demand for the Company's major product lines is relatively constant throughout
the year and seasonal fluctuations in marketing, production, shipments and
inventories are not significant. Backlogs are not a significant factor in the
industry. The Company does not have a significant backlog of orders, as most
orders are placed for delivery within 30 days.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company's research and development center uses state-of-the-art technology
to assist all levels of the manufacturing and sales processes from raw materials
supply through finished packaging performance. Research programs have provided
improvements in coatings and barriers, stiffeners, inks and printing. The
technical staff conducts basic, applied and diagnostic research, develops
processes
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and products and provides a wide range of other technical services. The Company
actively pursues applications for patents on new inventions and designs and
attempts to protect its patents against infringement. Nevertheless, the Company
believes that its success and growth are dependent on the quality of its
products and its relationships with its customers, rather than on the extent of
its patent protection. The Company holds or is licensed to use certain patents,
licenses, trademarks and tradenames on products, but does not consider that the
successful continuation of any important phase of its business is dependent upon
such patents. The cost of the Company's research and development center for
1998, 1997 and 1996 was approximately $3 million each year.
EMPLOYEES
The Company had approximately 15,000 employees at December 31, 1998, of whom
approximately 9,700 (65%) are represented by collective bargaining units. The
expiration dates of union contracts for the Company's major paper mill
facilities are as follows: the Brewton, AL mill, expiring in October 2002 and
the Fernandina Beach, FL mill, expiring in June 2003. The Company believes that
its employee relations are generally good and is currently in the process of
bargaining with unions representing production employees at a number of its
operations. While the terms of these agreements may vary, the Company believes
that the material terms of its collective bargaining agreements are customary
for the industry and the type of facility, the classification of the employees
and the geographic location covered thereby.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
The Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation by
federal, state, and local authorities. The Company has in the past, made
significant capital expenditures to comply with water, air, solid and hazardous
waste, and other environmental laws and regulations, and expects to make
significant expenditures in the future for environmental compliance. Because
various environmental standards are subject to change, it is difficult to
predict with certainty the amount of capital expenditures that will ultimately
be required to comply with future standards. In particular, the United States
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has finalized significant parts of its
comprehensive rule governing the pulp, paper and paperboard industry (the
"Cluster Rule"), which will require substantial expenditures to achieve
compliance. The Company estimates, based on engineering studies done to date,
that compliance with these portions of the Cluster Rule should require less than
$130 million in capital expenditures over the next two to four years. The
ultimate cost of complying with the regulations cannot be predicted with
certainty until further engineering studies are completed and additional
regulations are finalized.
In addition to Cluster Rule compliance, the Company also anticipates additional
capital expenditures related to environmental compliance, although in the
opinion of management, such compliance will not adversely affect the Company's
competitive position. For the past three years, the Company has spent an average
of approximately $15 million annually on capital expenditures for environmental
purposes. The anticipated spending for such capital projects for fiscal 1999 is
approximately $32 million. A significant amount of the increased expenditures in
1999 will be due to compliance with the Cluster Rule and is included in the
estimate of less than $130 million referenced above. Since the Company's
competitors are, or will be, subject to comparable environmental standards,
including the Cluster Rule, management is of the opinion, based on current
information, that compliance with environmental standards will not adversely
affect the Company's competitive position.
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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company maintains manufacturing facilities and sales offices throughout
North America. The Company's facilities are properly maintained and equipped
with machinery suitable for their use. The Company's manufacturing facilities,
excluding the discontinued newsprint operations, as of December 31, 1998 are
summarized below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Number of Facilities
-------------------------------- State
Total Owned Leased Locations
----- ----- ------ ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paper mills 13 13 0 9
Corrugated container plants 52 38 14 21
Folding carton plants 20 16 4 10
Specialty packaging plants 30 11 19 16
Reclamation plants 27 20 7 13
Wood products plants 1 1 0 1
Cladwood'r' 2 2 0 1
--- --- --- ---
Total 145 101 44 28
</TABLE>
The approximate annual tons of productive capacity, in thousands, of the
Company's paper mills, including the proportionate share of its affiliate's
productive capacity based on ownership percentage, at December 31, 1998 were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Annual
Capacity
--------
<S> <C>
Containerboard 1,518
Solid bleached sulfate 192
Recycled boxboard 633
Uncoated recycled boxboard 131
Affiliates (containerboard) 93
-----
Total 2,567
</TABLE>
Approximately 62% of the Company's investment in property, plant and equipment
is represented by its paper mills. In addition to its manufacturing facilities,
the Company owns approximately 820,000 acres and leases approximately 163,000
acres of timberland in the southeastern United States and also operates wood
harvesting facilities.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LITIGATION
Subsequent to an understanding reached in December 1998, the Company and SNC
entered into a Settlement Agreement in January 1999 to implement a nationwide
class action settlement of claims involving Cladwood'r', a composite wood siding
product manufactured by SNC that has been used primarily in the construction of
manufactured or mobile homes. The class action claimants allege that Cladwood'r'
siding on their homes prematurely failed. The settlement was reached in
connection with a class action pending in King County, Washington and would also
resolve all other pending class actions. The Superior Court of Washington has
preliminarily approved this settlement and will hold a fairness hearing on the
settlement in May 1999. Pursuant to the settlement, SNC has agreed to pay $20
million into a settlement fund, plus up to approximately $6.5 million of
administrative costs, plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, and class representative
payments. The Company has established reserves that it believes will be adequate
to pay eligible claims; however, the number of claims, and the number of
potential claimants who choose not to participate in the settlement, could cause
the Company to re-evaluate whether the liabilities in connection with the
Cladwood'r' cases could exceed established reserves.
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The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the
conduct of its business, including those related to environmental matters. While
the ultimate results of such suits or other proceedings against the Company
cannot be predicted with certainty, the management of the Company believes that
the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
From 1995 to 1998, Federal and State of Oregon authorities conducted an
investigation of potential violations of the Clean Water Act by SNC at its Sweet
Home and Philomath, OR Cladwood'r' manufacturing facilities. In order to
conclude this matter, SNC pled guilty in November 1998 to a one-count felony
violation of the Clean Water Act. Under the terms of the plea agreement, SNC
paid a $50,000 fine and paid $7,500 in restitution to each of the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality and the Western States Project, and the
United States agreed not to bring further criminal charges against SNC for
activities that have been the subject of the investigation.
In March 1999, management of SNC's Oregon City, OR newsprint mill became aware
of possible alterations by one if its employees of data utilized in determining
compliance with the mill's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
("NPDES") permit. SNC conducted a thorough internal investigation of this
matter, and based on this investigation concluded that such alterations did
occur, and that as a result the mill violated its NPDES permit limits on
suspended solids on several occasions. SNC provided both the EPA and the Oregon
Department of Environmental Quality with a detailed report of its investigation
and it is probable that the agencies will conduct an additional investigation
based on this report. SNC intends to continue to fully cooperate with any such
investigation. While it is too early at this time to predict the potential
consequences of this matter to SNC, it is possible that SNC would be subject to
civil penalties and criminal charges.
Federal, state and local environmental requirements are a significant factor in
the Company's business. The Company employs processes in the manufacture of
paperboard and other products, which result in various discharges, emissions,
and wastes, and which are subject to numerous federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations, including reporting and disclosure
obligations. The Company operates and expects to operate under permits and
similar authorizations from various governmental authorities that regulate such
discharges, emissions, and wastes.
The Company also faces potential liability as a result of releases, or
threatened releases, of hazardous substances into the environment from various
sites owned and operated by third parties at which Company-generated wastes have
allegedly been deposited. Generators of hazardous substances sent to off-site
disposal locations at which environmental problems exist, as well as the owners
of those sites and certain other classes of persons (generally referred to as
"potentially responsible parties" or "PRPs"), are, in most instances, subject to
joint and several liability for response costs for the investigation and
remediation of such sites under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and analogous state laws, regardless
of fault or the lawfulness of the original disposal. The Company has received
notice that it is or may be a PRP at a number of federal and/or state sites
where response action may be required, and as a result may have joint and
several liability for cleanup costs at such sites. However, liability for CERCLA
sites is typically shared with other PRPs and costs are commonly allocated
according to relative amounts of waste deposited. Because the Company's relative
percentage of waste deposited at a majority of these sites is quite small,
management of the Company believes, based on current information, that its
probable liability under CERCLA and similar state laws, taken on a case by case
basis or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its
financial condition or operations.
In addition to participating in remediation of sites owned by third parties, the
Company has entered into consent orders for investigation and/or remediation of
certain Company-owned properties. The Company believes that its potential
liability for investigation or remediation for these sites, either individually
or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on its financial
condition or operations.
Based on current information, the Company believes that the probable costs of
the potential environmental enforcement matters discussed above, response costs
under CERCLA and similar state
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laws, and remediation of owned property, will not have a material adverse effect
on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Company
believes that its liability for these matters was adequately reserved at
December 31, 1998.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the registrant during
the fourth quarter of 1998.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SSCC, and therefore, all of the
outstanding common stock of the Company ("JSCE Common Stock") is owned by SSCC.
As a result, there is no established public market for the JSCE Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock. The ability of the
Company to pay dividends in the future is restricted by certain provisions
contained in the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement (as defined) and the indentures
relating to the outstanding indebtedness of JSC (U.S.), which the Company
guarantees.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In millions, except statistical data)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998(a) 1997 1996 1995 1994
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS(b)
Net sales $ 3,022 $ 2,936 $ 3,087 $ 3,706 $ 2,974
Income (loss) from operations (49) 175 332 601 310
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
extraordinary item and cumulative effect of
accounting changes (154) (20) 79 230 22
Discontinued operations, net of income tax provision 10 21 38 17 (10)
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of accounting change (144) 1 117 247 12
Net income (loss) (160) 1 112 243 (43)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA
Net cash provided by operating activities $ 117 $ 88 $ 380 $ 393 $ 135
Net cash used for investing activities (595) (175) (133) (160) (148)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities 484 87 (262) (268) 31
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 134 127 125 122 116
Capital investments and acquisitions 265 191 129 170 152
Working capital 145 71 34 51 15
Property, plant, equipment and timberland, net 1,760 1,788 1,720 1,709 1,681
Total assets 3,174 2,771 2,688 2,783 2,759
Long-term debt, less current maturities 2,526 2,025 1,934 2,111 2,392
Stockholders' deficit (538) (374) (375) (487) (730)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATISTICAL DATA (TONS IN THOUSANDS)
Containerboard and SBS production (tons) 2,163 2,214 2,250 2,176 2,198
Coated boxboard production (tons) 582 585 538 545 537
Corrugated shipments (billion sq. ft.) 29.9 31.7 30.0 29.4 30.8
Folding carton shipments (tons) 536 488 474 476 493
Fiber reclaimed and brokered (tons) 5,155 4,832 4,464 4,293 4,134
Number of employees 15,000 15,800 15,800 16,200 16,600
</TABLE>
(a) The Company recorded pre-tax charges of $310 million ($187 million after
tax) in the fourth quarter of 1998, including $257 million of restructuring
charges in connection with the Merger, $30 million for settlement of its
Cladwood'r' litigation and $23 million of Merger related costs.
(b) The operating results for all prior periods have been restated to present
the operating results of SNC as a discontinued operation.
11
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<PAGE>
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
Market conditions and demand for containerboard and corrugated containers, the
Company's primary products, are generally subject to cyclical changes in the
economy and changes in industry capacity, both of which can significantly impact
selling prices and the Company's profitability.
Containerboard market conditions have generally been weak since 1996 due
primarily to excess capacity within the industry. During this period, inventory
levels were high and many paper companies, including the Company, took economic
downtime at their mills in order to reduce inventories. Lost production
resulting from economic downtime for the industry overall in the second half of
1998 was approximately 1.5 million tons, or 8%, of capacity. Linerboard prices
declined dramatically in 1996 and continued to fall in the first half of 1997,
dropping to $310 per ton in April 1997. Lower inventory levels and strengthening
demand in the second half of 1997 combined to increase prices to approximately
$390 per ton by December 1997. Linerboard prices were stable in the first half
of 1998, but declined during the second half of the year. The price at December
31, 1998 was approximately $340 per ton. Corrugated container prices followed
this same pricing trend during the past three years with somewhat less
fluctuation.
The outlook for containerboard and corrugated containers in late 1998 and early
1999 has improved substantially. The strength of December corrugated container
shipments and the amount of economic downtime taken at paper mills in the second
half of 1998 have resulted in a significant reduction in inventory levels. In
addition, several paper companies, including the Company, have announced mill
shutdowns approximating 6% of industry capacity. The shutdowns will improve the
balance between supply and demand. Based on these developments, the Company
implemented a price increase for linerboard and medium of $50 per ton and $60
per ton, respectively, in the first quarter of 1999.
Market conditions in the folding carton and boxboard mill industry were stable
in 1997, but weakened somewhat in 1998 as demand declined 3% compared to last
year. Mill productive capacity in the boxboard industry exceeds current levels
of demand. While economic downtime at boxboard mills was avoided, the lower
demand for board resulted in reduced prices. Boxboard prices increased in 1997
and held steady for the first nine months of 1998. Boxboard prices began to
decline in the last quarter of 1998 due to weaker demand. The price for recycled
boxboard declined by approximately $30 per ton during 1998. The combination of
reduced demand and industry-wide excess capacity continued to keep pressure on
folding carton selling prices during 1998.
Recycled fiber is an important raw material of the Company's recycled paperboard
mills. Supplies of recycled fiber can vary widely at times and are highly
dependent upon the demand of recycled paper mills. Because of the lower demand
created by the extensive economic downtime taken by containerboard mills in
recent years and particularly in 1998, the price of old corrugated containers
("OCC") declined in 1998 to its lowest levels in five years.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SEGMENT DATA
(In millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
-------------------- -------------------- -------------------
Net Profit/ Net Profit/ Net Profit/
Sales (loss) Sales (loss) Sales (loss)
------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Containerboard & corrugated containers $ 1,696 $ 113 $ 1,607 $ 56 $ 1,794 $ 197
Reclamation 265 (1) 292 6 218 (2)
Boxboard and folding cartons 784 67 752 68 756 66
Other operations 277 35 285 33 319 38
------- ------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operations $ 3,022 214 $ 2,936 163 $ 3,087 299
======= ======= =======
Other, net (1) (463) (186) (168)
------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from continuing operations
before income taxes, extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting change $ (249) $ (23) $ 131
======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
(1) Other, net includes corporate revenues and expenses, net interest expense
and, for 1998, a $257 million restructuring charge in connection with the
Merger, which covers the cost of shutting down certain mills and termination of
employees and other Merger related costs.
1998 COMPARED TO 1997
Net sales of $3,022 million and operating profits of $214 million were higher
than 1997 by 3% and 31%, respectively, due primarily to higher sales prices. The
increase or decrease in net sales for the Company's segments is shown in the
chart below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In millions) 1998 Compared to 1997
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Containerboard Boxboard
& Corrugated & Folding Other
Containers Cartons Reclamation Operations Total
-------------- --------- ----------- ---------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (decrease) due to:
Sales prices and product mix $ 146 $ (13) $ (59) $ 11 $ 85
Sales volume (63) 45 34 (12) 4
Acquisitions and new facilities 9 9
Sold or closed facilities (3) (2) (7) (12)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total increase (decrease)$ $ 89 $ 32 $ (27) $ (8) $ 86
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
CONTAINERBOARD AND CORRUGATED CONTAINERS SEGMENT
Net sales of the Containerboard and Corrugated Containers segment increased 6%
compared to 1997 to $1,696 million and segment profits increased $57 million
compared to 1997 to $113 million. The increases in net sales and profits were
primarily the result of increased sales prices. Containerboard and corrugated
container prices were higher in 1998 by 16% and 11%, respectively, compared to
1997. SBS prices declined 2% during the period. Containerboard sales volume in
1998 declined 2% compared to 1997 due primarily to the closure of three
containerboard mills, effective December 1, 1998 (See "Restructuring, Merger
Related Costs and Litigation Costs") and higher levels of economic downtime. The
cost of the mill closures is included in other, net in the Segment Data table
above. The Company also had 28 days of downtime in 1997 at its Brewton, AL mill
associated with a rebuild and upgrade of its mottled white paper machine. Sales
volume for corrugated containers declined 6% compared to 1997 due to the
Company's strategy to reduce volume associated with low margin accounts. Cost of
goods sold as a percent of net sales decreased from 88% in 1997 to 85% in 1998
due primarily to the higher sales prices in 1998.
BOXBOARD AND FOLDING CARTONS SEGMENT
Net sales of the Boxboard and Folding Cartons segment increased 4% compared to
1997 to $784 million and segment profits declined $1 million compared to 1997 to
$67 million. The increase in net sales was
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due primarily to increased sales volume of folding cartons. Folding carton sales
volume increased 10% compared to 1997, reflecting growth in new business
acquired near the end of 1997. Sales volume for the boxboard mills declined 1%
compared to 1997. Boxboard prices were higher in 1998 on average, increasing 3%
compared to 1997. Folding carton prices declined 3%, reflecting the change in
product mix related to the new business acquired. Cost of goods sold as a
percent of net sales for 1998 was comparable to 1997.
RECLAMATION SEGMENT
Net sales of the Reclamation segment declined 9% compared to 1997 to $265
million and segment profit decreased $7 million compared to 1997 to a loss of $1
million. The decreases were due to lower prices. On average, sales prices for
reclaimed fiber were 16% lower in 1998 compared to 1997. The decline in price
was due to the reduced demand for fiber from old corrugated containers ("OCC").
In spite of the downturn in domestic demand, the Company was able to increase
overall sales volume nearly 7% over 1997 by increasing foreign sales and supply
positions with major domestic customers. Cost of goods sold as a percent of net
sales increased from 87% in 1997 to 89% in 1998 due to the lower sales prices in
1998.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During February 1999, the Company announced its intention to divest the
operating assets of SNC. The SNC results are reflected as discontinued
operations for all periods presented in the Company's statements of operations.
Net sales for discontinued operations amounted to $324 million, $302 million,
and $323 million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
RESTRUCTURING, MERGER RELATED CHARGES AND LITIGATION COSTS
During the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company recorded pre-tax charges of $310
million ($187 million after tax), including $257 million for restructuring costs
in connection with the Merger, $23 million of other Merger related costs and $30
million for settlement of certain litigation.
The restructuring included the shutdown of approximately 1.1 million tons, or
15%, of SSCC's North American containerboard mill capacity. Three JSC (U.S.)
containerboard mills with capacity of approximately 700,000 tons were closed.
The restructuring charge of $257 million included provisions for costs
associated with (i) adjustment of property plant and equipment of closed
facilities to fair value less costs to sell of $179 million, (ii) facility
closure costs of $42 million, (iii) severance related costs of $27 million, and
(iv) other Merger related costs of $9 million. The cash and non-cash elements of
the restructuring charge are $78 million and $179 million, respectively.
The Company closed the mill facilities on December 1 and, as of December 31,
1998, the Company had terminated approximately 700 employees. The Company
intends to either abandon or sell these facilities in the near future. Future
cash outlays for the restructuring are anticipated to be $42 million in 1999, $6
million in 2000, $5 million in 2001 and $18 million thereafter. The Company is
continuing to evaluate all areas of its business in connection with the Merger
integration, including the identification of corrugated container facilities
that might be closed. Additional restructuring charges are expected in 1999 as
management finalizes its plans.
During January 1999, SSCC and SNC entered into a Settlement Agreement to
implement a nationwide class action settlement of claims involving Cladwood'r',
a composite wood siding product manufactured by SNC that has been used primarily
in the construction of manufactured or mobile homes. The Company recorded a $30
million pre-tax charge in its results from discontinued operations for amounts
SNC has agreed to pay into a settlement fund, administrative costs, plaintiffs'
attorneys' fees, class representative payments and other costs. The Company
believes its reserve is adequate to pay eligible claims. However, the number of
claims, and the number of potential claimants who choose not to participate in
the settlement, could cause the Company to re-evaluate whether the liabilities
in connection with the Cladwood'r' cases could exceed established reserves. See
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
INTEREST
Interest expense for 1998 was $196 million, the same as for 1997. The average
effective interest rate for the Company's outstanding debt was lower in 1998,
offsetting the impact of higher average debt levels outstanding.
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INCOME TAXES
For information concerning the benefit from (provision for) income taxes as well
as information regarding differences between effective tax rates and statutory
rates, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
1997 COMPARED TO 1996
Net sales of $2,936 million and profits of $163 million for the Company's
operations were lower than 1996 by 5% and 45%, respectively due primarily to
lower sales prices. Other net costs shown in the Segment Data table above
include corporate revenues and expenses and net interest expense. The increase
or decrease in net sales for the Company's segments is shown in the chart below.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In millions) 1997 Compared to 1996
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Containerboard Boxboard
& Corrugated & Folding Other
Containers Cartons Reclamation Operations Total
---------- ------- ----------- ---------- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Increase (decrease) due to:
Sales prices and product mix $(220) $ (38) $ 45 $ (20) $(233)
Sales volume 15 34 23 12 84
Acquisitions and new facilities 22 6 28
Sold or closed facilities (4) (26) (30)
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total net sales decrease $(187) $ (4) $ 74 $ (34) $(151)
===== ===== ===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
CONTAINERBOARD AND CORRUGATED CONTAINERS SEGMENT
Net sales of the Containerboard and Corrugated Containers segment decreased 10%
compared to 1996 to $1,607 million and segment profit decreased $141 million
compared to 1996 to $ 56 million. The decrease in net sales and profits were
primarily a result of significant reductions in sales prices for containerboard
and corrugated containers. An increase in sales volume slightly offset the
decline due to price. On average, corrugated container prices and containerboard
prices each decreased 13% compared to 1996. SBS prices decreased 2% compared to
1996. Demand for corrugated containers was strong throughout 1997 and shipments
of corrugated containers increased 6% compared to 1996. As market conditions
improved, the Company successfully implemented two price increases in 1997 for
linerboard, the first in August for $40 per ton and the second in October for
$50 per ton. Containerboard sales volume in 1997 decreased 2% compared to 1996
due to economic downtime taken to reduce inventories in 1997 and a shutdown at
the Company's Brewton, Alabama mill associated with a rebuild and upgrade of its
mottled while paper machine. Shipments of SBS increased 2% compared to 1996.
Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales increased from 81% in 1996 to 88%
in 1997 due primarily to the lower sales prices in 1998.
BOXBOARD AND FOLDING CARTONS SEGMENT
Net sales of the Boxboard and Folding Cartons segment decreased 1% compared to
1996 to $752 million, and segment profit increased $ 2 million when compared to
1996 to $68 million. The decrease in net sales was primarily a result of lower
average sales prices largely offset by an increase in volume. Sales prices for
boxboard and folding cartons each decreased 5% compared to 1996. Demand
strengthened in the second half of 1997, enabling the Company to implement a $40
per ton price increase in the fourth quarter of 1997. Demand for folding cartons
and boxboard remained steady throughout 1997. Shipments of folding cartons and
boxboard increased 3% and 6%, respectively, compared to 1996. Cost of goods sold
as a percent of net sales decreased from 84% in 1996 to 83% in 1997 due
primarily to product mix.
RECLAMATION SEGMENT
Net sales for the Reclamation segment increased 34% compared to 1996 to $292
million, and segment profits increased $8 million compared to 1996 to $6
million. The increases were primarily the result of improved selling prices and
volume. Shipments of reclaimed fiber increased 8% compared to 1996. On average,
sales prices for reclaimed fiber were 17% higher in 1997 compared to 1996. Cost
of goods sold as a percent of net sales decreased from 89% in 1996 to 87% in
1997 due to the higher sales prices in 1998.
15
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<PAGE>
INTEREST
Net interest expense of $196 million for 1997 was $2 million lower than for
1996. The decline was due primarily to lower average debt levels outstanding and
lower effective interest rates.
INCOME TAXES
For information concerning the benefit from (provision for) income taxes as well
as information regarding differences between effective tax rates and statutory
rates, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
GENERAL
Operating activities have historically been the major source of cash to fund the
Company's capital expenditures and debt payments. Net cash provided by operating
activities for 1998 of $117 million and borrowings under the Company's bank
credit facilities of $1,441 million were used primarily to fund capital
investments totaling $265 million, make intercompany loans to SSCC of $336
million related to the Merger, fund net debt payments of $921 million and pay
$35 million of deferred debt issuance costs. Capital investments of $265 million
include the purchase of a containerboard machine located at the Company's mill
in Fernandina Beach, FL for $175 million from a subsidiary of Jefferson Smurfit
Group plc (the "Fernandina No. 2 Machine").
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
In March 1998, JSC (U.S.) entered into a new credit facility (the "JSC (U.S.)
Credit Agreement") consisting of a $550 million revolving credit facility, a
$400 million seven-year Tranche A Term Loan, and a $350 million eight-year
Tranche B Term Loan. Net proceeds from the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement were used
to fully repay outstanding principal and accrued interest under the Company's
previous credit facility. The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement reduced interest
expense, extended debt maturities, and improved the financial flexibility of the
Company. JSC (U.S.) recorded an extraordinary loss of $13 million (net of income
tax benefits of $9 million) related to the early extinguishment of the Company's
bank debt.
In November 1998, in connection with the Merger, JSC (U.S.) and its bank group
amended and restated the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement to, among other things (i)
allow an additional $550 million borrowing on the Tranche B Term Loan, (ii)
allow the purchase of the Fernandina No. 2 Machine, (iii) make a $300 million
intercompany loan to SSCC, which was contributed to Stone as additional paid-in
capital (iv) permit the Merger; and (v) ease certain financial covenants.
The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement contains various business and financial
covenants including, among other things, (i) limitations on dividends,
redemptions and repurchases of capital stock, (ii) limitations on the incurrence
of indebtedness, (iii) limitations on capital expenditures and (iv) maintenance
of certain financial covenants. The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement also requires
prepayments if JSC (U.S.) has excess cash flows, as defined, or receives
proceeds from certain asset sales, insurance, issuance of equity securities or
incurrence of certain indebtedness. The obligations under the JSC(U.S.) Credit
Agreement are unconditionally generated by the Company and certain of its
subsidiaries. The obligations under the JSC(U.S.) Credit Agreement are secured
by a security interest in substantially all of the assets of JSC(U.S.). Such
restrictions, together with the highly leveraged position of the Company, could
restrict corporate activities, including the Company's ability to respond to
market conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital expenditures or to take
advantage of business opportunities.
The Company intends to sell or liquidate certain of its assets, including its
newsprint and woodlands operations. Proceeds from asset sales are required to be
used to pay down the borrowings under the JSC(U.S.) Credit Agreement.
The Company expects internally generated cash flows, proceeds from asset
divestitures and existing financing resources will be sufficient for the next
several years to meet its obligations, including debt service, restructuring
payments, settlement of the Cladwood'r' litigation and capital expenditures.
Scheduled debt payments in 1999 and 2000 are $44 million and $70 million,
respectively, with increasing amounts thereafter. Capital expenditures for 1999
are expected to be approximately $110 million. The
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Company expects to use any excess cash provided by operations to make
further debt reductions. As of December 31, 1998, the Company had $422 million
of unused borrowing capacity under the JSC(U.S.) Credit Agreement and $106
million of unused borrowing capacity under its $315 million accounts receivable
securitization program, subject to JSC (U.S.)'s level of eligible accounts
receivable.
YEAR 2000
The Year 2000 problem concerns the inability of computer systems and devices to
properly recognize and process date-sensitive information when the year changes
to 2000. The Company depends upon its information technology ("IT") and non-IT
systems (used to run manufacturing equipment that contain embedded hardware or
software that must handle dates) to conduct and manage the Company's business.
The Company believes that, by replacing, repairing or upgrading these systems,
the Year 2000 issue can be resolved without material operational difficulties.
While it is difficult, at present, to fully quantify the overall cost of this
work, the Company expects to spend approximately $43 million through 1999 to
correct the Year 2000 problem, of which approximately $18 million has been
incurred through December 31, 1998. A large portion of these costs relate to
enhancements that will enable the Company to reduce or avoid costs and operate
many of its production facilities more efficiently. Some of these projects have
been accelerated in order to replace existing systems that cannot be brought
into compliance by the year 2000. The Company is utilizing both internal and
external resources to evaluate the potential impact of the Year 2000 problem.
The Company plans to fund its Year 2000 effort with cash from operations and
borrowings under the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement.
The Company's Year 2000 Program Management Office is responsible for guiding and
coordinating operating units in developing and executing their Year 2000 plans,
enabling the Company to share knowledge and work across operating units,
developing standard planning and formats for internal and external reporting,
consistent customer and vendor communications and where appropriate, the
development of contingency plans. The Company's Year 2000 program consists of
the following seven phases:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
Phase 1: Planning/Awareness: The planning and awareness phase includes the
identification of critical business processes and components.
Phase 2: Inventory: During the inventory phase, Company personnel will
identify systems that could potentially have a Year 2000 problem
and categorize the system as compliant, non-compliant, obsolete or
unknown.
Phase 3: Triage: In the triage phase, every system is assigned a business
risk as high, medium, or low.
Phase 4: Detailed Assessment: The detailed assessment provides for a
planned schedule of remediation and estimated cost.
Phase 5: Remediation: Remediation involves what corrective action to take
if there is a Year 2000 problem, such as replacing, repairing or
upgrading the system, and concludes with the execution of system
test.
Phase 6: Fallout: In the Fallout phase, the inventory will be kept up to
date and no new Year 2000 problems will be introduced.
Phase 7: Contingency Planning: The Company is developing contingency plans
for the most reasonable worst case scenarios.
</TABLE>
The Company has completed the planning, inventory, triage, and detailed
assessment of its IT systems and is taking corrective action and testing the
new, upgraded or repaired systems. The Company identified seven high-risk IT
systems, of which two have been remediated and the remaining five are scheduled
to be substantially completed by the end of the second quarter of 1999.
The Company's operating facilities rely on control systems, which control and
monitor production, power, emissions and safety. The inventory, triage and
detailed assessment phases for all operating facilities are expected to be
substantially completed by the first quarter of 1999. The Company retained a
third party to assist with the verification and validation of these three
phases. The Company expects to have substantially completed all phases of its
Year 2000 program by the end of the second quarter of 1999.
The Year 2000 Project Management Office is in the process of surveying each
vendor to insure that they are Year 2000 compliant or have a plan in place.
Vendor responses are due to be received by the end of
17
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<PAGE>
the first quarter of 1999. The Company also has compiled a list of mission
critical vendors. A mission critical vendor is a provider of goods or services
without which a facility could not function. Where appropriate, Company
representatives will conduct an in-depth investigation of a mission critical
vendor's ability to be Year 2000 compliant.
The Company currently believes that it will be able to replace, repair or
upgrade all of its IT and non-IT systems affected by the Year 2000 problem on a
timely basis. In the event the Company does not complete its plan to bring
systems into compliance before the year 2000, there could be severe disruption
in the operation of its process control and other manufacturing systems,
financial systems and administrative systems. Production problems and delayed
product deliveries could result in a loss of customers. The production impact of
a Year 2000 related failure varies significantly among the facilities and any
such failure could cause manufacturing delays, possible environmental
contamination or safety hazards. The most reasonably likely worst case scenario
is the occurrence of a Year 2000 related failure on one or more of the Company's
paper machines. The Company has the capability to produce and ship products from
multiple geographic locations should disruptions occur. Delays in invoicing
customer shipments could cause a slowdown in cash receipts, which could affect
the Company's ability to meet its financial obligations. To the extent customers
experience Year 2000 problems that are not remediated on a timely basis, the
Company may experience material fluctuations in the demand for its products. The
amount of any potential liability and/or lost revenue cannot be reasonably
estimated at this time; however, such amounts could be material.
While the Company currently expects no material adverse consequences on its
financial condition or results of operations due to Year 2000 issues, the
Company's beliefs and expectations are based on certain assumptions that
ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. Each of the Company's operating
facilities is developing a specific contingency plan for their most reasonably
likely worst case scenarios. These plans are expected to be complete for both IT
systems and non-IT systems by the end of the second quarter of 1999. The Company
will also seek to take appropriate actions to mitigate the effects of the
Company's or significant vendors' failure to remediate the Year 2000 problem in
a timely manner, including increasing the inventory of critical raw materials
and supplies, increasing finished goods inventories, switching to alternative
energy sources, and making arrangements for alternate vendors.
There is a risk that the Company's plans for achieving Year 2000 compliance may
not be completed on time. However, failure to meet critical milestones being
identified in the Company's plans would provide advance notice, and steps would
be taken to prevent injuries to employees and others, and to prevent
environmental contamination. Customers and suppliers would also receive advance
notice allowing them to implement alternate plans.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company's operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation by
federal, state and local authorities in the United States and regulatory
authorities with jurisdiction over its foreign operations. The Company has made,
and expects to continue to make, significant capital expenditures to comply with
water, air and solid and hazardous waste regulations. Capital expenditures for
environmental control equipment and facilities were approximately $24 million in
1997 and approximately $10 million in 1998. The Company anticipates that
environmental capital expenditures will approximate $32 million in 1999. The
majority of the 1999 expenditures relate to amounts that the Company currently
anticipates will be required to comply with the Cluster Rule. Although capital
expenditures for environmental control equipment and facilities and compliance
costs in future years will depend on legislative and technological developments
which cannot be predicted at this time, such costs could increase as
environmental regulations become more stringent. Environmental control
expenditures include projects which, in addition to meeting environmental
concerns, may yield certain benefits to the Company in the form of increased
capacity and production cost savings. In addition to capital expenditures for
environmental control equipment and facilities, other expenditures incurred to
maintain environmental regulatory compliance (including any remediation)
represent ongoing costs to the Company.
In November 1997, the EPA issued the Cluster Rule, which made existing
requirements for discharge of wastewaters under the Clean Water Act more
stringent and impose new requirements on air emissions under the Clean Air Act
for the pulp and paper industry. Though the final rule is still not fully
promulgated,
18
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the Company currently believes it will be required to make capital expenditures
of up to $130 million from 1999 through 2002 in order to meet the requirements
of the new regulations. Also, additional operating expenses will be incurred as
capital installations required by the Cluster Rule are put into service.
In addition, the Company is from time to time subject to litigation and
governmental proceedings regarding environmental matters in which injunctive
and/or monetary relief is sought. The Company has been named as a PRP at a
number of sites which are the subject of remedial activity under the CERCLA or
comparable state laws. Although the Company is subject to joint and several
liability imposed under CERCLA, at most of the multi-PRP sites there are
organized groups of PRPs and costs are being shared among PRPs. Payments related
to clean-up at existing and former operating sites and CERCLA sites were not
material to the Company's liquidity during 1998. Future environmental
regulations may have an unpredictable adverse effect on the Company's operations
and earnings, but they are not expected to adversely affect the Company's
competitive position.
EFFECTS OF INFLATION
Although inflation has slowed in recent years, it is still a factor in yhe
economy and the Company continues to seek ways to mitigate its impact to the
extent permitted by competition. Inflationary increases in operating costs have
been moderate since 1996, and have not had a material impact on the Company's
financial position or operating results during the last three years. The Company
uses the last-in, first-out method of accounting for approximately 82% of its
inventories. Under this method, the cost of products sold reported in the
financial statements approximates current costs and thus provides a closer
matching of revenue and expenses in periods of increasing costs. On the other
hand, depreciation charges represent the allocation of historical costs incurred
over past years and are significantly less than if they were based on the
current cost of productive capacity being consumed.
PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In March 1998, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants issued
Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-1, "Accounting for Computer Software Developed
or Obtained for Internal Use," which requires that certain costs incurred in
connection with developing or obtaining software for internal-use must be
capitalized. Cost for such work performed internally by Company employees is
currently expensed as incurred. SOP 98-1 is effective beginning on January 1,
1999. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SOP 98-1 will have a
material impact on its future earnings or financial position.
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Investments
and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133 requires that all derivative Instruments
be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company has not assessed
what the impact of SFAS No. 133 will be on the Company's future earnings or
financial position.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
INTEREST RATE RISK
The Company's earnings and cash flows are significantly affected by the amount
of interest on its indebtedness. The Company's financing arrangements include
both fixed and variable rate debt in which changes in interest rates will impact
the fixed and variable debt differently. A change in the interest rate of fixed
rate debt will impact the fair value of the debt whereas, a change in the
interest rate on the variable rate debt will impact interest expense and cash
flows. Management's objective is to protect the Company from interest rate
volatility and reduce or cap interest expense within acceptable levels of market
risk. To mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates, the Company
periodically enters into interest rate swaps, caps or options to hedge interest
rate exposure. The Company does not utilize derivatives for speculative or
trading purposes. Any derivative would be specific to the debt instrument,
contract or transaction, which would determine the specifics of the hedge. At
December 31, 1998 there were no derivative contracts outstanding.
The table below presents principal amounts by year of anticipated maturity for
the Company's debt obligations and related average interest rates base on the
weighted average interest rates at the end of
19
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
the period. Variable interest rates disclosed do not attempt to project future
interest rates. This information should be read in conjunction with Note 4 to
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
SHORT AND LONG-TERM DEBT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Outstanding as of December 31, 1998 Fair
(in $ millions) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 Thereafter Total Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Bank term loans and revolver --
8.71% average interest rate (variable) $ 34 $ 59 $ 59 $ 59 $ 60 $1,114 $1,385 $1,385
U.S. accounts receivable securitization --
5.41% average interest rate (variable) 209 209 209
Senior notes --
10.36% average interest rate (fixed) 100 500 300 900 930
U.S. industrial revenue bonds --
7.53% average interest rate1(fixed) 1 3 4 24 32 32
Other 9 7 8 8 4 8 44 44
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Debt $ 44 $ 69 $ 67 $ 376 $ 568 $1,446 $2,570 $2,600
============================================================================
</TABLE>
20
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Index to Financial Statements: Page No.
--------
<S> <C>
Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements......................22
Report of Independent Auditors............................................23
Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 1998 and 1997 .................24
For the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996:
Consolidated statements of operations..................................25
Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity (deficit)..............26
Consolidated statements of cash flows..................................27
Notes to consolidated financial statements................................28
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of JSCE, Inc. is
included in Item 14(a):
II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves........................47
</TABLE>
All other schedules specified under Regulation S-X for JSCE, Inc. have been
omitted because they are not applicable, because they are not required or
because the information required is included in the financial statements or
notes thereto.
21
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The management of the Company is responsible for the information contained in
the consolidated financial statements and in other parts of this report. The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances, and necessarily include certain amounts based on management's
best estimate and judgment.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting control, which it believes
is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that in all material respects
transactions are properly authorized and recorded, financial reporting
responsibilities are met and accountability for assets is maintained. In
establishing and maintaining any system of internal control, judgment is
required to assess and balance the relative costs and expected benefits.
Management believes that through the careful selection of employees, the
division of responsibilities and the application of formal policies and
procedures, the Company has an effective and responsive system of internal
accounting controls. The system is monitored by the Company's staff of internal
auditors, who evaluate and report to management on the effectiveness of the
system.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of three directors who
meet with the independent auditors, internal auditors and management to discuss
specific accounting, reporting and internal control matters. Both the
independent auditors and internal auditors have full and free access to the
Audit Committee.
/s/ Roger W. Stone
- --------------------------------------
Roger W. Stone
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Paul K. Kaufmann
- --------------------------------------
Paul K. Kaufmann
Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
22
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
JSCE, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of JSCE, Inc. as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' deficit and cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial statements
and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of JSCE, Inc. at
December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the consolidated results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our
opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation
to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, in 1998 the Company changed
its method of accounting for start-up costs.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
--------------------
Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
February 11, 1999,
except for Note 11, as to which the date is March 23, 1999
23
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
December 31, (In millions, except share data) 1998 1997
<S> <C> <C>
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents ............................................ $ 18 $ 12
Receivables, less allowances of $9 in 1998 and $10 in 1997 ........... 294 302
Inventories
Work-in-process and finished goods ................................. 104 89
Materials and supplies ............................................. 124 151
-------------------
228 240
Refundable income taxes .............................................. 22 6
Deferred income taxes ................................................ 122 32
Prepaid expenses and other current assets ............................ 10 10
-------------------
Total current assets ............................................... 694 602
Net property, plant and equipment ...................................... 1,499 1,523
Timberland, less timber depletion ...................................... 261 265
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization
of $65 in 1998 and $58 in 1997 ....................................... 226 237
Notes receivable from SSCC ............................................. 342
Other assets ........................................................... 152 144
-------------------
$ 3,174 $ 2,771
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Liabilities and Stockholder's Deficit
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt ................................. $ 44 $ 15
Accounts payable ..................................................... 276 334
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes ............................... 75 88
Interest payable ..................................................... 28 25
Other current liabilities ............................................ 126 69
-------------------
Total current liabilities .......................................... 549 531
Long-term debt, less current maturities ................................ 2,526 2,025
Other long-term liabilities ............................................ 278 227
Deferred income taxes .................................................. 359 362
Stockholder's equity (deficit)
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 1,000
shares authorized and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital ........................................... 1,102 1,102
Retained earnings (deficit) .......................................... (1,636) (1,476)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ........................ (4)
-------------------
Total stockholder's equity (deficit) ............................... (538) (374)
-------------------
$ 3,174 $ 2,771
================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
24
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, (In millions) 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales ..................................................... $ 3,022 $ 2,936 $ 3,087
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold .......................................... 2,524 2,514 2,500
Selling and administrative expenses ......................... 290 247 255
Restructuring charge ........................................ 257
-------------------------------
Income (loss) from operations ............................. (49) 175 332
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net ....................................... (196) (196) (198)
Other, net .................................................. (5) (2) (3)
-------------------------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes, extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of accounting change .................. (250) (23) 131
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes ..................... 96 3 (52)
-------------------------------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of accounting change ........... (154) (20) 79
Discontinued operations
Income from discontinued operations,
net of income taxes of $6 in 1998, $14 in 1997
and $25 in 1996 .......................................... 10 21 38
-------------------------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of accounting change ................ (144) 1 117
Extraordinary item
Loss from early extinguishment of debt, net of income
tax benefit of $9 in 1998 and $3 in 1996 .................... (13) (5)
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Start-up costs, net of income tax benefit of $2 ............. (3)
-------------------------------
Net income (loss) ........................................... $ (160) $ 1 $ 112
==================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
25
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (DEFICIT)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In millions, except share data)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock
--------------- Accumulated
Number Par Additional Retained Other
of Value, Paid-In Earnings Comprehensive
Shares $.01 Capital (Deficit) Income (Loss) Total
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance at January 1, 1996 .................... 1,000 $ $ 1,102 $(1,589) $ $ (487)
Comprehensive income
Net income .................................. 112 112
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
----------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income ...................... 112 112
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996 .................. 1,000 1,102 (1,477) (375)
Comprehensive income
Net income .................................. 1 1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
----------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income ...................... 1 1
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 .................. 1,000 1,102 (1,476) (374)
Comprehensive income (loss)
Net loss .................................... (160) (160)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Minimum pension liability adjustment ...... (4) (4)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Comprehensive income (loss) ............. (160) (4) (164)
----------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 .................. 1,000 $ $ 1,102 $(1,636) $(4) $ (538)
=================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
26
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year Ended December 31, (In millions) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) .............................................. $ (160) $ 1 $ 112
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to
net cash provided by operating activities
Extraordinary loss from early extinguishment of debt ....... 22 8
Cumulative effect of accounting change for start-up costs .. 5
Depreciation, depletion and amortization ................... 134 127 125
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs ............... 8 11 13
Deferred income taxes ...................................... (92) 13 34
Non-cash employee benefit expense .......................... 5 4 17
Non-cash restructuring charge .............................. 179
Change in current assets and liabilities,
net of effects from acquisitions
Receivables ............................................ 8 (24) 60
Inventories ............................................ 3 (32) 17
Prepaid expenses and other current assets .............. (1) 3
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities ............... (16) (4)
Interest payable ....................................... (4) (5) (4)
Income taxes ........................................... (16) (6) 2
Other, net ................................................. 42 (4)
-------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities .................... 117 88 380
-------------------------------
Cash flow from investing activities
Property additions ........................................... (263) (166) (120)
Timberland additions ......................................... (2) (16) (9)
Investments in affiliates and acquisitions ................... (9)
Notes receivable from SSCC ................................... (336)
Construction funds held in escrow ............................ 9 (10)
Proceeds from property and timberland
disposals and sale of businesses ........................... 6 7 6
-------------------------------
Net cash used for investing activities ....................... (595) (175) (133)
-------------------------------
Cash flow from financing activities
Borrowings under bank credit facilities ...................... 1,441 250
Net borrowings (repayments) under accounts
receivable securitization program .......................... (1) 30 (38)
Payments of long-term debt ................................... (921) (7) (481)
Other increases in long-term debt ............................ 64 13
Deferred debt issuance costs ................................. (35) (6)
-------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities ......... 484 87 (262)
-------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents ............... 6 (15)
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year ............................................ 12 12 27
-------------------------------
End of year .................................................. $ 18 $ 12 $ 12
===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
27
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in millions)
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION: JSCE, Inc., hereafter referred to as the "Company," is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("SSCC"),
formerly known as Jefferson Smurfit Corporation ("JSC"). On November 18, 1998 a
subsidiary of JSC was merged with Stone Container Corporation ("Stone"), an
action hereafter referred to as the "Merger," and Stone became a subsidiary of
SSCC. The Company owns 100% of the equity interest in JSC (U.S.) and is a
guarantor of the senior unsecured indebtedness of JSC (U.S.). The Company has no
operations other than its investment in JSC (U.S.). JSC (U.S.) has extensive
operations throughout the United States.
The deficit in stockholder's equity is primarily due to SSCC's 1989 purchase of
JSC (U.S.)'s common equity owned by Jefferson Smurfit Group plc ("JS Group") and
the acquisition by JSC (U.S.) of its common equity owned by the Morgan Stanley
Leveraged Equity Fund I, L.P., which were accounted for as purchases of treasury
stock.
NATURE OF OPERATIONS: The Company's major operations are in paper products,
recycled and renewable fiber resources, and consumer and specialty packaging. In
February 1999, the Company announced its intention to divest its newsprint
subsidiary, and accordingly, its newsprint segment is accounted for as a
discontinued operation (See Note 8). The Company's paperboard mills procure
virgin and recycled fiber and produce paperboard for conversion into corrugated
containers, folding cartons and industrial packaging at Company-owned facilities
and third-party converting operations. Paper product customers represent a
diverse range of industries including paperboard and paperboard packaging,
wholesale trade, retailing and agri-business. Recycling operations collect or
broker wastepaper for sale to Company-owned and third-party paper mills.
Consumer packaging produces labels and flexible packaging for use in industrial,
medical and consumer product applications. Customers and operations are
principally located in the United States. Credit is extended to customers based
on an evaluation of their financial condition.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of the Company and majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries.
Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in
consolidation.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The Company considers all highly liquid investments
with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash
and cash equivalents of $14 million and $9 million are pledged at December 31,
1998 and 1997 as collateral for obligations associated with the accounts
receivable securitization program (See Note 4).
REVENUE RECOGNITION: Revenue is recognized at the time products are shipped to
external customers.
28
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INVENTORIES: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, principally
under the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method except for $42 million in 1998 and
$51 million in 1997 which are valued at the lower of average cost or market.
First-in, first-out ("FIFO") costs (which approximate replacement costs) exceed
the LIFO value by $47 million and $62 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT: Property, plant and equipment are carried at
cost. The costs of additions, improvements and major replacements are
capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
Provisions for depreciation and amortization are made using straight-line rates
over the estimated useful lives of the related assets and the terms of the
applicable leases for leasehold improvements. Estimated useful lives of
papermill machines average 23 years, while major converting equipment and
folding carton presses have estimated useful lives of 20 years.
TIMBERLAND, LESS TIMBER DEPLETION: Timberland is stated at cost less accumulated
cost of timber harvested. The portion of the costs of timberland attributed to
standing timber is charged against income as timber is cut, at rates determined
annually, based on the relationship of unamortized timber costs to the estimated
volume of recoverable timber. The costs of seedlings and reforestation of
timberland are capitalized.
GOODWILL: The excess of cost over the fair value assigned to the net assets
acquired is recorded as goodwill and is being amortized using the straight-line
method over 40 years.
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS: Deferred debt issuance costs included in other
assets are amortized over the terms of the respective debt obligations using the
interest method.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS: In accordance with Statement of Financial accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of," long-lived assets held and used by
the Company and the related goodwill are reviewed for impairment whenever events
or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may
not be recoverable.
INCOME TAXES: The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the
liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method,
deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax
consequences attributable to differences between financial statement carrying
amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases (See Note 6).
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS: The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap
agreements that involve the exchange of fixed and floating rate interest
payments without the exchange of the underlying principal amount. For interest
rate instruments that effectively hedge interest rate exposures, the net cash
amounts paid or received on the agreements are accrued and recognized as an
adjustment to interest expense. If an arrangement is replaced by another
instrument and no longer qualifies as a hedge instrument, then it is
29
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
marked to market and carried on the balance sheet at fair value. Gains and
losses realized upon settlement of these agreements are deferred and amortized
to interest expense over a period relevant to the agreement if the underlying
hedged instrument remains outstanding, or immediately if the underlying hedged
instrument is settled.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS: The Company expenses environmental expenditures related
to existing conditions resulting from past or current operations from which no
current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of
the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination
are capitalized. Reserves for environmental liabilities are established in
accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants ("AICPA")
Statement of Position ("SOP") 96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities." The
Company records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be
reasonably estimated. Such liabilities are not discounted or reduced for
potential recoveries from insurance carriers.
USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain reclassifications of prior year presentations have
been made to conform to the 1998 presentation.
START-UP COSTS: In April 1998, the AICPA issued SOP 98-5, "Reporting the Costs
of Start-Up Activities," which requires that costs related to start-up
activities be expensed as incurred. Prior to 1998, the Company capitalized
certain costs to open new plants or to start new production processes. The
Company adopted the provisions of the SOP in its financial statements as of the
beginning of 1998. The Company recorded a charge for the cumulative effect of an
accounting change of $3 million, net of taxes of $2 million, to expense costs
that had been capitalized prior to 1998.
PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: SOP 98-1, "Accounting for Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use" was issued in March 1998. SOP
98-1 is effective beginning on January 1, 1999 and requires that certain costs
incurred after the date of adoption in connection with developing or obtaining
software for internal-use must be capitalized. The Company does not anticipate
that the adoption of SOP 98-1 will have a material effect on its 1999 financial
statements.
In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Investments and Hedging Activities." SFAS No. 133
requires that all derivative instruments be recorded on the balance sheet at
fair value. The Company has not assessed what the impact of SFAS No. 133 will be
on the Company's future earnings or financial position.
30
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
2. RESTRUCTURING
During the fourth quarter of 1998, in connection with SSCC's Merger with Stone,
the Company recorded a pretax restructuring charge of $257 million related to
the permanent shutdown of certain containerboard mill operations and related
facilities, the termination of certain employees, and liabilities for lease
commitments at the shutdown facilities. The containerboard mill facilities were
permanently shut down on December 1, 1998 and, in the near future, the Company
will abandon or sell these facilities. The assets at these facilities were
adjusted to their estimated fair value less cost to sell based upon appraisals.
The sales and operating income of these mill facilities in 1998 prior to closure
were $209 million and $9 million respectively. The terminated employees included
approximately 700 employees at these mills and 50 employees in the Company's
corporate office. These employees were terminated in December 1998. The
following are the components of the write-down of property, plant and equipment
to fair value and exit liabilities along with related 1998 activity:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Balance at
Opening December 31,
Balance Activity 1998
------- -------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Non-cash
- --------
Write-down of property and equipment to
fair value............................... $179 $(179) $
Cash
- ----
Severance.................................. 27 (3) 24
Lease commitments.......................... 21 (1) 20
Pension curtailments....................... 9 9
Facility closure costs..................... 13 (3) 10
Other...................................... 8 8
----- ----- -----
$ 257 $(186) $ 71
===== ===== =====
</TABLE>
Future cash outlays are anticipated to be $42 million in 1999, $6 million in
2000, $5 million in 2001, and $18 million thereafter. The Company is continuing
to evaluate all areas of its business in connection with its merger integration,
including the identification of corrugated container facilities that might be
closed. Additional restructuring charges are expected in 1999 as management
finalizes its plans.
In addition, the Company recorded $23 million of Merger-related charges as
selling and administrative expenses during the fourth quarter of 1998. These
charges pertained to professional management fees to achieve operating
efficiencies from the Merger, fees for management personnel changes and other
Merger costs.
31
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
3. NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Net property, plant and equipment at December 31 consists of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Land................................................ $ 61 $ 63
Buildings and leasehold improvements................ 281 304
Machinery, fixtures and equipment................... 1,943 2,024
Construction in progress............................ 51 66
------ ------
2,336 2,457
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization...... (837) (934)
------ ------
Net property, plant and equipment................... $1,499 $1,523
====== ======
</TABLE>
Depreciation and depletion expense was $127 million, $119 million and $117
million for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Property, plant and equipment
include capitalized leases of $54 million and $45 million and related
accumulated amortization of $23 million and $18 million at December 31, 1998 and
1997, respectively.
4. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt as of December 31, is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
1998 Tranche A Term Loan (7.4% weighted average variable rate),
payable in various installments through March 31, 2005........ $ 400 $
1998 Tranche B Term Loan (8.0% weighted average variable rate),
payable in various installments through March 31, 2006........ 900
1994 Term Loans (8.5% weighted average variable rate)........... 736
Revolving Credit Facility (7.8% weighted average variable
rate), due March 31, 2005..................................... 85 120
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION PROGRAM BORROWINGS
Accounts receivable securitization program borrowings (6.3%
weighted average variable rate), due in February 2002......... 209 210
SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES
11.25% Series A Senior Unsecured Notes, due May 1, 2004......... 300 300
10.75% Series B Senior Unsecured Notes, due May 1, 2002......... 100 100
9.75% Senior Notes due April 1, 2003............................ 500 500
OTHER DEBT
Other (including obligations under capitalized leases
of $37 million and $32 million)............................... 76 74
------ ------
Total debt...................................................... 2,570 2,040
Less current maturities......................................... (44) (15)
------ ------
Long-term debt.................................................. $2,526 $2,025
====== ======
</TABLE>
32
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
4. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
The amounts of total debt outstanding at December 31, 1998 maturing during the
next five years are as follows:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999................$ 44
2000................ 69
2001................ 67
2002................ 376
2003................ 568
Thereafter..........$1,446
</TABLE>
BANK CREDIT FACILITIES
In March 1998, JSC (U.S.) entered into a bank credit facility (the "JSC (U.S.)
Credit Agreement") consisting of a $550 million revolving credit facility
("Revolving Credit Facility") of which up to $150 million may consist of letters
of credit, a $400 million Tranche A Term Loan and a $350 million Tranche B Term
Loan. Net proceeds from the offering were used to repay the 1994 JSC (U.S.)
Tranche A, Tranche B, Tranche C Term Loans and Revolving Credit Facility. The
write-off of related deferred debt issuance costs, totaling $13 million (net of
income tax benefits of $9 million), is reflected in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations as an extraordinary item.
On November 18, 1998, JSC (U.S.) and its bank group amended and restated the JSC
(U.S.) Credit Agreement to, among other things, (i) allow an additional $550
million borrowing on the Tranche B Term Loan, (ii) allow the purchase of a paper
machine from an affiliate (See Note 9), (iii) make a $300 million intercompany
loan to SSCC, which was contributed to Stone as additional paid-in capital, (iv)
permit the Merger, and (v) ease certain financial covenants.
A commitment fee of .5% per annum is assessed on the unused portion of the JSC
(U.S.) Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 1998, the unused portion of
this facility, after giving consideration to outstanding letters of credit, was
$422 million.
The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement contains various covenants and restrictions
including, among other things, (i) limitations on dividends, redemptions and
repurchases of capital stock, (ii) limitations on the incurrence of
indebtedness, liens, leases and sale-leaseback transactions, (iii) limitations
on capital expenditures, and (iv) maintenance of certain financial covenants.
The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement also requires prepayments if JSC (U.S.) has
excess cash flows, as defined, or receives proceeds from certain asset sales,
insurance, issuance of equity securities or incurrence of certain indebtedness.
The obligations under the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement are unconditionally
guaranteed by SSCC, the Company and its subsidiaries and are secured by a
security interest in substantially all of the assets of JSC (U.S.) and its
material subsidiaries, with the exception of cash, cash equivalents and trade
receivables. The JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement is also secured by a pledge of all
the capital stock of the Company and each of its material subsidiaries and by
certain intercompany notes.
33
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
4. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION PROGRAM BORROWINGS JSC (U.S.) has a $315
million accounts receivable securitization program (the "Securitization
Program") which provides for the sale of certain of the Company's trade
receivables to a wholly owned, bankruptcy remote, limited purpose subsidiary,
Jefferson Smurfit Finance Corporation ("JS Finance"). The accounts receivable
purchases are financed through the issuance of commercial paper or through
borrowings under a revolving liquidity facility and a $15 million term loan.
Under the Securitization Program, JS Finance has granted a security interest in
all its assets, principally cash and cash equivalents and trade accounts
receivable. The Company has $106 million available for additional borrowing at
December 31, 1998, subject to eligible accounts receivable. Borrowings under the
Securitization Program, which expire February 2002, have been classified as
long-term debt because of the Company's intent to refinance this debt on a
long-term basis and the availability of such financing under the terms of the
program.
SENIOR UNSECURED NOTES The 11.25% Series A Senior Unsecured Notes are redeemable
in whole or in part at the option of JSC (U.S.), at any time on or after May 1,
1999 with premiums of 5.625% and 2.813% of the principal amount if redeemed
during the 12-month periods commencing May 1, 1999 and 2000, respectively. The
10.75% Series B Senior Unsecured Notes and the 9.75% Senior Notes are not
redeemable prior to maturity. Holders of the JSC (U.S.) Senior Notes have the
right, subject to certain limitations, to require JSC (U.S.) to repurchase their
securities at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest,
upon the occurrence of a change in control or in certain events, from proceeds
of major asset sales, as defined.
The Senior Notes, which are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by the
Company, rank pari passu with the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement and contain
business and financial covenants which are less restrictive than those contained
in the JSC (U.S.) Credit Agreement.
OTHER
Interest costs capitalized on construction projects in 1998, 1997 and 1996
totaled $2 million, $5 million and $3 million, respectively. Interest payments
on all debt instruments for 1998, 1997 and 1996 were $184 million, $188 million
and $186 million, respectively.
5. LEASES
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment for production, selling and
administrative purposes under operating leases. Future minimum rental
commitments (exclusive of real estate taxes and other expense) under operating
34
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
5. LEASES (CONTINUED)
leases having initial or remaining non-cancelable terms in excess of one year
are reflected below:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1999...............................$ 32
2000.................................26
2001.................................22
2002.................................19
2003.................................16
Thereafter...........................55
----
Total minimum lease payments.......$170
====
</TABLE>
Net rental expense for operating leases, including leases having a duration of
less than one year, was approximately $54 million, $50 million and $50 million
for 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
6. INCOME TAXES
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at
December 31, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Deferred tax liabilities
Property, plant and equipment and timberland.................. $(335) $(414)
Inventory..................................................... (17) (13)
Prepaid pension costs......................................... (30) (31)
Other......................................................... (124) (114)
----- -----
Total deferred tax liabilities.............................. (506) (572)
----- -----
Deferred tax assets
Employee benefit plans........................................ 89 96
Net operating loss, alternative minimum tax and tax credit
carryforwards............................................... 103 99
Minimum pension liability..................................... 2
Restructuring................................................. 49
Other......................................................... 36 58
----- -----
Total deferred tax assets................................... 279 253
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets................... (10) (11)
----- -----
Net deferred tax assets..................................... 269 242
----- -----
Net deferred tax liabilities................................ $(237) $(330)
===== =====
</TABLE>
35
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
At December 31, 1998, the Company had approximately $43 million of net operating
loss carryforwards for state purposes that expire in the years 1999 through
2018. A valuation allowance of $10 million has been established for a portion
these deferred tax assets. The Company had approximately $60 million of
alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, which are available indefinitely.
The benefit from (provision for) income taxes from continuing operations before
income taxes, extraordinary item and cumulative effect of accounting change is
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Current
Federal............................................. $ 9 $10 $(18)
State and local..................................... 3
--- --- ----
Total current benefit (expense)..................... 12 10 (18)
Deferred
Federal.............................................. 76 (5) 1
State and local...................................... 8 (2) 5
Net operating loss carryforwards..................... (40)
--- --- ----
Total deferred benefit (expense)..................... 84 (7) (34)
--- --- ----
Total benefit from (provision for) income taxes..... $96 $ 3 $(52)
=== === ===
</TABLE>
The Company's benefit from (provision for) income taxes differed from the amount
computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to income (loss)
from continuing operations before income taxes, extraordinary item and
cumulative effect of accounting change is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. federal income tax benefit (provision) at
federal statutory rate.............................. $87 $8 $(46)
Permanent differences from applying purchase
accounting.......................................... (3) (3) (3)
Permanently non-deductible expenses................... (2) (8) 3
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect.. 12 2
Effect of valuation allowances on deferred tax
assets, net of federal benefit...................... 1 7 (5)
Other................................................. 1 (3) (1)
--- --- ----
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes............. $96 $3 $(52)
=== === ===
</TABLE>
36
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
6. INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
The federal income tax returns for 1989 through 1994 are currently under
examination. While the ultimate results of such examination cannot be predicted
with certainty, the Company's management believes that the examination will not
have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or
results of operations.
The Company made income tax payments of $16 million, $8 million and $39 million
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
DEFINED BENEFIT PLANS
The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering
substantially all employees. Approximately 31% of pension plan assets at
December 31, 1998, are invested in cash equivalents or debt securities and 69%
are invested in equity securities. Equity securities at December 31, 1998
include .7 million shares of SSCC common stock with a market value of
approximately $12 million and 26 million shares of JS Group common stock having
a market value of approximately $48 million. Dividends paid on JS Group common
stock during 1998 and 1997 were approximately $2 million in each year.
The defined benefit plans of the Company were merged with the defined benefit
plans of Stone on December 31, 1998. As a result of this plan merger, the plan
assets of the Company will be available to meet the funding requirements of all
plans. Plan asset information provided below reflects the plan assets of the
Company prior to the effect of this plan merger.
POSTRETIREMENT HEALTH CARE AND LIFE INSURANCE BENEFITS
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for all
salaried as well as certain hourly employees. The assumed health care cost trend
rates used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation
("APBO") range from 5% to 9% at December 31, 1998 decreasing to the ultimate
rate of 5%. The effect of a 1% increase in the assumed health care cost trend
rate would increase the APBO as of December 31, 1998 by $2 million and have an
immaterial effect on the annual net periodic postretirement benefit cost for
1998.
37
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
The following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets, and
funded status of the plans.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Defined Benefit Postretirement
Plans Plans
--------------- --------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CHANGE IN BENEFIT OBLIGATION:
Benefit obligation at January 1............. $ 950 $ 864 $ 103 $ 98
Service cost................................ 18 16 1 2
Interest cost............................... 68 65 7 7
Amendments.................................. 8
Plan participants' contributions............ 4 4
Actuarial loss.............................. 22 58 3 4
Benefits paid............................... (55) (53) (13) (12)
------ ------ ------ -----
Benefit obligation at December 31........... $1,011 $ 950 $ 105 $ 103
------ ------ ------ -----
CHANGE IN PLAN ASSETS:
Fair value of plan assets at January 1...... $1,013 $ 926 $ $
Actual return on plan assets................ 49 139
Employer contributions...................... 1 1 9 8
Plan participants' contributions............ 4 4
Benefits paid............................... (55) (53) (13) (12)
------ ------ ------ -----
Fair value of plan assets at
December 31............................... $1,008 $1,013 $ $
------ ------ ------ -----
OVER (UNDER) FUNDED STATUS: $ (3) $ 63 $(105) $(103)
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss.......... 20 (32) 6 4
Unrecognized prior service cost............. 44 43 (2) (3)
Net transition obligation................... (9) (13)
------ ------ ------ -----
Net amount recognized....................... $ 52 $ 61 $(101) $(102)
====== ====== ====== =====
AMOUNTS RECOGNIZED IN THE BALANCE SHEETS:
Prepaid benefit cost......................... $ 52 $ 80 $ $
Accrued benefit liability.................... (19) (101) (102)
Additional minimum liability................. (16)
Intangible asset............................. 10
Accumulated other comprehensive income....... 4
Deferred tax................................. 2
------ ------ ------ -----
Net amount recognized........................ $ 52 $ 61 $(101) $(102)
====== ====== ====== =====
</TABLE>
38
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (CONTINUED)
The weighted-average assumptions used in the accounting for the defined benefit
plans and postretirement plans were:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Defined Benefit Postretirement
Plans Plans
--------------- --------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted discount rate............................ 7.00% 7.25% 7.00% 7.25%
Rate of compensation increase..................... 3.75% 4.00% N/A N/A
Expected return on assets......................... 9.50% 9.50% N/A N/A
Health care cost trend on covered charges......... N/A N/A 6.50% 7.50%
</TABLE>
The components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans and the
components of the postretirement benefit costs follow:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Defined Benefit Plans Postretirement Plans
--------------------- --------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Service cost..................... $24 $ 19 $ 23 $1 $1 $
Interest cost.................... 68 65 62 7 7 7
Expected return on plan assets... (85) (80) (75)
Curtailment cost................. 2
Special retiree charge........... 6
--- ---- ---- -- -- --
Net periodic benefit cost........ $ 9 $ 4 $ 16 $8 $8 $7
=== ==== ==== == == ==
</TABLE>
The projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation, and fair value
of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in
excess of plan assets were $72 million, $70 million and $36 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 1998 and $31 million, $27 million and none as
of December 31, 1997.
SAVINGS PLANS
The Company sponsors voluntary savings plans covering substantially all salaried
and certain hourly employees. The Company match is paid in SSCC common stock, up
to an annual maximum. The Company's expense for the savings plans totaled $9
million, $9 million and $8 million in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
During February 1999 the Company adopted a formal plan to sell the operating
assets of its subsidiary, Smurfit Newsprint Corporation ("SNC"). Accordingly,
SNC is accounted for as a discontinued operation in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements. The Company has restated its prior financial
statements to present the operating results of SNC as a discontinued operation.
39
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
8. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (CONTINUED)
SNC revenues were $324 million, $302 million and $323 million for 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The net assets of SNC included in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 consisted of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Inventories and current assets........................ $ 31 $ 20
Net property, plant and equipment..................... 194 205
Other assets.......................................... 7 7
Accounts payable and other current liabilities........ (67) (41)
Other liabilities..................................... (72) (71)
---- ----
Net assets of discontinued operations............... $ 93 $120
==== ====
</TABLE>
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
TRANSACTIONS WITH JS GROUP
Transactions with JS Group, a significant shareholder of the Company, its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies were as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Product sales............................................... $39 $34 $34
Product and raw material purchases.......................... 54 51 64
Management services income.................................. 4 4 5
Charges from JS Group for services provided................. 1
Charges to JS Group for costs pertaining to the Fernandina
No. 2 paperboard machine through November 18, 1998........ 50 53 54
Receivables at December 31.................................. 5 3 3
Payables at December 31..................................... 4 11 10
</TABLE>
Product sales to and purchases from JS Group, its subsidiaries and affiliates
are consummated on terms generally similar to those prevailing with unrelated
parties.
The Company provides certain subsidiaries and affiliates of JS Group with
general management and elective management services under separate Management
Services Agreements. In consideration for general management services, the
Company is paid a fee up to 2% of the subsidiaries' or affiliates' gross sales.
In consideration for elective services, the Company is reimbursed for its direct
cost of providing such services.
On November 18, 1998, the Company purchased the No. 2 paperboard machine located
in the Company's Fernandina Beach, Florida, paperboard mill (the "Fernandina
Mill") for $175 million from an affiliate of JS Group. Until that date the
Company and the affiliate were parties to an operating agreement whereby the
Company operated and managed the No. 2 paperboard machine. The Company was
compensated for its direct production and manufacturing costs and indirect
manufacturing, selling and administrative costs incurred for the entire
Fernandina Mill. The compensation was determined by applying various formulas
and agreed-upon amounts to the subject costs. The amounts reimbursed to the
Company are reflected as reductions of cost of goods sold and selling
40
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)
and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
TRANSACTIONS WITH STONE
Transactions with Stone after November 18, 1998 are included in related party
transactions. The Company sold and purchased containerboard paper from Stone,
primarily at market prices as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998
----
<S> <C>
Product sales................................ $14
Product and raw material purchases........... 8
Receivables at December 31................... 8
Payables at December 31...................... 4
</TABLE>
TRANSACTIONS WITH SSCC
In connection with the Merger, a $300 million intercompany loan was made to
SSCC, which was contributed to Stone as additional paid-in capital. In addition,
a $36 million intercompany loan was made to SSCC to pay certain Merger costs.
These notes bear interest at the rate of 14.21% per annum, are payable
semi-annually on December 1 and June 1 of each year commencing June 1, 1999, and
have a maturity date of November 18, 2004. SSCC has the option, in lieu of
paying accrued interest in cash, to pay the accrued interest by adding the
amount of accrued interest to the principal amount of the notes. Interest income
of $6 million was recorded in 1998.
10. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying values and fair values of the Company's financial instruments are
as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---------------- ----------------
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
------ ----- ------ -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Cash and cash equivalents................ $ 18 $ 18 $ 12 $ 12
Notes receivable from SSCC............... 342 342
Long-term debt, including current
maturities............................. 2,570 2,600 2,040 2,105
</TABLE>
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the
short maturity of those instruments. The fair values of notes receivable are
based on discounted future cash flows. The fair value of the Company's debt is
estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on
the current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining
maturities.
41
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
11. CONTINGENCIES
The Company's past and present operations include activities which are subject
to federal, state and local environmental requirements, particularly relating to
air and water quality. The Company faces potential environmental liability as a
result of violations of permit terms and similar authorizations that have
occurred from time to time at its facilities.
The Company faces potential liability for response costs at various sites with
respect to which the Company has received notice that it may be a potentially
responsible party ("PRP"), as well as contamination of certain Company-owned
properties, concerning hazardous substance contamination. In estimating its
reserves for environmental remediation and future costs, the Company's estimated
liability reflects only the Company's expected share. In determining the
liability, the estimate takes into consideration the number of other PRPs at
each site, the identity and financial condition of such parties and experience
regarding similar matters.
Subsequent to an understanding reached in December 1998, the Company and SNC
entered into a Settlement Agreement in January 1999 to implement a nationwide
class action settlement of claims involving Cladwood'r', a composite wood siding
product manufactured by SNC that has been used primarily in the construction of
manufactured or mobile homes. The Company recorded a $30 million pre-tax charge
to reflect amounts SNC has agreed to pay into a settlement fund, administrative
costs, plaintiffs' attorneys' fees, class representative payments and other
costs. The Company believes its reserve is adequate to pay eligible claims.
However, the number of claims, and the number of potential claimants who choose
not to participate in the settlement, could cause the Company to re-evaluate
whether the liabilities in connection with the Cladwood'r' cases could exceed
established reserves.
In March 1999, management of SNC's Oregon City, Oregon newsprint mill became
aware of possible violations of the mill's National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System permit. SNC has provided both the EPA and Oregon Department
of Environmental Quality with a detailed report of its internal investigation
and it is probable that the agencies will conduct an additional investigation
based on this report. The Company is unable to predict its potential liability
in this matter at this time.
The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits and claims arising out of the
conduct of its business, including those related to environmental matters. While
the ultimate results of such suits or other proceedings against the Company
cannot be predicted with certainty, the management of the Company believes that
the resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its
consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise
and Related Information," in 1998 which changes the way operating segment
information is presented. The information for 1997 and 1996 has been restated
from the prior year's presentation in order to conform to the 1998 presentation.
42
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
The Company has three reportable segments: (1) Containerboard and Corrugated
Containers, (2) Boxboard and Folding Cartons and (3) Reclamation. The
Containerboard and Corrugated Containers segment is highly integrated. It
includes a system of mills and plants that produces a full line of
containerboard that is converted into corrugated containers. Corrugated
containers are used to transport such diverse products as home appliances,
electric motors, small machinery, grocery products, produce, books, tobacco and
furniture. The Boxboard and Folding Cartons segment is also highly integrated.
It includes a system of mills and plants that produces a broad range of coated
recycled boxboard that is converted into folding cartons. Folding cartons are
used primarily to protect products such as food, fast food, detergents, paper
products, beverages, health and beauty aids and other consumer products, while
providing point of purchase advertising. The Reclamation segment collects
recovered paper generated by industrial, commercial and residential sources
which is used as raw material for the Company's containerboard and boxboard
mills as well as sales to external third party mills.
The Company evaluates performance and allocates resources based on profit or
loss from operations before income taxes, and other gains and losses. The
accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described
in the summary of significant accounting policies except that the Company
accounts for inventory on a FIFO basis at the segment level compared to a LIFO
basis at the consolidated level. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded
at market prices. Intercompany profit is eliminated at the corporate division
level.
The Company's reportable segments are strategic business units that offer
different products. The reportable segments are each managed separately because
they manufacture distinct products. Other includes specialty packaging business
unit and corporate related items. Corporate related items include goodwill,
equity investments, income and expense not allocated to reportable segments
(goodwill amortization and interest expense), the adjustment to record inventory
at LIFO, and the elimination of intercompany assets and intercompany profit. In
1998, corporate related items also included a $257 million restructuring charge
(See Note 2). The restructuring charge included $179 million for the write-down
of property, plant and equipment of the Containerboard and Corrugated Containers
segment to fair value.
43
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
12. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION (CONTINUED)
A summary of business segment follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Container-
board & Boxboard
Corrugated & Folding Recla-
Containers Cartons mation Other Total
---------- ------- ------ ----- -----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Revenues from external
customers........................ $1,696 $784 $265 $ 277 $3,022
Intersegment revenues.............. 39 132 17 188
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization..................... 70 22 3 39 134
Segment profit (loss).............. 113 67 (1) (249) (250)
Total assets at December 31........ 1,396 451 207 1,120 3,174
Capital expenditures............... 208 26 6 25 265
1997
Revenues from external
customers........................ $1,607 $752 $292 $285 $2,936
Intersegment revenues.............. 35 154 13 202
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization..................... 67 21 3 36 127
Segment profit (loss).............. 56 68 6 (153) (23)
Total assets at December 31........ 1,462 435 228 646 2,771
Capital expenditures............... 101 37 $ 7 37 182
1996
Revenues from external
customers........................ $1,794 $756 $218 $ 319 $3,087
Intersegment revenues.............. 41 133 18 192
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization..................... 67 20 3 35 125
Segment profit (loss).............. 197 66 (2) (130) 131
Total assets at December 31........ 1,434 393 198 663 2,688
Capital expenditures............... 58 24 13 34 129
</TABLE>
The following table presents net sales to external customers by country:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
United States................................ $2,839 $2,753 $2,905
Foreign...................................... 183 183 182
------ ------ ------
Total net sales............................ $3,022 $2,936 $3,087
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
44
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
13. SUMMARIZED FINANCIAL INFORMATION JSC (U.S.)
The following summarized financial information is presented for JSC (U.S.), a
wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. No separate financial statements are
presented for JSC (U.S.) because the financial statements of JSC (U.S.) are
identical to those of the Company.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets............................................... $ 694 $ 602
Property, plant and equipment and timberlands, net........... 1,760 1,788
Goodwill..................................................... 226 237
Other assets................................................. 494 144
------ ------
Total assets............................................... $3,174 $2,771
====== ======
Current liabilities.......................................... $ 549 $ 531
Long-term debt............................................... 2,526 2,025
Other liabilities............................................ 637 589
Stockholder's deficit
Common stock...............................................
Additional paid-in capital................................. 1,102 1,102
Retained earnings (deficit)................................ (1,636) (1,476)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).............. (4) 0
------ ------
Total stockholder's deficit................................ (538) (374)
------ ------
Total liabilities and stockholder's deficit................ $3,174 $2,771
====== ======
</TABLE>
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales........................................... $3,022 $2,936 $3,087
Cost and expenses................................... 3,071 2,761 2,755
Interest expense, net............................... 196 196 198
Other income (expense), net......................... (5) (2) (3)
------ ------ ------
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
income taxes, extraordinary item, and
cumulative effect of accounting change............ (250) (23) 131
Benefit from (provision for) income taxes........... 96 3 (52)
Discontinued operations............................. 10 21 38
Extraordinary item
Loss from early extinguishment of debt, net of
income tax benefits............................. (13) (5)
Cumulative effect of accounting change.............. (3)
------ ------ ------
Net income (loss)................................... $ (160) $ 1 $ 112
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
The above Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations have been restated to
reflect the newsprint division as a discontinued operation.
45
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
14. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
------- ------- ------- -------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
1998
Net sales........................ $764 $764 $758 $ 736
Gross profit..................... 127 125 125 121
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of
accounting change.............. 3 2 3 (162)
Discontinued operations.......... 8 9 5 (12)
Extraordinary item............... (13)
Cumulative effect of accounting
change......................... (3)
Net income (loss)................ (5) 11 8 (174)
1997
Net sales........................ $711 $709 $753 $ 763
Gross profit..................... 100 99 116 107
Income (loss) from continuing
operations..................... (8) (9) 1 (4)
Discontinued operations.......... 1 5 7 8
Net income (loss)................ (7) (4) 8 4
</TABLE>
The first three quarters of 1998 and all quarters for 1997 have been restated to
reflect discontinued operations. The first quarter of 1998 has been restated for
the cumulative effect of accounting change for start-up costs.
46
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
JSCE INC.
SCHEDULE II--VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES
(in millions)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additions
Balance at Charged to Balance at
Beginning Costs and Deductions End of
Description of Period Expenses Describe Period
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS
AND SALES RETURNS AND ALLOWANCES:
Year ended December 31, 1998 $ 10 $ 2 $ 3(a) $ 9
Year ended December 31, 1997 $ 9 $ 2 $ 1(a) $ 10
Year ended December 31, 1996 $ 9 $ 5 $ 5(a) $ 9
RESTRUCTURING OF JSC (U.S.) OPERATIONS:
Year ended December 31, 1998 $ $ 257 $186(b) $ 71
</TABLE>
(a) Uncollectible amounts written off, net of recoveries.
(b) Charges against the restructuring reserves.
47
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
DIRECTORS
The following are the directors of the Company.
Roger W. Stone, born February 16, 1935, is Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company. He will resign from these positions on
March 31, 1999. Mr. Stone is a director of Abitibi-Consolidated, Inc. and
Venepal S.A.C.A., both affiliates of the Company, and McDonald's Corporation,
Morton International, Inc., Option Care, Inc., Continere Corporation and
Autoliv, Inc.
Ray M. Curran, born May 13, 1946, was named to succeed Roger W. Stone as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company as of April 1, 1999. He was
Executive Vice President and Deputy Chief Executive Officer from November 1998
until March 31, 1999. Prior to that time he was Financial Director of Jefferson
Smurfit Group since 1992.
Patrick J. Moore, born September 7, 1954, was named Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company in October 1996. He was Vice President and
General Manager - Industrial Packaging Division from December 1994 to October
1996. He served as Vice President and Treasurer from February 1993 to December
1994 and was Treasurer from October 1990 to February 1993. He joined the Company
in 1987 as Assistant Treasurer.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Each executive officer of the Company serves in the same position with SSCC.
Information relating to the Company's Executive Officers is incorporated herein
by reference to the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Proxy Statement to be
filed on or before April 30, 1999, for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders
scheduled May 27, 1999 (the "SSCC Proxy Statement"), under the caption
"Information as to Executive Officers" and "Certain Transactions".
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required in response to this item is set forth under the
captions "Executive Compensation", "Report of the Compensation Committee on
Executive Compensation" and "Compensation/Appointment Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation" in the SSCC Proxy Statement, and is incorporated herein
by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
All of the outstanding JSC (U.S.) Common Stock is owned by JSCE, and all of the
JSCE Common Stock is owned by SSCC. Additional information required in response
to this item is set forth under the caption "Principal Stockholders" in the SSCC
Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required in response to this item is set forth under the caption
"Certain Transactions" in the SSCC Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by
reference.
48
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) and (2) The list of Financial Statements and Financial Statement
Schedules required by this item is included in Item 8.
(3) Exhibits
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of May 10, 1998, as amended,
among SSCC, Stone and JSC Acquisition (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 2(a) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-65431)).
2.2 Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 among SIBV, JSG,
MSLEF, SSCC and certain other shareholders of SSCC (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2(b) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).
2.3 Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 between SSCC and
Smurfit Packaging Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
2(c) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-65431)).
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of JSCE (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to JSCE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1994).
3.2 By-laws of JSCE (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to JSCE's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994).
</TABLE>
Indentures and other debt instruments with respect to other long-term debt, none
of which exceeds 10 percent of the total assets of JSCE and its subsidiaries on
a consolidated basis, are not filed herewith. (The Registrant agrees to furnish
a copy of such documents to the Commission upon request).
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
4.1 Indenture for the Series A 1994 Senior Notes (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1994).
4.2 Indenture for the Series B 1994 Senior Notes (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1994).
4.3 Indenture for the 1993 Senior Notes (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 4.4 to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-75520)).
4.4 First Supplemental Indenture to the 1993 Senior Note Indenture
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to SSCC's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 (File No.
33-75520)).
10.1 Subscription Agreement among SSCC, JSC (U.S.), CCA and SIBV
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to SSCC's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1994).
</TABLE>
49
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.2(a) Restated Newsprint Agreement, dated January 1, 1990, by and between
SNC and Times Mirror (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to
JSC (U.S.)'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1990). Portions of this exhibit have been excluded
pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
10.2(b) Amendment No. 1 to the Restated Newsprint Agreement (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6(b) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33-75520)).
10.3* JSC (U.S.) Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
10.4* JSC (U.S.) Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.10 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1995).
10.5* Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option
Plan dated as of May 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.10 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997).
10.6 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of November 18, 1998,
among SSCC, JSCE, JSC (U.S.) and the Banks party thereto (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998).
10.7(a) Term Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995 among JS Finance and
Bank Brussels Lambert, New York Branch (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(b) Depositary and Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement (Series A Commercial
Paper) dated as of February 23, 1995 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(c) Depositary and Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement (Series B Commercial
Paper) dated as of February 23, 1995 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(d) Receivables Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995
among JSC (U.S.), as the Initial Servicer and JS Finance, as the
Purchaser (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to SSCC's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(e) Liquidity Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995 among JS Finance,
the Financial Institutions party thereto as Banks, Bankers Trust
Company as Facility Agent and Bankers Trust Company as Collateral
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to SSCC's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(f) Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995 among
BT Securities Corporation, MS&Co., JSC (U.S.) and JS Finance
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to SSCC's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
</TABLE>
50
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.7(g) Addendum dated March 6, 1995 to Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to SSCC's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.7(h) First Omnibus Amendment dated as of March 31, 1996 to the Receivables
Purchase and Sale Agreement among JSC (U.S.), JS Finance and the Banks
party thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
10.7(i) Affiliate Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of March 31, 1996
between SNC and SSCC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
1996).
10.7(j) Amendment No. 2 dated as of August 19, 1997 to the Term Loan Agreement
among JS Finance and Bank Brussels Lambert, New York Branch and JSC
(U.S.) as Servicer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12(j) to
SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997).
10.7(k) Amendment No. 2 dated as of August 19, 1997 to the Receivables
Purchase and Sale Agreement among JSC (U.S.) as the Seller and
Servicer, JS Finance as the Purchaser, Bankers Trust Company as
Facility Agent and Bank Brussels Lambert, New York Branch as the Term
Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12(k) to SSCC's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.7(l) Amendment No. 2 dated as of August 19, 1997 to the Liquidity Agreement
among JS Finance, Bankers Trust Company as Facility Agent, JSC (U.S.)
as Servicer, Bank Brussels Lambert, New York Branch as Term Bank and
the Financial Institutions party thereto as Banks (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.12(l) to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997).
10.8* Consulting Agreement dated as of October 24, 1996 by and between James
S. Terrill and JSC (U.S.) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15
to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996).
10.9(a) Letter Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 between SIBV and Stone
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to SSCC's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).
10.9(b) Letter Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 between MSLEF and Stone
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(c) to SSCC's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).
10.9(c) Letter Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 between Mr. Roger W. Stone
and SSCC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(d) to SSCC's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).
10.10 Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998 among MSLEF,
SIBV, SSCC and the other parties identified on the signature pages
thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) to SSCC's
Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).
</TABLE>
51
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.11 Voting Agreement dated as of May 10, 1998, as amended, among SIBV,
MSLEF and Mr. Roger W. Stone (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10(f) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-65431)).
10.12* SSCC 1998 Long Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.14 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1998).
10.13* Forms of Employment Security Agreements (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10(h) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-65431)).
10.14* Forms of Employment Security Agreements (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10(h) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No.
333-65431)).
10.15* Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b)
to Stone Container Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1980).
10.16* Stone Container Corporation Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(b) to Stone Container
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997).
10.17* Stone Container Corporation 1982 Incentive Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Prospectus included in
Stone Container Corporation's Form S-8 Registration Statement,
Registration Number 2-79221, effective September 27, 1982).
10.18* Stone Container Corporation 1993 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by
reference to Appendix A to Stone Container Corporation's Proxy
Statement dated as of April 10, 1992).
10.19* Stone Container Corporation Deferred Income Savings Plan, as amended
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Stone Container
Corporation's Form S-8 Registration Statement, Registration Number
333-42087).
10.20* Stone Container Corporation 1992 Long-Term Incentive Program
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Stone Container
Corporation's Proxy Statement dated as of April 11, 1991).
10.21* Stone Container Corporation 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Stone Container
Corporation's Proxy Statement dated as of April 7, 1995).
10.22* Stone Container Corporation 1995 Key Executive Officer Short-Term
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to Stone
Container Corporation's Proxy Statement dated as of April 7, 1995).
</TABLE>
52
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<C> <S>
10.23* Form of Severance Agreement, dated July 22, 1996, entered into between
Stone Container Corporation and Roger W. Stone, (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10(j) to Stone Container Corporation's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
10.24* Form of Severance Agreement, dated July 22, 1996, entered into between
Stone Container Corporation and John D. Bence, Thomas W. Cadden,
Matthew S. Kaplan and Randolph C. Read (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10(k) to Stone Container Corporation's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
10.25* Employment Agreement, dated November 18, 1998, entered into between
SSCC and Harold D. Wright (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26
to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998).
21.1 Subsidiaries of JSCE.
24.1 Powers of Attorney.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
*Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.
53
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
DATE March 31, 1999 JSCE, Inc.
-----------------------------------
(Registrant)
BY /s/ Patrick J. Moore
------------------------------------------
Patrick J. Moore
Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in
the capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
* President and Chief Executive Officer
- --------------------------- and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Ray M. Curran
/s/ Patrick J. Moore Vice-President and Chief March 31, 1999
- --------------------------- Financial Officer (Principal
Patrick J. Moore Financial Officer)
/s/ Paul K. Kaufmann Vice-President and Controller March 31, 1999
- --------------------------- (Principal Accounting Officer)
Paul K. Kaufmann
*
- --------------------------- Director
Roger W. Stone
*By /s/ Patrick J. Moore pursuant to Powers of Attorney (incorporated
-----------------------, by reference to a part of the Form 10-K).
Patrick J. Moore
</TABLE>
54
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 21.1
SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
State or
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or
Organization % Owned
----------------- --------
<S> <C> <C>
(1) Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) Delaware 100%
(2) Smurfit Newsprint Corporation Delaware 100%
(3) Packaging Unlimited, Inc. Delaware 100%
(4) JSC International Sales, Inc. Barbados 100%
(5) CCA de Baja Caifornia, S.A. de C.V. Mexico D.F. 100%
(6) Jefferson Smurfit Finance Corporation Delaware 100%
(7) Groveton Paper Board, Inc. New Hampshire 62.94%
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below constitutes and appoints Michael
W. J. Smurfit, Roger W. Stone, and Patrick J. Moore, and each of them, his true
and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all
capacities, to sign Annual Reports on Form 10-K and all required interim reports
and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in
connection therewith, regarding JSCE, Inc., a Delaware corporation, with the
Securities and Exchange Commission and any other regulatory authority, granting
unto said attorney-in-fact and agents, full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and
about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do
in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Signature Title
--------- -----
<S> <C>
/s/ Roger W. Stone President, Chief Executive
- ---------------------------- Officer and Director
Roger W. Stone (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Raymond M. Curran Executive Vice President and
- ---------------------------- Deputy Chief Executive Officer
Raymond M. Curran Officer and Director
/s/ Patrick J. Moore Vice President and Chief Financial
- ---------------------------- Officer
Patrick J. Moore (Principal Accounting Officer and
Principal Financial Officer)
</TABLE>
Date: February 11, 1999
<PAGE>
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END> DEC-31-1998
<CASH> 18
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 303
<ALLOWANCES> 9
<INVENTORY> 228
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 694
<PP&E> 2,336
<DEPRECIATION> 837
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 3,174
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 549
<BONDS> 2,526
<COMMON> 0
0
0
<OTHER-SE> (538)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 3,174
<SALES> 3,022
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 3,022
<CGS> 2,523
<TOTAL-COSTS> 2,523
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 290
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 196
<INCOME-PRETAX> (249)
<INCOME-TAX> (96)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (153)
<DISCONTINUED> 9
<EXTRAORDINARY> (13)
<CHANGES> (3)
<NET-INCOME> (160)
<EPS-PRIMARY> .00
<EPS-DILUTED> .00
</TABLE>
