Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
(X) Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996
or
( ) Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission file number 0-11951
JSCE, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 37-1337160
(State of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer Identification)
organization)
Jefferson Smurfit Centre
8182 Maryland Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63105
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number: (314) 746-1100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period
that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to
Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III
of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X]
As of January 31, 1996, none of the registrant's voting stock was held
by non-affiliates.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of
January 31, 1997: 1,000
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Part of Form 10-K
into Which
Document is
Document Incorporated
Sections of JSC's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting III
of Stockholders to be held on May 1, 1997
JSCE, Inc.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
December 31, 1996
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Page
Item 1. Business. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Item 2. Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Item 3. Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . .11
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Item 6. Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . .22
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure. . . . . . . . . . . .47
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant. . . . . .47
Item 11. Executive Compensation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. . . . . . . .52
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports
on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
JSCE, Inc., together with its consolidates subsidiaries,
hereinafter referred to as the "Company" or "JSCE," operates in two
business segments, Paperboard/Packaging Products and Newsprint.
The Company believes it is one of the nation's largest producers of
paperboard and packaging products and is the largest producer of
recycled paperboard and recycled packaging products and the largest
processor of wastepaper. In addition, the Company believes it is
one of the nation's largest producers of recycled newsprint.
The Company's Paperboard/Packaging Products segment includes a
system of paperboard mills that, in 1996, produced 1,973,000 tons
of virgin and recycled containerboard, 774,000 tons of recycled
boxboard and solid bleached sulfate ("SBS") and 166,000 tons of
uncoated recycled boxboard, which were sold to the Company's own
converting operations and to third parties. The Company's
converting operations consist of 50 corrugated container plants, 18
folding carton plants and 20 industrial packaging plants located
across the country, with three plants located outside the U.S. In
1996, the Company's container plants converted 1,991,000 tons of
containerboard, an amount equal to approximately 101% of the amount
it produced, its folding carton plants converted 521,000 tons of
SBS, recycled boxboard and coated natural kraft, an amount equal to
approximately 67% of the amount it produced, and its industrial
packaging plants converted 153,000 tons of uncoated recycled
boxboard, an amount equal to approximately 92% of the amount it
produced. The Paperboard/Packaging Products segment also includes
the Company's reclamation division, which processed or brokered
approximately 4.5 million tons of wastepaper in 1996, its timber
division, which manages approximately one million acres of owned or
leased timberland located close to its virgin fiber mills, and 14
consumer packaging plants. The Company's Paperboard/Packaging
Products segment contributed 91% of the Company's net sales in
1996.
The Company's Newsprint segment includes two newsprint mills in
Oregon, which produced 576,000 tons of recycled newsprint in 1996,
and two facilities that produce Cladwood, a wood composite exterior
siding, manufactured from sawmill shavings and newsprint.
For a summary of net sales, income from operations, identifiable
assets, capital expenditures and depreciation, depletion and
amortization for the Company's segments, see Note 12, "Business
Segment Information," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements contained in Part II, Item 8, "Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data."
Except for the historical information contained in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K, certain matters discussed herein, including
(without limitation) in particular under Part I, Item 1, "Business
- - Environmental Compliance," under Part I, Item 3, "Legal
Proceedings" and under Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,"
contain forward looking statements, as that term is defined in the
Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. The matters referred to in
such statements could be affected by the risks and uncertainties
involved in the Company's business,
including (without
limitation) the effect of economic and market
conditions, continued pricing pressures in key product lines, the
level and volatility of interest rates and currency values,
wastepaper prices, costs related to environmental matters and the
impact of current or pending legislation and regulations.
JSCE, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Jefferson Smurfit
Corporation ("JSC"). JSC has no operations other than its
investment in JSCE. JSCE owns a 100% equity interest in Jefferson
Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) ("JSC (U.S.)"). JSC (U.S.) has
extensive operations throughout the United States. JSCE has no
operations other than its investment in JSC (U.S.).
PRODUCTS
PAPERBOARD/PACKAGING PRODUCTS SEGMENT
CONTAINERBOARD AND CORRUGATED SHIPPING CONTAINERS
The Company's containerboard operations are highly integrated.
Tons of containerboard produced and converted for the last three
years were:
1996 1995 1994
(Tons in thousands)
Containerboard
Production 1,973 1,905 1,932
Consumption 1,991 1,925 2,018
The Company's mills produce a full line of containerboard,
including unbleached kraft linerboard, mottled white linerboard and
recycled medium. Unbleached kraft linerboard is produced at the
Company's mills located in Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville,
Florida, and mottled white linerboard is produced at its Brewton,
Alabama mill. Recycled medium is produced at the Company's mills
located in Alton, Illinois, Carthage, Indiana, Circleville, Ohio
and Los Angeles, California. In 1996, the Company produced
1,095,000, 336,000 and 542,000 tons of unbleached kraft linerboard,
mottled white linerboard and recycled medium, respectively. The
Company's sales of containerboard in 1996 were $772 million
(including $434 million of intracompany sales). Sales of
containerboard to the Company's container plants are at market
prices.
Corrugated shipping containers, manufactured from containerboard in
converting plants, are used to ship such diverse products as home
appliances, electric motors, small machinery, grocery products,
produce, books, tobacco and furniture and for many other
applications, including point of purchase displays. The Company
stresses the value-added aspects of its corrugated containers, such
as labeling and multi-color graphics, to differentiate its products
and respond to customer requirements. The Company's 50 container
plants serve local customers and large national accounts and are
located nationwide, generally in or near large metropolitan areas.
The Company's total sales of corrugated shipping containers in 1996
were $1,345 million (including $90 million of intracompany sales).
Total corrugated shipping container sales volumes for 1996, 1995
and 1994 were 30,022, 29,382 and 30,822 million square feet,
respectively.
RECYCLED BOXBOARD, SOLID BLEACHED SULFATE AND FOLDING CARTONS
The Company's recycled boxboard, SBS and folding carton operations
are also integrated. Tons of recycled boxboard and SBS produced
and converted for the last three years were:
1996 1995 1994
(Tons in thousands)
Recycled Boxboard and SBS
Production 774 773 767
Consumption 521 529 543
The Company produces coated recycled boxboard at its mills located
in Middletown, Ohio, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Santa Clara,
California and Wabash, Indiana. The Company produces uncoated
recycled boxboard at its Los Angeles, California mill and SBS at
its Brewton, Alabama mill. In 1996, the Company produced 585,000
and 189,000 tons of recycled boxboard and SBS, respectively. The
Company's total sales of recycled boxboard and SBS in 1996 were
$420 million (including $191 million of intracompany sales).
The Company's folding carton plants offer a broad range of
converting capabilities, including web and sheet lithographic,
rotogravure and flexographic printing and a full line of structural
and design graphics services. The Company's 18 facilities convert
recycled boxboard and SBS into folding cartons. Folding cartons
are used primarily to protect customers' products while providing
point of purchase advertising. The Company makes folding cartons
for a wide variety of applications, including food and fast foods,
detergents, paper products, beverages, health and beauty aids and
other consumer products. Customers range from small local accounts
to large national and multinational accounts. The Company's
folding carton plants are located nationwide, generally in or near
large metropolitan areas. The Company's sales of folding cartons
in 1996 were $666 million (none of which were intracompany sales).
Folding carton sales volumes for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 467,000,
469,000 and 486,000 tons, respectively.
The Company has focused its capital expenditures in these
operations and its marketing activities to support a strategy of
enhancing product quality as it relates to packaging graphics,
increasing flexibility while reducing customer lead time and
assisting customers in innovative package designs.
The Company provides marketing consultation and research activities
through its Design and Market Research (DMR) center. It provides
customers with graphic and product design tailored to the specific
technical requirements of lithographic, rotogravure and
flexographic printing, as well as photography for packaging, sales
promotion concepts and point of purchase displays.
UNCOATED RECYCLED BOXBOARD AND INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING
The Company's uncoated recycled boxboard and industrial packaging
operations are also integrated. Tons of uncoated recycled boxboard
produced and converted for the last three years were:
1996 1995 1994
(Tons in thousands)
Uncoated Recycled Boxboard
Production 166 164 166
Consumption 153 148 128
Uncoated recycled boxboard, a portion of which is used by the
Company's industrial packaging operations, is produced at its mills
located in Cedartown, Georgia, Lafayette, Indiana, Monroe, Michigan
and Tacoma, Washington. In January 1997, the Company announced its
intention to discontinue operations at its Monroe, Michigan mill.
The Monroe mill produced 38,000, 44,000 and 47,000 tons of uncoated
recycled boxboard in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. In 1996,
the Company's total sales of uncoated recycled boxboard were $63
million (including $28 million of intracompany sales).
The Company's 20 industrial packaging plants convert uncoated
recycled boxboard into papertubes and cores. Papertubes and cores
are used primarily for paper, film and foil, yarn carriers and
other textile products and furniture components. The Company also
produces solid fiber partitions for the pharmaceutical,
electronics, glass, cosmetics and plastics industries. In
addition, the Company produces a patented self-locking partition
especially suited for automated packaging and product protection.
The Company also manufactures corrugated pallets that are made
entirely from corrugated components and are lightweight yet
extremely strong and are fully recyclable. The Company's
industrial packaging sales in 1996 were $115 million (including $6
million in intracompany sales).
CONSUMER PACKAGING
The Company manufactures a wide variety of products at its 14
consumer products facilities. These products include flexible
packaging, paper and metallized paper labels and labels that are
heat transferred to plastic containers for a wide range of
industrial and consumer product applications. The contract
packaging plants provide a wide variety of custom contract
packaging services including cartoning, bagging, liquid- or powder-
filling and high-speed overwrapping. The Company produces high-
quality rotogravure cylinders and has a full-service organization
experienced in the production of color separations and lithographic
film for the commercial printing, advertising and packaging
industries. In January 1997, the Company sold its Farmingdale, New
York plant, which produced fragranced advertising products. The
Company's total sales of consumer packaging products and services
in 1996 were $187 million (including $13 million of intracompany
sales).
FIBER RESOURCES AND TIMBER PRODUCTS
The raw materials essential to the Company's business are reclaimed
fiber and virgin wood fiber. The Brewton, Circleville,
Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach mills use primarily wood fibers,
while the other paperboard mills use reclaimed fiber exclusively.
In 1996, the newsprint mills used approximately 46% wood fiber and
54% reclaimed fiber.
The use of recycled products in the Company's operations begins
with its reclamation division which operates 27 facilities that
collect, sort, grade and bale wastepaper, as well as collect
aluminum and glass. The reclamation division also operates a
nationwide brokerage system whereby it purchases and resells
wastepaper (including wastepaper for use in its recycled fiber
mills) on a regional and national contract basis. Such contracts
provide bulk purchasing, resulting in lower prices and cleaner
wastepaper. The reclamation division provides valuable fiber
resources to both the paperboard and newsprint segments of the
Company as well as to other producers. Many of the reclamation
facilities are located close to the Company's recycled paperboard
and newsprint mills, assuring availability of supply, when needed,
with minimal shipping costs. During 1996, the Company's reclamation
plants and brokerage operations satisfied all of the Company's mill
requirements for reclaimed fiber. The Company's total sales
of recycled materials in 1996 were $351 million (including $133
million of intracompany sales).
The amount of wastepaper collected and the proportions sold
internally and externally by the Company's reclamation division for
the last three years were:
1996 1995 1994
(Tons in thousands)
Wastepaper collected by Reclamation Division 4,464 4,293 4,134
Percent sold internally 39.8% 43.1% 45.5%
Percent sold to third parties 60.2% 56.9% 54.5%
The Company's timber division manages approximately one million
acres of owned and leased timberland. In 1996, approximately 56%
of the timber harvested by the Company was used in its
Jacksonville, Fernandina Beach and Brewton mills. The Company
harvested 1,020,000 cords of timber, which would satisfy
approximately 39% of the Company's requirements for wood fibers.
The Company's wood fiber requirements not satisfied internally are
purchased on the open market or under long-term contracts. In
1996, the Company's total sales of timber products were $269
million (including $206 million of intracompany sales).
NEWSPRINT SEGMENT
NEWSPRINT MILLS
The Company's newsprint mills are located in Newberg and Oregon
City, Oregon. During 1996, 1995 and 1994, the Company produced
576,000, 620,000 and 615,000 tons of newsprint, respectively. In
1996, total sales of newsprint were $301 million (none of which
were intracompany sales).
For the past three years, an average of approximately 53% of the
Company's newsprint production has been sold to The Times Mirror
Company ("Times Mirror") pursuant to a long-term newsprint
agreement (the "Newsprint Agreement") entered into in connection
with the Company's acquisition of Smurfit Newsprint Corporation
("SNC") stock in February 1986. Under the terms of the Newsprint
Agreement, the Company supplies newsprint to Times Mirror generally
at prevailing West Coast market prices. Sales of newsprint to
Times Mirror in 1996 amounted to $165 million.
CLADWOOD
Cladwood is a wood composite panel used by the housing industry,
manufactured from sawmill shavings and other wood residuals and
overlaid with recycled newsprint. The Company has two Cladwood
plants located in Oregon. Total sales for Cladwood in 1996 were
$23 million (including $1 million of intracompany sales). See also
Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings."
MARKETING
The marketing strategy for the Company's mills is to maximize sales
of products to manufacturers located within an economical shipping
area. The strategy in the converting plants focuses on both
specialty products tailored to fit customers' needs and high volume
sales of commodity products. The Company also seeks to broaden the
customer base for each of its segments rather than to concentrate
on only a few accounts for each plant. These objectives have led
to decentralization of marketing efforts, such that each plant has
its own sales force, and many have product design engineers, who
are in close contact with customers to respond to their specific
needs. National sales offices are also maintained for customers
who purchase through a centralized purchasing office. National
account business may be allocated to more than one plant because of
production capacity and equipment requirements.
COMPETITION
The paperboard and packaging products markets as well as the
newsprint markets are highly competitive and are comprised of many
participants. Although no single company is dominant, the Company
does face significant competitors in each of its businesses. The
Company's competitors include large vertically integrated companies
as well as numerous smaller companies. The industries in which the
Company competes are particularly sensitive to price fluctuations
as well as other competitive factors including design, quality and
service, with varying emphasis on these factors depending on
product line.
BACKLOG
Demand for the Company's major product lines is relatively constant
throughout the year and seasonal fluctuations in marketing,
production, shipments and inventories are not significant. The
Company does not have a significant backlog of orders, as most
orders are placed for delivery within 30 days.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Company's research and development center uses state-of-the-art
technology to assist all levels of the manufacturing and sales
processes from raw materials supply through finished packaging
performance. Research programs have provided improvements in
coatings and barriers, stiffeners, inks and printing. The
technical staff conducts basic, applied and diagnostic research,
develops processes and products and provides a wide range of other
technical services.
The Company actively pursues applications for patents on new
inventions and designs and attempts to protect its patents against
infringement. Nevertheless, the Company believes that its success
and growth are dependent on the quality of its products and its
relationships with its customers, rather than on the extent of its
patent protection. The Company holds or is licensed to use certain
patents, but does not consider that the successful continuation of
any important phase of its business is dependent upon such patents.
EMPLOYEES
The Company had approximately 15,800 employees at December 31,
1996, of which approximately 10,700 employees (68%) were
represented by collective bargaining units. The expiration dates
of union contracts for the Company's major facilities are as
follows: the Oregon City mill, expiring March 1997; the
Fernandina Beach mill, expiring June 1998; a group of 11
properties, including 4 paper mills and 7 corrugated container
plants, expiring June 1998; the Jacksonville mill, expiring June
1999; the Alton mill, expiring June 2000; the Newberg mill,
expiring March 2002; and the Brewton mill, expiring October 2002.
The Company believes that its employee relations are generally good
and is currently in the process of bargaining with unions
representing production employees at a number of its other
operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
The Company's paperboard and newsprint mills are large consumers of
energy, using either natural gas or coal. Approximately 68% of the
Company's total paperboard tonnage is produced by mills which have
coal-fired boilers. The cost of energy is dependent, in part, on
environmental regulations governing air emissions.
Because various pollution control standards are subject to change,
it is difficult to predict with certainty the amount of capital
expenditures that will ultimately be required to comply with future
standards. In particular, the United States Environmental
Protection Agency ("EPA") has proposed a comprehensive rule
governing the pulp, paper and paperboard industry (the "Cluster
Rule") which will require substantial expenditures to achieve
compliance. In order to comply with the Cluster Rule as currently
proposed, the Company estimates that it may require approximately
$125 million to $150 million in capital expenditures over the next
three to five years. The ultimate financial impact of the
regulations cannot be predicted with certainty and will depend on
several factors including the actual requirements imposed under the
final rules, new developments in control process technology and
cost inflation. Since the Company's competitors are, or will be,
subject to comparable pollution standards, including the proposed
Cluster Rule, management is of the opinion that compliance with
future pollution standards will not adversely affect the Company's
competitive position.
In addition to Cluster Rule compliance, the Company also
anticipates additional capital expenditures related to
environmental compliance, although in the opinion of management,
such expenditures will not have a material effect on the financial
condition or results of operations of the Company. For the past
three years, the Company has spent an average of approximately $10
million annually on capital expenditures for environmental
purposes. The anticipated spending for such capital projects for
fiscal 1997 is approximately $25 million. A significant amount of
the increased expenditures in 1997 will be due to compliance with
Clean Air Act requirements.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's properties at December 31, 1996 are summarized in the
table below. Approximately 63% of the Company's investment in
property, plant and equipment is represented by its paperboard and
newsprint mills.
State
Number of Facilities Locations
Total Owned Leased
Paperboard mills:
Containerboard mills 7 7 0 6
Boxboard mills 4 4 0 4
Uncoated recycled boxboard mills 4 4 0 4
Newsprint mills 2 2 0 1
Reclamation plants 27 19 8 12
Converting facilities:
Corrugated container plants 50 40 10 21
Folding carton plants 18 16 2 10
Industrial packaging plants 20 6 14 14
Consumer packaging plants 14 5 9 8
Cladwood plants 2 2 0 1
Wood product plants 1 1 0 1
Total 149 106 43 28
In addition to its manufacturing facilities, the Company owns and
leases approximately 763,000 acres and 224,000 acres of timberland,
respectively, and also operates wood harvesting facilities.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LITIGATION
On January 3, 1997, SNC was served with a complaint alleging that
Cladwood, produced by SNC and used in mobile homes, deteriorates
when exposed to climate conditions found in South Carolina. The
suit, which purports to be a class action on behalf of present and
past owners of Cladwood-containing mobile homes in South Carolina,
also names as defendants certain manufacturers and distributors of
mobile homes in South Carolina. The complaint alleges causes of
action for breach of warranty, strict liability, negligence and
violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act and
seeks an unspecified aggregate amount of actual statutory and
punitive damages. The Company intends to vigorously defend the
action. The litigation is currently in the discovery stage and, at
this time, the Company is unable to estimate its potential
liability, if any, in connection with the matter.
The Company is a defendant in a number of other lawsuits which have
arisen in the normal course of business. While any litigation has
an element of uncertainty, the management of the Company believes
that the outcome of such suits will not have a material adverse
effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Federal, state and local environmental requirements are a
significant factor in the Company's business. The Company employs
processes in the manufacture of pulp, paperboard and other
products, resulting in various discharges, emissions and reporting
and disclosure obligations that are subject to numerous federal,
state and local environmental statutes, regulations and ordinances.
The Company operates and expects to operate under permits and
similar authorizations from various governmental authorities that
regulate such discharges, emissions and reporting and disclosure
obligations.
Occasional violations have occurred from time to time at the
Company's facilities, resulting in administrative actions, legal
proceedings or consent decrees and similar arrangements. Pending
proceedings include the following:
Sweet Home, Oregon
On May 11, 1995, the EPA executed a search warrant at the Sweet
Home, Oregon Cladwood manufacturing facility of SNC. According
to the search warrant, the U.S. Attorney's office for the
District of Oregon and the EPA are investigating whether this
facility violated the Clean Water Act or other federal laws in
connection with its waste water discharges. The Company has
been advised that the government has presented, or intends to
present, evidence to a grand jury in connection with the
investigation. SNC and certain of its employees could be
charged, and SNC could be assessed significant fines and
penalties if an indictment and conviction follow as a result of
the grand jury proceeding.
Philomath, Oregon
On May 13, 1996, SNC voluntarily self reported to the EPA and
the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality ("ODEQ") possible
violations of the Clean Water Act and other federal laws in
connection with waste water discharges at its Cladwood facility
located in Philomath, Oregon. An investigation may be
undertaken by ODEQ.
Miami County, Ohio Site
A criminal inquiry was commenced by the United States in 1993
relating to the Company's responses to the EPA's document and
information requests in connection with a Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
("CERCLA") site located in Miami County, Ohio. It is uncertain
whether any criminal action will be forthcoming.
The Company also faces potential liability as a result of releases,
or threatened releases, of hazardous substances into the
environment from various sites owned and operated by third parties
at which Company-generated wastes have allegedly been deposited.
Generators of hazardous substances sent to off-site disposal
locations at which environmental problems exist, as well as the
owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons
(generally referred to as "potentially responsible parties" or
"PRPs"), are, in most instances, subject to joint and several
liability for response costs for the investigation and remediation
of such sites under CERCLA and analogous state laws, regardless of
fault or the legality of the original disposal. The Company has
received notice that it is or may be a PRP at a number of federal
and/or state sites where remedial action may be required and, as a
result, may have joint and several liability for CERCLA cleanup
costs at such sites. However, liability at CERCLA sites is
typically shared with the other PRPs and costs are commonly
allocated according to relative amounts of waste deposited.
Because the Company's relative percentage of waste deposited at a
majority of these sites is quite small, management of the Company
believes that its probable liability under CERCLA, taken on a case
by case basis or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse
effect on its financial condition or operations. Pending CERCLA
proceedings include the following:
Monterey Park, California Site
The Company has paid approximately $768,000 pursuant to two
partial consent decrees entered into in 1991 and 1992 with the
U.S. and the State of California with respect to cleanup
obligations at the Operating Industries site in Monterey Park,
California. It is anticipated that there will be further
remedial measures beyond those covered by these partial
settlements.
Baltimore, Maryland Site
The Company entered into a consent decree with the U.S. and the
State of Maryland in settlement of its obligations in connection
with the Kane & Lombard Superfund Site in Baltimore, Maryland.
The Company paid approximately $171,500 in 1995 as part of this
settlement and may be required to pay additional cleanup costs.
Kingsbury, Indiana Site
The Company entered into a consent decree in 1991 with the U.S.
and the State of Indiana for the remediation of the Fisher-Calo
Superfund Site in Kingsbury, Indiana. To date, the Company has
paid approximately $140,000 toward cleaning up the site. The
Company anticipates that some additional remediation of the site
will be required.
Lemont, Illinois Site
The Company has entered into consent decrees in 1988 and 1993
with the EPA and the Illinois EPA for the investigation and
initial remediation of the Lenz Oil Superfund Site in Lemont,
Illinois. The Company has paid approximately $79,000 toward
this investigation and initial remediation. It is anticipated
that further remedial measures will be required beyond those
covered in these consent decrees.
Wilmington, Delaware Site
The Company entered into a consent decree in 1994 with the State
of Delaware regarding the remedial investigation and feasibility
study regarding the Wilmington, Delaware site, and anticipates
entering into a consent decree to perform cleanup of the site.
Duval County, Florida
In addition to participating in remediation of sites owned by third
parties, the Company in 1992 entered into an administrative consent
order with the Florida Department of Environmental Regulation to
carry out any necessary assessment and remediation of Company-owned
property in Duval County, Florida that was formerly the site of a
sawmill that dipped lumber into a chemical solution. Remediation
of the site has begun. Management believes that the probable costs
of this site, taken alone or with potential costs at other Company-
owned properties where some contamination has been found, will not
have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or
results of operations.
New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act
In addition to other federal and state laws regarding hazardous
substance contamination at sites owned or operated by the Company,
the New Jersey Industrial Site Recovery Act ("ISRA") requires that
a "Negative Declaration" or a "Cleanup Plan" be filed and approved
by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") as
a precondition to the "transfer" of an "industrial establishment."
The ISRA regulations provide that a transferor may close a
transaction prior to the DEP's approval of a negative declaration
if the transferor enters into an administrative consent order with
the DEP. The Company is currently a signatory to administrative
consent orders with respect to two formerly leased or owned
industrial establishments. Management believes that any
requirements that may be imposed by the DEP with respect to these
sites will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or results of operations of the Company.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders of the
registrant during the fourth quarter of 1996.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
MARKET INFORMATION
The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSC, and therefore, all
of the outstanding common stock of the Company ("JSCE Common
Stock") is owned by JSC. As a result, there is no established
public market for the JSCE Common Stock.
DIVIDENDS
The Company has not paid cash dividends on its common stock. The
ability of the Company to pay dividends in the future is restricted
by certain provisions contained in the 1994 Credit Agreement (as
defined) and the indentures relating to the outstanding
indebtedness of JSC (U.S.) which the Company guarantees.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(In millions, except statistical data)
1996 1995 1994 1993 1992
Summary of Operations
Net sales $3,410 $4,093 $3,233 $2,947 $2,998
Cost of goods sold 2,754 3,222 2,719 2,567 2,495
Gross profit 656 871 514 380 503
Selling and administrative expenses 265 241 223 239 231
Restructuring charge 96
Environmental and other charges 54
Income (loss) from operations 391 630 291 (9) 272
Interest expense, net (194) (234) (266) (253) (298)
Other, net (3) 7 3 4 2
Income (loss) before income taxes,
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes 194 403 28 (258) (24)
Provision for (benefit from)
income taxes 77 156 16 (83) 10
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes 117 247 12 (175) (34)
Extraordinary item
Loss from early extinguishment
of debt, net of income tax benefit (5) (4) (55) (38) (50)
Cumulative effect of accounting
changes (16)
Net income (loss) $ 112 $ 243 $ (43) $ (229) $ (84)
Other Financial Data
Net cash provided by operating
activities $ 397 $ 411 $ 149 $ 78 $ 146
Depreciation, depletion and
amortization 139 139 131 131 135
Capital investments and acquisitions 146 188 166 117 104
Working capital 27 47 11 40 106
Property, plant, equipment and
timberland, net 1,729 1,714 1,686 1,636 1,497
Total assets 2,688 2,783 2,759 2,597 2,436
Long-term debt, less current
maturities 1,934 2,111 2,392 2,619 2,503
Deferred income tax liability 363 328 208 232 160
Stockholders' deficit (375) (487) (730) (1,058) (829)
Statistical Data (tons in thousands)
Containerboard production (tons) 1,973 1,905 1,932 1,840 1,918
Boxboard and SBS production (tons) 774 773 767 744 745
Newsprint production (tons) 576 620 615 615 615
Corrugated shipments (billion sq. ft.) 30.0 29.4 30.8 29.4 28.1
Folding carton shipments (tons) 467 469 486 475 487
Fiber reclaimed and brokered (tons) 4,464 4,293 4,134 3,907 3,846
Timberland owned or leased
(thousand acres) 987 984 985 984 978
Number of employees 15,800 16,200 16,600 17,300 17,800
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
GENERAL
Market conditions and demand for containerboard, corrugated
shipping containers and newsprint, three of the Company's most
important products, are generally subject to cyclical changes in
the economy and changes in industry capacity, both of which can
significantly impact selling prices and the Company's
profitability.
Market conditions weakened in the second half of 1995 and early
1996 due to new capacity added within the industry, resulting in
excess inventories and lower selling prices for containerboard and
corrugated shipping containers. Many paper companies, including
the Company, took downtime at their containerboard mills in the
fourth quarter of 1995 and the first half of 1996 to reduce
inventories. Linerboard prices, which had reached a record high of
$535 per ton in 1995, dropped rapidly during this period, declining
to approximately $330 per ton by July 1996. Improving demand in
the second half of 1996, however, resulted in linerboard prices
stabilizing by the end of 1996.
Increasing demand in newsprint markets during 1994 and 1995
resulted in an all-time record high level for prices of
approximately $760 per metric ton in October 1995. Demand for
newsprint began to decline in late 1995, however, as ad lineage
dropped and conservation measures taken by newspaper publishers
were implemented. As a result, excess inventories developed and
selling prices for newsprint fell during 1996. Many newsprint
producers, including the Company, took downtime at their newsprint
mills during 1996 to reduce inventories. Although increases in
newsprint consumption during the second half of 1996 slowed the
decline, newsprint prices dropped to approximately $500 per metric
ton by the end of 1996.
Reclaimed fiber is a major product of the Company and an important
raw material of the Company's recycled paper mills. Due to
increases in demand, the price of recycled fiber increased
dramatically during 1994 and the early part of 1995, resulting in
higher costs at the Company's recycled paper mills. However, the
price of this material dropped in the second half of 1995 due to
lower demand resulting from the significant amount of downtime
taken by recycled paper mills throughout the country. Prices have
remained relatively constant during 1996, having a beneficial
effect on fiber cost at the Company's recycled paper mills as
compared to 1995.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
SEGMENT DATA
(In millions) 1996 1995 1994
Income
Income Income (loss)
Net from Net from Net from
sales operations sales operations sales operations
Paperboard/
Packaging
Products $3,087 $335 $3,706 $604 $2,974 $308
Newsprint 323 56 387 26 259 (17)
Total $3,410 $391 $4,093 $630 $3,233 $291
1996 Compared to 1995
Net sales and income from operations declined in 1996 compared to
record levels in 1995 due primarily to lower sales prices. Net
sales were $3.4 billion, a decrease of 17% compared to 1995, and
income from operations was $391 million, a decrease of 38% compared
to 1995. Increases (decreases) in results for each of the
Company's segments are discussed below.
(In millions) 1996 Compared to 1995
Paperboard/
Packaging
Products Newsprint Total
Increase (decrease) due to:
Sales prices and product mix $(699) $ (30) $(729)
Sales volume 117 (34) 83
Acquisitions and new facilities 4 4
Sold or closed facilities (41) (41)
Total net sales decrease $(619) $ (64) $(683)
Paperboard/Packaging Products Segment
Net sales of the Paperboard/Packaging Products segment decreased
17% compared to 1995 to $3.09 billion, and income from operations
decreased $269 million compared to 1995 to $335 million. The
decrease in net sales of this segment was primarily a result of
significant reductions in sales prices for containerboard,
corrugated shipping containers and reclamation products. Increases
in volume partially offset the decline in net sales.
Profitability for this segment declined in 1996 compared to 1995
primarily due to the sales price declines, although the lower fiber
prices resulted in lower cost in the Company's paperboard mills.
Income from operations as a percent of net sales for the
Paperboard/Packaging Products segment decreased from 16% in 1995 to
11% in 1996. The changes in net sales price and shipments within
the major product groups of the Paperboard/Packaging Products
segment are discussed below.
Net sales of containerboard and corrugated shipping containers
declined $363 million to $1.59 billion, a decrease of 19% compared
to 1995. On average, corrugated shipping container prices
decreased 16% and containerboard prices decreased 28%, compared to
1995. On the other hand, shipments of corrugated shipping
containers increased 2% and shipments of containerboard increased
4%, compared to 1995. Shipments of containerboard were higher
primarily as a result of reduced mill downtime in 1996, as compared
to 1995.
Net sales for the reclamation and timber products operations
decreased $222 million to $281 million, a decrease of 44% compared
to 1995. The decrease was due primarily to lower average prices
for reclaimed fiber, which declined 54% compared to 1995.
Shipments of reclaimed fiber increased 4% compared to 1995.
Net sales of recycled boxboard, SBS and folding cartons were $895
million, a decrease of 2% compared to 1995. On average, recycled
boxboard and SBS prices decreased 14% and 7%, respectively, and
folding carton prices decreased 3% compared to 1995. Shipments of
recycled boxboard and SBS increased 3% and 5%, respectively, and
folding carton shipments decreased 1% compared to 1995.
Net sales of $144 million for uncoated recycled boxboard and
industrial packaging products were 7% lower compared to 1995,
primarily due to lower prices. Net sales of consumer packaging
products declined 1% compared to 1995 to $174 million.
Newsprint Segment
Net sales of the Newsprint segment decreased 17% compared to 1995
to $323 million, and income from operations increased $30 million
compared to 1995 to $56 million. The decrease in net sales was a
result of sales prices, which, on average, dropped 8% compared to
1995, and lower shipments due to production curtailment. Shipments
of newsprint were lower in 1996 by 8% compared to 1995. The impact
of reduced sales prices and lower sales volume on profitability of
the segment was partially offset by lower fiber cost. This
segment's 1995 profitability was also impacted by a $25 million
pretax charge for anticipated cost related to the exterior siding
issue discussed below. Income from operations as a percent of net
sales increased from 7% in 1995 to 17% in 1996.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales increased from 79% in
1995 to 81% in 1996 for the reasons explained above. Selling and
administrative expenses as a percent of net sales increased from 6%
in 1995 to 8% in 1996 due primarily to overall lower sales prices,
higher personnel costs and inflationary increases in other costs.
In 1993, the Company recorded a pretax charge of $96 million for a
restructuring program (the "Restructuring Program") to improve its
long-term competitive position. The Restructuring Program provided
for plant closures, asset write-downs, reductions in workforce,
relocation of employees and consolidation of certain plant
operations, expected to be completed over an approximate three year
period. Major activities relating to the Restructuring Program in
1996 included payments of plant closure expenditures and severance
of $6 million, offset by proceeds from sales of fixed assets of $3
million. Since 1993, the Company has written down the assets of
closed facilities and other nonproductive assets totalling $39
million and made cash expenditures of $39 million relating to the
Restructuring Program. Proceeds of $8 million from sales of fixed
assets were used to offset additional expenses and anticipated
expenses related to shutdowns. The remaining restructuring
liability relates to closures and sales of certain facilities which
were originally anticipated to be completed as of December 31, 1996
and are now expected to be completed during 1997. No significant
adjustment to the reserve is anticipated at this time.
In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded a pretax charge
totalling $25 million to implement a program of corrective action
to address product quality matters and failure to follow proper
manufacturing and internal procedures relating to production of
exterior siding, a non-core product line of SNC. Based upon the
experience to date, the Company believes the reserve is adequate.
Separately, in January 1997, SNC and certain manufacturers and
distributors of mobile homes were named as defendants in a class
action complaint filed in the state of South Carolina. The
complaint alleges that exterior siding produced by SNC and used in
mobile homes deteriorates when exposed to climate conditions found
in South Carolina. The Company intends to vigorously defend the
action. The litigation is currently in the discovery stage and, at
this time, the Company is unable to estimate its potential
liability, if any, in connection with the matter.
At December 31, 1995, the Company decreased its weighted average
discount rate in measuring its pension obligations from 8.5% to
7.25% and its rate of increase in compensation levels from 5.0% to
4.0%. In addition, the Company changed its expected long-term rate
of return on assets from 10.0% to 9.5% at December 31, 1995. The
net effect of changing these assumptions increased the projected
benefit obligation at December 31, 1995 and increased pension cost
in 1996 by approximately $14 million.
Interest expense for 1996 declined $40 million compared to 1995 due
primarily to lower average debt levels outstanding and lower
effective interest rates.
The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," in the first
quarter of 1996. The effect of such adoption was not material to
the Company's financial statements. During 1996, the Company
elected to early adopt the provisions of the American Institute of
Certified Public Accountants Statement of Position ("SOP") 96-1,
"Environmental Remediation Liabilities." The effect of adopting
the provisions of SOP 96-1 was immaterial to the Company's
financial statements.
The provision for income taxes in 1996 was $77 million compared to
$156 million in 1995. The Company's effective tax rate of 39.7% in
1996 is comparable to the 1995 effective tax rate of 38.7%. In
1996, the Company utilized its net operating loss carryforwards for
federal income tax purposes. Remaining net operating loss
carryforwards for state income tax purposes of approximately $44
million expire in the years 1997 through 2009. JSC's federal
income tax returns for 1989 through 1991 are currently under
examination. While the ultimate results of such examination cannot
be predicted with certainty, the Company's management believes that
the examination will not have a material adverse effect on its
financial condition or results of operations.
1995 COMPARED TO 1994
Price recovery coupled with productivity gains and cost reduction
programs implemented in recent years provided record sales and
earnings for the Company in 1995. Net sales were $4.1 billion, an
increase of 27% over 1994, and income from operations was $630
million, more than double the 1994 amount. Increases (decreases)
in sales for each of the Company's segments are discussed below.
(In millions) 1995 Compared to 1994
Paperboard/
Packaging
Products Newsprint Total
Increase (decrease) due to:
Sales prices and product mix $749 $130 $879
Sales volume (22) (2) (24)
Acquisitions and new facilities 9 9
Sold or closed facilities (4) (4)
Total net sales increase $732 $128 $860
Paperboard/Packaging Products Segment
Net sales of the Paperboard/Packaging Products segment increased
25% compared to 1994 to $3.71 billion, primarily as a result of
sales prices and product mix.
Net sales of containerboard and corrugated shipping containers
increased 26% compared to 1994, to $1.96 billion. Corrugated
shipping container prices increased 28% on average compared
to 1994. In view of the reduced
demand in the second half of 1995, several of the Company's
containerboard mills took downtime in order to reduce inventories.
As a result of this downtime, shipments of containerboard in 1995
were down 2% compared to 1994. Shipments of corrugated shipping
containers were down 4% compared to 1994.
Net sales of recycled boxboard, SBS and folding cartons increased
10% compared to 1994, to $916 million. Recycled boxboard prices
increased during the first half of 1995 to cover higher reclaimed
fiber cost, but declined later in the year in response to lower
reclaimed fiber cost. On average, prices of recycled boxboard and
SBS each rose 19% compared to 1994. Folding carton prices
increased 9% on average compared to 1994. Shipments of recycled
boxboard and SBS decreased 2% and shipments of folding cartons
decreased by 3% compared to 1994.
Net sales for the reclamation and timber products operations
increased 75% compared to 1994, to $503 million, due primarily to
escalating prices of reclaimed fiber. Reclaimed fiber prices were
higher by 62% on average compared to 1994 and shipments increased
4% compared to 1994.
Net sales of uncoated recycled boxboard and industrial packaging
increased 18% compared to 1994, to $155 million, due primarily to
higher prices. Net sales of consumer packaging increased 6%
compared to 1994, to $176 million.
Newsprint Segment
Net sales of the Newsprint segment increased 49% compared to 1994,
to $387 million, primarily as a result of sales prices and product
mix.
Costs and Expenses
Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales declined from 84% in
1994 to 79% in 1995. Selling and administrative expenses as a
percent of net sales declined from 7% in 1994 to 6% in 1995. The
sales price increases implemented during 1995 were the primary
reason for the improvements in each of cost of goods sold and
selling and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales.
Interest expense for 1995 declined $35 million compared to 1994 due
primarily to lower average debt levels outstanding and lower
effective interest rates. The lower average interest rate in 1995
resulted primarily from the retirement in December 1994 of the
Company's high-yield subordinated debt in conjunction with the
Company's 1994 Recapitalization.
The provision for income taxes in 1995 was $156 million compared to
$16 million in 1994. The Company's effective tax rate of 38.7% in
1995 was substantially lower than the 1994 effective tax rate of
57.1%, primarily due to the effect of permanent differences from
applying purchase accounting. As of December 31, 1995, the Company
had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax
purposes of approximately $98 million (expiring in the year 2009),
none of which were available for utilization against alternative
minimum taxes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
General
Operating activities have historically been the major source of
cash to fund the Company's capital expenditures and debt payments.
Net cash provided by operating activities for 1996 of $397 million
and excess cash at the end of 1995 were used primarily to fund
capital expenditures of $146 million and to reduce debt by $256
million.
JSC (U.S.) entered into a bank credit facility (the "1994 Credit
Agreement") which consists of a $450 million revolving credit
facility, of which up to $150 million may consist of letters of
credit, a $900 million Tranche A Term Loan and a $300 million
Tranche B Term Loan. In May 1996, the 1994 Credit Agreement was
amended to allow an additional $100 million borrowing under the
Tranche B Term Loan and $150 million borrowing under a newly
created Tranche C Term Loan. The $250 million in new proceeds from
these term loans was used to reduce scheduled installment payments
of the Tranche A Term Loan. The 1994 Credit Agreement contains
various business and financial covenants including, among other
things, (i) limitations on dividends, redemptions and repurchases
of capital stock, (ii) limitations on the incurrence of
indebtedness, liens, leases and sale-leaseback transactions, (iii)
limitations on capital expenditures, (iv) maintenance of minimum
levels of consolidated earnings before depreciation, interest,
taxes and amortization and (v) maintenance of minimum interest
coverage ratios. Such restrictions, together with the highly
leveraged position of the Company, could restrict corporate
activities, including the Company's ability to respond to market
conditions, to provide for unanticipated capital expenditures or to
take advantage of business opportunities.
The 1994 Credit Agreement imposes an annual limit on future capital
expenditures of $150 million. The capital spending limit is
subject to increase in any year by an amount equal to a portion of
the Company's excess cash flow and an amount up to $75 million if
the prior year's spending was less than the maximum amount allowed.
The Company has a carryover of approximately $75 million for 1997.
Because the Company has invested heavily in its core businesses in
prior years, management believes the annual limitation for capital
expenditures does not impair its plans for maintenance, expansion
and continued modernization of its facilities.
The Company expects internally generated cash flows and existing
financing resources will be sufficient for the next several years
to meet its needs to pay interest, pay income taxes, amortize term
loans and fund capital expenditures. Scheduled debt payments due
in 1997 and 1998 are $10 million and $14 million, respectively,
with increasing amounts thereafter. Capital expenditures for 1997
are estimated to be comparable to 1996. The Company expects to use
any excess cash provided by operations to make further debt
reductions. At December 31, 1996, the Company had $322 million of
unused borrowing capacity under its 1994 Credit Agreement and $133
million of unused borrowing capacity under its $315 million
accounts receivable securitization program, subject to JSC (U.S.)'s
level of eligible accounts receivable.
The Company's earnings are significantly affected by the amount of
interest on its indebtedness. The Company enters into interest
rate swap and cap agreements to manage interest rate exposure on
its indebtedness. Management's objective is to protect the Company
from interest rate volatility and reduce or cap interest expense
within acceptable levels of risk. In 1996, interest rate swap
agreements with a notional value of $250 million and a cap
agreement with a notional amount of $100 million expired. The
table below shows interest rate swap agreements outstanding at
December 31, 1996, the related maturities for the years thereafter
and the contracted pay and receive rates for such agreements.
Interest rate
swaps at Interest rate
December 31, swaps maturing in
(In millions) 1996 1997
Pay fixed interest rate swaps $ 233 $ (233)
Pay rate 7.157% 7.157%
Receive rate 5.659%
Environmental Matters
In 1993, the Company recorded a provision of $54 million, of which
$39 million relates to environmental matters, representing asbestos
and PCB removal, solid waste cleanup at existing and former
operating sites and expenses for response costs at various sites
where the Company has received notice that it is a PRP. The
Company made payments of approximately $3 million, $9 million and
$4 million related to PRP sites and other environmental cleanups in
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively. The Company, as well as other
companies in the industry, faces potential environmental liability
related to various sites at which hazardous wastes have allegedly
been deposited. The Company has received notice that it is or may
be a PRP at a number of federal and state sites (the "Sites") where
remedial action may be required. Because the laws that govern the
cleanup of waste disposal sites have been construed to authorize
joint and several liability, government agencies or other parties
could seek to recover all response costs for any Site from any one
of the PRPs for such Site, including the Company, despite the
involvement of other PRPs. Although the Company is unable to
estimate the aggregate response costs in connection with the
remediation of all Sites, if the Company were held jointly and
severally liable for all response costs at some or all of the
Sites, it would have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition and results of operations of the Company. However, joint
and several liability generally has not in the past been imposed on
PRPs, and based on such past practice, the Company's past
experience and the financial conditions of other PRPs with respect
to the Sites, the Company does not expect to be held jointly and
severally liable for all response costs at any Site. Liability at
waste disposal sites is typically shared with other PRPs, and costs
generally are allocated according to relative volumes of waste
deposited at a given Site. At most Sites, the waste attributed to
the Company is a very small portion of the total waste deposited at
the Site (generally significantly less than 1%). There are
approximately seven Sites where final settlement has not been
reached and where the Company's potential liability is expected to
exceed de minimis levels. See Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings -
Environmental Matters" for discussion of the environmental exposure
at the five Sites subject to pending CERCLA proceedings.
Accordingly, the Company believes that its estimated total probable
liability for response costs at the Sites was adequately reserved
at December 31, 1996. Further, the estimate takes into
consideration the number of other PRPs at each site, the identity,
and financial position of such parties, in light of the joint and
several nature of the liability, but does not take into account
possible insurance coverage or other similar reimbursement.
Compliance with federal, state and local environmental requirements
is a significant, on-going factor in the Company's business. It is
difficult to predict with certainty the amount of capital
expenditures that will be required to comply with future standards.
The Company has averaged $10 million annually in capital
expenditures related to environmental compliance over the last
three years and estimates spending approximately $25 million in
capital expenditures related to environmental compliance in 1997.
A significant amount of the increased expenditures in 1997 will be
due to compliance with Clean Air Act requirements. In addition,
the EPA's Cluster Rule, although not yet finalized, will require
substantial expenditures to achieve compliance. In order to comply
with the Cluster Rule as currently proposed, the Company estimates
that it may require approximately $125 million to $150 million in
capital expenditures over the next three to five years. The
ultimate financial impact of the regulations cannot be predicted
with certainty and will depend on several factors including the
actual requirements imposed under the final rules, new developments
in control process technology and cost inflation. Since the
Company's competitors are, or will be, subject to comparable
pollution standards, including the proposed Cluster Rule,
management is of the opinion that compliance with future pollution
standards will not adversely affect the Company's competitive
position.
Effects of Inflation
In late 1994 and early 1995, the cost of many of the Company's base
raw materials increased significantly due to strong demand and
tight supply factors. During this period, the Company was able to
increase selling prices, effectively offsetting the effects of the
increased cost. During the latter part of 1995 and early 1996, the
costs of such base raw materials declined and have remained
relatively stable through the end of 1996. The Company uses the
last-in, first-out method of accounting for approximately 80% of
its inventories. Under this method, the cost of products sold
reported in the financial statements approximates current costs and
thus provides a closer matching of revenue and expenses in periods
of increasing costs. Inflationary increases in other operating
costs were moderate and did not have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or operating results.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA Page No.
Index to Financial Statements:
Management's Responsibility for Financial Statements. . . . . . . . 23
Report of Independent Auditors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Consolidated balance sheets - December 31, 1996 and 1995. . . . . . 25
For the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994:
Consolidated statements of operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Consolidated statements of stockholder's deficit. . . . . . . . . 27
Consolidated statements of cash flows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Notes to consolidated financial statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
The following consolidated financial statement schedule of JSCE,
Inc. is included in Item 14(a):
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts . . . . . . . . . . 57
All other schedules specified under Regulation S-X for JSCE, Inc.
have been omitted because they are not applicable, because they are
not required or because the information required is included in the
financial statements or notes thereto.
MANAGEMENT'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The management of the Company is responsible for the information
contained in the consolidated financial statements and in other
parts of this report. The consolidated financial statements have
been prepared by the Company in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles appropriate in the circumstances and
necessarily include certain amounts based on management's best
estimate and judgment.
The Company maintains a system of internal accounting control,
which it believes is sufficient to provide reasonable assurance
that in all material respects transactions are properly authorized
and recorded, financial reporting responsibilities are met and
accountability for assets is maintained. In establishing and
maintaining any system of internal control, judgment is required to
assess and balance the relative costs and expected benefits.
Management believes that through the careful selection of
employees, the division of responsibilities and the application of
formal policies and procedures, the Company has an effective and
responsive system of internal accounting controls. The system is
monitored by the Company's staff of internal auditors, who evaluate
and report to management on the effectiveness of the system.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of four
directors who meet with the independent auditors, internal auditors
and management to discuss specific accounting, reporting and
internal control matters. Both the independent auditors and
internal auditors have full and free access to the Audit Committee.
/s/Richard W. Graham
Richard W. Graham
President and Chief Executive Officer
/s/Patrick J. Moore
Patrick J. Moore
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors
JSCE, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
JSCE, Inc. as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, stockholder's deficit and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December
31, 1996. Our audits also included the financial statement
schedule listed in the Index at Item 14(a). These financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also
includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits
provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial
position of JSCE, Inc. at December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996 in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in
our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when
considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as
a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information
set forth therein.
/s/Ernst & Young LLP
Ernst & Young LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
January 22, 1997
JSCE, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In millions, except share data)
December 31, 1996 1995
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12 $ 27
Receivables, less allowances of
$9 in 1996 and 1995 279 339
Inventories
Work-in-process and finished goods 81 85
Materials and supplies 126 139
207 224
Deferred income taxes 46 45
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8 9
Total current assets 552 644
Net property, plant and equipment 1,466 1,456
Timberland, less timber depletion 263 258
Goodwill, less accumulated amortization of
$50 in 1996 and $42 in 1995 246 253
Other assets 161 172
$ 2,688 $ 2,783
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 10 $ 81
Accounts payable 290 290
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes 92 101
Interest payable 30 37
Other accrued liabilities 103 88
Total current liabilities 525 597
Long-term debt, less current maturities 1,934 2,111
Other long-term liabilities 241 234
Deferred income taxes 363 328
Stockholder's deficit
Common stock, par value $.01 per share;
1,000 shares authorized and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital 1,102 1,102
Retained earnings (deficit) (1,477) (1,589)
Total stockholder's deficit (375) (487)
$ 2,688 $ 2,783
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
JSCE, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
Net sales $3,410 $4,093 $3,233
Costs and expenses
Cost of goods sold 2,754 3,222 2,719
Selling and administrative expenses 265 241 223
Income from operations 391 630 291
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net (194) (234) (266)
Other, net (3) 7 3
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 194 403 28
Provision for income taxes 77 156 16
Income before extraordinary item 117 247 12
Extraordinary item
Loss from early extinguishment of debt,
net of income tax benefit of $3 in 1996,
$2 in 1995 and $34 in 1994 (5) (4) (55)
Net income (loss) $ 112 $ 243 $ (43)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
JSCE, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
(In millions, except share data)
Common Stock
Par Number Additional Retained
Value of Paid-In Earnings
$.01 Shares Capital (Deficit)
Balance at January 1, 1994 $ 1,000 $ 732 $(1,789)
Net loss (43)
Capital contribution,
net of related expenses 370
Balance at December 31, 1994 1,000 1,102 (1,832)
Net income 243
Balance at December 31, 1995 1,000 1,102 (1,589)
Net income 112
Balance at December 31, 1996 $ 1,000 $1,102 $(1,477)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
JSCE, Inc.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In millions)
Year Ended December 31, 1996 1995 1994
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss) $ 112 $ 243 $ (43)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities
Extraordinary loss from early
extinguishment of debt 8 7 89
Depreciation, depletion and amortization 139 139 131
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs 13 14 10
Deferred income taxes 34 113 (21)
Non-cash interest 19
Non-cash employee benefit expense (income) 17 (7) (9)
Change in current assets and liabilities,
net of effects from acquisitions
Receivables 60 (22) (73)
Inventories 17 (4) 10
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2 (1) (1)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (61) 42
Interest payable (4) (7) (7)
Income taxes 2 (1) 1
Other, net (3) (2) 1
Net cash provided by operating activities 397 411 149
Cash flows from investing activities
Property additions (120) (130) (144)
Timberland additions (26) (24) (19)
Investments in affiliates and acquisitions (34) (3)
Construction funds held in escrow (10)
Proceeds from property and timberland
disposals and sale of businesses 6 10 4
Net cash used for investing activities (150) (178) (162)
Cash flows from financing activities
Capital contribution, net of related expenses 370
Borrowings under bank credit facilities 250 1,372
Borrowings under senior notes 400
Net borrowings (repayments) under accounts
receivable securitization program (38) 35
Payments of long-term debt and related premiums (481) (284) (2,073)
Other increases in long-term debt 13 20 4
Deferred debt issuance costs (6) (4) (77)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities (262) (268) 31
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (15) (35) 18
Cash and cash equivalents
Beginning of year 27 62 44
End of year $ 12 $ 27 $ 62
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
JSCE, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Tabular amounts in millions)
1. Basis of Presentation
JSCE, Inc., hereafter referred to as the "Company," is a wholly-
owned subsidiary of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation ("JSC"). JSC has
no operations other than its investment in JSCE, Inc. On December
31, 1994, Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.), a wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, merged into its wholly-owned subsidiary,
Container Corporation of America ("CCA"), with CCA surviving and
changing its name to Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) ("JSC
(U.S.)"). The Company has no operations other than its investment
in JSC (U.S.). In 1994, JSC contributed 100% of the common stock
of JSC (U.S.) to the Company. This transaction has been accounted
for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests, and accordingly,
the consolidated financial statements for all periods presented
include the accounts of JSC (U.S.). Prior to May 4, 1994, 50% of
the voting stock of JSC was owned by Smurfit Packaging Corporation
("SPC") and Smurfit Holdings B.V. ("SHBV"), indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Jefferson Smurfit Group plc ("JS Group"), a public
corporation organized under the laws of the Republic of Ireland.
The remaining 50% was owned by The Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity
Fund II, L.P. ("MSLEF II") and certain other investors.
In 1994, JSC completed a recapitalization plan (the
"Recapitalization") to repay and refinance a substantial portion of
its indebtedness. In connection with the Recapitalization, (i) JSC
issued and sold 19,250,000 shares of common stock pursuant to a
registered public offering at an initial public offering price of
$13.00 per share, (ii) JS Group, through its wholly-owned
subsidiary Smurfit International B.V. ("SIBV"), purchased an
additional 11,538,462 shares of common stock for $150 million and
(iii) JSC (U.S.) issued and sold $300 million aggregate principal
amount of unsecured 11.25% Series A Senior Notes due 2004 and $100
million aggregate principal amount of unsecured 10.75% Series B
Senior Notes due 2002 (the "1994 Senior Notes") pursuant to a
registered public offering.
The deficit in stockholder's equity is primarily due to JSC's 1989
purchase of JSC (U.S.)'s common equity owned by JS Group and the
acquisition by JSC (U.S.) of its common equity owned by MSLEF I,
which were accounted for as purchases of treasury stock.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Nature of Operations: The Company's major operations are in paper
products, newsprint production, recycling and consumer packaging.
The Company's paperboard mills procure virgin and recycled fiber
and produce paperboard for conversion into corrugated containers,
folding cartons and industrial packaging at Company-owned
facilities and third-party converting operations. Paper product
operations customers represent a diverse range of industries
including paperboard and paperboard packaging, wholesale trade,
retailing and agri-business. The Company's newsprint operations
produce newsprint from virgin and recycled fiber primarily for the
newspaper industry. Recycling operations collect or broker
wastepaper for sale to Company-owned and third-party paper mills.
Consumer packaging produces labels and flexible packaging for use
in industrial, medical and consumer product applications.
Customers and operations are principally located in the United
States. Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of
their financial condition.
Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements
include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned
subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions
are eliminated in consolidation.
Cash Equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid
investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be
cash equivalents. At December 31, 1996, cash and cash equivalents
of $8 million are pledged as collateral for obligations associated
with the accounts receivable securitization program (see Note 4).
Revenue Recognition: Revenue is recognized at the time products
are shipped.
Inventories: Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or
market, principally under the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method
except for $53 million in 1996 and $54 million in 1995 which are
valued at the lower of average cost or market. First-in, first-out
costs (which approximate replacement costs) exceed the LIFO value
by $59 million and $84 million at December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
Property, Plant and Equipment: Property, plant and equipment are
carried at cost. Provisions for depreciation and amortization are
made using straight-line rates over the estimated useful lives of
the related assets and the terms of the applicable leases for
leasehold improvements. Estimated useful lives of papermill
machines average 23 years, while major converting equipment and
folding carton presses have estimated useful lives of 20 years.
In the first quarter of 1996, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of," which requires impairment losses to be recorded on
long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment
are present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be
generated by those assets are less than the assets' carrying
amount. SFAS No. 121 also addresses the accounting for long-lived
assets that are expected to be disposed of. The effect of adoption
was immaterial to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
2. Significant Accounting Policies (cont)
Timberland: The portion of the costs of timberland attributed to
standing timber is charged against income as timber is cut, at
rates determined annually, based on the relationship of unamortized
timber costs to the estimated volume of recoverable timber. The
costs of seedlings and reforestation of timberland are capitalized.
Deferred Debt Issuance Costs: Deferred debt issuance costs are
amortized over the terms of the respective debt obligations using
the interest method.
Goodwill: The excess of cost over the fair value assigned to the
net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill and is being amortized
using the straight-line method over 40 years.
Income Taxes: The taxable income of the Company is included in the
consolidated federal and state income tax returns filed by JSC.
The Company's income tax provisions are computed on a separate
return basis and are paid to JSC.
The Company accounts for income taxes under the provisions of SFAS
No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which provides for an asset
and liability approach for accounting for income taxes. Under this
approach, deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon
anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences
between financial statement carrying amounts of assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases (see Note 5).
Interest Rate Swap and Cap Agreements: The Company enters into
interest rate swap and cap agreements to reduce the impact of
interest rate fluctuations. Swap agreements involve the exchange of
fixed and floating rate interest payments without the exchange of
the underlying principal amount. Cap agreements provide that the
Company will receive a certain amount when short-term interest
rates exceed a threshold rate. Periodic amounts to be paid or
received under interest rate swap and cap agreements are accrued
and recognized as adjustments to interest expense. Premiums paid
on cap agreements are included in interest payable and amortized to
interest expense over the life of the agreements. Gains and losses
realized upon settlement of these agreements are deferred and
amortized to interest expense over a period relevant to the
agreement if the underlying hedged instrument remains outstanding,
or immediately if the underlying hedged instrument is settled.
Environmental Matters: The Company expenses environmental
expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or
current operations and from which no current or future benefit is
discernible. Expenditures which extend the life of the related
property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination
are capitalized. The Company records a liability at the time when
it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such liabilities
are not discounted or reduced for potential recoveries from
insurance carriers.
During 1996, the Company elected to early adopt the provisions of
the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement of
Position ("SOP") 96-1, "Environmental Remediation Liabilities,"
which provides authoritative guidance on the recognition,
measurement and disclosures of environmental remediation
liabilities. The effect of adopting the provisions of SOP 96-1 was
immaterial to the Company's financial statements.
2. Significant Accounting Policies (cont)
Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications of prior year
presentations have been made to conform to the 1996 presentation.
3. Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment at December 31 consists of:
1996 1995
Land $ 61 $ 60
Buildings and leasehold improvements 280 268
Machinery, fixtures and equipment 1,908 1,815
2,249 2,143
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 849 753
1,400 1,390
Construction in progress 66 66
Net property, plant and equipment $1,466 $1,456
4. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt at December 31 consists of:
1996 1995
Tranche A term loan $ 312 $ 708
Tranche B term loan 283 236
Tranche C term loan 141
Revolving loans 55 55
Accounts receivable securitization program loans 179 217
1994 series A senior notes 300 300
1994 series B senior notes 100 100
1993 senior notes 500 500
Other 74 76
1,944 2,192
Less current portion 10 81
$1,934 $2,111
Aggregate annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 1996
for the next five years are $10 million in 1997, $14 million in
1998, $100 million in 1999, $348 million in 2000 and $281 million
in 2001.
4. Long-Term Debt (cont)
1994 Credit Agreement
In connection with the Recapitalization, JSC (U.S.) entered into a
bank credit facility (the "1994 Credit Agreement") which consists
of a $450 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit
Facility") of which up to $150 million may consist of letters of
credit, a $900 million Tranche A Term Loan and a $300 million
Tranche B Term Loan. During 1996, the 1994 Credit Agreement was
amended to allow an additional $100 million borrowing under the
Tranche B Term Loan and $150 million borrowing under a newly
created Tranche C Term Loan. The $250 million in new proceeds from
these term loans was used to reduce scheduled installment payments
of the Tranche A Term Loan. The Tranche A Term Loan matures in
various installments through 2001. The Tranche B and Tranche C
Term Loans mature in various installments through 2002. The
Revolving Credit Facility matures in 2001.
Outstanding loans under the Tranche A Term Loan and the Revolving
Credit Facility bear interest at rates selected at the option of
JSC (U.S.) equal to the alternate base rate ("ABR") plus .75% per
annum or the adjusted LIBOR Rate plus 1.75% per annum (7.56% at
December 31, 1996). Interest on outstanding loans under the
Tranche B Term Loan is payable at a rate selected at the option of
JSC (U.S.), equal to the prime rate plus 2% per annum or the
adjusted LIBOR Rate plus 3% per annum (8.89% at December 31, 1996).
Interest on the Tranche C Term Loan is payable at a rate selected
at the option of the Company, equal to the prime rate plus 2.25%
per annum or the adjusted LIBOR Rate plus 3.25% per annum (9.14% at
December 31, 1996). ABR is defined as the highest of Chase
Manhattan Bank's prime lending rate, 1/2 of 1% in excess of the
Federal Funds Rate or 1% in excess of the base certificate of
deposit rate. The Tranche A, B and C Term Loans and the Revolving
Credit Facility may be prepaid at any time, in whole or in part, at
the option of JSC (U.S.).
A commitment fee of .375% per annum is assessed on the unused
portion of the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 1996,
the unused portion of this facility, after giving consideration to
outstanding letters of credit, was $322 million.
The obligations under the 1994 Credit Agreement are unconditionally
guaranteed by JSC, the Company and its subsidiaries and are secured
by a security interest in substantially all of the assets of JSC
(U.S.) and its material subsidiaries, with the exception of cash,
cash equivalents and trade receivables. The 1994 Credit Agreement
is also secured by a pledge of all the capital stock of each
material subsidiary of JSC and by certain intercompany notes.
4. Long-Term Debt (cont)
The 1994 Credit Agreement contains various business and financial
covenants including, among other things, (i) limitations on
dividends, redemptions and repurchases of capital stock, (ii)
limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness, liens, leases and
sale-leaseback transactions, (iii) limitations on capital
expenditures, (iv) maintenance of minimum levels of consolidated
earnings before depreciation, interest, taxes and amortization and
(v) maintenance of minimum interest coverage ratios. The 1994
Credit Agreement also requires prepayments if JSC (U.S.) has excess
cash flows, as defined, or receives proceeds from certain asset
sales, insurance, issuance of equity securities, or incurrence of
certain indebtedness.
Accounts Receivable Securitization Program Loans
JSC (U.S.) has a $315 million accounts receivable securitization
program (the "Securitization Program") which provides for the sale
of certain of the Company's trade receivables to a wholly-owned,
bankruptcy remote, limited purpose subsidiary, Jefferson Smurfit
Finance Corporation ("JS Finance"), which finances its purchases of
eligible JSC (U.S.) receivables through the issuance of commercial
paper or the proceeds of borrowings under a revolving liquidity
facility and a term loan. In 1995, JS Finance borrowed $15 million
under the term loan and may issue up to $300 million trade
receivables-backed commercial paper or borrow up to $300 million
under a revolving liquidity facility.
Under the Securitization Program, JS Finance has granted a security
interest in all its assets, principally cash and cash equivalents
of $8 million and trade accounts receivable of $210 million, at
December 31, 1996. Interest rates on borrowings under the
Securitization Program are at a variable rate (5.72% at December
31, 1996). At December 31, 1996, $133 million was available for
additional borrowing, subject to JSC (U.S.)'s level of eligible
accounts receivable. Borrowings under the Securitization Program,
which expires December 1999, have been classified as long-term debt
because of the Company's intent to refinance this debt on a long-
term basis and the availability of such financing under the terms
of the program.
1994 Senior Notes
In connection with the Recapitalization, JSC (U.S.) issued and sold
$300 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured 11.25% Series
A Senior Notes due 2004 and $100 million aggregate principal amount
of unsecured 10.75% Series B Senior Notes due 2002. The Series A
Senior Notes are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of
JSC (U.S.), at any time on or after May 1, 1999 with premiums of
5.625% and 2.813% of the principal amount if redeemed during the
12-month periods commencing May 1, 1999 and 2000, respectively. In
addition, up to $100 million aggregate principal amount of Series
A Senior Notes is redeemable at 110% of the principal amount prior
to May 1, 1997 in connection with certain stock issuances. The
Series B Senior Notes are not redeemable prior to maturity.
The 1994 Senior Notes, which are unconditionally guaranteed on a
senior basis by JSCE, Inc., rank pari passu with the 1994 Credit
Agreement and the 1993 Senior Notes. The 1994 Senior Notes
agreement contains business and financial covenants which are less
restrictive than those contained in the 1994 Credit Agreement.
4. Long-Term Debt (cont)
Holders of the 1994 Senior Notes have the right, subject to certain
limitations, to require JSC (U.S.) to repurchase their securities
at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest,
upon the occurrence of a change of control or in certain events
from proceeds of major asset sales, as defined.
1993 Senior Notes
In 1993, JSC (U.S.) issued $500 million of unsecured 9.75% Senior
Notes (the "1993 Senior Notes") due 2003 which are not redeemable
prior to maturity. The 1993 Senior Notes, which are
unconditionally guaranteed on a senior basis by JSCE, Inc., rank
pari passu with the 1994 Credit Agreement and the 1994 Senior
Notes. The 1993 Senior Notes agreement contains business and
financial covenants which are substantially less restrictive than
those contained in the 1994 Credit Agreement and substantially
similar to those contained in the 1994 Senior Notes agreement.
Holders of the 1993 Senior Notes have the right, subject to certain
limitations, to require JSC (U.S.) to repurchase their securities
at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest,
upon the occurrence of a change in control or in certain events,
from proceeds of major asset sales, as defined.
Other Debt
Other long-term debt at December 31, 1996 is payable in varying
installments through the year 2029. Interest rates on these
obligations averaged approximately 8.39% at December 31, 1996.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements to manage its
interest rate exposure on long-term debt. At December 31, 1996,
the Company has interest rate swap agreements with a notional
amount of $233 million which effectively fix (for remaining periods
up to one year) the interest rate on variable rate borrowings. The
Company is currently paying a weighted average fixed interest rate
of 7.16% and receiving a weighted average variable interest rate of
5.66%, calculated on the notional amount.
The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of non-
performance by the other parties to the interest rate swap
agreements. However, the Company does not anticipate non-
performance by the counterparties.
Other
Interest costs capitalized on construction projects in 1996, 1995
and 1994 totalled $3 million, $4 million and $4 million,
respectively. Interest payments on all debt instruments for 1996,
1995 and 1994 were $186 million, $228 million and $247 million,
respectively.
5. Income Taxes
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and
liabilities at December 31 are as follows:
1996 1995
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment and timberland $396 $386
Inventory 13 11
Prepaid pension costs 31 36
Other 104101
Total deferred tax liabilities 544 534
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefit plans 102 100
Net operating loss, alternative minimum tax and
tax credit carryforwards 90 113
Other 53 49
Total deferred tax assets 245 262
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets (18) (11)
Net deferred tax assets 227 251
Net deferred tax liabilities $317 $283
Provision for income taxes before extraordinary item was as
follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
Current
Federal $ 41 $ 38 $ 1
State and local 2 4 2
43 42 3
Deferred
Federal (1) (12) 39
State and local (5) 2 4
Net operating loss carryforwards 40 124 (30)
34 114 13
$ 77 $ 156 $ 16
At December 31, 1996, the Company has net operating loss
carryforwards for state income tax purposes of approximately $44
million which expire in the years 1997 through 2009.
JSC's federal income tax returns for 1989 through 1991 are
currently under examination. While the ultimate results of such
examination cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company's
management believes that the examination will not have a material
adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results
of operations.
5. Income Taxes (cont)
A reconciliation of the difference between the statutory federal
income tax rate and the effective income tax rate as a percentage
of income before income taxes and extraordinary item is as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
U.S. federal statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State and local taxes, net of
federal tax benefit (1.5) 3.9 (4.8)
Permanent differences from applying
purchase accounting 4.1 3.2 23.7
Effect of valuation allowances on
deferred tax assets, net of
federal benefit 2.1 (3.4) 1.1
Other, net 2.1
39.7% 38.7% 57.1%
The Company made income tax payments of $39 million, $41 million
and $3 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
6. Employee Benefit Plans
Pension Plans
The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans
covering substantially all employees not covered by multi-employer
plans. Plans that cover salaried and management employees provide
pension benefits that are based on the employee's five highest
consecutive calendar years' compensation during the last ten years
of service. Plans covering non-salaried employees generally
provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. These
plans provide reduced benefits for early retirement. The Company's
funding policy is to make minimum annual contributions required by
applicable regulations. The Company also participates in several
multi-employer pension plans, which provide defined benefits to
certain union employees.
Assumptions used in the accounting for the defined benefit plans
were:
1996 1995 1994
Weighted average discount rate 7.75% 7.25% 8.5%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.5% 4.0% 5.0%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 9.5% 9.5% 10.0%
6. Employee Benefit Plans (cont)
The components of net pension expense (income) for the defined
benefit plans and the total contributions charged to pension
expense for the multi-employer plans follow:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
Defined benefit plans:
Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 16 $ 13 $ 14
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 60 59 54
Actual return on plan assets (131) (155) (8)
Net amortization and deferral 62 75 (71)
Multi-employer plans 2 2 2
Net pension expense (income) $ 9 $ (6) $ (9)
The following table sets forth the funded status and amounts
recognized in the consolidated balance sheets at December 31 for
the Company's defined benefit pension plans:
1996 1995
Actuarial present value of benefit obligations:
Vested benefit obligations $759 $781
Accumulated benefit obligations $802 $820
Projected benefit obligations $838 $857
Plan assets at fair value 926 845
Plan assets in excess of (less than)
projected benefit obligations 88 (12)
Unrecognized net loss 8 119
Unrecognized net asset at December 31,
being recognized over 14 to 15 years (17) (21)
Net pension asset $ 79 $ 86
Approximately 33% of plan assets at December 31, 1996 are invested
in cash equivalents or debt securities and 67% are invested in
equity securities. Equity securities at December 31, 1996 include
736,807 shares of JSC common stock with a market value of
approximately $12 million and 25,904,227 shares of JS Group common
stock having a market value of approximately $78 million.
Dividends paid on JS Group common stock during 1996 were
approximately $2 million.
Savings Plans
The Company sponsors voluntary savings plans covering substantially
all salaried and certain hourly employees. The Company match,
which is paid in JSC common stock, was 60% in 1996 and 50% in 1995
and 1994 of each participant's contributions up to an annual
maximum. The Company's expense for the savings plans totalled $8
million, $6 million and $5 million in 1996, 1995 and 1994,
respectively.
6. Employee Benefit Plans (cont)
Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits
The Company provides certain health care and life insurance
benefits for all salaried and certain hourly employees. The
Company has various plans under which the cost may be borne either
by the Company, the employee or partially by each party. The
Company does not currently fund these plans. These benefits are
discretionary and are not a commitment to long-term benefit
payments. The plans allow employees who retire on or after January
1, 1994 to become eligible for these benefits only if they retire
after age 60 while working for the Company.
The following table sets forth the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation ("APBO") with respect to these benefits as of
December 31:
1996 1995
Retirees $ 63 $ 56
Active employees 35 38
Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 98 94
Unrecognized net gain 3 6
Accrued postretirement benefit cost $101 $100
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost included the following
components:
1996 1995
Service cost-benefits earned during the period $ 1 $ 1
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation 7 7
Net amortization (1) (1)
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 7 $ 7
A weighted-average discount rate of 7.75% and 7.25% was used in
determining the APBO at December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
The weighted-average annual assumed rate of increase in the per
capita cost of covered benefits ("health care cost trend rate") was
8.5%, with an annual decline of 1% until the rate reaches 4.25% in
the year 2001. The effect of a 1% increase in the assumed health
care cost trend rate would increase the APBO as of December 31,
1996 by $2 million and have no effect on the annual net periodic
postretirement benefit cost for 1996.
7. Related Party Transactions
Transactions with JS Group
Transactions with JS Group, its subsidiaries and affiliated
companies were as follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
Product sales $ 34 $ 44 $36
Product and raw material purchases 64 108 71
Management services income 5 4 4
Charges from JS Group for services provided 1 1
Charges from JS Group for letter of credit,
commitment fees and related expenses 3
Charges to JS Group for costs pertaining to
the Fernandina No. 2 paperboard machine 54 57 54
Receivables at December 31 3 3 4
Payables at December 31 10 13 11
Product sales to and purchases from JS Group, its subsidiaries and
affiliates are consummated on terms generally similar to those
prevailing with unrelated parties.
The Company provides certain subsidiaries and affiliates of JS
Group with general management and elective management services
under separate Management Services Agreements. In consideration
for general management services, the Company is paid a fee up to 2%
of the subsidiaries' or affiliates' gross sales. In consideration
for elective services, the Company is reimbursed for its direct
cost of providing such services.
An affiliate of JS Group owns the No. 2 paperboard machine that is
located in the Company's Fernandina Beach, Florida, paperboard mill
(the "Fernandina Mill"). Pursuant to an operating agreement
between the Company and the affiliate, the Company operates and
manages the No. 2 paperboard machine and is compensated for its
direct production and manufacturing costs and indirect
manufacturing, selling and administrative costs incurred by the
Company for the entire Fernandina Mill. The compensation is
determined by applying various formulas and agreed-upon amounts to
the subject costs. The amounts reimbursed to the Company are
reflected as reductions of cost of goods sold and selling and
administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements
of operations.
Transactions with Times Mirror
In July 1995, under the terms of a shareholder agreement, JSC
(U.S.) acquired the remaining 20% minority interest of Smurfit
Newsprint Corporation ("SNC") from The Times Mirror Company ("Times
Mirror"). SNC supplies newsprint to Times Mirror at amounts which
approximate prevailing market prices under the terms of a long-term
agreement. The obligations of the Company and Times Mirror to
supply and purchase newsprint are wholly or partially terminable
upon the occurrence of certain defined events. Sales to Times
Mirror for 1996, 1995 and 1994 were $165 million, $189 million and
$113 million, respectively.
7. Related Party Transactions (cont)
Transactions with Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated
In connection with the Recapitalization, Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated in its capacity as underwriter of public equity and
debt securities, received fees from the Company of $16 million in
1994.
8. Leases
The Company leases certain facilities and equipment for production,
selling and administrative purposes under operating leases. Future
minimum lease payments at December 31, 1996 required under
operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease
terms in excess of one year are $33 million in 1997, $25 million in
1998, $19 million in 1999, $14 million in 2000, $14 million in 2001
and $22 million thereafter.
Net rental expense was $50 million, $48 million and $46 million for
1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively.
9. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments
are as follows:
December 31,
1996 1995
Carrying Fair Carrying Fair
Amount Value Amount Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 12 $ 12 $ 27 $ 27
Liabilities
Long-term debt, including
current maturities 1,944 2,005 2,192 2,184
Unrealized loss on interest
rate swap agreements - - - 5
The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value
because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value
of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on the quoted
market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current
rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining
maturities. The fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is
the estimated amount the Company would pay or receive, net of
accrued interest expense, to terminate the agreements at December
31, 1996 and 1995, taking into account current interest rates and
the current creditworthiness of the swap counterparties.
10. Restructuring Program
During 1993, the Company initiated a restructuring program designed
to improve its long-term competitive position. Since 1993, the
Company has written down the assets of closed facilities and other
nonproductive assets totalling $39 million and made cash
expenditures of $39 million relating to direct expenses associated
with plant closures, reductions in workforce, realignment and
consolidation of various manufacturing operations. The remaining
restructuring liability relates to closures and sales of certain
facilities which were originally anticipated to be completed as of
December 31, 1996 and are now expected to be completed during 1997.
No significant adjustment to the reserve is anticipated at this
time.
11. Contingencies
The Company's past and present operations include activities which
are subject to federal, state and local environmental requirements,
particularly relating to air and water quality. The Company faces
potential environmental liability as a result of violations of
permit terms and similar authorizations that have occurred from
time to time at its facilities.
The Company faces potential liability for response costs at various
sites with respect to which the Company has received notice that it
may be a potentially responsible party ("PRP") as well as
contamination of certain Company-owned properties, under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability
Act ("CERCLA") concerning hazardous substance contamination. In
estimating its reserves for environmental remediation and future
costs, the Company's estimated liability reflects only the
Company's expected share. In determining the liability, the
estimate takes into consideration the number of other PRP's at each
site, the identity and financial condition of such parties and
experience regarding similar matters.
The Company is a defendant in a number of lawsuits and claims
arising out of the conduct of its business, including those related
to environmental matters. While the ultimate results of such suits
or other proceedings against the Company cannot be predicted with
certainty, the management of the Company believes that the
resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect
on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
In the fourth quarter of 1995, the Company recorded a pretax charge
totalling $25 million to implement a program of corrective action
to address product quality matters and failure to follow proper
manufacturing and internal procedures relating to production of
exterior siding, a non-core product line of SNC. Based upon the
experience to date, the Company believes the reserve is adequate.
Separately, in January 1997, SNC and certain manufacturers and
distributors of mobile homes were named as defendants in a class
action complaint filed in the state of South Carolina. The
complaint alleges that exterior siding produced by SNC and used in
mobile homes deteriorates when exposed to climate conditions found
in South Carolina. The Company intends to vigorously defend the
action. The litigation is currently in the discovery stage and, at
this time, the Company is unable to estimate its potential
liability, if any, in connection with the matter.
12. Business Segment Information
The Company's principal lines of business are paperboard/packaging
products and newsprint. The paperboard/packaging products segment
includes the manufacture and distribution of containerboard,
boxboard and solid bleached sulfate, corrugated containers, folding
cartons, fiber partitions, papertubes and cores, labels and
flexible packaging. The newsprint segment includes the manufacture
and distribution of newsprint. A summary by business segment of
net sales, income from operations, identifiable assets, capital
expenditures and depreciation, depletion and amortization follows:
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
Net sales
Paperboard/packaging products $3,087 $3,706 $2,974
Newsprint 323 387 259
$3,410 $4,093 $3,233
Income (loss) from operations
Paperboard/packaging products $ 335 $ 604 $ 308
Newsprint 56 26 (17)
Total income from operations 391 630 291
Interest expense, net (194) (234) (266)
Other, net (3) 7 3
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item $ 194 $ 403 $ 28
Identifiable assets
Paperboard/packaging products $2,189 $2,246 $2,211
Newsprint 284 296 276
Corporate assets 215 241 272
$2,688 $2,783 $2,759
Capital expenditures
Paperboard/packaging products $ 129 $ 137 $ 146
Newsprint 17 17 17
$ 146 $ 154 $ 163
Depreciation, depletion and amortization
Paperboard/packaging products $ 126 $ 122 $ 115
Newsprint 13 17 16
$ 139 $ 139 $ 131
Sales and transfers between segments are not material. Export
sales are less than 10% of total sales. Corporate assets consist
principally of cash and cash equivalents, deferred income taxes,
deferred debt issuance costs and other assets which are not
specific to a segment.
13. Summarized Financial Information JSC (U.S.)
The following summarized financial information is presented for JSC
(U.S.), a wholly-owned subsidiary of JSCE, Inc. No separate
financial statements are presented for JSC (U.S.) because the
financial statements of JSC (U.S.) are identical to those of JSCE,
Inc. JSC (U.S.) is the borrower under the 1994 Credit Agreement
and the issuer of the 1994 Senior Notes and the 1993 Senior Notes.
These securities are guaranteed by JSCE, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31,
1996 1995
Current assets $ 552 $ 644
Property, plant and equipment and timberlands, net 1,729 1,714
Goodwill 246 253
Other assets 161 172
Total assets $ 2,688 $ 2,783
Current liabilities $ 525 $ 597
Long-term debt 1,934 2,111
Other liabilities 604 562
Stockholder's deficit
Common stock
Additional paid-in capital 1,102 1,102
Retained earnings (deficit) (1,477) (1,589)
Total stockholder's deficit (375) (487)
Total liabilities and stockholder's deficit $ 2,688 $ 2,783
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
Year Ended December 31,
1996 1995 1994
Net sales $3,410 $4,093 $3,233
Cost and expenses 3,019 3,463 2,942
Interest expense, net 194 234 266
Other income (expense), net (3) 7 3
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 194 403 28
Provision for income taxes 77 156 16
Extraordinary item
Loss from early extinguishment of
debt, net of income tax benefits (5) (4) (55)
Net income (loss) $ 112 $ 243 $ (43)
14. Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of
operations:
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter
1996
Net sales $ 916 $ 844 $ 834 $ 816
Gross profit 205 155 151 145
Income from operations 138 92 86 75
Income before extraordinary item 53 27 22 15
Loss from early extinguishment
of debt (4) (1)
Net income 53 23 22 14
1995
Net sales $986 $1,083 $1,051 $973
Gross profit 187 228 245 211
Income from operations 126 165 185 154
Income before extraordinary item 39 66 77 65
Loss from early extinguishment
of debt (3) (1)
Net income 39 66 74 64
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Directors
The following table sets forth the names and ages of the directors
of the Company.
Name Age
Leigh J. Abramson 28
Donald P. Brennan 56
Alan E. Goldberg 42
Richard W. Graham 62
James S. Hoch 36
G. Thompson Hutton 41
Howard E. Kilroy 61
Michael W.J. Smurfit 60
James E. Terrill 63
James R. Thompson 60
The Board of Directors currently consists of ten directors. The
directors are classified into three groups: four directors having
terms expiring in 1997, including Messrs. Brennan, Hoch, Smurfit
and Terrill; three directors having terms expiring in 1998,
including Messrs. Abramson, Graham and Hutton; and three directors
having terms expiring in 1999, including Messrs. Goldberg, Kilroy
and Thompson.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth the names, ages and positions of the
executive officers of the Company.
Name Age Position
Robert P. Breimeier 53 Vice President - Transportation and
Logistics
Janet R. Carl 36 Vice President - Environmental Affairs
James P. Davis 41 Vice President and General Manager -
Consumer Packaging Division
James D. Duncan 55 Vice President and General Manager -
Industrial Packaging Division
John R. Funke 55 Vice President
Richard J. Golden 54 Vice President - Purchasing
Richard W. Graham 62 President and Chief Executive Officer
Michael F. Harrington 56 Vice President - Human Resources
Charles A. Hinrichs 43 Vice President and Treasurer
Jay D. Lamb 49 Vice President and General Manager -
SNC
F. Scott Macfarlane 51 Vice President and General Manager -
Folding Carton and Boxboard Mill
Division
Lyle L. Meyer 60 Vice President - Pension and Group
Benefits
Patrick J. Moore 42 Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer
Thomas A. Pagano 50 Vice President - Planning
Eric Priestley 54 Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer
Michael W.J. Smurfit 60 Chairman of the Board and Director
David C. Stevens 62 Vice President and General Manager -
Smurfit Recycling Company
John E. Straw 54 Vice President - Corporate Sales and
Marketing
Michael E. Tierney 48 Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary
William N. Wandmacher 54 Vice President and General Manager
- Containerboard Mill Division
Gary L. West 54 Vice President and General Manager -
Container Division
Biographies
Leigh J. Abramson was named to the Board of Directors of the
Company in January 1997. Mr. Abramson joined Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated ("MS&Co.") in 1990 and is a Senior Associate in
MS&Co.'s Merchant Banking Division. He is a Vice President of
Morgan Stanley Capital Partners III, Inc. ("MSCP III, Inc.") and
Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity Fund II, Inc. ("MSLEF II, Inc."),
which is the general partner of The Morgan Stanley Leveraged Equity
Fund, L.P. ("MSLEF II"). Mr. Abramson also serves as a director of
PageMart Wireless, Inc., PageMart, Inc. and Silgan Holdings Inc.
Robert P. Breimeier was appointed Vice President - Transportation
and Logistics in December 1996. He was Director of Operations -
Transportation and Logistics from September 1995 to December 1996
and Director of Corporate Planning from December 1994 to September
1995. Prior to that, he held various managerial positions since
joining the Company in 1966, including Vice President and General
Manager of Coated Recycled Boxboard Mills from April 1989 until
reassignment to Corporate Planning.
Donald P. Brennan has been a Director of the Company since 1989.
Mr. Brennan is an Advisory Director of MS&Co. He was a Managing
Director of MS&Co. from 1984 to February 1996, responsible for
MS&Co.'s Merchant Banking Division. Mr. Brennan also serves as
Director of Fort Howard Corporation, ICT Group, Inc. and SITA
Telecommunications Holdings N.V.
Janet R. Carl was named Vice President - Environmental Affairs in
August 1996. She joined the Company in August 1995 as
environmental counsel. Previously, she was employed as an attorney
with Mayor, Day, Caldwell and Keeton in Houston, Texas.
James P. Davis has been Vice President and General Manager -
Consumer Packaging Division since November 1995. He served as
Division Director of Operations from August 1995 to November 1995.
Prior to that, he held various management positions in the
Container Division since joining the Company in 1977.
James D. Duncan was appointed Vice President and General Manager -
Industrial Packaging Division in October 1996. He was Vice
President and General Manager, Converting Operations - Industrial
Packaging Division from April 1994 to October 1996 and served as
General Manager, Converting Operations - Industrial Packaging
Division from February 1993 to April 1994. Prior to that, he was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Sequoia Pacific Systems,
an affiliate of the Company, that he joined in August 1989.
John R. Funke has been a Vice President since April 1989. He was
Chief Financial Officer from April 1989 to October 1996. Mr. Funke
will retire from the Company at the end of April 1997.
Alan E. Goldberg has been a Director of the Company since 1989. He
has been a Managing Director of MS&Co. since January 1988, is co-
head of MS&Co.'s Merchant Banking Division and is a Vice Chairman
of MSLEF II, Inc., which is the general partner of MSLEF II, and of
MSCP III, Inc. Mr. Goldberg also serves as Director of CIMIC
Holdings Limited, Cat Limited, Hamilton Services Limited, Amerin
Corporation and Amerin Guaranty Corporation, Direct Response
Corporation and several private companies.
Richard J. Golden has been Vice President - Purchasing since
January 1985 and was Director of Corporate Purchasing from October
1981 to January 1985. In January 1994, he was assigned
responsibility for world-wide purchasing for JS Group.
Richard W. Graham was named President and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company in January 1997. He was President of the Company
from July 1996 to December 1996. He served as Senior Vice
President from February 1994 to July 1996. Prior to that, he held
various positions in the Folding Carton and Boxboard Mill Division,
including Vice President and General Manager from February 1991 to
January 1994.
Michael F. Harrington has been Vice President - Human Resources
since January 1992. Prior to joining the Company, he was Corporate
Director of Labor Relations/Safety and Health with Boise Cascade
Corporation for more than 5 years.
Charles A. Hinrichs has been Vice President and Treasurer since
April 1995. Prior to joining the Company, he was employed by The
Boatmen's National Bank of St. Louis for 13 years, where most
recently he was Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer.
James S. Hoch was named to the Board of Directors of the Company in
February 1997. Mr. Hoch joined MS&Co. in 1986 and is a Principal
in MS&Co.'s Merchant Banking Division. He is a Vice President of
MSCP III, Inc. and MSLEF II, Inc., which is the general partner of
MSLEF II. He also serves as a director of Kabelmedia Holding GmbH,
Nordic Aluminum, Inc., SITA Telecommunications Holdings, N.V. and
Shuttleway.
G. Thompson Hutton was elected to the Board of Directors in
December 1994. Mr. Hutton has been President and Chief Executive
Officer of Risk Management Solutions, Inc., an information services
company based in Menlo Park, California, since 1991. Prior to
that, he was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, Inc.
from 1986 to 1991. He also serves as a Trustee of Colorado Outward
Bound School.
Howard E. Kilroy has been a Director of the Company since 1989.
Mr. Kilroy was Chief Operations Director of JS Group from 1978
until March 1995 and President of JS Group from October 1986 until
March 1995. He was a member of the Supervisory Board of Smurfit
International B.V. ("SIBV") from January 1978 to January 1992. He
was Senior Vice President of the Company for over 5 years. He
retired from his executive positions with JS Group and the Company
at the end of March 1995, but remains a Director of JS Group
and the Company. In addition, he is Governor (Chairman) of Bank
of Ireland and a Director of CRH plc.
Jay D. Lamb was appointed Vice President and General Manager of SNC
in May 1996. He was Director of Operations of SNC from May 1995 to
May 1996. Prior to that, he held various accounting and managerial
positions with SNC since joining the Company in 1970.
F. Scott Macfarlane has been Vice President and General Manager -
Folding Carton and Boxboard Mill Division since November 1995. He
served as Vice President and General Manager of the Folding Carton
Division from December 1993 to November 1995. Prior to that, he
held various managerial positions within the Folding Carton
Division since joining the Company in 1971.
Lyle L. Meyer has been Vice President - Pension and Group Benefits
since April 1989. He served as President of Smurfit Pension and
Insurance Services Company ("SPISCO") from 1982 until 1992, when
SPISCO was merged into the Company.
Patrick J. Moore was named Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company in October 1996. He was Vice President and
General Manager - Industrial Packaging Division from December 1994
to October 1996. He served as Vice President and Treasurer from
February 1993 to December 1994 and was Treasurer from October 1990
to February 1993. He joined the Company in 1987 as Assistant
Treasurer.
Thomas A. Pagano was named Vice President - Planning in May 1996.
He was Director of Corporate Planning from September 1995 to May
1996. Prior to that, Mr. Pagano held various managerial positions
within the Company's Container Division, including Area Regional
General Manager from January 1994 to September 1995.
Eric Priestley joined the Company in August 1996 as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, he was
President and Chief Executive Officer of Rexam, Inc., a U.S.
producer of packaging, print and coated products and a subsidiary
of Rexam plc.
Michael W.J. Smurfit has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of JS Group since 1977 and has been Chairman of the Board of the
Company since 1989. He was Chief Executive Officer of the Company
prior to July 1990.
David C. Stevens has been Vice President and General Manager -
Smurfit Recycling Company since January 1993. Prior to that, he
was General Sales Manager for Smurfit Recycling Company since
joining the Company in 1987.
John E. Straw has been Vice President - Corporate Sales and
Marketing since May 1996. Mr. Straw has held various managerial
positions in the Folding Carton and Boxboard Mill Division since
joining the Company in 1969, including General Manager, National
Account Sales from May 1995 to May 1996.
James E. Terrill has been Vice Chairman of the Board since February
1997 and a Director of the Company since 1994. He was Chief
Executive Officer from July 1996 to December 1996 and President and
Chief Executive Officer from February 1994 to July 1996. He served
as Executive Vice President - Operations from August 1990 to
February 1994. He also served as President of SNC from February
1986 to February 1993.
James R. Thompson was elected to the Board of Directors in July
1994. He is Chairman of the Executive Committee and a Partner of
Winston & Strawn, a law firm that regularly represents the Company
on numerous matters. He served as Governor of the State of
Illinois from 1977 to 1991. Mr. Thompson also serves as a Director
of FMC Corporation, the Chicago Board of Trade, International
Advisory Council of the Bank of Montreal, Prime Retail, Inc.,
American National Can Corporation, National Council on Compensation
Insurance, Hollinger International, Inc., Union Pacific Resources,
Inc. and The Japan Society (N.Y.).
Michael E. Tierney has been Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary since January 1993. Prior to that he served as Senior
Counsel and Assistant Secretary since joining the Company in 1987.
William N. Wandmacher has been Vice President and General Manager -
Containerboard Mill Division since January 1993. He served as
Division Vice President - Medium Mills from October 1986 to January
1993. Prior to that, he held various positions in production,
plant management and planning since joining the Company in 1966.
Gary L. West was named Vice President and General Manager -
Container Division in October 1996. He was Vice President of
Operations for Container Division from May 1996 to October 1996.
Mr. West was Vice President - Sales and Marketing from December
1994 to May 1996. Prior to that, he held various management
positions in the Container, Consumer Packaging and Industrial
Packaging Divisions since joining the Company in 1980, including
Vice President and General Manager - Industrial Packaging Division
from October 1992 to December 1994.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required in response to this item is set forth
under the captions "Executive Compensation," "Report of the
Compensation Committee on Executive Compensation" and "Appointment
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation" in JSC's proxy
statement in connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to
be held on May 1, 1997, which will be filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on or before March 31, 1997 (the "JSC Proxy
Statement"), and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND
MANAGEMENT
All of the outstanding JSC (U.S.) Common Stock is owned by JSCE,
and all of the outstanding JSCE Common Stock is owned by JSC.
Additional information required in response to this item is set
forth under the caption "Principal Stockholders" in the JSC Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required in response to this item is set forth
under the caption "Certain Transactions" in the JSC Proxy Statement
and is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON
FORM 8-K
(a) (1) and (2) The list of Financial Statements and Financial
Statement Schedules required by this item are included in
Item 8.
(3) Exhibits.
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to JSCE's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).
3.2 By-laws of the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 3.2 to JSCE's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1994).
4.1 Indenture for the Series A 1994 Senior Notes
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1994).
4.2 Indenture for the Series B 1994 Senior Notes
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1994).
4.3 Indenture for the 1993 Senior Notes (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to JSC's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 (File No. 33-75520)).
4.4 First Supplemental Indenture to the 1993 Senior Note
Indenture (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to
JSC's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-
75520)).
10.1 Second Amended and Restated Organization Agreement, as of
August 26, 1992, among SIBV, MSLEF II, SIBV/MS Holdings,
Inc., JSC, Container Corporation of America ("CCA") and
MSLEF II, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1(d) to JSC (U.S.)'s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended September 30, 1992).
10.2(a) Stockholders Agreement among JSC, SIBV, MSLEF II and
certain related entities (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to JSC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1994).
10.2(b) First Amendment to Stockholders Agreement, dated as of
January 13, 1997, among SIBV, MSLEF II, JSC and certain
related entities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2(b) to JSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
10.3 Registration Rights Agreement among JSC, MSLEF II and
SIBV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1994).
10.4 Subscription Agreement among JSC, JSC (U.S.), CCA and
SIBV (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1994).
10.5(a) Restated Newsprint Agreement, dated January 1, 1990, by
and between SNC and The Times Mirror Company
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to JSC
(U.S.)'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
ended December 31, 1990). Portions of this exhibit have
been excluded pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
10.5(b) Amendment No. 1 to the Restated Newsprint Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6(b) to JSC's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-75520)).
10.6 Operating Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1992, by and
between CCA and Smurfit Paperboard, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.42 to JSC (U.S.)'s quarterly
report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31,
1992).
10.7 JSC (U.S.) Deferred Compensation Plan as amended
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to JSC's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996).
10.8 JSC (U.S.) Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to JSC's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995).
10.9 Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.) 1994 Long-Term
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.13 to JSC's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File
No. 33-75520)).
10.10 Rights Agreement, dated as of April 30, 1992, among CCA,
Smurfit Paperboard, Inc. and Bankers Trust Company, as
collateral trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.43 to JSC (U.S.)'s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended March 31, 1992).
10.11(a) 1992 SIBV/MS Holdings, Inc. Stock Option Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.48 to JSC
(U.S.)'s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1992).
10.11(b) Amendment No. 1 to 1992 SIBV/MS Holdings, Inc. Stock
Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.16(b) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-1 (File No. 33-75520)).
10.12(a) Credit Agreement, amended and restated as of May 17,
1996, among JSC, JSCE, JSC (U.S.) and the banks parties
thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
JSC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
June 30, 1996).
10.12(b) Amendment Agreement dated as of May 17, 1996 among JSC,
JSCE, JSC (U.S.), SNC and the banks parties thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1996).
10.13(a) Term Loan Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995 among
JSC Finance and Bank Brussels Lambert, New York Branch
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1995).
10.13(b) Depositary and Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement (Series
A Commercial Paper) as of February 23, 1995 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to JSC's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.13(c) Depositary and Issuing and Paying Agent Agreement (Series
B Commercial Paper) as of February 23, 1995 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to JSC's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.13(d) Receivables Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of
February 23, 1995 among JSC (U.S.), as the Initial
Servicer and JS Finance, as the Purchaser (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to JSC's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.13(e) Termination and Reassignment Agreement dated as of March
3, 1995 among JS Finance, JSC (U.S.), Emerald Funding
Corporation and Bankers Trust Company (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to JSC's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.13(f) Liquidity Agreement dated as of February 23, 1995 among
JS Finance, the Financial Institutions parties hereto as
Banks, Bankers Trust Company, as Facility Agent and
Bankers Trust Company as Collateral Agent (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to JSC's quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1995).
10.13(g) Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement dated as of February
23, 1995 among BT Securities Corporation, Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated, JSC (U.S.) and JS Finance
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
31, 1995).
10.13(h) Addendum dated March 6, 1995 to Commercial Paper Dealer
Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
JSC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 1995).
10.14(a) First Omnibus Amendment dated as of March 31, 1996 among
JSC (U.S.), JSFC and the banks parties thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to JSC's
quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June
30, 1996).
10.14(b) Affiliate Receivables Sale Agreement dated as of March
31, 1996 between SNC and JSC (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 to JSC's quarterly report on Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended June 30, 1996).
10.15 Consulting Agreement dated as of October 24, 1996 by and
between James E. Terrill and JSC (U.S.) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.15 to JSC's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996).
10.16 Engagement letter dated August 1, 1996 between Mr. Eric
Priestley and JSC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.16 to JSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996).
18.1 Letter regarding change in accounting for pension plans
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 18.1 to JSC
(U.S.)'s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 1993).
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company.
24.1 Powers of Attorney (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
24.1 to JSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996).
25.1 Statement on Form T-1 of the eligibility of NationsBank
of Georgia, National Association, as Trustee under the
1993 Senior Note Indenture (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 25.1 to JSC (U.S.)/CCA's Registration Statement
on Form S-2 (File No. 33-58348)).
27.1 Financial Data Schedule.
(b) Report on Form 8-K.
The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the
three months ended December 31, 1996.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
DATE February 26, 1997 JSCE, Inc.
(Registrant)
BY /s/ Patrick J.Moore
Patrick J. Moore
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on
behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the date
indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
* Chairman of the Board
Michael W. J. Smurfit and Director
* President, Chief Executive Officer
Richard W. Graham and Director (Principal
Executive Officer)
/s/ Patrick J.Moore Vice President and February 26, 1997
Patrick J.Moore Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
* Director
Leigh J. Abramson
* Director
Donald P. Brennan
* Director
Alan E. Goldberg
* Director
James S. Hoch
* Director
G. Thompson Hutton
* Director
Howard E. Kilroy
* Director
James E. Terrill
* Director
James R. Thompson
* By /s/ Patrick J. Moore , pursuant to Powers of Attorney filed
Patrick J. Moore as a part of the Form 10-K.
As Attorney in Fact
JSCE, Inc.
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In millions)
Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E
Balance at
Beginning of Charged
Period, as Charged to to Other Deductions Balance
Previously Costs and Accounts Describe at End
Description Reported Expenses Describe <fn1> of Period
Year ended December 31, 1996
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 9 $ 5 $ $ 5 $ 9
Year ended December 31, 1995
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 9 $ 1 $ $ 1 $ 9
Year ended December 31, 1994
Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 9 $ 1 $ $ 1 $ 9
<FN>
<fn1> Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.
</FN>