1 FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) [X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 OR [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from.............to..................... Commission file number 1-13948 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 62-1612879 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S.Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 100 NORTH POINT CENTER EAST SUITE 600 ALPHARETTA, GEORGIA 30022-8246 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) 1-800-514-0186 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) NO CHANGE (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X. No . ---- ---- As of September 30, 1997, 16,065,203 shares of the Corporation's common stock, par value $.10 per share, together with preferred stock purchase rights associated therewith, were outstanding. 2 PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE THREE MONTHS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, --------------------------- ---------------------------- 1997 1996 1997 1996 ----- ----- ---- ---- Net Sales.................................................$ 113.4 $ 118.5 $ 342.7 $ 355.8 Cost of products sold................................ 83.1 89.9 248.1 268.6 --------- --------- --------- -------- Gross Profit.............................................. 30.3 28.6 94.6 87.2 Selling expense...................................... 4.3 4.6 13.0 13.7 Research expense..................................... 1.6 1.3 4.7 4.4 General expense...................................... 3.8 3.9 12.4 12.5 --------- --------- --------- -------- Operating Profit.......................................... 20.6 18.8 64.5 56.6 Interest expense..................................... (1.1) (1.4) (3.1) (4.1) Other income (expense), net.......................... 0.6 0.3 1.2 0.4 --------- --------- --------- -------- Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interest.......... 20.1 17.7 62.6 52.9 Provision for income taxes........................... 7.4 6.6 23.2 19.8 -------- --------- --------- -------- Income Before Minority Interest........................... 12.7 11.1 39.4 33.1 Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary.......... 1.5 1.3 4.2 3.4 --------- --------- --------- -------- Net Income................................................$ 11.2 $ 9.8 $ 35.2 $ 29.7 ========= ========= ========= ======== Net Income per Common Share...............................$ .70 $ .61 $ 2.19 $ 1.85 ========= ========= ========= ======== Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share..................$ .15 $ .15 $ .45 $ .30 ========= ========= ========= ======== See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 2 3 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS (UNAUDITED) SEPTEMBER 30, DECEMBER 31, 1997 1996 - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ASSETS Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents..................................................... $ 30.6 $ 30.9 Accounts receivable........................................................... 62.4 65.1 Inventories................................................................... 59.1 49.2 Deferred income tax benefits.................................................. 3.0 3.3 Prepaid expenses.............................................................. 3.8 2.1 ------- ------- Total Current Assets...................................................... 158.9 150.6 ------- ------- Gross Property.................................................................... 357.0 361.0 Less accumulated depreciation................................................. 166.9 166.8 ------- ------- Net Property.............................................................. 190.1 194.2 ------- ------- Noncurrent Deferred Income Tax Benefits............................................ 19.0 30.2 ------- ------- Deferred Charges and Other Assets.................................................. 10.9 5.6 ------- ------- Total Assets....................................................................... $ 378.9 $ 380.6 ======= ======= LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Current portion of long-term debt............................................. $ 2.4 $ 2.9 Other short-term debt......................................................... 0.4 1.3 Accounts payable.............................................................. 34.3 54.5 Accrued expenses.............................................................. 46.7 42.5 Income taxes payable.......................................................... 2.0 0.6 ------- ------- Total Current Liabilities................................................. 85.8 101.8 ------- ------- Long-Term Debt..................................................................... 81.5 86.6 ------- ------- Deferred Income Taxes.............................................................. 10.5 9.5 ------- ------- Other Noncurrent Liabilities....................................................... 22.0 19.7 ------- ------- Minority Interest.................................................................. 5.9 7.0 ------- ------- Contingencies (See Notes 4, 5 and 6) Stockholders' Equity Preferred Stock -$.10 par value - 10,000,000 shares authorized, none issued... - - Common Stock -$.10 par value - 100,000,000 shares authorized, 16,065,203 and 16,052,621 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996, respectively.................................. 1.6 l.6 Additional paid-in capital.................................................... 60.3 60.0 Retained earnings............................................................. 105.8 77.8 Unrealized currency translation adjustments................................... 5.5 16.6 ------- ------- Total Stockholders' Equity................................................ 173.2 156.0 ------- ------- Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity......................................... $ 378.9 $ 380.6 ======= ======= See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 3 4 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW U.S. $ IN MILLIONS (UNAUDITED) FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, ---------------------- 1997 1996 ---- ---- Operations Net income.................................................. $ 35.2 $ 29.7 Depreciation................................................ 10.5 10.0 Deferred income tax provision............................... 9.0 5.5 Minority interest in earnings of subsidiary................. 4.2 3.4 Non-cash utilization of restructuring reserve............... - 4.7 Other....................................................... 2.5 2.2 Changes in operating working capital........................ (23.5) 4.7 ------- ------- Cash Provided by Operations........................ 37.9 60.2 ------- ------- Investing Capital spending............................................ (19.2) (28.2) Capitalized software costs.................................. (4.8) - Other....................................................... (3.6) (1.3) ------- ------- Cash Used for Investing............................ (27.6) (29.5) ------- ------- Financing Cash dividends paid to SWM stockholders..................... (7.2) (4.8) Cash dividends paid to minority owner....................... (4.5) (0.9) Changes in short-term debt.................................. (0.9) (2.1) Proceeds from issuances of long-term debt.................. 5.3 5.2 Payments on long-term debt.................................. (3.6) (5.2) Proceeds from issuances of common stock..................... 0.3 - ------- ------- Cash Used for Financing............................ (10.6) (7.8) ------- ------- Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents................. (0.3) 22.9 Cash and Cash Equivalents at beginning of period................. 30.9 5.9 ------- ------- Cash and Cash Equivalents at end of period....................... $ 30.6 $ 28.8 ======= ======= See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 4 5 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS NOTE 1. NATURE OF THE BUSINESS Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. ("SWM" or the "Company") is a diversified producer of premium specialty papers and the world's largest supplier of fine papers to the tobacco industry. The Company was formed as a spin-off from Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark") at the close of business on November 30, 1995. NOTE 2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of SWM and all its majority-owned subsidiaries. All material intercompany and interdivision amounts and transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and on the same basis as the audited financial statements included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders. All adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations for the interim periods have been made and are generally of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any other quarter or for the full year. These financial statements should be read in connection with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 1996 Annual Report to Stockholders. The average numbers of common shares outstanding used in the calculations of net income per common share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1997 were approximately 16,062,900 and 16,058,000, respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 were approximately 16,052,300 and 16,051,900, respectively. NOTE 3. INVENTORIES The following schedule details inventories by major class as of September 30, 1997 and December 31, 1996: September 30, December 31, 1997 1996 ------------- ------------ At the lower of cost on the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) and weighted average methods or market: Raw materials ........................................... $ 19.9 $ 19.7 Work in process ......................................... 9.9 10.4 Finished goods .......................................... 27.0 16.3 Supplies and other ...................................... 9.9 10.0 -------- -------- 66.7 56.4 Excess of FIFO cost over Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) cost ...................................... (7.6) (7.2) -------- -------- Total ................................................. $ 59.1 $ 49.2 ======== ======== 5 6 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED) U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS NOTE 4. INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 were 36.8 percent and 37.1 percent, respectively, compared with 37.3 percent and 37.4 percent for the respective corresponding periods of 1996. Along with numerous other companies and banks in France, Papeteries de Mauduit S.A. ("PdM"), a French subsidiary of the Company, is subject to a tax claim with respect to its purchase of certain bonds in 1988 which were represented by the two selling banks as carrying specific tax benefits. The French taxing authority is challenging the use by PdM of those benefits. The tax claim against PdM by the French taxing authority is approximately $1.9 as of September 30, 1997, including penalties for "abuse of the law" and late payment. A recent court decision has held that another purchaser of the bonds was not liable for "abuse of the law", thus eliminating that portion of the claim. The amount of penalties related to "abuse of the law" included in the tax claim against PdM is approximately $0.8. If the same decision were applied to the tax claim against PdM, PdM's exposure as of September 30, 1997 would be reduced to approximately $1.1. The Company is vigorously defending the claim based on the merits and has filed claims against each bank on the basis of their misrepresentation of certain facts. The Company's claim against one of the banks was rejected by a trial court in May 1996, and the Company has appealed this decision. The case against the other bank has been briefed, and oral presentations are expected to occur later this year. No reserve has been established for the tax claim against PdM. Based on information currently available, there exists a reasonable possibility of an unfavorable outcome for this claim. Since the claim relates to a period prior to PdM joining the French consolidated tax group, any unfavorable outcome could not be offset with the net operating loss carryforwards of the French consolidated tax group. NOTE 5. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS On January 31, 1997, James E. McCune on behalf of himself and other "nicotine dependent" West Virginia cigarette smokers filed, in the Circuit Court of Kanawha County, West Virginia, a purported class action against several tobacco companies, industry trade associations and consultants, tobacco wholesalers and cigarette component manufacturers, including Kimberly-Clark, seeking equitable relief and compensatory and punitive damages in an unspecified amount for mental suffering and physical injuries allegedly sustained as a result of having smoked cigarettes. Under the terms of the spin-off agreements with Kimberly-Clark, the Company assumed liability for and agreed to indemnify Kimberly-Clark from litigation arising out of the operations of the Company's businesses, including this case. The nine-count complaint sets forth several theories of liability, including intentional and negligent misrepresentation, negligence, product liability, breach of warranty and conspiracy. Among other things, the complaint alleges that nicotine is an addictive substance, that the tobacco companies, by using reconstituted tobacco, are able to control the precise amount of nicotine in their cigarettes and that LTR Industries, a French subsidiary of the Company, specializes in the reconstitution process to help the tobacco companies control nicotine levels. As a component supplier, the Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to this case, but due to the uncertainties of litigation, the Company cannot predict its outcome. The Company is unable to make a meaningful estimate of the amount or range of loss which could result from an unfavorable outcome of this action. This case has been stayed (i) for six months from the date of the court's stay in July 1997, (ii) until the proposed legislative resolution of pending tobacco litigation is enacted into law or (iii) until the stay is lifted either for good cause shown or by further order of the court. When and if the stay is lifted, the case will be vigorously defended. Also, the Company is involved in certain other legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that such litigation and claims will be resolved without a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements. 6 7 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED) U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS NOTE 6. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS The Company's operations are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to various environmental matters. The nature of the Company's operations expose it to the risk of claims with respect to environmental matters and there can be no assurance that material costs or liabilities will not be incurred in connection with such claims. Based on the Company's experience to date, the Company believes that its future cost of compliance with environmental laws, regulations and ordinances, and its exposure to liability for environmental claims, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, or unknown contamination of sites owned, operated or used for waste disposal by the Company (including contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or other waste generators) may give rise to additional costs which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. Prior to the spin-off, Kimberly-Clark was named a potentially responsible party under the provisions of the U.S. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, or analogous state statutes, at two waste disposal sites utilized by the Company's Spotswood, New Jersey mill and one site used by the Company's former Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania mill. The Company has assumed Kimberly-Clark's liabilities at these sites but does not believe that any of these proceedings will result in the imposition of monetary sanctions or have a material adverse effect on the Company's business or financial condition. The Company assumed responsibility to administer a consent order between Kimberly-Clark and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ("MDEP") governing the post-closure care of the Willow Hill Landfill in Lee, Massachusetts. The Company is obligated to maintain the integrity of the cover and sample groundwater monitoring wells, in addition to other long-term maintenance responsibilities for this former non-hazardous waste disposal facility. Under the terms of a consent order signed on January 24, 1997 with MDEP resulting from a Comprehensive Site Assessment and a Corrective Action Alternative Assessment ("CAAA") submitted by the Company to MDEP, the Company had until September 10, 1997 to correct a gas migration problem by means of a passive gas venting system, as the Company recommended in its CAAA. Since the passive venting system did not bring the site into compliance by September 10, 1997, the Company must submit to MDEP, no later than December 1, 1997, a revised compliance plan which employs technologies other than passive gas venting. If the site is not in full compliance by February 10, 1998, the Company must then implement, subject to MDEP's possible modification, the compliance plan which it will have submitted. The estimated total cost of such a plan, including annual operating expenses, is $0.5, which amount has been accrued as of September 30, 1997. The Company also assumed Kimberly-Clark's ownership of and responsibility for the Valley Mill Landfill site in Lee, Massachusetts. The landfill was operated by Kimberly-Clark from 1968 to 1969 and was capped in 1970. On December 23, 1996 the Company received a Notice of Responsibility ("Notice") from MDEP under Section 21E of the Massachusetts Oil and Material Release Prevention and Response Act stating that an electro-magnetic survey ("Survey") performed by a contractor of EPA at the site indicated that buried metallic objects may be present in the subsurface. The Survey was conducted following an anonymous call to MDEP alleging the site contains buried metal drums. The Company excavated eight test pits which disclosed the presence of general waste and two crushed drums but no hazardous waste. The Company reported the results of its investigation to MDEP. Based on current information, the Company believes that this matter will be closed without the Company incurring any remediation costs. 7 8 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (CONTINUED) U.S. $ IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS Some or all of the Company's U.S. facilities may be subject to revised air emissions and wastewater discharge standards under rules commonly known as the "Cluster Rules". The first phase of the Cluster Rules, proposed by the EPA in 1993, would affect only wastewater discharges from the Ancram, New York and Lee, Massachusetts mills and would require compliance within three years after the issuance of the new rules. The Spotswood mill discharges its effluent to a publicly-owned treatment works. Although the EPA originally indicated that the proposed rules would be finalized in 1996, final rules have not yet been issued. The estimated capital expenditures for compliance with the first phase of the proposed Cluster Rules at the Ancram and Lee mills are between $4 and $7 in the aggregate. However, due to uncertainty concerning applicable requirements under the final Cluster Rules, the Company can give no assurance that this estimate will accurately reflect the actual cost of compliance. In addition, the later phases of the Cluster Rules (and/or Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990) may further regulate air emissions and wastewater discharges from the Spotswood mill and require the Company to install additional air pollution controls at its other U.S. facilities sometime after the year 2000. Potential capital expenditures to comply with this subsequent phase of the Cluster Rules and/or Title V of the Clean Air Act Amendments cannot be estimated until after the EPA proposes applicable requirements, if any. The Company incurs spending necessary to meet legal requirements and otherwise relating to the protection of the environment at the Company's facilities in the United States, France and Canada, including the aforementioned proposed Cluster Rules. For these purposes, the Company anticipates that it will incur approximately $3 in capital expenditures in 1997 and approximately $3 to $5 annually in 1998 and 1999. The major projects included in these estimates include upgrading wastewater treatment facilities at various locations and installation of equipment to treat volatile organic compound emissions in France. The foregoing capital expenditures are not expected to reduce the Company's ability to invest in capacity expansion, quality improvements, capital replacements, productivity improvements, or cost containment projects, and are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. NOTE 7. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which will be effective for the Company's 1997 annual financial statements. SFAS No. 128 simplifies the standards for computing earnings per share ("EPS") and makes the computation comparable to international standards. SFAS No. 128 replaces the presentation of "primary" EPS with a presentation of "basic" EPS and requires dual presentation of "basic" and "diluted" EPS on the face of the income statement. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 128 in the Company's 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and will restate all previously reported EPS data presented. The Company's computation of "basic" EPS will be the same as EPS previously reported and currently calculated. The Company's "diluted" EPS amounts for current and previously reported periods are not expected to be materially different than "basic" EPS amounts. In June 1997, the FASB issued two new statements, SFAS No. 130, "Reporting of Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", which will both be effective no later than for the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders. These two new statements may affect the Company's financial statement disclosures. The Company is evaluating how and when to implement these new disclosure statements. 8 9 ITEM 2. SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management believes that the following commentary and tables appropriately discuss and analyze the comparative results of operations and the financial condition of the Company for the periods covered. OVERVIEW The Company operates principally in one industry segment, which consists of cigarette paper, tipping paper and plug wrap paper used to wrap various parts of a cigarette and reconstituted tobacco products. The Company's non-tobacco industry products represented approximately six percent of the Company's net sales in 1996. For purposes of the geographic disclosure in the following tables, the term "United States" includes operations in the U.S. and Canada. The Canadian operations exist primarily to produce flax fiber used as raw material in the U.S. operations and have no material effect on such geographic disclosure. Adjustments to net sales set forth in the following tables consist of eliminations of intercompany sales of products between geographic areas. Adjustments to operating profit consist of unallocated overhead expenses not associated with geographic areas and eliminations of intercompany transactions. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS By Geography for the three months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 (U.S. $ in millions) % Change % of Consolidated -------------------- Net Sales 1997 1996 vs. 1996 1997 1996 - - --------- ----- ----- -------- ---- ---- United States ...................... $ 46.1 $ 52.3 - 11.9% 40.7% 44.1% Outside United States............... 67.0 67.1 - 0.1 59.1 56.6 Eliminations........................ 0.3 (0.9) 0.2 (0.7) -------- -------- ----- ----- Consolidated .................... $ 113.4 $ 118.5 - 4.3% 100.0% 100.0% ======== ======== ===== ===== % Change % of Consolidated % Return on Sales Operating Profit 1997 1996 vs. 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 - - ---------------- ---- ---- -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- United States.............. $ 4.2 $ 5.0 - 16.0% 20.4% 26.6% 9.1% 9.6% Outside United States...... 17.7 15.2 + 16.4 85.9 80.8 26.4 22.7 Unallocated/Eliminations... (1.3) (1.4) (6.3) (7.4) ------- ------- ----- ----- Consolidated............ $ 20.6 $ 18.8 + 9.6% 100.0% 100.0% 18.2% 15.9% ======= ======= ===== ===== By Geography for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 (U.S. $ in millions) % Change % of Consolidated -------------------- Net Sales 1997 1996 vs. 1996 1997 1996 - - --------- ---- ---- -------- ---- ---- United States ...................... $ 146.8 $ 163.3 - 10.1% 42.8% 45.9% Outside United States............... 197.3 196.3 + 0.5 57.6 55.2 Eliminations........................ (1.4) (3.8) (0.4) (1.1) -------- -------- ----- ----- Consolidated .................... $ 342.7 $ 355.8 - 3.7% 100.0% 100.0% ======== ======== ===== ===== % Change % of Consolidated % Return on Sales ----------------- ----------------- Operating Profit 1997 1996 vs. 1996 1997 1996 1997 1996 - - ---------------- ---- ---- -------- ---- ---- ---- ---- United States.............. $ 20.5 $ 20.8 - 1.4% 31.8% 36.7% 14.0% 12.7% Outside United States...... 48.4 40.1 + 20.7 75.0 70.8 24.5 20.4 Unallocated/Eliminations... (4.4) (4.3) (6.8) (7.5) ------- ------- ----- ----- Consolidated............ $ 64.5 $ 56.6 + 14.0% 100.0% 100.0% 18.8% 15.9% ======= ======= ===== ===== 9 10 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) Net Sales Net sales decreased by $5.1 million in the three month period ended September 30, 1997, compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. The net sales comparison was unfavorably effected $8.8 million by changes in currency exchange rates. Worldwide sales volumes increased by three percent, favorably effecting net sales by $2.8 million. Sales volumes from the French businesses grew by 18 percent for the three month period primarily due to gains in porous plug wrap and reconstituted tobacco leaf ("RTL") products. Sales volumes declined at the U.S. business unit by 16 percent for the three month period primarily due to lower export sales by the Company and its domestic customers and inventory reductions by major customers. Compared with the same three month period of the preceding year, changes in selling prices and sales mix had a favorable effect of $0.9 million. An improved mix of products sold in France was more than offset by lower average selling prices in France. Average selling prices in the U.S. improved slightly compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year because of contractual selling price adjustments related to per ton wood pulp costs. Net sales decreased by $13.1 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. The net sales comparison was unfavorably effected $18.8 million by changes in currency exchange rates. Exiting the RTL product line in the U.S. at the beginning of the second quarter of 1996 also unfavorably effected the net sales comparison for the nine month period by $2.9 million. Excluding the U.S. RTL sales volumes of the first quarter of 1996, worldwide sales volumes increased in the nine month period by four percent, favorably effecting net sales by $9.5 million. Sales volumes from the French businesses grew by 14 percent for the nine month period primarily due to gains in porous plug wrap and RTL products. Excluding the first quarter of 1996 RTL volumes in the U.S., sales volumes declined at the U.S. business unit by eight percent for the nine month period primarily due to lower export sales by the Company and its domestic customers and inventory reductions by major customers. Compared with the same nine month period of the preceding year, changes in selling prices and sales mix had an unfavorable effect of $0.9 million. Lower average selling prices more than offset an improved mix of products sold. Operating Profit Operating profit improved by $1.8 million in the three month period ended September 30, 1997, compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. The improvement was primarily a result of the increased sales volumes in France and improved mill operations. These favorable effects were partially offset by lower U.S. business unit sales volumes and changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $1.1 million on the operating profit change in the three month period. Operating profit improved by $7.9 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, compared with the corresponding period of the preceding year. The improvement was primarily a result of the increased sales volumes in France, improved mill operations and a decline in the per ton cost of wood pulp. Per ton wood pulp cost decreases compared with the prior year favorably impacted operating profit by $4.9 million in the nine month period. These favorable effects were partially offset by the lower sales volumes for the U.S business and lower selling prices. Changes in currency exchange rates had an unfavorable impact of $1.6 million on the operating profit change in the nine month period. 10 11 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) NON-OPERATING EXPENSES Interest expense decreased by $0.3 million and $1.0 million in the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997, respectively, compared with the corresponding periods of the preceding year. The decreases were primarily due to the impact of currency exchange rates and lower interest rates in France in the current year periods. Other income (expense) consists primarily of interest income and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. INCOME TAXES The effective income tax rates for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 were 36.8 percent and 37.1 percent, respectively, compared with 37.3 percent and 37.4 percent for the respective corresponding periods of 1996. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Net cash provided by operations, the amount attributable to changes in operating working capital, and the amount of cash used for capital expenditures and capitalized software costs for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 were as follows: Nine Months Ended September 30, ------------------------------- (U.S. $ in millions) 1997 1996 ---- ---- Net cash provided by operations.................................................... $ 37.9 $ 60.2 (Increase) Decrease in operating working capital................................... (23.5) 4.7 Capital expenditures............................................................... 19.2 28.2 Capitalized software costs......................................................... 4.8 - The Company's primary source of liquidity is cash flow from operations, which is principally obtained through operating earnings. The Company's net cash provided by operations decreased from $60.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 to $37.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997, primarily as a result of changes in operating working capital. Changes in operating working capital contributed unfavorably to cash flow in the 1997 period by $23.5 million primarily due to a decrease in accounts payable, mainly associated with 1997 payments for capital expenditures and capitalized software costs included in accounts payable at December 31, 1996, and an increase in finished goods inventories in the U.S. business unit in the second and third quarters of 1997. More than one-half of the Company's assets and liabilities are outside the United States, substantially all in France. The balance sheets of the Company's foreign subsidiaries are translated at period-end currency exchange rates, and the differences from historical exchange rates are reflected in stockholders' equity as unrealized currency translation adjustments. The strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the French franc during the first nine months of 1997 caused the Company's consolidated total assets and liabilities to decline by approximately seven percent as of September 30, 1997 compared with December 31, 1996. Cash provided by operations exceeded the level of capital spending during the first nine months of both 1997 and 1996. Capital spending for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 included $3.1 million toward the new long fiber paper machine in France, $2.0 million toward upgrades to a paper machine at the Ancram mill, and $1.0 million toward upgrading the flax pulping operations at the Spotswood mill. 11 12 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) In addition to capital spending, the Company incurred, and deferred on the balance sheet, additional software development costs of $4.8 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 1997, toward new company-wide integrated computer systems. These computer systems will replace the currently used Kimberly-Clark systems and ensure the Company's computer systems are able to handle the change to the year 2000. During March 1997, the Quimperle, France mill successfully started up the new long fiber paper machine. This machine adds approximately 6,000 metric tons of annual capacity for the production of porous plug wrap and other long fiber products. The new machine continues to operate well and is now running at above end-of-curve production rates. On April 24, 1997, the Board of Directors authorized a program to permit the repurchase of the Company's common stock through December 31, 1998 in an aggregate amount not to exceed $20 million. This will provide the Company flexibility in the event other timely strategic investments are not available. No repurchases of common stock were made as of September 30, 1997. On October 23, 1997, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of fifteen cents per share of common stock. The dividend will be payable on December 8, 1997 to stockholders of record on November 10, 1997. The Company's ongoing requirements for cash consist principally of amounts required for capital expenditures, the new company-wide integrated computer systems, stockholder dividends and working capital. Other than expenditures associated with environmental matters (see Note 6 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements) and other capital projects mentioned in the Outlook section below, the Company had no material outstanding commitments as of September 30, 1997. The principal sources of cash are expected to be cash flow from operations and borrowings from commercial banks. The Company believes its cash flow from operations, together with borrowings available under its revolving credit facilities, will be sufficient to fund its ongoing cash requirements. NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 128, "Earnings per Share", which will be effective for the Company's 1997 annual financial statements. SFAS No. 128 simplifies the standards for computing earnings per share ("EPS") and makes the computation comparable to international standards. SFAS No. 128 replaces the presentation of "primary" EPS with a presentation of "basic" EPS and requires dual presentation of "basic" and "diluted" EPS on the face of the income statement. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 128 in the Company's 1997 Annual Report to Stockholders and will restate all previously reported EPS data presented. The Company's computation of "basic" EPS will be the same as EPS previously reported and currently calculated. The Company's "diluted" EPS amounts for current and previously reported periods are not expected to be materially different than "basic" EPS amounts. In June 1997, the FASB issued two new statements, SFAS No. 130, "Reporting of Comprehensive Income" and SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information", which will both be effective no later than for the Company's 1998 Annual Report to Stockholders. These two new statements may affect the Company's financial statement disclosures. The Company is evaluating how and when to implement these new disclosure statements. 12 13 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued) OUTLOOK During the remainder of 1997, the Company expects to continue to benefit from growth in sales volumes of the French business unit, compared to the respective prior year period, reflecting increased demand for the Company's products, and from improved mill operations as a result of recently implemented capital projects. The per ton cost of wood pulp remained relatively stable through the first nine months of 1997 as it did during the second half of 1996. The fourth quarter is not expected to be materially impacted by the year-to-year per ton cost of wood pulp comparison. The direction of the domestic cigarette market is unclear at this time, given the potential tobacco litigation settlement and the impact of continuing adverse publicity. The Company's customers in the U.S. traditionally reduce their operating schedules around holidays in the fourth quarter, which could soften demand for the Company's products and allow for additional maintenance and capital work. Additionally, the Company's U.S. customers indicate weakness in export sales is continuing and that adjustments are being made in their raw material inventory levels. As a result, the U.S. business unit will take selective machine downtime in the fourth quarter to help reduce U.S. inventory levels. Therefore, earnings in the fourth quarter are not expected to be as strong as in the first three quarters of 1997, as was also the case in 1995 and 1996. The Company expects capital spending for 1997 to be less than that of 1996, but still higher than the historical average. Capital spending for 1997 is estimated at approximately $35 million, focused primarily on internal capacity expansion, cost reduction opportunities and upgrades to environmental treatment facilities. In addition, the Company expects to incur approximately $8 to $10 million of software development costs in 1997, which will be deferred on the balance sheet until such systems are placed in service, beginning in early 1998 for the U.S. portion and estimated to begin in 1999 for the French portion. Certain comments contained herein concerning the business outlook and anticipated financial results of the Company constitute forward-looking statements and are based upon management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company. There can be no assurances that such events will occur or that the Company's results will be as estimated. Many factors outside the control of the Company also could impact the realization of such estimates. 13 14 PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION During the third quarter of 1997, a new five-year labor agreement was concluded at the Lee mills, the Company's second largest U.S. facility. Wage rate increases will be three percent per year. Several changes were also made to benefits programs that will help the Company control its total labor-related costs. 14 15 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K. (a) Exhibits: 11. The following statement is filed as an exhibit to Part I of this Form 10-Q: The net income per common share computations included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Part I, Item 1, of this Form 10-Q are based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The only "common stock equivalents" or other potentially dilutive securities or agreements (as defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15) which were contained in the Company's capital structure during the periods presented were options outstanding under the Company's Equity Participation Plan. Alternative computations of "primary" and "fully diluted" net income per common share amounts assume the exercise of outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock method". There is no significant difference between net income per common share presented in Item 1 and net income per common share calculated on a "primary" and "fully diluted" basis for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. 15. Independent Accountants' Report, dated October 17, 1997 from Deloitte & Touche LLP to Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. 23. Independent Accountants' Consent. 27. Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only). (b) Reports on Form 8-K: (1) The Company filed a Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 1997, which reported the Company's announcement, prior to the release of its second quarter earnings, that earnings were expected to exceed analysts' estimates. 15 16 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. (Registrant) By: /s/ PAUL C. ROBERTS --------------------------------- Paul C. Roberts Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer (duly authorized officer and principal financial officer) By: /s/ WAYNE L. GRUNEWALD ----------------------------------- Wayne L. Grunewald Controller (principal accounting officer) October 23, 1997 16 17 SCHWEITZER-MAUDUIT INTERNATIONAL, INC. QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1997 INDEX TO EXHIBITS SEQUENTIALLY EXHIBIT NUMBERED NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAGE - - ------ ----------- ---- 11. --- The following statement is filed as an exhibit to Part I of this Form 10-Q: The net income per common share computations included in the Consolidated Statements of Income in Part 1, Item 1, of this Form 10-Q are based on the average number of shares of common stock outstanding. The only "common stock equivalents" or other potentially dilutive securities or agreements (as defined in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15) which were contained in the Company's capital structure during the periods presented were options outstanding under the Company's Equity Participation Plan. Alternative computations of "primary" and "fully diluted" net income per common share amounts assume the exercise of outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock method". There is no significant difference between net income per common share presented in Item 1 and net income per common share calculated on a "primary" and "fully diluted" basis for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996. 15. --- Independent Accountants' Report, dated October 17, 1997 from Deloitte & Touche LLP to Schweitzer-Mauduit International, Inc. 23. --- Independent Accountants' Consent. 27. --- Financial Data Schedule (for SEC use only).