BALL CORP
10-Q, 1998-11-05
METAL CANS
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                                  UNITED STATES
                       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 27, 1998


                          Commission file number 1-7349

                                BALL CORPORATION

                           State of Indiana 35-0160610

                       10 Longs Peak Drive, P.O. Box 5000
                            Broomfield, CO 80038-5000
                                  303/469-3131


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 25, 1998
       -------------                      -------------------------------
       Common Stock,
     without par value                            30,818,526  shares



<PAGE>



                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                     For the period ended September 27, 1998



                                      INDEX



                                                                   Page Number
                                                                  --------------

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Item 1.   Financial Statements

          Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of 
             Income for the three and nine month periods
             ended September 27, 1998 and September 28, 1997             3

          Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at
             September 27, 1998 and December 31, 1997                    4

          Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statement of 
             Cash Flows for the nine month periods ended 
             September 27, 1998 and September 28, 1997                   5

          Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial
             Statements                                                  6

Item 2.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
             Condition and Results of Operations                        17

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION                                             24




<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 27,    September 28,    September 27,   September 28,
                                                  1998             1997              1998            1997
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
<S>                                          <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>
  Net sales                                     $   859.2        $   690.2        $  2,054.5      $  1,813.7
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------

  Costs and expenses
    Cost of sales                                   757.3            605.2           1,817.3         1,609.6
    General and administrative expenses              34.6             28.2              88.4            82.8
    Selling and product development expenses          5.0              3.9              15.0            12.8
    Relocation costs                                  4.7             --                15.0            --
    Net gain on dispositions                         --               --                --              (8.7)
    Interest expense                                 22.4             14.3              48.5            39.6
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
                                                    824.0            651.6           1,984.2         1,736.1
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------

  Income before taxes on income                      35.2             38.6              70.3            77.6

  Provision for taxes on income                     (12.1)           (14.1)            (27.4)          (28.8)
  Minority interests                                  1.1             (0.1)              5.1             3.8
  Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates           0.7             (1.7)              1.2            (2.1)
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------

  Net income before extraordinary item               24.9             22.7              49.2            50.5
  Extraordinary loss from early debt
    extinguishment, net of tax                      (12.1)            --               (12.1)           --
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
  Net income                                         12.8             22.7              37.1            50.5
  Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit            (0.7)            (0.7)             (2.1)           (2.1)
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
  Earnings attributable to common
    shareholders                                $    12.1        $    22.0        $     35.0      $     48.4
                                             ================ ===============  =============== ===============

  Net earnings per common share:
    Net income before extraordinary item        $    0.80        $    0.73        $     1.55      $     1.60
    Extraordinary loss from early debt
      extinguishment, net of tax                    (0.40)           --                (0.40)          --
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
    Earnings per common share                   $    0.40        $    0.73        $     1.15      $     1.60
                                             ================ ===============  =============== ===============

  Diluted earnings per share:
    Net income before extraordinary item        $    0.75        $    0.68        $     1.46      $     1.51
    Extraordinary loss from early debt
      extinguishment, net of tax                    (0.37)           --                (0.37)          --
                                             ---------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
    Diluted earnings per share                  $    0.38        $    0.68        $     1.09      $     1.51
                                             ================ ===============  =============== ===============

  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 27,          December 31,
                                                                                    1998                   1997
                                                                             ------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                   <C>
ASSETS
Current assets                                                                                   
  Cash and temporary investments                                              $        34.0          $        25.5
  Accounts receivable, net                                                            480.0                  301.4
  Inventories, net
    Raw materials and supplies                                                        150.5                  184.9
    Work in process and finished goods                                                290.1                  228.4
  Deferred income tax benefits and prepaid expenses                                    56.2                   57.9
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
  Total current assets                                                              1,010.8                  798.1
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Property, plant and equipment, at cost                                              2,004.2                1,556.1
Accumulated depreciation                                                             (709.5)                (636.6)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                                    1,294.7                  919.5
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Investment in affiliates                                                               74.7                   74.5
Goodwill, net                                                                         519.2                  194.8
Other assets                                                                          143.8                  103.2
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                              $     3,043.2          $     2,090.1
                                                                             ==================     ==================

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
   Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt                      $       204.8          $       407.0
   Accounts payable                                                                   407.6                  258.6
   Salaries and wages                                                                  85.4                   78.3
   Other current liabilities                                                          114.6                   93.9
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Total current liabilities                                                        812.4                  837.8
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Noncurrent liabilities
   Long-term debt                                                                   1,259.9                  366.1
   Deferred income taxes                                                               20.7                   60.5
   Employee benefit obligations and other                                             249.8                  139.8
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Total noncurrent liabilities                                                   1,530.4                  566.4
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Contingencies
Minority interests                                                                     35.7                   51.7
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

Shareholders' equity
   Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock                                           59.4                   59.9
   Unearned compensation - ESOP                                                       (33.6)                 (37.0)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Preferred shareholder's equity                                                    25.8                   22.9
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------

   Common stock (issued 34,676,545 shares - 1998;
     33,759,234 shares - 1997)                                                        362.1                  336.9
   Retained earnings                                                                  423.6                  402.3
   Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                               (29.1)                 (22.8)
   Treasury stock, at cost (3,874,847 shares - 1998;
     3,539,574 shares - 1997)                                                        (117.7)                (105.1)
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
     Common shareholders' equity                                                      638.9                  611.3
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
        Total shareholders' equity                                                    664.7                  634.2
                                                                             ------------------     ------------------
                                                                              $     3,043.2          $     2,090.1
                                                                             ==================     ==================
</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 27,          September 28,
                                                                                  1998                   1997
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                                        <C>                    <C>               

Cash flows from operating activities
   Net income                                                                  $   37.1               $   50.5
   Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by
      operating activities:
     Depreciation and amortization                                                105.3                   86.0
     Relocation costs                                                               8.0                   --
     Other, net                                                                     1.2                   (1.0)
     Changes in working capital components,
        excluding effect of acquisitions                                           48.4                  (61.4)
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------
       Net cash provided by operating activities                                  200.0                   74.1
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------

Cash flows from investing activities
   Additions to property, plant and equipment                                     (51.7)                 (83.5)
   Acquisition of Reynolds' net assets, including transaction and other
     costs, net of cash acquired                                                 (794.3)                  --
   Acquisition of M. C. Packaging, net of cash acquired                            --                   (159.4)
   Acquisition of PET manufacturing assets                                         --                    (40.4)
   Investments in and advances to affiliates                                       (0.9)                 (14.2)
   Proceeds from sale of equity investment                                          1.1                   26.2
   Net cash from company-owned life insurance                                       1.4                   14.0
   Other, net                                                                      (5.5)                  11.2
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------
       Net cash used in investing activities                                     (849.9)                (246.1)
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------

Cash flows from financing activities
   Net change in long-term debt                                                   844.9                  (45.9)
   Net change in short-term debt                                                 (148.3)                 102.5
   Debt issuance costs                                                            (28.9)                  --
   Common and preferred dividends                                                 (15.9)                 (16.1)
   Net proceeds from issuance of common stock under
      various employee and shareholder plans                                       25.2                   15.6
   Acquisitions of treasury stock                                                 (12.6)                 (25.8)
   Other, net                                                                      (6.0)                   0.6
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------
       Net cash provided by financing activities                                  658.4                   30.9
                                                                           -------------------    -------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash                                                     8.5                 (141.1)
Cash and temporary investments:
   Beginning of period                                                             25.5                  169.2
                                                                           ===================    ===================
   End of period                                                               $   34.0               $   28.1
                                                                           ===================    ===================

</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.



<PAGE>




Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
September 27, 1998

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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  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.  However, the
Company believes that the financial statements reflect all adjustments which are
of a normal  recurring  nature and 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.

Reclassifications.
Certain prior year amounts have been  reclassified  in order to conform with the
1998 presentation.

New Accounting Standards.
Effective  January 1, 1998,  Ball  adopted  Statement  of  Financial  Accounting
Standards   (SFAS)  No.  130,   "Reporting   Comprehensive   Income."   See  the
"Shareholders' Equity" note for information regarding SFAS No. 130.

SFAS  No.  131,   "Disclosure  about  Segments  of  an  Enterprise  and  Related
Information,"  establishes  standards for reporting  information about operating
segments in annual  financial  statements  and is effective for Ball in the 1998
year-end reporting. Interim reporting under this pronouncement will be effective
for Ball in 1999.

SFAS No. 132,  "Employers'  Disclosures about Pensions and Other  Postretirement
Benefits,"   standardizes   disclosure   requirements  for  pensions  and  other
postretirement benefit plans and will be effective for Ball in the 1998 year-end
reporting. This statement does not affect the measurement or recognition of such
plans.

SFAS No. 133,  "Accounting for Derivative  Instruments and Hedging  Activities,"
essentially requires all derivatives to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair
value and  establishes  new  accounting  practices  for hedge  instruments.  The
statement  will be effective for Ball in 2000.  The effect,  if any, of adopting
this standard has not yet been determined.

Statement  of Position  (SOP) No.  98-1,  "Accounting  for the Costs of Computer
Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use," establishes new accounting and
reporting standards for the costs of computer software developed or obtained for
internal use and is effective for Ball in 1999. The effect,  if any, of adopting
this standard has not yet been determined.

SOP No. 98-5, "Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities," requires costs of
start-up  activities and  organizational  costs,  as defined,  to be expensed as
incurred and is effective for Ball in 1999. The effect, if any, of adopting this
standard has not yet been determined.

Acquisitions and Related Debt Refinancing.
On August 10,  1998,  Ball  acquired  substantially  all the assets and  assumed
certain  liabilities  of the  domestic  beverage can  manufacturing  business of
Reynolds Metals Company  (Reynolds) for a total purchase price of  approximately
$745.4 million, subject to certain adjustments.  The acquisition of Reynolds has
been accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, its results of operations are
included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The assets  acquired  consist largely of 16 plants in 12 states and Puerto Rico,
as well as a  headquarters  facility  in  Richmond,  Virginia.  The  Company has
announced that it will close the Richmond facility and consolidate  headquarters
operations  at its offices near Denver,  Colorado.  In addition,  the Company is
assessing possible further integration  opportunities and has initially recorded
a $52.0  million  liability,  before  tax  effects,  as a part of the  valuation
process.  Upon  finalization  of the plan,  adjustments to the liability will be
reflected in the allocation of the purchase price.

In connection with the acquisition,  the Company refinanced approximately $521.9
million of its existing debt and, as a result,  recorded an extraordinary charge
from the early  extinguishment of debt of approximately  $12.1 million (40 cents
per share), net of related income tax benefit.

<PAGE>
The acquisition and the refinancing, including related costs, were financed with
a placement of $300.0  million in 7.75% Senior  Notes,  $250.0  million in 8.25%
Senior Subordinated Notes and approximately  $808.2 million from a Senior Credit
Facility.

The Senior Notes,  which are due August 1, 2006, are  unsecured,  rank senior to
the Company's  subordinated debt and are guaranteed on a senior basis by certain
of the Company's domestic subsidiaries (see the "Subsidiary  Guarantees of Debt"
note).  The Senior  Subordinated  Notes,  which are due August 1, 2008, are also
unsecured,  rank  subordinate  to existing and future senior debt of the Company
and are guaranteed by certain  subsidiaries  of the Company (see the "Subsidiary
Guarantees of Debt" note).  Both note agreements  contain certain  covenants and
restrictions  including,  among other things,  restrictions on the incurrence of
additional indebtedness and the payment of dividends.

The Company will offer to exchange the Senior Notes and the Senior  Subordinated
Notes.  The  terms  of the new  notes  will be  substantially  identical  in all
respects  (including  principal  amount,  interest rate,  maturity,  ranking and
covenant  restrictions)  to the  terms  of the  notes  for  which  they  will be
exchanged  except that the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended,  and therefore will not be subject to certain  restrictions
on transfer except as described in the Prospectus.  The note agreements  provide
that if the new notes are assigned  investment  grade ratings and the Company is
not in default, certain covenant restrictions will be suspended.

The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of three separate  facilities,  two term
loans and a revolving credit facility.  The first term loan provides the Company
with up to $350.0  million  and  matures in August,  2004.  The second term loan
provides the Company with up to $200.0 million and matures in March,  2006. Both
term loans are payable in quarterly  installments  beginning in March, 1999. The
revolving  credit facility  provides the Company with up to $650.0  million,  of
which  $150.0  million  is  available  for a period of 364 days,  renewable  for
another 364 days from the current  termination date at the option of the Company
and the participating  lenders.  The remainder is comprised of letters of credit
with an expiration  date of up to one year and  revolving  loans which mature in
August,  2004. The Senior Credit  Facility bears interest at variable  rates, is
guaranteed  by  certain   subsidiaries  of  the  Company  (see  the  "Subsidiary
Guarantees  of Debt"  note) and  contains  certain  covenants  and  restrictions
including,  among other  things,  restrictions  on the  incurrence of additional
indebtedness and the payment of dividends.  In addition, all amounts outstanding
under the Senior  Credit  Facility are secured by (1) a pledge of 100 percent of
the  stock  of  the  Company's  direct  and  indirect   majority-owned  domestic
subsidiaries  and (2) a pledge of 65  percent  of the stock of  certain  foreign
subsidiaries.

The following  unaudited pro forma consolidated  results of operations have been
prepared as if the  acquisition  of Reynolds had occurred as of January 1, 1997.
The pro forma consolidated results are not necessarily  indicative of the actual
results  that would have  occurred  had the  acquisition  been in effect for the
periods presented,  nor are they necessarily  indicative of the results that may
be obtained in the future:

                                                   Nine months ended
                                       -----------------------------------------
(in millions of dollars except           September 27,          September 28,
   per share amounts)                        1998                   1997
                                       ------------------    -------------------
Net sales                               $     2,826.0         $     2,741.4
Net income                                       48.1                  41.0
Net earnings attributable to 
    common shareholders                          46.0                  38.9
Earnings per common share                        1.52                  1.29
Diluted earnings per share                       1.43                  1.22

During 1998, FTB Packaging Limited purchased  substantially all of the remaining
direct and indirect  minority  interest in M.C.  Packaging  (Hong Kong)  Limited
which  represented  less  than ten  percent  of the  outstanding  shares of M.C.
Packaging (Hong Kong) Limited.


Subsidiary Guarantees of Debt.
The Senior Notes and the Senior  Subordinated  Notes issued in conjunction  with
the Reynolds  acquisition (see the  "Acquisitions  and Related Debt Refinancing"
note)  are  guaranteed  by  certain  of the  Company's  domestic,  wholly  owned
subsidiaries  on a  full,  unconditional,  and  joint  and  several  basis.  The
following is summarized condensed  consolidating  financial  information for the
Company,  segregating the guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries,
as of September  27, 1998 and December 31, 1997 and for the  nine-month  periods
ended September 27, 1998 and September 28, 1997 (in millions of dollars).


<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                      September 27, 1998
                                         -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                              Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                          Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                         -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                      <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  ASSETS
  Current assets
    Cash and temporary investments        $    10.5      $     0.4      $     23.1        $     --       $     34.0
    Accounts receivable, net                    4.4          389.0            86.6              --            480.0
    Inventories, net
      Raw materials and supplies               --             92.2            58.3              --            150.5
      Work in process and finished goods       --            239.7            50.4              --            290.1
    Deferred income tax benefits and
      prepaid expenses                        (16.3)          60.4            12.1              --             56.2
                                         -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total current assets                     (1.4)         781.7           230.5              --          1,010.8
                                         -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Property, plant and equipment, at cost       38.3        1,510.9           455.0              --          2,004.2
  Accumulated depreciation                    (22.8)        (580.0)         (106.7)             --           (709.5)
                                         -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                               15.5          930.9           348.3              --          1,294.7
                                         -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Investment in subsidiaries                1,281.2           --              --            (1,281.2)          --
  Investment in affiliates                      2.8            2.7            69.2              --             74.7
  Goodwill, net                                --            369.2           150.0              --            519.2
  Other assets                                 80.3           44.4            19.1              --            143.8
                                         =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
                                          $ 1,378.4      $ 2,128.9      $    817.1        $ (1,281.2)    $  3,043.2
                                         =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current liabilities
    Short-term debt and current portion
      of long-term debt                   $    69.1      $    --        $    135.7        $     --       $    204.8
    Accounts payable                           62.5          292.4            52.7              --            407.6
    Salaries and wages                         11.6           65.4             8.4              --             85.4
    Other current liabilities                 (22.9)          88.1            49.4              --            114.6
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total current liabilities               120.3          445.9           246.2              --            812.4
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Noncurrent liabilities
    Long-term debt                          1,220.8           10.3            28.8              --          1,259.9
    Intercompany borrowings                  (728.1)         639.2            88.9              --             --
    Deferred income taxes                       7.9          (30.3)           43.1              --             20.7
    Employee benefit obligations and
      other                                    92.8          143.3            13.7              --            249.8
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total noncurrent liabilities            593.4          762.5           174.5              --          1,530.4
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Contingencies
  Minority interests                           --             --              35.7              --             35.7
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Shareholders' equity
    Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred
      Stock                                    59.4           --              --                --             59.4
    Convertible preferred stock                --             --             169.8            (169.8)          --
    Unearned compensation - ESOP              (33.6)          --              --                --            (33.6)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Preferred shareholders' equity           25.8           --             169.8            (169.8)          25.8
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

    Common stock (34,676,545 shares
      issued)                                 362.1          821.9           188.0          (1,009.9)         362.1
    Retained earnings                         423.6          100.7            26.2            (126.9)         423.6
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss      (29.1)          (2.1)          (23.3)             25.4          (29.1)
    Treasury stock, at cost (3,874,847
      shares)                                (117.7)          --              --                --           (117.7)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Common shareholders' equity             638.9          920.5           190.9          (1,111.4)         638.9
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
         Total shareholders' equity           664.7          920.5           360.7          (1,281.2)         664.7
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                          $ 1,378.4      $ 2,128.9      $    817.1        $ (1,281.2)    $  3,043.2
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       December 31, 1997
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                         Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  ASSETS
  Current assets
    Cash and temporary investments        $     4.2      $     0.5      $     20.8        $     --       $     25.5
    Accounts receivable, net                    2.8          191.5           107.1              --            301.4
    Inventories, net
      Raw materials and supplies               --            113.5            71.4              --            184.9
      Work in process and finished goods       --            161.1            67.3              --            228.4
    Deferred income tax benefits and
      prepaid expenses                        (22.0)          62.9            17.0              --             57.9
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total current assets                    (15.0)         529.5           283.6              --            798.1
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Property, plant and equipment, at cost       36.6        1,049.6           469.9              --          1,556.1
  Accumulated depreciation                    (21.7)        (525.3)          (89.6)             --           (636.6)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                               14.9          524.3           380.3              --            919.5
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Investment in subsidiaries                1,094.0           --              --            (1,094.0)          --
  Investment in affiliates                      5.1           --              69.4              --             74.5
  Goodwill, net                                --             50.0           144.8              --            194.8
  Other assets                                 53.4           34.4            15.4              --            103.2
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
                                          $ 1,152.4      $ 1,138.2      $    893.5        $ (1,094.0)    $  2,090.1
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============

  LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
  Current liabilities
    Short-term debt and current portion
      of long-term debt                   $    93.4      $    39.1      $    274.5        $     --       $    407.0
    Accounts payable                            7.1          179.4            72.1              --            258.6
    Salaries and wages                         16.1           55.2             7.0              --             78.3
    Other current liabilities                 (39.2)          85.4            47.7              --             93.9
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total current liabilities                77.4          359.1           401.3              --            837.8
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Noncurrent liabilities
    Long-term debt                             46.5          294.1            25.5              --            366.1
    Intercompany borrowings                   302.7         (364.2)           61.5              --             --
    Deferred income taxes                       7.3           10.4            42.8              --             60.5
    Employee benefit obligations and
      other                                    84.3           42.0            13.5              --            139.8
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Total noncurrent liabilities            440.8          (17.7)          143.3              --            566.4
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Contingencies
  Minority interests                           --             --              51.7              --             51.7
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Shareholders' equity
    Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred
      Stock                                    59.9           --              --                --             59.9
    Convertible preferred stock                --             --              94.3             (94.3)          --
    Unearned compensation - ESOP              (37.0)          --              --                --            (37.0)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Preferred shareholders' equity           22.9           --              94.3             (94.3)          22.9
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

    Common stock (33,759,234 shares
      issued)                                 336.9          756.1           188.0            (944.1)         336.9
    Retained earnings                         402.3           41.4            33.3             (74.7)         402.3
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss
                                              (22.8)          (0.7)          (18.4)             19.1          (22.8)
    Treasury stock, at cost (3,539,574
      shares)                                (105.1)          --              --                --           (105.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Common shareholders' equity             611.3          796.8           202.9            (999.7)         611.3
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
         Total shareholders' equity           634.2          796.8           297.2          (1,094.0)         634.2
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                          $ 1,152.4      $ 1,138.2      $    893.5        $ (1,094.0)    $  2,090.1
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============

</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 1998
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                         Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  Net sales                               $    --        $ 1,886.2      $    355.2        $   (186.9)    $  2,054.5

  Costs and expenses
    Cost of sales                              --          1,684.9           319.3            (186.9)       1,817.3
    General and administrative expenses         1.1           60.6            26.7              --             88.4
    Selling and product development
      expenses                                 --             12.8             2.2              --             15.0
    Relocation costs                           15.0           --              --                --             15.0
    Interest expense                           36.5           (2.9)           14.9              --             48.5
    Equity in earnings of subsidiaries        (52.2)          --              --                52.2           --
    Corporate allocations                     (22.0)          22.0            --                --             --
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                              (21.6)       1,777.4           363.1            (134.7)       1,984.2
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Income (loss) before taxes on income         21.6          108.8            (7.9)            (52.2)          70.3
  Provision for taxes on income                16.4          (38.4)           (5.4)             --            (27.4)
  Minority interests                           --             --               5.1              --              5.1
  Equity in earnings (losses) of                0.1           --               1.1              --              1.2
    affiliates
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Net income (loss) before extraordinary
    item                                       38.1           70.4            (7.1)            (52.2)          49.2
  Extraordinary loss from early debt
    extinguishment, net of tax                 (1.0)         (11.1)           --                --            (12.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Net income (loss)                            37.1           59.3            (7.1)            (52.2)          37.1
  Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit      (2.1)          --              --                --             (2.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Earnings (loss) attributable to common
    shareholders                          $    35.0      $    59.3      $     (7.1)       $    (52.2)    $     35.0
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 1997
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                         Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  Net sales                               $    --        $ 1,635.9      $    391.0        $   (213.2)    $  1,813.7

  Costs and expenses
    Cost of sales                              --          1,476.3           346.5            (213.2)       1,609.6
    General and administrative expenses        (1.2)          64.4            19.6              --             82.8
    Selling and product development
      expenses                                 --             10.8             2.0              --             12.8
    Net gain on dispositions                   --             (8.7)           --                --             (8.7)
    Interest expense                           23.7           (0.5)           16.4              --             39.6
    Equity in earnings of subsidiaries        (49.4)          --              --                49.4           --
    Corporate allocations                     (19.3)          19.3            --                --             --
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
                                              (46.2)       1,561.6           384.5            (163.8)       1,736.1
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Income (loss) before taxes on income         46.2           74.3             6.5             (49.4)          77.6
  Provision for taxes on income                 4.2          (25.4)           (7.6)             --            (28.8)
  Minority interests                           --             --               3.8              --              3.8
  Equity in earnings (losses) of            
    affiliates                                  0.1            1.0            (3.2)             --             (2.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
  Net income (loss)                            50.5           49.9            (0.5)            (49.4)          50.5
  Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit      (2.1)          --              --                --             (2.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Earnings (loss) attributable to common
    shareholders                          $    48.4      $    49.9      $     (0.5)       $    (49.4)    $     48.4
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         For the Nine Months Ended September 27, 1998
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                         Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  Cash flows from operating activities
    Net income (loss)                     $    37.1      $    59.3      $     (7.1)       $    (52.2)    $     37.1
    Reconciliation of net income (loss)
      to net cash provided by operating
      activities:
      Depreciation and amortization             2.2           78.7            24.4              --            105.3
      Relocation costs                          8.0           --              --                --              8.0
      Equity earnings of subsidiaries         (52.2)          --              --                52.2           --
      Other, net                                5.6            0.2            (4.6)             --              1.2
      Changes in working capital
         components, excluding effect of
         acquisitions                          51.4          (44.5)           41.5              --             48.4
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
         Net cash provided by (used in)
           operating activities                52.1           93.7            54.2              --            200.0
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Cash flows from investing activities
    Additions to property, plant and
      equipment                                (2.2)         (39.4)          (10.1)             --            (51.7)
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired        (14.6)        (779.7)           --                --           (794.3)
    Investments in and advances to
      affiliates, net                      (1,074.9)       1,048.9            25.1              --             (0.9)
    Intercompany capital contributions
      and transactions                        (75.5)          --              75.5              --             --
    Proceeds from sale of equity
      investments                              --             --               1.1              --              1.1
    Net cash from company-owned life
      insurance                                 0.7            0.7            --                --              1.4
    Other, net                                 (0.1)          (1.4)           (4.0)             --             (5.5)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
         investing activities              (1,166.6)         229.1            87.6              --           (849.9)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Cash flows from financing activities
    Net change in long-term debt            1,194.2         (322.9)          (26.4)             --            844.9
    Net change in short-term debt             (40.7)          --            (107.6)             --           (148.3)
    Debt issuance costs                       (28.9)          --              --                --            (28.9)
    Common and preferred dividends            (15.9)          --              --                --            (15.9)
    Net proceeds from issuance of common
      stock under various employee and
      shareholder plans                        25.2           --              --                --             25.2
    Acquisitions of treasury stock            (12.6)          --              --                --            (12.6)
    Other, net                                 (0.5)          --              (5.5)             --             (6.0)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
         financing activities               1,120.8         (322.9)         (139.5)             --            658.4
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Net increase (decrease) in cash               6.3           (0.1)            2.3              --              8.5
    Cash and temporary investments:
      Beginning of period                       4.2            0.5            20.8              --             25.5
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
      End of period                       $    10.5      $     0.4      $     23.1        $     --       $     34.0
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          For the Nine Months Ended September 28, 1997
                                        -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                             Ball         Guarantor     Non-Guarantor     Eliminating   Consolidated
                                         Corporation    Subsidiaries    Subsidiaries      Adjustments       Total
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>
  Cash flows from operating activities
    Net income (loss)                     $    50.5      $    49.9      $     (0.5)       $    (49.4)    $     50.5
    Reconciliation of net income (loss)
      to net cash provided by operating
      activities:
      Depreciation and amortization             1.1           63.4            21.5              --             86.0
      Equity earnings of subsidiaries         (49.4)          --              --                49.4           --
      Other, net                               (0.6)          (7.5)            7.1              --             (1.0)
      Changes in working capital
         components, excluding effect of
         acquisitions                          15.3          (72.8)           (3.9)             --            (61.4)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
         Net cash provided by (used in)
           operating activities                16.9           33.0            24.2              --             74.1
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Cash flows from investing activities
    Additions to property, plant and
      equipment                                (2.8)         (51.9)          (28.8)             --            (83.5)
    Acquisitions, net of cash acquired         --            (40.4)         (159.4)             --           (199.8)
    Investments in and advances to
      affiliates, net                         (57.3)          79.8           (36.7)             --            (14.2)
    Intercompany capital contributions
      and transactions                       (185.5)          --             185.5              --             --
    Proceeds from sale of equity
      investments                              --             26.2            --                --             26.2
    Net cash from company-owned life
      insurance                                11.0            3.0            --                --             14.0
    Other, net                                 17.4          (14.6)            8.4              --             11.2
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
         investing activities                (217.2)           2.1           (31.0)             --           (246.1)
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Cash flows from financing activities
    Net change in long-term debt               (0.4)         (35.1)          (10.4)             --            (45.9)
    Net change in short-term debt              73.0           --              29.5              --            102.5
    Common and preferred dividends            (16.2)          --               0.1              --            (16.1)
    Net proceeds from issuance of common
      stock under various employee and
      shareholder plans                        15.6           --              --                --             15.6
    Acquisitions of treasury stock            (25.8)          --              --                --            (25.8)
    Other, net                                 (0.9)          --               1.5              --              0.6
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------
      Net cash provided by (used in)
         financing activities                  45.3          (35.1)           20.7              --             30.9
                                        -------------  -------------- ----------------  -------------- --------------

  Net increase (decrease) in cash            (155.0)          --              13.9              --           (141.1)
    Cash and temporary investments:                  
      Beginning of period                     159.6            0.5             9.1              --            169.2
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
      End of period                       $     4.6      $     0.5      $     23.0        $     --       $     28.1
                                        =============  ============== ================  ============== ==============
</TABLE>

<PAGE>



Relocation Costs.
In  February  1998,   Ball  announced  that  it  would  relocate  its  corporate
headquarters to an existing company-owned building in Broomfield,  Colorado. The
total cost of the headquarters relocation is estimated to be approximately $19.0
million  ($11.5  million  after tax or 38 cents per share).  Generally  accepted
accounting  principles do not permit financial statement  recognition of certain
costs, such as employee relocation, until they are paid or incurred.  Therefore,
the Company recorded pretax charges of $4.7 million ($2.9 million after tax or 9
cents per  share)  and $15.0  million  ($9.1  million  after tax or 30 cents per
share),  primarily for  relocation  costs paid or incurred in the three and nine
month periods ended September 27, 1998, respectively. It is anticipated that the
remainder of the relocation  costs will be paid and recorded  largely by the end
of the year.

Dispositions.
The Company sold its equity investment in a technology business during the first
half of 1997 and included a pretax gain of $11.7 million ($7.1 million after tax
or 23 cents per share).  In the second quarter of 1997,  the Company  recorded a
pretax charge of $3.0 million ($1.8 million after tax or six cents per share) to
close  a  small  PET  container  manufacturing  plant  in  connection  with  the
acquisition of certain PET container manufacturing assets.

Shareholders' Equity.
The Company adopted SFAS No. 130,  "Reporting  Comprehensive  Income," effective
January  1,  1998  which   requires   the  Company  to  report  the  changes  in
shareholders'  equity  from all  sources  during  the  period  other  than those
resulting from  investments  by  shareholders  (i.e.,  issuance or repurchase of
common  shares  and  dividends).  Although  adoption  of this  standard  has not
resulted in any change to the historic basis of the determination of earnings or
shareholders'   equity,  the  comprehensive  income  components  recorded  under
generally  accepted  accounting  principles  and  previously  included under the
category "retained  earnings" are displayed as "accumulated other  comprehensive
loss" within the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. The composition
of accumulated other  comprehensive  loss at September 27, 1998 and December 31,
1997 is primarily the cumulative adjustment for foreign currency translation and
additional minimum pension liability.

Total comprehensive  income for the three and nine month periods ended September
27, 1998 is $9.3 million and $30.8 million,  respectively, and $21.1 million and
$50.3 million, for the comparative periods of 1997, respectively. The difference
between net income and  comprehensive  income is primarily  the  adjustment  for
foreign currency translation.

Issued and outstanding  shares of the Series B ESOP Convertible  Preferred Stock
were 1,616,667  shares at September 27, 1998,  and 1,635,410  shares at December
31, 1997.



<PAGE>


Earnings Per Share.
The following  table  provides  additional  information  on the  computation  of
earnings per share amounts:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(Millions of dollars except                        Three months ended               Nine months ended
     per share amounts)                     -------------------------------  -------------------------------
                                             September 27,   September 28,    September 27,   September 28,
                                                 1998            1997             1998            1997
                                            --------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
<S>                                         <C>             <C>              <C>             <C>
   Earnings per Common Share
   Net income before extraordinary item        $   24.9        $   22.7          $  49.2         $  50.5
   Extraordinary loss from early debt
     extinguishment, net of tax                   (12.1)             --            (12.1)             --
                                            --------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
   Net income                                      12.8            22.7             37.1            50.5
   Preferred dividends, net of tax benefit         (0.7)           (0.7)            (2.1)           (2.1)
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============
   Net earnings attributable to common
     shareholders                              $   12.1        $   22.0          $  35.0         $  48.4
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============

   Weighted average common shares (000s)         30,505          30,135           30,345          30,263
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============

   Earnings per common share before
     extraordinary item                        $   0.80        $   0.73          $  1.55         $  1.60
   Extraordinary loss from early debt
     extinguishment, net of tax                   (0.40)             --            (0.40)             --
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============
   Earnings per common share                   $   0.40        $   0.73          $  1.15         $  1.60
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============

   Diluted Earnings per Share
   Net income before extraordinary item        $   24.9        $   22.7          $  49.2         $  50.5
   Extraordinary loss from early debt
     extinguishment, net of tax                   (12.1)             --            (12.1)             --
                                            --------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
   Net income                                      12.8            22.7             37.1            50.5
   Adjustment for deemed ESOP cash
     contribution in lieu of the ESOP
     Preferred dividend                            (0.5)           (0.6)            (1.6)           (1.6)
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============
   Net earnings attributable to common
     shareholders                              $   12.3        $   22.1          $  35.5         $  48.9
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============

   Weighted average common shares (000s)         30,505          30,135           30,345          30,263
   Effect of dilutive stock options                 292             228              246             114
   Common shares issuable upon conversion
     of the ESOP Preferred stock                  1,868           1,911            1,875           1,920
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============
   Weighted average shares applicable
     to diluted earnings per share               32,665          32,274           32,466          32,297
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============

   Earnings per common share before
     extraordinary item                        $   0.75        $   0.68          $  1.46         $  1.51
   Extraordinary loss from early debt
     extinguishment, net of tax                   (0.37)             --            (0.37)             --
                                            --------------- ---------------  --------------- ---------------
   Diluted earnings per share                  $   0.38        $   0.68          $  1.09         $  1.51
                                            =============== ===============  =============== ===============
</TABLE>




<PAGE>


Contingencies.
The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course
of business due, in part, to the  competitive  nature of the industries in which
Ball  participates,  its  operations  in  developing  markets  outside the U.S.,
changing  commodity  prices for the  materials  used in the  manufacture  of its
products, and changing capital markets. Where practicable,  the Company attempts
to reduce  these  risks and  uncertainties,  through the  establishment  of risk
management  policies and  procedures,  including,  at times,  the use of certain
derivative financial instruments.

The Company was not in default of any loan  agreement at September 27, 1998, and
has met all payment obligations.

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  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 the financial  condition,  results of operations,
capital expenditures or competitive position of the Company.

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

Management's  discussion  and analysis  should be read in  conjunction  with the
unaudited  condensed  consolidated  financial  statements  and the  accompanying
notes.  Ball Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively as "Ball"
or the "Company" in the following discussion and analysis.

ACQUISITIONS

On August 10,  1998,  Ball  acquired  substantially  all the assets and  assumed
certain  liabilities  of the  domestic  beverage can  manufacturing  business of
Reynolds Metals Company  (Reynolds) for a total purchase price of  approximately
$745.4 million, subject to certain adjustments.  The acquisition of Reynolds has
been accounted for as a purchase and, accordingly, its results of operations are
included in the consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition.

The assets  acquired  consist largely of 16 plants in 12 states and Puerto Rico,
as well as a  headquarters  facility  in  Richmond,  Virginia.  The  Company has
announced that it will close the Richmond facility and consolidate  headquarters
operations  at its offices near Denver,  Colorado.  In addition,  the Company is
assessing possible further integration  opportunities and has initially recorded
a $52.0  million  liability,  before  tax  effects,  as a part of the  valuation
process.  Upon  finalization  of the plan,  adjustments to the liability will be
reflected in the allocation of the purchase price.

During 1998, FTB Packaging Limited purchased  substantially all of the remaining
direct and indirect  minority  interest in M.C.  Packaging  (Hong Kong)  Limited
which  represented  less  than ten  percent  of the  outstanding  shares of M.C.
Packaging (Hong Kong) Limited.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results
Consolidated net sales of $859.2 million for the third quarter of 1998 increased
approximately  25 percent  compared to the third quarter of 1997.  For the first
nine months of 1998,  consolidated  net sales were $2.1 billion,  an increase of
approximately  13 percent  over the same period for 1997.  The increase in sales
resulted  primarily from the  acquisition  of Reynolds.  Excluding the effect of
Reynolds,  net sales for the first nine  months of 1998  increased  nearly  five
percent  reflecting  increased  volume from both the plastic and metal  beverage
container  operations,  partially  offset by lower sales from the  aerospace and
technologies segment.

Net earnings  attributable to common shareholders (before extraordinary item) of
$24.2 million,  or 80 cents per share,  for the third quarter of 1998 included a
pretax  charge of $4.7 million  ($2.9 million after tax or nine cents per share)
for the relocation of the Company's corporate office. Net earnings  attributable
to common  shareholders were $22.0 million, or 73 cents per share, for the third
quarter of 1997. Excluding the 1998 charges taken for the extraordinary item and
the relocation,  net earnings  attributable to common shareholders  increased 23
percent over the 1997 third quarter.

<PAGE>
For the first nine months of 1998, earnings  attributable to common shareholders
(before extraordinary item) were $47.1 million, or $1.55 per share, including an
after-tax  charge of $9.1 million,  or 30 cents per share, for costs incurred in
connection with the relocation of the corporate headquarters.  In the first nine
months of 1997, earnings were $48.4 million, or $1.60 cents per share, including
a  net  after-tax  gain  of  $5.3  million,  or  17  cents  per  share,  largely
attributable to the sale of the interest in a technology business.

In  February  1998,   Ball  announced  that  it  would  relocate  its  corporate
headquarters to an existing company-owned building in Broomfield,  Colorado. The
total cost of the  headquarters  relocation  is  estimated  to be $19.0  million
($11.5 million after tax or 38 cents per share).  Generally accepted  accounting
principles do not permit financial statement  recognition of certain costs, such
as employee relocation, until they are paid or incurred.  Therefore, the Company
recorded  pretax  charges of $4.7 million  ($2.9 million after tax or nine cents
per share) and $15.0  million  ($9.1  million  after tax or 30 cents per share),
primarily for  relocation  costs paid or incurred in the third quarter and first
nine months of 1998,  respectively.  It is anticipated that the remainder of the
relocation costs will be paid and recorded largely by the end of the year.

The Company sold its investment in a technology  business  during the first half
of 1997 and included a pretax gain of $11.7  million  ($7.1 million after tax or
23 cents per  share).  In the second  quarter of 1997,  the  Company  recorded a
pretax charge of $3.0 million ($1.8 million after tax or six cents per share) to
close  a  small  PET  container  manufacturing  plant  in  connection  with  the
acquisition of certain PET container manufacturing assets.

Interest and Taxes
Consolidated interest expense for the third quarter and the first nine months of
1998 was  $22.4  million  and $48.5  million,  respectively,  compared  to $14.3
million  and $39.6  million,  for the same  periods of 1997,  respectively.  The
increase in both periods is  attributable to the additional debt associated with
the Reynolds acquisition.

Ball's  consolidated  effective  income tax rate was 34.4  percent for the third
quarter of 1998 compared to 36.5 percent for the third quarter of 1997.  For the
first nine months of 1998, the effective tax rate was  approximately  39 percent
compared to 37.1 percent for 1997.  The  effective  tax rates for the first nine
months  reflect a reduction in taxes  attributable  to creditable  costs of U.S.
research and development of $2.9 million (nine cents per share) and $2.5 million
(eight  cents per  share)  for 1998 and 1997,  respectively.  Excluding  the tax
credits,  the consolidated  effective income tax rates for the third quarter and
first  nine  months  of 1998  would  have been 42.6  percent  and 43.1  percent,
respectively,  and 40.3 percent for the first nine months of 1997, which largely
reflect the tax effects of foreign operations.

Results of Equity Affiliates
Equity in earnings of affiliates for the third quarter of 1998 were $0.7 million
compared to a loss of $1.7 million for the third  quarter of 1997.  For the nine
month  periods,  equity in earnings of affiliates was $1.2 million and a loss of
$2.1 million for 1998 and 1997, respectively.  Equity earnings in affiliates are
largely  attributable to equity  investments in China,  Thailand and Brazil. The
improved  results in 1998 reflect the effects of the  strengthening  of the Thai
baht and reduced  start-up  costs  compared to 1997 when  operations  in Brazil,
Thailand and China began.  Although there has been improvement  during 1998, the
Thai baht remains volatile, and there can be no assurance that the current trend
will  continue.  Both 1997 and 1998 results  include lower earnings from certain
equity  affiliates  reflecting  the soft  China  market  which are  expected  to
continue throughout 1998.

Extraordinary Loss on Early Debt Extinguishment
In connection with the acquisition,  the Company refinanced approximately $521.9
million of its  existing  debt and, as a result,  recorded a pre-tax  charge for
early  extinguishment of the debt of approximately  $19.9 million ($12.1 million
after tax or 40 cents per share).

Business Segments
Packaging
Packaging  segment net sales were $772.8  million for the third  quarter of 1998
compared to $588.0  million in the third quarter of 1997. Net sales for the nine
month  periods were  $1,795.9  million and  $1,510.3  million for 1998 and 1997,
respectively. The increase in both periods reflects the acquisition of Reynolds.
Segment  operating  earnings for the third  quarter and the first nine months of
1998  increased  from  1997 due to the  additional  earnings  from the  Reynolds
business  and  improved  earnings in the metal  beverage  and plastic  container
businesses  which were  partially  offset by lower results within the metal food
can business in North America and packaging operations in China.

Within  the  packaging  segment,  sales in the North  American  metal  container
business  increased  40.4  percent and 19.3 percent for the three and nine month
periods,  respectively.  Excluding  the effect of the business  acquired,  sales
increased  5.9 percent and 6.2 for the 1998  quarter and  year-to-date  periods,
respectively,  resulting  from  higher  shipments  of  metal  beverage  and food
containers  in both periods.  Increased  metal  beverage can operating  earnings
reflect the higher shipment levels as well as improved  operating  efficiencies.
Metal food container  operating earnings declined from 1997 results due in large
part to reduced salmon can volumes (primarily the result of a government imposed
ban on  commercial  salmon  fishing)  and the  effects of a strike in a Canadian
facility.

<PAGE>
Plastic  container sales as a percentage of consolidated  sales increased to 8.3
percent  in  1998  from  5.9  percent  in  1997.  The  1998  third  quarter  and
year-to-date results of plastic container operations were significantly improved
over the same periods in 1997 and included the first  full-year of operations of
an East Coast  plant.  Costs  associated  with the start-up of new plants in the
eastern United States and the Midwest,  and the closure of a small PET container
manufacturing  facility contributed to the operating loss in 1997. Ball acquired
certain  manufacturing assets in early July 1997 and began supplying PET bottles
to an East Coast bottler under a multi-year contract.

Sales within  Ball's FTB Packaging  operations  decreased for the three and nine
month  periods  of 1998  compared  to the  same  periods  in 1997.  Quarter  and
year-to-date  earnings were also down from the prior year,  due in large part to
the effects on the  marketplace of economic  disruption in Asia. The unit sold a
record number of cans during the quarter, but pricing remains under pressure due
to excess manufacturing  capacity in China. FTB has taken steps to substantially
reduce its headquarters  staffing and the Company is examining its operations in
China in order to improve  results there while  maintaining  its leading  market
position.

Aerospace and Technologies
Sales in the aerospace and technologies  segment for the third quarter and first
nine months of 1998 decreased to $86.4 million and $258.6 million, respectively,
compared to $102.3 million and $303.3 million in 1997. The sales  reduction from
1997 to 1998  reflects,  in large  part,  reduced  activity in  connection  with
government  programs and the  unusually  strong demand in the first half of 1997
for certain telecommunications  equipment and related products. Demand for those
products in 1998 returned to more normal levels. The operating earnings decrease
in 1998  reflected the effect of lower sales in 1998 and the  inclusion,  in the
first half of 1997, of one-time early delivery  incentives  earned in connection
with  telecommunication  products.  Backlog  at the end of  September  1998  was
approximately  $326.3 million compared to approximately $267 million at December
31,  1997,  and $287  million  at the end of the  September  1997.  Year-to-year
comparisons  of backlog are not  necessarily  indicative  of the trend of future
operations.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash  provided by operations in 1998 of $200.0  million  improved  significantly
compared  to 1997,  due in part to a  reduction  in the  amount of cash used for
normal  seasonal  working  capital   requirements  and  higher  depreciation  in
connection with the Reynolds  acquisition.  Capital spending of $51.7 million in
the first nine months of 1998 is below depreciation of $96.1 million. Total 1998
capital spending is expected to be approximately $97 million.

Primarily  as a result of the  Reynolds  acquisition,  total debt  increased  to
$1,464.7  million at September 27, 1998  compared to $773.1  million at December
31,  1997.  The  debt-to-total  capitalization  ratio  rose to 67.7  percent  at
September 27, 1998 from 53.0 percent at December 31, 1997.

In connection with the acquisition,  the Company refinanced approximately $521.9
million of its existing debt and, as a result,  recorded an extraordinary charge
from the early  extinguishment of debt of approximately  $12.1 million (40 cents
per share), net of related income tax benefit.

The acquisition and the refinancing, including related costs, were financed with
a placement of $300.0  million in 7.75% Senior  Notes,  $250.0  million in 8.25%
Senior Subordinated Notes and approximately  $808.2 million from a Senior Credit
Facility.

The Senior Notes,  which are due August 1, 2006, are  unsecured,  rank senior to
the Company's  subordinated debt and are guaranteed on a senior basis by certain
of the  Company's  domestic  subsidiaries  (see  Subsidiary  Guarantees  of Debt
footnote). The Senior Subordinated Notes, which are due August 1, 2008, are also
unsecured,  rank  subordinate  to existing and future senior debt of the Company
and are guaranteed by certain  subsidiaries  of the Company (see the "Subsidiary
Guarantees of Debt" note).  Both note agreements  contain certain  covenants and
restrictions  including,  among other things,  restrictions on the incurrence of
additional indebtedness and the payment of dividends.

The Company will offer to exchange the Senior Notes and the Senior  Subordinated
Notes.  The  terms  of the new  notes  will be  substantially  identical  in all
respects  (including  principal  amount,  interest rate,  maturity,  ranking and
covenant  restrictions)  to the  terms  of the  notes  for  which  they  will be
exchanged  except that the new notes will be registered under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended,  and therefore will not be subject to certain  restrictions
on transfer  except as provided in the Prospectus.  The note agreements  provide
that if the new notes are assigned  investment  grade ratings and the Company is
not in default, certain covenant restrictions will be suspended.

<PAGE>
The Senior Credit Facility is comprised of three separate  facilities,  two term
loans and a revolving credit facility.  The first term loan provides the Company
with up to $350.0  million  and  matures in August,  2004.  The second term loan
provides the Company with up to $200.0 million and matures in March,  2006. Both
term loans are payable in quarterly  installments  beginning in March, 1999. The
revolving  credit facility  provides the Company with up to $650.0  million,  of
which  $150.0  million  is  available  for a period of 364 days,  renewable  for
another 364 days from the current  termination date at the option of the Company
and the participating  lenders.  The remainder is comprised of letters of credit
with an expiration  date of up to one year and  revolving  loans which mature in
August,  2004. The Senior Credit  Facility bears interest at variable  rates, is
guaranteed  by  certain   subsidiaries  of  the  Company  (see  the  "Subsidiary
Guarantees  of Debt"  note) and  contains  certain  covenants  and  restrictions
including,  among other  things,  restrictions  on the  incurrence of additional
indebtedness and the payment of dividends.  In addition, all amounts outstanding
under the Senior  Credit  Facility are secured by (1) a pledge of 100 percent of
the stock of the Company's direct and indirect  majority-owned  subsidiaries and
(2) a pledge  of 65  percent  of the  stock of the  Company's  material  foreign
subsidiaries.

The Company has a Canadian dollar credit facility for committed short-term funds
of up to $50.0  million at  September  27, 1998.  At quarter end,  approximately
$26.4  million  was  outstanding  under  this  facility.   The  Company's  Asian
subsidiary and related investments had short-term  uncommitted credit facilities
of approximately  $226.9 million at the end of the third quarter, of which $80.8
million was outstanding at September 27, 1998.

The Company's  accounts  receivable  sales  agreement  provides for the ongoing,
revolving  sale of up to $75.0  million of a designated  pool of trade  accounts
receivable of Ball's domestic packaging businesses.  Net funds received from the
sale of the accounts  receivable  totaled  $65.9 million and $66.5 million as of
September 27, 1998 and September  28, 1997,  respectively.  Fees related to this
agreement  for the three and nine month  periods of 1998 were $0.9  million  and
$2.8  million,  respectively,  and $0.9  million  and $2.8  million for the same
periods in 1997. These fees are included in general and administrative expenses.

YEAR 2000 UPDATE

Many computer  systems and other equipment with embedded chips or processors use
only two digits to  represent  the year and, as a result,  they may be unable to
process  accurately  certain  data before,  during or after the year 2000.  As a
result,   business   and   governmental   entities  are  at  risk  for  possible
miscalculations or system failures causing disruptions in their operations. This
is  commonly  known as the Year  2000  issue  and can  arise at any point in the
Company's supply, manufacturing, processing, distribution and financial chains.

Most of Ball's critical  systems and related software are Year 2000 compliant or
are not  adversely  impacted  by the Year 2000 issue.  However,  a program is in
progress to make the  remaining  software  and systems Year 2000  compliant,  or
verify  that the Year 2000 issue will not  adversely  impact  the  software  and
systems, in time to minimize any significant negative effects on operations. The
program covers information systems infrastructure,  financial and administrative
systems,  process control and manufacturing operating systems and the compliance
profiles of  significant  vendors,  lenders  and  customers.  Completion  of the
programs already identified is on target for mid-1999.

In addition,  Ball relies on third party  suppliers  for raw  materials,  water,
utilities,  transportation,  banking and other key services, the interruption of
which could affect its operations. The program identified above includes efforts
to  evaluate  the  status of  suppliers'  and  customers'  efforts as a means of
managing risk but cannot  eliminate the  potential for  disruption  due to third
party failure.

The Company is also  developing  contingency  plans  intended  to  mitigate  the
possible  disruption in business  operations that may result from external third
party  Year 2000  issues.  Such plans may  include  stockpiling  raw  materials,
increasing  inventory levels,  securing  alternate sources of supply,  adjusting
facility  shut-down and start-up schedules and other appropriate  measures.  The
contingency  plans and  related  cost  estimates  will be refined as  additional
information becomes available.

Over the course of the past several years, systems  installations,  upgrades and
enhancements  were  performed  with  specific  attention  given  to the  Company
becoming Year 2000 compliant.  As a result,  when a formal Year 2000 program was
instituted  in 1996,  much of the  Company's  Year 2000  matters had either been
resolved  or were  near  resolution.  Given the  actions  to date as well as the
results of the compliance  program,  the Company  believes,  at this time,  that
costs specifically resulting from completing the internal Year 2000 program will
not be significant to its results of operations or financial condition.

<PAGE>
Due to the general uncertainty  inherent in the Year 2000 problem,  resulting in
part  from  the  uncertainty  of the  Year  2000  readiness  of the  third-party
suppliers and customers, the Company is unable to determine at this time whether
the  consequences  of Year  2000  failures  will have a  material  impact on the
Company's results of operations, liquidity or financial condition. The Company's
Year 2000 issue program is reducing the level of uncertainty about the Year 2000
issue and,  in  particular,  about the Year 2000  compliance  and  readiness  of
material  external third parties  dealing with Ball. The Company  believes that,
with the recent  implementation  of new business  systems and  completion of the
program as scheduled,  the  possibility of significant  interruptions  of normal
operations should be reduced.

The discussion of the Company's efforts, and management's expectations, relating
to Year  2000  compliance  contain  forward-looking  statements.  The  Company's
ability to achieve Year 2000 compliance and the level of associated  incremental
costs could be adversely  impacted by, among other things,  the availability and
cost of  programming  and  testing  resources,  the  ability  of  suppliers  and
customers to bring their systems into Year 2000  compliance,  and  unanticipated
problems identified in the ongoing compliance review.

The information contained herein (including the attached Exhibit 99.1) regarding
the  Company's  efforts to deal with the Year 2000  problem  apply to all of the
Company's  products  and  services.  Such  statements  are intended as Year 2000
Statements and Year 2000 Readiness  Disclosures and are subject to the Year 2000
Information Readiness Disclosure Act.

OTHER

The Company is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the ordinary course
of business due, in part, to the  competitive  nature of the industries in which
Ball  participates,  its  operations  in  developing  markets  outside the U.S.,
changing  commodity  prices for the  materials  used in the  manufacture  of its
products, and changing capital markets. Where practicable,  the Company attempts
to reduce  these  risks and  uncertainties,  through the  establishment  of risk
management  policies and  procedures,  including,  at times,  the use of certain
derivative financial instruments.

The Company was not in default of any loan  agreement at September 27, 1998, and
has met all payment obligations.

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  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 the financial  condition,  results of operations,
capital expenditures or competitive position of the Company.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The  Company  has made or implied  certain  forward-looking  statements  in this
report. These  forward-looking  statements represent the Company's goals and are
based on certain  assumptions  and estimates  regarding  the worldwide  economy,
specific industry  technological  innovations,  industry  competitive  activity,
interest rates,  capital  expenditures,  pricing,  currency  movements,  product
introductions,  and  the  development  of  certain  domestic  and  international
markets.  Some 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; the
weather;  fuel costs and  availability;  regulatory  action;  federal  and state
legislation;   interest   rates;   labor   strikes;   maintenance   and  capital
expenditures;  local economic conditions; the authorization and control over the
availability  of government  contracts and the nature and  continuation of those
contracts  and  related  services  provided  thereunder;  the success or lack of
success of the satellite launches and business of EarthWatch; the devaluation of
international  currencies;  and the ability to obtain adequate credit  resources
for  foreseeable  financing  requirements  of  the  Company's  businesses;   the
inability  of the Company to achieve  year 2000  compliance;  the ability of the
Company to acquire other businesses.  If the Company's assumptions and estimates
are  incorrect,  or if it is unable to  achieve  its goals,  then the  Company's
actual  performance  could vary materially from those goals expressed or implied
in the forward-looking statements.

<PAGE>
PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

The Company previously reported that Chrysler Corporation  ("Chrysler") notified
the Company that  Chrysler,  Ford Motor Company and General  Motors  Corporation
have been named in a lawsuit filed in the U.S.  District Court in Reno,  Nevada,
by Jerome  Lemelson,  alleging  infringement  of three of his vision  inspection
system  patents  used by the  defendants.  One or more of the vision  inspection
systems used by the  defendants  may have been supplied by the Company's  former
Industrial  Systems  Division  or its  predecessors.  The suit seeks  injunctive
relief and unspecified damages.  Chrysler notified the Company that the division
may have indemnification  responsibilities to Chrysler. The Company responded to
Chrysler that the systems were sold to Chrysler  before the patents were issued.
On June 16, 1995, the Magistrate of the U.S. District Court declared the patents
of Lemelson  unenforceable  because of the long delays in prosecution.  On April
28, 1997, the U.S. District Court Judge vacated the report and recommendation of
the U.S.  Magistrate and found that the patents were not invalid.  On August 20,
1997, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal  Circuit denied Ford's  petition
for  permission to appeal.  Mr.  Lemelson died in October 1997. In January 1998,
the court  permitted  the  Lemelson  Medical,  Education & Research  Foundation,
Limited  Partnership  to be  substituted  as a party to the  lawsuit.  The Court
remanded the case back to the U.S. Magistrate for further proceedings on pending
motions. Based on that information,  the Company is unable to express an opinion
as to the actual  exposure of the Company for these matters.  Under an agreement
in connection with the spin-off of Alltrista  Corporation  from Ball,  Alltrista
has agreed to indemnify Ball for liabilities arising from this litigation.

On September 21 1998, The Daiei, Inc. (Daiei), a Japanese corporation,  with its
principal place of business in Tokyo,  Japan,  sued the Company in U.S. District
Court,  Southern District of Indiana,  Evansville Division.  Daiei alleges it is
engaged  in the  retail  sale of  consumer  goods  and food  products  at stores
throughout  Japan.  Daiei alleges that it purchased  defective  beer cans filled
with beer from Evansville Brewing Company,  Inc. (EBC) between April 5, 1995 and
July 20, 1995.  Daiei further alleges that the metal containers were defectively
assembled and sealed by EBC at its production  facility in Evansville,  Indiana,
upon a machine which was  inspected by  representatives  of Ball.  Daiei further
alleges  that Ball  breached  its  warranty  to provide  metal  containers  that
performed in a commercially  reasonable manner, and that Ball's  representatives
were negligent in the repair of the sealing  equipment owned by EBC. Daiei seeks
damages for the lost containers and product in the amount of approximately  $6.0
million. The Company has retained counsel and is defending this case. 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.

The Company  previously  disclosed  in its Form 10-K for 1997 that,  on or about
June 14, 1990, the El Monte plant of Ball-InCon  Glass  Packaging  Corp., a then
wholly owned  subsidiary  of the Company  (renamed  Ball Glass) and now owned by
Ball-Foster Glass Container Co., L.L.C.,  which is wholly owned by Saint-Gobain,
received a general  notification  letter and  information  request from the EPA,
notifying  Ball  Glass  that it may have a  potential  liability  as  defined in
Section  107(a) of CERCLA at the San Gabriel  Valley areas 1-4  Superfund  sites
located in Los Angeles,  California.  The EPA requested certain information from
Ball Glass, and Ball Glass responded.  The Company received notice from the City
of El Monte that,  under a proposed city economic  redevelopment  plan, the City
proposed  to  commence  groundwater  clean-up  by a pump and  treat  remediation
process.  A PRP group  organized and drafted a PRP group  agreement,  which Ball
Glass signed. The PRP group retained an environment engineering firm to critique
the EPA studies and any proposed remediation.

The PRP  group  completed  negotiations  with  the EPA  over  the  terms  of the
administrative  consent order,  statement of work for the remedial investigation
phase of the  clean-up,  and the interim  allocation  arrangement  between group
members to fund the  remedial  investigation.  The interim  allocation  approach
requires  that any payment will be based upon  contribution  to  pollution.  The
group and the EPA signed the administrative consent order. The group retained an
environmental engineering consulting firm to perform the remedial investigation.
As required under the  administrative  consent order, the group submitted to the
EPA all copies of all environmental  studies conducted by Ball at the plant, the
majority of which has already been furnished to the State of California. The EPA
approved the work plan,  project  management  plan, and the data management plan
portions of the PRP group's proposed  remedial  investigation/feasibility  study
(RI/FS).  The group is  currently  funding the RI/FS.  The group has  proposed a
range  of  remedies.  The  EPA  selected  the  most  extensive  remedy  (shallow
groundwater  remediation  for the  east  and west  plans  and  deep  groundwater
remediation  around City Wall No. 5) but will allow some  discretion  concerning
approaches to implementing the remedy.  The group now estimates that the cost of
such remedies might range from minimal costs to $25 million for deep groundwater
remediation. The group has not made any final allocation.

<PAGE>
Based on the  information  available  to the  Company at the present  time,  the
Company is unable to express an opinion as to the actual exposure of the Company
for this matter.  However,  Commercial  Union, the Company's  general  liability
insurer,  is defending the governmental action and is paying the cost of defense
including attorneys' fees.

Item 2.  Changes in securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 2 for the quarter ending
September 27, 1998.

Item 3.  Defaults upon senior securities

There were no events required to be reported under Item 3 for the quarter ending
September 27, 1998.

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 27, 1998.

Item 5.  Other information

Shareholders  should  be  advised  that  under  Rule  14a-4(c)(1)  that  where a
shareholder  has not sought  inclusion  of a  proposal  in the  Company's  Proxy
Statement, that if a shareholder fails to notify the Company at least forty-five
(45)  days  prior  to the  month  and day of  mailing  the  prior  year's  Proxy
Statement,   then  the  management   proxies  would  be  allowed  to  use  their
discretionary  voting  authority,  if such  proposal  is  raised  at the  Annual
Meeting,  without  any  discussion  of the  matter in the Proxy  Statement.  The
Company's  prior year Proxy  Statement was mailed on March 16, 1998.  Therefore,
any proposals must be received by the Company forty-five (45) days prior to that
date, or by January 30, 1999.

Item 6.  Exhibits and reports on Form 8-K

(a)  Exhibits

       3.2  Restated and Amended Bylaws of the Company
      27.1  Financial Data Schedule
      99.1  Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
            Act of 1995, as amended.

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K

     A  Current  Report  on  Form 8-K was filed  July 29, 1998,  reporting under
     Item 5 an  announcement  by Ball  Corporation  and Reynolds  Metals Company
     which stated that the  Hart-Scott-Rodino  waiting period  regarding  Ball's
     purchase of Reynolds' North American  aluminum  beverage can and end assets
     expired on July 21, 1998. 

     A  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  was filed  August  25,  1998,  reporting
     under Item 2 the acquisition on August 10, 1998 of substantially all of the
     assets of Reynolds  Metals Company by Ball  Corporation  and its Ball Metal
     Beverage Container Corp. subsidiary.

     A  Current  Report  on  Form 8-K/A  was filed  October 23, 1998,  reporting
     under Item 7 of Regulations S-X amended financial information in connection
     with the August 10, 1998 acquisition of Reynolds Metals Company.

<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
      Vice Chairman
         and Chief Financial Officer


Date: November 5, 1998 


<PAGE>




                        Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries
                          QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
                               September 27, 1998


                                  EXHIBIT INDEX

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


Restated and Amended Bylaws of the Company (Filed herewith.)         EX-3.2

Financial Data Schedule (Filed herewith.)                            EX-27.1

Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation
    Reform Act of 1995, as amended. (Filed herewith.)                EX-99.1



<PAGE>

Exhibit 3.2

                                     Bylaws
                                       of
                                Ball Corporation
                           (As of September 23, 1998)


                                   Article One

                                  Capital Stock

         Section A. Classes of Stock. The capital stock of the corporation shall
consist of shares of such kinds and  classes,  with such  designations  and such
relative  rights,  preferences,  qualifications,  limitations and  restrictions,
including  voting rights,  and for such  consideration  as shall be stated in or
determined  in accordance  with the Amended  Articles of  Incorporation  and any
amendment  or  amendments  thereof,  or the Indiana  Business  Corporation  Law.
Consistent  with the Indiana  Business  Corporation  Law,  capital  stock of the
corporation  owned by the  corporation  may be referred to and  accounted for as
treasury stock.

         Section B.  Certificates for Shares.  All share  certificates  shall be
consecutively  numbered  as issued and shall be signed by the  chairman  and the
corporate secretary or assistant corporate secretary of the corporation.

         Section C.  Transfer of Shares.  The shares of the capital stock of the
corporation  shall be  transferred  only on the books of the  corporation by the
holder thereof,  or by his attorney,  upon the surrender and cancellation of the
stock  certificate,   whereupon  a  new  certificate  shall  be  issued  to  the
transferee. The transfer and assignment of such shares of stock shall be subject
to the laws of the State of Indiana. The board of directors shall have the right
to appoint and employ one or more stock registrars and/or transfer agents in the
State of Indiana or in any other state.

         Section D. Control Share Acquisition  Statute Inapplicable.  Chapter 42
of  the Indiana Business Corporation Law (IC 23-1-42) shall not apply to control
share acquisitions of shares of the corporation.

                                   Article Two

                                  Shareholders

         Section  A.  Annual  Meetings.   The  regular  annual  meeting  of  the
shareholders of the corporation  shall be held on the fourth  Wednesday in April
of each year, or on such other date within a reasonable interval after the close
of the corporation's  last fiscal year as may be designated from time to time by
the board of directors,  for the election of the  directors of the  corporation,
and for the  transaction  of such other business as is authorized or required to
be transacted by the shareholders.

         Section B.  Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the shareholders may
be called  by the president or by the board of directors or as otherwise  may be
required by law.

         Section C. Time and Place of Meetings. All meetings of the shareholders
shall be held at the principal  office of the corporation or at such other place
within or  without  the State of Indiana  and at such time as may be  designated
from time to time by the board of directors.

                                  Article Three

                                    Directors

         Section A. Number and Terms of Office.  The business of the corporation
shall  be  controlled  and  managed  in  accordance  with the  Indiana  Business
Corporation Law by a board of ten directors, divided into classes as provided in
the Amended Articles of Incorporation.

         Section B.  Eligibility.  No person  shall be eligible  for election or
reelection as a director after having attained the age of seventy prior to or on
the day of election  or  reelection.  A director  who attains the age of seventy
during  his term of office  shall be  eligible  to serve  only  until the annual
meeting of  shareholders  of the  corporation  next  following  such  director's
seventieth birthday.

         Section C. Regular Meetings. The regular annual meeting of the board of
directors shall be held immediately after the adjournment of each annual meeting
of the shareholders.  Regular quarterly meetings of the board of directors shall
be held on the fourth  Wednesday of January,  July, and October of each year, or
on such  other  date as may be  designated  from  time to time by the  board  of
directors.

         Section D. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the board of directors
may be  called at any time by the  chairman  of the  board or by the  board,  by
giving to each director an oral or written  notice  setting the time,  place and
purpose of holding such meetings.

<PAGE>
         Section E. Time and Place of  Meetings.  All  meetings  of the board of
directors shall be held at the principal office of the  corporation,  or at such
other  place  within or without  the State of Indiana and at such time as may be
designated from time to time by the board of directors.

         Section F.  Notices.  Any  notice,  of  meetings  or  otherwise,  which
is given or is required to be given to  any director  may be in the form of oral
notice.

         Section G.  Committees.  The board of directors is expressly authorized
to create committees  and  appoint members of the board of directors to serve on
them, as follows:

         (1)   Temporary  and  standing   committees,   including  an  executive
committee, and the respective chairmen thereof, may be appointed by the board of
directors,  from time to time. The board of directors may invest such committees
with such powers and limit the  authority of such  committees as it may see fit,
subject to conditions as it may prescribe. The executive committee shall consist
of three or more members of the board. All other committees shall consist of one
or more members of the board.  All  committees  so appointed  shall keep regular
minutes of the  transactions of their meetings,  shall cause them to be recorded
in books  kept for that  purpose  in the  office of the  corporation,  and shall
report the same to the board of directors at its next  meeting.  Within its area
of  responsibility,  each committee shall have and exercise all of the authority
of the board of  directors,  except as limited by the board of  directors  or by
law, and shall have the power to authorize the execution of an affixation of the
seal of the corporation to all papers or documents which may require it.

         (2) Neither the  designation of any of the foregoing  committees or the
delegation thereto of authority shall operate to relieve the board of directors,
or any member thereof, of any responsibility imposed by law.

         Section H.  Loans to Directors.  Except as consistent  with the Indiana
Business  Corporation  Law, the corporation shall not lend money to or guarantee
the obligation of any director of the corporation.

                                  Article Four

                                    Officers

         Section A. Election and Term of Office. The officers of the corporation
shall be elected by the board of directors at the regular  annual meeting of the
board,  unless  the board  shall  otherwise  determine,  and shall  consist of a
chairman of the board of directors, if so designated as an officer by the board,
a  president,  one or more  vice  presidents  (any  one or  more of whom  may be
designated   "corporate,"   "group,"  or  other   functionally   described  vice
president), a corporate secretary, a treasurer, and, if so elected by the board,
may include a vice-chairman  of the board of directors and one or more assistant
secretaries and assistant treasurers. The board of directors shall, from time to
time, designate either the chairman of the board of directors, the president or,
if elected, the vice-chairman of the board of directors,  as the chief executive
officer of the corporation, who shall have general supervision of the affairs of
the  corporation.  The board of directors  may,  from time to time,  designate a
chief operating officer and a chief financial officer from among the officers of
the corporation. Each officer shall continue in office until his successor shall
have been duly elected and qualified or until removed in the manner  hereinafter
provided.  Vacancies  occasioned by any cause in any one or more of such offices
may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term by the board of directors at
any regular or special meeting of the board.

         Section B.  Chairman of the Board.  The  chairman of the board shall be
chosen from among the  directors  and shall preside at all meetings of the board
of directors and shareholders. He shall confer from time to time with members of
the board and the  officers  of the  corporation  and shall  perform  such other
duties as may be assigned to him by the board. Except where by law the signature
of the  president is required,  the chairman of the board shall possess the same
power  as  the  president  to  sign  all  certificates,   contracts,  and  other
instruments  of  the  corporation  which  may be  authorized  by  the  board  of
directors.  During the absence or disability of the president,  if the president
has been designated chief executive officer, the chairman of the board shall act
as the chief  executive  officer of the  corporation  and shall exercise all the
powers and discharge all the duties of the president.

         Section C.  Vice-Chairman of the Board. The vice-chairman of the board,
if elected,  shall be chosen from among the directors and shall,  in the absence
of the chairman of the board,  preside at all meetings of the  shareholders  and
directors.  He shall have and  exercise the powers and duties of the chairman of
the board in the event of the chairman's absence or inability to act or during a
vacancy in the office of chairman of the board.  He shall possess the same power
as the chairman to sign all  certificates,  contracts,  and other instruments of
the corporation which may be authorized by the board of directors. He shall also
have such other duties and  responsibilities  as shall be assigned to him by the
board of directors or chairman.

<PAGE>
         Section D. The President. The president and his duties shall be subject
to the control of the board of  directors  and, if the chairman of the board has
been designated chief executive  officer,  to the control of the chairman of the
board.  The  president  shall  have the  power to sign and  execute  all  deeds,
mortgages,  bonds,  contracts,  and  other  instruments  of the  corporation  as
authorized  by the board of  directors,  except in cases  where the  signing and
execution thereof shall be expressly  designated by the board of directors or by
these bylaws to some other officer,  official or agent of the  corporation.  The
president  shall perform all duties incident to the office of president and such
other duties as are properly  required of him by the bylaws.  During the absence
or disability of the chairman of the board and the  vice-chairman  of the board,
the president  shall exercise all the powers and discharge all the duties of the
chairman of the board.

         Section E. The Vice  Presidents.  The vice presidents shall possess the
same  power as the  president  to sign all  certificates,  contracts,  and other
instruments  of  the  corporation  which  may be  authorized  by  the  board  of
directors,  except where by law the signature of the president is required.  All
vice  presidents  shall perform such duties as may from time to time be assigned
to them by the board of directors, the chairman of the board, and the president.
In the event of the absence or disability of the  president,  and at the request
of the chairman of the board, or in his absence or disability, at the request of
the  vice-chairman  of the board, or in his absence or disability at the request
of the board of directors,  the vice  presidents in the order  designated by the
chairman of the board, or in his absence or disability by the  vice-chairman  of
the board,  or in his absence or  disability  by the board of  directors,  shall
perform all of the duties of the  president,  and when so acting they shall have
all of the powers of and be subject to the  restrictions  upon the president and
shall act as a member of, or as a chairman of, any standing or special committee
of which the president is a member or chairman by designation or ex officio.

         Section F.  The Corporate Secretary.   The  corporate  secretary of the
corporation shall:

         (1)      Keep the minutes of the  meetings of the  shareholders and the
board of  directors in books provided for that purpose.

         (2) See  that  all  notices  are  duly  given  in  accordance  with the
provisions of these bylaws and as required by law.

         (3) Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the  corporation and
see that the seal is affixed to all documents,  the execution of which on behalf
of the  corporation  under its seal is duly  authorized in  accordance  with the
provisions of these bylaws.

         (4) Keep a register  of the post  office  address of each  shareholder,
which  shall be  furnished  to the  corporate  secretary  at his request by such
shareholder,  and make all proper changes in such register, retaining and filing
his authority for all such entries.

         (5) See that the books, reports, statements, certificates and all other
documents  and  records   required  by  law  are  properly  kept,   filed,   and
authenticated.

         (6) In general,  perform all duties incident to the office of corporate
secretary  and such other  duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by
the board of directors.

         (7) In case of absence or disability of the  corporate  secretary,  the
assistant  secretaries,  in the order designated by the chief executive officer,
shall perform the duties of corporate secretary.

         Section G.  The Treasurer.  The treasurer of the corporation shall:

         (1) Give bond for the faithful  discharge of his  duties if required by
the board of directors.

         (2) Have the charge and custody of, and be  responsible  for, all funds
and securities of the corporation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the
corporation in such banks,  trust companies,  or other  depositories as shall be
selected in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws.

         (3) At all reasonable times,  exhibit his books of account and records,
and cause to be exhibited the books of account and records of any  corporation a
majority of whose stock is owned by the corporation,  to any of the directors of
the  corporation  upon  application  during business hours at the office of this
corporation or such other corporation where such books and records are kept.

         (4)  Render  a  statement  of the  conditions  of the  finances  of the
corporation  at all  regular  meetings  of the  board of  directors,  and a full
financial report at the annual meeting of the shareholders, if called upon so to
do.

<PAGE>
         (5)  Receive  and  give  receipts  for  monies  due  and payable to the
corporation  from any source whatsoever.

         (6) In  general,  perform  all of the duties  incident to the office of
treasurer  and such other  duties as may from time to time be assigned to him by
the board of directors.

         (7) In case of absence or  disability of the  treasurer,  the assistant
treasurers,  in the order  designated  by the  chief  executive  officer,  shall
perform the duties of treasurer.

         (8) All acts  affecting  the  treasurer's  duties and  responsibilities
shall be subject to the review and approval of the corporation's chief financial
officer.

                                  Article Five

                                 Corporate Seal

         The corporate seal of the corporation shall be a round, metal disc with
the words "Ball  Corporation"  around the outer  margin  thereof,  and the words
"Corporate  Seal," in the  center  thereof,  so  mounted  that it may be used to
impress words in raised letters upon paper.

                                   Article Six

                                    Amendment

         These  bylaws may be  altered,  added to,  amended,  or repealed by the
board of directors of the corporation at any regular or special meeting thereof.





<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 27, 1998 AND THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED  CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF
SEPTEMBER  27,  1998 AND IS  QUALIFIED  IN ITS  ENTIRETY  BY  REFERENCE  TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                                        <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-27-1998
<CASH>                                          34,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  480,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                    440,600
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                             1,010,800
<PP&E>                                       2,004,200
<DEPRECIATION>                                 709,500
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               3,043,200
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          812,400
<BONDS>                                      1,259,900
                                0
                                     25,800
<COMMON>                                       362,100
<OTHER-SE>                                     276,800
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 3,043,200
<SALES>                                      2,054,500
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                             2,054,500
<CGS>                                        1,817,300
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                1,817,300
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              48,500
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 70,300
<INCOME-TAX>                                    27,400
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             49,200
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (12,100)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    37,100
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.15
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.09
        


<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 is hereby filing cautionary
statements  identifying important factors that could cause Ball's actual results
to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements of Ball.
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 2, "Business".  The Reform Act defines forward-looking
statements  as  statements  that express or imply 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 Ball's actual
results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking  statements
made by or on behalf of Ball.

Some  important  factors that could cause Ball'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, Ball's ability to have available an
appropriate  amount of production  capacity in a timely manner can significantly
impact Ball'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:

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 Ball'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.

Technological or market  acceptance issues regarding the business of EarthWatch,
performance failures and related contracts or subcontracts,  the success or lack
of success of the satellite launches and business of EarthWatch,  the 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.

The inability to achieve technological advances in the Company's businesses. The
inability of the Company to achieve year 2000 compliance.

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

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
effecting 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  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 ability of the Company to
acquire other businesses;  the amount,  type or cost of the Company's  financing
and  changes  to  that  financing,   could  adversely  impact  Ball's  financial
performance.

Risks  involved in  purchasing  and selling  products and services and receiving
payments  in  currencies  other  than  the  U.S.  dollar.   The  devaluation  of
international currencies and the ability to obtain adequate credit resources for
foreseeable financing requirements of the Company's businesses.


<PAGE>


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