BALL CORP
10-Q, 1997-11-10
METAL CANS
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                            UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                                    FORM 10-Q


             [ X ] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
                     OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
                For the quarterly period ended September 28, 1997


                          Commission file number 1-7349

                                BALL CORPORATION

                           State of Indiana 35-0160610

                      345 South High Street, P.O. Box 2407
                              Muncie, IN 47307-0407
                                  765/747-6100


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

         Indicate  the  number of  shares  outstanding  of each of the  issuer's
         classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

               Class                             Outstanding at October 26, 1997
         Common Stock,
           without par value                            30,169,805 shares



<PAGE>

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                     For the period ended September 28, 1997



                                      INDEX


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Page Number
                                                                                    ---------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>

PART I.         FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Item 1.         Financial Statements

                Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the
                   three and nine month periods ended September 28, 1997 and
                   September 29, 1996                                                        3

                Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 28,
                   1997 and December 31, 1996                                                4

                Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for
                   the nine month periods ended September 28, 1997 and
                   September 29, 1996                                                        5

                Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
                                                                                             6

Item 2.         Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                Results of Operations                                                        9

PART II.        OTHER INFORMATION                                                            13
</TABLE>




<PAGE>


PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.      Financial Statements

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
              UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                 (Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                 Three months ended                             Nine months ended
                                      -----------------------------------------     ------------------------------------------
                                        September 28,         September 29,           September 28,          September 29,
                                            1997                  1996                    1997                    1996
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------
<S>                                   <C>                   <C>                     <C>                    <C>

   Net sales                          $    690.2            $    622.2              $   1,813.7            $   1,684.3
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------

   Costs and expenses
     Cost of sales                         605.2                 566.7                  1,609.6                1,539.1
     Selling, general and
       administrative expenses              32.1                  21.9                     95.6                   66.7
     Net gain on sale of investment         --                    --                       (8.7)                   2.8
       and other
     Interest expense                       14.3                   8.6                     39.6                   24.8
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------
                                           651.6                 597.2                  1,736.1                1,633.4
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------

   Income from continuing
     operations before taxes on             38.6                  25.0                     77.6                   50.9
     income

   Provision for taxes on income           (14.1)                 (4.5)                   (28.8)                 (13.0)
   Minority interests                       (0.1)                 (0.3)                     3.8                   (0.1)
   Equity in (losses) earnings of           (1.7)                 (0.8)                    (2.1)                   1.7
     affiliates
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------


   Net income (loss) from:
     Continuing operations                  22.7                  19.4                     50.5                   39.5
     Discontinued operations                --                     0.7                     --                     (2.1)
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------
   Net income                               22.7                  20.1                     50.5                   37.4

   Preferred dividends, net of tax          (0.7)                 (0.7)                    (2.1)                  (2.2)
     benefit
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------

   Earnings available to common
     shareholders                     $     22.0            $     19.4              $      48.4            $      35.2
                                      ==================    ===================     ==================     ===================

   Net earnings (loss) per share of 
     common stock:
     Continuing operations            $     0.73            $     0.62              $      1.60            $      1.23
     Discontinued operations               --                     0.02                    --                     (0.07)
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------
   Earnings per share of common 
   stock                              $     0.73            $     0.64              $      1.60            $      1.16
                                      ==================    ===================     ==================     ===================

   Fully diluted earnings (loss) 
     per share:
     Continuing operations            $     0.68            $     0.58              $      1.51            $      1.17
     Discontinued operations               --                     0.02                    --                     (0.06)
                                      ------------------    -------------------     ------------------     -------------------
   Fully diluted earnings per share   $     0.68            $     0.60              $      1.51            $      1.11
                                      ==================    ===================     ==================     ===================
   Cash dividends declared
      per common share                $     0.15            $     0.15              $      0.45            $      0.45
                                      ==================    ===================     ==================     ===================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                 UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                              (Millions of dollars)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                    September 28,          December 31,
                                                                        1997                   1996
                                                                  ------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                               <C>                   <C>

ASSETS
Current assets
   Cash and temporary investments                                 $         28.1         $       169.2
   Accounts receivable, net                                                401.5                 245.9
   Inventories, net
     Raw materials and supplies                                            161.5                  95.7
     Work in process and finished goods                                    216.5                 206.3
   Prepaid expenses and other                                               25.5                  18.5
   Deferred income tax benefits                                             32.2                  31.0
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
     Total current assets                                                  865.3                 766.6
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost                                   1,644.9               1,269.5
Accumulated depreciation                                                  (693.4)               (570.5)
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
                                                                           951.5                 699.0
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

Investment in affiliates                                                    86.7                  80.9
Goodwill                                                                   168.7                  59.5
Other assets                                                                99.2                  94.8
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
                                                                  $      2,171.4         $     1,700.8
                                                                  ==================     ==================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
   Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt          $        436.8         $       175.2
   Accounts payable                                                        289.6                 214.3
   Salaries, wages and other current liabilities                           171.1                 121.5
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
     Total current liabilities                                             897.5                 511.0
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

Noncurrent liabilities
   Long-term debt                                                          399.2                 407.7
   Deferred income taxes                                                    47.5                  34.7
   Employee benefit obligations and other                                  141.5                 136.0
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
     Total noncurrent liabilities                                          588.2                 578.4
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

Contingencies
Minority interests                                                          54.8                   7.0
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

Shareholders' equity
   Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock                                60.7                  61.7
   Unearned compensation - ESOP                                            (40.6)                (44.0)
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
     Preferred shareholder's equity                                         20.1                  17.7
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------

   Common stock (issued  33,559,212 shares - 1997;
      32,976,708 shares - 1996)                                            330.8                 315.2
   Retained earnings                                                       378.8                 344.5
   Treasury stock, at cost (3,365,268 shares - 1997;
      2,458,483 shares - 1996)                                             (98.8)                (73.0)
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
     Common shareholders' equity                                           610.8                 586.7
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
           Total shareholders' equity                                      630.9                 604.4
                                                                  ------------------     ------------------
                                                                  $      2,171.4         $     1,700.8
                                                                  ==================     ==================
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                        UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                              (Millions of dollars)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        Nine months ended
                                                                             -----------------------------------------
                                                                               September 28,         September 29,
                                                                                   1997                   1996
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>


Cash flows from operating activities
   Net income from continuing operations                                         $   50.5              $   39.5
   Reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                                   86.0                  63.5
     Other, net                                                                      (1.0)                  1.0
     Changes in working capital components                                          (61.4)                (95.2)
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
       Net cash provided by operating activities                                     74.1                   8.8
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------

Cash flows from financing activities
   Net change in short-term debt                                                    102.5                 144.1
   Net change in long-term debt                                                     (45.9)                104.0
   Common and preferred dividends                                                   (16.1)                (16.1)
   Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under various employee and
     shareholder plans                                                               15.6                  20.0
   Acquisitions of treasury stock                                                   (25.8)                 (6.8)
   Other, net                                                                         0.6                 (30.3)
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
       Net cash provided by financing activities                                     30.9                 214.9
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------

Cash flows from investing activities
   Additions to property, plant and equipment                                       (83.5)               (144.5)
   Acquisitions of M. C. Packaging, net of cash acquired ($159.4) and of
     PET manufacturing assets ($40.4)                                              (199.8)                 --
   Investments in and advances to affiliates                                        (14.2)                (39.4)
   Proceeds from sale of Datum stock                                                 26.2                  --
   Net cash related to company-owned life insurance                                  14.0                  (8.5)
   Other, net                                                                        11.2                 (25.6)
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
       Net cash used in investing activities                                       (246.1)               (218.0)
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------

Net (decrease) increase in cash                                                    (141.1)                  5.7
Cash and temporary investments:
   Beginning of period                                                              169.2                   5.1
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
   End of period                                                                 $   28.1              $   10.8
                                                                             ==================    ===================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


<PAGE>

Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
September 28, 1997

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.  General.

The accompanying  condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared
by the Company  without audit.  Certain  information  and footnote  disclosures,
including  significant  accounting  policies,  normally  included  in  financial
statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles
have  been  condensed  or  omitted.  The  Company  believes  that the  financial
statements  reflect all adjustments  which are necessary for a fair statement of
the results for the interim period.  Results of operations for the periods shown
are not necessarily indicative of results for the year,  particularly in view of
some seasonality in packaging  operations.  It is suggested that these unaudited
condensed  consolidated  financial  statements and accompanying notes be read in
conjunction  with the  consolidated  financial  statements and the notes thereto
included in the Company's latest annual report.

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
reported  amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting  period.  Future
events could affect these estimates.

Certain prior year amounts have been  reclassified  in order to conform with the
1997 presentation.

2.  Summary of New Accounting Pronouncements.

In February 1997, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standard No. 128,  "Earnings  per Share,"  effective  for
financial  statements  issued after December 15, 1997. Early adoption of the new
standard is not  permitted.  It is expected that neither the Company's  earnings
per common  share nor its diluted per share  amounts  will differ  significantly
from amounts previously reported.

Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 130 (SFAS 130),  "Reporting
Comprehensive Income," was issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in
June  1997.  This  Statement  requires  that all items that are  required  to be
recognized under accounting  standards as components of comprehensive  income be
reported in a financial  statement that is displayed with the same prominence as
other financial statements. The Company will adopt SFAS 130 beginning January 1,
1998. Adoption will not affect the presentation of the traditional  statement of
income.

Statement of Financial  Accounting  Standards  No. 131 (SFAS 131),  "Disclosures
about  Segments of an  Enterprise  and Related  Information,"  was issued by the
Financial  Accounting  Standards Board in June 1997. This Statement  establishes
standards for reporting information about operating segments in annual financial
statements  and  requires  reporting  of selected  information  about  operating
segments  in  interim  financial   reports  issued  to  stockholders.   It  also
establishes  standards  for related  disclosures  about  products and  services,
geographic areas, and major customers. The Company will adopt SFAS 131 beginning
January  1,  1998.  The  effect  of  adopting  this  standard  has not yet  been
determined.

<PAGE>

3.  Acquisitions.

M.C. Packaging (Hong Kong) Limited
Ball,  through  its  majority-owned   subsidiary,  FTB  Packaging  Limited  (FTB
Packaging),  acquired in 1997, approximately 75 percent of M. C. Packaging (Hong
Kong) Limited (M.C.  Packaging)  previously held by Lam Soon (Hong Kong) Limited
and the general public for a total purchase price of approximately $179 million.
The remaining  minority interest of approximately 25 percent is owned by Ng Fung
Hong (Holdings) Limited of Hong Kong, an indirect  subsidiary of China Resources
(Holding)  Company,  a major  importer of foodstuffs  from China into Hong Kong.
M.C.  Packaging produces  two-piece  aluminum beverage  containers,  three-piece
steel food containers, aerosol cans, plastic packaging, metal crowns and printed
and coated metal.

M.C.  Packaging  has been  included  in the  Company's  consolidated  statements
effective  March  1997.  The  accompanying   financial   statements   reflect  a
preliminary  allocation  of the purchase  price.  The final  allocation  will be
completed when all information  becomes  available.  Net assets acquired of M.C.
Packaging consisted of the following:

         (dollars in millions)

         Total assets                                                  $ 485.2
         Less liabilities assumed:
            Current liabilities                                           64.7
            Total debt                                                   197.8
            Other long-term liabilities and minority interests            44.0
                                                                       -------

         Net assets acquired                                           $ 178.7
                                                                       =======

PET Manufacturing Assets
During  the  quarter  ended  September  28,  1997,  the  Company  completed  its
acquisition of certain  manufacturing assets totaling  approximately $40 million
from  Brunswick  Container  Corporation  including a plant in South Hill, Va. In
connection  with this  acquisition,  the Company began  operating a new plant in
Delran,  N.J., to supply soft drink bottling  affiliates of Brunswick  Container
Corporation and other customers.

4.   Discontinued Operations.

Earnings  from  discontinued  operations  of $0.7  million  and the loss of $2.1
million  for the  three  and nine  month  periods  of 1996,  respectively,  were
comprised of the Company's  share of the results of Ball-Foster  Glass Container
Co. L.L.C. (Ball-Foster), in which the Company then owned a 42 percent interest,
and allocated interest expense of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax) and $5.5
million ($3.3 million  after tax),  for the three and nine month periods  ending
September,   respectively.   Interest  expense  was  allocated  to  discontinued
operations based on the Company's  weighted  average  borrowing rate for general
borrowings, excluding debt specifically identified with Ball's other operations.
Ball sold its interest in Ball-Foster in October 1996.

5.  Shareholders' Equity.

Issued and outstanding  shares of the Series B ESOP Convertible  Preferred Stock
were 1,654,562  shares at September 28, 1997,  and 1,680,584  shares at December
31, 1996.

6.  Net Gain on Sale of Investment and Other.

The Company sold its investment in Datum,  Inc. during the first half of 1997. A
pretax gain of $11.7  million  ($7.1  million  after tax or $0.23 per share) was
recorded during the first six months of 1997. This gain was partially  offset by
a $3.0  million  second  quarter  pretax  charge to close a small PET  container
manufacturing plant.

7.  Contingencies.

In the ordinary course of business,  the Company is subject to various risks and
uncertainties due, in part, to the competitive nature of the industries in which
Ball  participates,  its  operations  in  developing  markets  outside the U.S.,
volatile costs of commodity  materials used in the  manufacture of its products,
and changing capital markets. Where practicable,  the Company attempts to reduce
these risks and uncertainties.  As discussed in the Company's 1996 Annual Report
to  Shareholders,  Ball uses  interest  rate  swaps and  options  to manage  the
Company's mix of floating-rate  and fixed-rate  debt.  Interest rate derivatives
which  effectively  change  the  Company's  underlying  debt  obligations  to an
intended rate mix are  designated as hedges.  The  differential  exchanged  with
counter  parties  between  fixed-rate  and  floating-rate  interest  amounts are
recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  Gains or losses arising from the
termination of interest rate swaps, which are not significant,  are deferred and
amortized over the original  contract  terms. If an interest rate swap no longer
qualifies as an effective  hedge,  the Company  records the  instrument  at fair
market value.

Prior to July 2, 1997,  the Thai baht  (currency  of  Thailand)  was held steady
against the U.S. dollar.  Since a change in monetary policy by the government of
Thailand  on July 2, the baht  has  depreciated  versus  the  U.S.  dollar.  The
Company's  results  reflect  the  impact of this  devaluation,  a charge of $2.1
million after-tax or $0.07 per share, on its 40 percent equity  affiliate,  Thai
Beverage Can Ltd.  largely as a result of the U.S. dollar  denominated debt held
in  Thailand  (approximately  $20  million).  The Company  also has U.S.  dollar
denominated  debt in both Hong Kong and China  (approximately  $250 million) and
its 50  percent  owned  affiliate  in Brazil  (approximately  $75  million).  In
addition,  the Company has other U.S. dollar  denominated assets and liabilities
in other countries than those previously mentioned which are subject to exchange
rate changes, although rates have been relatively stable in those countries.

The U.S.  government  is disputing  the  Company's  claim to  recoverability  of
reimbursed costs associated with Ball's Employee Stock Ownership Plan for fiscal
years 1989 through 1995, as well as the corresponding  prospective costs accrued
after 1995.  In October 1995,  the Company filed its complaint  before the Armed
Services Board of Contract  Appeals (ASBCA)  seeking final  adjudication of this
matter.  Trial before the ASBCA was conducted in January 1997. While the outcome
of the trial is not yet known,  the Company's  information at this time does not
indicate  that  this  matter  will  have a  material,  adverse  effect  upon the
financial  condition,  results of  operations  or  competitive  position  of the
Company.  For  additional  information  regarding  this  matter,  refer  to  the
Company's latest annual report.

From time to time,  the Company is subject to routine  litigation  incidental to
its  business.  Additionally,  the  U.S.  Environmental  Protection  Agency  has
designated Ball as a potentially  responsible  party,  along with numerous other
companies,  for the  cleanup of several  hazardous  waste  sites.  However,  the
Company's  information  at this time does not indicate  that these  matters will
have a material, adverse effect upon financial condition, results of operations,
capital expenditures or competitive position of the Company.


<PAGE>


Item 2.          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
                 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Ball  Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "Ball" or the
"Company" in the following discussion and analysis.

ACQUISITIONS

M.C. Packaging
In 1997,  the Company,  through its  majority-owned  subsidiary,  FTB  Packaging
Limited (FTB Packaging),  completed the acquisition of a 75 percent  controlling
interest  in  M.C.   Packaging   (Hong  Kong)  Limited  (M.C.   Packaging)   for
approximately $179 million. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase
transaction.

M.C.  Packaging  has been  included  in the  Company's  consolidated  statements
effective  March  1997.  The  overall  comparability  of the  accompanying  1997
consolidated  statements to prior years has been affected by the M.C.  Packaging
acquisition.  M.C. Packaging had net sales of approximately $200 million in 1996
and operates  throughout  China and Hong Kong  through  various  subsidiary  and
affiliated  companies.  M.C.  Packaging  produces  two-piece  aluminum  beverage
containers,  three-piece steel food containers, aerosol cans, plastic packaging,
metal crowns and printed and coated metal.

PET Manufacturing Assets
Ball acquired certain manufacturing assets of Brunswick Container Corporation in
early July 1997 and began  supplying PET bottles during the third quarter to the
soft drink  bottling  affiliates  of  Brunswick  Container  Corporation  under a
multi-year contract.


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Sales and Earnings
Consolidated net sales of $690.2 million for the third quarter of 1997 increased
10.9 percent compared to the third quarter of 1996. For the first nine months of
1997,  consolidated net sales were $1.8 billion, an increase of 7.7 percent over
the same period for 1996. The increased sales reflect the  consolidation of M.C.
Packaging in 1997 and the increased volume from PET container operations.

Consolidated operating earnings for the third quarter of 1997 were $56.4 million
compared to $36.1  million in the third  quarter of 1996,  reflecting  increased
earnings in the  packaging  segment.  Consolidated  operating  earnings  for the
year-to-date  periods were $123.3  million and $80.8  million for 1997 and 1996,
respectively.  Consolidated earnings for the nine month period of 1997 include a
net pretax gain from the sale of the  Company's  interest in Datum Inc. of $11.7
million ($7.1 million after tax, or $0.23 per share), partially offset by a $3.0
million  charge  associated  with the  Reading,  Pa. plant  closure,  while 1996
included first quarter employee termination costs primarily related to the metal
packaging business.

Packaging
Packaging  segment net sales were $588.0  million for the third  quarter of 1997
compared to $528.6  million in the third quarter of 1996.  Nine month period net
sales  were $1.5  billion  and $1.4  billion  for 1997 and  1996,  respectively.
Segment operating earnings increased in the three and nine month periods of 1997
compared to the same periods of 1996 as a result of improved earnings within the
North American metal  container  businesses,  the results of the M.C.  Packaging
acquisition and reduced operating losses within the PET business.

<PAGE>

Within  the  packaging  segment,  sales in the North  American  metal  container
businesses  decreased  for the three and nine month  periods of 1997 compared to
the same periods of 1996. Lower shipments of metal food and beverage  containers
contributed  to lower  sales  in the  1997  periods.  Also  contributing  to the
comparative decrease,  sales in 1996 included $10.5 million and $31.7 million in
the third quarter and  year-to-date  periods,  respectively,  from the Company's
aerosol  container  business sold in the fourth quarter of that year.  Operating
earnings  increased  in the North  American  metal food and  beverage  container
businesses   despite  lower  shipments,   due  in  part  to  improved  operating
efficiencies  compared to 1996.  In  addition,  metal  beverage  incurred  lower
warehousing  costs  in 1997.  Metal  beverage  container  results  in 1996  were
affected,  in part,  by higher  contractual  can sheet  costs and  manufacturing
inefficiencies caused by the conversion of production  capabilities to a smaller
diameter end and lower gauge aluminum.

PET container sales for the nine months represented approximately six percent of
consolidated  1997 net sales  compared  to two  percent  in 1996.  The  business
operated near  breakeven for the quarter and at a loss for the nine month period
of 1997, though at a reduced level from 1996. Costs associated with the start-up
of new plants in Iowa and New Jersey  contributed to the operating loss in 1997.
Ball acquired certain manufacturing assets of Brunswick Container Corporation in
early July 1997 and began  supplying PET bottles during the third quarter to the
soft drink  bottling  affiliates  of  Brunswick  Container  Corporation  under a
multi-year contract.

Sales within Ball's FTB Packaging  operations  increased  substantially with the
inclusion of $36.5 million and $106.2  million in net sales from M.C.  Packaging
for the  three and nine  month  periods  of 1997,  respectively.  FTB  Packaging
operations  reported  consolidated  operating  earnings of $6.6 million and $5.3
million in 1997,  versus  $1.8  million  and $2.9  million  for the  quarter and
year-to-date periods of 1996,  respectively.  These increases were primarily due
to the acquisition of M.C.
Packaging.

Aerospace and Technologies
Sales in the aerospace and  technology  segment  increased to $102.3 million and
$303.3  million  for the three and nine  month  periods  of 1997,  respectively,
compared to $93.7 million and $275.9  million in 1996,  respectively.  Operating
earnings for the nine month period also  increased from $26.1 million in 1996 to
$39.0 million in 1997,  primarily due to the sale of the Company's investment in
Datum at a pretax gain of  approximately  $11.7 million during the first half of
1997.  Backlog  at the end of  September  1997 was  approximately  $287  million
compared to $329 million at December  31,  1996,  and $373 million at the end of
the June 1996.

Interest and Taxes
Consolidated interest expense for the third quarter and the first nine months of
1997 was $14.3 million and $39.6 million, respectively, compared to $8.6 million
and $24.8 million, for the same periods of 1996, respectively.  The increase was
attributable  primarily  to an  increase  in the  average  level  of  short-term
borrowings   outstanding  as  a  result  of  consolidating   the  existing  debt
obligations of M.C. Packaging in 1997.

Ball's  consolidated  effective income tax rate was approximately 37 percent for
both the three and nine month  periods of 1997 compared to 18.0 percent and 25.5
percent for the same periods of 1996,  respectively.  In 1996 the U.S.  Internal
Revenue  Service  (IRS)  concurred  with the  Company's  position on certain tax
matters in  connection  with a routine  examination  of its  federal  income tax
return,  resulting in a lower  effective tax rate. In addition,  during 1996 the
Company was required to exclude from  deductible  expenses a portion of interest
incurred in connection  with company owned life insurance as a result of changes
in the tax law related to this program.  The net effect of these tax adjustments
was an increase in 1996 third  quarter net income of $4.3  million,  or 14 cents
per share.

<PAGE>

Results of Equity Affiliates
Equity in earnings of  affiliates  for the third  quarter of 1997 were a loss of
$1.7 million compared to a loss of $0.8 million for the 1996 third quarter.  The
increased  loss is primarily  attributable  to the charge taken at the Company's
equity  affiliate in Thailand  related to the currency  devaluation  of the Thai
baht that occurred  during the third quarter of 1997.  The Company took a charge
of $2.1 million, or $0.07 per share,  related to the Thai baht devaluation.  For
the nine month  periods,  equity in earnings of  affiliates  were a loss of $2.1
million  and  earnings  of $1.7  million  for 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  The
year-to-date  decrease from 1996 resulted from the devaluation of the Thai baht,
the soft market in China where the majority of equity affiliates operate and the
startup of ventures in Brazil and Thailand.

Discontinued Operations
The earnings from  discontinued  operations of $0.7 million and the loss of $2.1
million  for the  three  and nine  month  periods  of 1996,  respectively,  were
comprised of the  Company's  share of the results of  Ball-Foster,  in which the
Company then owned a 42 percent interest, and allocated interest expense of $1.9
million  ($1.2  million  after tax) and $5.5 million  ($3.3  million after tax),
respectively. Interest expense was allocated to discontinued operations based on
the Company's weighted average borrowing rate for general borrowings,  excluding
debt  specifically  identified  with  Ball's  other  operations.  Ball  sold its
interest in Ball-Foster in October 1996.


FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash provided by operations in 1997 of $74.1 million increased from $8.8 million
in 1996  due in part to a  reduction  in the  amount  of cash  used  for  normal
seasonal  working  capital   requirements,   higher  depreciation  and  improved
earnings.

Total debt was $836.0 million at  September 28, 1997 compared to  $582.9 million
at December 31, 1996.  Debt-to-total capitalization  ratio was 54.9  percent  at
September  28, 1997  compared to 48.8  percent as of December  31,  1996.  These
increases are largely  attributable to the 1997 acquisition and consolidation of
M.C.  Packaging and its related  borrowings as well as normal  seasonal  working
capital requirements.

The Company has  committed  revolving  credit  agreements  totaling $280 million
consisting of a five-year  facility for $150 million and 364-day  facilities for
$130 million.  An additional $356 million in short-term  funds were available to
the Company on an uncommitted basis at quarter end, under which $73 million were
outstanding  at September  28, 1997.  In  addition,  Ball has a Canadian  dollar
commercial   paper   facility  of   approximately   $87  million,   under  which
approximately $73 million was outstanding at quarter end.  Additionally, FTB has
approximately  $339 million of short-term  committed and uncommitted  facilities
which  are  without  recourse to Ball.  At the end of the  third  quarter  1997,
approximately $131 million of these facilities were available.

The Company has a receivable sale  agreement,  under which a net amount of $66.5
million of packaging  trade  receivables  have been sold without  recourse as of
September 28, 1997.  Fees related to this  agreement  were $0.9 million and $2.8
million for the quarter and  year-to-date  periods in 1997 and $0.9  million and
$2.7 million for the same periods in 1996, and were included in selling, general
and administrative expenses.

Total 1997 capital spending is expected to be approximately  $100 million.  This
excludes the  acquisition of M.C.  Packaging and the  acquisition of certain PET
manufacturing equipment and other assets from Brunswick Container Corporation.

<PAGE>

OTHER

In the ordinary course of business,  the Company is subject to various risks and
uncertainties due, in part, to the competitive nature of the industries in which
Ball  participates,  its  operations  in  developing  markets  outside the U.S.,
volatile costs of commodity  materials used in the  manufacture of its products,
and changing capital markets. Where practicable,  the Company attempts to reduce
these risks and uncertainties.  As discussed in the Company's 1996 Annual Report
to  Shareholders,  Ball uses  interest  rate  swaps and  options  to manage  the
Company's mix of floating-rate  and fixed-rate  debt.  Interest rate derivatives
which  effectively  change  the  Company's  underlying  debt  obligations  to an
intended rate mix are  designated as hedges.  The  differential  exchanged  with
counter  parties  between  fixed-rate  and  floating-rate  interest  amounts are
recorded as an adjustment to interest expense.  Gains or losses arising from the
termination of interest rate swaps, which are not significant,  are deferred and
amortized over the original  contract  terms. If an interest rate swap no longer
qualifies as an effective  hedge,  the Company  records the  instrument  at fair
market value.

Prior to July 2, 1997,  the Thai baht  (currency  of  Thailand)  was held steady
against the U.S. dollar.  Since a change in monetary policy by the government of
Thailand  on July 2, the baht  has  depreciated  versus  the  U.S.  dollar.  The
Company's  results  reflect  the  impact of this  devaluation,  a charge of $2.1
million after-tax or $0.07 per share, on its 40 percent equity  affiliate,  Thai
Beverage Can Ltd.  largely as a result of the U.S. dollar  denominated debt held
in  Thailand  (approximately  $20  million).  The Company  also has U.S.  dollar
denominated  debt in both Hong Kong and China  (approximately  $250 million) and
its 50  percent  owned  affiliate  in Brazil  (approximately  $75  million).  In
addition,  the Company has other U.S. dollar  denominated assets and liabilities
in other countries than those previously mentioned which are subject to exchange
rate changes, although rates have been relatively stable in those countries.

The U.S.  government  is disputing  the  company's  claim to  recoverability  of
reimbursed costs associated with Ball's Employee Stock Ownership Plan for fiscal
years 1989 through 1995, as well as the corresponding  prospective costs accrued
after 1995.  In October 1995,  the Company filed its complaint  before the Armed
Services Board of Contract  Appeals (ASBCA)  seeking final  adjudication of this
matter.  Trial before the ASBCA was conducted in January 1997. While the outcome
of the trial is not yet known,  the Company's  information at this time does not
indicate that this matter will have a material,  adverse  effect upon  financial
condition,  results of operations or  competitive  position of the Company.  For
additional  information  regarding  this matter,  refer to the Company's  latest
annual report.

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
reported  amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting  period.  Future
events could affect these estimates.

As is commonly  known,  there is a potential  issue facing many companies  today
regarding  the ability of  information  systems to  accommodate  the coming year
2000. Ball is evaluating its information  systems and believes that all critical
systems  can,  or will be able  to,  accommodate  the  coming  century,  without
material  adverse  effect  on the  Company's  financial  condition,  results  of
operations, capital spending or competitive position.

From time to time, the Company is subject to routine litigation  incident to its
business.  Additionally, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated
Ball as a potentially  responsible  party,  along with numerous other companies,
for the  cleanup  of several  hazardous  waste  sites.  However,  the  Company's
information  at this time  does not  indicate  that  these  matters  will have a
material,  adverse  effect  upon  financial  condition,  results of  operations,
capital expenditures or competitive position of the Company.

<PAGE>

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

There were no events required to be reported under Item 1 for the quarter ending
September 28, 1997.

Item 2.  Changes in securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 2 for the quarter ending
September 28, 1997.

Item 3.  Defaults upon senior securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 3 for the quarter ending
September 28, 1997.

Item 4.  Submission of matters to a vote of security holders

There were no events required to be reported under Item 4 for the quarter ending
September 28, 1997.

Item 5.  Other information

There were no events required to be reported under Item 5 for the quarter ending
September 28, 1997.

Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits

            10.1         1997 Enhancement to the Ball Corporation Economic Value
                         Added Incentive Compensation Plan

            11.1         Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share

            27.1         Financial  Data  Schedule  for  the  Nine Months Ending
                         September 28, 1997

            99.1         Cautionary statement for purposes of the  "safe harbor"
                         provisions of the Private Securities Litigation  Reform
                         Act of 1995

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

         There  were no  reports  on Form 8-K filed  during  the  quarter  ended
September 28, 1997.


<PAGE>

                                    SIGNATURE


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

Ball Corporation
(Registrant)


By:        /s/  R. David Hoover
         R. David Hoover
         Executive Vice President
           and Chief Financial Officer


Date:          November 10, 1997

<PAGE>

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                               September 28, 1997


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

                             Description                            Exhibit
                                                               -----------------

1997 Enhancement to the Ball Corporation Economic Value Added
Incentive Compensation Plan                                         EX-10.1

Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share                     EX-11.1

Financial Data Schedule for the Nine Months Ending
September 28, 1997                                                  EX-27.1

Cautionary statement for purposes of the "safe harbor" 
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 
of 1995                                                             EX-99.1
<PAGE>


Exhibit 10.1
- ------------




                    1997 Enhancement to the Ball Corporation
                              Economic Value Added
                           Incentive Compensation Plan



Certain senior level executives approved by the Human Resources Committee of the
Board of Directors are eligible to receive a supplemental incentive compensation
award  in  1997.  To  be  eligible,  the  average  performance  factor  for  the
participant's  combined participation basis must be equal to one or greater. The
supplemental award will be 20 percent of the participant's  target participation
rate for 1997.  This award will be made in the form of  restricted  stock at the
time of payment of  incentive  compensation  in early 1998.  Restrictions  shall
lapse as determined by the Committee.


<PAGE>


Exhibit 11.1
- ------------

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                 STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE
                 (Millions of dollars except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                               Three months ended                            Nine months ended
                                  ---------------------------------------------  ------------------------------------------
                                     September 28,          September 29,          September 28,         September 29,
                                         1997                   1996                   1997                   1996
                                  --------------------   --------------------   --------------------  ---------------------
<S>                               <C>                    <C>                    <C>                   <C>


Earnings per Common Share - Assuming No Dilution

Net income (loss) from:
      Continuing operations         $     22.7             $     19.4             $     50.5             $     39.5
      Discontinued operations             --                      0.7                   --                     (2.1)
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
Net income                                22.7                   20.1                   50.5                   37.4
Preferred dividends, net of tax           (0.7)                  (0.7)                  (2.1)                  (2.2)
   benefit
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
Net earnings available to common
   shareholders                     $     22.0             $     19.4             $     48.4             $     35.2
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================

Weighted average number of
   common shares outstanding
   (000s)                               30,135                 30,471                 30,263                 30,253
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================

Earnings (loss) per share of 
   common stock:
      Continuing operations         $     0.73             $     0.62             $     1.60             $     1.23
      Discontinued operations             --                     0.02                    --                   (0.07)
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
                                    $     0.73             $     0.64             $     1.60             $     1.16
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================

Earnings per Share - Assuming Full 
   Dilution Net income (loss) from:
      Continuing operations         $     22.7             $     19.4             $     50.5             $     39.5
      Discontinued operations             --                      0.7                   --                     (2.1)
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
Net income                                22.7                   20.1                   50.5                   37.4
Adjustments for deemed ESOP cash
   contribution in lieu of Series
   B ESOP Preferred dividend              (0.6)                  (0.5)                  (1.6)                  (1.6)
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
Net earnings available to common
   shareholders                     $     22.1             $     19.6             $     48.9             $     35.8
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================

Weighted average number of common
   shares outstanding (000s)            30,135                 30,471                 30,263                 30,253
Dilutive effect of stock options           307                      8                    295                     67
Common shares issuable upon
   conversion of Series B ESOP           1,911                  1,964                  1,920                  1,988
   Preferred stock
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------

Weighted average number shares
   applicable to fully diluted
   earnings per share                   32,353                 32,443                 32,478                 32,318
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================

Fully diluted earnings (loss) 
   per share:
      Continuing operations         $     0.68             $     0.58             $     1.51             $     1.17
      Discontinued operations             --                     0.02                    --                   (0.06)
                                    -------------------    ------------------     ------------------     ------------------
                                    $     0.68             $     0.60             $     1.51             $     1.11
                                    ===================    ==================     ==================     ==================
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>

EXHIBIT 27.1

                                BALL CORPORATION
                             FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE

THIS  SCHEDULE   CONTAINS  SUMMARY  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION  EXTRACTED  FROM  THE
UNAUDITED  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED  STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 28, 1997 AND THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE  SHEET AS OF
SEPTEMBER 28,  1997  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-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-28-1997
<CASH>                                          28,100
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  401,500
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    378,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               865,300
<PP&E>                                       1,644,900
<DEPRECIATION>                                 693,400
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,171,400
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          897,500
<BONDS>                                        399,200
                                0
                                     20,100
<COMMON>                                       232,000
<OTHER-SE>                                     378,900
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,171,400
<SALES>                                      1,813,700
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,813,700
<CGS>                                        1,609,600
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,609,600
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              39,600
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 77,600
<INCOME-TAX>                                    28,800
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             50,500
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    50,500
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.60
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.51
        

<PAGE>

</TABLE>


Exhibit 99.1

               Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
                          Litigation Reform Act of 1995


In  connection  with  the  safe  harbor  provisions  of the  Private  Securities
Litigation  Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act),  Ball (the "Company") is hereby
filing cautionary statements  identifying important factors that could cause the
Company's   actual  results  to  differ   materially  from  those  projected  in
forward-looking statements of the Company.  Management's Discussion and Analysis
of  Financial  Condition  and  Results of  Operations  contains  forward-looking
statements,  and many of  these  statements  are  contained  in Part I,  Item 1,
"Business"  and  incorporated  by  reference  in Item 7. The Reform Act  defines
forward-looking  statements as statements  that express an expectation or belief
and contain a projection, plan or assumption with regard to, among other things,
future  revenues,   income,  earnings  per  share  or  capital  structure.  Such
statements of future events or performance involve estimates,  assumptions,  and
uncertainties  and are  qualified  in their  entirety by  reference  to, and are
accompanied by, the following  important  factors that could cause the Company's
actual  results to differ  materially  from those  contained in  forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company.

Some important factors that could cause the Company's actual results or outcomes
to differ  materially  from those  discussed in the  forward-looking  statements
include,  but are not limited  to,  fluctuation  in customer  growth and demand,
weather,  fuel costs and  availability,  regulatory  action,  Federal  and State
legislation, interest rates, labor strikes, maintenance and capital expenditures
and local  economic  conditions.  In  addition,  the  Company's  ability to have
available an  appropriate  amount of production  capacity in a timely manner can
significantly  impact  the  Company's  financial  performance.   The  timing  of
deregulation  and  competition,   product   development  and  introductions  and
technology changes are also important potential factors. Other important factors
include the following:

The competitive industries in which the Company participates.

Difficulties in obtaining raw materials,  supplies,  power and natural resources
needed  for  the  production  of  metal  and  plastic   containers  as  well  as
telecommunications  and aerospace products could affect the Company's ability to
ship containers and telecommunications and aerospace products.

The pricing of raw materials,  supplies,  power and natural resources needed for
the production of metal and plastic containers as well as telecommunications and
aerospace  products,  pricing  and  ability  to sell scrap  associated  with the
production  of  metal  containers  and the  effect  of  changes  in the  cost of
warehousing  the  Company's   products  could  adversely  affect  the  Company's
financial performance.

The failure of EarthWatch Incorporated to launch successfully satellites planned
for 1997 and  subsequent  years,  technological  or  market  acceptance  issues,
performance  failures  and related  contracts  or  subcontracts,  including  any
failure of EarthWatch to receive  additional  financing needed for EarthWatch to
continue to make  payments,  or any events  which  would  require the Company to
provide additional financial support for EarthWatch Incorporated.

Cancellation  or  termination of government  contracts for the U.S.  Government,
other customers or other government contractors.

<PAGE>

The  effects  of,  and  changes  in,  laws,  regulations,  other  activities  of
governments   (including  political  situations  and  inflationary   economies),
agencies  and  similar  organizations,  including,  but not  limited  to,  those
affecting frequency,  use and availability of metal and plastic containers,  the
authorization and control over the availability of government  contracts and the
nature and  continuation  of those contracts and the related  services  provided
thereunder,  the  use of  remote  sensing  data  and  changes  in  domestic  and
international  tax  laws  could  negatively   impact  the  Company's   financial
performance.

The Company  intends to grow through  acquisitions  of  complementary  products,
technologies and businesses. The successful implementation of this strategy will
be  dependent  upon the  Company's  ability to  identify  and  acquire  suitable
acquisition   candidates  and  manage  and  integrate  the  operations  of  such
acquisitions. There can be no assurance the Company will be able to identify and
acquire  suitable  additional  candidates.  There can be no  assurance  that the
Company will be successful in managing and integrating such acquisitions. Growth
through  acquisitions will place additional demands on the Company's  management
and resources.

As a result of conducting  business  internationally,  the Company is subject to
various risks, which include: a greater difficulty of administering its business
globally;  compliance  with  multiple  and  potentially  conflicting  regulatory
requirements   such  as  export   requirements,   tariffs  and  other  barriers;
differences   in   intellectual   property   protections;   health   and  safety
requirements;  difficulties in staffing and managing foreign operations;  longer
accounts receivable cycles;  currency  fluctuations;  volatility in the business
growth rates in developing  nations;  risks  involved in purchasing  and selling
products and services and receiving  payments in currencies  other than the U.S.
dollar;  restrictions  against the  repatriation  of  earnings;  export  control
restrictions;  overlapping or differing tax  structures;  political and economic
instability and general trade  restrictions.  There can be no assurance that any
of the  foregoing  factors  will  not  have a  material  adverse  effect  on the
Company's business,  results of operations and financial  condition.  There also
can be no assurance that foreign markets,  particularly in developing economies,
for  the  Company's  products  will  not  develop  more  slowly  than  currently
anticipated.  Any action,  by foreign  countries could reduce the market for the
Company's  products,  which could  materially,  adversely  affect the  Company's
business, results of operations and financial conditions.

The  effects of changes in the  Company's  organization  or in the  compensation
and/or benefit plans; any changes in agreements  regarding  investments or joint
ventures in which the Company has an investment; the amount, type or cost of the
Company's financing and changes to that financing, could adversely impact Ball's
financial performance.


<PAGE>


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