EXHIBIT 13
Paper
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31
Net Sales (in millions of dollars) 1998 % 1997 % 1996 %
- ----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Product Category:
Uncoated free sheet (U.S. & Brazil) $1,327 29 $1,329 28 $1,422 29
Coated free sheet 529 11 557 12 555 11
Coated groundwood (U.S. & Brazil) 809 17 668 14 659 13
Uncoated groundwood 218 5 261 5 309 6
Newsprint 177 4 362 7 395 8
Bleached board business 285 6 299 6 311 6
Kraft paper and linerboard 188 4 189 4 199 4
Market pulp 372 8 411 9 360 7
Resale of outside purchases 694 15 680 14 737 15
Other 41 1 45 1 18 1
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
$4,640 100 $4,801 100 $4,965 100
=========== =========== =========== ========== =========== ===========
Wood Products
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended December 31
Net Sales (in millions of dollars) 1998 % 1997 % 1996 %
- ----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
Product Category:
Lumber $ 400 40 $ 404 43 $ 382 42
Softwood plywood and waferboard 234 23 230 25 237 26
Logs and stumpage 256 25 203 22 201 22
Sidings and industrial plywood 53 5 54 6 54 6
Chips 43 4 35 3 30 3
Miscellaneous products 27 3 9 1 12 1
----------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
$1,013 100 $ 935 100 $ 916 100
=========== =========== =========== ========== =========== ===========
1
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statement of Income (in millions, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net Sales $ 5,653.0 $ 5,735.5 $ 5,880.4
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of products sold 4,953.0 5,140.1 5,124.7
Selling, general and administrative expenses 366.2 392.8 363.0
Provision for restructuring (Note 10) 80.0 891.0 -
Interest and debt expense (Notes 4 and 6) 260.9 240.1 222.2
Other (income) expense __ net (Note 12) (44.5) (31.9) (34.5)
------------- ------------- -------------
Total Costs and Expenses 5,615.6 6,632.1 5,675.4
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes 37.4 (896.6) 205.0
Income Taxes (Benefit) (Note 13) (37.9) (348.1) 63.7
------------- ------------- -------------
Net Income (Loss) $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
============= ============= =============
Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding 95.9 95.8 95.5
============= ============= =============
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ .79 $ (5.72) $ 1.48
============= ============= =============
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share $ .78 $ (5.72) $ 1.48
============= ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
2
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions of dollars)
Assets December 31 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 300.4 $ 275.0
Receivables - net 520.5 594.9
Inventories (Note 3) 503.5 451.1
Prepaid expenses 27.5 25.6
Deferred income taxes (Note 13) 86.6 101.4
------------- -------------
Total Current Assets 1,438.5 1,448.0
------------- -------------
Timber and Timberlands, at cost -- less cost of timber
harvested 2,430.4 2,397.3
------------- -------------
Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost
(Notes 4, 6 and 7) 8,585.3 9,473.4
Less - accumulated depreciation 4,356.5 4,673.3
------------- -------------
4,228.8 4,800.1
------------- -------------
Other Assets and Deferred Charges 742.2 465.2
------------- -------------
$ 8,839.9 $ 9,110.6
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
3
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Balance Sheet (in millions of dollars)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity December 31 1998 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- -------------
Current Liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt (Note 6) $ 228.0 $ 143.7
Short-term borrowings (Note 6) 89.8 71.1
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (Note 5) 720.3 794.2
Income taxes (Note 13) 10.4 10.5
------------- -------------
Total Current Liabilities 1,048.5 1,019.5
------------- -------------
Long-Term Debt (Note 6) 2,947.5 3,194.4
------------- -------------
Other Liabilities (Notes 14 and 17) 786.8 693.1
------------- -------------
Deferred Income Taxes (Note 13) 961.2 993.6
------------- -------------
Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
(Notes 7, 17 and 18) - -
------------- -------------
Shareholders' Equity:
Capital Shares (Notes 8 and 9):
Preference stock, 8,531,431 shares authorized but unissued - -
Common stock, $.50 par value: 250,000,000 authorized
shares; 111,025,755 and 110,900,212 issued shares 55.5 55.5
Capital surplus 1,705.5 1,697.2
Retained Earnings (Note 6) 2,228.4 2,172.5
------------- -------------
3,989.4 3,925.2
Treasury Shares, at cost (Note 8) (689.7) (657.9)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Note 11) (203.8) (57.3)
------------- -------------
3,095.9 3,210.0
------------- -------------
$ 8,839.9 $ 9,110.6
============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
4
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Cash Flows (in millions of dollars)
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Income (Loss) $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Provision for restructuring 80.0 891.0 -
Depreciation expense 395.3 424.6 407.8
Cost of timber harvested 91.6 93.4 94.1
Gain on disposal of assets (22.4) (24.0) (23.1)
Pension contributions (8.7) (16.4) (70.2)
Deferred income taxes (61.6) (370.9) 3.2
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions
and divestitures:
Receivables 72.2 (15.7) 65.0
Inventories (59.8) 6.6 (34.4)
Prepaid expenses 10.0 4.2 (4.6)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (42.5) (23.0) (38.2)
Income taxes payable (13.6) (12.2) (102.1)
Other liabilities 15.1 9.5 (13.9)
All other - net 35.1 66.9 13.5
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 566.0 485.5 438.4
------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (304.9) (321.1) (460.5)
Timber and timberlands expenditures (127.3) (128.4) (121.2)
Acquisition of timberlands and mills (Note 2) (103.7) (46.9) (130.4)
Purchase of investments - (22.1) -
Proceeds from redemptions of investments - 25.0 101.2
Proceeds from sales of divested operations 481.6 - -
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and
equipment and timber and timberlands 26.7 43.1 39.8
All other - net (39.4) (15.0) 16.6
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash used in investing activities (67.0) (465.4) (554.5)
------------- ------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 571.6 473.9 834.2
Payments of current installments of
long-term debt and long-term debt (991.3) (385.0) (645.1)
Purchase by Weldwood of minority interest - - (191.4)
Cash dividends paid (19.5) (19.2) (19.2)
Payments to acquire treasury stock (34.3) - (7.8)
All other - net (0.1) 10.6 2.9
------------- ------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (473.6) 80.3 (26.4)
------------- ------------- -------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 25.4 100.4 (142.5)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 275.0 174.6 317.1
------------- ------------- -------------
End of period $ 300.4 $ 275.0 $ 174.6
============= ============= =============
Supplemental cash flow disclosures: Cash paid during the year for:
Interest (net of capitalized amounts) $ 271.7 $ 241.2 $ 210.0
Income taxes (net of refunds) (Note 13) 17.1 42.1 178.8
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
5
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Retained Earnings (in millions, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Beginning Balance $ 2,172.5 $ 2,740.2 $ 2,618.0
Net Income (Loss) 75.3 (548.5) 141.3
Cash Dividends Declared:
Common Stock - $.20 per share in 1998, 1997
and 1996 (19.4) (19.2) (19.1)
------------- ------------- -------------
Ending Balance $ 2,228.4 $ 2,172.5 $ 2,740.2
============= ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
6
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (in millions of dollars)
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Cumulative tax effect of changing the Brazilian
functional currency to the Real (51.5) - -
Other foreign currency translation adjustments (95.0) (24.1) (3.3)
------------- ------------- -------------
Net foreign currency translation adjustments (146.5) (24.1) (3.3)
------------- ------------- -------------
Comprehensive Income (Loss) $ (71.2) $ (572.6) $ 138.0
============= ============= =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
7
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
A. Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company and
all of its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Affiliates which are 20% to 50%
owned are reflected using the equity method of accounting, with the related
investments included in Other Assets and Deferred Charges. All significant
intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Certain amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year's
presentation.
B. Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and the disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements, and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
C. Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents includes all highly liquid investments with original
maturities of three months or less. Short-term investments are investments which
mature within 12 months but which do not meet the criteria of cash equivalents.
D. Inventories
Inventories are generally stated at the lower of average cost or market (market
approximates net realizable value), except for certain inventories of the paper
segments which are stated on the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method.
E. Fixed Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment, which includes capitalized leases, is stated at
cost. Timber and Timberlands, which includes original costs, road construction
costs, and reforestation costs, such as site preparation and planting costs, is
stated at unamortized cost. Property taxes, surveying, fire control and other
forest management expenses are charged to expense as incurred. When fixed assets
are sold or retired, cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the
accounts, and gains or losses are recorded in income.
For financial reporting purposes, plant and equipment are depreciated using the
straight-line method over the estimated service lives of the individual assets.
Machinery and equipment lives range from three to 35 years, buildings from 10 to
40 years, and land improvements from five to 24 years. Leasehold improvements
are amortized over the shorter of the lives of the leases or estimated service
lives. Cost of timber harvested is based on the estimated quantity of timber
available during the growth cycle and is credited directly to the asset
accounts.
8
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
F. Revenue Recognition
The company recognizes revenues when title passes, which is generally when
products are shipped.
G. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common
stockholders by the average number of common shares outstanding during the year.
The computation of diluted earnings per share assumes that the average number of
common shares outstanding is increased by dilutive common share equivalents.
H. Foreign Currency Translation
The assets and liabilities of the company's Canadian subsidiary are translated
into U.S. dollars using year-end exchange rates. The resulting translation gains
or losses are included with the cumulative translation adjustment in the
Shareholders' Equity section of the balance sheet. Gains or losses resulting
from foreign currency transactions are included in net income.
Prior to 1998, the company's Brazilian subsidiary used the U.S. dollar as its
functional currency, since the local currency, the Real, had been deemed
hyperinflationary. Except for certain items translated at historical exchange
rates, assets and liabilities were translated using year-end exchange rates.
Gains or losses resulting from balance sheet translation were included in net
income.
Effective January 1, 1998, the company accounts for its Brazilian subsidiary
using the Real as its functional currency. Assets and liabilities are translated
into U.S. dollars using the same procedures as described above for the company's
Canadian subsidiary.
I. Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for cash and cash
equivalents, receivables, short-term borrowings, and accounts payable and
accrued liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturity of those
instruments. The fair value of the company's debt is discussed in Note 6.
The company occasionally enters into forward exchange contracts to hedge certain
assets that are denominated in foreign currencies. At December 31, 1998, the
company had no significant forward exchange contracts outstanding. The company
does not hold financial instruments for trading purposes.
J. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 132, "Employers' Disclosure about Pensions
and Other Postretirement Benefits." This Statement, which is effective in 1998,
revises employers' disclosures about pensions and other postretirement benefit
plans. It does not change the measurement or recognition of these plans.
9
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
K. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities." The Statement, which will be effective for the company
beginning in the fiscal year 2000, establishes accounting and reporting
standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance
sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at its fair value. The
Statement requires that changes in each derivative's fair value be recognized in
earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
The company has not yet quantified the anticipated impact on the financial
statements of adopting the Statement. However, given the current level of the
company's derivative and hedging activities, the impact is not expected to be
material.
10
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 2. Acquisitions
In January 1998, the company's Brazilian subsidiary acquired Inpacel for $58
million, net of cash acquired. At the time of its acquisition, Inpacel had
outstanding debt of $277 million and $55 million of other liabilities. Inpacel,
a Brazilian company, owns a pulp and coated groundwood papers mill, a sawmill
and 125,000 acres of timberlands, all of which are located in the State of
Parana, Brazil. Net sales of Inpacel for the eleven months of 1998 subsequent
to the acquisition, including intracompany sales, were $137 million.
In September 1998, the company's Canadian subsidiary acquired Sunpine Forest
Products, Ltd. for $46 million. At the time of its acquisition, Sunpine had
outstanding debt of $56 million and $16 million of other liabilities. Sunpine's
facilities, located in Alberta, Canada, include a sawmill, a lumber-treating
plant, a veneer mill and a laminated-veneer lumber plant. In addition, Sunpine
is responsible for a forest management area of 1.5 million acres under license
from the Province of Alberta.
Both of the acquisitions were accounted for as purchases.
Note 3. Inventories
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------------
Paper, pulp and packaging products $ 291.1 $ 244.3
Wood products 46.6 35.4
Logs 45.8 46.5
Pulpwood 25.3 23.0
Raw materials, parts and supplies 94.7 101.9
------------- ---------------
$ 503.5 $ 451.1
============= ===============
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, inventories stated using the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) method, representing approximately 35% and 29% of total inventories,
were $174.3 million and $129.8 million, respectively. If the lower of average
cost or market method (which approximates current cost) had been utilized for
inventories carried at LIFO, inventory balances would have been increased by
$56.6 million and $65.4 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
11
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 4. Property, Plant and Equipment
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------------
Land and land improvements $ 315.3 $ 356.4
Buildings and leasehold improvements 912.9 993.3
Machinery and equipment 7,194.2 7,965.5
Construction in progress 162.9 158.2
------------- ---------------
8,585.3 9,473.4
Accumulated depreciation (4,356.5) (4,673.3)
------------- ---------------
$ 4,228.8 $ 4,800.1
============= ===============
Interest capitalized into construction in progress during 1998, 1997 and 1996
was $8.8 million, $8.0 million and $10.6 million, respectively. Accumulated
depreciation at December 31, 1998 includes $569 million of asset impairment and
asset write-off charges related to assets to be divested pursuant to the
company's restructuring plan (Note 10).
Depreciation expense includes the following components:
Years Ended December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------
Land improvements $ 14.2 $ 13.0 $ 14.3
Buildings and leasehold improvements 28.0 29.2 27.8
Machinery and equipment 353.1 382.4 365.7
------------- ------------- ---------------
$ 395.3 $ 424.6 $ 407.8
============= ============= ===============
12
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 5. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------------
Accounts payable $ 280.1 $ 285.3
------------- ---------------
Accrued liabilities:
Payrolls and commissions 118.9 125.4
Employee benefits 107.4 133.2
Interest 46.6 56.3
Taxes, other than income taxes 25.0 33.1
Other 137.5 156.1
------------- ---------------
Total accrued liabilities 435.4 504.1
------------- ---------------
Dividends payable 4.8 4.8
------------- ---------------
$ 720.3 $ 794.2
============= ===============
Note 6. Indebtedness
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------- ---------------
Secured debt, 7.7% average rate, payable through 2012 (a) $ 44.6 $ 48.0
Unsecured fixed rate debt, 7.6% average rate, payable
through 2037 2,433.9 2,674.2
Unsecured variable rate debt, 11.1% average rate, payable
through 2029 (b) 390.2 318.7
Lease obligations, 6.7% average rate, payable through 2029 306.8 297.2
------------- ---------------
Total debt 3,175.5 3,338.1
Less: Current installments of long-term debt 228.0 143.7
------------- ---------------
Long-term debt (c) $ 2,947.5 $ 3,194.4
============= ===============
Short-term borrowings (d) $ 89.8 $ 71.1
============= ===============
13
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
(a) Such debt is secured by assets with a net book value at December 31, 1998
of approximately $203 million, primarily assets of Lake Superior Land
Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the company.
(b) Unsecured variable rate debt at December 31, 1998 includes borrowings by
the company's Brazilian subsidiary of $322 million.
(c) The annual principal payment requirements under the terms of all long-term
debt agreements for the years 1999 through 2003 are $228 million, $236
million, $244 million, $41 million and $36 million, respectively.
(d) Weighted average interest rates on outstanding balances, excluding book
cash overdrafts, for 1998 and 1997 were 7.0% and 7.7%, respectively. Book
cash overdrafts, which are included in short-term borrowings, totaled $86
million and $70 million, respectively, at December 31, 1998 and 1997.
The indentures and agreements relating to long-term debt arrangements, as well
as the company's Certificate of Incorporation, contain restrictions on the
payment of cash dividends. Under the most restrictive of these provisions,
approximately $869 million of consolidated retained earnings at December 31,
1998 is free of such restrictions.
At December 31, 1998, the company had unused U.S. lines of credit of $1.1
billion and unused foreign bank lines of credit of approximately $50 million. At
December 31, 1998, interest rates on the U.S. and foreign lines were no higher
than the prime rate or its equivalent. Facility fees of .125% are required on
the $1.1 billion U.S. lines of credit, which are available to May 31, 2002 on a
revolving basis, at which time amounts owed, if any, become payable. Commitment
fees of no more than .125% are required on the $50 million foreign lines of
credit. Commitments under the credit agreements cannot be withdrawn provided the
company continues to meet required conditions.
The fair value of the company's long-term debt, which includes current
installments and excludes lease obligations, exceeded the carrying amount by
$102 million and $180 million, at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. The
fair value was estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the
company's incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowings.
14
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 7. Commitments
Future Minimum Lease Payments
------------------------------------------------------
Capitalized Non-Cancelable
Period (in millions of dollars) Leases Operating Leases
- ------------------------------------------------------ --------------- --------------------
1999 $ 20.7 $ 29.7
2000 20.7 26.9
2001 20.7 25.8
2002 20.7 24.7
2003 20.7 23.3
Thereafter 682.2 164.3
--------------- ----------------
Total Payments 785.7 294.7
Less: Sublease rental receipts 60.0
----------------
Net operating lease payments $ 234.7
================
Less: Amount representing interest 478.9
---------------
Present value of capitalized lease payments
(all long-term) $ 306.8
===============
The following schedule shows the composition of total rental expense for all
operating leases:
Years Ended December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ----------------
Minimum rentals $ 31.9 $ 34.1 $ 29.8
Less: Sublease rental income 0.1 0.2 0.2
--------------- --------------- ----------------
$ 31.8 $ 33.9 $ 29.6
=============== =============== ================
15
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 8. Capital Shares and Earnings Per Share
Unissued Preference Stock
- -------------------------
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, 7,031,431 preference shares for which no series
has been designated were authorized and unissued. At December 31, 1998 and 1997,
1,500,000 additional authorized and unissued shares were designated and reserved
for the issuance of the company's Preference Stock, Participating Cumulative
Series or Participating Cumulative Series B, $1.00 par value.
Common Stock
- ------------
Changes in common shares during the three years ended December 31, 1998 are as
follows:
(in shares and millions of dollars)
Treasury Shares
Issued Shares (at cost)
--------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Par Capital
Shares Value Surplus Shares Amount
----------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance at January 1, 1996 110,230,379 $ 55.1 $ 1,653.4 (14,573,011) $ (650.0)
Exercise of stock options 79,800 0.1 2.4 - -
Compensation plans 9,184 - 1.5 - -
Repurchase of stock - - - (195,300) (7.9)
Other 3,736 - (5.9) - -
----------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance at December 31, 1996 110,323,099 55.2 1,651.4 (14,768,311) (657.9)
Exercise of stock options 566,075 0.3 24.4 - -
Compensation plans 8,829 - 21.4 - -
Other 2,209 - - 200 -
----------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 110,900,212 55.5 1,697.2 (14,768,111) (657.9)
Exercise of stock options 77,250 - 2.9 - -
Compensation plans 10,019 - 4.3 - -
Repurchase of stock - - - (725,000) (34.2)
Other 38,274 - 1.1 54,428 2.4
----------------- ------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 111,025,755 $ 55.5 $ 1,705.5 (15,438,683) $ (689.7)
================= ============= ============== ================ ===============
16
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
At December 31, 1998, common shares of the company were reserved for issue as
follows:
Stock options granted or available for grant 4,139,425
Compensation plans 2,704,746
---------------
6,844,171
===============
Earnings (Loss) Per Share
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in millions, except per share amounts) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------------ -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
============== ================ ===============
Average number of common shares outstanding 95.9 95.8 95.5
============== ================ ===============
Basic earnings (loss) per share $ .79 $ (5.72) 1.48
============== ================ ===============
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Net income (loss) on a diluted basis $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
============== ================ ===============
Average number of common shares outstanding 95.9 95.8 95.5
Add: Common share effect, assuming conversion of
potentially dilutive securities 0.7 - 0.3
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
Average number of common shares outstanding
on a diluted basis 96.6 95.8 95.8
============== ================ ===============
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $ .78 $ (5.72) $ 1.48
============== ================ ===============
Potentially dilutive securities at December 31, 1998 included shares issuable
pursuant to certain stock-based compensation arrangements (Note 9). These
securities included 319,500 shares issuable upon the vesting of restricted share
units as well as 305,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options
calculated using the treasury stock method.
17
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 9. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Options
- -------------
The company has granted to officers and key employees options to purchase common
shares at the market price of the shares on the date of grant. All options
granted to officers prior to 1997 were accompanied by stock appreciation rights.
The options expire 10 years or 10 years and 31 days from the date of grant and
generally become exercisable subsequent to a period of 12 calendar months from
date of grant.
Stock Option Transactions:
Weighted Average
Options Exercise Price
--------------- ------------------
Balance at January 1, 1996 2,279,150 $32.42
Granted 556,350 46.63
Exercised (215,400) 30.45
Surrendered or canceled (24,300) 33.16
---------------
Balance at December 31, 1996 2,595,800 35.62
Granted 684,380 44.63
Exercised (1,188,525) 33.99
Surrendered or canceled (19,100) 40.80
---------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 2,072,555 39.48
Granted 958,300 57.75
Exercised (78,250) 31.54
Surrendered or canceled (9,750) 51.55
--------------- ------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 2,942,855 $45.42
=============== ==================
Options exercisable at December 31
- ----------------------------------
1996 2,043,550 $32.65
1997 1,398,775 37.01
1998 1,990,655 39.52
At December 31, 1998, the stock options outstanding had an aggregate exercise
price of $133.7 million, with exercise prices ranging from $26.25 to $57.75 and
a weighted average remaining contractual life of 7.3 years.
Other Stock-Based Compensation
- ------------------------------
The company has granted restricted share units to certain officers and key
employees. Each unit represents one share of common stock to be issued upon
vesting (unless the issuance is deferred), provided that the awardee remains in
the company's employ until the vesting date. Of the 319,500 restricted units
outstanding at December 31, 1998, 131,700 units will vest in 2000 and 156,600
units will vest in 2002.
18
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
In March 1997, the company adopted a performance share plan under which share
units were awarded to officers and key employees. These units entitle the
recipients, upon earn-out, to receive shares of common stock. The earn-out of
shares is dependent on the company's stock price appreciation plus dividend
yield (i.e., total shareholder return or "TSR") increasing, at any time within
three years from the date of grant, to a value equivalent to approximately 15%
per annum compounded for three years. If the TSR goal is achieved, the amount of
the payout will depend on the company's TSR, during the performance period,
relative to an industry peer group. If the TSR goal is not achieved, there will
be no payout. Based on the current dividend rate, the shares would be earned if
the common stock price reaches $67.25 per share. Additional pro rata grants,
which have the same TSR goal as the March 1997 grants, were made in 1998. The
total number of shares that could be earned ranges from 332,000 shares to
705,000 shares.
Total compensation expense recognized for stock appreciation rights and other
stock-based compensation for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $6 million, $35 million and
$3 million, respectively.
Pro Forma Impact of Grant of Stock Options
- ------------------------------------------
The company accounts for stock options under Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, pursuant to which no compensation cost has been recognized for the
options that are not accompanied by stock appreciation rights. Had compensation
cost for these options been determined consistent with Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the
impact on net income and earnings per share would have been as follows:
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Net Income (Loss) (in millions) As reported $ 75.3 $ (548.5) $ 141.3
Pro forma $ 68.5 $ (554.3) $ 137.7
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share As reported $ .79 $ (5.72) $ 1.48
Pro forma $ .71 $ (5.79) $ 1.44
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share As reported $ .78 $ (5.72) $ 1.48
Pro forma $ .71 $ (5.79) $ 1.44
Weighted Average Fair Value of
Options Granted $ 13.09 $ 14.90 $ 14.92
The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for
grants in 1998, 1997 and 1996.
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Risk-free interest rates 5.75% 6.57% 6.31%
Expected dividend yield 0.4% 0.4% 0.4%
Expected volatility 22.0% 20.1% 20.4%
Expected life (years) 5.50 5.50 5.25
19
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 10. Provision for Restructuring
On October 7, 1997, the company approved a plan to maximize total shareholder
return by focusing on strategic businesses, increasing profitability and
improving financial discipline. As part of this plan, the company is divesting
several non-strategic product segments and certain timberlands. The
profit-improvement program includes a reduction in the company's worldwide
workforce in the businesses remaining after the divestitures by 11%, or
approximately 2,000 positions, by the end of 1999. In the fourth quarter of
1997, the company recorded a pre-tax charge of $891 million ($552 million
after-tax, or $5.76 per share) in connection with this plan.
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the company recorded a pre-tax charge of $80
million ($49 million after-tax, or $.52 per share) to recognize additional costs
associated with the divestiture of the non-strategic product segments. The
charge included $60 million of non-cash expenses for asset impairments and $20
million of one-time cash costs.
Through December 31, 1998, the company had spent approximately $18 million for
severance and associated costs and reduced its world-wide workforce in the
businesses which are not part of the planned divestitures (excluding positions
added as the result of acquisitions in Canada and Brazil and certain operations
in Maine) by 1,674 positions. In addition, the company paid approximately $14
million for other accrued costs.
Results of operations reflected in the consolidated statement of income for the
product segments divested and to be divested are as follows:
Years Ended December 31
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Net sales $ 1,016.0 $ 1,316.0 $ 1,391.0
Costs and expenses 1,028.0 1,394.4 1,438.7
-------------- -------------- --------------
(Loss) from operations $ (12.0) $ (78.4) $ (47.7)
============== ============== ==============
Activity associated with the provision for restructuring is as follows:
Asset Pension
Balance at Retirements and Other Balance at
December 31, 1998 and Cash Postretirement December 31,
1997 Provision Payments Benefits (a) 1998
----------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
Reserve for asset
impairment $ 741.1 $ 59.5 $ (231.6) $ - $ 569.0
Liabilities 149.9 20.5 (32.0) (45.9) 92.5
----------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
$ 891.0 $ 80.0 $ (263.6) $ (45.9) $ 661.5
----------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
(a) Amounts have been transferred from the restructuring liabilities to
pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities due to the long-term
nature of the liabilities.
20
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
The consolidated balance sheet includes the following amounts related to the
product segments to be divested, excluding the reserve for asset impairment of
$569 million:
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998
- ------------------------------------------------------- --------------
Current assets $ 172.2
Long-term assets (primarily property,
plant and equipment) 739.6
Current liabilities (48.1)
Long-term liabilities (0.6)
--------------
Net assets $ 863.1
==============
In June 1998, the company sold its newsprint business, including related working
capital, and its Texas recycling centers for $459 million. In September 1998,
the company sold its Belvidere, Illinois tray plant for $22.5 million. No gains
or losses from these sales were recorded. In December 1998, the company agreed
to sell approximately 300,000 acres of timberlands for $76.2 million. The
transaction is expected to close in mid-1999. The company is continuing to
actively pursue the sale of its mill in Canton, North Carolina, including its
liquid packaging business; its mill in Hamilton, Ohio; and its mill in Deferiet,
New York. In addition, the company has offered for sale approximately 54,000
acres of timberlands in North Carolina and Tennessee.
21
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income," effective in 1998, requires the disclosure of comprehensive income to
reflect changes in equity that result from transactions and economic events from
nonowner sources. Accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods
presented below represents foreign currency translation items associated with
the company's Brazilian and Canadian operations. There was no tax expense or tax
benefit associated with the foreign currency translation items, other than the
cumulative tax effect described below.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Foreign Currency Translation)
Years Ended December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------- ----------- ---------- -----------
Beginning balance $ (57.3) $ (33.2) $ (29.9)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Cumulative tax effect of changing the
Brazilian functional currency to the Real (51.5) - -
Other foreign currency translation adjustments (95.0) (24.1) (3.3)
---------- -------- --------
Ending balance $ (203.8) $ (57.3) $ (33.2)
========== ========= ========
Note 12. Other (Income) Expense -- Net
Years Ended December 31
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------- ----------- --------- -----------
Interest income $ (24.4) $ (17.8) $ (32.4)
Foreign currency (gains) losses -- net (10.5) (1.1) 3.4
Equity in net income of affiliates (2.0) (1.0) (1.0)
Royalty, rental and commission income (6.6) (13.6) (13.9)
Net gain on disposal of fixed assets,
timberlands and investments (22.4) (24.0) (23.1)
Miscellaneous -- net 21.4 25.6 32.5
---------- --------- -----------
$ (44.5) $ (31.9) $ (34.5)
========== ========= ===========
22
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 13. Income Taxes
The provision (benefit) for income taxes includes the following components:
Years Ended December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- --------------------------------------------------- --------- ------- ----------
Provision for income taxes currently
payable (receivable):
Federal $ 5.0 $ (14.6) $ 6.1
State and local 7.2 2.6 2.4
Foreign 11.5 34.8 52.0
---------- -------- ---------
23.7 22.8 60.5
---------- -------- ---------
Provision for deferred income taxes:
Federal (52.6) (306.5) 8.0
State and local (9.7) (47.3) 1.3
Foreign 0.7 (17.1) (6.1)
---------- -------- ---------
(61.6) (370.9) 3.2
---------- -------- ---------
Total provision $ (37.9) $ (348.1) $ 63.7
========== ======== =========
Domestic and foreign income (loss) before income taxes are as follows:
Years Ended December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------- ---------- -------- ---------
Domestic $ (52.1) $ (982.9) $ 30.6
Foreign 89.5 86.3 174.4
---------- -------- ----------
Total income (loss) before income taxes $ 37.4 $ (896.6) $ 205.0
========== ======== ==========
23
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Principal reasons for the variation between the statutory rate and the effective
federal income tax rate are as follows:
Years Ended December 31 1998 1997 1996
- ------------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Statutory rate -- provision (benefit) 35.0 % (35.0) % 35.0 %
Rate difference -- foreign subsidiaries (51.0) (2.4) (7.5)
Foreign dividends (3.1) 1.3 4.3
State and local taxes, net of federal tax effect (4.4) (3.2) 0.1
Adjustment to prior years' income taxes (41.1) - -
Adjustment to valuation allowance (40.3) - -
All other -- net 3.5 0.5 (0.8)
----------- ----------- -----------
Effective income tax rate (101.4) % (38.8) % 31.1 %
========== =========== ===========
Deferred tax liabilities (assets) are composed of the following:
December 31 (in millions of dollars) 1998 1997
- ---------------------------------------------------------- ------------- ------------
Depreciation and cost of timber harvested $ 1,719.7 $ 1,763.9
Capitalization of interest and deferral of
other costs 30.9 30.4
Other 51.1 79.4
------------- ------------
Gross Liabilities 1,801.7 1,873.7
------------- ------------
Reserve for asset impairment (224.9) (277.7)
Loss and other carryforwards (195.0) (266.2)
Accrued liabilities and reserves (265.3) (207.6)
Postretirement benefits other than pensions (161.3) (155.6)
Other (82.4) (91.3)
------------- ------------
Gross Assets (928.9) (998.4)
------------- ------------
Valuation allowance 1.8 16.9
------------- ------------
874.6 892.2
Asset arising on acquisition (302.8) -
------------- ------------
$ 571.8 $ 892.2
============= ============
24
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
As of December 31, 1998, the company had available, for U.S. income tax return
purposes, alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards of $167 million, which do
not expire. In addition, the company had, for Brazilian income tax return
purposes, operating loss carryforwards of $181 million, which do not expire.
It is the company's intention to reinvest undistributed earnings of certain of
its foreign subsidiaries and thereby indefinitely postpone their remittance.
Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes on undistributed
earnings of $1.3 billion at December 31, 1998. Computation of the potential
deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed earnings is not
practicable.
The valuation allowance at December 31, 1998 primarily relates to state income
tax carryforwards. The decrease in the valuation allowance of $15.1 million for
1998 is primarily due to the resolution of issues with respect to the
utilization of general business and other credit carryforwards.
During 1998 and 1997, purchase accounting adjustments for various acquisitions
resulted in increases in the company's deferred tax asset (included in other
assets) in 1998 of approximately $303 million and decreases in the company's
deferred tax liability of $14 million in 1997. Effective January 1, 1998, the
company changed the functional currency of its Brazilian operations to the
Brazilian Real. As a result, the company recorded a one-time increase to its
deferred tax liabilities of approximately $51.5 million.
25
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 14. Pension and Other Benefit Plans
The company and its subsidiaries have a number of noncontributory pension plans
covering substantially all employees. The plans covering salaried employees
provide pension benefits that generally are based on the employee's compensation
during the 60 months before retirement. Plans covering hourly employees
generally provide benefits of stated amounts for each year of service. The
company bases domestic pension contributions on funding standards established by
the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
During 1997, the company approved a plan to restructure its operations (Note
10). In connection with this plan, the company is in the process of divesting
several non-strategic product segments and intends to reduce the workforce in
its ongoing operations by approximately 2,000 employees, some of whom will be
eligible for enhanced early retirement benefits. The expense associated with
such benefits, together with the curtailment gains or losses, is reflected in
net periodic pension cost and net periodic postretirement costs below.
The net periodic pension cost of these plans in 1998, 1997 and 1996 consisted of
the following:
Years Ended December 31
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Service cost--benefits earned during the period $ 30.8 $ 29.2 $ 26.4
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation 119.4 112.6 106.4
Expected return on plan assets (158.6) (144.5) (121.4)
Net amortization and deferral 5.7 7.1 4.8
Curtailment and termination benefits 0.6 27.6 -
--------------- --------------- ---------------
Net periodic pension cost (income) $ (2.1) $ 32.0 $ 16.2
=============== =============== ===============
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Assumptions used in determining 1998, 1997 and 1996 net
periodic pension cost were:
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 10.0% 10.00% 10.0%
Discount rate 7.5% 7.75% 7.5%
Long-term rate of increase in compensation levels 4.5% 4.75% 4.5%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The components of net periodic pension cost for 1998 and 1997 include the effect
of the special early retirement enhancements that were provided under the
company's profit-improvement program. The amortization of any prior service cost
is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average
remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the
plan.
26
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Other Retiree Benefits
The company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits to eligible
retired employees. Employees are generally eligible for benefits upon retirement
following a specified number of years of service. These benefit plans are
unfunded.
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 1998, 1997 and 1996 includes the
following components:
Years Ended December 31
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
- ----------------------- --------- ---------- -----------
Service cost $ 4.2 $ 3.6 $ 3.8
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation 30.5 28.5 26.9
Amortization of prior service cost (1.8) (2.0) (2.0)
Effect of curtailment - 10.8 -
--------- ---------- -----------
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 32.9 $ 40.9 $ 28.7
========= ========== ===========
================================================================================
Assumptions used in determining 1998, 1997 and
1996 net periodic postretirement benefit cost were:
Discount Rate 7.75% 8.00% 7.75%
================================================================================
A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have
the following effects:
Increase of Decrease of
One Percent One Percent
--------------- ---------------
Effect on total service and interest cost 13% 10%
Effect on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 11% 9%
The components of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 1997 include the
effect of the special early retirement enhancements that were provided under the
company's profit-improvement program. The amortization of any prior service cost
is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average
remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the
plan. The assumed health care cost trend rate used for measurement purposes is
7.4% for 1998, declining ratably to an ultimate rate of 5.0% over a period of
four years.
The changes in the consolidated accrued pension asset for defined benefit plans
and the accrued postretirement benefit obligation are shown below. The
measurement dates used to determine the funded status were September 30, 1998
and 1997. The funded status was adjusted to record the effect of termination
benefits and curtailment resulting from the company's restructuring plan.
Pension benefit obligations for 1998 and 1997 were determined using an assumed
discount rate of 7.0% and 7.5%, respectively, and an assumed average long-term
rate of increase in compensation levels of 4.0% and 4.5%, respectively. The
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was
determined using an assumed discount rate of 7.25% and 7.75%, respectively. Plan
assets consist primarily of listed stocks and bonds.
27
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Pension Benefits Other Retiree Benefits
-------------------------------- ----------------------------------
1998 1997 1998 1997
-------------- --------------- --------------- ---------------
Change in Benefit Obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,651.8 $ 1,509.7 $ 415.3 $ 379.6
Service cost 30.8 29.2 4.2 3.6
Interest cost 119.4 112.6 30.5 28.5
Termination benefits and curtailment 0.6 27.6 - 13.1
Plan amendments 4.8 10.2 - -
Actuarial loss 94.1 73.3 7.2 18.6
Benefits paid (111.6) (106.1) (29.5) (28.1)
Foreign currency exchange rate changes (6.8) (4.7) - -
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
Benefit obligation at end of year $ 1,783.1 $ 1,651.8 $ 427.7 $ 415.3
============= ============= ============ =============
Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 1,839.6 $ 1,549.4 $ - $ -
Foreign currency exchange rate changes (5.0) (3.8) - -
Actual return on plan assets 29.3 383.7 - -
Employer contribution 8.7 16.4 29.5 28.1
Benefits paid (111.6) (106.1) (29.5) (28.1)
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 1,761.0 $ 1,839.6 $ - $ -
============= ============= ============= =============
Funded Status:
Funded status at December 31 $ (22.1) $ 187.8 $ (427.7) $ (415.3)
Actuarial and investment losses (gains) 57.7 (162.5) 43.1 35.9
Prior service cost 36.9 38.0 (18.3) (20.1)
Transition obligation (3.5) (4.6) - -
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
Prepaid (accrued) benefit $ 69.0 $ 58.7 $ (402.9) $ (399.5)
============= ============= ============ =============
Amounts recognized in the consolidated
balance sheet consist of:
Other assets $ 86.5 $ 70.9 $ - $ -
Accrued liabilities - employee benefits - - (30.0) (30.0)
Other liabilities (17.5) (12.2) (372.9) (369.5)
------------- ------------- ------------ -------------
Net amount recognized $ 69.0 $ 58.7 $ (402.9) $ (399.5)
============= ============= ============ =============
The company and its subsidiaries have certain pension plans which, as of
September 30, 1998, had aggregate accumulated benefit obligations of $86 million
and plan assets of $27 million.
The company sponsors several defined contribution plans that provide all
domestic salaried employees and certain domestic hourly employees of the company
an opportunity to accumulate funds for their retirement. The company matches the
contributions of participating employees on the basis of the percentages
specified in the respective plans. Company matching contributions to the plans,
which are invested in shares of the company's common stock, were approximately
$14 million in 1998, $14 million in 1997 and $13 million in 1996.
28
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 15. Business Segments
In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, which
became effective in 1998, the company has changed the way it reports information
about its business segments. The information for 1997 and 1996 has been restated
from the prior years' presentation in order to conform to the 1998 presentation.
The company's businesses have been aggregated into four reportable segments
(North American pulp and paper, Brazilian pulp and paper, distribution and wood
products). The operations within each segment to a substantial degree are
affected by similar economic conditions and have similar products, production
procedures and types of customers. The accounting policies of the segments are
the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
All intersegment sales are market based. Interest expense and interest income
are excluded from the operating income of the business segments.
North American Pulp and Paper: This segment consists of the company's domestic
pulp and paper operations, excluding its distribution business, as well as the
softwood market pulp operations of the company's Canadian subsidiary, Weldwood
of Canada Limited ("Weldwood"). The domestic pulp and paper operations
principally produce and sell coated and uncoated free sheet and groundwood
papers, kraft papers, linerboard and hardwood market pulp.
Brazilian Pulp and Paper: This segment consists primarily of the pulp and paper
operations of the company's Brazilian subsidiary, Champion Papel e Celulose
Ltda. ("CPC"). CPC produces and sells uncoated free sheet papers and coated
groundwood papers. In addition, the segment includes CPC's wood-related
operations.
Distribution: This business consists of the distribution in the United States of
paper, paper products and industrial products produced by the company and
numerous other manufacturers.
Wood Products: This segment includes the timber and wood products operations in
the United States and Canada. The fiber harvested from the timberlands owned and
controlled by the company helps support its pulp and paper and wood products
operations. A portion of the fiber harvested by the company is sold in the
domestic open market and in the export market. The wood products operations
produce and sell lumber and plywood.
29
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Information about the company's operations in different businesses for the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998 is as follows:
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
NET SALES TO UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 3,351.6 $ 3,659.0 $ 3,769.7
Brazil 452.6 322.0 337.4
Distribution 836.0 819.7 857.7
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 4,640.2 4,800.7 4,964.8
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 1,012.8 934.8 915.6
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 5,653.0 $ 5,735.5 $ 5,880.4
============== ================ ===============
INTERSEGMENT SALES
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 148.2 $ 140.0 $ 171.1
Brazil 12.9 5.8 6.5
Distribution 21.2 27.4 28.8
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 182.3 173.2 206.4
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 484.8 517.5 492.2
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 667.1 $ 690.7 $ 698.6
============== ================ ===============
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 166.6 $ 85.0 $ 207.3
Brazil 109.8 61.4 84.9
Distribution 12.5 11.3 14.0
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 288.9 157.7 306.2
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 84.5 104.0 119.4
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSE (39.6) (59.1) (32.9)
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
TOTAL $ 333.8 $ 202.6 $ 392.7
============== ================ ===============
30
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
-------------- ---------------- ---------------
DEPRECIATION EXPENSE AND COST OF TIMBER HARVESTED
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 316.3 $ 349.5 $ 341.5
Brazil 37.3 37.3 30.5
Distribution 3.1 2.8 2.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 356.7 389.6 374.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 114.7 112.5 113.1
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSE 15.5 15.9 14.3
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 486.9 $ 518.0 $ 501.9
============== ================ ================
SEGMENT ASSETS
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 4,050.1 $ 4,753.6 $ 5,668.2
Brazil 1,350.5 1,010.8 976.3
Distribution 187.3 185.8 187.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 5,587.9 5,950.2 6,832.0
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 2,639.2 2,566.9 2,517.6
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
CORPORATE AND OTHER 612.8 593.5 470.4
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 8,839.9 $ 9,110.6 $ 9,820.0
============== ================ ================
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES
PULP AND PAPER
North America $ 223.6 $ 204.1 $ 283.5
Brazil 74.9 78.8 74.1
Distribution 7.0 6.0 10.1
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL PULP AND PAPER 305.5 288.9 367.7
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
WOOD PRODUCTS 118.8 144.5 177.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
CORPORATE AND OTHER 7.9 16.1 36.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 432.2 $ 449.5 $ 581.7
============== ================ ================
31
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Information about the company's operations in different geographic areas for the
three years ended December 31, 1998 is as follows:
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
NET SALES TO UNAFFILIATED CUSTOMERS
United States $ 4,842.7 $ 5,024.6 $ 5,096.6
Brazil 452.6 322.0 337.4
Canada (a) 357.7 388.9 446.4
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 5,653.0 $ 5,735.5 $ 5,880.4
============== ================ ================
LONG-LIVED ASSETS
United States $ 5,344.0 $ 5,929.2 $ 6,766.7
Brazil 698.3 715.4 709.3
Canada 616.9 552.8 542.3
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 6,659.2 $ 7,197.4 $ 8,018.3
============== ================ ================
(a) Intracompany sales of the company's Canadian operations, consisting mainly
of pulp sold to the U.S. operations, were $207 million, $229 million and
$208 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996.
The summary of income (loss) before income taxes for the three years in the
period ended December 31, 1998 is as follows:
(in millions of dollars) 1998 1997 1996
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES
Pulp and paper (North American, Brazilian and Distribution) $ 288.9 $ 157.7 $ 306.2
Wood products 84.5 104.0 119.4
Provision for restructuring (80.0) (891.0) -
General corporate expense (39.6) (59.1) (32.9)
Interest and debt expense (260.9) (240.1) (222.2)
Other income (expense) - net 44.5 31.9 34.5
-------------- ---------------- ----------------
TOTAL $ 37.4 $ (896.6) $ 205.0
============== ================ ================
32
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The company believes that the risks associated with its foreign operations are
somewhat greater than those associated with its domestic operations. Weldwood
and CPC export substantial portions of their products and, as a result, are
affected by currency fluctuations. In addition, Brazil has experienced high
inflation rates for extended periods in the past. In January 1999, the
government of Brazil ceased its efforts to control the rate of devaluation of
the Brazilian currency, the Real, and allowed the exchange rate for the Real to
float freely. The resulting devaluation of the Real improves CPC's competitive
position for its exports, which at any given time account for between 35% and
60% of CPC's sales. However, the devaluation increases the cost of materials
purchased by CPC from suppliers outside of Brazil. In addition, the economic
turmoil in Brazil and possible stringent austerity measures in response thereto
could result in higher taxes, interest rates and inflation and limitations on
government spending. These, in turn, could cause a substantial economic slowdown
in Brazil, with adverse consequences to CPC's domestic business. The company is
not yet in a position to determine the extent of any such adverse effects on its
Brazilian operations.
The company, especially in its pulp and paper segments, continues to be
adversely affected by the economic turmoil in many countries, particularly in
Asia. Exports of pulp and paper by the company, including its Brazilian and
Canadian operations, to the affected countries are not material. However, there
has been an increase in imports of uncoated free sheet papers resulting from a
shift in sales from those troubled markets to North America by various paper
producers; this, in turn, caused a significant decline in North American
uncoated free sheet paper prices during 1998. In addition, the company has
experienced a decline in exports of logs and wood products to the affected
countries.
33
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 16. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
(in millions of dollars, except per share amounts)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
-------------- -------------- ---------------- ---------------
Net Sales: 1998 $ 1,477.0 $ 1,473.8 $ 1,358.0 $ 1,344.2
1997 1,366.7 1,407.5 1,478.4 1,482.9
Gross Profit: 1998 $ 184.6 $ 186.7 $ 176.4 $ 152.3
1997 87.1 129.2 185.4 193.7
Income (Loss) Before Taxes (a): 1998 $ 25.1 $ 43.0 $ 41.9 $ (72.6)
1997 (59.6) (25.6) 30.2 (841.6)
Income Taxes (Benefit) (a,b): 1998 $ 6.1 $ 10.9 $ 10.6 $ (65.5)
1997 (22.5) (14.3) 10.1 (321.4)
Net Income (Loss) (a,b): 1998 $ 19.0 $ 32.1 $ 31.3 $ (7.1)
1997 (37.1) (11.3) 20.2 (520.2)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per
Common Share (a,b): 1998 $ .20 $ .33 $ .33 $ (.07)
1997 (.39) (.12) .21 (5.42)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per
Common Share (a,b): 1998 $ .20 $ .33 $ .32 $ (.07)
1997 (.39) (.12) .21 (5.42)
(a) In the fourth quarter of 1997, the company recorded a provision for
restructuring of $891 million ($552 million after-tax, or $5.76 per
share). (Note 10).
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the company recorded a provision for
restructuring of $80 million ($49 million after-tax, or $.52 per
share). (Note 10).
(b) In the fourth quarter of 1998, the company recorded a benefit of $30
million, or $.32 per share, resulting from the reversal of previously
established reserves that are no longer required.
34
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes to Financial Statements
Note 17. Environmental Liabilities
The company has been designated as a potentially responsible party by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA") under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, and by certain
states under applicable state laws, with respect to the cleanup of hazardous
substances at a number of sites. In the case of many of these sites, other
potentially responsible parties also have been so designated. In addition, the
company and, in certain instances, other responsible parties have entered into
agreements with the EPA and certain states regarding the cleanup of hazardous
substances at various other locations. Also, the company is involved in the
remediation of certain other sites which are not the subject of investigation by
federal or state agencies.
The company cannot predict with certainty the total cost of such cleanups, the
company's share of the total cost of multiparty cleanups or the extent to which
contribution will be available from other parties, or the amount of time
necessary to accomplish such cleanups. However, based upon, among other things,
its previous experience with respect to the cleanup of hazardous substances as
well as the regular detailed review of known hazardous waste sites by the
company, the company has accrued $89 million at December 31, 1998, which
represents its current estimate of the probable cleanup liabilities, including
remediation and legal costs, at all known sites. This accrual does not reflect
any possible future insurance recoveries, but does reflect a reasonable estimate
of cost-sharing at multiparty sites.
Although the company's probable liabilities have been accrued for currently,
hazardous substance cleanup expenditures generally are paid over an extended
period of time, in some cases possibly more than 30 years. Annual cleanup
expenditures during the period from 1996 through 1998 were approximately $4
million, $3 million and $3 million, respectively.
Note 18. Legal Proceedings
The company is involved in legal and administrative proceedings and claims of
various types. While any litigation contains an element of uncertainty,
management, based upon the opinion of the company's General Counsel, presently
believes that the outcome of each such proceeding or claim which is pending or
known to be threatened will not have a material adverse effect on the company.
35
Report of Independent Public Accountants
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors
of Champion International Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of
Champion International Corporation (a New York corporation) and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the related consolidated statements of
income, comprehensive income, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Champion
International Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended December 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.
/s/Arthur Andersen LLP
Stamford, Connecticut
January 18, 1999
36
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Results of Operations
Overall Annual Results
Results for 1998 improved significantly from 1997 but declined from 1996. In
1998, net income was $94 million, or 98 cents per diluted share, before special
items. This compared with 1997 net income of $4 million, or four cents per
share, before a special item, and 1996 net income of $141 million, or $1.48 per
share. Special items in 1998, which were recorded in the fourth quarter,
consisted of a provision for restructuring to recognize additional costs
associated with the divestiture of the company's non-strategic product segments
and a benefit resulting from the reversal of reserves, established in prior
years, that are no longer required. The net effect of these special items was to
reduce earnings by $19 million or 20 cents per share. Including these special
items, the company's net income for 1998 was $75 million, or 78 cents per
diluted share. The special item in 1997 consisted of an after-tax charge of $552
million, or $5.76 per share, related to the restructuring plan.
The improvement from 1997 was primarily due to higher prices for coated and
uncoated groundwood papers and to the progress the company has made in its
profit-improvement program. The decline from 1996 reflected lower operating
income in the wood products segment, mainly due to lower average prices for
Canadian lumber and plywood; lower average prices for all of the company's major
pulp and paper grades; and higher interest and debt expense principally due to
the increased debt associated with the January 1998 acquisition of Inpacel, a
coated groundwood paper company in Brazil.
The company, especially in its pulp and paper segments, continues to be
adversely affected by the economic turmoil in many countries, particularly in
Asia. Exports of pulp and paper by the company, including its Brazilian and
Canadian operations, to the affected countries are not material. However, there
has been an increase in imports of uncoated free sheet papers resulting from a
shift in sales from those troubled markets to North America by various paper
producers; this, in turn, caused a significant decline in North American
uncoated free sheet papers prices during 1998. In addition, the company has
experienced a decline in exports of logs and wood products to the affected
countries. The company believes that these factors, together with the decline in
prices for domestic coated groundwood and free sheet papers and for pulp since
mid-1998, most likely will result in continuing weakness in its pulp and paper
businesses into 1999.
Significant Income Statement Changes
Net sales of $5.7 billion for 1998 and 1997 declined from $5.9 billion in 1996.
Gross profit was $700 million, compared to $595 million in 1997 and $756 million
in 1996. Pre-tax profit of $117 million, before the special items, improved from
a 1997 pre-tax loss of $6 million before the restructuring charge but declined
from pre-tax income of $205 million in 1996.
The improvements in gross profit and pre-tax income from 1997, before special
items, were due primarily to (i) higher prices for coated and uncoated
groundwood papers, (ii) higher operating income at the company's Brazilian
operations due in part to the contribution of Inpacel, and (iii) progress in the
company's profit-improvement program.
37
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In addition, the newsprint business, which was sold by the company in June 1998,
incurred a large operating loss in 1997. The declines in gross profit and
pre-tax income from 1996, before special items, were principally due to higher
wood costs in Canada and lower average prices for lumber and plywood in Canada
and for all of the company's major pulp and paper grades, which more than offset
lower manufacturing costs for pulp, paper and wood products. In addition,
compared to 1996, the decline in net sales reflected the 1998 divestiture of the
newsprint business, and the decline in pre-tax income reflected higher interest
and debt expense.
The aggregate cost of products sold declined from 1997 and 1996, principally due
to lower paper shipments resulting from the sale of the company's newsprint
business.
Selling, general and administrative expenses of $366 million compared to $393
million in 1997 and $363 million in 1996. The decrease from 1997 was principally
the result of the impact of stock price fluctuations on the value of stock
appreciation rights and other stock-based compensation, including the
performance share units described in Note 9 to the consolidated financial
statements. Future stock price volatility would impact the expense associated
with the company's stock-based compensation. The decline also reflected
corporate and sales staff reductions resulting from the company's profit-
improvement program. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased
slightly from 1996 due to the late-1996 acquisition of AMCEL, a forest
plantation and chipping operation in Brazil, and the January 1998 acquisition of
Inpacel.
Interest and debt expense increased from both 1997 and 1996, primarily due to
increased debt associated with the acquisition of Inpacel.
The income tax benefit in 1998 included a benefit of $30 million due to the
reversal of reserves, established prior to 1998, that are no longer required.
Excluding this item, the income tax provision for 1998 was impacted more
favorably than in 1997 and 1996 by the mix of earnings from the company's
operations in North America and Brazil. The tax rate applicable to North
American operations is higher than the Brazilian tax rate.
Provision for Restructuring
On October 7, 1997, the company approved a plan to maximize total shareholder
return by focusing on strategic businesses, increasing profitability and
improving financial discipline. As part of this plan, the company is divesting
several non-strategic product segments and certain timberlands. The plan also
includes a profit-improvement program, one portion of which is a reduction in
the company's world-wide workforce in the businesses remaining after the
divestitures discussed below by 11%, or approximately 2,000 positions, by the
end of 1999. As a result of the plan, in the fourth quarter of 1997, the company
recorded a pre-tax charge of $891 million ($552 million after-tax or $5.76 per
share).
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the company recorded a pre-tax charge of $80
million ($49 million after-tax or 52 cents per share) to recognize additional
costs associated with the divestiture of the company's non-strategic product
segments and certain timberlands. The charge included $60 million of non-cash
expenses for asset impairments and $20 million of one-time cash costs.
38
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Quarterly Results
Earnings per share of 13 cents, before the special items, for the fourth quarter
of 1998 compared to 34 cents per share before the restructuring charge for the
fourth quarter of 1997 and 32 cents per share for the third quarter of 1998. The
decline from the prior quarterly periods reflected lower operating income in the
paper segments, mainly due to lower prices for most of the company's paper
grades and for pulp. The decline from the third quarter also reflected lower
operating profits in the wood products segment primarily due to lower West Coast
log and timber sales, lower lease income and higher purchased wood costs in the
United States.
Pulp, Paper and Distribution
Each of the company's North American and Brazilian pulp and paper segments and
its distribution segment is discussed separately below. For these segments in
the aggregate, operating income of $289 million in 1998 increased from $158
million in 1997 and declined from $306 million in 1996. The principal reasons
for the improvement from 1997 and the decline from 1996 are discussed above
under "Significant Income Statement Changes." Total paper, packaging and pulp
shipments of approximately 5.7 million tons in 1998 decreased from approximately
6.3 million tons in 1997 and 6 million tons in 1996. The decline was primarily
attributable to the sale of the company's newsprint business on June 1, 1998.
Fourth quarter 1998 operating income of $43 million compared with $98 million in
the fourth quarter of 1997 and $69 million in the third quarter of 1998. The
decline from the prior quarterly periods was due to lower prices for most of the
company's paper grades and for pulp as well as market-related and scheduled
capital improvement and maintenance outages.
North American Pulp and Paper Segment
The North American pulp and paper segment consists of the company's domestic
pulp and paper operations, excluding its distribution business, as well as the
softwood market pulp operations at the company's Canadian subsidiary, Weldwood
of Canada Limited ("Weldwood").
Operating income for the company's North American pulp and paper segment of $167
million increased from $85 million in 1997 and declined from $207 million in
1996. Total North American paper, packaging and pulp shipments of approximately
5.1 million tons in 1998 decreased from approximately 5.8 million tons in 1997
and 5.6 million tons in 1996. Fourth quarter operating income of $6 million
declined from $80 million in the fourth quarter of 1997 and $40 million in the
third quarter of 1998.
A summary of shipments and prices of the company's major U.S. paper products is
as follows:
Shipments
(Thousands of Short Tons) Average Price Per Ton
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Product 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
Uncoated Free Sheet 1,511 1,528 1,506 $655 $681 $728
Coated Free Sheet 577 577 548 $923 $969 $1,013
Coated Groundwood 732 809 698 $918 $822 $944
Uncoated Groundwood 320 390 422 $679 $624 $732
Kraft Paper & Linerboard 502 519 503 $364 $352 $397
39
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The mills in the domestic coated papers business are in Bucksport, Maine;
Quinnesec, Michigan; and Sartell, Minnesota. Pulp sales at Quinnesec and
uncoated groundwood papers produced at Sartell also are included in the results
of this business. Operating income for the domestic coated papers business
improved substantially from 1997 and was up from 1996. The improvement from 1997
was principally due to higher prices for coated and uncoated groundwood papers
and lower manufacturing costs, which were partially offset by lower prices for
coated free sheet papers and northern hardwood kraft pulp and lower shipments of
coated groundwood papers. The improvement from 1996 was primarily attributable
to higher shipments of coated groundwood and free sheet papers and lower
manufacturing costs, which more than offset lower prices for all grades and
lower pulp shipments. Fourth quarter operating income was approximately even
with the fourth quarter of 1997 and declined slightly from the third quarter of
1998. The decline from the prior quarter was mainly due to lower prices for
coated groundwood papers, coated free sheet papers and pulp. Prices for coated
groundwood and coated free sheet papers continued to weaken in early 1999. In
order to reduce inventory levels resulting from weak markets for coated
groundwood papers, the company temporarily curtailed production at its Bucksport
mill in January 1999, eliminating approximately 10,000 tons of production.
The mills in the domestic uncoated papers business are in Pensacola, Florida and
Courtland, Alabama. Pulp sales at Pensacola and Courtland and coated free sheet
papers sales at Courtland also are included in the results of this business. The
operating loss in the domestic uncoated papers business represented a
substantial decline from the operating income of both 1997 and 1996. The decline
from both prior years was principally due to lower prices for uncoated free
sheet papers, the principal product of the uncoated papers business, and for
pulp. Shipments declined slightly from 1997 and were approximately even with
1996. The fourth quarter 1998 operating loss represented a significant decrease
from the operating income in the fourth quarter of 1997 and from the smaller
operating loss in the third quarter of 1998. The decline in operating results
from both prior periods was due mainly to substantially lower prices for
uncoated free sheet papers and market-related downtime during the quarter, which
reduced production by approximately 12,000 tons of pulp and 7,800 tons of
uncoated free sheet papers. Prices for uncoated free sheet papers and pulp
remained weak early in 1999.
Linerboard and kraft papers are produced at the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina
mill. Operating income for the kraft papers business declined slightly from 1997
and was down significantly from 1996. The decline from 1997 was principally due
to lower prices for kraft papers and lower overall shipments, partially offset
by higher linerboard prices. The decline from 1996 was mainly due to lower
prices for kraft papers and linerboard. The operating loss for the fourth
quarter of 1998 represented a decline from the operating income of the fourth
quarter of 1997 and the approximately break-even results for the third quarter
1998. The decline from both prior quarters was due to lower shipments and prices
as well as a scheduled capital improvement and maintenance outage at the Roanoke
Rapids mill.
The pulp and paper operations to be divested by the company include the mills at
Canton, North Carolina, including the liquid packaging business; Deferiet, New
York; and Hamilton, Ohio. For these operations, together with the newsprint
business which was sold on June 1, 1998, the operating loss represented an
improvement from the operating losses in 1997 and 1996. The improvement from
1997 was principally due to the operating loss in 1997 at the newsprint business
and higher prices for coated groundwood papers produced at the Deferiet mill.
The improvement from 1996 was mainly due to lower manufacturing costs at the
Canton mill, which more than offset lower prices for most of the major paper
grades. The fourth quarter 1998 operating loss was larger than the operating
loss in the fourth quarter of 1997 but was smaller than the operating loss of
the prior quarter. The larger loss compared to the year- ago quarter was due
principally to lower overall prices for coated and uncoated free sheet papers.
The improvement from the third quarter of 1998 was due to a market-related
outage at the Canton mill that quarter, which more than offset lower prices for
most of the major paper grades in the fourth quarter of 1998. Prices for coated
groundwood papers continued to weaken early in 1999.
40
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weldwood's market pulp operations consist of its mill in Hinton, Alberta and a
50% interest in a joint venture pulp mill in Quesnel, British Columbia. The
operating loss for these operations represented a significant decline from the
operating income in 1997 and in 1996. The decline from both prior years was
mainly due to the lower price and lower shipments of northern bleached softwood
kraft ("NBSK") pulp. The average price for NBSK pulp was (U.S.) $358 per ton in
1998, down from $419 per ton in 1997 and $422 per ton in 1996. Shipments were
582,000 tons in 1998, compared to 622,000 tons in 1997 and 634,000 tons in 1996.
The operating loss for the fourth quarter of 1998 represented a decline from the
operating income for the year-ago quarter and the prior quarter. The decline was
principally due to lower prices and a ten-day outage at the Hinton pulp mill due
to weak markets, which reduced production by approximately 14,000 tons.
Brazilian Pulp and Paper Segment
The Brazilian pulp and paper segment consists primarily of the pulp and paper
operations of the company's Brazilian subsidiary, Champion Papel e Celulose
Ltda. ("CPC"). In addition, the segment includes CPC's wood-related operations.
Operating income of $110 million improved from $61 million in 1997 and $85
million in 1996. The improvement from both prior years was mainly due to the
operating income from Inpacel, which was acquired in January 1998, and lower
manufacturing costs at CPC's uncoated free sheet papers mill. The overall
average price for uncoated free sheet papers was $707 per ton in 1998, compared
to $722 per ton in 1997 and $838 per ton in 1996. The average price for coated
groundwood papers at Inpacel was $852 per ton in 1998. Shipments of uncoated
free sheet papers of 400,000 tons increased from 392,000 tons in 1997 and
389,000 tons in 1996. Coated groundwood papers shipments were 156,000 tons in
1998. Fourth quarter operating income of $34 million improved from $16 million
in the fourth quarter 1997 and $27 million in the prior quarter. The improvement
from fourth quarter 1997 was primarily due to the operating income from Inpacel.
The improvement from the prior quarter was due to lower manufacturing costs,
higher shipments and higher coated groundwood papers prices. See "Foreign
Operations" below.
Distribution Segment
For the company's distribution segment, income from operations of $12 million in
1998 improved from $11 million in 1997 primarily due to higher prices, and
declined from $14 million in 1996 primarily due to lower prices. Fourth quarter
1998 operating income of $3 million improved from $2 million in both the fourth
quarter of 1997 and the third quarter of 1998, primarily due to improved
margins.
Wood Products Segment
A summary of shipments and prices of the company's major wood products is as
follows:
Shipments Price Per Unit
------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Product 1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
U.S.
Lumber - MMBF 452 384 358 $320 $346 $317
Softwood Plywood - MMSF 3/8" 922 906 885 $233 $229 $222
Canada
Lumber - MMBF 809 781 769 $279 $347 $338
Softwood Plywood - MMSF 3/8" 339 278 319 $219 $255 $251
41
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For the company's wood products segment, which includes the wood-related
operations of Weldwood, income from operations of $85 million in 1998 declined
from $104 million in 1997 and $119 million in 1996. The decline from 1997 was
primarily due to lower income from West Coast log and timber sales, lower prices
for lumber in the United States and Canada and for plywood in Canada and the
third quarter, market-related downtime at Weldwood's five sawmills and two
plywood plants in British Columbia. The decline from 1996 was mainly due to
lower lumber and plywood prices in Canada, lower West Coast log and timber sales
and higher wood costs in Canada. Shipments were up from both prior years. Fourth
quarter 1998 operating income of $23 million improved from $11 million in the
fourth quarter of 1997 and declined from $34 million in the third quarter of
1998. The improvement from the fourth quarter of 1997 was due to higher
shipments of lumber and plywood and lower wood costs in Canada. The decline from
last quarter was due mainly to lower West Coast log and timber sales, lower
lease income and higher purchased wood costs in the United States.
Foreign Operations
The company's major foreign operations, which are discussed above under their
respective segment headings, are in Brazil and Canada. Net sales (including
intracompany transfers) for CPC and Weldwood for 1998 were (U.S.) $466 million
and (U.S.) $565 million, respectively, accounting for 8% and 10%, respectively,
of consolidated net sales of the company. Excluding the 1998 restructuring
provision, pre-tax income for CPC and Weldwood of $85 million and $5 million,
respectively, accounted for 72% and 4%, respectively, of consolidated pre-tax
income of the company. Net income for 1998 of CPC and Weldwood was $74 million
and $4 million, respectively, which, excluding the 1998 fourth quarter special
items, accounted for 79% and 4%, respectively, of consolidated net income of the
company. Long-lived assets held by CPC and Weldwood at December 31, 1998 were
$698 million and $617 million, respectively, accounting for 11% and 9%,
respectively, of long-lived assets of the company. With the acquisition of
Inpacel and the divestiture of the newsprint business in 1998 and the plan to
divest certain other non-strategic assets in the United States, foreign
operations overall and Brazilian operations in particular will account for a
larger percentage of the company's sales.
The company believes that the risks associated with its foreign operations are
somewhat greater than those associated with its domestic operations. Weldwood
and CPC export substantial portions of their products and, as a result, are
affected by currency fluctuations. In addition, Brazil has experienced high
inflation rates for extended periods in the past.
In January 1999, the government of Brazil ceased its efforts to control the rate
of devaluation of the Brazilian currency, the Real, and allowed the exchange
rate for the Real to float freely. The resulting devaluation of the Real
improves CPC's competitive position for its exports, which at any given time
account for between 35% and 60% of CPC's sales. However, the devaluation
increases the cost of materials purchased by CPC from suppliers outside of
Brazil. In addition, the economic turmoil in Brazil and possible stringent
austerity measures in response thereto could result in higher taxes, interest
rates and inflation and limitations on government spending. These, in turn,
could cause a substantial economic slowdown in Brazil, with adverse consequences
to CPC's domestic business. The company is not yet in a position to determine
the extent of any such adverse effects on its Brazilian operations.
Due to the devaluation of the Real relative to the U.S. dollar, the dollar value
of the company's net Real-denominated assets in Brazil will decrease, with a
corresponding decrease in shareholders' equity. Depreciation and depletion
expense will decrease due to the decline in the recorded net book value of fixed
assets. In addition, as a result of the devaluation, CPC will record a
translation gain on U.S. dollar-denominated investments and a reduction in
Real-denominated costs.
42
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The company does not anticipate that the conversion to a common European
currency, the euro, by 11 of the 15 members of the European Union, which
occurred on January 1, 1999, will significantly impact the company's competitive
position in Europe or require significant modifications to its business-
information systems. For 1998, export sales to Europe not denominated in U.S.
dollars, excluding the newsprint operations which were divested in June 1998,
were less than 1% of consolidated net sales.
Labor Contracts
The company has labor agreements, which expire between 1999 and 2002, at eight
of its nine domestic paper mills. The only such mills whose labor contracts
expire in 1999 are the Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina kraft mill and the
Deferiet, New York groundwood papers mill. The Quinnesec, Michigan mill is a
non-union facility.
The labor agreements that cover the company's various operations in Brazil are
renegotiated each year. At Weldwood, union contracts covering the wood products
facilities, except the Hinton, Alberta sawmill, will expire in 2000. The union
contract covering the joint venture pulp mill at Quesnel, British Columbia will
expire in 2003. Efforts to reach new labor agreements continue at the Hinton,
Alberta pulp mill and sawmill, which presently are operating under the terms of
their expired contracts.
Financial Condition
General
The company's current ratio was 1.4 to 1 at year-end 1998, year-end 1997 and
year-end 1996. Total debt to total capitalization was 45% at year-end 1998 and
year-end 1997, compared to 39% at year-end 1996.
Significant Balance Sheet Changes
Receivables - net decreased from December 31, 1997 principally due to lower
prices for pulp and paper. Inventories increased from December 31, 1997 mainly
due to decreased shipments of pulp and paper reflecting weak markets. Timber and
timberlands - net increased from December 31, 1997 primarily due to the
acquisition of Sunpine Forest Products Ltd. ("Sunpine") in September 1998. The
sale of the newsprint business in June 1998 was the primary reason for the
decreases from December 31, 1997 in property, plant and equipment and
accumulated depreciation. The acquisition of Inpacel in January 1998 was the
principal reason for the increase from December 31, 1997 in other assets and
deferred charges, and other liabilities. Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities decreased from year-end 1997 mainly due to the timing of payments
and the sale of the newsprint business. Effective January 1, 1998, the company
changed the functional currency of its Brazilian operations to the Brazilian
Real. As a result of this change, the company recorded a one-time balance sheet
adjustment, increasing its deferred tax liability by $52 million with a
corresponding increase in cumulative translation adjustment in the accumulated
other comprehensive income component of shareholders' equity. The decrease from
December 31, 1997 in the deferred income tax liability was mainly due to the
deferred income tax benefit of $62 million included in the 1998 income tax
provision and the impact of changes in the Canadian and Brazilian currencies
relative to the U.S. dollar, partially offset by the one-time balance sheet
adjustment resulting from the change in the functional currency of the Brazilian
operations. The weakening of the Canadian and Brazilian currencies relative to
the U.S. dollar resulted in a $95 million increase in cumulative translation
adjustment from December 31, 1997 in the accumulated other comprehensive income
component of shareholders' equity.
43
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For a discussion of changes in long-term debt (including current installments),
short-term borrowings and cash and cash equivalents, see below.
Cash Flows Statement - General
1998
- ----
In 1998, the company's net cash provided by operating activities and asset
sales, principally the June 1998 sale of the company's newsprint operations,
exceeded the requirements of its investing activities (principally capital
expenditures and the acquisitions of Inpacel and Sunpine). The excess was used
primarily to pay a portion of the company's long-term debt (including current
installments). In 1998, net long-term and short-term debt payments were $420
million. Long-term debt (including current installments) and short-term
borrowings in the aggregate decreased by $144 million, as the reduction in U.S.
debt outstanding was partially offset by the $277 million of debt of Inpacel and
$56 million of debt of Sunpine outstanding at the time of their acquisitions.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $25 million to a total of $300 million,
$150 million of which was held by the company's Brazilian subsidiary.
1997
- ----
In 1997, the company's net cash provided by operating activities, asset sales
and financing activities exceeded the requirements of its investing activities
(principally capital expenditures) and financing activities (principally debt
payments and cash dividends). The excess was used to increase cash and cash
equivalents by $100 million to a total of $275 million. In 1997, net borrowings
generated cash proceeds of $89 million; long-term debt (including current
installments) and short-term borrowings in the aggregate increased by $116
million. The approximately equal increases in cash and cash equivalents and debt
were attributable largely to a financing in December 1997, a portion of the
proceeds of which was used to repay debt as it matured in early 1998.
1996
- ----
In 1996, the company's net cash provided by operating activities and asset sales
was not sufficient to meet the requirements of its investing activities
(principally capital expenditures and the acquisitions of Lake Superior Land
Company ("Lake Superior") and Amapa Florestal e Celulose ("AMCEL")) and the
company's financing activities (principally debt payments, cash dividends, the
purchase of shares of the company's common stock and the purchase by Weldwood of
all of its publicly held shares). The difference was financed through borrowings
and the use of cash and cash equivalents. In 1996, net borrowings generated cash
proceeds of $189 million; long-term debt (including current installments)
increased by $260 million, including a $44 million mortgage loan of Lake
Superior and $35 million of debt from AMCEL which were outstanding at the time
of their respective acquisitions. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $142
million in 1996 to a total of $175 million. A substantial portion of the
company's cash deficit in 1996 was attributable to the acquisitions of Lake
Superior and AMCEL and to Weldwood's share purchase.
Cash Flows Statement - Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities of $566 million increased from $485
million in 1997 and $438 million in 1996. The increase from 1997 was mainly due
to higher earnings, excluding special items, a decrease in receivables and lower
income tax payments, partially offset by an increase in inventories and lower
non-cash expenses for amortization and stock-based compensation. The increase
from 1996 was mainly due to lower income tax payments, an increase in other
liabilities and a decrease in pension contributions, which more than offset
lower earnings, a higher increase in inventories and a decrease in deferred
income taxes.
44
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Flows Statement - Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities of $67 million decreased from $465 million
in 1997 and $554 million in 1996. The decrease from 1997 primarily reflected the
divestiture of certain facilities, principally the company's newsprint
operations, for an aggregate of $482 million, which more than offset net cash
payments of $104 million in connection with the acquisitions of Inpacel and
Sunpine. The decrease from 1996 was primarily due to the divestitures and lower
capital expenditures, which were partially offset by proceeds from the sale of
investments in 1996.
In 1998, CPC acquired Inpacel for $75 million before netting $17 million of cash
and cash equivalents owned by Inpacel (as well as outstanding debt of $277
million and $55 million of other liabilities); and Weldwood acquired Sunpine for
$46 million (as well as outstanding debt of $56 million and $16 million of other
liabilities). Inpacel, a Brazilian company, owns a pulp and coated groundwood
papers mill, a small sawmill and 125,000 acres of timberlands, all of which are
located in the State of Parana, Brazil. Sunpine's facilities, located in
Alberta, Canada, include a sawmill, a lumber-treating plant, a veneer mill and a
laminated-veneer lumber plant. In addition, Sunpine is responsible for a forest
management area of 1.5 million acres under license from the Province of Alberta.
In 1997, the company purchased from Fort James Corporation 140,000 acres of
forestlands in central Maine as well as a stud mill in Passadumkeag, Maine for
$46 million. In 1996, the company acquired Lake Superior for $76 million (as
well as an outstanding $44 million mortgage loan), and CPC acquired AMCEL for
$60 million (as well as $35 million of outstanding debt). Lake Superior owns
290,000 acres of forestlands in Michigan and Wisconsin. AMCEL is a Brazilian
company that owns 438,000 acres of land and a chip mill in the State of Amapa,
Brazil. In 1997, the company received $43 million of proceeds from sales of
timberlands and fixed assets. In 1996, the company received $101 million of
proceeds from redemptions of investments and $40 million from sales of
timberlands and fixed assets.
Cash Flows Statement - Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities of $474 million compared to net cash
provided by financing activities of $80 million in 1997 and net cash used in
financing activities of $26 million in 1996. The change from 1997 was primarily
due to the reduction in long-term debt (including current installments) and the
acquisition of treasury stock in 1998. The change from 1996 was primarily due to
the reduction in long- term debt (including current installments) in 1998, which
more than offset the purchase of the Weldwood shares in 1996.
At December 31, 1998, the company had no U.S. commercial paper, current
maturities of long-term debt and other short-term obligations classified as
long-term debt, compared to $345 million at year-end 1997 and $7 million at
year-end 1996. At December 31, 1998, December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1996, no
notes were outstanding under the company's U.S. bank lines of credit.
Domestically, at December 31, 1998, the company had unused bank lines of credit
of $1.1 billion. At December 31, 1998, Weldwood had unused bank lines of credit
of approximately (U.S.) $50 million.
During 1998, the company borrowed $17 million through the issuance of long-term,
tax-exempt bonds.
The annual principal payment requirements under the terms of all long-term debt
agreements for the years 1999 through 2003 are $228 million, $236 million, $244
million, $41 million and $36 million, respectively.
45
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Expenditures
Capital expenditures, including contract timber, reforestation and capitalized
interest, were $432 million in 1998 compared to $449 million in 1997 and $582
million in 1996. The company presently anticipates that capital expenditures
will be approximately $490 million in 1999, all of which is expected to be
financed through internally generated funds and the use of cash and cash
equivalents.
At the Bucksport, Maine mill, the company completed a project to modernize the
No. 5 paper machine in 1998. The total project cost was approximately $34
million.
At the Pensacola, Florida mill, in 1998 the company completed an
alkaline-conversion project and a project to modernize the No. 5 paper machine.
The total cost of these projects was approximately $40 million.
In 1997, the company began an alkaline-conversion project and various
environmental improvement projects at the Courtland, Alabama mill. These
projects are expected to be completed in 1999 at a total cost of approximately
$103 million, of which approximately $83 million had been expended as of
December 31, 1998.
In 1998, various pre-construction activities began with respect to a gas-fired
turbine cogeneration project at the Bucksport, Maine mill. The company will own
28% of the project, which is expected to provide lower-cost electricity and
steam to the mill and significantly reduce the mill's air emissions. The project
is expected to be completed in 2000 at a cost of approximately $110 million (the
company's share of which will be approximately $31 million). Approximately $55
million will be expended in 1999. The company's 28% share of the expected 1999
expenditures is not included in the anticipated capital expenditures amount set
forth above.
In 1999, the company will begin a project to modernize the No. 3 paper machine
at the Sartell, Minnesota mill. The project is expected to be completed in 2000
at a cost of approximately $47 million, of which approximately $34 million will
be expended in 1999.
In 1999, the company will begin an alkaline-conversion project and various
production-improvement projects at the Mogi Guacu, Brazil mill. These projects
are expected to be completed in 2000 at a cost of approximately $49 million.
Approximately $33 million will be expended in 1999.
The company has under consideration the possible establishment of a new chipping
operation in the State of Amapa, Brazil, and the possible construction of a pulp
and paper mill at Tres Lagoas, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Approximately $275 million had been expended as of December 31, 1998 in
connection with these projects, including land acquisition and reforestation.
Approximately $22 million will be expended in 1999.
Divestiture Program
In June 1998, the company sold its newsprint business, including related working
capital, and its Texas recycling centers for $459 million. In September 1998,
the company sold its tray plant in Belvidere, Illinois for $22.5 million. No
gains or losses from these sales were recorded. In December 1998, the company
agreed to sell approximately 300,000 acres of timberlands in the northeast for
$76.2 million. The transaction is expected to close in mid-1999. The company is
continuing to actively pursue the sale of its mill in Canton, North Carolina,
including its liquid packaging business; its mill in Hamilton, Ohio; and its
mill in Deferiet, New York. In addition, the company has offered for sale
approximately 54,000 acres of timberlands in North Carolina and Tennessee.
46
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Environment
Environmental Capital Expenditures
The company is subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations
relating to the discharge of materials into the environment and to the disposal
of solid waste. These laws and regulations require the company to obtain permits
and licenses from appropriate governmental authorities with respect to its
facilities and to operate its facilities in compliance with such permits and
licenses.
In order to meet the standards established by the various federal, state and
local environmental laws and regulations to which the company is subject, the
company is required to invest substantial amounts in pollution abatement
facilities. During the period from 1994 through 1998, the company spent
approximately $206 million in its domestic operations to purchase and install
systems to control the discharge of pollutants into air and water and to dispose
of solid wastes. In 1998, capital expenditures incurred in the United States for
environmental purposes were $48 million. In view of changing environmental laws
and regulations and their interpretation, as well as the uncertainties and
variables inherent in business planning, it is not possible for the company to
predict with certainty the amount of capital expenditures to be incurred for
environmental purposes in the future. However, the company estimates that
capital expenditures for air and water pollution control systems and solid waste
disposal systems in the United States will be approximately $22 million in 1999
and $26 million in 2000. In carrying forward its environmental program, the
company will commit additional amounts for environmental purposes in years
subsequent to 2000. Preliminary estimates indicate that for the period from 2001
through 2003 capital expenditures for air and water pollution control facilities
and solid waste disposal facilities in the United States will aggregate
approximately $24 million. The environmental capital expenditures described in
this paragraph are included in the respective past and estimated 1999 capital
expenditure amounts set forth above under "Capital Expenditures."
Although some pollution control and solid waste disposal facilities produce
improvements in operating efficiency, most increase product costs without
enhancing capacity or operating efficiency. However, since other paper and
forest products companies also are subject to environmental laws and
regulations, the company does not believe that compliance with such laws and
regulations will have a material adverse effect on its competitive position.
Effluent Discharge from Pensacola, Florida Mill
As previously reported, the company has been evaluating relocating the point of
discharge for the effluent from its Pensacola, Florida mill. The results of a
scientific report were submitted to the Florida Department of Environmental
Protection in February 1999. The company has decided to seek a renewal of its
wastewater discharge permit at the existing point of discharge while additional
study is conducted with respect to certain issues raised in the scientific
report.
New EPA Air and Water Regulations
In 1997, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the "EPA")
promulgated regulations, known as the "Cluster Rule", pursuant to the federal
Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 and the federal Clean Water Act. Compliance is
required as early as 2001 for certain provisions and as late as 2006 for other
provisions of the Cluster Rule. Further regulations are expected to be proposed
in the future. Compliance with such further regulations is expected to be
required within three years after each becomes final.
47
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As previously reported, trace amounts of dioxin were found in the pulp, sludge
and effluent at some bleached kraft mills in the United States and Canada,
including certain of the company's mills. The water-related provisions of the
Cluster Rule are based upon the substitution of chlorine dioxide for elemental
chlorine, which reduces the potential for the formation of dioxin in the
pulp-bleaching process. This technology already has been installed at most, and
by the end of 2000 will be in place at all, of the company's fully bleached
kraft mills in the United States.
The company presently expects that it will incur capital expenditures to meet
the requirements of the Cluster Rule and state air toxics regulations,
additional to those set forth above under "Capital Expenditures" and
"Environmental Capital Expenditures," in the range of $25 million to $50 million
over the period of approximately 1999 through 2006.
Great Lakes Initiative
The company may incur capital expenditures, additional to those set forth above
under "Capital Expenditures" and "Environmental Capital Expenditures," in order
to meet the requirements of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978 and
the Great Lakes Critical Programs Act of 1990. Pursuant thereto, in March 1995,
the EPA issued guidance to the states regarding water quality standards for the
waters of the Great Lakes and their tributaries. The company is awaiting the
issuance of implementing regulations by the environmental agencies of the
affected states in order to determine the extent of any additional costs and the
period over which they will be incurred. As a result, the company is not yet in
a position to provide a meaningful estimate of any such costs.
Nitrogen Oxide Regulations
In September 1998, the EPA issued final regulations requiring a 60% reduction in
Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions in 22 states. The states are required to submit
plans by September 1999 for reducing NOx emissions from industrial sources and
to implement their plans by 2003. Six of the company's mills are located in the
affected states. Based upon a preliminary review of the regulations, the company
presently anticipates that it could incur capital expenditures of $20 million to
$40 million over a multi-year period to comply with the regulations.
Approximately one-third of the estimated costs are attributable to the Canton,
North Carolina and Hamilton, Ohio mills, which the company has offered for sale.
These estimated expenditures assume that the technology identified by the EPA is
capable of achieving the NOx reductions projected by the EPA, which the company
has not independently confirmed. The cost of this project is not included in the
capital expenditure information set forth above under "Capital Expenditures" or
"Environmental Capital Expenditures."
Hazardous Substance Cleanup
The company has been designated as a potentially responsible party by the EPA
under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act
of 1980, and by certain states under applicable state laws, with respect to the
cleanup of hazardous substances at a number of sites. In the case of many of
these sites, other potentially responsible parties also have been so designated.
In addition, the company and, in certain instances, other responsible parties
have entered into agreements with the EPA and certain states regarding the
cleanup of hazardous substances at various other locations. Also, the company is
involved in the remediation of certain other sites which are not the subject of
investigation by federal or state agencies. The cost of all such cleanups is not
capitalized and, accordingly, is not included in the capital expenditure
information set forth above under "Capital Expenditures" and "Environmental
Capital Expenditures."
48
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The company cannot predict with certainty the total cost of such cleanups, the
company's share of the total cost of multiparty cleanups or the extent to which
contribution will be available from other parties, or the amount of time
necessary to accomplish such cleanups. However, based upon, among other things,
its previous experience with respect to the cleanup of hazardous substances as
well as the regular detailed review of known hazardous waste sites by the
company, the company has developed an estimate of its probable cleanup
liabilities. This estimate includes remediation and legal costs with respect to
properties presently or formerly owned or operated by the company or its
predecessors as well as properties, such as municipal or county landfills, owned
and operated by third parties to which the company or its contractor sent waste
material. The company has accrued $89 million at December 31, 1998, on a
non-discounted basis, which represents its current estimate of the probable
cleanup liabilities at all known sites. This accrual does not reflect any
possible insurance recoveries, but does reflect a reasonable estimate of
cost-sharing at multiparty sites.
Although the company's probable liabilities have been accrued for currently,
hazardous substance cleanup expenditures generally are paid over an extended
period of time, in some cases possibly more than 30 years. Annual cleanup
expenditures during the period from 1996 through 1998 were approximately $4
million, $3 million and $3 million, respectively.
Other
Year 2000 Computer Issue
The company, as well as its customers and suppliers and the financial
institutions and governmental entities with which it deals (collectively, "Third
Parties"), utilize information systems that will be affected by the date change
to the year 2000. Many of these systems, if not modified or replaced, will be
unable to properly recognize and process date-sensitive information before, on
and after January 1, 2000.
State of Readiness
In early 1996, the company organized a Year 2000 project team to assess the
impact of the Year 2000 issue on its operations, develop plans to address the
issue and implement compliance. The project team developed a company-wide Year
2000 remediation plan which consists of a five-step process with respect to the
company's own systems: (1) planning; (2) inventory (identification of systems
that require reprogramming or replacement); (3) analysis (assessment of risks,
identification of where failures may occur and development of solutions); (4)
programming (remediation and/or replacement of non- compliant systems); and (5)
testing. The project team also developed plans to seek information regarding and
to assess the Year 2000 compliance status and remediation efforts of major Third
Parties.
The company's information systems consist of business-information systems and
process-control systems. The business-information systems support financial and
administrative processes such as order entry, payroll, accounts payable and
accounts receivable. The process-control systems are used primarily in
manufacturing operations; they include information-technology systems as well as
embedded technology, such as chips embedded in various machine components.
With respect to the business-information systems, the planning, inventory,
analysis and programming stages are completed and the testing stage is
substantially completed. The company expects to finish testing by mid-1999.
49
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With respect to the process-control systems, the planning and inventory stages
are completed and the analysis and programming stages are substantially
completed. The company expects to complete those stages and conduct and finish
testing by mid-1999. This schedule assumes timely assistance by the vendors of
certain process-control systems in the remediation of such systems. The vendors
of those systems that are essential to the company's operations have provided or
agreed to provide such assistance.
The Year 2000 issue also will impact the information systems of Third Parties.
The company, through meetings in some cases and written requests in others, is
in the process of seeking to ascertain and assess the progress of major Third
Parties in identifying and addressing problems with respect to the Year 2000
issue. Many of these Third Parties have indicated that they expect to
successfully address the issue in timely fashion. Some others, however, have not
yet provided information regarding their state of readiness or have provided
responses deemed unsatisfactory by the company. The company will continue to
seek and to assess information regarding Year 2000 compliance by major Third
Parties.
No significant information technology projects have been deferred as a result of
the company's Year 2000 program.
Estimated Cost of Remediation
The company currently estimates total expenditures of approximately $20 million,
of which approximately $10 million had been expended as of December 31, 1998, to
make the required Year 2000 modifications and replacements to its own systems.
Approximately two-thirds of the estimated total cost is associated with the
remediation and replacement of process-control systems. All modification and
maintenance costs, including costs to replace embedded technology that does not
significantly extend the life or improve the performance of the related asset,
are expensed as incurred. Costs to purchase new hardware and software and to
replace embedded technology that does significantly extend the life or improve
the performance of the related asset are capitalized and depreciated over the
assets' useful lives. All of these costs are being funded through internal cash
flow. The estimated total cost does not include any expenditures that may be
incurred in connection with the implementation of contingency plans, discussed
below.
Most Reasonably Likely Worst-Case Scenario
The company currently believes that it will be able to modify or replace its own
affected systems in timely fashion so as to minimize detrimental effects on its
operations, subject to timely assistance by the vendors of certain
process-control systems. The company has received written assurances regarding
Year 2000 compliance from some, but not all, Third Parties with respect to their
own systems and is not in a position to reliably predict whether Third Parties
will experience remediation problems. If the company or major Third Parties fail
to successfully address the Year 2000 issue, there could be a material adverse
impact on the business and results of operations of the company. For example,
while the company self-generates approximately 55% of its electrical power
requirements, it purchases the balance from outside sources. If the electrical
power grid is disrupted as the result of Year 2000 systems failures, the company
expects to curtail production until the grid is restored.
The company has not determined the most reasonably likely worst-case scenario
that would result from any failure by the company or Third Parties to resolve
the Year 2000 issue. The company is considering this matter in connection with
its development of contingency plans, discussed below. However, such a scenario
could include a temporary curtailment or cessation of manufacturing operations
at one or more of the company's facilities, with a resulting loss of production;
safety and environmental exposures; a temporary inability on the part of the
company to process orders and deliver finished products to customers on a timely
basis; and, in the event of Year 2000 disruptions in the
50
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
operations of the company's customers, increased inventory and receivable
levels. If these various events were to occur, they would result in lower sales,
earnings and cash flows. However, failure to meet critical milestones identified
in company plans would provide advance notice and steps would be taken to
prevent injuries to employees and others, to prevent environmental contamination
and to minimize the loss of production.
Contingency Plans
The company is in the process of developing contingency plans to address and
mitigate the potential risks associated with the most reasonably likely
worst-case scenario, and expects to have such plans in place by mid-1999. Such
plans may include, among other things, seeking alternative sources of supply,
stockpiling raw materials and increasing inventory levels.
The company's Year 2000 program is an ongoing process. Estimates of remediation
costs and completion dates as well as projections of the possible effects of any
non-compliance are subject to change.
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities." The Statement, which will be effective for the company
beginning in the fiscal year 2000, establishes accounting and reporting
standards requiring that every derivative instrument be recorded in the balance
sheet as either an asset or a liability measured at its fair value. The
Statement requires that changes in each derivative's fair value be recognized in
earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.
The company has not yet quantified the anticipated impact on the financial
statements of adopting the Statement. However, given the current level of the
company's derivative and hedging activities, the impact is not expected to be
material.
Financial Market Risk
The company's financial market risk arises from fluctuations in interest rates
and foreign currencies.
Most of the company's debt obligations at year-end 1998 were at fixed interest
rates. Consequently, a 10% change in market interest rates would not have a
material effect on the company's 1999 pre-tax earnings or cash flows.
The company has no material sensitivity to changes in foreign currency exchange
rates on its derivative financial instrument position. The company does not hold
financial instruments for trading purposes.
Asset Replacement Value
The industry in which the company operates is capital intensive. Due to
inflation, the company's property, plant and equipment, and timber and
timberlands, could not be replaced for the historical cost value at which they
are reflected in the company's financial statements. On a current cost basis,
depreciation expense and cost of timber harvested would be greater than reported
on a historical cost basis.
51
Champion International Corporation and Subsidiaries
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eleven-Year Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share amounts and ratio data) 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
- ------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Earnings:
Net Sales $ 5,653 $ 5,736 $ 5,880 $ 6,972 $ 5,318
Depreciation expense and cost of timber harvested 487 518 502 471 459
Gross profit 700 595 756 1,816 565
Provision for restructuring 80 891 - - -
Interest and debt expense 261 240 222 226 235
Other (income) expense - net (45) (32) (35) (33) (57)
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting changes 37 (897) 205 1,237 88
Income taxes (benefit) (38) (348) 64 465 25
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes 75 (549) 141 772 63
Extraordinary item, net of taxes - - - - -
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes - - - - -
Net income (loss) 75 (549) 141 772 63
Per Common Share (a):
Basic earnings (loss) $ 0.79 $ (5.72) $ 1.48 $ 8.01 $ 0.38
Diluted earnings (loss) 0.78 (5.72) 1.48 7.67 0.38
Cash dividends declared 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Cash dividends paid 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20
Shareholders' equity 32.39 33.39 39.30 38.12 31.25
Financial Position:
Current assets $ 1,439 $ 1,448 $ 1,316 $ 1,583 $ 1,179
Timber and timberlands - net 2,430 2,397 2,365 2,008 1,847
Property, plant and equipment - net 4,229 4,800 5,653 5,514 5,603
Other assets and deferred charges 742 466 486 438 335
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total assets $ 8,840 $ 9,111 $ 9,820 $ 9,543 $ 8,964
========= ========== ========= ========= =========
Current liabilities $ 1,048 $ 1,020 $ 944 $ 1,080 $ 1,034
Long-term debt 2,948 3,194 3,085 2,828 2,889
Other liabilities 787 693 671 769 740
Deferred income taxes 961 994 1,364 1,219 1,040
$92.50 convertible preference stock - - - - 300
Shareholders' equity 3,096 3,210 3,756 3,647 2,961
--------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 8,840 $ 9,111 $ 9,820 $ 9,543 $ 8,964
========= ========== ========= ========= =========
Other Statistics:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment $ 305 $ 321 $ 461 $ 368 $ 225
Timber and timberlands expenditures $ 127 $ 128 $ 121 $ 257 $ 104
U.S. timber acreage owned or controlled 5.0 5.4 5.3 5.3 5.1
Common shares outstanding at year-end 96 96 96 96 93
Dividends declared on preference shares $ - $ - $ - $ 13 $ 28
Dividends declared on common shares $ 19 $ 19 $ 19 $ 19 $ 19
Current ratio 1.4 1.4 1.4 1.5 1.1
Ratio of total debt to total capitalization .45:1 .45:1 .39:1 .38:1 .43:1
Return on average shareholders' equity and $92.50
convertible preference stock before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of accounting changes 2.4% (b) (15.7)% (b) 3.8% 22.6 % 2.0%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eleven-Year Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share amounts and ratio data) 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989
- ------------------------------------------------------------ ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------- -----------
Earnings:
Net Sales $ 5,069 $ 4,926 $ 4,786 $ 5,090 $ 5,163
Depreciation expense and cost of timber harvested 443 411 342 323 279
Gross profit 359 362 454 800 1,048
Provision for restructuring - - - - -
Interest and debt expense 224 206 211 156 136
Other (income) expense - net 7 (143) (110) (85) (93)
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting changes (165) 10 78 420 726
Income taxes (benefit) (31) (4) 38 197 294
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes (134) 14 40 223 432
Extraordinary item, net of taxes (14) - - - -
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes (8) (454) - - -
Net income (loss) (156) (440) 40 223 432
Per Common Share (a):
Basic earnings (loss) $ (1.98) $ (5.05) $ 0.14 $ 2.11 $ 4.56
Diluted earnings (loss) (1.98) (5.05) 0.14 2.08 4.43
Cash dividends declared 0.20 0.20 0.20 1.10 1.10
Cash dividends paid 0.20 0.20 0.43 1.10 1.08
Shareholders' equity 31.23 33.53 39.02 39.10 38.12
Financial Position:
Current assets $ 1,114 $ 1,142 $ 1,162 $ 1,104 $ 1,074
Timber and timberlands - net 1,839 2,012 1,666 1,645 1,613
Property, plant and equipment - net 5,802 5,763 5,386 5,117 4,404
Other assets and deferred charges 388 464 442 485 440
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total assets $ 9,143 $ 9,381 $ 8,656 $ 8,351 $ 7,531
========== ========== =========== ========== ========
Current liabilities $ 772 $ 786 $ 794 $ 801 $ 804
Long-term debt 3,316 3,291 2,978 2,689 2,025
Other liabilities 728 686 235 231 208
Deferred income taxes 1,077 1,159 678 651 605
$92.50 convertible preference stock 300 300 300 300 300
Shareholders' equity 2,950 3,159 3,671 3,679 3,589
---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 9,143 $ 9,381 $ 8,656 $ 8,351 $ 7,531
========== ========== =========== ========== ========
Other Statistics:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment $ 476 $ 623 $ 604 $ 959 $ 916
Timber and timberlands expenditures $ 130 $ 95 $ 58 $ 88 $ 78
U.S. timber acreage owned or controlled 5.1 6.0 6.2 6.4 6.4
Common shares outstanding at year-end 93 93 93 93 93
Dividends declared on preference shares $ 28 $ 28 $ 28 $ 28 $ 2
Dividends declared on common shares $ 19 $ 19 $ 19 $ 102 $ 104
Current ratio 1.4 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.3
Ratio of total debt to total capitalization .44:1 .42:1 .40:1 .38:1 .32:1
Return on average shareholders' equity and $92.50
convertible preference stock before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of accounting changes (4.0)% 0.4% 1.0% 5.6% 12.2%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eleven-Year Selected Financial Data
(in millions, except per share amounts and ratio data) 1988
- ------------------------------------------------------------- ------------
Earnings:
Net Sales $ 5,129
Depreciation expense and cost of timber harvested 260
Gross profit 1,141
Provision for restructuring -
Interest and debt expense 161
Other (income) expense - net (30)
Income (loss) before income taxes, extraordinary item
and cumulative effect of accounting changes 730
Income taxes (benefit) 274
Income (loss) before extraordinary item and cumulative
effect of accounting changes 456
Extraordinary item, net of taxes -
Cumulative effect of accounting changes, net of taxes -
Net income (loss) 456
Per Common Share (a):
Basic earnings (loss) $ 4.80
Diluted earnings (loss) 4.65
Cash dividends declared 0.95
Cash dividends paid 0.90
Shareholders' equity 35.06
Financial Position:
Current assets $ 986
Timber and timberlands - net 1,581
Property, plant and equipment - net 3,702
Other assets and deferred charges 431
----------
Total assets $ 6,700
==========
Current liabilities $ 699
Long-term debt 1,909
Other liabilities 273
Deferred income taxes 474
$92.50 convertible preference stock -
Shareholders' equity 3,345
----------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 6,700
==========
Other Statistics:
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment $ 585
Timber and timberlands expenditures $ 88
U.S. timber acreage owned or controlled 6.4
Common shares outstanding at year-end 95
Dividends declared on preference shares $ -
Dividends declared on common shares $ 91
Current ratio 1.4
Ratio of total debt to total capitalization .34:1
Return on average shareholders' equity and $92.50
convertible preference stock before extraordinary
item and cumulative effect of accounting changes 14.5%
(a) Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for 1998 and 1997 include the
provisions for restructuring of ($.52) and ($5.76), respectively.
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for 1993 include the cumulative
effect of an accounting change of ($.08) and an extraordinary item for
early retirement of debt of ($.15).
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share for 1992 include the cumulative
effect of accounting changes of ($4.90).
(b) Includes the 1998 provision for restructuring of $80 million ($49 million
after-tax) and the 1997 provision for restructuring of $891 million ($552
million after-tax).
52
Common Stock
Prices and Dividends Paid Quarterly sales prices for the company's
common stock as reported on the New York
Stock Exchange composite tape, and quarterly
dividends paid, in 1998 and 1997 were:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31
-------- ------- ------------ -----------
1998
- ----
High $ 57 1/2 $ 58 7/16 $ 49 15/16 $ 44 1/2
Low 43 3/8 44 3/4 29 1/2 25 11/16
Dividends Paid .05 .05 .05 .05
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997
- ----
High $ 47 3/8 $ 55 7/16 $ 65 5/16 $ 66 1/2
Low 41 3/8 42 1/4 55 1/4 43 1/16
Dividends Paid .05 .05 .05 .05
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
53