TREDEGAR INDUSTRIES INC
10-Q, 1998-11-13
UNSUPPORTED PLASTICS FILM & SHEET
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                 ---------------

                                    FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 ___              QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)
/ X /             OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
- ---

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 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 1-10258

                            Tredegar Industries, Inc.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

        Virginia                                        54-1497771
- ------------------------------------       -------------------------------------
  (State or Other Jurisdiction of                     (I.R.S. Employer
  Incorporation or Organization)                     Identification No.)

1100 Boulders Parkway
Richmond, Virginia                                          23225
- ------------------------------------------       -------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)                 (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (804) 330-1000

        Indicate  by check  whether  the  registrant  (1) has filed all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes   X      No
    -----       -----

        The number of shares of Common Stock,  no par value,  outstanding  as of
October 31, 1998: 36,142,942.

<PAGE>

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

<TABLE>
                            Tredegar Industries, Inc.
                           Consolidated Balance Sheets
                                 (In Thousands)
                                   (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                    Sept. 30,  Dec. 31,
                                                      1998       1997
                                                    --------   --------
<S>                                                <C>        <C>
Assets
Current assets:
    Cash and cash equivalents                       $ 23,287  $120,065
    Accounts and notes receivable                     94,764    69,672
    Inventories                                       32,526    20,008
    Income taxes recoverable                               -       294
    Deferred income taxes                              8,652     8,722
    Prepaid expenses and other                         3,596     4,369
                                                     -------- ---------
      Total current assets                           162,825   223,130
                                                     -------- ---------
Property, plant and equipment, at cost               349,391   283,995
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization       195,612   183,397
                                                     -------- ---------
      Net property, plant and equipment              153,779   100,598
                                                     -------- ---------
Other assets and deferred charges                     94,089    67,134
Goodwill and other intangibles                        32,975    20,075
                                                     -------- ---------
      Total assets                                   $443,668 $410,937
                                                     ======== =========

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
    Accounts payable                                 $ 51,013 $ 33,168
    Accrued expenses                                   38,827   39,618
    Income taxes payable                                1,642        -
                                                     -------- ---------
      Total current liabilities                        91,482   72,786
Long-term debt                                         25,000   30,000
Deferred income taxes                                  27,634   22,108
Other noncurrent liabilities                            8,058   13,497
                                                     -------- ---------
      Total liabilities                               152,174  138,391
                                                     -------- ---------
Shareholders' equity:
    Common stock, no par value                        93,874   115,291
    Common stock held in trust for savings
      restoration plan                                (1,212)   (1,020)
    Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities     688     5,020
    Foreign currency translation adjustment           (3,031)      (37)
    Retained earnings                                 201,175  153,292
                                                     -------- --------
      Total shareholders' equity                      291,494  272,546
                                                     -------- --------
      Total liabilities and shareholders' equity     $443,668 $410,937
                                                     ======== ========

</TABLE>
           See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       2

<PAGE>

<TABLE>

                                               Tredegar Industries, Inc.
                                          Consolidated Statements of Income
                                                   (In Thousands)
                                                     (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                                 Third Quarter                    Nine Months
                                                                Ended Sept. 30                   Ended Sept. 30
                                                         --------------------------         --------------------------
                                                           1998              1997             1998              1997
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
<S>                                                      <C>               <C>              <C>              <C>
Revenues:
    Net sales                                            $ 186,638         $ 155,058        $ 513,244        $433,372
    Other income (expense), net                              (246)           3,798             3,055           11,701
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
      Total                                               186,392          158,856           516,299          445,073
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------

Costs and expenses:
    Cost of goods sold                                    148,309          122,403           405,880          343,658
    Selling, general and administrative                     9,892            9,438            28,868           26,928
    Research and development                                3,374            3,220            10,321            9,667
    Interest                                                  266              456               952            1,598
    Unusual items                                               -                -              (765)          (2,250)
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
      Total                                               161,841          135,517           445,256          379,601
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
Income from continuing operations before income taxes      24,551           23,339            71,043           65,472
Income taxes                                                8,591            8,202            22,626           23,034
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
Income from continuing operations                          15,960           15,137            48,417           42,438
Income from discontinued operations                         3,421                -             3,421                -
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------

Net income                                               $ 19,381          $ 15,137         $ 51,838          $ 42,438
                                                         =========         ========         =========         =========

Earnings per share:
    Basic:
      Continuing operations                                 $ .44            $ .41            $ 1.33           $ 1.15
      Discontinued operations                                 .09                -               .09                -
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
      Net income                                            $ .53            $ .41            $ 1.42           $ 1.15
                                                         =========         ========         =========         ========
    Diluted:
      Continuing operations                                 $ .41            $ .38            $ 1.24           $ 1.08
      Discontinued operations                                 .09                -               .09                -
                                                         ---------         --------         ---------         --------
      Net income                                            $ .50            $ .38            $ 1.33           $ 1.08
                                                         =========         ========         =========         ========

Shares used to compute earnings per share:
    Basic                                                  36,351           36,918            36,483           36,813
    Diluted                                                38,582           39,762            38,966           39,474

Dividends per share                                         $ .04            $ .03             $ .11           $ .083

</TABLE>
                 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>
<TABLE>

                               Tredegar Industries, Inc.
                         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                                    (In Thousands)
                                      (Unaudited)

<CAPTION>
                                                                      Nine Months
                                                                     Ended Sept. 30
                                                                   ------------------
                                                                     1998     1997
                                                                   -------- ---------
<S>                                                                <C>      <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
    Net income                                                     $51,838  $ 42,438
    Adjustments for noncash items:
      Depreciation                                                  15,897    13,773
      Amortization of intangibles                                      120        39
      Deferred income taxes                                          2,043        40
      Accrued pension income and postretirement
         benefits                                                   (2,833)   (3,129)
      Gain related to discontinued operations                       (5,346)        -
      Gain on sale of technology-related investments                (2,041)   (9,668)
      Gain on divestitures                                            (765)   (2,250)
    Changes in assets and liabilities, net of
      effects from acquisitions and divestitures:
      Accounts and notes receivable                                 (4,197)  (10,721)
      Inventories                                                   (2,010)    2,929
      Income taxes recoverable                                         294     1,642
      Prepaid expenses and other                                       921    (1,169)
      Accounts payable                                               5,852    10,517
      Accrued expenses and income taxes payable                     (3,144)    5,569
    Other, net                                                      (1,870)     (227)
                                                                   -------- ---------
      Net cash provided by operating activities                     54,759    49,783
                                                                   -------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
    Capital expenditures                                           (24,269)  (14,640)
    Acquisitions (net of cash acquired of $1,097 in
      1998; excludes equity issued of $11,219 in 1998)             (60,883)  (13,469)
    Investments                                                    (27,121)  (12,987)
    Proceeds from the sale of investments                            2,919    10,511
    Proceeds from property disposals and divestitures                  740     2,637
    Other, net                                                      (1,140)     (314)
                                                                   -------- ---------
      Net cash used in investing activities                       (109,754)  (28,262)
                                                                   -------- ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
    Dividends paid                                                  (3,955)   (3,069)
    Repayments of debt                                              (5,000)   (5,000)
    Repurchases of Tredegar common stock                           (36,460)   (1,932)
    Tredegar common stock purchased by trust for
      savings restoration plan                                        (192)     (744)
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options (including
      related income tax benefits realized by Tredegar)              3,824     1,964
                                                                   -------- ---------
      Net cash used in financing activities                        (41,783)   (8,781)
                                                                   -------- ---------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents                   (96,778)   12,740
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                   120,065   101,261
                                                                   -------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                         $23,287  $114,001
                                                                   ======== =========
</TABLE>

                 See accompanying notes to financial statements.

                                       4

<PAGE>


                            TREDEGAR INDUSTRIES, INC.
             NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (Unaudited)

1.       In the opinion of management,  the accompanying  consolidated financial
         statements of Tredegar Industries,  Inc. and Subsidiaries  ("Tredegar")
         contain all adjustments  necessary to present  fairly,  in all material
         respects,  Tredegar's  consolidated  financial position as of September
         30, 1998, and the  consolidated  results of their  operations and their
         cash flows for the nine months ended  September 30, 1998 and 1997.  All
         such adjustments are deemed to be of a normal recurring  nature.  These
         financial   statements   should  be  read  in   conjunction   with  the
         consolidated   financial  statements  and  related  notes  included  in
         Tredegar's  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31,
         1997. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30,
         1998, are not necessarily  indicative of the results to be expected for
         the full year.

                  On May 20,  1998,  Tredegar's  Board of  Directors  declared a
         three-for-one  stock split payable on July 1, 1998, to  shareholders of
         record on June 15, 1998.  Accordingly,  all  historical  references  to
         per-share  amounts,  shares  repurchased and the shares used to compute
         earnings per share have been restated to reflect the split.

2.       Unusual items in 1998 include a  first-quarter  pretax gain of $765,000
         on the sale of APPX Software.  Income taxes include a tax benefit of $2
         million related to the sale,  including a tax benefit for the excess of
         APPX Software's  income tax basis over its financial  reporting  basis.
         Unusual  items in 1997 include a gain of $2.25  million  related to the
         redemption  of preferred  stock  received in  connection  with the 1996
         divestiture  of Molded  Products.  Income and  earnings  per share from
         continuing    operations,    adjusted    for    unusual    items    and
         technology-related investment activities affecting the comparability of
         operating results, are presented below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        (In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)

                                                                        Third Quarter            Nine Months
                                                                        Ended Sept. 30          Ended Sept. 30
                                                                      ------------------      ------------------
                                                                        1998     1997           1998     1997
                                                                      -------- ---------      -------- ---------
<S>                                                                   <C>      <C>            <C>      <C>     
Income from continuing operations                                     $ 15,960 $ 15,137       $ 48,417 $ 42,438
After-tax effect of unusual items:
    Gain on sale of APPX Software                                           -         -        (2,766)        -
    Redemption of preferred stock received in connection
      with the divestiture of Molded Products                               -         -             -    (1,440)
                                                                      -------- ---------      -------- ---------
Income from continuing operations as
    adjusted for unusual items                                         15,960    15,137        45,651    40,998
After-tax effect of technology-related net investment
    (gains) losses                                                        395    (2,117)         (707)   (6,187)
                                                                      -------- ---------      -------- ---------
Income from continuing operations as adjusted for unusual
    items and technology-related investment activities                $ 16,355 $ 13,020       $ 44,944 $ 34,811
                                                                      ======== =========      ======== =========

Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations:
    As reported                                                         $ .41     $ .38        $ 1.24    $ 1.08
    As adjusted for unusual items                                         .41       .38          1.17      1.04
    As adjusted for unusual items and technology-related
      investment activities                                               .42       .33          1.15       .88

</TABLE>


                                       5

<PAGE>


3.       Discontinued  operations  includes a net after-tax gain of $3.4 million
         related to the reversal of an accrued liability that was established to
         cover future  payments to the United Mine  Workers of America  Combined
         Benefit  Fund.  Tredegar  was  relieved  of this  liability,  which was
         incurred by its  discontinued  coal  business,  as a result of a recent
         U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

4.       The  carrying  value of  technology-related  investments  (included  in
         "Other  assets" in the  consolidated  balance  sheet)  was $53  million
         ($52.7  million cost basis) at September  30, 1998,  and $33.5  million
         ($25.8  million  cost basis) at December  31,  1997.  The excess of the
         carrying  value over the cost  basis is  related to  available-for-sale
         securities  stated  at their  closing  market  price,  with  unrealized
         holding  gains  excluded  from  earnings  and  reported net of deferred
         income taxes in shareholders' equity until realized. The estimated fair
         value of technology-related  investments was $61.4 million at September
         30, 1998, and $40.8 million at December 31, 1997.

5.       Comprehensive  income,  defined as net  income and other  comprehensive
         income,  was  $10.7  million  for the third  quarter  of 1998 and $18.7
         million for the third quarter of 1997.  Comprehensive  income was $44.5
         million  for the first nine  months of 1998 and $45.6  million  for the
         first nine months of 1997. Other comprehensive  income includes changes
         in unrealized  gains and losses on  available-for-sale  securities  and
         foreign  currency  translation  adjustments  recorded  net of  deferred
         income taxes directly in shareholders' equity.

6.       The components of inventories are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       (In Thousands)

                                                Sept. 30            Dec. 31
                                                  1998               1997
                                              --------------     --------------
<S>                                                  <C>                <C>   
         Finished goods                              $4,723             $1,865
         Work-in-process                              3,778              2,340
         Raw materials                               16,181              9,297
         Stores, supplies and other                   7,844              6,506
                                              --------------     --------------
             Total                                  $32,526            $20,008
                                              --------------     --------------
</TABLE>

7.       Basic  earnings  per share is computed  by  dividing  net income by the
         weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted
         earnings  per share is computed by dividing  net income by the weighted
         average  common  and  potentially  dilutive  common  equivalent  shares
         outstanding, determined as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         (In Thousands)

                                               Third Quarter          Nine Months
                                              Ended Sept. 30         Ended Sept. 30
                                            -------------------    ------------------
                                               1998      1997        1998      1997
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>
Weighted average shares outstanding used
    to compute basic earnings per share        36,351   36,918      36,483    36,813
Incremental shares issuable upon the
    assumed exercise of stock options           2,231    2,844       2,483     2,661
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
Shares used to compute diluted earnings
    per share                                  38,582   39,762      38,966    39,474
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
</TABLE>

                                       6

<PAGE>


         Incremental  shares  issuable upon the assumed  exercise of outstanding
         stock  options are computed  using the average  market price during the
         related period.

8.       On February 13, 1998, Tredegar completed a "Dutch auction" tender offer
         in which it repurchased  1,508,772 shares of its common stock for $32.7
         million  or  $21.67  per share  (excluding  transaction  costs).  Since
         becoming an  independent  company in 1989,  Tredegar has  repurchased a
         total of 20.2  million  shares,  or 36% of its issued  and  outstanding
         common stock, for $115.2 million ($5.69 per share). As of September 30,
         1998,  under a  standing  authorization  from its  board of  directors,
         Tredegar may  purchase an  additional  four million  shares in the open
         market or in privately  negotiated  transactions  at prices  management
         deems appropriate.

9.       On June 11, 1998,  Tredegar  acquired  Canada-based  Exal Aluminum Inc.
         ("Exal").  Exal  operates two aluminum  extrusion  plants in Pickering,
         Ontario and Aurora, Ontario. Both facilities manufacture extrusions for
         distribution,  transportation, electrical, machinery and equipment, and
         building and construction markets. The Pickering facility also produces
         aluminum logs and billet for internal use and for sale to customers.

                  On  February  6,  1998,  Tredegar  acquired  two  Canada-based
         aluminum  extrusion and fabrication plants from Reynolds Metals Company
         ("Reynolds").  The  plants  are  located in  Ste-Therese,  Quebec,  and
         Richmond  Hill,  Ontario.  Both  facilities  manufacture  products used
         primarily in building  and  construction,  transportation,  electrical,
         machinery and equipment, and consumer durables markets.

                  On May 30, 1997,  Tredegar acquired an aluminum  extrusion and
         fabrication  plant in El  Campo,  Texas,  from  Reynolds.  The El Campo
         facility   extrudes  and   fabricates   products   used   primarily  in
         transportation, electrical and consumer durables markets.

                  These  acquisitions  were  accounted  for using  the  purchase
         method.  No goodwill arose from the acquisitions of the former Reynolds
         plants since the estimated  fair value of the  identifiable  net assets
         acquired  equaled  the  purchase  price.  Goodwill  (the  excess of the
         purchase price over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets
         acquired) of $13 million was recorded on the acquisition of Exal and is
         being amortized on a straight-line  basis over 40 years.  The operating
         results  for the five plants  have been  included  in the  consolidated
         statements of income since the dates acquired.


                                       7
<PAGE>


                  Pro  forma  financial   information   with  respect  to  these
         acquisitions for the first six months of 1998 and all of 1997 was filed
         on Form 8-K on  August  19,  1998.  Selected  historical  and pro forma
         results  for the  first  nine  months of 1998 and all of 1997 as if the
         acquisitions occurred at the beginning of 1997, are summarized below:

<TABLE>
                             Tredegar Industries, Inc.
              Selected Historical and Pro Forma Financial Information
                      (In Thousands Except Per-Share Amounts)
                                    (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                                Nine Months
                                             Ended Sept. 30, 1998         1997
                                            -------------------    ------------------
                                             Histor-     Pro        Histor-    Pro
                                               ical     Forma        ical     Forma
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
<S>                                         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>     
Net sales                                   $ 513,244 $559,043    $581,004   $ 743,226
EBITDA                                         84,181   86,942      89,443      98,881
Depreciation                                   15,897   16,984      18,364      22,635
Amortization of intangibles                       120      264          50         377
Capital expenditures                           24,269   24,622      22,655      23,559
Net income from continuing operations as
    adjusted for unusual items and
    technology-related investment activities   44,944   45,234      48,124      48,613
Related diluted earnings per share               1.15     1.15        1.22        1.22
Shares used to compute diluted EPS             38,966   39,306      39,534      39,914

</TABLE>


 10.     The  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board has issued  new  standards
         affecting  the  accounting  for  derivative   instruments  and  hedging
         activities  and  disclosures of  information  about business  segments,
         pensions and other  postretirement  benefits.  These  standards are not
         expected  to  significantly   change  Tredegar's   operating   results,
         financial  condition  or  disclosures  when  adopted.  Each  of the new
         standards will be adopted in the fourth quarter of 1998, except for the
         derivatives  and  hedging  standard  which will be adopted in the first
         quarter of 2000.

                                       8
<PAGE>



Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
         of Operations.

                              Results of Operations

               Third Quarter 1998 Compared with Third Quarter 1997

         Income from continuing operations for the third quarter of 1998 was $16
million  or 41 cents per share,  up from $15.1  million or 38 cents per share in
the third  quarter of 1997 (all per share amounts in this analysis are expressed
on a diluted basis). Results for 1998 include net losses from technology-related
investment  activities  of $618,000  ($395,000  after income taxes or 1 cent per
share).  Results for 1997 include net gains from  technology-related  investment
activities  of $3.3  million  ($2.1  million  after  income taxes or 5 cents per
share).

         Income  from  continuing   operations   excluding   unusual  items  and
technology-related investment activities for the third quarter of 1998 was $16.4
million or 42 cents per share,  up from $13 million or 33 cents per share in the
third  quarter of 1997.  The  improvement  in  quarterly  earnings was driven by
Tredegar's  aluminum  extrusions  business,  where  profits  were  up 40% due to
continued  volume growth and  acquisitions.  Tredegar  operates  eight  aluminum
plants in the U.S. and Canada,  five of which have been acquired  since May 1997
(see Note 9 on page 7). Lower losses at Molecumetics,  Tredegar's drug discovery
subsidiary,  also contributed to the improved results.  Profits in the company's
plastics  operations  were  relatively  flat due  primarily to weakness in Asian
markets and higher costs related to new product introductions. See Notes 2, 4, 8
and 9 on pages 5  through  7 for  further  information  on items  affecting  the
comparability of operating results and technology-related investments.

         Third-quarter  net sales increased 20% in 1998.  Excluding revenue from
aluminum  companies  acquired in 1998,  sales were down 3.5% for the quarter due
primarily  to lower  plastic  film  exports to Asian  markets and lower  selling
prices. The lower selling prices reflect a decline in plastic resin and aluminum
ingot costs and pricing pressure in Asia. Aluminum extrusion volume and contract
research  revenues  at  Molecumetics  were up for the  period.  In  addition  to
acquisitions,  higher aluminum volume was driven by strength in all building and
construction markets and sales to distributors.

         The gross profit margin  during the third quarter of 1998  decreased to
20.5% from 21.1% in 1997 due primarily to acquisitions  in Aluminum  Extrusions.
The acquired businesses generally have lower margins than those realized in Film
Products. Higher contract research revenues had a positive impact on margins.

         Selling,  general  and  administrative  (SG&A)  expenses  in the  third
quarter of 1998 were $9.9 million, up from $9.4 million in 1997. As a percentage
of sales, SG&A expenses declined to 5.3% in 1998 compared with 6.1% in 1997. The
company's  savings plan restoration  charges were lower by $1.3 million due to a
decrease in Tredegar's  stock price during the third quarter of 1998 compared to
an increase for the same period in 1997.

         Research and  development  expenses  increased by $154,000 or 5% due to
higher spending at Molecumetics.

                                       9

<PAGE>


         Interest income, which is included in "Other income (expense),  net" in
the consolidated statements of income, decreased in the third quarter of 1998 by
$1.1 million to $218,000 due to a lower  average cash  equivalents  balance (see
Liquidity and Capital  Resources on page 13). The average  tax-equivalent  yield
earned  on cash  equivalents  was  approximately  5.6% in 1998 and 5.7% in 1997.
Interest expense decreased by $190,000 during the period due primarily to higher
capitalized  interest from higher  capital  expenditures  and lower average debt
outstanding.

         The effective tax rate, excluding unusual items and  technology-related
investment  activities,  was approximately 35% in the third quarters of 1998 and
1997, as the impact of a decline in average tax-exempt investments was offset by
a lower effective state income tax rate.


                 Nine Months 1998 Compared with Nine Months 1997

         Income from continuing operations for the first nine months of 1998 was
$48.4  million or $1.24 per share,  up from $42.4  million or $1.08 per share in
the first nine  months of 1997.  Results  for 1998  include  an unusual  gain of
$765,000  ($2.8  million after income taxes or 7 cents per share) on the sale of
APPX  Software on January 16, 1998.  Results for 1997 include an unusual gain of
$2.25 million ($1.4 million after income taxes or 4 cents per share)  related to
the  redemption  of  preferred  stock  received  in  connection  with  the  1996
divestiture  of Molded  Products.  In addition,  results  include net gains from
technology-related  investment activities of $1.1 million ($707,000 after income
taxes or 2 cents per share) in 1998 and $9.7 million  ($6.2 million after income
taxes or 16 cents per share) in 1997.

         Income  from  continuing   operations   excluding   unusual  items  and
technology-related  investment  activities for the first nine months of 1998 was
$44.9 million or $1.15 per share, up from $34.8 million or 88 cents per share in
the first nine  months of 1997.  Continued  volume  growth and  acquisitions  in
Aluminum  Extrusions,  higher  profits  in Film  Products  and  higher  contract
research revenues at Molecumetics  drove the improved operating  earnings.  Film
Products profit improved in most markets except Asia, where year-to-date profits
have declined by  approximately  $3 million.  See Notes 2, 4, 8 and 9 on pages 5
through 7 for  further  information  on items  affecting  the  comparability  of
operating results and technology-related investments.

         Net sales  increased  18% in the first nine months of 1998  compared to
1997.  Excluding  revenue from aluminum  companies  acquired in 1998, sales were
down  slightly  for the period due  primarily  to lower  plastic film exports to
Asian  markets and lower selling  prices.  The lower  selling  prices  reflect a
decline in plastic resin and aluminum ingot costs and pricing  pressure in Asia.
Aluminum extrusion volume and contract research revenues at Molecumetics were up
for the period.  In addition to acquisitions,  higher aluminum volume was driven
by strength in all building and construction markets and sales to distributors.

         The gross profit margin during the first nine months of 1998 was 20.9%,
up from 20.7% in 1997 due  primarily to material  efficiencies  in nonwoven film
laminates,   partially   offset  by  the  impact  of  acquisitions  in  Aluminum
Extrusions.  The acquired  businesses  generally  have lower  margins than those
generated  by Film  Products.  Higher  contract  research  revenues  also  had a
positive impact on margins.

                                       10

<PAGE>


         Selling,  general and administrative  (SG&A) expenses in the first nine
months  of 1998  were  $28.9  million,  up from  $26.9  million  in  1997.  As a
percentage of sales,  SG&A expenses  declined to 5.6% in 1998 compared with 6.2%
in 1997.  The  company's  savings  plan  restoration  charges were lower by $1.2
million due to a decrease in Tredegar's stock price for the first nine months of
1998 compared to an increase for the same period in 1997.

         Research and  development  expenses  increased by $654,000 or 7% due to
higher spending at Molecumetics.

         Interest income, which is included in "Other income (expense),  net" in
the  consolidated  statements  of income,  decreased in the first nine months of
1998 by $1.7 million or 46% due to a lower average cash equivalents balance (see
Liquidity and Capital  Resources on page 13). The average  tax-equivalent  yield
earned on cash  equivalents was  approximately  5.7% in 1998 and 1997.  Interest
expense  decreased  by  $646,000  during  the  period  due  primarily  to higher
capitalized  interest  from higher  capital  expenditures,  the 1997 writeoff of
deferred  financing  costs related to the  refinancing  of Tredegar's  revolving
credit facility, and lower average debt outstanding.

         The effective tax rate, excluding unusual items and  technology-related
investment  activities,  was  approximately 35% in the first nine months of 1998
and 1997,  as the  impact of a decline  in average  tax-exempt  investments  was
offset by a lower effective state income tax rate.

                                       11
<PAGE>



                                 Segment Results

         The following tables present  Tredegar's net sales and operating profit
by segment for the third  quarter and nine months ended  September  30, 1998 and
1997.
<TABLE>


                                Net Sales by Segment
                                   (In Thousands)
                                    (Unaudited)
<CAPTION>

                                               Third Quarter          Nine Months
                                              Ended Sept. 30         Ended Sept. 30
                                            -------------------    -------------------
                                               1998      1997        1998      1997
                                            ---------- --------    --------- ---------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>      
Film Products and Fiberlux                   $ 72,878  $ 78,046    $ 223,990  $231,703
Aluminum Extrusions                           112,440    75,401      285,238   198,938
Technology:
    Molecumetics                                1,320     1,117        3,987     1,333
    Other                                           -       494           29     1,398
                                            ---------- ---------   --------- ---------
    Total net sales                          $186,638  $155,058    $ 513,244  $433,372
                                            ========== =========   ========= =========
</TABLE>
<TABLE>


                            Operating Profit by Segment
                                   (In Thousands)
                                    (Unaudited)

<CAPTION>
                                               Third Quarter          Nine Months
                                              Ended Sept. 30         Ended Sept. 30
                                            -------------------    ------------------
                                               1998      1997        1998      1997
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
<S>                                          <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>     
Film Products and Fiberlux                   $ 13,131  $ 12,985    $ 40,263  $ 36,499

Aluminum Extrusions                            13,557     9,690      35,150    25,461

Technology:
    Molecumetics                                 (995)     (609)     (2,460)   (3,768)
    Investments                                  (618)    3,309       1,104     9,668
    Other                                           -      (201)       (428)     (267)
    Unusual items                                   -         -         765         -
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
                                               (1,613)    2,499      (1,019)    5,633
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
Divested operations:
    Unusual items                                   -         -           -     2,250
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
                                                    -         -           -     2,250
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
    Total operating profit                     25,075    25,174      74,394    69,843
Interest income                                   218     1,276       1,962     3,636
Interest expense                                  266       456         952     1,598
Corporate expenses, net                           476     2,655       4,361     6,409
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
Income from continuing operations before
    income taxes                               24,551    23,339      71,043    65,472
Income taxes                                    8,591     8,202      22,626    23,034
                                            ---------- --------    --------  --------
Income from continuing operations              15,960    15,137      48,417    42,438
Income from discontinued operations             3,421         -       3,421         -
                                            ----------  --------    --------  --------
Net income                                   $ 19,381   $15,137     $51,838   $42,438
                                            ==========  ========    ========  ========
</TABLE>

                                       12

<PAGE>


         Results  for 1998  include an unusual  gain of $765,000  ($2.8  million
after income  taxes) on the sale of APPX  Software on January 16, 1998.  Results
for 1997 include an unusual gain of $2.25  million  ($1.4  million  after income
taxes) related to the redemption of preferred  stock received in connection with
the 1996 divestiture of Molded Products. The "Investments" category for 1998 and
1997 is  comprised  of net gains and losses from  technology-related  investment
activities.  See Note 2 on page 5 for further information on items affecting the
comparability of operating results.

         Sales in Film Products declined during the third quarter and first nine
months of 1998 due to lower plastic film exports to The Procter & Gamble Company
("P&G") in Asia and lower selling  prices  reflecting  lower plastic resin costs
and pricing pressure in Asia, partially offset by:

     -     Sales of new  products  supplied  to P&G and others in North  America
     -     Higher  volume  of  Vispore(R)  film (primarily used for ground cover
           applications)
     -     Higher volume of plastic films manufactured and sold by the company's
           operations  in Europe  (primarily permeable film  supplied to P&G for
           feminine pads)

     Changes in operating profit for the third quarter and the first nine months
of 1998  compared  to 1997 were  driven by the  factors  noted  above,  and were
adversely impacted by:

     -     Higher costs related to new product introductions
     -     Start-up costs for a new production site in China

     Profits in the first nine months of 1998 also  improved  for  plastic  film
operations in Latin America.  Operating  profit increased at Fiberlux during the
third quarter and first nine months of 1998 due to higher sales.

         Sales in Aluminum  Extrusions  increased  during the third  quarter and
first nine months of 1998 due to acquisition-related  volume (see Note 9 on page
7) as well as strength in all  building  and  construction  markets and sales to
distributors.  Excluding acquisitions, volume was up 5% in the third quarter and
4% in the first nine months of the year.  Operating  profit increased during the
third quarter and first nine months of 1998 due to higher volume,  related lower
unit conversion costs and acquisitions.

         Excluding   results  of  investment   activities   and  unusual  items,
technology segment losses increased by $185,000 during the third quarter of 1998
due  to  start-up  expenses  relating  to  new  contract  research  programs  at
Molecumetics.  Technology  segment  losses  decreased by $1.1 million during the
first nine months of 1998 due to higher contract research revenues.


                         Liquidity and Capital Resources

         Tredegar's  total assets  increased to $443.7  million at September 30,
1998,  from $410.9 million at December 31, 1997, due mainly to the impact of the
acquisitions in Canada, an increase in technology-related investments, partially
offset  by a  decrease  in cash and cash  equivalents  (see  further  discussion
below).  Total  liabilities  increased to $152.2  million at September 30, 1998,
from  $138.4  million at December  31,  1997,  due  primarily  to  acquisitions,
partially  offset by lower  debt  outstanding  and the  reversal  of an  accrued
liability related to discontinued operations (see Note 3 on page 6).

                                       13
<PAGE>

         Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  in  excess  of  capital
expenditures  and dividends  decreased to $26.5 million in the first nine months
of 1998 from $32.1 million in 1997 due primarily to higher capital  expenditures
for manufacturing and research operations and higher dividends, partially offset
by improved operating results.  Higher capital expenditures in Film Products are
related to the new facility near Guangzhou, China, capacity expansion in Brazil,
and machinery and equipment  purchased for the manufacture of new products.  The
China facility, which produces disposable films for hygiene products marketed in
the region,  began  commercial  production in the second  quarter of 1998.  Film
Products is  beginning  construction  of a new  production  site near  Budapest,
Hungary,  which should be  operational  in mid-1999.  The Hungary  facility will
produce disposable films for hygiene products marketed in Eastern Europe. Higher
capital  expenditures  in Aluminum  Extrusions  relate to the second  phase of a
modernization  program at the plant in  Newnan,  Georgia  (the  first  phase was
completed in 1996).  Higher capital  expenditures at Molecumetics  relate to the
expansion of its research lab in Bellevue, Washington.

         The reasons  for the  decrease  in cash and cash  equivalents  to $23.3
million at September  30, 1998,  from $120.1  million at December 31, 1997,  are
summarized below:

                                                                 (In Thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents balance, December 31, 1997              $120,065
                                                                  ---------
Cash provided by operating activities in excess of
    capital expenditures and dividends                              26,535
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options (including
    related income tax benefits realized by Tredegar)                3,824
Acquisitions                                                       (60,883)
Repurchases of Tredegar common stock                               (36,460)
New technology-related investments, net of proceeds
    from disposals                                                 (24,202)
Repayments of debt                                                  (5,000)
Other, net                                                            (592)
                                                                  ---------
Net uses of cash                                                   (96,778)
                                                                  ---------
Cash and cash equivalents balance, September 30, 1998             $ 23,287
                                                                  =========

           Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

         Tredegar has exposure,  among others, to the volatility of polyethylene
resin prices,  aluminum  ingot and scrap prices,  foreign  currencies,  emerging
markets,  interest rates and technology stocks. Changes in resin prices, and the
timing  thereof,  could  have a  significant  impact on profit  margins  in Film
Products; however, such changes are generally followed by a corresponding change
in selling  prices.  Profit  margins in Aluminum  Extrusions  are  sensitive  to
fluctuations in aluminum ingot and scrap prices but are also generally  followed
by a corresponding change in selling prices; however, there is no assurance that
higher ingot costs can be passed along to customers.

         In the normal  course of  business,  Tredegar  enters into  fixed-price
forward sales contracts with certain  customers for the sale of fixed quantities
of aluminum extrusions at scheduled intervals. In order to hedge its exposure to
aluminum price volatility under these fixed-price arrangements,  which generally
have  a  duration  of not  more  than  12  months,  the  company  enters  into a
combination of forward  purchase  commitments  and futures  contracts to acquire
aluminum, based on the scheduled deliveries.

                                       14

<PAGE>


         Tredegar  sells to  customers  in foreign  markets  through its foreign
operations  and  through  export  sales  from its  plants  in the U.S.  Tredegar
estimates that  approximately  $22 million and $21.7 million of its consolidated
pretax  income  from  continuing  operations  (excluding  technology  investment
activities  and  unusual  items)  for the  first  nine  months of 1998 and 1997,
respectively,  relates to such sales.  Tredegar's  estimate of the percentage of
consolidated  pretax income earned by geographic  area for the first nine months
of 1998 and 1997 is as follows:

                    Estimated % of Consolidated Pretax
                    Income Earned by Geographic Area*
                              
                                     Nine Months
                                    Ended Sept. 30
                                  ------------------
                                    1998      1997
                                  --------  --------
                    United States      68 %      60 %
                    Europe             11        12
                    Latin America       9        10
                    Canada              7         7
                    Asia                5        11
                                  --------  --------
                    Total             100 %     100 %
                                  ========  ========

                    *Based on consolidated pretax income from
                     continuing operations excluding
                     technology activities and unusual items.


         Tredegar  attempts to match the pricing and cost of its products in the
same  currency and generally  views the  volatility  of foreign  currencies  and
emerging markets and the corresponding  impact on earnings and cash flow as part
of the overall risk of operating in a global environment.

         At September 30, 1998,  Tredegar had cash and cash equivalents of $23.3
million  and debt of $25  million.  Debt  outstanding  consisted  of a note with
interest payable semi-annually at 7.2% per year. Annual principal payments of $5
million are due each June through  2003.  Tredegar  also has a revolving  credit
facility that permits  borrowings of up to $275 million (no amounts  borrowed at
September 30, 1998). The facility matures on July 9, 2002.

         Tredegar  has  investments  in private  venture  capital  fund  limited
partnerships  and  early-stage  technology  companies,  including  the  stock of
privately held companies and the restricted and unrestricted  stock of companies
that have recently registered shares in initial public offerings. Investments in
non-public  companies are illiquid and the  investments in public  companies are
subject to the volatility of equity markets and technology stocks.


                     Year 2000 Information Technology Issues

         The century date compliance  problem,  which is commonly referred to as
the "Year 2000" problem, will affect many computers and other electronic devices
that are not  programmed to properly  recognize  dates  starting with January 1,
2000.  This could result in system  failures or  miscalculations.  The potential
impact  of such  failures  include,  among  others,  an  inability  to order raw
materials, manufacture products, ship products and be paid for the products on a
timely basis.

                                       15

<PAGE>

         Since 1996,  Tredegar has been actively  planning and responding to the
Year  2000  problem.  Year 2000  reviews  have and will  continue  to be made to
Tredegar's Executive Committee and senior management.  Periodic reviews with the
Board of Directors began in August 1998.

         Tredegar's  Year  2000  compliance  efforts  are  focused  on  internal
computer-based   information   systems,   external  electronic   interfaces  and
communication  equipment,  shop  floor  machines  and  other  manufacturing  and
research  process  control  devices.  Remediation of systems  requiring  changes
should be completed by the end of 1998,  except for revisions to a small portion
of certain  software  programs and the  replacement of certain  software for the
four aluminum  extrusion plants recently  acquired in Canada (see Note 9 on page
7).  Remediation  efforts for the exceptions  will extend into 1999.  Testing of
systems  began in mid-1998 and will  continue  through  1999.  Tredegar does not
believe  contingency  plans are necessary for internal systems at this time. The
company is also actively  evaluating the Year 2000  capabilities of parties with
whom Tredegar has key business  relationships  (suppliers,  customers and banks,
for example).  Contingency  plans will be developed for these  relationships  as
needed. Work to fix the Year 2000 problem is being performed largely by internal
personnel  and  Tredegar  does not track  those  costs.  The  incremental  costs
associated  with  correcting  the  problem  are not  expected to have a material
adverse effect on the company's operating results or financial condition.

         While  Tredegar  believes  that it is  taking  the  necessary  steps to
resolve its Year 2000 issues in a timely manner,  there can be no assurance that
there will be no Year 2000 problems.  If any such problems occur,  Tredegar will
work to solve them as quickly as possible. At present,  Tredegar does not expect
that any such problems will have a material adverse effect on its business.  The
failure,  however,  of a major  customer or  supplier to be Year 2000  compliant
could have a material adverse effect on Tredegar.


                            New Accounting Standards

         The  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board has issued  new  standards
affecting the accounting for derivative  instruments and hedging  activities and
disclosures  of  information  about  business   segments,   pensions  and  other
postretirement  benefits.  These  standards  are not  expected to  significantly
change Tredegar's  operating  results,  financial  condition or disclosures when
adopted.  Each of the new  standards  will be adopted  in the fourth  quarter of
1998,  except for the derivatives and hedging  standard which will be adopted in
the first quarter of 2000.

                                       16
<PAGE>

PART II -         OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6.           Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

     (a)          Exhibit No.

                  27       Financial Data Schedule

     (b)          Reports on Form 8-K.  Registrant  filed a Form 8-K on June 23,
                  1998, and an amended  current report on Form 8-K on August 19,
                  1998,  with respect to the  acquisition  of Exal Aluminum Inc.
                  (see further information  regarding this acquisition in Note 9
                  on page 7).

                                       17
<PAGE>

                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Registrant  has duly  caused  this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                      Tredegar Industries, Inc.
                                      (Registrant)



Date:    November 13, 1998            /s/ N. A. Scher
        ----------------------       -------------------------------------------
                                     Norman A. Scher
                                     Executive Vice President and
                                     Chief Financial Officer
                                     (Principal Financial Officer)

Date:    November 13, 1998           /s/ D. Andrew Edwards
       ------------------------     --------------------------------------------
                                    D. Andrew Edwards
                                    Corporate Controller and Treasurer
                                    (Principal Accounting Officer)



                                       18
<PAGE>

                                 EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.                             Description

       27                               Financial Data Schedule


                                       19

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE  CONTAINS  UNAUDITED  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  FOR TREDEGAR
INDUSTRIES,  INC.  AND  SUBSIDIARIES  EXTRACTED  FROM THE BALANCE  SHEET FOR THE
PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER  30, 1998 AND THE STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
       
<S>                                            <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                  9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                   SEP-30-1998
<CASH>                                          23,287
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   98,490
<ALLOWANCES>                                     3,726
<INVENTORY>                                     32,526
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               162,825
<PP&E>                                         349,391
<DEPRECIATION>                                 195,612
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 443,668
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           91,482
<BONDS>                                         25,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        93,875
<OTHER-SE>                                     197,619
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   443,668
<SALES>                                        513,244
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               516,299
<CGS>                                          405,880
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  405,880
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                38,160
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   264
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 952
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 71,043
<INCOME-TAX>                                    22,626
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             48,417
<DISCONTINUED>                                   3,421
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    51,838
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.42
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.33
        


</TABLE>


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