Ball Announces Third Quarter Results
BROOMFIELD, Colo., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) today reported third quarter net earnings of $103.7 million, or $1.09 cents per diluted share, on sales of $1.97 billion, compared to earnings of $101.9 million, or $1.05 cents per diluted share, on sales of $2.01 billion in the third quarter of 2008.
For the first nine months of 2009, Ball's earnings were $306.5 million, or $3.23 per diluted share, on sales of $5.48 billion. For the same period in 2008, results were earnings of $285.7 million, or $2.92 per diluted share, on sales of $5.83 billion.
Third quarter 2009 results include $9.1 million ($5.5 million after-tax, or 6 cents per diluted share) of transaction costs related to the acquisition of four metal beverage packaging plants as well as a charge of $13.6 million ($8.8 million after-tax, or 9 cents per diluted share) for accelerated depreciation and other costs related primarily to the closure of the two plastic manufacturing plants announced in the second quarter. Details of third quarter and nine month comparable segment earnings and business consolidation activities can be found in Notes 1 and 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements that accompany this news release.
"On a comparable basis, Ball reported diluted earnings per share of $1.24 in the third quarter, compared to $1.13 in the third quarter of 2008," said R. David Hoover, chairman, president and chief executive officer. "Excellent operating performance from our plants, as well as cost savings from prior rationalization activities, drove improved performance."
Metal Beverage Packaging, Americas & Asia
Metal beverage packaging, Americas and Asia, comparable segment operating earnings for the third quarter were $102.9 million on sales of $706.4 million, compared to $77 million on sales of $767 million for the same period in 2008. For the first nine months, comparable earnings were $223.9 million on sales of $2.08 billion, compared to $228.4 million on sales of $2.3 billion in the first nine months of 2008.
Third quarter results were higher primarily due to benefits from cost rationalizations taken over the past 18 months. Though volumes were down moderately in North America, increasing demand in Asia contributed to better performance during the quarter. The company's new joint venture plant in Tres Rios, Brazil, is on schedule to start up in mid-November to meet the growing demand for beverage cans in the region.
"The integration of the new facilities acquired on Oct. 1 from AB InBev is progressing well, and our focus is on identifying best practices and synergies across all of our metal beverage plants to enhance operating performance," said John A. Hayes, executive vice president and chief operating officer.
Metal Beverage Packaging, Europe
Metal beverage packaging, Europe, segment results in the quarter were operating earnings of $68.8 million on sales of $478 million, compared to $76.7 million on sales of $511.3 million in 2008. For the first nine months, earnings were $164.5 million on sales of $1.31 billion, compared to $201.9 million on sales of $1.49 billion in the first nine months of 2008.
While volumes were relatively flat, segment sales and earnings were lower in the quarter due primarily to changes in product mix and a lower euro /dollar exchange rate compared to a year ago.
Metal Food & Household Products Packaging, Americas
Metal food and household products packaging, Americas, comparable segment results in the third quarter were operating earnings of $27.8 million on sales of $459.5 million, compared to $15.8 million in 2008 on sales of $365 million. For the first nine months, comparable earnings were $112.5 million on sales of $1.07 billion, compared to $44.9 million on sales of $912 million during the same period in 2008.
Third quarter results improved due largely to the effects of prior capacity rationalizations in the segment, better manufacturing performance and disciplined management of the business.
Plastic Packaging, Americas
Plastic packaging, Americas, comparable segment results in the third quarter were operating earnings of $3.8 million on sales of $156.8 million, compared to $5.3 million on sales of $184.1 million in the third quarter of 2008. For the first nine months, comparable earnings were $15.2 million on sales of $498.1 million, compared to $15.8 million on sales of $574 million in the first nine months of 2008.
Growing demand for specialty plastic packaging for foods and beverages in the quarter did not offset double-digit volume declines for monolayer PET bottles.
After the quarter closed, Ball sold its plastic pail assets for $32 million to BWAY Corporation. The transaction involved the sale of a pail manufacturing plant in Newnan, Ga., that produces injection molded plastic pails and drums for products such as building materials and pool chemicals.
Aerospace and Technologies
Aerospace and technologies comparable segment results were operating earnings of $16.2 million on sales of $168.4 million in the quarter, compared to $18.4 million on sales of $180.8 million in 2008. For the first nine months, comparable earnings were $45.6 million on sales of $528 million, compared to $56 million on sales of $550 million in the first nine months of 2008. Backlog at the end of the quarter was $563.5 million.
Earlier this month, the WorldView-2 remote sensing satellite built for DigitalGlobe successfully launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. The first images from the satellite were released on Oct. 20. In August, new images were released from the Hubble Space Telescope following its servicing mission earlier this year. All four of the working science instruments currently on the telescope were built by Ball Aerospace.
Outlook
"Full-year capital spending will be reduced to around $200 million and full-year free cash flow will be at least $375 million," said Raymond J. Seabrook, executive vice president and chief financial officer. "Free cash flow is not expected to increase significantly above $375 million in 2009 due to a temporary increase in working capital levels in some businesses. Next year, we will continue to focus on deleveraging the company's balance sheet after the acquisition and, with the incremental contribution from the acquired facilities and a decrease in working capital, expect substantially higher full-year free cash flow in 2010."
"We are pleased with our solid third quarter results and our improved performance through the first nine months of the year," Hoover said. "Despite global economic uncertainty, and one-time costs associated with the acquisition of the four metal beverage packaging plants, we anticipate fourth quarter results from continuing operations will be well above those of the same period last year."
Ball Corporation is a supplier of high-quality metal and plastic packaging for beverage, food and household products customers, and of aerospace and other technologies and services, primarily for the U.S. government. Ball Corporation and its subsidiaries employ more than 14,500 people worldwide and reported 2008 sales of approximately $7.6 billion. For the latest Ball news and for other company information, please visit www.ball.com.
Conference Call Details
Ball Corporation [NYSE: BLL] will hold its regular quarterly conference call on the company's results and performance today at 9 a.m. (11 a.m. Eastern Time). The North American toll-free number for the call is 800-732-6870. International callers should dial 212-231-2907. Please use the following URL for a Web cast of the live call:
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?p=irol-eventDetails&c=115234&eventID=2459788.
For those unable to listen to the live call, a taped replay will be available after the call's conclusion until 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Nov. 5, 2009. To access the replay, call 800-633-8284 (North American callers) or 402-977-9140 (international callers) and use reservation number 21438727.
A written transcript of the call will be posted within 48 hours of the call's conclusion to Ball's Web site at www.ball.com in the investors section under "presentations."
Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains "forward-looking" statements concerning future events and financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "estimates" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Key risks and uncertainties are summarized in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Exhibit 99.2 in our Form 10-K, which are available at our Web site and at www.sec.gov. Factors that might affect our packaging segments include fluctuation in product demand and preferences; availability and cost of raw materials; competitive packaging availability, pricing and substitution; changes in climate and weather; crop yields; competitive activity; failure to achieve anticipated productivity improvements or production cost reductions; mandatory deposit or other restrictive packaging laws; changes in major customer or supplier contracts or loss of a major customer or supplier; and changes in foreign exchange rates or tax rates. Factors that might affect our aerospace segment include: funding, authorization, availability and returns of government and commercial contracts; and delays, extensions and technical uncertainties affecting segment contracts. Factors that might affect the company as a whole include those listed plus: accounting changes; changes in senior management; the current global recession and its effects on liquidity, credit risk, asset values and the economy; successful or unsuccessful acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures; integration of recently acquired businesses; regulatory action or laws including tax, environmental, health and workplace safety, including in respect of climate change, or chemicals or substances used in raw materials or in the manufacturing process; governmental investigations; technological developments and innovations; goodwill impairment; antitrust, patent and other litigation; strikes; labor cost changes; rates of return projected and earned on assets of the company's defined benefit retirement plans; pension changes; reduced cash flow; interest rates affecting our debt; and changes to unaudited results due to statutory audits or other effects.
Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------
Unaudited Statements of Consolidated Earnings
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
($ in millions, September September September September
except per share 27, 28, 27, 28,
amounts) 2009 2008 2009 2008
----------------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net sales (Note 1) $1,969.1 $2,008.2 $5,480.9 $5,828.7
------------------ -------- -------- -------- --------
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales
(excluding
depreciation) 1,609.7 1,679.9 4,515.4 4,856.1
Depreciation and
amortization 70.4 73.9 206.5 224.7
Selling, general and
administrative 86.8 67.5 239.9 227.6
Business
consolidation
and other
activities
(Note 2) 22.7 9.1 46.8 20.6
Gain on sales of
investments (Note 2) - - (34.8) (7.1)
--- --- ----- ----
1,789.6 1,830.4 4,973.8 5,321.9
------------------ ----- ----- ----- -----
Earnings before
interest and taxes
(Note 1) 179.5 177.8 507.1 506.8
------------------- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total interest
expense (28.9) (33.1) (79.4) (104.0)
Tax provision (52.3) (45.8) (128.8) (128.4)
Equity in
results of
affiliates 5.5 3.1 8.0 11.6
Less net earnings
attributable to
noncontrolling
interests (0.1) (0.1) (0.4) (0.3)
------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Net earnings $103.7 $101.9 $306.5 $285.7
------------- ------ ------ ------ ------
Earnings per share
(Note 2):
Basic $1.10 $1.07 $3.27 $2.96
Diluted $1.09 $1.05 $3.23 $2.92
Weighted average
shares
outstanding
(000s):
Basic 93,976 95,368 93,763 96,491
Diluted 95,351 96,604 94,950 97,796
Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------
Unaudited Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
September September September September
($ in millions) 27, 28, 27, 28,
2009 2008 2009 2008
---- ---- ---- ----
Cash Flows From Operating
Activities:
Net earnings $103.7 $101.9 $306.5 $285.7
Depreciation and
amortization 70.4 73.9 206.5 224.7
Business consolidation
and other activities
(Note 2) 14.7 9.1 36.2 20.6
Gain on sales of
investments (Note 2) - - (34.8) (7.1)
Income taxes 6.7 9.4 12.8 15.7
Legal settlement - - - (70.3)
Other changes in
working capital (197.6) 16.8 (528.8) (349.5)
Other (1.0) (3.1) 7.7 18.6
---- ---- --- ----
(3.1) 208.0 6.1 138.4
------------------------- ---- ----- --- -----
Cash Flows From Investing
Activities:
Additions to
property, plant and
equipment (33.2) (70.3) (141.3) (230.8)
Cash collateral
deposits, net 31.0 - 85.7 -
Proceeds from sales of
investments (Note 2) - - 37.0 8.7
Other 1.4 20.0 0.7 9.8
--- ---- --- ---
(0.8) (50.3) (17.9) (212.3)
------------------------- ---- ----- ----- ------
Cash Flows From Financing
Activities:
Net change in
borrowings 389.7 (19.2) 331.7 316.1
Debt issuance costs (12.1) - (12.1) -
Dividends (9.4) (9.3) (28.1) (28.3)
Issuances
(purchases) of
common stock, net (8.8) (76.3) 2.2 (257.5)
Other 3.6 1.1 6.5 3.5
--- --- --- ---
363.0 (103.7) 300.2 33.8
----------------------- ----- ------ ----- ----
Effect of exchange rate
changes on cash (0.5) (3.5) 2.3 2.4
Change in cash 358.6 50.5 290.7 (37.7)
Cash-beginning of period 59.5 63.4 127.4 151.6
---- ---- ----- -----
Cash-end of period $418.1 $113.9 $418.1 $113.9
------------------ ====== ====== ====== ======
Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------
Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
($ in millions) September 27, September 28,
2009 2008
---- ----
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $418.1 $113.9
Receivables, net 1,058.7 773.8
Inventories, net 906.9 1,000.9
Cash collateral - receivable 67.5 -
Deferred taxes and other
current assets 225.9 128.2
----- -----
Total current assets 2,677.1 2,016.8
Property, plant and equipment, net 1,812.1 1,934.5
Goodwill 1,867.9 1,864.2
Other assets, net 435.0 396.2
-------------- -------- --------
Total assets $6,792.1 $6,211.7
-------------- -------- --------
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Short-term debt and current portion
of long-term debt $253.1 $221.5
Cash collateral - liability 47.7 -
Payables and accrued liabilities 1,251.3 1,143.2
------- -------
Total current liabilities 1,552.1 1,364.7
Long-term debt 2,532.7 2,438.0
Other long-term liabilities 1,228.2 1,000.9
Shareholders' equity 1,479.1 1,408.1
----------------------- -------- --------
Total liabilities and
shareholders' equity $6,792.1 $6,211.7
----------------------- -------- --------
Unaudited Notes to Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------
1. Business Segment Information
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
September September September September
($ in 27, 28, 27, 28,
millions) 2009 2008 2009 2008
---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Sales-
Metal beverage
packaging,
Americas & Asia $706.4 $767.0 $2,075.9 $2,304.8
Metal beverage
packaging,
Europe 478.0 511.3 1,312.4 1,487.9
Metal food &
household
packaging,
Americas 459.5 365.0 1,066.5 912.0
Plastic
packaging,
Americas 156.8 184.1 498.1 574.0
Aerospace &
technologies 168.4 180.8 528.0 550.0
----- ----- ----- -----
Net sales $1,969.1 $2,008.2 $5,480.9 $5,828.7
======== ======== ======== ========
Earnings
before
interest
and taxes-
Metal beverage
packaging,
Americas & Asia $102.9 $77.0 $223.9 $228.4
Business
consolidation
activities (Note 2) (1.0) (0.6) (9.3) (4.0)
---- ---- ---- ----
Total metal
beverage
packaging,
Americas & Asia 101.9 76.4 214.6 224.4
----- ---- ----- -----
Metal beverage
packaging,
Europe 68.8 76.7 164.5 201.9
---- ---- ----- -----
Metal food &
household
packaging,
Americas 27.8 15.8 112.5 44.9
Business
consolidation
activities (Note 2) - (4.5) - (4.5)
--- ---- --- ----
Total metal
food &
household
packaging,
Americas 27.8 11.3 112.5 40.4
---- ---- ----- ----
Plastic
packaging,
Americas 3.8 5.3 15.2 15.8
Business
consolidation
activities (Note 2) (12.6) (4.0) (24.5) (8.3)
----- ---- ----- ----
Total plastic
packaging,
Americas (8.8) 1.3 (9.3) 7.5
---- --- ---- ---
Aerospace &
technologies 16.2 18.4 45.6 56.0
Gain on sale of
investment
(Note 2) - - - 7.1
--- --- --- ---
Total aerospace &
technologies 16.2 18.4 45.6 63.1
---- ---- ---- ----
Segment
earnings
before
interest and
taxes 205.9 184.1 527.9 537.3
Undistributed
corporate costs,
net (17.3) (6.3) (42.6) (26.7)
Gain on sale of
investment
(Note 2) - - 34.8 -
Business
consolidation and
other activities
(Note 2) (9.1) - (13.0) (3.8)
---- --- ----- ----
Total
undistributed
corporate
costs, net (26.4) (6.3) (20.8) (30.5)
----- ---- ----- -----
Earnings
before
interest
and taxes $179.5 $177.8 $507.1 $506.8
====== ====== ====== ======
Unaudited Notes to Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------
2. Business Consolidation Activities and Other Significant
Nonoperating Items
2009
In the first quarter, a restructuring charge of $5 million ($3.1 million
after tax) was recorded for accelerated depreciation in connection with
the closure of a North American metal beverage plant.
In the second quarter the following significant nonoperating activities
occurred:
-- The company recorded restructuring charges of $16.2 million ($9.8
million after tax) for the closure of two plastic packaging manufacturing
plants, administrative downsizing in our North American metal beverage
business and clean-up costs related to previously closed and sold
facilities.
-- The company sold a portion of its interest in DigitalGlobe for
proceeds of approximately $37 million. As a result of this transaction, a
gain of $34.8 million ($30.7 million after tax) was recorded in corporate
costs.
-- The company recorded $2.9 million ($1.8 million after tax) for
transaction costs pertaining to the acquisition discussed in Note 3.
In the third quarter, restructuring charges of $13.6 million ($8.8
million after tax) were recorded for accelerated depreciation and other
costs primarily related to the closure of the two plastic manufacturing
plants announced in the second quarter. Also in the quarter, an
additional $9.1 million ($5.5 million after tax) of acquisition
transaction costs were recorded (see Note 3).
2008
In the first quarter, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. sold its shares
in an Australian subsidiary for $8.7 million, net of cash sold, that
resulted in a pretax gain of $7.1 million ($4.4 million after tax).
In the second quarter, a net restructuring charge of $11.5 million ($8.1
million after tax) was recorded primarily for the closure of a North
American metal beverage plant, the closure of a Canadian plastic
packaging manufacturing plant and clean-up costs related to previously
closed and sold facilities.
In the third quarter, $9.1 million ($7.2 million after tax) was
recorded primarily for lease cancellation and accelerated depreciation
costs pertaining to announced plant closures in prior periods.
A summary of the effects of the above transactions on after-tax earnings
follows:
Three months ended Nine months ended
------------------ -----------------
($ in millions, September September September September
except per share 27, 2009 28, 2008 27, 2009 28, 2008
amounts) ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net earnings as
reported $103.7 $101.9 $306.5 $285.7
Business
consolidation
costs, net of tax 8.8 7.2 21.7 15.3
Gain on sales
of
investments,
net of tax - - (30.7) (4.4)
Acquisition
transaction
costs, net of
tax 5.5 - 7.3 -
--- --- --- ---
Net earnings
before above
transactions $118.0 $109.1 $304.8 $296.6
====== ====== ====== ======
Per diluted
share before
above
transactions $1.24 $1.13 $3.21 $3.03
===== ===== ===== =====
Ball's management segregates the above items to evaluate the performance
of the company's operations. The information is presented on a non-U.S.
GAAP basis and should be considered in connection with the unaudited
statements of consolidated earnings. Non-U.S. GAAP measures should not be
considered in isolation.
Unaudited Notes to Condensed Financials (September 2009)
--------------------------------------------------------
3. Subsequent Events
Acquisition
On October 1, 2009, the company acquired four plants from Anheuser-Busch
InBev for $577 million, subject to customary post-closing adjustments.
The plants consist of three beverage can manufacturing plants and one
beverage can end plant, all of which are located in the U.S. These plants
produce about 10 billion aluminum cans and 10 billion easy-open can ends
annually. The transaction is expected to generate revenue and earnings
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization of approximately
$680 million and $94 million, respectively, in the first full year of
operation.
Disposition
On October 23, 2009, Ball closed the sale of its plastic pail assets to
BWAY Corporation for $32 million, subject to customary post-closing
adjustments. The transaction largely involves the sale of a pail
manufacturing plant in Newnan, Georgia, which Ball acquired in 2006 as
part of its purchase of U.S. Can Corporation and is included in the
plastics packaging, Americas, segment. The plant produces injection
molded plastic pails and drums for products such as building materials
and pool chemicals. The company estimates the transaction will result in
an insignificant loss on an after-tax basis.
SOURCE Ball Corporation
Released October 29, 2009