BALL CORP
10-Q, 1997-08-13
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 June 29, 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 August 3, 1997
         Common Stock,
           without par value                       30,165,927 shares

<PAGE>

                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                       For the period ended June 29, 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 six month periods ended June 29, 1997 and June 30,
                   1996                                                                      3

                Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at June 29, 1997
                   and December 31, 1996                                                     4

                Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the
                   six month periods ended June 29, 1997 and June 30, 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                  Six months ended
                                                       -------------------------------     ------------------------------
                                                        June 29,          June 30,           June 29,         June 30,
                                                          1997              1996               1997             1996
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------
<S>                                                    <C>              <C>                <C>              <C>

   Net sales                                           $    643.7       $    600.1         $   1,123.5      $   1,062.1
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------

   Costs and expenses
     Cost of sales                                          572.8            548.0             1,004.4            972.4
     Selling, general and administrative expenses
                                                             33.1             23.6                63.5             44.8
     Net gain on sale of investment and other                (7.5)            --                  (8.7)             2.8
     Interest expense                                        15.4              9.4                25.3             16.2
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------
                                                            613.8            581.0             1,084.5          1,036.2
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------

   Income from continuing operations before taxes on
     income                                                  29.9             19.1                39.0             25.9

   Provision for taxes on income                            (11.9)            (6.1)              (14.7)            (8.5)
   Minority interests                                         2.3              0.1                 3.9              0.1
   Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates                  0.5              0.2                (0.4)             2.6
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------


   Net income (loss) from:
     Continuing operations                                   20.8             13.3                27.8             20.1
     Discontinued operations                                 --               (1.5)               --               (2.8)
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------
   Net income                                                20.8             11.8                27.8             17.3

   Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit                   (0.7)            (0.7)               (1.4)            (1.5)
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------

   Earnings available to common shareholders
                                                       $     20.1       $     11.1         $      26.4      $      15.8
                                                       ============     ==============     =============    =============

   Net earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
     Continuing operations                             $     0.67       $     0.42         $      0.87      $      0.61
     Discontinued operations                                --               (0.05)              --               (0.09)
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------
   Earnings per share of common stock                  $     0.67       $     0.37         $      0.87      $      0.52
                                                       ============     ==============     =============    =============

   Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share:
     Continuing operations                             $     0.63       $     0.40         $      0.83      $      0.59
     Discontinued operations                                --               (0.05)              --               (0.09)
                                                       ------------     --------------     -------------    -------------
   Fully diluted earnings per share                    $     0.63       $     0.35         $      0.83      $      0.50
                                                       ============     ==============     =============    =============
   Cash dividends declared per common share
                                                       $     0.15       $     0.15         $      0.30      $      0.30
                                                       ============     ==============     =============    =============
</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>


                                                                                June 29,               December 31,
                                                                                  1997                     1996
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                    <C>

ASSETS
Current assets
   Cash and temporary investments                                            $         27.9         $       169.2
   Accounts receivable, net                                                           376.4                 245.9
   Inventories, net
     Raw materials and supplies                                                       137.6                  95.7
     Work in process and finished goods                                               269.7                 206.3
   Prepaid expenses and other                                                          29.5                  18.5
   Deferred income tax benefits                                                        28.6                  31.0
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Total current assets                                                             869.7                 766.6
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost                                              1,591.3               1,269.5
Accumulated depreciation                                                             (668.9)               (570.5)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                                      922.4                 699.0
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Investment in affiliates                                                               79.0                  80.9
Goodwill                                                                              167.6                  59.5
Other assets                                                                          112.0                  94.8
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                             $      2,150.7         $     1,700.8
                                                                             ==================     ==================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
   Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt                     $        415.8         $       175.2
   Accounts payable                                                                   276.5                 214.3
   Salaries, wages and other current liabilities                                      160.6                 121.5
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Total current liabilities                                                        852.9                 511.0
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Noncurrent liabilities
   Long-term debt                                                                     445.0                 407.7
   Deferred income taxes                                                               42.7                  34.7
   Employee benefit obligations and other                                             139.8                 136.0
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Total noncurrent liabilities                                                     627.5                 578.4
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Contingencies
Minority interests                                                                     53.4                   7.0
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Shareholders' equity
   Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock                                           60.9                  61.7
   Unearned compensation - ESOP                                                       (40.6)                (44.0)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Preferred shareholder's equity                                                    20.3                  17.7
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

   Common stock (issued  33,309,208 shares - 1997;
      32,976,708 shares - 1996)                                                       323.7                 315.2
   Retained earnings                                                                  362.8                 344.5
   Treasury stock, at cost (3,091,419 shares - 1997;
      2,458,483 shares - 1996)                                                        (89.9)                (73.0)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Common shareholders' equity                                                      596.6                 586.7
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
           Total shareholders' equity                                                 616.9                 604.4
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                             $      2,150.7         $     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>

                                                                                       Six months ended
                                                                             -------------------------------------
                                                                                June 29,             June 30,
                                                                                  1997                 1996
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                  <C>


Cash flows from operating activities
   Net income from continuing operations                                         $   27.8             $   20.1
   Reconciliation of net income from continuing operations to net cash
     used in operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                                   54.4                 41.5
     Other, net                                                                      (3.3)               (20.9)
     Changes in working capital components                                          (95.6)              (105.3)
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------
       Net cash used in operating activities                                        (16.7)               (64.6)
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------

Cash flows from financing activities
   Net change in long-term debt                                                     (24.6)               115.7
   Net change in short-term debt                                                    104.7                110.4
   Common and preferred dividends                                                   (11.8)               (11.5)
   Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under various employee and
     shareholder plans                                                                8.5                 13.8
   Acquisitions of treasury stock                                                   (16.9)                (6.6)
   Preferred stock retired                                                           (0.8)                (3.2)
   Other, net                                                                         2.6                 (0.3)
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------
       Net cash provided by financing activities                                     61.7                218.3
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------

Cash flows from investing activities
   Additions to property, plant and equipment                                       (59.4)              (104.0)
   Acquisition of M. C. Packaging, net of cash acquired                            (156.3)                --
   Investments in and advances to affiliates                                        (18.3)               (40.8)
   Proceeds from sale of Datum stock                                                 26.2                 --
   Net cash from company-owned life insurance                                        15.0                  4.4
   Other, net                                                                         6.5                  1.9
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------
       Net cash used in investing activities                                       (186.3)              (138.5)
                                                                             ----------------     ----------------

Net (decrease) increase in cash                                                    (141.3)                15.2
Cash and temporary investments:
   Beginning of period                                                              169.2                  5.1
                                                                             ================     ================
   End of period                                                                 $   27.9             $   20.3
                                                                             ================     ================
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

<PAGE>


Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
June 29, 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 Significant Accounting Policies.

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>

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.

3.  M. C. Packaging (Hong Kong) Limited.

Ball,  through  its  majority-owned   subsidiary,  FTB  Packaging  Limited  (FTB
Packaging),  acquired  through June 29, 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
$175 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                                                  $ 482.8
         Less liabilities assumed:
            Current liabilities                                           64.7
            Total debt                                                   197.8
            Other long-term liabilities and minority interests            45.3
                                                                       -------

         Net assets acquired                                           $ 175.0
                                                                       =======



4.   Discontinued Operations.

The losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million and $2.8 million for the
three  and six  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 $2.0 million  ($1.2  million after tax) and $3.6
million  ($2.2 million  after tax),  for the three and six month periods  ending
June,  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 June 29, 1997,  and 1,680,584  shares at December 31,
1996.

6.  Disposition of Investment.

The Company  sold its  investment  in Datum,  Inc. in the first half of 1997.  A
pretax gain of $10.5  million  ($6.3  million  after tax or $0.21 per share) was
recorded in the second quarter of 1997.

7.  Subsequent Event.

In July 1997, the Company acquired certain assets,  including PET  manufacturing
equipment  and  other  assets,   from  Brunswick   Container   Corporation   for
approximately $40 million.

8.  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. 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  is  assessing  the  effect,  if  any,  of this
devaluation on its 40 percent equity affiliate, Thai Beverage Can Ltd.

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.

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 the  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.

ACQUISITION

During the second  quarter of 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  $175 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. 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.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Sales and Earnings
Consolidated  net  sales  of  $643.7  million  for the  second  quarter  of 1997
increased 7.3 percent  compared to the second quarter of 1996. For the first six
months of 1997,  consolidated  net sales were $1.1  billion,  an increase of 5.8
percent  over  the same  period  for  1996.  The  increased  sales  reflect  the
consolidation  of M.C.  Packaging in 1997 and the increased  volume from the PET
container operations.

Consolidated  operating  earnings  for the  second  quarter  of 1997 were  $45.7
million as compared to $31.1 million in the second  quarter of 1996. In addition
to increased  earnings  within the packaging and  aerospace  segments,  the 1997
increase includes a net pretax gain of $7.5 million ($4.5 million after-tax,  or
$0.15 per share)  reflecting a gain from the sale of the  Company's  interest in
Datum Inc.  (Datum),  partially offset by a $3.0 million charge to close a small
PET  container  manufacturing  plant.  Consolidated  operating  earnings for the
year-to-date  periods  were $66.8  million and $44.3  million for 1997 and 1996,
respectively. Consolidated earnings for the six month period of 1997 include the
net pretax  gains from the sale of the  interest  in Datum  while 1996  included
first  quarter  employee  termination  costs  primarily  related  to  the  metal
packaging business.

Packaging
Packaging  segment net sales were $540.3  million for the second quarter of 1997
compared to $501.6  million in the second  quarter of 1996. Six month period net
sales were $922.3  million and $879.8  million for 1997 and 1996,  respectively.
Segment operating  earnings increased in the three and six month periods of 1997
compared to the same periods of 1996 as a result of improved earnings within the
combined North American metal food and beverage  container  business and reduced
operating  losses within the PET business  excluding  the plant closure  charge.
These  improvements  were partially offset by lower results of the FTB Packaging
operations.

<PAGE>

Within  the  packaging  segment,  sales in the North  American  metal  container
business decreased for the three and six month periods. Lower shipments of metal
food and beverage  containers  contributed  to lower sales in the 1997  periods.
Also,  sales in 1996  included  $10.8  million  and $21.2  million in the second
quarter and year-to-date  periods from the Company's aerosol container  business
sold  in the  fourth  quarter  of  that  year  contributing  to the  comparative
decrease.  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 food enjoyed a more
stable steel pricing  environment  in 1997 while metal  beverage  incurred lower
warehousing costs.  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 six months represented approximately five percent of
consolidated  1997 net sales  compared  to less than two  percent  in 1996.  The
business operated at a loss for the quarter and year-to-date periods,  though at
a reduced  level  from  1996,  excluding  the 1997  charge  associated  with the
Reading, Pa. plant closure.  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 in early July 1997 and will
begin supplying PET bottles to the Honickman Group of bottling companies under a
multi-year contract.

Sales within Ball's FTB Packaging  operations  increased  substantially with the
inclusion of $55.9  million and $69.7  million in net sales from M.C.  Packaging
for the  three  and six  month  periods  of 1997,  respectively.  FTB  Packaging
recorded pretax,  pre-interest operating losses of $0.7 million and $1.3 million
in 1997, versus earnings of approximately  $1.1 million and $1.2 million in 1996
for the quarter and  year-to-date  periods,  respectively.  These decreases were
primarily due to start-up costs associated with new manufacturing facilities, as
well as the softness in the metal beverage  container market due to overcapacity
which is expected to improve as demand continues to grow.

Aerospace and Technologies
Sales in the aerospace  and  technology  segment for the second  quarter and six
month  periods  of  1997  increased  to  $103.4  million  and  $201.2   million,
respectively,  compared to $98.5 million and $182.3  million in 1996.  Operating
earnings  also  increased  significantly,  in  part  due to the  completion  and
delivery of certain higher margin telecommunications  products and award fees on
several completed  contracts.  Backlog at the end of June 1997 was approximately
$310 million  compared to $337 million at December 31, 1996, and $398 million at
the end of the June 1996. In addition,  during the second quarter, Ball sold its
remaining investment in Datum, at a pretax gain of approximately $10.5 million.

Interest and Taxes
Consolidated  interest expense for the second quarter and the first half of 1997
was $15.4 million and $25.3 million, respectively,  compared to $9.4 million and
$16.2  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 included during the quarter.

Ball's  consolidated  effective  income tax rate was 39.8 percent for the second
quarter of 1997  compared to 31.9 percent for the 1996 second  quarter.  For the
first half of 1997,  the  effective  tax rate was 37.7 percent  compared to 32.8
percent  for 1996.  The higher  current  year  effective  tax rates  reflect the
effects  of  current  international  results  coupled  with  reduced  nontaxable
effects of company-owned life  insurance  when  compared to higher  pretax total
income in 1997.

<PAGE>

Results of Equity Affiliates
Equity in  earnings  of  affiliates  for the  second  quarter  of 1997 were $0.5
million compared to $0.2 million for the 1996 second quarter.  For the six month
periods,  equity in  earnings  of  affiliates  were a loss of $0.4  million  and
earnings  of $2.6  million for 1997 and 1996,  respectively.  The  decrease  was
primarily  attributed  to the soft market in China where the  majority of equity
affiliates operate and the startup of ventures in Brazil and Thailand.

Discontinued Operations
The losses from discontinued operations of $1.5 million and $2.8 million for the
three and six month periods of 1996 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 $2.0 million ($1.2 million after tax) and $3.6
million ($2.2 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 used by operations in 1997 of $16.7 million decreased from $64.6 million in
1996 due in part to a reduction  in the amount of cash used for normal  seasonal
working capital requirements and higher depreciation.

Total debt was $860.8  million at June 29, 1997  compared  to $582.9  million at
December 31, 1996.  Debt-to-total  capitalization ratio was 56.2 percent at June
29, 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 $87 million were
outstanding at June 29, 1997. In addition, Ball has a Canadian dollar commercial
paper  facility of  approximately  $87 million,  under which  approximately  $58
million was outstanding at quarter end. Additionally, FTB has approximately $284
million of short-term  committed and uncommitted  facilities.  At the end of the
second  quarter  1997,  approximately  $226  million  of these  facilities  were
outstanding and are without recourse to Ball.

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
June 29, 1997. Fees related to this agreement were $0.9 million and $1.8 million
for the  quarter  and  year-to-date  periods in each of 1997 and 1996,  and were
included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Total 1997  capital  spending  is  expected to be $150  million.  This  includes
approximately  $40 million for the  acquisition of certain assets  including PET
manufacturing  equipment and other assets from Brunswick  Container  Corporation
which closed in July 1997.

<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. Prior to July 2, 1997, the Thai baht (currency of
Thailand)  was held  steady  against  the  U.S.  dollar.  Since a change  in the
monetary  policy  by the  government  of  Thailand  on  July  2,  the  baht  has
depreciated versus the U.S. dollar. The Company is assessing the effect, if any,
of this devaluation on its 40 percent equity affiliate, Thai Beverage Container.

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

The Company  previously  reported that it was negotiating  with other designated
potentially responsible parties and the State of Illinois to resolve the lawsuit
brought by the State of Illinois to recover costs incurred in the cleanup of the
Cross Brothers Site located at Kankakee,  Illinois. On May 28, 1997, the Circuit
Court of the Twenty-First Judicial Circuit,  Kankakee County, Chancery Division,
approved  the  Consent  Order  entered  into among the  parties  and  approved a
voluntary  dismissal of the State of Illinois'  action  without  prejudice.  The
Company's  portion of the settlement was $153,846.28  which amount has been paid
to the State of Illinois.  Alltrista  Corporation has reimbursed the Company for
this amount.  The Company  believes that this matter is concluded with the State
of Illinois.  Based upon the information available to the Company at the present
time,  the  Company  does not  believe  that this  matter  will have a material,
adverse effect upon the financial condition of the Company.


Item 2.  Changes in securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 2 for the quarter ending
June 29, 1997.


Item 3.  Defaults upon senior securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 3 for the quarter ending
June 29, 1997.


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

The Company held the Annual Meeting of Shareholders  on April 23, 1997.  Matters
voted upon by proxy were: the election of four  directors for  three-year  terms
expiring in 2000; the ratification of the appointment of Price Waterhouse LLP as
independent  accountants for 1997; and, the approval of the 1997 Stock Incentive
Plan. The results of the vote are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                            For          Against/Withheld   Abstained/Broker Non-Vote
<S>                                         <C>          <C>                <C>

Election of directors for terms
  expiring in 2000:

   Howard M. Dean                           29,346,849            --                  540,955

   John T. Hackett                          29,348,920            --                  538,884

   R. David Hoover                          29,356,078            --                  531,726

   Jan Nicholson                            29,361,115            --                  526,689


Appointment of Price Waterhouse
   LLP as independent accountants
   for 1997                                 29,647,726           134,386              105,692

Approval of the 1997 Stock
   Incentive Plan                           17,716,280        10,177,155            1,994,214
</TABLE>

Item 5.  Other information

There were no events required to be reported under Item 5 for the quarter ending
June 29, 1997.

Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

(a)      Exhibits

           11.1   Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share

           27.1   Financial Data Schedule for the Six Months Ending June 29,1997

(b)      Reports on Form 8-K

         There  were no  reports  on  Form 8-K  filed  during the  quarter ended
         June 29, 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:          August 13, 1997


<PAGE>


                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                                  June 29, 1997


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

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



Statement Re: Computation of Earnings per Share                       EX-11.1

Financial Data Schedule for the Six Months Ending
June 29, 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 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                Six months ended
                                                      -----------------------------    -----------------------------
                                                       June 29,         June 30,        June 29,         June 30,
                                                         1997             1996            1997             1996
                                                      ------------     ------------    ------------     ------------
<S>                                                   <C>              <C>             <C>              <C>


Earnings per Common Share - Assuming No Dilution

Net income (loss) from:
      Continuing operations                          $     20.8       $     13.3       $     27.8       $     20.1
      Discontinued operations                              --               (1.5)            --               (2.8)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
Net income                                                 20.8             11.8             27.8             17.3
Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit                    (0.7)            (0.7)            (1.4)            (1.5)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
Net earnings available to common shareholders
                                                     $     20.1       $     11.1       $     26.4       $     15.8
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============

Weighted average number of  common shares
   outstanding (000s)                                    30,212           30,222           30,328           30,145
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============

Earnings (loss) per share of common stock:
      Continuing operations                          $     0.67       $     0.42       $     0.87       $     0.61
      Discontinued operations                              --              (0.05)            --              (0.09)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                     $     0.67       $     0.37       $     0.87       $     0.52
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============

Earnings per Share - Assuming Full Dilution

Net income (loss) from:
      Continuing operations                          $     20.8       $     13.3       $     27.8       $     20.1
      Discontinued operations                              --               (1.5)            --               (2.8)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
Net income                                                 20.8             11.8             27.8             17.3
Adjustments for deemed ESOP cash contribution in
   lieu of Series B ESOP Preferred dividend
                                                           (0.5)            (0.5)            (1.0)            (1.1)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
Net earnings available to common shareholders
                                                     $     20.3       $     11.3       $     26.8       $     16.2
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============

Weighted average number of common shares
   outstanding (000s)                                    30,212           30,222           30,328           30,145
Dilutive effect of stock options                            166               77              157              100
Common shares issuable upon conversion of Series B
   ESOP Preferred stock                                   1,911            1,970            1,924            2,015
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
Weighted average number shares applicable to fully
   diluted earnings per share
                                                         32,289           32,269           32,409           32,260
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============

Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share:
      Continuing operations                          $     0.63       $     0.40       $     0.83       $     0.59
      Discontinued operations                              --              (0.05)            --              (0.09)
                                                     -------------    ------------     ------------     ------------
                                                     $     0.63       $     0.35       $     0.83       $     0.50
                                                     =============    ============     ============     ============
</TABLE>

<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  SIX MONTHS  ENDED
JUNE 29, 1997  AND  THE  UNAUDITED  CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE  SHEET AS OF
JUNE 29, 1997  AND IS  QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH  FINANCIAL
STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-29-1997
<CASH>                                          27,900
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  376,400
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    407,300
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               869,700
<PP&E>                                       1,591,300
<DEPRECIATION>                                 668,900
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,150,700
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          852,900
<BONDS>                                        445,000
                                0
                                     20,300
<COMMON>                                       233,800
<OTHER-SE>                                     362,800
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,150,700
<SALES>                                      1,123,500
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             1,123,500
<CGS>                                        1,004,400
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,004,400
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              25,300
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 39,000
<INCOME-TAX>                                    14,700
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             27,800
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    27,800
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.87
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.83
        

<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;  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 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.


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