UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
---------------
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED COMMISSION FILE
DECEMBER 31, 1998 NUMBER 333-18723
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 76-0518669
(State or other (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction Identification Number)
of incorporation or
organization)
5847 SAN FELIPE, SUITE 2600 77057
HOUSTON, TEXAS (Zip Code)
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (713) 975-7600
---------------
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 the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes /X/ No / /
All of the Registrant's voting stock is held by an
affiliate of the Registrant.
Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at March 29, 1999: 1,000
REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION
(I)(1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE
REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Not applicable.
---------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business 2
General 2
Forest Products Operations
Pacific Lumber Operations 2
Britt Lumber Operations 9
Regulatory and Environmental Factors
and Headwaters Agreement 9
Aluminum Operations 15
Item 2. Properties 18
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 18
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of
Security Holders 21
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and
Related Stockholder Matters 21
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 21
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 21
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk 29
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Public Accountants 30
Consolidated Balance Sheet 31
Consolidated Statement of Operations 32
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows 33
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's
Deficit 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 35
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 49
PART III
Items
10-13. Not applicable.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules,
and Reports on Form 8-K 49
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. (the "COMPANY" or "MGHI") is a wholly
owned subsidiary of MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM"). The Company's wholly owned
subsidiary, MAXXAM Group Inc. ("MGI"), and MGI's wholly owned subsidiaries,
The Pacific Lumber Company ("PACIFIC LUMBER") and Britt Lumber Co., Inc.
("BRITT"), are engaged in forest products operations. Pacific Lumber's
principal wholly owned subsidiaries are Scotia Pacific Company LLC ("SCOTIA
LLC") and Salmon Creek Corporation ("SALMON CREEK"). As used herein, the
terms "Company," "MGHI," "MGI," "Pacific Lumber," "Kaiser" or "MAXXAM"
refer to the respective companies and their subsidiaries, unless otherwise
noted or the context indicates otherwise.
Pacific Lumber, which has been in continuous operation for over
130 years, engages in several principal aspects of the lumber industry--the
growing and harvesting of redwood and Douglas-fir timber, the milling of
logs into lumber products and the manufacturing of lumber into a variety of
value-added finished products. Britt manufactures redwood fencing and
decking products from small diameter logs, a substantial portion of which
Britt acquires from Pacific Lumber (as Pacific Lumber cannot efficiently
process them in its own mills). The Company also owns 27,938,250 shares of
the common stock of Kaiser Aluminum Corporation ("KAISER"), representing a
35.4% interest in Kaiser. MAXXAM has a direct interest in Kaiser of 27.9%.
Kaiser is a publicly traded company (New York Stock Exchange trading symbol
"KLU") which operates in all principal aspects of the aluminum industry--
the mining of bauxite, the refining of bauxite into alumina, the production
of primary aluminum from alumina, and the manufacture of fabricated
(including semi-fabricated) aluminum products.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements which
constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a
number of places (see Item 1. "Business--Forest Products Operations--
Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement" and "--
Aluminum Operations," Item 3. "Legal Proceedings" and Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Background," "--Financial Condition and Investing and Financing Activities"
and "--Trends"). Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-
looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates,"
"will," "should," "plans" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other
variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of
strategy. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in
the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These
factors include the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions,
general economic and business conditions, developments in technology, new
or modified statutory or regulatory requirements and changing prices and
market conditions. This report identifies other factors that could cause
such differences. No assurance can be given that these are all of the
factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the
forward-looking statements.
FOREST PRODUCTS OPERATIONS
PACIFIC LUMBER OPERATIONS
Consummation of Headwaters Agreement
On March 1, 1999, Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and Salmon Creek
(collectively, the "COMPANIES") consummated the Headwaters Agreement (the
"HEADWATERS AGREEMENT") with the United States and California. See "--
Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement." Pursuant
to the terms of the Headwaters Agreement, approximately 5,600 acres of
timberlands known as the Headwaters Forest and the Elk Head Springs Forest
(the "HEADWATERS TIMBERLANDS") owned by the Companies were transferred to
the United States. In consideration for the transfer of the Headwaters
Timberlands, Salmon Creek was paid $299,850,000, Scotia LLC was paid
$150,000 and approximately 7,700 acres of timberlands known as the Elk
River Timberlands (the "ELK RIVER TIMBERLANDS") were transferred to Pacific
Lumber (and will be transferred to Scotia LLC within 180 days of
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement). The 7,700 acres of Elk River
Timberlands were out of a total of approximately 9,470 acres for which the
United States and California paid third party owners approximately $78
million. In addition, upon consummation of the Headwaters Agreement (i)
habitat conservation and sustained yield plans were approved covering the
Scotia LLC Timberlands (as defined below), (ii) California agreed to
purchase Scotia LLC's Owl Creek grove and a portion of Pacific Lumber's
Grizzly Creek grove, and (iii) the Companies dismissed takings litigation
pending against the United States and California. The net proceeds from
the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands and the portion of the Grizzly Creek
grove to be sold are to be held in escrow to support the Timber Notes, and
are to be released only under certain circumstances. Consequently, Salmon
Creek deposited approximately $285 million of the proceeds from the sale of
the Headwaters Timberlands into escrow pursuant to an Escrow Agreement.
See "--Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement--
Escrow Agreement."
Timber and Timberlands
After giving effect to the transfers of timberlands under the
Headwaters Agreement, Pacific Lumber owns and manages approximately 220,000
acres of virtually contiguous commercial timberlands located in Humboldt
County along the northern California coast, an area which has very
favorable soil and climate conditions for growing timber. These
timberlands contain approximately 80% redwood and 18% Douglas-fir and other
timber, are located in close proximity to Pacific Lumber's four sawmills
and contain an extensive network of roads. Including the pending transfer
from Pacific Lumber to Scotia LLC of the Elk River Timberlands,
approximately 206,000 acres of Pacific Lumber's timberlands are owned by
Scotia LLC (the "SCOTIA LLC TIMBERLANDS"). In addition, Scotia LLC has the
exclusive right to harvest (the "SCOTIA LLC TIMBER RIGHTS") approximately
12,200 acres of Pacific Lumber's timberlands. The timber in respect of the
Scotia LLC Timberlands and the Scotia LLC Timber Rights is collectively
referred to as the "SCOTIA LLC TIMBER." Substantially all of Scotia LLC's
assets are pledged as security for Scotia LLC's 6.55% Class A-1 Series B
Timber Collateralized Notes, 7.11% Class A-2 Series B Timber Collateralized
Notes and 7.71% Class A-3 Series B Timber Collateralized Notes
(collectively the "TIMBER NOTES"). Pacific Lumber harvests and purchases
from Scotia LLC all of the logs harvested from the Scotia LLC Timber. See
"--Relationships with Scotia LLC and Britt" for a description of this and
other relationships among Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and Britt.
The forest products industry grades lumber in various
classifications according to quality. The two broad categories within
which all grades fall, based on the absence or presence of knots, are
called "upper" and "common" grades, respectively. "Old growth" trees,
often defined as trees which have been growing for approximately 200 years
or longer, have a higher percentage of upper grade lumber than "young
growth" trees (those which have been growing for less than 200 years).
"Virgin" old growth trees are located in timber stands that have not
previously been harvested. "Residual" old growth trees are located in
timber stands which have been partially harvested in the past.
Pacific Lumber engages in extensive efforts to supplement the
natural regeneration of timber and increase the amount of timber on its
timberlands. Pacific Lumber is required to comply with California forestry
regulations regarding reforestation, which generally require that an area
be reforested to specified standards within an established period of time.
Pacific Lumber also actively engages in efforts to establish timberlands
from open areas such as pasture land. Regeneration of redwood timber
generally is accomplished through the natural growth of new redwood sprouts
from the stump remaining after a redwood tree is harvested. Such new
redwood sprouts grow quickly, thriving on existing mature root systems. In
addition, Pacific Lumber supplements natural redwood regeneration by
planting redwood seedlings. Douglas-fir timber grown on Pacific Lumber's
timberlands is regenerated almost entirely by planting seedlings. During
1998, Pacific Lumber planted approximately 1.2 million redwood and Douglas-
fir seedlings.
California law requires timber owners such as Pacific Lumber to
demonstrate that their operations will not decrease the sustainable
productivity of their timberlands. A timber company may comply with this
requirement by submitting a Sustained Yield Plan ("SYP") to the California
Department of Forestry ("CDF") for review and approval. An SYP contains a
timber growth and yield assessment, which evaluates and calculates the
amount of timber and long-term production outlook for a company's
timberlands, a fish and wildlife assessment, which addresses the condition
and management of fisheries and wildlife in the area, and a watershed
assessment, which addresses the protection of aquatic resources. The
relevant regulations require determination of a long-term sustained yield
("LTSY") harvest level, which is the average annual harvest level that the
management area is capable of sustaining in the last decade of a 100-year
planning horizon. The LTSY is determined based upon timber inventory,
projected growth and harvesting methodologies, as well as soil, water, air,
wildlife and other relevant considerations. The SYP must demonstrate that
the average annual harvest over any rolling ten-year period within the
planning horizon does not exceed the LTSY.
Pacific Lumber is also subject to federal and state laws
providing for the protection and conservation of wildlife species which
have been designated as endangered or threatened, certain of which are
found on Pacific Lumber's timberlands. These laws generally prohibit
certain adverse impacts on such species (referred to as a "TAKE"), except
for incidental takes which do not jeopardize the continued existence of the
affected species and which are made in accordance with an approved Habitat
Conservation Plan ("HCP") and related incidental take permit. An HCP
analyzes the impact of the incidental take and specifies measures to
monitor, minimize and mitigate such impact. In connection with the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber
reached agreement with various federal and state regulatory agencies with
respect to an SYP ("FINAL SYP") and a multi-species HCP ("FINAL HCP,"
together with the Final SYP, the "FINAL PLANS"). See "--Regulatory and
Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement."
Harvesting Practices
The ability of Pacific Lumber to sell logs or lumber products
will depend, in part, upon its ability to obtain regulatory approval of
timber harvesting plans ("THPS"). THPs are required to be developed by
registered professional foresters and must be filed with, and approved by,
the CDF prior to the harvesting of timber. Each THP is designed to comply
with applicable laws and regulations, including the requirements of the
Final Plans (as defined below). During the second half of 1998 and
continuing through the first quarter of 1999, Pacific Lumber has
experienced an absence of a sufficient number of available THPs available
for harvest to enable it to conduct its operations at 1997 levels. See
Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Operating Results." However,
with the adoption of the Final Plans in connection with the consummation of
the Headwaters Agreement, Pacific Lumber anticipates, although it can give
no assurances, that after a transition period, the implementation of the
Final Plans will streamline the process of preparing THPs and potentially
shorten the time required to obtain approvals of THPs.
Pacific Lumber maintains a detailed geographical information
system covering its timberlands (the "GIS"). The GIS covers numerous
aspects of Pacific Lumber's properties, including timber type, tree class,
wildlife data, roads, rivers and streams. By carefully monitoring and
updating this data base and conducting field studies, Pacific Lumber's
foresters are better able to develop detailed THPs addressing the various
regulatory requirements. Pacific Lumber also utilizes a Global Positioning
System ("GPS") which allows precise location of geographic features through
satellite positioning.
Pacific Lumber employs a variety of well-accepted methods of
selecting trees for harvest. These methods, which are designed to achieve
optimal regeneration, are referred to as "silvicultural systems" in the
forestry profession. Silvicultural systems range from very light thinnings
aimed at enhancing the growth rate of retained trees to clear cutting which
results in the harvest of all trees in an area and replacement with a new
forest stand. In between are a number of varying levels of partial
harvests which can be employed.
Production Facilities
Pacific Lumber owns four highly mechanized sawmills and related
facilities located in Scotia, Fortuna and Carlotta, California. The
sawmills historically have been supplied almost entirely from timber
harvested from Pacific Lumber's timberlands. Since 1986, Pacific Lumber
has implemented numerous technological advances that have increased the
operating efficiency of its production facilities and the recovery of
finished products from its timber. Over the past three years, Pacific
Lumber's annual lumber production has averaged approximately 277 million
board feet, with approximately 230, 309 and 291 million board feet produced
in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Fortuna sawmill produces
primarily common grade lumber. During 1998, the Fortuna mill produced
approximately 89 million board feet of lumber. The Carlotta sawmill
produces both common and upper grade redwood lumber. During 1998, the
Carlotta mill produced approximately 56 million board feet of lumber.
Sawmills "A" and "B" are both located in Scotia. Sawmill "A" processes
Douglas-fir logs and Sawmill "B" primarily processes large diameter redwood
logs. During 1998, Sawmills "A" and "B" produced 55 million and 30 million
board feet of lumber, respectively. Pacific Lumber has partially curtailed
operations at all of its sawmills due to an abnormally small inventory of
logs because of the absence of a sufficient number of available THPs to
conduct harvesting at historic levels. It expects such curtailments to
continue for the next several months. See Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Results of Operations--Preliminary 1999 Results."
Pacific Lumber operates a finishing and remanufacturing plant in
Scotia which processes rough lumber into a variety of finished products
such as trim, fascia, siding and paneling. These finished products include
the redwood lumber industry's largest variety of customized trim and fascia
patterns. Remanufacturing enhances the value of some grades of lumber by
assembling knot-free pieces of narrower and shorter lumber into wider or
longer pieces in its state-of-the-art end and edge glue plants. The result
is a standard sized upper grade product which can be sold at a significant
premium over common grade products. Pacific Lumber has also installed a
lumber remanufacturing facility at its mill in Fortuna which processes low
grade redwood common lumber into value-added, higher grade redwood fence
and related products.
Pacific Lumber dries the majority of its upper grade lumber
before it is sold. Upper grades of redwood lumber are generally air-dried
for three to twelve months and then kiln-dried for seven to twenty-four
days to produce a dimensionally stable and high quality product which
generally commands higher prices than "green" lumber (which is lumber sold
before it has been dried). Upper grade Douglas-fir lumber is generally
kiln-dried immediately after it is cut. Pacific Lumber owns and operates
34 kilns, having an annual capacity of approximately 95 million board feet,
to dry its upper grades of lumber efficiently in order to produce a
quality, premium product. Pacific Lumber also maintains several large
enclosed storage sheds which hold approximately 27 million board feet of
lumber.
In addition, Pacific Lumber owns and operates a modern
25-megawatt cogeneration power plant which is fueled almost entirely by the
wood residue from Pacific Lumber's milling and finishing operations. This
power plant generates substantially all of the energy requirements of
Scotia, California, the town adjacent to Pacific Lumber's timberlands where
several of its manufacturing facilities are located. Pacific Lumber sells
surplus power to Pacific Gas and Electric Company. In 1998, the sale of
surplus power accounted for approximately 2% of Pacific Lumber's total
revenues.
Products
The following table sets forth the distribution of Pacific
Lumber's lumber production (on a net board foot basis) and revenues by
product line:
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998 YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
% OF TOTAL % OF TOTAL
LUMBER % OF TOTAL LUMBER % OF TOTAL
PRODUCTION LUMBER % OF TOTAL PRODUCTION LUMBER % OF TOTAL
PRODUCT VOLUME REVENUES REVENUES VOLUME REVENUES REVENUES
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Upper grade redwood
lumber 14% 35% 29% 12% 34% 29%
Common grade redwood
lumber 58% 49% 41% 55% 42% 35%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total redwood
lumber 72% 84% 70% 67% 76% 64%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Upper grade Douglas-
fir lumber 3% 5% 4% 4% 6% 5%
Common grade Douglas-
fir lumber 22% 10% 8% 25% 16% 13%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total Douglas-
fir lumber 25% 15% 12% 29% 22% 18%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Other grades of
lumber 3% 1% 1% 4% 2% 2%
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total lumber 100% 100% 83% 100% 100% 84%
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
Logs 6% 7%
============ ============
Hardwood chips 3% 3%
Softwood chips 3% 4%
------------ ------------
Total wood chips 6% 7%
============ ============
Lumber. In 1998, Pacific Lumber sold approximately 252 million
board feet of lumber (including 5.0 million of intersegment sales to
Britt), which accounted for approximately 83% of Pacific Lumber's total
revenues. Lumber products vary greatly by the species and quality of the
timber from which it is produced. Lumber is sold not only by grade (such
as "upper" grade versus "common" grade), but also by board size and the
drying process associated with the lumber.
Redwood lumber is Pacific Lumber's largest product category.
Redwood is commercially grown only along the northern coast of California
and possesses certain unique characteristics that permit it to be sold at a
premium to many other wood products. Such characteristics include its
natural beauty, superior ability to retain paint and other finishes,
dimensional stability and innate resistance to decay, insects and
chemicals. Typical applications include exterior siding, trim and fascia
for both residential and commercial construction, outdoor furniture, decks,
planters, retaining walls and other specialty applications. Redwood also
has a variety of industrial applications because of its chemical resistance
and because it does not impart any taste or odor to liquids or solids.
Upper grade redwood lumber, which is derived primarily from large
diameter logs and is characterized by an absence of knots and other
defects, is used primarily in distinctive interior and exterior
applications. The overall supply of upper grade lumber has been
diminishing due to increasing environmental and regulatory restrictions and
other factors. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Background." Common grade
redwood lumber, Pacific Lumber's largest volume product, has many of the
same aesthetic and structural qualities of redwood uppers, but has some
knots, sapwood and a coarser grain. Such lumber is commonly used for
construction purposes, including outdoor structures such as decks, hot tubs
and fencing.
Douglas-fir lumber is used primarily for new construction and
some decorative purposes and is widely recognized for its strength, hard
surface and attractive appearance. Douglas-fir is grown commercially along
the west coast of North America and in Chile and New Zealand. Upper grade
Douglas-fir lumber is derived primarily from old growth Douglas-fir timber
and is used principally in finished carpentry applications. Common grade
Douglas-fir lumber is used for a variety of general construction purposes
and is largely interchangeable with common grades of other whitewood
lumber.
Logs. Pacific Lumber currently sells certain logs that, due to
their size or quality, cannot be efficiently processed by its mills into
lumber. The majority of these logs are purchased by Britt. The balance
are purchased by surrounding mills which do not own sufficient timberlands
to support their mill operations. See "--Relationships with Scotia LLC and
Britt" below. Except for the agreement with Britt described below, Pacific
Lumber does not have any significant contractual relationships with third
parties relating to the purchase of logs. Pacific Lumber has historically
not purchased significant quantities of logs from third parties; however,
Pacific Lumber may from time to time purchase logs from third parties for
processing in its mills or for resale to third parties if, in the opinion
of management, economic factors are advantageous to Pacific Lumber.
Wood Chips. Pacific Lumber uses a whole-log chipper to produce
wood chips from hardwood trees which would otherwise be left as waste.
These chips are sold to third parties primarily for the production of
facsimile and other specialty papers. Pacific Lumber also produces
softwood chips from the wood residue from its milling operations. These
chips are sold to third parties for the production of wood pulp and paper
products.
Backlog and Seasonality
Pacific Lumber's backlog of sales orders at December 31, 1998 and
1997 was approximately $16.8 and approximately $26.4 million, respectively,
the substantial portion of which was delivered in the first quarter of the
next fiscal year. The decline in the sales backlog from 1997 to 1998 was
principally due to a diminished supply of THPs which reduced the volume of
logs available for the production of lumber products. See Item 7.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Results of Operations--Recent Operating Results." Pacific
Lumber has historically experienced lower first quarter sales due largely
to the general decline in construction-related activity during the winter
months. As a result, Pacific Lumber's results in any one quarter are not
necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. The
seasonality of Pacific Lumber's business is expected to become more
pronounced because of the harvesting restrictions imposed by the Final
Plans. See "--Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters
Agreement" and Item 7. "Managements' Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations--Background."
Other
The Company also derives revenues from a soil amendment operation
and a concrete block manufacturing operation.
Marketing
The housing, construction and remodeling markets are the primary
markets for Pacific Lumber's lumber products. Pacific Lumber's policy is
to maintain a wide distribution of its products both geographically and in
terms of the number of customers. Pacific Lumber sells its lumber products
throughout the country to a variety of accounts, the large majority of
which are wholesalers, followed by retailers, industrial users, exporters
and manufacturers. Upper grades of redwood and Douglas-fir lumber are sold
throughout the entire United States, as well as to export markets. Common
grades of redwood lumber are sold principally west of the Mississippi
River, with California accounting for approximately 55% of these sales in
1998. Common grades of Douglas-fir lumber are sold primarily in
California. In 1998, Pacific Lumber had three customers which accounted
for approximately 8%, 7% and 7%, respectively, of Pacific Lumber's total
revenues. Exports of lumber accounted for approximately 4% of Pacific
Lumber's total revenues in 1998. Pacific Lumber markets its products
through its own sales staff which focuses primarily on domestic sales.
Pacific Lumber actively follows trends in the housing,
construction and remodeling markets in order to maintain an appropriate
level of inventory and assortment of products. Due to its high quality
products, competitive prices and long history, Pacific Lumber believes it
has a strong degree of customer loyalty.
Competition
Pacific Lumber's lumber is sold in highly competitive markets.
Competition is generally based upon a combination of price, service,
product availability and product quality. Pacific Lumber's products
compete not only with other wood products but with metals, masonry, plastic
and other construction materials made from non-renewable resources. The
level of demand for Pacific Lumber's products is dependent on such broad
factors as overall economic conditions, interest rates and demographic
trends. In addition, competitive considerations, such as total industry
production and competitors' pricing, as well as the price of other
construction products, affect the sales prices for Pacific Lumber's lumber
products. Pacific Lumber currently enjoys a competitive advantage in the
upper grade redwood lumber market due to the quality of its timber holdings
and relatively low cost production operations. Competition in the common
grade redwood and Douglas-fir lumber market is more intense, and Pacific
Lumber competes with numerous large and small lumber producers.
Employees
As of March 1, 1999, Pacific Lumber had approximately 1,250
employees, none of whom are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Relationships with Scotia LLC and Britt
Scotia LLC succeeded by merger to substantially all of the
business and operations of Pacific Lumber's wholly owned subsidiary, Scotia
Pacific Holding Company, a Delaware corporation ("SCOTIA PACIFIC"),
effective as of July 20, 1998 (the "CLOSING DATE"). Effective with the
Closing Date, Scotia LLC acquired Scotia Pacific's forestry department.
Scotia LLC's foresters, wildlife and fisheries biologists, geologists and
other personnel are responsible for providing a number of forest
stewardship techniques, including protecting the timber located on the
Scotia LLC Timberlands from forest fires, erosion, insects and other
damage, overseeing reforestation activities and monitoring environmental
and regulatory compliance. Scotia LLC's personnel are also responsible for
preparing THPs and updating the information contained in the GIS. See "--
Harvesting Practices" above for a description of the GIS updating process
and the THP preparation process.
Prior to consummation of the Offering, Scotia Pacific and Pacific
Lumber were party to several agreements between themselves, including a
Master Purchase Agreement, a Services Agreement, an Additional Services
Agreement, an Environmental Indemnification Agreement and a Reciprocal
Rights Agreement. On the Closing Date, Scotia LLC entered into a New
Master Purchase Agreement with Pacific Lumber (the "NEW MASTER PURCHASE
AGREEMENT") which governs the sale to Pacific Lumber of logs harvested from
the Scotia LLC Timberlands. As Pacific Lumber purchases logs from Scotia
LLC pursuant to the New Master Purchase Agreement, Pacific Lumber is
responsible, at its own expense, for harvesting and removing the standing
Scotia LLC Timber covered by approved THPs, and the purchase price is
therefore based upon "stumpage prices." Title to, and the obligation to
pay for, harvested logs does not pass to Pacific Lumber until the logs are
transported to Pacific Lumber's log decks and measured. The New Master
Purchase Agreement generally contemplates that all sales of logs by Scotia
LLC to Pacific Lumber will be at a price which equals or exceeds the
applicable SBE Price. The New Master Purchase Agreement defines the "SBE
PRICE" for any species and category of timber as the stumpage price for
such species and category, as set forth in the most recent "Harvest Value
Schedule" (or any successor publication) published by the California State
Board of Equalization (or any successor agency) applicable to the timber
sold during the period covered by such Harvest Value Schedule. Harvest
Value Schedules are published twice a year for purposes of computing a
yield tax imposed on timber harvested between January 1 through June 30 and
July 1 through December 31. SBE Prices are not necessarily representative
of actual prices that would be realized from unrelated parties at
subsequent dates.
After obtaining an approved THP, Scotia LLC offers for sale the
logs to be harvested pursuant to such THP. While Scotia LLC may sell logs
to third parties, it derives substantially all of its revenue from the sale
of logs to Pacific Lumber pursuant to the New Master Purchase Agreement.
Each sale of logs by Scotia LLC to Pacific Lumber is made pursuant to a
separate log purchase agreement that relates to the Scotia LLC Timber
covered by an approved THP and incorporates the provisions of the New
Master Purchase Agreement. Each such log purchase agreement provides for
the sale to Pacific Lumber of the logs harvested from the Scotia LLC Timber
covered by such THP and generally constitutes an exclusive agreement with
respect to the timber covered thereby, subject to certain limited
exceptions. However, the timing and amount of log purchases by Pacific
Lumber will be affected by factors outside the control of Scotia LLC,
including regulatory and environmental factors, the financial condition of
Pacific Lumber, Pacific Lumber's own supply of timber and its ability to
harvest such timber, and the supply and demand for lumber products (which,
in turn, will be influenced by demand in the housing, construction and
remodeling industries).
Scotia LLC continues to rely on Pacific Lumber to provide
operational, management and related services not performed by its own
employees with respect to the Scotia LLC Timberlands pursuant to a New
Services Agreement (the "NEW SERVICES AGREEMENT"). The services under the
New Services Agreement include the furnishing of all equipment, personnel
and expertise not within Scotia LLC's possession and reasonably necessary
for the operation and maintenance of the Scotia LLC Timberlands and the
Scotia LLC Timber as well as timber management techniques designed to
supplement the natural regeneration of, and increase the amount of, Scotia
LLC Timber. Pacific Lumber is required to provide all services under the
New Services Agreement in a manner consistent in all material respects with
prudent business practices which, in the reasonable judgment of Pacific
Lumber (a) are consistent with then current applicable industry standards
and (b) are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
timber laws. As compensation for the services provided by Pacific Lumber
pursuant to the New Services Agreement, Scotia LLC pays Pacific Lumber a
services fee ("SERVICES FEE") which is adjusted each year based on a
specified government index relating to wood products and reimburses Pacific
Lumber for the cost of constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining roads,
and performing reforestation services, on the Scotia LLC Timberlands, as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Certain of such reimbursable expenses are expected to vary in relation to
the amount of timber to be harvested in any given period.
On the Closing Date, Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber also entered
into a New Additional Services Agreement (the "NEW ADDITIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT") pursuant to which Scotia LLC provides certain services to
Pacific Lumber. Services include (a) assisting Pacific Lumber to operate,
maintain and harvest its own timber properties, (b) updating and providing
access to the GIS with respect to information concerning Pacific Lumber's
own timber properties and (c) assisting Pacific Lumber with its statutory
and regulatory compliance. Pacific Lumber pays Scotia LLC a fee for such
services equal to the actual cost of providing such services, as determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
On the Closing Date, Scotia LLC, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek
also entered into a New Reciprocal Rights Agreement whereby, among other
things, the parties granted to each other certain reciprocal rights of
egress and ingress through their respective properties in connection with
the operation and maintenance of such properties and their respective
businesses. In addition, on the Closing Date, Pacific Lumber entered into
a New Environmental Indemnification Agreement with Scotia LLC (the "NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which Pacific Lumber
agreed to indemnify Scotia LLC from and against certain present and future
liabilities arising with respect to hazardous materials, hazardous
materials contamination or disposal sites, or under environmental laws with
respect to the Scotia LLC Timberlands. In particular, Pacific Lumber is
liable with respect to any contamination which occurred on the Scotia LLC
Timberlands prior to the date of the agreement.
Pacific Lumber entered into an agreement with Britt (the "BRITT
AGREEMENT") which governs the sale of logs by Pacific Lumber and Britt to
each other, the sale of hog fuel (wood residue) by Britt to Pacific Lumber
for use in Pacific Lumber's cogeneration plant, the sale of lumber by
Pacific Lumber and Britt to each other, and the provision by Pacific Lumber
of certain administrative services to Britt (including accounting,
purchasing, data processing, safety and human resources services). The
logs which Pacific Lumber sells to Britt and which are used in Britt's
manufacturing operations are sold at approximately 75% of applicable SBE
prices (to reflect the lower quality of these logs). Logs which either
Pacific Lumber or Britt purchases from third parties and which are then
sold to each other are transferred at the actual cost of such logs. Hog
fuel is sold at applicable market prices, and administrative services are
provided by Pacific Lumber based on Pacific Lumber's actual costs and an
allocable share of Pacific Lumber's overhead expenses consistent with past
practice.
BRITT LUMBER OPERATIONS
Business
Britt is located in Arcata, California, approximately 45 miles
north of Pacific Lumber's headquarters. Britt's primary business is the
processing of small diameter redwood logs into wood fencing products for
sale to retail and wholesale customers. Britt was incorporated in 1965 and
operated as an independent manufacturer of fence products until July 1990,
when it was purchased by a subsidiary of the Company. Britt purchases
small diameter (6 to 11 inch) redwood logs of varying lengths. Britt's
purchases are primarily from Pacific Lumber, although it does purchase a
variety of different diameter and different length logs from various other
timberland owners. Britt processes logs at its mill into a variety of
different fencing products, including "dog-eared" 1" x 6" fence stock in
six foot lengths, 4" x 4" fence posts in 6 through 12 foot lengths, and
other lumber products in 6 through 12 foot lengths. Britt's purchases of
logs from third parties are generally consummated pursuant to short-term
contracts of twelve months or less.
Marketing
In 1998, Britt sold approximately 86 million board feet of lumber
products to approximately 57 different customers. Over one-half of its
1998 lumber sales were in California. The remainder of its 1998 sales were
in ten other western states. In 1998, Britt had four customers which
accounted for 23%, 20%, 12% and 11%, respectively, of Britt's total sales.
Britt markets its products through its own salesmen to a variety of
customers, including distribution centers, industrial remanufacturers,
wholesalers and retailers.
Britt's backlog of sales orders at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
approximately $3.2 million and $5.4 million, respectively, the substantial
portion of which was delivered in the first quarter of the next fiscal
year.
Facilities and Employees
Britt's manufacturing operations are conducted on 12 acres of
land, 10 acres of which are leased on a long-term fixed-price basis from an
unrelated third party. Production is conducted in a 46,000 square foot
mill. An 18-acre log sorting and storage yard is located one quarter of a
mile away. The mill was constructed in 1980, and capital expenditures to
enhance its output and efficiency are made periodically. Britt's (single
shift) mill capacity, assuming 40 production hours per week, is estimated
at 37.4 million board feet of fencing products per year. As of March 1,
1999, Britt employed approximately 130 people, none of whom are covered by
a collective bargaining agreement.
Competition
Management estimates that Britt accounted for approximately one-
third of the total redwood fence market in 1998. Britt competes primarily
with the northern California mills of Georgia Pacific, Eel River and
Redwood Empire.
REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND HEADWATERS AGREEMENT
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" in this section for
cautionary information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
General
Pacific Lumber's business is subject to a variety of California
and federal laws and regulations dealing with timber harvesting, threatened
and endangered species and habitat for such species, and air and water
quality. Compliance with such laws and regulations plays a significant
role in Pacific Lumber's business. The California Forest Practice Act (the
"FOREST PRACTICE ACT") and related regulations adopted by the California
Board of Forestry (the "BOF") set forth detailed requirements for the
conduct of timber harvesting operations in California. These requirements
include the obligation of timber companies to prepare, and obtain
regulatory approval of, detailed THPs containing information with respect
to areas proposed to be harvested (see "--Pacific Lumber Operations--
Harvesting Practices" above). As described further below, California law
also requires large timber companies submitting THPs to demonstrate that
their proposed timber operations will not decrease the sustainable
productivity of their timberlands, including through review and approval by
the CDF, an SYP establishing an LTSY for its timberlands. The federal
Endangered Species Act (the "ESA") and California Endangered Species Act
(the "CESA") provide in general for the protection and conservation of
specifically listed wildlife species and plants which have been declared to
be endangered or threatened. These laws generally prohibit certain adverse
impacts on such species (referred to as a "take"), except for incidental
takes pursuant to otherwise lawful activities which do not jeopardize the
continued existence of the affected species and which are made in
accordance with an approved HCP and related incidental take permit. An
HCP, among other things, analyzes the potential impact of the incidental
take of species and specifies measures to monitor, minimize and mitigate
such impact. The operations of Pacific Lumber are also subject to the
California Environmental Quality Act (the "CEQA"), which provides for
protection of the state's air and water quality and wildlife, and the
California Water Quality Act and Federal Clean Water Act, which require
that Pacific Lumber conduct its operations so as to reasonably protect the
water quality of nearby rivers and streams.
Compliance with such laws, regulations and judicial and
administrative interpretations, together with other regulatory and
environmental matters, have resulted in restrictions on the geographic
scope and timing of Pacific Lumber's timber operations, increased
operational costs and engendered litigation and other challenges to Pacific
Lumber's operations. The designation of a species as endangered or
threatened under the ESA or the CESA can significantly affect Pacific
Lumber's business if that species inhabits the Scotia LLC Timberlands. The
northern spotted owl, the marbled murrelet and the coho salmon are species
the designation of which has the potential to significantly impact Pacific
Lumber's business. In the absence of an approved HCP and incidental take
permits, Pacific Lumber has been required to operate on a "no-take" basis
with respect to these species. Prior to 1998, these matters had not had a
significant adverse effect on Pacific Lumber's financial position, results
of operations or liquidity. However, Pacific Lumber's 1998 results of
operations were adversely affected by certain regulatory and environmental
matters, including during the second half of 1998 the absence of a
sufficient number of available THPs to enable Pacific Lumber to conduct its
operations at historic levels.
Consummation of the Headwaters Agreement
In September 1996, Pacific Lumber and MAXXAM entered into the
Headwaters Agreement with the United States and California that provided
the framework for the acquisition by the United States and California of
the Headwaters Timberlands owned by the Companies. A substantial portion
of the Headwaters Timberlands consists of virgin old growth timberlands.
Consummation of the Headwaters Agreement was conditioned upon, among other
things (i) federal and state funding, (ii) state approval of an SYP, (iii)
federal approval of an HCP designed to monitor and mitigate the incidental
take of species in connection with harvesting operations, (iv) the issuance
of incidental take permits which allow for "incidental takes" of threatened
or endangered species which do not jeopardize their continued existence,
(v) acquisition of the Elk River Timberlands and (vi) tax closing
agreements satisfactory to MAXXAM and Pacific Lumber.
In November 1997, President Clinton signed an appropriations bill
which authorized the expenditure of $250 million of federal funds toward
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement. In July 1998, the Companies
released a draft multi-species habitat conservation plan ("MULTI-SPECIES
HCP") and draft SYP (the Multi-Species HCP, together with the SYP, the
"COMBINED PLAN") for the purpose of public review and comment. The
Combined Plan provided for, among other things, certain measures designed
to protect habitat for the marbled murrelet, a coastal seabird, and the
northern spotted owl, and required a specified watershed analysis process
designed to result in site specific protective zones for fish and other
wildlife being established on Pacific Lumber's LLC Timberlands.
In September 1998, California Governor Wilson signed a bill (the
"CALIFORNIA HEADWATERS BILL") which, among other things, appropriated $130
million toward consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, and authorized the
expenditure of up to $80 million toward the acquisition at fair market
value of Scotia LLC's Owl Creek grove. The bill also provided that if any
portion of the $80 million remained after purchase of the Owl Creek grove,
it could be used to purchase certain other timberlands. Other provisions
of the California Headwaters Bill authorized the expenditure of up to $20
million for the purchase of a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove, in which
the timber is owned by Pacific Lumber and the land is owned by Scotia LLC.
The California Headwaters Bill also contained provisions requiring the
inclusion of additional environmentally focused provisions in the final
version of the Combined Plan, including establishing wider interim
streamside "no-cut" buffers (while the watershed analysis process referred
to below is being completed) than provided for in the Combined Plan,
imposing minimum and maximum "no-cut" buffers upon the completion of the
watershed analysis process and designating the Owl Creek grove as a marbled
murrelet conservation area.
Beginning in December 1998, following the conclusion of the
public review and comment period, federal and state regulatory agencies
began to propose changes to the Combined Plan. These proposals, together
with the California Headwaters Bill, sought to impose more stringent
restrictions and requirements, reducing the amount of timber that could be
harvested as compared to the amount contemplated by the Combined Plan. As
a result, on December 17, 1998, Pacific Lumber announced that its
negotiations with the regulatory agencies regarding these proposed
revisions had not produced agreement on a Multi-Species HCP, as Pacific
Lumber and Scotia LLC could not agree to certain of the proposed revisions
and continue to operate effectively. Negotiations continued through
December without the parties reaching an agreement, and on December 31,
1998, Pacific Lumber announced that it could not concur with the terms of
the then-current agency proposals until it had received a copy of the Final
HCP and Final SYP, and it could review and analyze the Final Plans. On
January 22, 1999, the federal and state agencies published the Final Plans,
which included a revised Multi-Species HCP containing many of the
restrictions to which Pacific Lumber had previously objected and certain
other new restrictions not agreed to by Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC.
On February 16, 1999, Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC filed with
the CDF certain information regarding the Final Plans and estimates of
sustained yield harvest and economic impacts based on various scenarios
giving effect to the new proposed restrictions (the "CDF FILING"). Pacific
Lumber stated in the CDF Filing that, based on its computer modeled
estimates, minimum average annual harvest levels of 210 million board feet
of softwoods during the first decade were needed in order to generate
income and cash flows to meet interest and capital expenditure obligations;
to provide a minimum basis upon which to plan, adjust budget and conduct
future operations so as to meet financial obligations and avoid additional
layoffs, mill closings and customer supply disruptions; and to satisfy its
other obligations to employees, customers and creditors. On February 25,
1999, the CDF delivered a letter to Pacific Lumber that in effect
interpreted the Final HCP to limit Pacific Lumber's projected average
annual harvest levels during the first decade to approximately 137 million
board feet of softwoods. On February 26, 1999, Pacific Lumber announced
that it could not proceed to consummate the Headwaters Agreement based on
these projected harvest levels and other factors.
On March 1, 1999, the CDF delivered a superseding letter to
Pacific Lumber approving the Final SYP and stating that, based upon further
analysis and information, Pacific Lumber's projected base average annual
harvest level during the first decade, consistent with the Final HCP, could
be approximately 179 million board feet of softwoods (not including timber
harvestable from the additional timber property which Scotia LLC had
purchased since the issuance of the Timber Notes ("ADDITIONAL TIMBER
PROPERTY") or other potential increases in harvest level). Further, on the
same date, the Company received written clarification from the federal and
state wildlife agencies that, among other things, the adaptive management
provision in the Final HCP would be implemented on a timely and efficient
basis, and in a manner that would be both biologically and economically
sound. See "--The Final Plans."
After consideration of all relevant factors, Pacific Lumber and
Scotia LLC consummated the transactions contemplated by the Headwaters
Agreement, and in consideration of the transfer of the Headwaters
Timberlands, the United States and California paid $300 million, of which
Salmon Creek received $299,850,000 (prior to payment of approximately
$125,000 of related closing costs) and Scotia LLC received $150,000, and
the United States and California transferred to Pacific Lumber
approximately 7,700 acres of the Elk River Timberlands. California also
entered into agreements with Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber to purchase the
Owl Creek grove and a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove, respectively.
Further, in response to uncertainties regarding the potential impact of the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement on the Timber Notes, Salmon Creek
deposited $285 million (representing all of its cash proceeds from the sale
of the Headwaters Timberlands, net of estimated costs associated with the
negotiation and consummation of the Headwaters Agreement), in an escrow
account to be made available, while so held, as necessary to support the
Timber Notes, and to be released only under certain circumstances. See "--
Escrow Agreement."
The Final Plans
The Final Plans were also completed in connection with the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement. The Final HCP provides for the
issuance by state and federal regulatory agencies of the incidental take
permits ("PERMITS") with respect to certain threatened, endangered and
other species found on Pacific Lumber's timberlands over the 50 year term
of the Final HCP. The Permits issued under the Final HCP allow incidental
takes of 17 different species covered by the Final HCP, including the coho
salmon, the marbled murrelet, the northern spotted owl and the steelhead
trout.
The Final HCP has modified certain provisions of the Combined
Plan proposed in July 1998 and includes other provisions contemplated by
the California Headwaters Bill. Among other things, it no longer covers 19
of the species which were included in the Combined Plan. The Final HCP
also increased the size of certain areas to be set aside as marbled
murrelet conservation areas, and adopted wider interim streamside "no cut"
buffers as contemplated by the California Headwaters Bill. Pending
completion of the watershed analysis, the Final HCP also provides for "no
cut" buffers adjacent to certain intermittent watercourses on Pacific
Lumber's timberlands that flow only in response to significant
precipitation. Pacific Lumber has not completed its analysis of the
location of all of the intermittent streams on its property. The areas set
aside for streamside buffers may be adjusted up or down, subject to certain
minimum and maximum buffers, based upon the watershed analysis process,
which the Final HCP requires be completed within five years of its
effective date. The watershed analysis will also be reassessed every five
years.
The Final HCP also imposes certain restrictions on the use of
roads on the timberlands covered by the Final HCP (the "COVERED LANDS")
during several months of the year and during periods of wet weather, except
for certain limited situations. These restrictions may restrict operations
on the Covered Lands so that many harvesting activities could generally
only be carried out from June through October of any particular harvest
year, and then only if wet weather conditions do not exist. However,
Pacific Lumber anticipates that some harvesting will be able to be
conducted during the other months. The Final HCP also requires the
Companies to stormproof 75 miles of roads on the Covered Lands on an annual
basis, and also to build and repair certain roads. The Final HCP requires
the stormproofing to be done between May 2 and October 14 of each year,
while the road building and repair is to be accomplished between June 2 and
October 14 of each year. The road stormproofing, building and repair is
also required to be suspended if certain wet weather conditions exist.
The Final HCP contains an adaptive management provision, which
various regulatory agencies have clarified will be implemented on a timely
and efficient basis, and in a manner which will be both biologically and
economically sound. This provision allows the Companies to propose changes
that are consistent with the California Agreement (as defined below) to any
of the Final HCP prescriptions based on, among other things, certain
economic considerations. The regulatory agencies have also clarified that
in applying this adaptive management provision, to the extent the changes
proposed by Pacific Lumber do not result in the jeopardy of a particular
species, the regulatory agencies will consider the practicality of the
suggested changes, including the cost to Pacific Lumber and economic
feasibility and viability.
Implementing Agreements
In connection with consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, the
Companies entered into several implementing agreements, including an
Implementation Agreement with Regard to Habitat Conservation Plan (the
"IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT") among the Companies and National Marine
Fisheries Service ("NMFS"), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS"),
California Department of Fish and Game ("CDFG") and the CDF (the
"AGENCIES") to effectuate the Final HCP. Pursuant to the Implementation
Agreement, NMFS, USFWS and CDFG found that the Final HCP met all applicable
regulatory requirements and authorized the issuance of the Permits. Each
new THP on the Covered Lands to be submitted by Pacific Lumber or Scotia
LLC is required to incorporate the provisions of the Final HCP. Timber
harvesting and certain other specified activities detrimental to the
marbled murrelet are prohibited for the life of the Permits in all of the
marbled murrelet conservation areas. Such activities are prohibited in the
Grizzly Creek grove for an initial five-year period to allow an opportunity
for a portion of the grove to be purchased. Timber harvesting and certain
other specified activities may take place in the Grizzly Creek grove after
the initial five-year period unless USFWS or CDFG, in conjunction with
analysis from a scientific panel, make certain determinations under the ESA
and CESA regarding the effect on the marbled murrelet of these activities.
If USFWS or CDFG make such a determination, the Grizzly Creek grove is
required to be managed as a marbled murrelet conservation area.
Under the Implementation Agreement, the Companies are required to
expend such funds as may be necessary to fulfill each of their obligations
under the Final HCP and to post $2 million security to help secure certain
of their obligations under the Final HCP, which amount is subject to an
annual inflation index and is increased by the amount of any liquidated
damages the Companies are required to pay to California in the prior year
pursuant to the California Agreement. The Companies are also required to
fund an independent third party to monitor compliance with the Final HCP.
The Implementation Agreement permits the Companies to add up to
25,000 acres to the Final HCP so long as various conditions are satisfied,
including that the acreage to be added must be situated within one mile of
the main contiguous portion of the Covered Lands, which are defined in the
Implementation Agreement generally to include all timberlands owned by the
Companies on the date of the Implementation Agreement. The Implementation
Agreement provides that the Companies may relinquish the Permits; provided
that in the event of a relinquishment or revocation of the Permits, the
Companies must fully mitigate for the take of species that has occurred
prior to the relinquishment or revocation. The extent of the full
mitigation that would be required depends on a variety of circumstances.
If it is determined that the Companies must so mitigate for the prior take
of species, the Companies are required to execute a binding covenant
running with the land, in form and content satisfactory to the Agencies,
setting forth such commitment.
The Companies also entered into a separate agreement regarding
enforcement of the California Headwaters Bill (the "CALIFORNIA AGREEMENT")
with the California Resources Agency, CDFG, the CDF and the California
Wildlife Conservation Board ("CWCB"). The California Agreement, among
other things, provides that the Companies shall not undertake any timber
harvesting detrimental to the marbled murrelet in conservation areas
totaling approximately 7,700 acres for 50 years from the effective date of
the California Agreement. Pursuant to the requirements of the California
Agreement, the terms and conditions of the California Agreement were
recorded at closing as terms and conditions against the Covered Lands, to
bind the Company and its successors and assigns for a term of 50 years. The
California Agreement further provides for various remedies in the event of
a breach of the agreement, the Final HCP, the Implementation Agreement, the
California Permit, the California Headwaters Bill or any THP, including the
issuance of written stop orders with respect to specified harmful
activities, and liquidated damages for various breaches.
The California Agreement also provides that the Companies are
liable to the state for the reasonable costs of mitigation or similar work
performed by California as a "self-help" remedy in certain circumstances.
The Companies are also required to reimburse California for monitoring for
compliance with the agreement and to allow for inspection of timber
harvesting activities. The Companies are also required to post $2 million
security under the California Agreement (which is the same $2 million
required, as described above, under the Implementation Agreement). The
California Agreement also provides that it may not be amended unless, among
other things, certain California academic officials and a panel of
scientists have found the proposed amendment to be consistent with the ESA,
the Final HCP and the California Headwaters Bill.
Owl Creek and Grizzly Creek Agreements
The California Headwaters Bill appropriated up to $80 million
toward the purchase of the Owl Creek grove and up to an additional $20
million toward the purchase of a portion (as specified by California) of
the Grizzly Creek grove. In connection with the consummation of the
Headwaters Agreement, California entered into agreements with respect to
the future purchase of the Owl Creek grove (the "OWL CREEK AGREEMENT") and
a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove (the "GRIZZLY CREEK AGREEMENT").
Under the Owl Creek Agreement, Scotia LLC agreed to sell the Owl
Creek grove to the state of California for consideration consisting of the
lesser of the appraised fair market value or $79.65 million. The state may
pay the consideration for the Owl Creek grove to Scotia LLC in cash or, at
the state's option, 25% in cash and the balance in three equal annual
installments without interest. Should Scotia LLC disagree with the
methodology of the appraisal or its application, or if the fair market
value determined under the appraisal is less than $79.65 million, Scotia
LLC would have the right to terminate the Owl Creek Agreement. California
must purchase the Owl Creek grove by the later of the state's fiscal year
immediately following the fiscal year in which the state purchases the
Grizzly Creek property, or June 30, 2001. Consummation of the purchase
transaction under the Owl Creek Agreement is also subject to typical real
estate title and other closing conditions. The California Headwaters
Bill provides that the appraisal methodology, at the Scotia LLC's option,
may assume the issuance of various permits and approvals with respect to
the Owl Creek grove, including the Permits.
With respect to the potential future Grizzly Creek sale, Pacific
Lumber and the CWCB agreed that Pacific Lumber would transfer a portion of
the Grizzly Creek grove to the state of California at a purchase price not
to exceed $19.85 million. Pacific Lumber has furnished a list of licensed
appraisers to California, and the state is to select an appraiser from this
list to determine the fair market value of the property, with Pacific
Lumber having the right to terminate the agreement if it reasonably
disagrees with the methodology employed with respect to the appraisal or in
the application of such methodology. The Grizzly Creek Agreement provides
that California must purchase a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove by no
later than October 31, 2000. Consummation of the purchase transaction
under the Grizzly Creek Agreement is also subject to typical real estate
title and other closing conditions. Also pursuant to the terms of the
Grizzly Creek Agreement, Pacific Lumber granted the state of California a
five-year option to purchase, at fair market value, additional property
within the Grizzly Creek grove. The net proceeds of the sale of the
Grizzly Creek property will be placed in escrow (on the same basis as the
net proceeds of the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands) unless, at the time
of receipt of such proceeds, funds are no longer on deposit under the
Escrow Agreement. See "--Escrow Agreement and Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Financial Condition and Investing and Financing Activities."
Water Quality
Under the Federal Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection
Agency (the "EPA") is required to establish total maximum daily load limits
("TMDLS") in water courses that have been declared to be "water quality
impaired." The EPA and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board ("NCRWQCB") are in the process of establishing TMDL limits for
seventeen northern California rivers and certain of their tributaries,
including certain water courses that flow within the Scotia LLC
Timberlands. As part of this process, the EPA and the NCRWQCB are expected
to submit the TMDL requirements on the Scotia LLC Timberlands for public
review and comment. Following the comment period, the NCRWQCB would
finalize the TMDL requirements applicable to the Scotia LLC Timberlands,
which may require aquatic measures that are different from or in addition
to the prescriptions to be developed pursuant to the watershed analysis
process contained in the Final HCP.
Impact of Future Legislation
Laws, regulations and related judicial decisions and
administrative interpretations dealing with Pacific Lumber's business are
subject to change and new laws and regulations are frequently introduced
concerning the California timber industry. From time to time, bills are
introduced in the California legislature and the U.S. Congress which relate
to the business of Pacific Lumber, including the protection and acquisition
of old growth and other timberlands, threatened and endangered species,
environmental protection, air and water quality and the restriction,
regulation and administration of timber harvesting practices. In addition
to existing and possible new or modified statutory enactments, regulatory
requirements and administrative and legal actions, the California timber
industry remains subject to potential California or local ballot
initiatives and evolving federal and California case law which could affect
timber harvesting practices. It is not possible to assess the effect of
such future legislative, judicial and administrative events on Pacific
Lumber or its business.
Timber Operator's License
On February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional
TOL for calendar year 1999. The 1999 TOL requires, among other things, that
harvesting under approved THPs by Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and their
contractors will be governed by limitations that require non-emergency road
use activities to cease under certain wet weather conditions. See Item 3.
"Legal Proceedings--Timber Operator's License."
Escrow Agreement
As a result of the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands, Salmon
Creek received proceeds of $299,850,000 in cash, prior to payment of
closing costs and expenses. Pursuant to an Escrow Agreement entered into
among Salmon Creek, Pacific Lumber and Citibank, N.A. (the "ESCROW AGENT"),
Salmon Creek has deposited approximately $285 million of such proceeds into
a restricted account (the "ESCROWED FUNDS"), which Escrowed Funds will be
made available, while so held in escrow, as necessary to support the Timber
Notes with the balance of approximately $15 million to be retained to
defray expenses in connection with negotiation and consummation of the
Headwaters Agreement. In the event that the expenses in connection with
the negotiation and consummation of the Headwaters Agreement are less than
$15 million, the remaining unused portion of the $15 million estimated
expense amount is to be added to the Escrowed Funds. The net proceeds of
the sale of a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove will also be placed in
escrow (on the same basis as the net proceeds of the sale of the Headwaters
Timberlands) unless, at the time of receipt of such proceeds, funds are no
longer on deposit under the Escrow Agreement. See Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Financial Condition and Investing and Financing Activities" for information
regarding the circumstances under which the Escrowed Funds can be released.
ALUMINUM OPERATIONS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
GENERAL
The Company owns 27,938,250 shares of the common stock of Kaiser,
representing a 35.3% interest in Kaiser. Kaiser operates in all principal
aspects of the aluminum industry through its wholly owned subsidiary,
Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical Corporation ("KACC")--the mining of bauxite, the
refining of bauxite into alumina, the production of primary aluminum from
alumina, and the manufacture of fabricated (including semi-fabricated)
aluminum products. In addition to the production utilized by Kaiser in its
operations, Kaiser sells significant amounts of alumina and primary
aluminum in domestic and international markets. The following table sets
forth total shipments and intersegment transfers of Kaiser's alumina,
primary aluminum, and fabricated aluminum operations:
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN THOUSANDS OF TONS(1))
Alumina:
Shipments to Third Parties 2,250.0 1,929.8 2,073.7
Intersegment Transfers 750.7 968.0 912.4
Primary Aluminum:
Shipments to Third Parties 263.2 327.9 355.6
Intersegment Transfers 162.8 164.2 128.3
Flat-Rolled Products:
Shipments to Third Parties 235.6 247.9 204.8
Engineered Products:
Shipments to Third Parties 169.4 152.1 122.3
<FN>
- ---------------
(1) Tons in this section of this Report refer to metric tons of 2,204.6
pounds.
SENSITIVITY TO PRICES AND HEDGING PROGRAMS
Kaiser's earnings are sensitive to changes in the prices of
alumina, primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum products, and also depend
to a significant degree upon the volume and mix of all products sold and on
Kaiser's hedging strategies. Primary aluminum prices have historically
been subject to significant cyclical price fluctuations. Alumina prices,
as well as fabricated aluminum product prices (which vary considerably
among products), are significantly influenced by changes in the price of
primary aluminum, and generally lag behind primary aluminum prices. Since
1993, the Average Midwest United States transaction price (the "AMT PRICE")
for primary aluminum has ranged from approximately $.50 to $1.00 per pound.
During 1998, the AMT Price per pound of primary aluminum declined during
the year, beginning the year in the $.70 to $.75 range and ending the year
in the low $.60 range. Subsequent to 1998, the AMT Price continued to
decline, and at February 26, 1999, the AMT Price was approximately $.58 per
pound. Alumina prices as well as fabricated aluminum product prices (which
vary considerably among products) are significantly influenced by changes
in the price of primary aluminum and generally lag behind primary aluminum
prices. From time to time in the ordinary course of business Kaiser enters
into hedging transactions to provide price risk management in respect of
its net exposure resulting from (i) anticipated sales of alumina, primary
aluminum, and fabricated aluminum products, less (ii) expected purchases of
certain items, such as aluminum scrap, rolling ingot, and bauxite, whose
prices fluctuate with the price of primary aluminum. Forward sales
contracts are used by Kaiser to effectively lock-in or fix the price that
KACC will receive for its shipments. Kaiser also uses option contracts (i)
to establish a minimum price for its product shipments, (ii) to establish a
"collar" or range of prices for its anticipated sales, and/or (iii) to
permit Kaiser to realize possible upside price movements. See Item 7A.
"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."
PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
Kaiser's operations are conducted through KACC's decentralized
business units which compete throughout the aluminum industry. The alumina
business unit mines bauxite and obtains additional bauxite tonnage under
long-term contracts. The primary aluminum products business unit operates
two wholly owned domestic smelters and two foreign smelters in which Kaiser
holds significant ownership interests. Fabricated aluminum products are
manufactured by two business units--flat-rolled products and engineered
products. These products are manufactured at plants located in principal
marketing areas of the United States and Canada. The aluminum utilized in
Kaiser's fabricated products operations is comprised of primary aluminum,
obtained both internally and from third parties, and scrap metal purchased
from third parties.
Bauxite and Alumina
The following table lists Kaiser's bauxite mining and alumina
refining facilities as of December 31, 1998:
ANNUAL
PRODUCTION TOTAL
CAPACITY ANNUAL
COMPANY AVAILABLE TO PRODUCTION
ACTIVITY FACILITY LOCATION OWNERSHIP THE COMPANY CAPACITY
- ---------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(THOUSANDS OF TONS)
Bauxite Mining KJBC(1) Jamaica 49.0% 4,500.0 4,500.0
Alpart(2) Jamaica 65.0% 2,275.0 3,500.0
------------ ------------
6,775.0 8,000.0
============ ============
Alumina Refining Gramercy Louisiana 100.0% 1,050.0 1,050.0
Alpart Jamaica 65.0% 942.5 1,450.0
QAL(3) Australia 28.3% 1,033.0 3,650.0
------------ ------------
3,025.5 6,150.0
============ ============
<FN>
- ---------------
(1) Although Kaiser owns 49% of Kaiser Jamaica Bauxite Company ("KJBC"),
it has the right to receive all of such entity's output.
(2) Alumina Partners of Jamaica ("ALPART") bauxite is refined into alumina
at the Alpart refinery.
(3) Queensland Alumina Limited ("QAL").
Primary Aluminum Products
The following table lists Kaiser's primary aluminum smelting
Facilities as of December 31, 1998:
ANNUAL
RATED TOTAL
CAPACITY ANNUAL 1998
COMPANY AVAILABLE TO RATED OPERATING
LOCATION FACILITY OWNERSHIP THE COMPANY CAPACITY RATE
- --------------------------- ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
(THOUSANDS OF TONS)
Domestic
Washington Mead 100% 200.0 200.0 103%
Washington Tacoma 100% 73.0 73.0 94%
------------ ------------
Subtotal 273.0 273.0
------------ ------------
International
Ghana Valco(1) 90% 180.0 200.0 25%
Wales, United Anglesey(2) 49% 66.2 135.0 120%
Kingdom ------------ ------------
Subtotal 246.2 335.0
------------ ------------
Total 519.2 608.0
============ ============
<FN>
- ------------------------------
(1) Valco Aluminium Company Limited ("Valco")
(2) Anglesey Aluminium Limited ("Anglesey")
Fabricated Aluminum Products
Kaiser manufactures and markets fabricated aluminum products for
the transportation, packaging, construction and consumer durables markets
in the United States and abroad.
Flat-rolled Products. The flat-rolled product business unit
operates the Trentwood, Washington, rolling mill and the Micromill facility
near Reno, Nevada. The Trentwood facility accounted for approximately 58%
of Kaiser's 1998 fabricated aluminum products shipments. The business unit
supplies the aerospace and general engineering markets (producing heat-
treat products), the beverage container market (producing body, lid and tab
stock) and the specialty coil markets (producing automotive brazing sheet,
wheel, and tread products), both directly and through distributors.
Engineered Products. The engineered products business unit is
headquartered in Southfield, Michigan and operates soft-alloy extrusion
facilities in Los Angeles, California; Santa Fe Springs, California;
Sherman, Texas; Richmond, Virginia; and London, Ontario, Canada; a cathodic
protection business located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, that also extrudes both
aluminum and magnesium; rod and bar extrusion facilities in Newark, Ohio,
and Jackson, Tennessee, which produce screw machine stock, redraw rod,
forging stock, and billet; and a facility in Richland, Washington, which
produces seamless tubing in both hard and soft alloys for the automotive,
other transportation, export, recreation, agriculture and other industrial
markets.
The engineered products business unit also operates forging
facilities at Oxnard, California and Greenwood, South Carolina; a machine
shop at Greenwood, South Carolina; and a casting facility in Canton, Ohio.
Kaiser has agreed to sell the Canton, Ohio plant and has signed a letter of
intent to sell to its partner its 50% interest in AKW L.P., a partnership
which designs, manufactures and sells heavy-duty aluminum truck wheels.
The engineered components business unit is one of the largest producers of
aluminum forgings in the United States and is a major supplier of
high-quality forged parts to customers in the automotive, commercial
vehicle and ordnance markets.
COMPETITION
Aluminum competes in many markets with steel, copper, glass,
plastic and other materials. In recent years, plastic containers have
increased and glass containers have decreased their respective shares of
the soft drink sector of the beverage container market. In the United
States, beverage container materials, including aluminum, face increased
competition from plastics as increased polyethylene terephthalate ("PET")
container capacity is brought on line by plastics manufacturers. Within
the aluminum business, Kaiser competes with both domestic and foreign
producers of bauxite, alumina and primary aluminum, and with domestic and
foreign fabricators. Primary aluminum and, to some degree, alumina are
commodities with generally standard qualities, and competition in the sale
of these commodities is based primarily upon price, quality and
availability. Kaiser also competes with a wide range of domestic and
international fabricators in the sale of fabricated aluminum products.
Competition in the sale of fabricated products is based upon quality,
availability, price and service, including delivery performance.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASBESTOS CONTINGENCIES
Kaiser and KACC are subject to a number of environmental laws, to
fines or penalties assessed for alleged breaches of the environmental laws
and regulations, and to claims and litigation based upon such laws. Based
on Kaiser's evaluation of these and other environmental matters, Kaiser has
established environmental accruals primarily related to potential solid
waste disposal and soil and groundwater remediation matters. KACC is also
a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which the plaintiffs allege that
certain of their injuries were caused by, among other things, exposure to
asbestos during, and as a result of, their employment or association with
KACC or exposure to products containing asbestos produced or sold by KACC.
See Note 8 to Kaiser's Consolidated Financial Statements (Exhibit 99.3
hereto) for further information.
LABOR MATTERS
Substantially all of KACC's hourly workforce at the Gramercy,
Louisiana, alumina refinery, Mead and Tacoma, Washington, aluminum
smelters, Trentwood, Washington, rolling mill, and Newark, Ohio, extrusion
facility were covered by a master labor agreement with the United
Steelworkers of America ("USWA") which expired on September 30, 1998. The
parties did not reach an agreement prior to the expiration of the master
agreement and the USWA chose to strike. In January 1999, Kaiser declined
an offer by the USWA to have the striking workers return to work at the
five plants without a new agreement. Kaiser imposed a lock-out to support
its bargaining position and continues to operate the plants with salaried
employees and other workers as it has since the strike began. Based on
operating results to date, Kaiser believes that a significant business
interruption will not occur.
While Kaiser initially experienced an adverse strike-related
impact on its profitability in the fourth quarter of 1998, Kaiser believes
that KACC's operations at the affected facilities have been substantially
stabilized and will be able to run at, or near, full capacity, and that the
incremental costs associated with operating the affected plants during the
dispute were eliminated or substantially reduced as of January 1999
(excluding the impacts of restart costs of certain potlines at the Mead and
Tacoma smelters and the effect of market factors such as a continued
market-related curtailment at the Tacoma smelter). However, no assurances
can be given that KACC's efforts to run the plants on a sustained basis,
without a significant business interruption or material adverse impact on
Kaiser's operating results, will be successful.
MISCELLANEOUS
For further information concerning the business and financial
condition of Kaiser, see Kaiser's Consolidated Financial Statements and the
notes thereto (Exhibit 99.3 hereto), as well as Kaiser's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998. Such Exhibit and
Form 10-K are available at no charge by writing to the following address:
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation, Shareholder Services Department, 5847 San
Felipe, Suite 2600, Houston, Texas 77057.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
A description of the Company's properties is included under Item
1 above.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
TIMBER HARVESTING LITIGATION
On August 12, 1998, an action entitled Environmental Protection
Information Center, Inc., Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific
Holding Company, Salmon Creek Corporation (No. C 98-3129) (the "EPIC
LAWSUIT") was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. The action relates to a number of Scotia LLC's
THPs. The plaintiffs allege that certain procedural violations of the ESA
have resulted from logging activities on the Scotia LLC Timberlands and
seek to prevent the defendants from carrying out any harvesting activities
until certain wildlife consultation requirements under the ESA are
satisfied in connection with the Combined Plan. See Item 1. "Business
Regulatory and Environmental Matters and Headwaters Agreement." On
September 3, 1998, the Court granted plaintiffs' motion for preliminary
injunction covering three THPs (consisting principally of old growth
Douglas-fir timber) pending evidentiary hearings. Following the
evidentiary hearings, which concluded on October 22, 1998, the Court
requested additional briefing, which was filed on November 9, 1998. On
March 15, 1999, the Court affirmed its preliminary injunction until it
reaches a decision on the merits of the EPIC Lawsuit. However, subsequent
to this ruling, the Court heard the defendants' motion for summary judgment
on the merits of the case, and issued an order for plaintiffs to show cause
why the lawsuit should not be dismissed as moot since the consultation
requirement appears to have been concluded. While the Company believes
that the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement is a positive development
with respect to the EPIC Lawsuit, the Company is unable to predict the
outcome of this case or its ultimate impact on the Company's consolidated
financial condition or results of operations.
On January 26, 1998, an action entitled Coho Salmon,
Environmental Information Center, Inc., Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber,
Scotia Pacific Holding Company and Salmon Creek Corporation (No. C 98-0283)
(the "COHO LAWSUIT") was filed in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California. This action alleged, among other things,
violations of the ESA and claims that defendants' logging operations in
five watersheds have contributed to the "take" of the coho salmon. On
March 22, 1999, the Court approved the agreed dismissal with prejudice of
this lawsuit.
On May 27, 1998, an action entitled Mateel Environmental Justice
Foundation v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific Holding Company, Salmon Creek
Corporation, MAXXAM Group Inc. (No. DR 980301) was brought and is now
pending in the Superior Court of Humboldt County. This action alleges,
among other things, violations of California's unfair competition law of
the business and professions code based on citations and violations
(primarily water quality related) issued against the defendants since 1994
in connection with a substantial number of THPs. On January 5, 1999,
plaintiff amended its complaint and narrowed its claim to 17 THPs. The
plaintiff seeks, among other things, disgorgement of profits and an
injunction prohibiting alleged unlawful actions and requiring corrective
action. The Company does not believe that this matter will have a material
adverse effect upon its business or its consolidated financial condition or
results of operations.
On December 2, 1997, a lawsuit entitled Kristi Wrigley, et al. v.
Charles Hurwitz, John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc.,
Scotia Pacific Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM Inc., Scotia
Pacific Company LLC and Federated Development Company (No. 9700399) (the
"WRIGLEY LAWSUIT") was filed in the Superior Court of Humboldt County.
This action has been consolidated with an action entitled Jennie Rollins,
et al. v. Charles Hurwitz, John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group
Holdings Inc., Scotia Pacific Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM
Inc., Burnum Timber Company (No. 9700400) (the "ROLLINS LAWSUIT") which was
also filed on December 2, 1997 in the Superior Court of Humboldt County.
These actions allege, among other things, that defendants' logging
practices have damaged the plaintiffs' properties and property values by
contributing to the destruction of certain watersheds and other areas,
including the Elk River watershed and the Stafford area, and have also
contributed to landslides in these areas. Plaintiffs further allege that
in order to have THPs approved in connection with these areas, the
defendants submitted false information to the CDF in violation of the
California Business and Professions Code and the Racketeering Influence and
Corrupt Practices Act ("RICO"). The plaintiffs have amended their
complaints by alleging that the number of THPs involved in the lawsuit was
343 (an increase from the 150 in the original complaints). Plaintiffs
seek unspecified damages and other relief. The Company is unable to predict
the outcome of this case or the ultimate impact this matter will have on its
consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Scotia LLC is also subject to certain other pending THP cases
which would not be expected to have a material adverse effect upon the
Company; however, due to the diminished supply of THPs currently held by
Scotia LLC, the issuance of injunctive or similar relief in certain of
these cases could exacerbate the difficulties that Scotia LLC has been
experiencing with respect to the conduct of normal harvesting operations.
On or about January 29, 1999, Pacific Lumber received a letter
from two private environmental advocacy groups of their 60-day notice of
intent to sue Scotia LLC, Pacific Lumber, several of the federal and state
agencies and others under the ESA. The letter alleges various violations
of the ESA, and challenges, among other things, the validity and legality
of the Permits issued in conjunction with the Final Plans. The Company
does not know when or if a lawsuit will be filed by the groups regarding
these matters, or if a lawsuit is filed, the ultimate impact of such
lawsuit on the Final Plans or the Company's consolidated financial
condition or results of operations.
TIMBER OPERATOR'S LICENSE
Historically, Pacific Lumber has conducted logging operations on
the Scotia LLC Timberlands with its own staff of logging personnel as well
as through contract loggers. In order to conduct logging operations in
California, a logging company must obtain from the CDF a timber operator's
license ("TOL"), which license is subject to annual renewal. On December
30, 1997, the CDF issued a statement of issues in connection with an
administrative action entitled In the Matter of the Statement of Issues
Against: the Pacific Lumber Company, Timber Operator License A-5326 (No. LT
97-8). This administrative action sought to deny Pacific Lumber's
application for a 1998 TOL based on various violations of the rules and
regulations of the Forest Practice Act. On the same date, Pacific Lumber
entered into a stipulation with the CDF (the "STIPULATION") and received a
conditional TOL for 1998 ("1998 TOL"). The 1998 TOL and Stipulation were
conditioned on, among other things, Pacific Lumber complying with existing
requirements governing timber harvesting, wet weather operating
restrictions and additional inspection and self-monitoring obligations.
Compliance with the obligations set forth in the Stipulation restricted
Pacific Lumber's ability to harvest timber and transport logs during
periods of wet weather and impaired Pacific Lumber's ability to maintain
adequate log inventories during those periods. See Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Results of Operations--Operating Results."
In June 1998, an audit inspection performed by the CDF to
evaluate forest practice violations found that Pacific Lumber was not in
violation of the Stipulation. However, due to violations found or alleged
by the CDF after its June 1998 inspection, the CDF notified Pacific Lumber
on November 9, 1998 that it had suspended Pacific Lumber's TOL for the
remainder of 1998. As a result, Pacific Lumber ceased all operations under
its 1998 TOL, and engaged independent contractors to complete harvesting
activities on all of the THPs that Pacific Lumber was operating at the time
of the notification (independent contractors historically account for
approximately 60% of the harvesting activities on Pacific Lumber's
timberlands). Pacific Lumber determined not to appeal the suspension of
its 1998 TOL, and applied for a new TOL from the CDF for 1999. On December
15, 1998, the CDF denied Pacific Lumber's application for a TOL for 1999.
On February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional
TOL for calendar year 1999. The 1999 TOL requires, among other things,
that harvesting under approved THPs by Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and their
contractors will be governed by limitations that require non-emergency road
use activities to cease under certain wet weather conditions. These road
use restrictions are substantially similar to those applicable under the
Final Plans and the 1998 TOL. The 1999 TOL also provides that Pacific
Lumber shall enhance its compliance program by, among other things,
providing training for its logging personnel, increasing the size of its
compliance team and retaining an outside consulting firm to audit its
compliance procedures and make recommendations for improvement. Pacific
Lumber has completed most of these items. The 1999 TOL, among other
things, also contains a requirement that Pacific Lumber pay a conservation
organization designated by the CDF three times the value of any timber
felled by Pacific Lumber or any other licensed timber operator in any no-
cut zone on Pacific Lumber's timberlands. The 1999 TOL also advises
Pacific Lumber that should the 1999 TOL be revoked, the issuance of a new
conditional license, absent compelling circumstances, would be unlikely.
Pacific Lumber does not believe that the restrictions imposed by the 1999
TOL will have a material adverse effect on its, or the Company's, business
or financial performance.
In addition to revocation of Pacific Lumber's TOL, other remedies
could be sought against Pacific Lumber and Scotia Pacific in connection
with violations of the Forest Practice Act. In the past, fines and
probation have been imposed on Pacific Lumber in connection with similar
violations of the Forest Practices Act.
TAKINGS LITIGATION
In May 1996, Scotia Pacific, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek
filed a lawsuit entitled The Pacific Lumber Company, et al. v. The United
States of America (No. 96-257L) in the United States Court of Federal
Claims seeking constitutional "just compensation" damages for the taking of
certain of their timberlands by the federal government through application
of the ESA. Salmon Creek filed a similar action entitled Salmon Creek
Corporation v. California State Board of Forestry, et. al. (No. 96CS01057)
in the Superior Court of Sacramento County. These actions were dismissed
with prejudice as a condition of and upon consummation of the Headwaters
Agreement.
HUNSAKER MATTER
On November 24, 1998, an action entitled William Hunsaker, et al.
v. Charles E. Hurwitz, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Inc., MXM Corp.,
Federated Development Company and Does I-50 (No. C 98-4515) was filed in
the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
This action alleges, among other things, that a class consisting of the
vested employees and retirees of the former Pacific Lumber Company (Maine)
("OLD PALCO") is entitled to recover approximately $60 million of surplus
funds allegedly obtained through deceit and fraudulent acts from the Old
Palco retirement plan that was terminated in 1986 following acquisition by
MAXXAM Inc. of Pacific Lumber. Plaintiffs further allege that defendants
violated RICO and engaged in numerous acts of unfair business practices in
violation of the California Business and Professions Code. In addition to
seeking the surplus funds, plaintiffs also seek, among other things, a
constructive trust on the assets traceable from the surplus funds, plus
interest, trebling of damages for violation of RICO, punitive damages, and
injunctive and other relief. On January 11, 1999, the Court granted the
defendants' request to stay further proceedings in this matter, except for
a case management conference set for March 29,1999, until after the hearing
and ruling on the defendants' motion to dismiss, which was filed on January
19, 1999 and was taken under advisement on March 26, 1999. While the
Company does not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on
its consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity,
there can be no assurance that this will be the case.
OTHER LITIGATION MATTERS
Kaiser is involved in significant legal proceedings, including
environmental and asbestos litigation. See Item 1. "Business--Aluminum
Operations--Environmental and Asbestos Contingencies" and "--
Miscellaneous".
The Company is involved in other claims, lawsuits and other
proceedings, including certain pending or threatened actions seeking to
prevent Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC from harvesting under certain of
their THPs and conducting certain other operations. While uncertainties
are inherent in the final outcome of such matters and it is presently
impossible to determine the actual costs that ultimately may be incurred,
management believes that the resolution of such uncertainties and the
incurrence of such costs should not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
All of the Company's common stock is owned by MAXXAM.
Accordingly, the Company's common stock is not traded on any stock exchange
and has no established public trading market. The 12% Senior Secured Notes
due 2003 of the Company (the "MGHI NOTES") are secured by the common stock
of MGI and the Pledged Kaiser Shares. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Financial
Condition and Investing and Financing Activities" and Note 5 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements appearing in Item 8.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
BACKGROUND
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
The Company was formed on November 4, 1996, to facilitate the
offering of the $130.0 million aggregate principal amount of the MGHI
Notes. Subsequent to its formation, the Company received, as a capital
contribution from MAXXAM, 100% of the capital stock of MGI and 27,938,250
shares of Kaiser common stock (the "KAISER SHARES") representing a
35.3% interest in Kaiser on a fully diluted basis as of December 31, 1998.
The contribution of MGI's capital stock has been accounted for as a
reorganization of entities under common control, which requires the Company
to record the assets and liabilities of MGI at MAXXAM's historical cost and
to also reflect both the historical operating results of MGI and MAXXAM's
purchase accounting adjustments which principally relate to MGI's timber
and depreciable assets. The contribution of the Kaiser Shares has been
reflected in the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company as if
such contribution occurred as of the beginning of the earliest period
presented at MAXXAM's historical cost using the equity method of
accounting.
The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, MGI, and MGI's principal
operating subsidiaries, Pacific Lumber and Britt are engaged in forest
products operations. The Company's business is highly seasonal and has
historically been significantly higher in the months of April through
November than in the months of December through March. Management expects
that the Company's revenues and cash flows will continue to be markedly
seasonal. The impact of seasonality on the Company's results is expected
to become more pronounced than it has been historically because of the
harvesting, road use, wet weather and other restrictions imposed by the
Final HCP. As a result, a substantial majority of the future harvesting on
Pacific Lumber's timberlands can be expected to be concentrated during the
period from June through October of each year. Some of these restrictions
may be modified under the adaptive management provision contained in the
Final HCP and as a result of the watershed analysis process to be performed
over the five-year period beginning March 1, 1999. See Item 1. "Business--
Regulatory and Environmental Matters and Headwaters Agreement--The Final
Plans." The following should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto appearing in Item
8.
Old growth trees constitute Pacific Lumber's principal source of
upper grade redwood lumber, Pacific Lumber's most valuable product. Due to
the severe restrictions on Pacific Lumber's ability to harvest old growth
timber on its property, Pacific Lumber's supply of upper grade lumber has
decreased in a number of premium product categories. Furthermore, logging
costs have increased primarily due to the harvest of smaller diameter logs
and, to a lesser extent, compliance with environmental regulations
relating to the harvesting of timber and litigation costs incurred in
connection with certain THPs filed by Pacific Lumber. Pacific Lumber has
been able to lessen the impact of these factors by instituting a number of
measures at its sawmills during the past several years designed to enhance
the efficiency of its operations, such as modernization and expansion of
its manufactured lumber facilities and other improvements in lumber
recovery. As a result of further limitations on harvesting old growth
trees under the Final HCP and the Final SYP, Pacific Lumber expects that
its production of premium upper grade lumber products will decline further
and that its manufactured lumber products will constitute a higher
percentage of its shipments of upper grade lumber products. See also Item
1. "Business--Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters
Agreement."
The Company follows the equity method of accounting for its
investment in Kaiser. As discussed more fully in Note 4 to the
Consolidated Financial Statements, until August 1997, cumulative losses
with respect to the results of operations attributable to Kaiser's common
stockholders exceeded cumulative earnings. However, this was no longer the
case when equity attributable to Kaiser's common stockholders increased
upon conversion of the PRIDES into Kaiser common stock on August 29, 1997.
As a result, the Company recorded a $33.4 million adjustment to reduce the
stockholder's deficit reflecting the Company's 35.4% equity in the impact
of the PRIDES conversion on the common stockholders. In addition, the
Company began recording its equity in Kaiser's results of operations. See
Note 4 to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further
information, including summarized financial information of Kaiser.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table presents selected operational and financial
information for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996.
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS,
EXCEPT SHIPMENTS AND PRICES)
Shipments:
Lumber: (1)
Redwood upper grades 41.9 52.4 49.7
Redwood common grades 230.1 244.2 229.6
Douglas-fir upper grades 6.9 11.5 10.6
Douglas-fir common grades 47.5 75.3 74.9
Other 7.0 14.5 17.2
------------ ------------ ------------
Total lumber 333.4 397.9 382.0
============ ============ ============
Logs (2) 3.2 11.9 20.1
============ ============ ============
Wood chips (3) 176.7 237.8 208.9
============ ============ ============
Average sales price:
Lumber: (4)
Redwood upper grades $ 1,478 $ 1,443 $ 1,380
Redwood common grades 540 531 511
Douglas-fir upper grades 1,280 1,203 1,154
Douglas-fir common grades 346 455 439
Logs (4) 449 414 477
Wood chips (5) 70 73 76
Net sales:
Lumber, net of discount $ 211.6 $ 256.1 $ 234.1
Logs 1.5 4.9 9.6
Wood chips 12.3 17.4 15.8
Cogeneration power 3.9 4.5 3.3
Other 4.3 4.3 1.8
------------ ------------ ------------
Total net sales $ 233.6 $ 287.2 $ 264.6
============ ============ ============
Operating income $ 40.6 $ 84.5 $ 73.0
============ ============ ============
Operating cash flow (6) $ 63.1 $ 110.6 $ 100.2
============ ============ ============
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary item $ (27.3) $ 23.8 $ 5.9
============ ============ ============
Net income (loss) $ (59.8) $ 18.6 $ 6.2
============ ============ ============
Capital expenditures $ 22.0 $ 22.9 $ 15.2
============ ============ ============
<FN>
- ---------------
(1) Lumber shipments are expressed in millions of board feet.
(2) Log shipments are expressed in millions of feet, net Scribner
scale.
(3) Wood chip shipments are expressed in thousands of bone dry units
of 2,400 pounds.
(4) Dollars per thousand board feet.
(5) Dollars per bone dry unit.
(6) Operating income before depletion and depreciation, also referred
to as "EBITDA."
Operating Results
Net sales declined from $287.2 million for the year ended
December 31, 1997 to $233.6 million for the year ended December 31, 1998
primarily due to lower shipments of lumber, logs and wood chips. The
decline in shipments which occurred during the first half of 1998 was
principally due to well-above-normal rainfall which reduced demand for
lumber products and severely limited the availability of rail
transportation. The increased rainfall, combined with additional
restrictions on Pacific Lumber's wet weather operations pursuant to the
terms of the 1998 TOL, and the applicability of logging restrictions during
the nesting seasons for both the northern spotted owl and the marbled
murrelet, also impeded Pacific Lumber's ability to transport logs to its
mills and hindered logging operations, thereby reducing the volume of logs
available for the production of lumber products. Revenues for the second
half of 1998 were primarily affected by a reduction in the volume of logs
harvested and converted into lumber products. Pacific Lumber's reduced
harvest level during the second half of 1998 was due in substantial part to
the absence of a sufficient number of THPs available for harvest to enable
it to conduct its operations at levels consistent with those in the
comparable period of 1997. The diminished supply of available THPs was
attributable to a reduced volume of approved THPs as well as regulatory and
judicial restrictions imposed upon harvesting activities in areas covered
by previously approved THPs. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements. These difficulties in harvesting and transporting logs
affected the types of logs available for the mills and Pacific Lumber's
ability to produce a desirable mix of lumber products which in turn
adversely affected sales.
The reduced number of approved THPs was, and continued to be,
attributable to several factors, including a significantly reduced level of
THPs submitted by Pacific Lumber to the CDF during 1998 and during the
first two months of 1999 due to (a) the extensive amount of time devoted by
Pacific Lumber's foresters, wildlife and fisheries biologists and other
personnel to (i) amending a significant number of previously submitted THPs
to incorporate various new requirements which Pacific Lumber agreed to as
part of the February 27, 1998 Pre-Permit Application Agreement (the "PRE-
PERMIT AGREEMENT"), (ii) preparing the Combined Plan and all the related
data, responding to comments on the Combined Plan, assessing and responding
to federal and state proposals and changes concerning the Combined Plan and
incorporated into the Final Plans, (iii) responding to comments received by
Pacific Lumber from various federal and state governmental agencies with
respect to its filed THPs in light of the new and more stringent
requirements that Pacific Lumber agreed to observe pursuant to the Pre-
Permit Agreement, and (iv) responding to newly filed litigation involving
certain of Pacific Lumber's approved THPs (see Item 3. "Legal
Proceedings") and (b) implementation of a provision contained in the Pre-
Permit Agreement which requires, for the first time, a licensed geologist
to review virtually all of Pacific Lumber's THPs prior to submission to the
CDF. Pacific Lumber has also experienced an unexpected significantly slower
rate of review and approval with respect to its filed THPs due, in large
part, to the issues that have emerged in applying the requirements embodied
in the Pre-Permit Agreement to Pacific Lumber's THPs, certain of which
requirements impose new forestry practices that apply solely to Pacific
Lumber's operations. As a result of the factors discussed above, Pacific
Lumber had a severely diminished inventory of approved THPs at March 1,
1999 which continues to limit Pacific Lumber's ability to conduct
harvesting operations and provide an adequate supply of logs to meet its
lumber production requirements.
With the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, Pacific
Lumber has completed its work in connection with preparation of the Final
Plans; however, significant additional work will be required in connection
with its implementation. The remainder of 1999 will be a transition year
for Pacific Lumber with respect to the filing and approval of its THPs.
Certain of the THPs which were approved by the CDF prior to March 1, 1999
were grandfathered under the Final Plans, and are harvestable subject to
the harvesting restrictions prescribed under the THPs and satisfaction of
certain agreed conditions. The remaining THPs which were in the process of
being reviewed but were not yet approved by the CDF at the time of the
consummation of the Final Plans each require varying degrees of revisions
in order to comply with the requirements of the Final Plans. The rate of
submissions of THPs and the review and approval of THPs during the next
quarter may be slower than Pacific Lumber has historically experienced as
Pacific Lumber and the CDF develop procedures for implementing the Final
Plans. Accordingly, Pacific Lumber believes that its rate of new THP
submissions will not increase until some time in the second or third
quarter of 1999. Nevertheless, Pacific Lumber anticipates that after a
transition period, the implementation of the Final Plans will streamline
the process of preparing THPs and potentially shorten the time required to
obtain approval of THPs. However, there can be no assurance that Pacific
Lumber will not continue to experience difficulties in submitting and
receiving approvals of its THPs similar to those it has been experiencing.
Net sales for 1997 increased over 1996 due to higher average
realized prices and shipments for most categories of redwood and Douglas-
fir lumber.
See "--Financial Condition and Investing and Financing
Activities."
Operating Income
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 1998 decreased
from the comparable prior year period primarily due to the decrease in net
sales discussed above. This impact was partially offset by a decrease in
depletion expense as a result of the decline in volumes discussed above and
a decrease in logging costs for the year ended December 31, 1998 from the
prior year period. Operating income for 1997 increased over 1996
principally due to the increase in net sales discussed above.
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes and Extraordinary Item
The Company had a loss before income taxes and extraordinary item
for the year ended December 31, 1998 as compared to income for the 1997
period primarily due to the decrease in operating income discussed above.
Results for the 1998 period were also affected by a decrease in equity in
earnings of Kaiser and, to a lesser degree, a decrease in investment income
from marketable securities. Kaiser's results for 1998 were negatively
affected by strike related costs, a write down of its Micromill assets and
lower aluminum prices. Income before income taxes for 1997 increased over
1996 principally due to higher operating income discussed above, and due to
an increase in net gains on marketable securities in 1997 and equity in
earnings of Kaiser of $7.0 million.
Preliminary 1999 Results
The Company's operating results for 1999 will be adversely
affected by the decrease in log and lumber inventories, which is a result
of the severely diminished level of available THPs. Pacific Lumber had an
inventory of approved THPs for the harvesting of approximately 61,000 gross
Mbf of timber as of March 1, 1999, subject to satisfaction of certain
agreed conditions. Pacific Lumber anticipates that, upon expiration of the
restricted period of road use imposed under the Final HCP, and given
favorable weather conditions, Pacific Lumber should be able to resume more
normal harvesting activities in June 1999. Pacific Lumber has terminated
or laid off over 200 employees in 1999, and more layoffs will be required.
In addition, Pacific Lumber has partially curtailed operations at all of
its mills. Pacific Lumber expects that such curtailments will continue for
several months until such time as log inventories are adequate to achieve
normal lumber production levels. Lumber shipments in 1999 are expected to
be adversely affected by this slowdown in production.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
In December 1996, MGHI issued $130.0 million aggregate principal
amount of the MGHI Notes. Net proceeds of $125.0 million received from the
offering of the MGHI Notes have been loaned to MAXXAM pursuant to an
intercompany note (the "MAXXAM NOTE"). Pursuant to the terms of the MAXXAM
Note, MAXXAM is entitled to defer the payment of interest on the MAXXAM
Note on any interest payment date to the extent that the Company has
sufficient available funds to satisfy its obligations on the MGHI Notes on
such date. Any such deferred interest will be added to the principal
amount of the MAXXAM Note and will be payable at maturity. Interest
deferred on the MAXXAM Note as of December 31, 1998 amounted to $7.8
million. In January 1999, MAXXAM elected to defer all of the $7.3 million
interest payment due to the Company on February 1, 1999. The deferred
amount effectively increases the note receivable balance to $140.1 million.
The Company's ability to service its indebtedness is largely dependent on
dividends received from MGI, and to a considerably lesser extent, interest
payments from MAXXAM. The MGHI Indenture contains covenants which
generally limit dividends from MGI to MGHI to the greater of $18.7 million
per year or, on a cumulative basis since September 30, 1996, to MGI's
consolidated net income plus consolidated depreciation and depletion. On
January 29, 1999, cash dividends of $18.7 million were paid by MGI. The
Company expects to receive annual cash dividends from MGI of at least $18.7
million for the next several years; however, subject to the conditions of
the Escrow Agreement, the Company may receive a portion of the proceeds
from the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands.
On July 20, 1998, Scotia LLC issued $867.2 million aggregate
principal amount of Timber Notes. Proceeds from the offering of the
Timber Notes were used primarily to prepay Scotia Pacific's 7.95% Timber
Collateralized Notes due 2015 (the "OLD TIMBER NOTES") and to redeem the
10-1/2% Pacific Lumber Senior Notes due 2003 (the "PACIFIC LUMBER SENIOR
NOTES"), the 11-1/4% MGI Senior Secured Notes due 2003 and the 12-1/4% MGI
Senior Secured Discount Notes due 2003 (collectively, the "MGI NOTES")
effective August 19, 1998. In addition to principal payments, proceeds
from the issuance of the Timber Notes were used to pay redemption premiums
and financing costs, and provided $25 million for timberland acquisitions.
The Company recognized an extraordinary loss of $41.8 million, net of
related income tax benefit of $23.6 million, for the early extinguishment
of the Old Timber Notes, the Pacific Lumber Senior Notes and the MGI Notes.
In connection with the issuance of the Timber Notes and redemption of the
MGI Notes, the Company agreed to amend the indenture for the MGHI Notes to,
among other things, pledge all of the 27,938,250 shares of Kaiser common
stock it owns to secure the MGHI Notes, 16,055,000 shares of which were
released from the pledge under the indenture governing the MGI Notes.
On December 18, 1998, Pacific Lumber's revolving credit agreement
(the "PACIFIC LUMBER CREDIT AGREEMENT") was amended and restated as a new
three-year credit facility. The new facility allows borrowings up to $60
million, all of which may be used for revolving borrowings, $20 million of
which may be used for standby letters of credit and $30 million of which
may be used for timberland acquisitions. Borrowings would be secured by all
of Pacific Lumber's domestic accounts receivable and inventory. Borrowings
for timberland acquisitions would also be secured by the acquired
timberlands and, commencing in April 2001, are to be repaid annually from
50% of Pacific Lumber's cash flow (as defined). The remaining 50% of cash
flow would be available for dividends. Upon maturity of the facility, all
outstanding borrowings under the credit facility would convert to a term loan
repayable over four years. As of December 31, 1998, $27.5 million of
borrowings was available under the agreement, no borrowings were
outstanding and letters of credit outstanding amounted to $14.4 million.
The indenture governing the MGHI Notes, the indenture governing
the Timber Notes (the "TIMBER NOTES INDENTURE") and the Pacific Lumber
Credit Agreement contain various covenants which, among other things, limit
the ability to incur additional indebtedness and liens, to engage in
transactions with affiliates, to pay dividends and to make investments.
Under the terms of the Timber Notes Indenture, Scotia LLC will generally
have available cash for distribution to Pacific Lumber when Scotia LLC's
cash flows from operations exceed the amounts required by the Timber Notes
Indenture to be reserved for the payment of current debt service (including
interest, principal and premiums) on the Timber Notes, capital expenditures
and certain other operating expenses. Pacific Lumber can pay dividends in
an amount that is generally equal to 50% of Pacific Lumber's consolidated
net income plus depletion and cash dividends received from Scotia LLC,
exclusive of the net income and depletion of Scotia LLC as long as any
Timber Notes are outstanding.
Dividends paid are as follows:
DIVIDENDS PAID FOR
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
Scotia LLC $ 532.8 $ 60.8 $ 76.9
============ ============ ============
Pacific Lumber $ 270.0 $ 23.0 $ 20.5
Britt 6.0 4.0 6.0
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 276.0 $ 27.0 $ 26.5
============ ============ ============
MGI $ 18.7 $ 3.0 $ 3.9
============ ============ ============
Upon the retirement of the Old Timber Notes and the issuance of
the Timber Notes, $526.1 million, $263.0 million and $14.7 million cash
dividends were paid by Scotia LLC, Pacific Lumber and MGI, respectively.
The Escrowed Funds of approximately $285.0 million are to be
made available as necessary to support the Timber Notes. Under the Escrow
Agreement, the Escrowed Funds will be released by the Escrow Agent only in
accordance with resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Managers of Scotia
LLC and, unless the resolutions authorize the payment of funds
exclusively to, or to the order of, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent
under the Timber Notes Indenture, only if one or more of the following
conditions are satisfied: (a) the resolutions authorizing the release of
the Escrowed Funds are adopted by a majority of the Board of Managers of
Scotia LLC (including the affirmative vote of the two independent
managers); (b) a Rating Agency Confirmation (as defined in the Timber Notes
Indenture) has been received that gives effect to the release or
disposition of funds directed by the resolutions; or (c) Scotia LLC has
received an opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking firm to
the effect that, based on the revised harvest schedule and the other
assumptions provided to such firm, the funds that would be available to
Scotia LLC based on such harvest schedule, assumptions and otherwise under
the Timber Notes Indenture after giving effect to the release or
disposition of funds directed by such resolutions would be adequate (i) to
pay Scheduled Amortization (as defined in the Timber Notes Indenture) on
the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Timber Notes and (ii) to amortize the Class A-3
Timber Notes on a schedule consistent with the original harvest schedule as
of July 9, 1998 (assuming that the Class A-3 Timber Notes are not
refinanced on January 20, 2014).
Recent capital expenditures were made to improve production
efficiency, reduce operating costs and acquire additional timberlands. The
Company's consolidated capital expenditures were $22.0 million, $22.9
million and $15.2 million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. Capital expenditures, excluding expenditures for
timberlands, are estimated to be between $10.0 million and $12.0 million
per year for the 1999 - 2001 period. Included in the 1998 capital
expenditures of $22.0 million is $12.4 million for timberland acquisitions.
From January 1, 1999 through February 28, 1999, Scotia LLC acquired
additional timberlands for $10.6 million using funds from an amount held
for such acquisitions in an account by the trustee under the Timber Notes
Indenture. Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC may purchase additional
timberlands from time to time as appropriate opportunities arise, and such
purchases could exceed historical levels.
As of December 31, 1998, the Company had working capital of
$165.2 million and long-term debt of $990.2 million (net of current
maturities) as compared to $164.7 million and $892.9 million, respectively,
at December 31, 1997. The increase in long-term debt was primarily due to
the issuance of the Timber Notes, offset by the payment of the Old Timber
Notes and the redemption of the Pacific Lumber Senior Notes and the MGI
Notes. Cash and marketable securities as of December 31, 1998 was $162.5
million, $156.9 million of which represents cash and marketable securities
held by subsidiaries. The Company anticipates that existing cash,
marketable securities and available sources of financing will be sufficient
to fund its working capital and capital expenditure requirements for the
next year. With respect to long-term liquidity, dividends from Scotia LLC
to Pacific Lumber will be limited for at least the next two to three years,
and therefore, absent any release to Pacific Lumber of the Escrowed Funds,
Pacific Lumber will not have adequate funds to support all of its working
capital and capital expenditure requirements, and it will require
contributions from MGI, its indirect parent, to meet any deficiencies.
Although the Company believes that its existing cash and cash equivalents
should provide sufficient funds to meet the working capital and capital
expenditure requirements for itself and its subsidiaries, until such time
as Pacific Lumber has adequate cash flows from operations, dividends from
Scotia LLC and/or funds released from the Escrowed Funds, there can be no
assurance that this will be the case. Furthermore, due to its highly
leveraged condition, the Company is more sensitive than less leveraged
companies to factors affecting its operations, including governmental
regulation and litigation affecting its timber harvesting practices (see
Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements), increased competition
from other lumber producers or alternative building products and general
economic conditions.
TRENDS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
The Company's forest products operations are conducted by Pacific
Lumber and Britt. Pacific Lumber's operations are subject to a variety of
California and federal laws and regulations dealing with timber harvesting,
threatened and endangered species and habitat for such species, air and
water quality and restrictions imposed by the Final HCP. Moreover, these
laws and regulations are modified from time to time and are subject to
judicial and administrative interpretation. Compliance with such laws,
regulations and judicial and administrative interpretations, and related
litigation have increased the cost of logging operations. There can be no
assurance that certain pending regulatory and environmental matters or
future governmental regulations, legislation or judicial or administrative
decisions, or adverse weather conditions, would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity. See Item 3. "Legal Proceedings" and Note 9 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for further information regarding regulatory and legal
proceedings affecting the Company's operations.
YEAR 2000
The Company has established a team to address the potential
impacts of the year 2000 on each of its critical business functions. The
team has substantially completed its assessment of the Company's critical
information technology and embedded technology, including its geographic
information system and equipment and systems used in operating its sawmills
and cogeneration plant, and is now in the process of making the required
modifications for these systems to be year 2000 compliant. The
modification costs are expected to be immaterial, costing less than
$100,000 and are expected to be completed by mid-year 1999. In most cases
testing of the modifications will also be completed by such time. Systems
modification costs are being expensed as incurred. Costs associated with
new systems are being capitalized and will be amortized over the life of
the product.
In addition to addressing the Company's internal systems, the
team is in the process of identifying key vendors that could be impacted by
year 2000 issues, and surveys are being conducted. The Company expects to
evaluate the responses to the surveys over the next several months and will
make direct contact with parties which are deemed to be critical. These
inquiries are being made by the Company's own staff, and the costs
associated with this program are expected to be minimal.
Kaiser, the Company's equity investee, has implemented a company-
wide program to coordinate the year 2000 efforts of its individual business
units and to track their progress. The intent of the program is to make
sure that critical items are identified on a sufficiently timely basis to
assure that the necessary resources can be committed to address any
material risk areas that could prevent its systems and assets from being
able to meet Kaiser's business needs and objectives. Spending related to
this program, which began in 1997 and is expected to continue through 1999,
is estimated to be in the $10-15 million range. Kaiser has established an
internal goal of having all necessary system changes in place and tested by
mid-year 1999. Kaiser plans to commit the necessary resources to meet this
deadline. In addition to addressing Kaiser's internal systems, the
company-wide program involves identification of key vendor and customer
relationships that could be impacted by year 2000 issues.
While the Company believes that its program is sufficient to
identify the critical issues and associated costs necessary to address
possible year 2000 problems in a timely manner, there can be no assurance
that the program, or underlying steps implemented, will be successful in
resolving all such issues prior to the year 2000. If the steps taken by
the Company (or critical third parties) are not made in a timely manner, or
are not successful in identifying and remedying all significant year 2000
issues, business interruptions or delays could occur. However, based on
the information the Company has gathered to date and its expectations of
its ability to remedy problems encountered, the Company believes that it
will not experience significant business interruptions that would have a
material impact on its results or financial condition. The most reasonably
likely worst case scenario which the Company could experience would be
problems with certain of the Company's personal computers, field equipment,
financial software or GIS software. The Company believes that any such
problems could be remedied at minimal cost within a few days and that
contingency plans used in the past for dealing with problems with its
equipment and software are adequate to address the types of problems which
could be encouraged in such a scenario. These plans include purchases of
replacement equipment, use of third parties for processing GIS information
and working with vendors to make any needed software modifications.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting
Comprehensive Income" ("SFAS NO. 130") was adopted by the Company as of
January 1, 1998. SFAS No. 130 requires the presentation of an additional
income measure (termed "comprehensive income") which adjusts traditional
net income for certain items that previously were only reflected as direct
charges to equity (such as minimum pension liabilities).
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS NO. 133"), issued
in June 1998, requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as
assets or liabilities in the balance sheet and to measure those instruments
at fair value. Kaiser, the Company's equity investee, has hedging
programs which use various derivative products to "lock-in" a price (or
range of prices) for products sold or used so that earnings and cash flows
are subject to reduced risk of volatility. Under SFAS No. 133, Kaiser will
be required to "mark-to-market" its hedging positions at the end of each
period in advance of the period of recognition for the transaction to which
the hedge relates. Pursuant to SFAS No. 130, Kaiser will reflect changes
in the fair value of its open hedging positions as an increase or reduction
in stockholders' equity through comprehensive income. Under SFAS No. 130,
the impact of the changes in the fair value of financial instruments will
be reversed from comprehensive income (net of any fluctuations in other
"open" positions) and will be reflected in traditional net income upon
occurrence of the transaction to which the hedge relates. Under the equity
method of accounting which the Company follows in accounting for its
investment in Kaiser, the Company will reflect its equity share of Kaiser's
adjustments to stockholder's equity through comprehensive income.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
This item is not applicable for the Company and its subsidiaries;
however, Kaiser, the Company's equity investee, utilizes hedging
transactions to lock-in a specified price or range of prices for certain
products which it sells or consumes and to mitigate its exposure to changes
in foreign currency exchange rates. See Exhibit 99.3 for information
relative to Kaiser's hedging activities.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. (a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned
subsidiary of MAXXAM Inc.) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and
stockholder's deficit for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998. These financial statements and the schedule referred to
below 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 consolidated financial statements referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and
1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
Our audits were made for the purpose of forming an opinion on the
basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole. The schedule
listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this Form 10-K is presented for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not
part of the basic consolidated financial statements. This schedule has
been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audits of the
basic consolidated financial statements and, in our opinion, is fairly
stated in all material respects in relation to the basic consolidated
financial statements taken as a whole.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
San Francisco, California
March 1, 1999
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE INFORMATION)
DECEMBER 31,
----------------------
1998 1997
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 150.8 $ 91.7
Marketable securities 11.7 51.3
Receivables:
Trade 10.5 19.3
Other 7.1 6.7
Inventories 44.0 61.4
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 8.0 13.1
---------- ----------
Total current assets 232.1 243.5
Timber and timberlands, net of accumulated
depletion of $178.4 and $169.2, respectively 302.3 299.1
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $85.7 and $76.4 respectively 103.1 103.4
Note receivable from MAXXAM Inc. 132.8 125.0
Investment in Kaiser Aluminum Corporation 41.5 41.4
Deferred financing costs, net 26.2 25.7
Deferred income taxes 90.4 58.8
Restricted cash 16.6 28.4
Other assets 7.2 4.2
---------- ----------
$ 952.2 $ 929.5
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable 3.4 3.5
Accrued interest 34.9 30.8
Accrued compensation and related benefits 8.4 12.6
Deferred income taxes 9.7 10.9
Other accrued liabilities 2.2 1.6
Long-term debt, current maturities 8.3 19.4
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 66.9 78.8
Long-term debt, less current maturities 990.2 892.9
Other noncurrent liabilities 29.6 29.0
---------- ----------
Total liabilities 1,086.7 1,000.7
---------- ----------
Contingencies
Stockholder's deficit:
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 3,000 shares
authorized; 1,000 shares issued - -
Additional capital 123.2 123.2
Accumulated deficit (257.7) (194.4)
---------- ----------
Total stockholder's deficit (134.5) (71.2)
---------- ----------
$ 952.2 $ 929.5
========== ==========
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Net sales:
Lumber and logs $ 213.1 $ 261.0 $ 243.7
Other 20.5 26.2 20.9
------------ ------------ ------------
233.6 287.2 264.6
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold 155.3 162.0 148.5
Selling, general and administrative 15.2 14.6 15.9
expenses
Depletion and depreciation 22.5 26.1 27.1
------------ ------------ ------------
193.0 202.7 191.5
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income 40.6 84.5 73.1
Other income (expense):
Equity in earnings of Kaiser
Aluminum Corporation .1 7.0 -
Investment, interest and other
income 23.6 27.3 11.2
Interest expense (91.6) (95.0) (78.4)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary item (27.3) 23.8 5.9
Credit (provision) in lieu of income
taxes 9.3 (5.2) .3
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary item (18.0) 18.6 6.2
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early extinguishment of
debt, net of income tax benefit
of $23.6 (41.8) - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $ (59.8) $ 18.6 $ 6.2
============ ============ ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (59.8) $ 18.6 $ 6.2
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depletion and depreciation 22.5 26.1 27.1
Extraordinary loss on early
extinguishment of debt,
net 41.8 - -
Equity in undistributed
earnings of Kaiser
Aluminum Corporation (.1) (7.0) -
Amortization of deferred
financing costs and
discounts on long-term
debt 11.5 16.6 14.7
Net sales (purchases) of
marketable securities 42.6 (11.3) 9.5
Net gains on marketable
securities (2.9) (8.6) (4.4)
Increase (decrease) in cash
resulting from changes in:
Receivables 1.0 (5.2) 1.5
Inventories, net of
depletion 14.0 9.7 6.0
Prepaid expenses and other
current assets (2.7) (5.4) .7
Accounts payable (.3) (.4) (.2)
Accrued interest 4.0 5.6 (.1)
Accrued and deferred
income taxes (10.5) 4.8 (.7)
Other liabilities (4.0) 2.5 (3.5)
Other (1.8) .1 (.7)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by operating
activities 55.3 46.1 56.1
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (21.2) (13.5) (15.2)
Issuance of note to MAXXAM Inc. - - (125.0)
Net proceeds from sale of assets 6.6 .4 .1
Restricted cash withdrawals used to
acquire timberlands 8.9 - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used for investing
activities (5.7) (13.1) (140.1)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of debt 867.2 - 130.0
Premiums for early retirement of
debt (45.5) - -
Principal payments on long-term debt (796.8) (16.3) (14.1)
Dividends paid (2.5) - (3.9)
Restricted cash withdrawals, net 9.4 1.5 1.4
Incurrence of deferred financing
costs (22.4) - (4.2)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used for)
financing activities 9.4 (14.8) 109.2
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 59.0 18.2 25.2
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
year 91.8 73.6 48.4
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 150.8 $ 91.8 $ 73.6
============ ============ ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
(IN MILLION OF DOLLARS)
ACCUMU-
LATIVE
OTHER
COMMON ADDI- ACCUM- COMPRE- COMPRE-
STOCK TIONAL ULATED HENSIVE HENSIVE
($1.00 PAR) CAPITAL DEFICIT INCOME TOTAL INCOME
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, January 1, 1996 $ - $ 89.8 $ (216.3) $ - $ (126.5)
Net income - - 6.2 - 6.2 $ 6.2
------------
Comprehensive income $ 6.2
============
Dividends - - (3.9) - (3.9)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1996 - 89.8 (214.0) - (124.2)
Net income - - 18.6 - 18.6 $ 18.6
Equity in Kaiser
Aluminum
Corporation's
reduction
of pension
liability - - - 1.0 1.0 1.0
------------
Comprehensive income $ 19.6
============
Gain from issuance of
Kaiser Aluminum
Corporation
common stock due
to PRIDES
conversion - 33.4 - - 33.4
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1997 - 123.2 (195.4) 1.0 (71.2)
Net loss - - (59.8) - (59.8) $ (59.8)
Equity in Kaiser
Aluminum
Corporation's
reduction
of pension
liability
reversal - - - (1.0) (1.0) (1.0)
------------
Comprehensive loss $ (60.8)
============
Dividend - - (2.5) - (2.5)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Balance, December 31, 1998 $ - $ 123.2 $ (257.7) $ - $ (134.5)
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
<FN>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
FORMATION OF MGHI
MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. ("MGHI") was formed on November 4,
1996, to facilitate the offering of the $130.0 million aggregate principal
amount of 12% Senior Secured Notes due 2003 (the "MGHI NOTES") as described
in Note 5. Subsequent to its formation, MGHI received, as a capital
contribution from MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM"), 100% of the capital stock of
MAXXAM Group Inc. ("MGI") and 27,938,250 shares of the common stock of
Kaiser Aluminum Corporation ("KAISER") which represents a 35.3% interest in
Kaiser on a fully diluted basis as of December 31, 1998. The contribution
of MGI's capital stock has been accounted for as a reorganization of
entities under common control, which requires MGHI to record the assets and
liabilities of MGI at MAXXAM's historical cost. Accordingly, MGHI is the
successor entity to MGI and as such, the accompanying financial statements
of MGHI and its subsidiaries (together, the "COMPANY") reflect both the
historical operating results of MGI and MAXXAM's purchase accounting
adjustments which principally relate to MGI's timber and depreciable
assets. The purchase accounting adjustments arose from MAXXAM's
acquisition of MGI in May 1988. The contribution of the Kaiser common
stock has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company as if such contribution occurred as of the beginning of the
earliest period presented, at MAXXAM's historical cost using the equity
method of accounting. The Company conducts its business primarily through
the operations of its subsidiaries, including MGI.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
MGHI and its subsidiaries. MGHI is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM.
Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain
reclassifications have been made to prior years' financial statements to be
consistent with the current year's presentation.
The Company's wholly owned subsidiary, MGI, and its wholly owned
subsidiaries, The Pacific Lumber Company ("PACIFIC LUMBER") and Britt
Lumber Co., Inc. ("BRITT") are engaged in forest products operations.
Pacific Lumber's principal wholly owned subsidiaries are Scotia Pacific
Company LLC ("SCOTIA LLC") and Salmon Creek Corporation ("SALMON CREEK").
Pacific Lumber is engaged in several principal aspects of the lumber
industry, including the growing and harvesting of redwood and Douglas-fir
timber, the milling of logs into lumber and the manufacture of lumber into
a variety of finished products. Britt manufactures redwood and cedar
fencing and decking products from small diameter logs, a substantial
portion of which are obtained from Pacific Lumber. Housing, construction
and remodeling are the principal markets for the Company's lumber products.
USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
(ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as
of the date the financial statements are published and (iii) the reported
amount of revenues and expenses recognized during each period presented.
The Company reviews all significant estimates affecting its consolidated
financial statements on a recurring basis and records the effect of any
necessary adjustments prior to their publication. Adjustments made with
respect to the use of estimates often relate to improved information not
previously available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and
assumptions are inherent in the preparation of the Company's consolidated
financial statements; accordingly, it is possible that the subsequent
resolution of any one of the contingent matters described in Note 9 could
differ materially from current estimates. The results of an adverse
resolution of such uncertainties could have a material effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid money market
instruments with original maturities of three months or less.
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities which consist of corporate bonds and long
and short positions in corporate common stocks are carried at fair value.
The cost of the securities sold is determined using the first-in, first-out
method. Included in investment, interest and other income for each of the
three years ended December 31, 1998 were: 1998 - net unrealized holding
gains of $5.1 million and net unrealized losses of $2.2 million; 1997 - net
unrealized holding gains of $2.9 million and net realized gains of $5.7
million and; 1996 - net unrealized holding losses of $.9 million and net
realized gains of $5.3 million.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
primarily determined using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method.
Timber and Timberlands
Timber and timberlands are stated at cost, net of accumulated
depletion. Depletion is computed utilizing the unit-of-production method
based upon estimates of timber values and quantities.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment, including capitalized interest, is
stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed
utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the estimated useful
lives of the various classes of assets. The carrying value of property,
plant and equipment is assessed when events and circumstances indicate that
an impairment is present. Impairment is determined by measuring
undiscounted future cash flows. If an impairment is present, the asset is
reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value.
Deferred Financing Costs
Costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and amortized
over the estimated term of the related borrowing.
Restricted Cash
At December 31, 1998, cash and cash equivalents includes $28.4
million, which is reserved for debt service payments on the Company's Class
A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Timber Collateralized Notes due 2028 (the
"TIMBER NOTES"). At December 31, 1997, cash and cash equivalents includes
$17.8 million, which was reserved for debt service payments on the
Company's 7.95% Timber Collateralized Notes due 2015 (the "OLD TIMBER
NOTES"). Long-term restricted cash at December 31, 1998 primarily
represents the amount held in an account by the trustee (the "PREFUNDING
ACCOUNT") under the indenture governing the Timber Notes (the "TIMBER NOTES
INDENTURE ") to enable Scotia LLC to acquire timberlands. Long-term
restricted cash at December 31, 1997 primarily represents the amount held
by the trustee in the liquidity account (the "LIQUIDITY ACCOUNT")
maintained by Scotia Pacific with respect to the Old Timber Notes for the
benefit of holders of the Old Timber Notes under the indenture governing
the Old Timber Notes.
Also included in cash and cash equivalents is restricted cash of
$46.4 million and $9.7 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, which is held in an interest-bearing account as security for
short positions in marketable securities.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The amounts held by the trustee in an account restricted for debt
service payments on the Timber Notes (the "PAYMENT ACCOUNT") and held in
the Prefunding Account for purchase of timberlands are invested primarily
in commercial paper and other short-term investments. The Company
mitigates its concentration of credit risk with respect to these restricted
cash deposits by purchasing only high grade investments (ratings of A1/P1
short-term or AAA/aaa long-term debt) having maturities of less than three
months. No more than 10% is invested within the same issue.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents and restricted cash
approximate fair value. Marketable securities are carried at fair value
which is determined based on quoted market prices. As of December 31, 1998
and 1997, the estimated fair value of long-term debt, including current
maturities, was $942.8 million and $955.2 million, respectively. The
estimated fair value of long-term debt is determined based on the quoted
market prices for the publicly traded issues and on the current rates
offered for borrowings similar to the other debt. Some of the Company's
publicly traded debt issues are thinly traded financial instruments;
accordingly, their market prices at any balance sheet date may not be
representative of the prices which would be derived from a more active
market.
2. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of the following (in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Lumber $ 36.0 $ 49.8
Logs 8.0 11.6
------------ ------------
$ 44.0 $ 61.4
============ ============
3. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
The major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows
(dollar amounts in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
ESTIMATED --------------------------
USEFUL LIVES 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
Logging roads, land and improvements 15 years $ 28.8 $ 24.2
Buildings 33 years 50.6 49.3
Machinery and equipment 3 - 15 years 109.4 106.2
Construction in progress - .1
------------ ------------
188.8 179.8
Less: accumulated depreciation (85.7) (76.4)
------------ ------------
$ 103.1 $ 103.4
============ ============
Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996 was $9.8 million, $9.9 million and $9.5 million, respectively.
4. INVESTMENT IN KAISER
Subsequent to its formation, the Company received, as a capital
contribution from MAXXAM, 27,938,250 shares of the common stock of Kaiser
all of which are pledged as collateral for the MGHI Notes (the "KAISER
SHARES"). Kaiser is a fully integrated producer and marketer of alumina,
primary aluminum and fabricated aluminum products. Kaiser's common stock
is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol
"KLU." The Kaiser Shares represent 35.3% equity interest in Kaiser at
December 31, 1998.
The Company follows the equity method of accounting for its
investment in Kaiser. As described in Note 1, the Company and MAXXAM are
entities under common control; accordingly, the Company has recorded its
investment in Kaiser at MAXXAM's historical cost. During the first quarter
of 1993, losses exhausted Kaiser's equity with respect to its common
stockholders. The Company recorded its equity share of such losses in
January 1993 up to the amount of its investment in the Kaiser Shares. From
January 1993 until August 1997, cumulative losses with respect to the
results of operations attributable to Kaiser's common stockholders exceeded
cumulative earnings. However, this was no longer the case when equity
attributable to Kaiser's common stockholders increased upon conversion of
the PRIDES into Kaiser common stock on August 29, 1997. As a result, the
Company recorded a $33.4 million adjustment to reduce the stockholder's
deficit reflecting the Company's 35.4% equity interest in the impact of the
PRIDES conversion on the common stockholders. In addition, the Company
began recording its equity in Kaiser's results of operations.
The market value for the Kaiser Shares based on the price per
share quoted at the close of business on March 1, 1998 was $137.9 million
There can be no assurance that such value would be realized should the
Company dispose of its investment in the Kaiser Shares. The following
tables contain summarized financial information of Kaiser (in millions).
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Current assets $ 1,030.0 $ 1,045.6
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,108.7 1,171.8
Other assets 852.2 796.5
------------ ------------
Total assets $ 2,990.9 $ 3,013.9
============ ============
Current liabilities $ 558.4 $ 594.1
Long-term debt, less current maturities 962.6 962.9
Other liabilities 1,227.2 1,212.2
Minority interests 123.5 127.7
Stockholders' equity:
Common 119.2 117.0
------------ ------------
119.2 117.0
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and
stockholders' equity $ 2,990.9 $ 3,013.9
============ ============
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Net sales $ 2,256.4 $ 2,373.2 $ 2,190.5
Costs and expenses (2,120.8) (2,185.5) (2,092.7)
Restructuring of operations - (19.7) -
Impairment of assets (45.0) - -
Other expenses-net (106.5) (107.7) (96.1)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes
and minority interests (15.9) 60.3 1.7
Credit (provision) for income taxes 16.4 (8.8) 9.3
Minority interests .1 (3.5) (2.8)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income .6 48.0 8.2
Dividends on preferred stock - (5.5) (8.4)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) available to
common stockholders $ .6 $ 42.5 $ (.2)
============ ============ ============
Equity in earnings of Kaiser $ .1 $ 7.0 $ -
============ ============ ============
5. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following (in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
7.43% Scotia LLC Timber Collateralized Notes due
July 20, 2028 $ 867.2 $ -
7.95% Scotia Pacific Timber Collateralized Notes
due July 20, 2015 - 320.0
10-1/2% Pacific Lumber Senior Notes due March 1,
2003 - 235.0
Pacific Lumber Credit Agreement - 9.4
11-1/4% MGI Senior Secured Notes due August 1,
2003 - 100.0
12-1/4% MGI Senior Secured Discount Notes due
August 1, 2003, net of discount - 117.3
12% MGHI Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2003 130.0 130.0
Other 1.3 .6
------------ ------------
998.5 912.3
Less: current maturities (8.3) (19.4)
------------ ------------
$ 990.2 $ 892.9
============ ============
Scotia LLC Timber Collateralized Notes due 2028
On July 20, 1998, Scotia LLC issued $867.2 million aggregate
principal amount of Timber Notes which have an overall effective interest
rate of 7.43% per annum. Net proceeds from the offering of the Timber
Notes were used primarily to prepay the Old Timber Notes and to redeem the
10-1/2% Pacific Lumber Senior Notes, the 11-1/4% MGI Senior Secured Notes
and the 12-1/4% MGI Senior Secured Discount Notes (collectively, the "MGI
NOTES") effective August 19, 1998. The Company recognized an extraordinary
loss of $41.8 million, net of the related income tax benefit of $23.6
million, in 1998 for the early extinguishment of the Old Timber Notes, the
Pacific Lumber Senior Notes and the MGI Notes. Concurrently with the
issuance of the Timber Notes, (i) Scotia Pacific was merged into Scotia
LLC, (ii) Pacific Lumber transferred to Scotia LLC approximately 13,500
acres of timberlands and the timber and timber harvesting rights with
respect to an additional 19,700 acres of timberlands, and (iii) Scotia LLC
transferred to Pacific Lumber the timber and timber harvesting rights
related to approximately 1,400 acres of timberlands.
Under the Timber Notes Indenture, the business activities of
Scotia LLC are generally limited to the ownership and operation of its
timber and timberlands. The Timber Notes are senior secured obligations of
Scotia LLC and are not obligations of, or guaranteed by, Pacific Lumber or
any other person. The Timber Notes are secured by a lien on (i) Scotia
LLC's timber and timberlands (representing $252.0 million of the Company's
consolidated timber and timberlands balance at December 31, 1998), and (ii)
substantially all of Scotia LLC's other property. Interest on the Timber
Notes is further secured by a line of credit agreement between Scotia LLC
and a bank pursuant to which Scotia LLC may borrow to pay interest on the
Timber Notes. The Timber Notes Indenture permits Scotia LLC to have
outstanding up to $75.0 million of non-recourse indebtedness to acquire
additional timberlands and to issue additional timber notes provided
certain conditions are met (including repayment or redemption of the $160.7
million of Class A-1 Timber Notes).
The Timber Notes are structured to link, to the extent of cash
available, the deemed depletion of Scotia LLC's timber (through the harvest
and sale of logs) to the required amortization of the Timber Notes. The
required amount of amortization on any Timber Notes payment date is
determined by various mathematical formulas set forth in the Timber Notes
Indenture. The minimum amount of principal which Scotia LLC must pay (on a
cumulative basis and subject to available cash) through any Timber Notes
payment date in order to avoid an Event of Default is referred to as
Minimum Principal Amortization. If the Timber Notes were amortized in
accordance with Minimum Principal Amortization, the final installment of
principal would be paid on July 20, 2028. The minimum amount of principal
which Scotia LLC must pay (on a cumulative basis) through any Timber Notes
payment date in order to avoid payment of prepayment or deficiency premiums
is referred to as Scheduled Amortization. If all payments of principal are
made in accordance with Scheduled Amortization, the payment date on which
Scotia LLC will pay the final installment of principal is January 20, 2014.
Such final installment would include a single bullet principal payment of
$463.3 million related to the Class A-3 Timber Notes.
Principal and interest on the Timber Notes are payable semi-
annually on January 20 and July 20. The Timber Notes are redeemable at the
option of Scotia LLC at any time. The redemption price of the Timber Notes
is equal to the sum of the principal amount, accrued interest and a
prepayment premium calculated based upon the yield of like-term Treasury
securities plus 50 basis points.
As a result of the sale of approximately 5,600 acres of Pacific
Lumber's timberlands consisting of two forest groves commonly referred to
as the Headwater Forest and Elk Head Springs Forest (the "HEADWATERS
TIMBERLANDS") on March 1, 1999, Salmon Creek received proceeds of $299.9
million in cash. See Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Salmon Creek has deposited approximately $285.0 million of such proceeds
into an escrow account (the "ESCROWED FUNDS"), pursuant to an escrow
agreement (the "ESCROW AGREEMENT") as necessary to support the Timber
Notes. The net proceeds of the sale of the Grizzly Creek grove will also
be placed in escrow (on the same basis as the net proceeds of the sale of
the Headwaters Timberlands) unless, at the time of receipt of such
proceeds, funds are no longer on deposit under the Escrow Agreement.
Under the Escrow Agreement, the Escrowed Funds will be released
by the Escrow Agent only in accordance with resolutions duly adopted by
the Board of Managers of Scotia LLC and, unless the resolutions authorize
the payment of funds exclusively to, or to the order of, the Trustee or
the Collateral Agent under the Timber Notes Indenture, only if one or more
of the following conditions are satisfied: (a) the resolutions authorizing
the release of the Escrowed Funds are adopted by a majority of the Board of
Managers of Scotia LLC (including the affirmative vote of the two
independent managers); (b) a Rating Agency Confirmation (as
defined in the Timber Notes Indenture) has been received that gives effect
to the release or disposition of funds directed by the resolutions; or (c)
Scotia LLC has received an opinion from a nationally recognized investment
banking firm to the effect that, based on the revised harvest schedule and
the other assumptions provided to such firm, the funds that would be
available to Scotia LLC based on such harvest schedule, assumptions and
otherwise under the Timber Notes Indenture after giving effect to the
release or disposition of funds directed by such resolutions would be
adequate (i) to pay Scheduled Amortization (as defined in the Timber Notes
Indenture) on the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Timber Notes and (ii) to amortize
the Class A-3 Timber Notes on a schedule consistent with the original
harvest schedule as of July 9, 1998 (assuming that the Class A-3 Timber
Notes are not refinanced on January 20, 2014).
Pacific Lumber Credit Agreement
On December 18, 1998, the Pacific Lumber Credit Agreement was
amended and restated as a new three-year senior secured credit facility
which expires on October 31, 2001. The new facility allows for borrowings
of up to $60 million, all of which may be used for revolving borrowings,
$20 million of which may be used for standby letters of credit and $30
million of which may be used for timberland acquisitions. Borrowings would
be secured by all of Pacific Lumber's domestic accounts receivable and
inventory. Borrowings for timberland acquisitions would also be secured by
the acquired timberlands and, commencing in April 2001, are to be repaid
annually from 50% of Pacific Lumber's cash flow (as defined). The
remaining excess cash flow is available for dividends. Upon maturity of
the facility, all outstanding borrowings used for timberland acquisitions
will convert to a term loan repayable over four years. At December 31,
1998, Pacific Lumber had $27.5 million of borrowings available under the
agreement, no borrowings were outstanding and letters of credit outstanding
amounted to $14.4 million.
12% MGHI Senior Secured Notes due 2003 (the "MGHI NOTES")
The MGHI Notes due August 1, 2003 are guaranteed on a senior,
unsecured basis by MAXXAM. The common stock of MGI serves as security for
the MGHI Notes. Interest is payable semi-annually. In connection with the
redemption of the MGI Notes and the issuance of the Timber Notes, MGHI
amended the indenture for the MGHI Notes, to among other things, pledge all
of the 27,938,250 shares of Kaiser common stock it owns, 16,055,000 shares
of which were released from the pledge securing the MGI Notes.
The net proceeds from the offering of the MGHI Notes after
estimated expenses were approximately $125.0 million, all of which was
loaned to MAXXAM pursuant to an intercompany note (the "MAXXAM NOTE") which
is pledged to secure the MGHI Notes. The MAXXAM Note bears interest at the
rate of 11% per annum (payable semi-annually on the interest payment dates
applicable to the MGHI Notes) and matures on August 1, 2003. MAXXAM is
entitled to defer the payment of interest on the MAXXAM Note on any
interest payment date to the extent that the Company has sufficient
available funds to satisfy its obligations on the MGHI Notes on such date.
Any such deferred interest will be added to the principal amount of the
MAXXAM Note and will be payable at maturity. As of December 31, 1998, $7.8
million of interest had been deferred and added to principal. An
additional $7.3 million was deferred and added to principal in January
1999.
Maturities
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt for the five years
following December 31, 1998 are: $8.3 million in 1999, $16.1 million in
2000, $16.5 million in 2001, $17.3 million in 2002, $149.5 million in 2003
and $790.8 million thereafter.
Restricted Net Assets of Subsidiaries
As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, all of the assets of MGI and
its subsidiaries are subject to certain debt instruments which restrict the
ability to transfer assets, make loans and advances and pay dividends to
the Company. As of December 31, 1998, under the most restrictive covenants
contained in the indentures governing the Timber Notes and the Pacific
Lumber Credit Agreement, Pacific Lumber could pay no dividends.
6. CREDIT (PROVISION) IN LIEU OF INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are determined using an asset and liability approach
which requires the recognition of deferred income tax assets and
liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have
been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax returns.
Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on the temporary differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates.
The Company and its subsidiaries are members of MAXXAM's
consolidated return group for federal income tax purposes.
Pursuant to a tax allocation agreement between MAXXAM, Pacific
Lumber, and Salmon Creek (the "PL TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT"), Pacific
Lumber is liable to MAXXAM for the federal consolidated income tax
liability of Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and certain other subsidiaries of
Pacific Lumber (but excluding Salmon Creek) (collectively, the "PL
SUBGROUP") computed as if the PL Subgroup was a separate affiliated group
of corporations which was never connected with MAXXAM. The PL Tax
Allocation Agreement further provides that Salmon Creek is liable to MAXXAM
for its federal income tax liability computed on a separate company basis
as if it was never connected with MAXXAM. The remaining subsidiaries of
MGI are each liable to MAXXAM for their respective income tax liabilities
computed on a separate company basis as if they were never connected with
MAXXAM, pursuant to their respective tax allocation agreements.
MGI's tax allocation agreement with MAXXAM (the "TAX ALLOCATION
AGREEMENT") provides that MGI's federal income tax liability is computed as
if MGI files a consolidated tax return with all of its subsidiaries except
Salmon Creek, and that such corporations were never connected with MAXXAM
(the "MGI CONSOLIDATED TAX LIABILITY"). The federal income tax liability
of MGI is the difference between (i) the MGI Consolidated Tax Liability and
(ii) the sum of the separate tax liabilities for MGI's subsidiaries
(computed as discussed above), but excluding Salmon Creek. To the extent
that the MGI Consolidated Tax Liability is less than the aggregate amounts
in (ii), MAXXAM is obligated to pay the amount of such difference to MGI.
The Company entered into a tax allocation agreement with MAXXAM
on December 23, 1996 (the "MGHI TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT") which provides
that the Company's federal consolidated tax liability is computed for MGHI
and its subsidiaries as if MGHI and its subsidiaries, except Salmon Creek,
file a consolidated tax return and that such corporations were never
connected with MAXXAM (the "MGHI CONSOLIDATED TAX LIABILITY"). The tax
amounts for prior years are calculated as if the MGHI Tax Allocation
Agreement was in effect during those years. The federal income tax
liability of MGHI is the difference between the MGHI Consolidated Tax
Liability and the MGI Consolidated Tax Liability. To the extent that the
MGHI Consolidated Tax Liability is less than the MGI Consolidated Tax
Liability, MAXXAM is obligated to pay the amount of such difference to
MGHI.
The credit (provision) in lieu of income taxes on income (loss)
before income taxes and extraordinary item consists of the following (in
millions):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Current:
Federal in lieu of income taxes $ .1 $ (.4) $ (.2)
State and local (.1) (.1) -
------------ ------------ ------------
- (.5) (.2)
------------ ------------ ------------
Deferred:
Federal in lieu of income taxes 7.1 (4.7) -
State and local 2.2 - .5
------------ ------------ ------------
9.3 (4.7) .5
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 9.3 $ (5.2) $ .3
============ ============ ============
A reconciliation between the credit (provision) in lieu of income
taxes and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax
rate to income (loss) before income taxes and extraordinary item is as
follows (in millions):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary item $ (27.4) $ 23.8 $ 5.9
============ ============ ============
Amount of federal income tax credit
(provision) based upon the
statutory rate $ 9.6 $ (8.3) $ (2.1)
Revision of prior years' tax estimates
and other changes in valuation
allowances (1.4) .9 3.4
Equity in earnings of Kaiser not tax
effected .1 2.5 -
State and local taxes, net of federal
tax effect 1.3 (.1) (.6)
Expenses for which no federal tax
benefit is available (.3) (.2) (.5)
Other - - .1
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 9.3 $ (5.2) $ .3
============ ============ ============
The revision of prior years' tax estimates and other changes in
valuation allowances as shown in the table above include amounts for the
reversal of reserves which the Company no longer believes are necessary,
other changes in prior years' tax estimates and changes in valuation
allowances with respect to deferred income tax assets. Generally, the
reversal of reserves relates to the expiration of the relevant statute of
limitations with respect to certain income tax returns or the resolution of
specific income tax matters with the relevant tax authorities. For the
year ended December 31, 1996, the reversal of reserves which the Company
believes are no longer necessary resulted in a credit to the income tax
provision of $3.2 million. There were no reversals of reserves for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997.
The components of the Company's net deferred income tax assets
(liabilities) are as follows (in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
Deferred income tax assets:
Loss and credit carryforwards $ 114.7 $ 69.1
Timber and timberlands 37.4 34.6
Other 10.9 32.3
Valuation allowances (47.8) (49.8)
------------ ------------
Total deferred income tax assets, net 115.2 86.2
------------ ------------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment (15.1) (17.7)
Inventories (9.9) (13.9)
Other (9.5) (6.7)
------------ ------------
Total deferred income tax liabilities (34.5) (38.3)
------------ ------------
Net deferred income tax assets $ 80.7 $ 47.9
============ ============
The valuation allowances listed above relate to loss and credit
carryforwards. As of December 31, 1998, approximately $37.4 million of the
net deferred income tax assets listed above relate to the excess of the tax
basis over financial statement basis with respect to timber and
timberlands. The Company believes it is more likely than not that this net
deferred income tax asset will be realized, based primarily upon the
estimated value of its timber and timberlands which is well in excess of
its tax basis. Also included in net deferred income tax assets as of
December 31, 1998 is $66.9 million which relates to the benefit of loss and
credit carryforwards, net of valuation allowances. The Company evaluated
all appropriate factors to determine the proper valuation allowances for
loss and credit carryforwards. These factors included any limitations
concerning use of the carryforwards, the year the carryforwards expire and
the levels of taxable income necessary for utilization. The Company has
concluded that it will more likely than not generate sufficient taxable
income to realize the benefit attributable to the loss and credit
carryforwards for which valuation allowances were not provided.
Included in the net deferred income tax assets listed above are
$72.9 million and $43.0 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, which are recorded pursuant to the tax allocation agreements
with MAXXAM.
The following table presents the estimated tax attributes for
federal income tax purposes for the Company and its subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1998, under the terms of the respective tax allocation
agreements (dollar amounts in millions). The utilization of certain of
these attributes is subject to limitations.
EXPIRING
THROUGH
------------
Regular Tax Attribute Carryforwards:
Net operating losses $311.8 2018
Alternative Minimum Tax Attribute
Carryforwards:
Net operating losses $280.0 2018
The income tax credit (provision) related to other comprehensive
income for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 were $(0.3) million
and $0.3 million, respectively. There was no other comprehensive income
for the year ended December 31, 1996.
7. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company adopted Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures About
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" ("SFAS NO. 132"), which amends
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards Nos. 87, 88 and 106. SFAS No.
132, among other things, standardizes the disclosure requirements for
pensions and other postretirement benefits and suggests combined formats
for presentation of such disclosures, but has no impact on the computation
of the reported amounts. Prior year disclosures have been revised to
comply with SFAS No. 132.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans
Pacific Lumber has a defined benefit plan which covers all
employees of Pacific Lumber. Under the plan, employees are eligible for
benefits at age 65 or earlier, if certain provisions are met. The benefits
are determined under a career average formula based on each year of service
with Pacific Lumber and the employee's compensation for that year. Pacific
Lumber's funding policy is to contribute annually an amount at least equal
to the minimum cash contribution required by The Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Pacific Lumber has an unfunded benefit plan for certain
postretirement medical benefits which covers substantially all employees of
Pacific Lumber. Participants of the plan are eligible for certain health
care benefits upon termination of employment and retirement and
commencement of pension benefits. Participants make contributions for a
portion of the cost of their health care benefits. The expected costs of
postretirement medical benefits are accrued over the period the employees
provide services to the date of their full eligibility for such benefits.
The following tables present the changes, status and assumptions
of Pacific Lumber's pension and other postretirement benefit plans as of
December 31, 1998 ( in millions):
PENSION BENEFITS MEDICAL/LIFE BENEFITS
-------------------------- --------------------------
DECEMBER 31,
------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at
beginning of year $ 28.9 $ 23.6 $ 5.0 $ 5.9
Service cost 2.2 1.9 .3 .3
Interest cost 2.2 1.9 .3 .3
Plan participants'
contributions - - .2 .3
Plan amendments - .9 - -
Actuarial (gain) loss 1.6 1.1 (.5) (1.1)
Benefits paid (.6) (.5) (.3) (.7)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Benefit obligation at
end of year 34.3 28.9 5.0 5.0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at
beginning of year 25.9 21.8 - -
Actual return on assets 3.5 4.0 - -
Employer contributions 1.1 .6 .1 .4
Plan participants'
contributions - - .2 .3
Benefits paid (.6) (.5) (.3) (.7)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Fair value of plan assets at
end of year 29.9 25.9 - -
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Benefit obligation in excess
of plan assets 4.4 3.0 5.0 5.0
Unrecognized actuarial gain 4.4 4.2 1.5 1.0
Unrecognized prior service
costs (.9) (.9) - -
------------ ------------ ------------ ----------
Accrued benefit
liability $ 7.9 $ 6.3 $ 6.5 $ 6.0
============ ============ ============ ===========
PENSION BENEFITS MEDICAL/LIFE BENEFITS
----------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Components of net periodic
benefit costs:
Service cost $ 2.2 $ 1.9 $ 1.9 $ .3 $ .3 $ .3
Interest cost 2.2 1.9 1.7 .3 .4 .4
Expected return on
assets (1.8) (1.5) (1.3) - - -
Amortization of prior
service costs .1 - - - - -
Recognized net
actuarial (gain)
loss - - - (.1) (.1) -
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Adjusted net
periodic
benefit
costs $ 2.7 $ 2.3 $ 2.3 $ .5 $ .6 $ .7
============ ============ ============ ============ ============ ============
MEDICAL/LIFE
PENSION BENEFITS BENEFITS
---------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Weighted-average
assumptions:
Discount rate 7.0% 7.3% 7.5% 7.0% 7.3% 7.5%
Expected return on plan
assets 8.0% 8.0% 8.0% - - -
Rate of compensation
increase 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0% 5.0%
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the
amounts reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage-point change
in assumed health care cost trend rates as of December 31, 1998 would have
the following effects (in millions):
1-PERCENTAGE-POINT 1-PERCENTAGE-POINT
INCREASE DECREASE
---------------------- ----------------------
Effect on total of service and
interest cost components $ .1 $ (.1)
Effect on the postretirement
benefit obligations .7 (.6)
Employee Savings Plan
Pacific Lumber's employees are eligible to participate in a
defined contribution savings plan sponsored by MAXXAM. This plan is
designed to enhance the existing retirement programs of participating
employees. Employees may elect to defer up to 16% of their base
compensation to the plan. For those participants who have elected to defer
a portion of their compensation to the plan, Pacific Lumber's matching
contributions are dollar for dollar up to 4% of the participant's
contributions for each pay period. The cost to the Company of this plan
was $1.4 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
Workers' Compensation Benefits
Pacific Lumber is self-insured for workers' compensation
benefits, whereas Britt is insured for workers' compensation benefits by an
outside party. Included in accrued compensation and related benefits and
other noncurrent liabilities are accruals for workers' compensation claims
amounting to $10.8 million at both December 31, 1998 and 1997. Workers'
compensation expenses amounted to $3.5 million, $4.7 million and $2.6
million for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
MAXXAM provides the Company and certain of the Company's
subsidiaries with accounting and data processing services. In addition,
MAXXAM provides the Company with office space and various office personnel,
insurance, legal, operating, financial and certain other services.
MAXXAM's expenses incurred on behalf of the Company are reimbursed by the
Company through payments consisting of (i) an allocation of the lease
expense for the office space utilized by or on behalf of the Company and
(ii) a reimbursement of actual out-of-pocket expenses incurred by MAXXAM,
including, but not limited to, labor costs of MAXXAM personnel rendering
services to the Company. Charges by MAXXAM for such services were $3.5
million, $2.5 million and $2.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The Company believes that the services
being rendered are on terms not less favorable to the Company than those
which would be obtainable from unaffiliated third parties.
9. CONTINGENCIES
Regulatory and environmental matters play a significant role in
the Company's business, which is subject to a variety of California and
federal laws and regulations, as well as the Final HCP and Final SYP
(defined below), dealing with timber harvesting practices, threatened and
endangered species and habitat for such species, and air and water quality.
While regulatory and environmental concerns have resulted in restrictions
on the geographic scope and timing of the Company's timber operations,
increased operational costs and engendered litigation and other challenges
to the Company's operations, prior to 1998 they have not had a significant
adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations
or liquidity. However, the Company's 1998 results of operations were
adversely affected by certain regulatory and environmental matters,
including during the second half of 1998, the absence of a sufficient
number of available THPs to enable the Company to conduct its operations at
historic levels.
On September 28, 1996, Pacific Lumber, including its subsidiaries
and affiliates, and MAXXAM (the "PACIFIC LUMBER PARTIES") entered into an
agreement (the "HEADWATERS AGREEMENT") with the United States and
California which provided the framework for the acquisition of the
Headwaters Timberlands by the United States and California. Consummation
of the Headwaters Agreement was also conditioned upon, among other things:
approval of a sustained yield plan establishing long-term sustained yield
("LTSY") harvest levels for Pacific Lumber's timberlands (the "SYP"),
approval of a habitat conservation plan (the "HCP") covering multiple
species (the "MULTI-SPECIES HCP") and issuance of incidental take permits
related to the Multi-Species HCP ("PERMITS"). As further described in Note
12 "Subsequent Events," on March 1, 1999, the Pacific Lumber Parties, the
United States and California consummated the Headwaters Agreement. In
addition to the transfer of the Headwaters Timberlands by the Pacific
Lumber Parties described in Note 12, Pacific Lumber received an approved
SYP (the "FINAL SYP"), Multi-Species HCP (the "FINAL HCP") and related
Permits. The Pacific Lumber Parties and California also executed an
agreement regarding the enforcement of the California bill which authorized
state funds for the purchase of the Headwaters Timberlands while imposing
certain restrictions on the remaining timberlands held by the Pacific
Lumber Parties (the "CALIFORNIA AGREEMENT").
The Final SYP complies with certain California Board of Forestry
regulations requiring timber companies to project timber growth and harvest
on their timberlands over a 100-year planning period and establish an LTSY
harvest level. An SYP must demonstrate that the average annual harvest
over any rolling ten-year period will not exceed the LTSY harvest level and
that a timber company's projected timber inventory is capable of sustaining
the LTSY harvest level in the last decade of the 100-year planning period.
Under the Final SYP, the Company's projected base average annual harvest
level in the first decade could be approximately 179 million board feet of
softwoods. The Final SYP is effective for 10 years, and may be amended by
Pacific Lumber subject to approval by the CDF. The Final SYP is subject to
review after five years. Revised SYPs would be prepared every decade that
address the LTSY harvest level based upon reassessment of changes in the
resource base and other factors.
Several species, including the northern spotted owl, the marbled
murrelet, the coho salmon and the steelhead trout, have been listed as
endangered or threatened under the ESA and/or the California Endangered
Species Act (the "CESA"). The Final HCP and the Permits allow incidental
"take" of listed species so long as there is no "jeopardy" to the continued
existence of such species. The Final HCP identifies the measures to be
instituted in order to minimize and mitigate the anticipated level of take
to the greatest extent practicable. The Final HCP not only provides for
the Company's compliance with habitat requirements for the northern spotted
owl, the marbled murrelet, the coho salmon and the steelhead trout, it also
provides for issuance of Permits for thirteen additional species that are
or may be listed in the future. The Final HCP and related Permits have a
term of 50 years, and, among other things, include the following protective
measures: (i) setting aside timberlands as marbled murrelet conservation
areas; (ii) establishing streamside "no-cut" and limited cut buffers as
well as mass wasting areas based on a five-year assessment of each of the
Company's watersheds; (iii) limiting harvesting activities during wet
weather conditions, and (iv) making certain specified improvements to the
Company's roads. The Final SYP is also subject to the foregoing
provisions. The Company believes that the Final SYP and the Final HCP
should in the long-term expedite the preparation and facilitate approval of
its THPs, although there can be no assurance that the Company will not face
difficulties in the THP submission and approval process as it implements
these agreements.
Lawsuits are threatened which seek to prevent the Company from
implementing the Final HCP and the Final SYP, and lawsuits are pending
concerning certain of the Company's approved THPs or other operations. On
January 26, 1998 an action entitled Coho Salmon, et al v. Pacific Lumber,
et al, (the "COHO LAWSUIT") was filed against Pacific Lumber, Scotia
Pacific and Salmon Creek. This action alleged, among other things,
violations of the ESA and claims that defendants' logging operations in
five watersheds have contributed to the "take" of the coho salmon. In
March 1999, the Coho lawsuit was dismissed, with prejudice. Pacific Lumber
has also received notice of additional threatened actions with respect to
the coho salmon. On August 12, 1998, an action entitled Environmental
Protection Information Center, Inc., Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia
Pacific and Salmon Creek (the "EPIC LAWSUIT") was filed by two
environmental groups against Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific and Salmon
Creek under which the environmental groups allege that certain procedural
violations of the federal Endangered Species Act (the "ESA") have resulted
from logging activities on the Company's timberlands and seek to prevent
the defendants from carrying out any harvesting activities until certain
wildlife consultation requirements under the ESA are satisfied in
connection with the development of the Final HCP. In March 1999, the court
affirmed a preliminary injunction on harvesting on three THPs; however, it
subsequently heard Pacific Lumber's motion to dismiss the case and issued
an order for the plaintiffs to show cause why the lawsuit should not be
dismissed as moot since the consultation requirement appears to have been
concluded. On or about January 29, 1999, the Company received a notice
from EPIC and the Sierra Club ("EPIC NOTICE LETTER") of their intent to sue
Pacific Lumber and several federal and state agencies under the ESA. The
letter alleges various violations of the ESA and challenges, among other
things, the validity and legality of the Permits. The Company is unable to
predict the outcome of either the EPIC lawsuit or the EPIC Notice Letter or
their ultimate impact on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations or the ability to harvest timber on its THPs. While the Company
expects environmentally focused objections and lawsuits to continue, it
believes that the Final HCP and the Permits should enhance its position in
connection with these challenges.
On November 9, 1998, the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection ("CDF") notified Pacific Lumber that it had suspended
Pacific Lumber's 1998 timber operator's license ("TOL"). As a result,
Pacific Lumber ceased all operations under its TOL and made the necessary
arrangements for independent contract loggers to be substituted where
necessary (independent contractors historically account for approximately
60% of the harvesting activities on the Company's timberlands). On
February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional TOL for
1999. The 1999 TOL contains provisions which limit the use of roads during
wet weather conditions and provides for an enhanced compliance program.
The CDF has also advised Pacific Lumber that if the 1999 TOL is revoked,
issuance of a new conditional license would be unlikely. The Company does
not believe that the restrictions imposed by the 1999 TOL will have an
adverse effect on Pacific Lumber's or the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
10. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW AND OTHER INFORMATION
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Supplemental information on non-cash
investing and financing activities:
Acquisition of assets subject to
other liabilities $ .8 $ 9.4 $ -
Deferral of interest on MAXXAM note
receivable 7.8 - -
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Interest paid, net of capitalized
interest $ 78.2 $ 73.1 $ 63.8
Income taxes paid (refunded) .2 .2 (2.9)
Tax allocation payments to MAXXAM .2 .4 .2
11. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows (in millions):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
1998:
Net sales $ 51.9 $ 63.5 $ 65.9 $ 52.3
Operating income 10.1 14.7 12.8 3.0
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item .9 3.7 (1.5) (21.1)
Extraordinary item, net - - (41.8) -
Net income (loss) .9 3.7 (43.4) (21.0)
1997:
Net sales $ 66.8 $ 76.8 $ 72.8 $ 70.8
Operating income 18.8 24.3 23.1 18.3
Net income (loss) (.3) 5.0 5.8 8.1
12. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
As described in Note 9 above, on September 28, 1996, the Pacific
Lumber Parties entered into the Headwaters Agreement with the United States
and California which provided the framework for the acquisition by the
United States and California of the Headwaters Timberlands. A substantial
portion of the Headwaters Timberlands contain virgin old growth timber.
Approximately 4,900 of these acres were owned by Salmon Creek, with the
remaining acreage being owned by Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC (Pacific
Lumber owning the timber and related timber harvesting rights on Scotia
LLC's acreage). On March 1, 1999, the Pacific Lumber Parties, the United
States and California consummated the Headwaters Agreement. Salmon Creek
received $299.9 million for its 4,900 acres and, for its 700 acres, Pacific
Lumber received the 7,700 acre Elk River Timberlands which are to be
contributed to Scotia LLC on or before August 1999. Approximately $285.0
million of these proceeds have been deposited into an escrow account held by
an escrow agent and are to be made available as necessary to support the
Timber Notes, and may be released only under certain circumstances.
As a result of the disposition of the Headwaters Timberlands, the
Company expects to recognize a pre-tax gain of approximately $240.0
million ($142.0 million, net of tax) in the first quarter of 1999. This
amount represents the gain attributable to the portion of the Headwaters
Timberlands for which the Company received $299.9 million in cash. With
respect to the remaining portion for which the Company received the Elk
River Timberlands, no gain has been recognized as this represented an
exchange of substantially similar productive assets. These timberlands
will be reflected in the Company's financial statements at approximately
$6.0 million which represents the Company's historical cost for the
timberlands which were transferred to the United States.
Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber also entered into agreements with
California for the future sale to California of the Owl Creek and Grizzly
Creek groves (the "OWL CREEK AGREEMENT" and the "GRIZZLY CREEK AGREEMENT,"
respectively). The Owl Creek Agreement provides for Scotia LLC to sell, on
or before June 30, 2002, the Owl Creek grove to California for the lesser
of the appraised fair market value or $79.7 million. At California's
option, 25% of the payment may be paid upon closing with three equal annual
installments thereafter and without interest. With respect to the Grizzly
Creek Agreement, California may purchase from Pacific Lumber, on or before
October 31, 2000, a portion of this grove for a purchase price determined
based on fair market value, but not to exceed $19.9 million. The net
proceeds from the Grizzly Creek grove will be placed into an escrow account
(on the same basis as the net proceeds from the sale of the Headwaters
Timberlands) unless, at the time of receipt of such proceeds, the Escrowed
Funds are no longer held in an escrow account. California also has a five
year option under the agreement to purchase additional property adjacent to
the Grizzly Creek grove which is within the Grizzly Creek conservation
area. The sale of the Owl Creek or Grizzly Creek groves will not be
reflected in the Company's financial statements until they have been
concluded.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
Not applicable.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PAGE
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDED UNDER ITEM 8):
Report of Independent Public Accountants 30
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and 1997 31
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 32
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 33
Consolidated Statement of Stockholder's Deficit 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 35
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
Schedule I - Condensed Financial Information of
Registrant at December 31, 1998
and 1997 and for years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997,
and for the period from
November 4, 1996 (inception)
to December 31, 1996 50
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto of
MAXXAM Inc., MAXXAM Group Inc. and Kaiser Aluminum
Corporation are incorporated herein by reference and
included as Exhibits 99.1, 99.2 and 99.3 hereto,
respectively.
All other schedules are inapplicable or the required
information is included in the consolidated financial statements or
the notes thereto.
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of 1998.
However, on March 24, 1999, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K
(under Item 5) concerning the filing of a Prospectus Supplement to the
Prospectus dated December 30, 1998 of Scotia Pacific Company LLC, an
indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, concerning the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement and certain other developments
since the date of the Prospectus.
(C) EXHIBITS
Reference is made to the Index of Exhibits immediately preceding the
exhibits hereto (beginning on page 55), which index is incorporated
herein by reference.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
BALANCE SHEET (UNCONSOLIDATED)
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT SHARE INFORMATION)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5.6 $ 1.9
Receivable from MAXXAM Inc. 6.1 5.5
------------ ------------
Total current assets 11.7 7.4
Note receivable from MAXXAM Inc. 132.8 125.0
Deferred income taxes 10.1 9.1
Deferred financing costs 3.5 4.2
------------ ------------
$ 158.1 $ 145.7
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued
liabilities $ 1.1 $ 1.2
Accrued interest 6.5 6.5
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 7.6 7.7
Losses recognized in excess of investments in
subsidiaries 155.0 79.2
Long-term debt 130.0 130.0
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 292.6 216.9
------------ ------------
Stockholder's deficit:
Common stock, $1.00 par value, 3,000 shares
authorized, 1,000 shares issued - -
Additional capital 123.2 123.2
Accumulated deficit (257.7) (194.4)
------------ ------------
Total stockholder's deficit (134.5) (71.2)
------------ ------------
$ 158.1 $ 145.7
============ ============
<FN>
See notes to consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS (UNCONSOLIDATED)
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
PERIOD FROM
NOVEMBER 4,
1996
(INCEPTION)
TO
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------- ------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Investment, interest and other income $ 14.4 $ 13.8 $ .3
Interest expense (16.4) (16.4) (.4)
General and administrative expenses (.3) (.3) -
Equity in earnings (loss) of
subsidiaries (56.1) 20.6 1.7
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before income taxes and
extraordinary item (58.4) 17.7 1.6
Credit in lieu of income taxes .2 .9 -
------------ ------------ ------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
item (58.2) 18.6 1.6
------------ ------------ ------------
Extraordinary Item:
Loss on early extinguishment of
debt, net of income taxes (1.6) - -
------------ ------------ ------------
Net income (loss) $ (59.8) $ 18.6 $ 1.6
============ ============ ============
<FN>
See notes to consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (UNCONSOLIDATED)
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
PERIOD FROM
NOVEMBER 4,
1996
(INCEPTION)
TO
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------- ------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating
activities:
Net income (loss) $ (59.8) $ 18.6 $ 1.6
Adjustments to reconcile net
income (loss) to net cash
provided by (used for)
operating activities:
Extraordinary loss on
early extinguishment
of debt, net 1.6 - -
Amortization of deferred
financing costs and
discounts on
long-term debt .8 .8 -
Equity in loss (earnings)
of subsidiaries 56.1 (20.6) (1.7)
Dividends from
subsidiaries 18.7 3.0 -
Increase (decrease) in cash
resulting from changes in:
Receivable from MAXXAM
Inc. (8.4) (5.5) -
Accrued and deferred
income taxes (.1) (.8) .3
Accrued interest and other
liabilities (.1) 5.2 1.3
Other - - (1.1)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used
for) operating
activities 8.8 0.7 .4
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from investing
activities:
Issuance of note to MAXXAM Inc. - - (125.0)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash used for
investing activities - - (125.0)
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing
activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-
term debt - - 130.0
Consent fees for early
retirement of
subsidiaries' debt (2.6) - -
Dividends paid (2.5) - -
Incurrence of deferred
financing costs - - (4.2)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net cash provided by (used
for) financing
activities (5.1) - 125.8
------------ ------------ ------------
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents 3.7 .7 1.2
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year 1.9 1.2 -
------------ ------------ ------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year $ 5.6 $ 1.9 $ 1.2
============ ============ ============
<FN>
See notes to consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.
SCHEDULE I - CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (CONTINUED)
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
The deferred income tax assets and liabilities reported in the
accompanying unconsolidated balance sheet are determined by computing such
amounts on a consolidated basis, as if MGHI files a consolidated tax return
with all of its subsidiaries except Salmon Creek, and as if such
corporations were never connected with MAXXAM, and then reducing such
consolidated amounts by the amounts recorded by the Company's subsidiaries,
but excluding Salmon Creek, pursuant to their respective tax allocation
agreements with MAXXAM. The Company's net deferred income tax assets
relate primarily to loss and credit carryforwards, net of valuation
allowances. The Company evaluated all appropriate factors to determine the
proper valuation allowances for these carryforwards, including any
limitations concerning their use, the year the carryforwards expire and the
levels of taxable income necessary for utilization. Based on this
evaluation, the Company has concluded that it is more likely than not that
it will realize the benefit of these carryforwards for which valuation
allowances were not provided.
B. LONG-TERM DEBT
On December 23, 1996, the Company issued $130.0 million principal
amount of 12% Senior Secured Notes due August 1, 2003. The MGHI Notes are
guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by the Company. Interest is
payable semi-annually. In connection with the redemption of the MGI Notes
and the issuance of the Timber Notes, MGHI has amended the indenture for
the MGHI Notes, to among other things, pledge all of the 27,938,250 shares
of Kaiser common stock it owns, 16,055,000 shares of which were released
from the pledge securing the MGI Notes.
C. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
PERIOD FROM
NOVEMBER 4,
1996
(INCEPTION)
TO
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, DECEMBER 31,
-------------------------- ------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Supplemental information on non-cash
investing and financing activities:
Deferral of interest on MAXXAM note
receivable $ 7.8 $ - $ -
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Interest paid $ 15.6 $ 9.4 $ -
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.
MAXXAM GROUP HOLDINGS INC.
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ PAUL N. SCHWARTZ
Paul N. Schwartz
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
(Principal 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 and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ CHARLES E. HURWITZ
Charles E. Hurwitz
Chairman of the Board, President,
Chief Executive Officer and
Director
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ PAUL N. SCHWARTZ
Paul N. Schwartz
Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Director
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ JOHN T. LA DUC
John T. La Duc
Vice President and Director
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ ELIZABETH D. BRUMLEY
Elizabeth D. Brumley
Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
- ------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Certificate of Incorporation of MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. (the "Company" or "MGHI") (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-
18723)
*3.2 Amended and Restated By-laws of the Company, adopted July 7, 1998
4.1 Indenture, dated as of December 23, 1996 among the Company, as Issuer, MAXXAM Inc., as Guarantor, and
First Bank National Association, as Trustee ("MGHI Indenture"), regarding the Company's 12% Senior
Secured Notes due 2003 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-18723)
4.2 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 8, 1998, to the MGHI Indenture (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of the Company for the quarter ended
June 30, 1998; File No. 1-3924; the "MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q/A")
4.3 Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 29, 1998, to the MGHI Indenture (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.5 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q/A)
4.4 Indenture, dated as of July 20, 1998, between Scotia Pacific Company LLC ("Scotia LLC") and State Street
Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") regarding Scotia LLC's Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Timber
Collateralized Notes (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Scotia LLC's Registration
Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-63825; the "Scotia LLC Registration Statement")
4.5 Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Financing Statement Fixture Filing and Assignment of Proceeds, dated
as of July 20, 1998, among Scotia LLC, Fidelity National Title Insurance Company, as trustee, and State
Street, as collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Scotia LLC
Registration Statement)
4.6 Credit Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, among Scotia LLC, the financial institutions party thereto
and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as agent (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.3 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A of MAXXAM Inc. for the quarter ended June 30, 1998;
File No. 1-3924; the "MAXXAM June 1998 Form 10-Q")
*4.7 Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of December 18, 1998 between The Pacific Lumber Company
("Pacific Lumber") and Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association
Note: Pursuant to Regulation Section 229.601, Item 601 (b)(4)(iii) of Regulation S-K, upon request of
the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any unfiled
instrument which defines the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company and its consolidated
subsidiaries (and for any of its unconsolidated subsidiaries for which financial statements are required
to be filed) wherein the total amount of securities authorized thereunder does not exceed 10 percent of
the total consolidated assets of the Company
10.1 Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of December 23, 1996 between MGHI and MAXXAM Inc. (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-
8723)
10.2 Tax Allocation Agreement between MAXXAM Group Inc. ("MGI") and MAXXAM Inc. dated as of August 4, 1993
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement on
Form S-2 of MGI, Registration No. 33-64042; the "MGI Registration Statement")
10.3 Tax Allocation Agreement dated as of May 21, 1988 among MAXXAM Inc., MGI, Pacific Lumber and the
corporations signatory thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Pacific Lumber's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988, File No. 1-9204)
10.4 Tax Allocation Agreement among Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC, Salmon Creek Corporation and MAXXAM Inc. dated
as of March 23, 1993 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 3 to the Form S-
1 Registration Statement of Scotia Pacific Holding Company, Registration No. 33-55538)
10.5 Tax Allocation Agreement between MAXXAM Inc. and Britt Lumber Co., Inc. ("Britt"), dated as of July 3,
1990 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993)
10.6 Non-Negotiable Intercompany Note dated as of December 23, 1996 executed by MAXXAM Inc. in favor of the
Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form
S-4, Registration No. 333-18723)
10.7 Power Purchase Agreement dated as of January 17, 1986 between Pacific Lumber and Pacific Gas and Electric
Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10(n) to Pacific Lumber's Registration Statement on
Form S-1, Registration No. 33-5549)
10.8 New Master Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, between Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for
the quarter ended June 30, 1998; File No. 333-18723; the "MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q")
10.9 New Services Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, between Pacific Lumber and Scotia LLC (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.10 New Additional Services Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, between Scotia LLC and Pacific Lumber
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.11 New Reciprocal Rights Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, among Pacific Lumber, Scotia LLC and Salmon
Creek Corporation (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.12 New Environmental Indemnification Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, between Pacific Lumber and Scotia
LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.13 Purchase and Services Agreement between Pacific Lumber and Britt Lumber Co., Inc. (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Amendment No. 2 to the Form S-2 Registration Statement of Pacific Lumber;
Registration Statement No. 33-56332)
10.14 Undertaking, dated as of August 4, 1993, executed by MAXXAM in favor of MGI (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.24 to MGI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1994, File No. 1-8857)
10.15 Agreement (the "Headwaters Agreement") dated as of September 28, 1996 among MAXXAM Inc., The Pacific
Lumber Company (on behalf of itself, its subsidiaries and its affiliates), the United States of America
and the State of California (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to MAXXAM Inc.'s Form 8-K
dated September 28, 1996; File No. 1-3924)
10.16 Implementation Agreement with Regard to Habitat Conservation Plan for the Properties of Pacific Lumber,
Scotia LLC and Salmon Creek Corporation ("Salmon Creek") dated as of February 1999 by and among The
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the California Department
of Fish and Game ("CDF&G"), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (the "CDF") and
Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek and Scotia LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to Scotia
LLC's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.17 Agreement Relating to Enforcement of AB 1986 dated as of February 25, 1999 by and among The California
Resources Agency, CDF&G, The California Department of Forestry, The California Wildlife Conservation
Board (the "CWCB"), Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek and Scotia LLC (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.4 to Scotia LLC s Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.18 Habitat Conservation Plan dated as of February 1999 for the Properties of Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific
Holding Company and Salmon Creek (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.5 to Scotia LLC's Form
8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.19 Agreement for Transfer of Grizzly Creek and Escrow Instructions and Option Agreement dated as of February
26, 1999 by and between Pacific Lumber and the State of California acting by and through the CWCB Board
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to Scotia LLC's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No.
333-63825)
10.20 Agreement for Transfer of Owl Creek and Escrow Instructions and Option Agreement dated as of February 26,
1999 by and between the Company and the State of California acting by and through the CWCB (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to Scotia LLC's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.21 Letter dated February 25, 1999 from the CDF to Pacific Lumber (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.8 to Scotia LLC's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.22 Letter dated March 1, 1999 from the CDF to Pacific Lumber (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
99.9 to Scotia LLC's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999, File No. 333-63825)
10.23 Letter dated March 1, 1999 from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service and the
U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to Pacific Lumber, Salmon
Creek and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.10 to Scotia LLC's Form 8-K dated
March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.24 Escrow Agreement dated as of March 1, 1999 ("Escrow Agreement") among Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek and
Citibank, N.A. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to Scotia LLC's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.25 Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated as of March 26, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
10.16 to Scotia LLC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999; File No.
333-63825)
*27 Financial Data Schedule
*99.1 The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of MAXXAM Inc. for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1998
*99.2 The financial statements and notes thereto of MAXXAM Group Inc. for the fiscal year ended December 31,
1998
*99.3 The consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of Kaiser Aluminum Corporation for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1998
<FN>
- ---------------
* Included with this filing.