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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended DECEMBER 31, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-12147
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 71-0795870
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)
210 East Elm Street, P. O. Box 7200, El Dorado, Arkansas 71731-7200
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (870) 881-9400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Series A Participating Cumulative New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days. Yes X No
--- ---
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, based on the average of the high and low prices of the Common Stock
on the New York Stock Exchange on February 27, 1998, was $193,950,025. For
purposes of this computation, all officers, directors, and 5% beneficial owners
of the registrant (as indicated in Item 12) are deemed to be affiliates. Such
determination should not be deemed an admission that such directors, officers,
or 5% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
Number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 Par Value, outstanding at February 28,
1998, was 12,813,879.
Documents incorporated by reference:
The Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of
Stockholders on April 28, 1998.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - 1997 FORM 10-K REPORT
Page
Numbers
-------
PART I
Item 1. Business 3
Item 2. Properties 12
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 13
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 13
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters 15
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 16
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 17
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 25
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure 48
PART III
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 49
Item 11. Executive Compensation 49
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
and Management 49
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 49
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K 50
Signatures 52
2
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Introduction. Deltic Timber Corporation ("Deltic" or the "Company") is a
natural resources company engaged primarily in the growing and harvesting of
timber and the manufacture and marketing of lumber. The Company owns
approximately 413,000 acres in Arkansas and north Louisiana, including 368,000
acres of timberland (the "timberlands"). Sawmill operations consist of two
mills, one at Ola in central Arkansas and another at Waldo in south Arkansas.
In addition to its timber and lumber operations, Deltic is engaged in real
estate development projects in central Arkansas and owns approximately 36,000
acres of farmland in northeast Louisiana. The Company also holds a 50-percent
interest in a joint venture to manufacture and market medium density fiberboard
("MDF"), which will begin operations during the second quarter of 1998.
Deltic believes that its primary strengths are its strategically located
timberlands, its efficient sawmill operations, its experienced management team,
and its capacity to pursue a timber-based acquisition strategy.
The timberlands consist primarily of Southern Pine. Management considers
the timberlands to be Deltic's most valuable asset and the harvest of this
stumpage to be the Company's most significant source of income. Estimated pine
sawtimber inventory as of December 31, 1997 was 775 million board feet. The
southern United States ("U.S."), in which all of the Company's operations are
located, is a major timber and lumber producing region. Unlike other major
timber-producing areas in North America, most timber acreage in the southern
U.S. is privately held, rendering it potentially available for acquisition.
Deltic's current growth strategy emphasizes a significant timberlands
acquisition program in such region, which will facilitate an increase in harvest
levels.
The Company harvests timber from the timberlands in accordance with its
harvest plans and either sells timber in the domestic market or converts timber
to lumber in its sawmills. In 1997, Deltic harvested approximately 48 million
board feet of pine sawtimber from its timberlands. The Company's two sawmills
employ modern technology in order to improve efficiency, reduce labor costs,
maximize utilization of the timber resource, and maintain high quality standards
of production. In addition, each sawmill is strategically located near
significant portions of the timberlands. During 1997, Deltic's sawmills
produced approximately 147 million board feet of lumber. Logs processed for the
production of lumber are obtained from the timberlands and public and private
landowners. The Company selects logs for processing in its sawmills based on
size, grade, and the then prevailing market price. The Ola Mill is equipped for
maximum utilization of smaller diameter logs, while the Waldo Mill can process
both smaller and larger diameter logs. Approximately $27 million has been
invested in upgrades of the two sawmills over the past five years, expanding
both production capacity and product lines. Combined annual capacity is
currently 210 million board feet. The Company's sawmills produce a variety of
products, including dimension lumber, boards, timbers, decking, and secondary
manufacturing products such as finger-jointed studs. The lumber is sold
primarily to wholesalers and treaters in the South and Midwest and is used in
residential construction, roof trusses, laminated beams, and remanufactured
items.
3
The Company's real estate operations were started in 1985 to add value to
former timberland strategically located in the growth corridor of west Little
Rock, Arkansas. Since that time, the Company has been developing a 4,300-acre
premier upscale planned community, Chenal Valley, centered around a Robert Trent
Jones, Jr. designed golf course at Chenal Country Club. The property is being
developed in stages, and real estate sales to date have consisted primarily of
residential lots. Commercial development began in 1996.
In addition to Chenal Valley, Deltic is developing Chenal Downs, a 400-acre
equestrian development located outside of Chenal Valley being sold in estate-
sized lots of approximately five acres each, and Red Oak Ridge, Deltic's first
real estate development outside of Little Rock. The first phase of lot sales in
Chenal Downs was offered in December 1997, with significant lots sales projected
for 1998, when the state-of-the-art equestrian center will be completed. Red
Oak Ridge, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is an 800-acre, upscale community
designed for residential, resort, or retirement living.
The Company owns 36,000 acres of farmland in northeast Louisiana.
Approximately 26,000 acres of the total are farmed by Deltic, while the
remaining 10,000 acres are rented to third parties. The primary crops for 1997
were soybeans, corn, cotton, and wheat.
Deltic owns a 50-percent interest in Del-Tin Fiber, L.L.C. ("Del-Tin
Fiber"), a joint venture to manufacture and market medium density fiberboard.
The plant is located near El Dorado, Arkansas. Construction commenced in mid-
1996, with initial production scheduled for the second quarter of 1998. MDF,
which is used in the furniture, flooring, and moulding industries, is
manufactured from sawmill residuals, such as chips, shavings, and sawdust, held
together by an adhesive bond. The plant is designed to have an annual
production capacity of approximately 150 million square feet, 3/4" basis,
making it one of the largest of its type in the world. The plant is also
expected to add value to and provide an additional outlet for wood chip
production from the Waldo Mill.
FOREST PRODUCTS
The demand for, and prices of, timber and manufactured wood products depend
on the level of housing starts, repair and remodeling activity, industrial
construction activity, competition from non-wood products, and seasonal factors
such as weather. These factors in turn are strongly influenced by overall
economic activity, interest rates, and demographics. Reductions in levels of
construction activity are generally followed by declining lumber prices, which
are ordinarily followed by declining timber prices within several months.
The supply of timber, and therefore lumber, is significantly affected by
the availability of timber from public lands, particularly in the Pacific
Northwest. In recent years, the U.S. government has dramatically reduced the
amount of timber offered for sale in response to environmental concerns. This
has resulted in increased demand for timber and lumber in the southern U.S., as
well as increased lumber imports from Canada.
The southern U.S., in which all of the Company's operations are located, is
a major timber and lumber producing region. There are an estimated 209 million
acres of timberland in the region, of which approximately 91 million represent
softwood, predominately Southern Pine. Unlike other major timber-producing
areas in North America, most of this acreage is privately held. The estimated
breakdown of ownership of softwood timberland in the southern U.S. is 89 percent
private, seven percent national forest, and four percent other public. Although
there can be no assurance, management anticipates that the southern U.S. timber
resource will be subject to particularly strong demand in the future and also
believes that the South will have a strategic advantage over other U.S. timber-
producing regions due to regulatory, geographic, and other factors.
4
FOREST PRODUCTS - WOODLANDS
The Company owns approximately 368,000 acres of timberland in Arkansas and
north Louisiana, stocked primarily with Southern Pine. Management considers the
timberlands to be Deltic's most valuable asset and the harvest of this stumpage
to be the Company's most significant source of income.
The breakdown of the Company's timberland acreage at year-end 1997 consisted of
the following:
Acres
-------
Pine forest................................ 258,179
Pine plantation (less than 15 years old)... 70,052
Hardwood forest............................ 34,500
Other...................................... 5,269
-------
Total...................................... 368,000
=======
Timber Inventory. The Company's estimated standing timber inventory on
this acreage is calculated for each tract by utilizing growth formulas based on
representative sample tracts and tree counts for various diameter
classifications. The calculation of pine inventory is subject to periodic
adjustments based on sample cruises or actual volumes harvested from related
tracts. The hardwood inventory shown in the following table is only an
approximation, so physical quantity of such timber may vary significantly from
this approximation. Estimated inventory of standing timber as of December 31,
1997 consisted of the following:
Estimated
Volume
Sawtimber (Million board ft.)
--------- -------------------
Pine sawtimber........................... 775
Hardwood sawtimber....................... 107
Estimated
Volume
Pulpwood (000s Cords)
-------- ------------
Pine pulpwood............................ 1,394
Hardwood pulpwood........................ 423
The Company's pine sawtimber is either used in its sawmills or sold to
third parties. Products manufactured from this resource include dimension
lumber, boards, timbers, decking, and secondary manufacturing products and are
used primarily in residential construction. Deltic's hardwood sawtimber is sold
to third parties and is primarily used in the production of railroad ties,
flooring, and pallets. Pulpwood consists of logs with a diameter of less than
nine inches. Both pine and hardwood pulpwood are sold to third parties for use
primarily in the manufacture of paper. In the future, Deltic expects to sell
certain of its residual wood products to Del-Tin Fiber for the production of
MDF. (See "Growth Strategy".)
Timber Growth. Timber growth rate is an important variable for forest
products companies since it ultimately determines how much timber can be
harvested. A higher growth rate permits larger annual harvests as replacement
timber regenerates. Growth rates vary depending on species, location, age, and
forestry management practices. The growth rate for Deltic's Southern Pine is on
average, net of mortality, 5 percent to 5 1/2 percent of standing inventory per
annum.
5
The Company's timberlands are well diversified by age distribution. A
significant portion of the timberlands contains mature timber that is ready to
be harvested in the next several years. The Company considers a 30 to 35 year
rotation optimal for most of the timberlands. Timber under 15 years of age is
generally considered premerchantable.
Access. Substantially all of the timberlands are accessible by a system of
low maintenance roads. Deltic generally uses third-party road crews to conduct
construction and maintenance of these roads and the Company regularly exchanges
access easements and cooperates with other area forest products companies and
the U.S. Forest Service.
Reforestation. Deltic has developed and operates its own seed orchard.
Seeds from the orchard are grown by third parties to produce genetically
superior seedlings for planting. These seedlings are developed through
selective cross-pollination to produce trees with preferred characteristics,
including higher growth rates, fewer limbs, straighter trunks, and greater
resistance to disease. The seedlings are planted in all-aged stands or the site
is completely replanted with these superior seedlings in the case of a
regeneration harvest. During 1997, 2,000 acres were planted using seedlings
grown from seeds produced at the orchard facility. This level will increase
annually as the Company's land acquisition program continues. The Company meets
or exceeds, in all material respects, the reforestation recommendations of the
Arkansas Forestry Commission's Best Management Practices.
Harvest Plans. Management views the timberlands as assets with substantial
inherent value apart from the sawmills and intends to manage the timberlands on
a basis that permits regeneration of the timberlands over time. During the next
several years, certain of the timberlands are expected to be harvested at
accelerated levels compared to recent years. However, the Company intends to
continue to manage the timberlands on a sustainable yield basis and has no plans
to harvest timber at levels that exceed growth. Under the current plan, Deltic
intends to increase its harvest level to 52 million board feet of pine sawtimber
in 1998, an increase of ten percent over 1997 levels. (See "Growth Strategy".)
The Company's harvest plans are generally designed to project multi-year
harvest schedules. In addition, harvest plans are updated at least annually and
reviewed on a monthly basis to monitor performance and to make any necessary
modifications to the plans in response to changing forestry conditions, market
conditions, contractual obligations, regulatory limitations, and other relevant
conditions.
Since harvest plans are based on projections of demand, price, availability
of timber from other sources, and other factors that may be outside of the
Company's control, actual harvesting levels may vary. Management believes that
the Company's harvest plans, which are reviewed monthly and revised at least
annually, are sufficiently flexible to permit modification in response to
fluctuations in the markets for logs and lumber.
Timber Resource Management. The Company's timber operations involve forest
management, harvesting operations, and ongoing reforestation. Forest management
decisions are based upon information which includes site indices, classification
of soils, the species and number of trees by size and age classification, and
stocking per acre, as well as information on forest management costs. From this
data, Deltic develops its annual harvest plans, which are based upon
silvicultural considerations and existing and expected future economic and
market conditions, with a view toward maximizing the value of its timber and
timberland assets over time.
Particular forestry practices vary by geographic region and depend upon
factors such as soil productivity, weather, terrain, tree size, age, and timber
stocking. Forest stands are thinned periodically to improve growth and stand
quality until they are harvested. Different areas within a forest may be
6
planted or seeded in successive years to provide a distribution of age classes
within the forest. This distribution of age classes will tend to provide Deltic
with an annual revenue stream, as the various timber stands reach harvestable
age.
The timing of harvest of merchantable timber depends in part on growth
cycles and in part on economic conditions. Growth cycles for timber tend to
change over time as a result of technological and genetic advances that improve
forest management practices. The Company will continue to develop its forest
management operations to take advantage of such advances and improve timber
yields.
The Company actively utilizes commercial-thinning timber management
practices. In the context of long-term value maximization, commercial thinning
improves the overall productivity of the timberlands by enhancing the growth of
the remaining trees while generating revenues.
Client-Land Management. In addition to managing its own timberlands,
Deltic also manages timberlands owned by others under management contracts with
one-year renewable terms. This program provides harvest planning, silvicultural
improvements, and maintenance work for approximately 85,000 acres.
FOREST PRODUCTS - SAWMILLS
The Company's two sawmills are located at Ola in central Arkansas and at
Waldo in south Arkansas, near significant portions of the timberlands. The Ola
Mill is equipped for maximum utilization of smaller diameter logs, while the
Waldo Mill can process both smaller and larger diameter logs. Approximately $27
million has been invested in the two sawmills over the past five years,
expanding both production capacity and product lines. Combined annual capacity
at December 31, 1997 was 210 million board feet.
Deltic employs modern technology in its sawmills in order to improve
overall efficiency, reduce labor costs, and maximize utilization of available
timber resources, while continuing to maintain high quality standards for lumber
production. The Company continues to upgrade and expand its sawmills to
increase production capacity and diversify the product mix offered.
During 1997, the Company began the installation of a new boiler system at
its Ola Mill to increase lumber drying capability at that location. By early
1998, this improvement from the existing "direct-fired" system, as well as the
installation of an additional kiln, will increase drying capacity by 30 million
board feet annually. The Ola Mill will also benefit from the addition of a new
small log processing deck in early 1998, which will enable the mill to extract
small diameter logs from pulpwood to facilitate log supply and increase
profitability by reducing log cost.
The Waldo Mill began operation of a high speed planer and an automated
sorting system in the third quarter of 1997, which allowed for the addition of a
second production shift. Also, the Company initiated the addition of secondary
manufacturing facilities at the Waldo Mill in 1997. As a result, secondary
manufacturing products such as finger-jointed studs have been added to Deltic's
lumber manufacturing product mix. The finger-jointing facility began production
in the fourth quarter of 1997, enabling finger-jointed studs to be produced from
end trims. The addition of automated chop and ripping saws to this facility
will be operational early in 1998.
The Company pursues waste minimization practices at both of its sawmills.
Wood chips are usually sold to paper mills and bark is frequently sold for use
as fuel. Bark, sawdust, shavings, and wood chips that cannot be sold are used
as "hog fuel" to fire the boilers that heat the drying kilns. In the future,
the Company expects to sell a significant portion of its residual wood chips to
Del-Tin Fiber pursuant to a fiber supply agreement. The Del-Tin Fiber MDF
facility is expected to be operational in the second quarter of 1998.
7
Each mill facility has the capability to ship its lumber by truck or rail.
While the cyclicality of the lumber market may occasionally require the
interruption of operations at one or both of the Company's sawmills, suspension
of milling activities is unusual. Management is not currently anticipating any
interruption of operations at either of Deltic's sawmills, but no assurance can
be given that market conditions or other factors will not render such an action
economically advisable in the future.
GROWTH STRATEGY
The Company's current strategy for growth emphasizes a significant
timberland acquisitions program which will facilitate an increase in harvest
levels and the expansion of its manufacturing operations.
Timberland Acquisitions. The Company's ongoing timberland acquisition
program will enable it to continue to increase harvest levels, while expanding
its timber inventory. In addition, it will allow the Company to maintain or
increase the volume of logs supplied to its sawmills from its own timberlands.
Timberland acquisitions are necessary for continued growth in harvest
levels over the long-term. The Company intends to focus its acquisitions program
on timberlands in the southern United States that range from fully-stocked to
cutover tracts. Timberland in the southern U.S. is 89-percent owned by private
landowners, rendering it potentially available for acquisition. There can be no
assurance that timber properties suitable for acquisition will be identified by
the Company, or that once identified, such properties will ultimately be
acquired by the Company.
Acting upon this strategy of timberland acquisition, Deltic formed a land
acquisition team. Lands considered for purchase were evaluated based on
location, site index, timber stocking, and growth potential. As a result,
approximately 30,700 acres of strategically located pine timberland have been
added since the inception of the acquisition program in late 1996. Individual
land purchases ranged from 10 acres to 8,400 acres, with the average block to-
date being 345 acres.
Manufacturing Operations. Recent capital projects at the Company's two
sawmills have expanded both production capacity and product mix. Future
projects are expected to continue to increase production levels, add value to
existing production, expand secondary manufacturing operations, improve lumber
recovery, and decrease manufacturing costs. The Company plans to increase
lumber production to 200 million board feet in 1998, an increase of 36 percent
over 1997 levels.
The Company's 50-percent interest in Del-Tin Fiber will enable it to expand
its business into the engineered wood products market. Del-Tin Fiber is a joint
venture to manufacture and market MDF. The plant is located near El Dorado,
Arkansas. The construction cost of the facility is projected to be
approximately $100 million. Construction commenced in mid-1996, with initial
production scheduled for the second quarter of 1998. The plant is designed to
have an annual production capacity of 150 million square feet, 3/4" basis,
making it one of the largest of its type in the world. MDF, which is used in
the furniture, flooring, and moulding industries, is manufactured from sawmill
residuals such as chips, shavings, and sawdust held together by an adhesive
bond. Although the technology has existed for decades, recent improvements in
the manufacture of MDF have increased both the quality and consistency of the
product. MDF, with its "real wood" appearance and ability to be finely milled
and accept a variety of finishes, competes primarily against lumber. In
addition to providing an entry into the MDF market, the Del-Tin Fiber project is
expected to provide an outlet for a significant portion of the Company's wood
chips. Pursuant to a fiber supply agreement, the Company has agreed to sell,
and Del-Tin Fiber to buy, all residual wood chips from the Waldo Mill. In
addition, Del-Tin Fiber has an option to purchase residual wood chips from the
Ola Mill and pulpwood chips, shavings, and sawdust from the Waldo Mill.
8
RAW MATERIALS
Logs processed by the Company's two sawmills in 1997 totaled 100 million
board feet, and were obtained from either the timberlands or purchased from
public and private landowners. Of the 48 million board feet of pine sawtimber
harvested from the timberlands in 1997, 24 million board feet were processed in
the Company's two sawmills.
Various factors, including environmental and endangered species concerns,
have limited, and will likely continue to limit, the amount of timber offered
for sale by United States government agencies. Because of this reduced
availability of federal timber for harvesting, the Company believes that its
supply of timber from the timberlands is a significant competitive advantage.
Deltic has historically supplied a significant portion of the timber processed
in the sawmills from its timberlands.
In order to operate its sawmills economically, the Company relies on
purchases of timber from third parties to supplement its own timber harvests
from the timberlands. The Company has an active timber procurement department
for each of its sawmills. As of December 31, 1997, the Company had under
contract approximately 49 million board feet of timber on land owned by other
parties, including the U.S. Forest Service, which is expected to be harvested
over the next four years. During 1997, the Company harvested third-party
stumpage and purchased logs from third parties totaling 82 million board feet.
Of this volume, purchases from the U.S. Forest Service during this period
represented seven percent. The balance of such purchases was acquired from
private lands.
As a result of the reduced availability of federal timber, demand for
privately-owned timber has increased, along with prices; and the Company has
increased and foresees further increases in its harvesting and purchasing
activities from private timberlands. Due to this increased demand and higher
timber prices, private timber sources have been prompted to sell their timber
commercially. As a result, Deltic's sources of private timber are many and
diverse. The key factors in a landowner's determination of whether to sell
timber to the Company are price, the Company's relationships with logging
contractors, and the ability of the Company to demonstrate the quality of its
logging practices to landowners. As a result, a landowner will be more likely
to sell timber to a forest products company whose own land has been responsibly
managed and harvested. There is a substantial amount of other private timber
acreage in proximity to each of Deltic's sawmills.
PRODUCTS AND COMPETITION
The Company's principal products are timber; lumber products, primarily
finished lumber; and residual wood products.
Timber. Timber harvested from the timberlands is utilized by the Company's
sawmills or sold to third parties. The Company's timber sales to third parties
accounted for approximately 17 percent, 12 percent, and 14 percent of net sales
in 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively.
The Company competes in the domestic timber market with numerous private
industrial and non-industrial land and timber owners. Competitive factors with
respect to the domestic timber market generally include price, species and
grade, proximity to wood consuming facilities, and the ability to meet delivery
requirements.
Lumber Products. The Company's sawmills produce a wide variety of
products, including dimension lumber, boards, timbers, decking, and secondary
manufacturing products such as finger-jointed studs. Lumber is sold primarily
to wholesalers and treaters in the South and Midwest and is used in residential
construction, roof trusses, laminated beams, and remanufactured items. During
1995, 1996, and 1997, lumber sales as a percentage of net sales were
approximately 55 percent, 55 percent, and 57 percent, respectively.
9
The forest products market is highly competitive with respect to price and
quality of products. In particular, competition in the commodity-grade lumber
market in which the Company competes is primarily based on price. Deltic
competes with major forest products companies operating in Arkansas, many of
which have significantly greater financial resources than the Company, as well
as privately-held lumber producers. In addition, Deltic's management expects
the Company's products to experience increased competition from engineered wood
products and other substitute products. Due to the geographic location of
Deltic's timberlands and its high-quality timber, in addition to the Company's
active timber management program, strategically located and efficient sawmill
operations, and highly motivated workforce; Deltic has been able to compete
effectively.
Chips. The Company's sawmills produce wood chips as by-products of the
applicable conversion process. Chips are typically sold to paper mills. During
1997, Deltic's sawmills produced 270,000 tons of wood chips. During 1995, 1996,
and 1997, sales of wood chips and other by-products of the Company's sawmills
accounted for 11 percent, 11 percent, and eight percent, respectively, of
Deltic's net sales. In the future, the Company expects to sell certain of its
residual wood products to Del-Tin Fiber for the production of MDF. (See "Growth
Strategy".)
REAL ESTATE OPERATIONS
Deltic's Real Estate operations in Chenal Valley were started in 1985 to
add value to former timberland strategically located in the growth corridor of
west Little Rock, Arkansas. Since that time the Company has been developing a
4,300-acre premier upscale planned community, Chenal Valley, centered around a
Robert Trent Jones, Jr. designed golf course. The golf course was completed in
1990. The property has been developed in stages and real estate sales to date
have consisted primarily of residential lots.
In connection with its Chenal Valley development, the Company developed
Chenal Country Club, consisting of the above-described golf course, a clubhouse,
and related facilities for use by club members; and the club membership agreed
to purchase Chenal Country Club with payments to be made on specified terms
through 1999. During 1997, the agreement was restructured in order to return
ownership of Chenal Country Club to the Company with the club members making
ongoing membership fee payments. In connection with the restructuring, Deltic
agreed to undertake substantial remodeling and expansion of the clubhouse. (For
additional information, see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements in
Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", of Part II of this
report.)
Commercial development began in 1996 with the construction of a Deltic-
owned, 50,000 square-foot office building, approximately one-half of which is
leased to General Motors Acceptance Corporation. During 1997, commercial sales
activity increased, with more than 26 acres sold for multi-family development.
Site work on a retail service center began in 1997, and approximately 50,000
square feet of prime retail space will be constructed by Deltic for availability
by late 1998. Construction of Rahling Road, a major connector street that
provides access to Chenal Valley's commercial core, began in 1997 and was
completed in early 1998. Commercial sites along this street, increased
residential development, and additional infrastructure investment are expected
to result in increased commercial activity.
Infrastructure and other improvements to support the development and sale
of residential and commercial property are funded directly by the Company and/or
through real property improvement districts. Such properties are developed only
when sufficient demand exists and all infrastructure is completed. Future
infrastructure investments are necessary only for the development and sale of
additional property.
10
A number of factors have added significant value to the undeveloped portion
of the Company's property. Such factors include: the overall success of Chenal
Valley as a residential development and its image as one of the premier
developments in Arkansas, the continued westward growth of Little Rock, the
Company's investment in infrastructure in the area, and the established
residential base which is now large enough to support commercial development.
Management expects the undeveloped portion of Chenal Valley to provide growth
and development opportunities in the future.
When fully developed, Chenal Valley will include approximately 4,000
residential homesites. To date, 896 homesites have been developed and 739 lots
sold, with about 700 residences constructed or under construction. Of its 627
total commercial acres, Chenal will offer acreage for office tracts, multi-
family development, and retail locations. The development plan supports the
area's growing demand for corporate and service-oriented products.
In addition to Chenal Valley, Deltic is developing Chenal Downs, a 400-acre
equestrian development located outside of Chenal Valley being sold in estate-
sized lots of approximately five acres each, and Red Oak Ridge, Deltic's first
real estate development outside of Little Rock. The first phase of lot sales in
Chenal Downs was offered in December, 1997, with significant lots sales
projected for 1998, when the state-of-the-art equestrian center will be
completed. Red Oak Ridge, located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is an 800-acre,
upscale community designed for residential, resort, or retirement living.
FARMING
Deltic owns 36,000 acres of farmland in northeast Louisiana. Approximately
26,000 acres of the total are farmed by Deltic, while the remaining 10,000 acres
are rented to third parties. The primary crops for 1997 were soybeans, corn,
cotton, and wheat. For 1998, only soybeans and corn will be grown due to
expected increased profitability of these crops versus cotton and wheat.
The installation of two continuous-flow drying systems allowed more than 55
percent of Deltic's corn production to be dried before delivery to local
markets, which meant lower harvest losses and reduced drying charges from grain
elevator operators. Plans are for an even higher percentage of corn production
to be dried at Deltic's facilities in 1998. The purchase of new combines
allowed Deltic to harvest crops at optimum grain moisture and field conditions,
rather than having to rely on availability of custom harvesters.
SEASONALITY
The Company's operating segments are subject to variances in financial
results due to several seasonal factors. The majority of timber sales are
generated in the first half of the year due primarily to weather conditions and
stronger timber prices. Increased housing starts during the spring usually push
lumber prices up and, in turn, can result in higher timber prices. Forestry
operations generally incur expenses related to silvicultural treatments which
are applied during the fall season to achieve maximum effectiveness. Farming
operations generally do not generate significant sales and operating income
until crops are harvested and sold in the second half of the year.
BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
Information concerning net sales and operating income attributable to each
of the Company's business segments is set forth in Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis"; and Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements
in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", of Part II of this
report.
11
DECLINE IN AVAILABILITY OF FEDERAL TIMBER
Various factors, including environmental and endangered species concerns,
have limited, and will likely continue to limit, the amount of timber offered
for sale by certain United States government agencies, which historically have
been major suppliers of timber to the United States forest products industry.
During 1997, the Company acquired approximately 14 percent of its timber supply
for its Ola Mill from federal sources, the Ouachita and Ozark National Forests.
Any future decline in the availability of timber from federally-owned lands will
require that the Company, in order to supply the Ola Mill, rely more heavily on
harvests from the Company's timberlands, including harvests from timberlands
acquired in the future to the extent that suitable opportunities arise, and on
the acquisition of timber from other sources, such as private timber owners.
The Company's Waldo Mill does not currently process any timber acquired from
federal sources.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
The Company is subject to extensive and changing federal, state, and local
environmental laws and regulations relating to the protection of human health
and the environment, including laws relating to air and water emissions, the use
of pesticides and herbicides on the farm and timberlands, regulation of
"wetlands", and the protection of endangered species. Environmental legislation
and regulations, and the interpretation and enforcement thereof, are expected to
become increasingly stringent. The Company has made and will continue to make
non-material expenditures to comply with such requirements in the ordinary
course of its operations. Liability under certain environmental regulations may
be imposed without regard to fault or the legality of the original actions, and
may be joint and several with other responsible parties. As a result, in
addition to ongoing compliance costs, the Company may be subject to liability
for activities undertaken on its properties prior to its ownership or operation
and by third parties, including tenants. The Company currently leases the
rights to drill for oil and gas on some of its lands to third parties. Pursuant
to these leases, the lessee indemnifies the Company from environmental liability
relating to the lessee's operations. Based on its present knowledge, including
the fact that the Company is not currently aware of any facts that indicate that
the Company will be required to incur any material costs relating to
environmental matters, and currently applicable laws and regulations, the
Company believes that environmental matters are not likely to have a material
adverse effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or
liquidity.
In addition, the federal "Endangered Species Act" protects species
threatened with possible extinction and restricts timber harvesting activities
on private and federal lands. Certain of the Company's timberlands are subject
to such restrictions due to the presence on the lands of the Red Cockaded
Woodpecker, a species protected under the Act. There can be no assurance that
the presence of this species or the discovery of other protected species will
not subject the Company to future harvesting restrictions. However, based on
the Company's knowledge of its timberlands, the Company does not believe that
its ability to harvest its timberlands will be materially adversely effected by
the protection of endangered species.
EMPLOYEES
As of February 28, 1998, the Company had 492 employees.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's properties, located in Arkansas and north Louisiana, consist
principally of fee timber and timberlands, purchased stumpage inventory, two
sawmills, land held for residential and commercial development and sale, and
farmland. As of December 31, 1997, the Company's gross
12
investment in timber and timberlands, gross property, plant and equipment, and
investment in real estate held for development and sale consisted of the
following:
Timberlands $ 44,846
Fee timber and logging facilities 82,126
Purchased stumpage inventory 10,545
Real estate held for development and sale 20,365
Land and land improvements 7,452
Buildings and structures 7,966
Machinery and equipment 58,138
-------
$231,438
=======
"Timberlands" consist of the historical cost of land on which fee timber is
grown and related land acquisitions stated at acquisition cost. "Fee timber"
consists of the historical cost of company standing timber inventory, including
capitalized reforestation costs, and related timber acquisitions stated at
acquisition cost. "Logging facilities" consist primarily of the costs of roads
constructed and other land improvements. "Purchased stumpage inventory"
consists of the purchase price paid for unharvested third party timber. "Real
estate held for development and sale" consist primarily of the unamortized costs
incurred to develop the real estate for sale. "Land and land improvements"
consist primarily of the farmland. "Buildings and structures" and "Machinery
and equipment" consist of the sawmill buildings and equipment, farming
structures and equipment, and a commercial building held for lease.
The Company owns all of the properties discussed above. Other than
approximately $2.2 million of timber notes payable for certain investments in
timber and $.9 million of owner-financed acquisitions of real estate acreage and
timberland, the Company's properties are not subject to mortgages or other forms
of debt financing. (For further information on the location and type of the
Company's properties, see the descriptions of the Company's operations in Item
1.)
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation incidental to its
business. Currently, there are no material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The age (at January 1, 1998), present corporate office, and length of
service in office of each of the Company's executive officers and persons chosen
to become officers are reported in the following listing. Executive officers
are elected annually but may be removed from office at any time by the Board of
Directors.
Robert C. Nolan - Age 56; Chairman of the Board effective December 17,
1996. For the past 26 years, Mr. Nolan has been Managing Partner of Munoco
Company, an Arkansas partnership principally engaged in the exploration for and
production of oil and gas. In addition, Mr. Nolan has over 25 years experience
in timberland management.
13
Ron L. Pearce - Age 56; President and Chief Executive Officer and a
director of the Company effective December 17, 1996. From June 1993 to December
1996, Mr. Pearce was President of Deltic Farm & Timber Co., Inc. ("Deltic Farm &
Timber"), the predecessor corporation of the Company. Prior to such time, Mr.
Pearce was Manager of Operations and Planning for Deltic Farm & Timber, a
position he held beginning in February, 1991.
Emily R. Evers - Age 47; Controller effective December 31, 1996. From
1989 to December 1996, Ms. Evers was Controller of Deltic Farm & Timber.
W. Bayless Rowe - Age 45; General Counsel and Secretary effective
December 31, 1996. From 1988 to December 1996, Mr. Rowe was Secretary and
General Attorney of Murphy Oil Corporation ("Murphy").
Clefton D. Vaughan - Age 56; Vice President, Finance and Administration
and Treasurer effective December 31, 1996. From October 1994 to December 1996,
Mr. Vaughan was Vice President of Murphy, a position he also held from 1989
through October 1992. From October 1992 to October 1994, Mr. Vaughan was Vice
President of Murphy Exploration & Production Company.
14
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS
MATTERS.
Common Stock of Deltic Timber Corporation is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol DEL. The following table sets forth the high, low,
and ending prices, along with the quarterly dividends declared, for each of the
quarters indicated:
Sales Prices*
----------------------------- Dividend per
High Low Ending Common Share
------- -------- -------- ------------
1997
First Quarter $ 28-1/2 22-1/4 28-3/8 .0625
Second Quarter 29-5/16 25 29-5/16 .0625
Third Quarter 32-7/8 24-15/16 32-11/16 .0625
Fourth Quarter 32-1/2 26-15/16 27-3/8 .0625
1996
No market trading activity or dividends declared, except those to
Murphy Oil Corporation, the Company's former parent. (For additional
information see Note 20 to the consolidated financial statements in
Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data", of Part II of
this report.
* Daily closing price.
The initial dividend for Deltic Timber Corporation was declared on January
22, 1997 to shareholders as of March 1, 1997. Common stock dividends were
declared for each quarter during 1997. As of February 28, 1998, there were
approximately 3,424 stockholders of record of Deltic's Common Stock.
15
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table presents certain selected consolidated financial data
for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 1997:
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993*
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR
Net sales.......................................... $104,208 86,498 80,662 92,457 69,448
Operating income................................... $ 25,609 17,940 13,343 28,375 17,378
Income before income taxes......................... $ 27,252 21,933 15,894 30,576 18,539
Net income......................................... $ 16,574 13,161 10,016 18,142 7,335
Earnings per Common share**
Basic............................................. $ 1.29 1.03 N/A N/A N/A
Assuming dilution................................. $ 1.29 1.03 N/A N/A N/A
Cash dividends declared per Common share........... $ .25 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Net cash provided/(required) by
Operating activities.............................. $ 23,917 21,731 16,865 23,894 16,200
Investing activities.............................. $(37,804) (6,108) (16,134) (23,875) (16,215)
Financing activities.............................. $ 26,090 (419) (1,644) (101) (401)
Percentage return on
Average stockholders' equity...................... 9.6 7.8 6.1 12.0 5.3
Average borrowed and invested capital............. 9.5 7.9 6.2 12.0 5.3
Average total assets.............................. 8.7 7.2 5.7 11.3 5.1
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES FOR THE YEAR***
Forest Products................................... $ 27,886 5,681 2,712 7,222 3,565
Real Estate....................................... 6,378 6,669 4,638 3,849 5,674
Agriculture....................................... 1,000 272 245 266 395
Corporate......................................... 574 1,512 1,538 66 40
-------- ------- ------- ------- -------
$ 35,838 14,134 9,133 11,403 9,674
======== ======= ======= ======= =======
FINANCIAL CONDITION AT YEAR-END
Working capital................................... $ 37,971 25,758 6,822 11,314 11,520
Current ratio..................................... 5.9 to 1 5.3 to 1 1.9 to 1 3.4 to 1 4.5 to 1
Total assets...................................... $225,375 180,078 185,247 169,373 150,761
Long-term debt.................................... $ 1,093 2,685 2,817 163 54
Redeemable preferred stock........................ $ 30,000 - - - -
Stockholders' equity.............................. $179,996 166,708 170,289 160,273 142,131
Long-term debt to stockholders' equity ratio...... .006 to 1 .016 to 1 .017 to 1 .001 to 1 .001 to 1
* Effective January 1, 1993, the Company elected the immediate recognition
basis for implementing SFAS No. 106, Employers' Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions, and SFAS No. 109, Accounting
for Income Taxes, without restating prior year results. The cumulative
effect of these adoptions was charges of $1,661,000 and $2,415,000 for
SFAS 106 and SFAS 109, respectively.
** 1996 amounts are presented on a pro forma basis. The distribution of the
Company's Common Stock did not occur until December 31, 1996.
*** Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to 1997
presentation format. Net Change in Purchased Stumpage Inventory previously
reported as a component of capital expenditures, by years: 1996,
$(2,781,000); 1995, $4,504,000; 1994, $(1,055,000); and 1993, $1,008,000.
16
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW
Deltic Timber Corporation ("Deltic" or the "Company") is a natural
resources company engaged primarily in the growing and harvesting of timber and
the manufacture and marketing of lumber. The Company owns approximately 368,000
acres of timberland in Arkansas and north Louisiana. The Company's sawmill
operations are located at Ola in central Arkansas (the "Ola Mill") and at Waldo
in south Arkansas (the "Waldo Mill"). In addition to its timber and lumber
operations, the Company is engaged in real estate development in central
Arkansas and owns approximately 36,000 acres of farmland. The Company also holds
a 50-percent interest in Del-Tin Fiber, L.L.C. ("Del-Tin Fiber"), a joint
venture to manufacture and market medium density fiberboard, which is expected
to be operational during the second quarter of 1998.
On November 11, 1996, the Board of Directors of Murphy Oil Corporation
("Murphy") declared a dividend payable to holders of record of Murphy Common
Stock at the close of business on December 2, 1996 (the "Record Date") of one
share of Deltic Common Stock for every 3.5 shares of Murphy Common Stock owned
of record on the Record Date. As a result, 100 percent of the outstanding shares
of Company Common Stock were distributed to Murphy shareholders on December 31,
1996 (the "Distribution Date"). Prior to the Distribution Date, the Company was
operated as part of Murphy. The financial information for the years of 1996 and
1995 presented herein reflects periods during which the Company did not operate
as an independent company. Such information, therefore, may not necessarily
reflect the results of operations or the financial condition of the Company
which would have resulted had the Company been an independent, public company
during the reporting periods, and are not necessarily indicative of the
Company's future operating results or financial condition.
The Company's results of operations are affected primarily by the cyclical
supply and demand factors of the forest products industry. Demand for timber is
determined by demand for finished wood products. Wood products demand is driven
by the level of housing starts, repair and remodeling activity, industrial
construction activity, competition from non-wood products, and seasonal factors
such as weather. These factors in turn are strongly influenced by overall
economic activity, interest rates, and demographics. The supply of timber, and
therefore lumber, is significantly affected by the availability of timber from
public lands, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. In recent years, the United
States government has dramatically reduced the amount of timber offered for sale
in response to environmental concerns. This has resulted in increased demand for
timber and lumber in the southern United States, as well as increased lumber
imports from Canada.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Deltic's consolidated net income for 1997 was $16.6 million, $1.29 a share,
an increase of 26 percent when compared to 1996 net income of $13.2 million,
$1.03 a share on a pro forma basis. The Company earned $10 million in 1995.
Operating income for 1997 increased $7.6 million to $25.6 million. The
Forest Products segment increased $8.9 million due to a 21-percent increase in
pine sawtimber harvest levels, a 20-percent rise in the average price for pine
sawtimber sold, and an 18-percent increase in average finished lumber sales
price. Real Estate operations increased $1.6 million due primarily to increased
commercial sales. The Agriculture segment results were virtually the same as in
1996. The cost of corporate functions increased $2.9 million.
17
In 1996, operating income increased $4.7 million. The Forest Products
segment increased $1.2 million due primarily to a five-percent increase in
finished lumber sales price, which more than offset an 18-percent decline in the
average price for pine sawtimber. Real Estate operations increased $.6 million
and benefited from a 34-percent increase in residential lot sales. Agriculture
operating results increased $2.4 million over 1995 as crop prices and yields
increased significantly. The cost of corporate functions decreased $.5 million.
The Company's net sales and results of operations for the three years ended
December 31, 1997 are presented by segment in the following tables. A review of
the information presented follows the tables.
Years Ended December 31,
------------------------
(Millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Net sales
Forest Products $ 83.1 69.6 68.3
Real Estate 11.6 6.3 4.2
Agriculture 9.5 10.6 8.2
------ ---- ----
Net sales $104.2 86.5 80.7
====== ==== ====
Operating income and net income
Forest Products $ 24.8 15.9 14.7
Real Estate 3.2 1.6 1.0
Agriculture 2.8 2.8 0.4
Corporate (5.2) (2.3) (2.8)
------ ---- ----
Operating income 25.6 18.0 13.3
Net interest income .3 2.8 2.4
Other income 1.4 1.2 0.2
Income tax expense (10.7) (8.8) (5.9)
------ ---- ----
Net income $ 16.6 13.2 10.0
====== ==== ====
Forest Products
The Company's Forest Products operations generated net sales of $83.1
million in 1997, $69.6 million in 1996, and $68.3 million in 1995. Operating
income for this segment was $24.8 million in 1997, $15.9 million in 1996, and
$14.7 million in 1995.
Net sales increased $13.5 million, 20 percent, during 1997. Pine sawtimber
sales increased $5.9 million over 1996 which reflects the impact of a $3.3
million increase attributable to higher sales volume coupled with a $2.6 million
increase due to higher average sales price. The Company harvested 47.5 million
board feet -Doyle scale ("MMBF-DS") of pine sawtimber in 1997, an increase of 21
percent when compared to 39.2 MMBF-DS in 1996. The increase in harvest levels
was facilitated by the acquisition of over 25,000 acres of timberland during
1997. Average sales price for Deltic's pine sawtimber was $398 per thousand
board feet- Doyle scale ("MBF-DS") in 1997 versus $333 per MBF-DS in 1996, a 20-
percent increase. The increase in the price of pine sawtimber was the result of
strong demand caused by the high level of regional lumber production. Demand for
pine sawtimber, as well as lumber, benefited from the continuation of the
general economic expansion, strong level of housing starts, and low interest
rates. Pine pulpwood and hardwood sales increased $.5 million in 1997 due to
higher volume and sales price. Net sales of finished lumber increased $11.2
million due to an $8.8 million increase which resulted from higher average sales
price and a $2.4 million increase from greater sales volume. In 1997, average
sales price for finished lumber was $396 per thousand board feet ("MBF"), an 18-
percent increase when compared to $335 per MBF in 1996. The Company's
18
sawmills experienced a four-percent increase in sales of finished lumber, from
143.4 million board feet ("MMBF") in 1996 to 149.4 MMBF in 1997. Other net sales
in the Forest Products segment decreased $4.1 million due to a reduction of
sawmill residual product sales and an increase in intrasegment sales
elimination.
During 1996, net sales of pine sawtimber decreased $1.5 million,
representing the net impact of a $2.6 million decrease attributable to a lower
average sales price and a $1.1 million increase due to a higher sales volume.
Pine sawtimber sales prices declined 18 percent in 1996 from $406 per MBF-DS in
1995 to $333 per MBF-DS in 1996. This decline in the price of pine sawtimber
was caused by softness in the market for logs and finished lumber due to a
continuation of the prior year's decline in new housing starts in the United
States. Pine sawtimber harvested by the Company increased ten percent in 1996
to 39.2 MMBF-DS from 35.7 MMBF-DS in 1995. Net sales of pine pulpwood and
hardwood increased $.2 million in 1996 due to higher sales price. Finished
lumber net sales increased $3.3 million and was caused equally by increased
sales price from $318 per MBF in 1995 to $335 per MBF in 1996 and slightly
higher sales volume, 143.4 MMBF in 1996 compared to 140.5 MMBF in 1995. Other
net sales in the Forest Products segment decreased $.7 million.
In 1997, operating income from this segment was $24.8 million, an increase
of $8.9 million over 1996, primarily attributable to increased sales of pine
sawtimber and finished lumber discussed above, partially offset by a 17-percent
increase in the cost of logs to the Company's sawmills. The cost of fee timber
harvested from Deltic's timberlands increased $.4 million when compared to 1996
due to an increase in timber harvested and to higher depletion rates which are
the result of acquiring timberland.
Operating income of $15.9 million for 1996 was $1.2 million more than for
1995, an eight-percent increase, primarily attributable to increased finished
lumber sales discussed above, partially offset by higher log costs at the
Company's sawmills.
Real Estate
Net sales for the Company's Real Estate operations at Chenal Valley in west
Little Rock, Arkansas, were $11.6 million in 1997, $6.3 million in 1996, and
$4.2 million in 1995. Operating income for this segment totaled $3.2 million in
1997, $1.6 million in 1996, and $1 million in 1995.
In 1997, Real Estate operations generated net sales of $11.6 million, $5.3
million more than in 1996. Sales of residential and commercial property
increased $2.6 million. The sale of residential lots at the Chenal Valley
development increased 19 percent, from 95 lots in 1996 to 113 lots in 1997, with
a slight decrease in average sales price from $55,400 to $52,400. During 1997,
149 lots were developed and offered for sale in Bayonne Place; DuQuesne Place,
Chenal Valley's newest neighborhood which was priced to enter a new segment of
the market; and Chenal Downs, a 400-acre equestrian development located outside
of Chenal Valley. Two commercial tracts were sold in 1997 for multi-family
developments and totaled 26.4 acres at an average price per acre of $90,900,
which compares to a 2.1-acre tract for $199,500 per acre in 1996. On May 1,
1997, the Company acquired Chenal Country Club, Inc., a newly-formed entity that
operates the Club amenity around which Chenal Valley development is centered.
The acquisition was accomplished by exchanging a $5.6 million interest-bearing
receivable from the club membership, which was previously held by Deltic, for an
investment in the newly-formed subsidiary. Chenal Country Club, Inc.'s financial
results included net sales of $2.3 million and cost of sales totaling $2.1
million. The cost of the clubhouse and golf course facilities acquired will be
accounted for as an additional amenity for the Chenal Valley development. Real
Estate operating income of $3.2 million for 1997 increased $1.6 million when
compared to 1996, due primarily to the same factors impacting net sales.
19
Net sales in 1996 increased $2.1 million, 52 percent, from $4.2 million in
1995. Operating income also increased $.6 million in 1996 to $1.6 million.
Residential lot sales at the Chenal Valley development increased by 24 lots to
95 lots with the average sales price up five percent over 1995, from $52,900 to
$55,400. A 2.1-acre commercial tract was sold in 1996 for $199,500 per acre,
while no commercial development acreage was sold in 1995.
Agriculture
Deltic's Agriculture segment generated net sales of $9.5 million in 1997,
$10.6 million in 1996, and $8.2 million in 1995. Operating income totaled $2.8
million for both 1997 and 1996, and $.4 million for 1995.
Agriculture operations contributed $9.5 million in net sales during 1997,
down $1.1 million from 1996. This decrease was primarily due to a 43-percent
reduction in harvests of cotton in 1997 compared to 1996, which resulted from
diverting about 2,000 acres from cotton production to other crops. Although
revenues decreased in 1997, a corresponding reduction in crop costs was
achieved. Operating income of $2.8 million in 1997 was essentially unchanged
from 1996. In 1997, crop yields per acre for cotton and wheat increased 19
percent and 25 percent respectively, while per acre yields for soybeans and corn
decreased nine percent and four percent.
Net sales increased $2.4 million, 29 percent, during 1996. Operating income
also increased $2.4 million from $.4 million in 1995. Higher sales prices for
soybeans and corn, in addition to improved yields, benefited agricultural
results for 1996, compared to hot, dry conditions which adversely affected 1995
crop yields. In 1996, crop yields per acre for soybeans and corn increased 48
percent and 23 percent respectively; in addition, sales prices for soybeans and
corn increased 19 percent and 29 percent.
Corporate
Corporate operating expense was $5.2 million in 1997, $2.3 million in 1996,
and $2.8 million in 1995. During 1997, the Company's general and administrative
expenses increased $2.7 million due to higher expenses incurred as an
independent, public company. The cost of certain administrative and financial
services provided by Murphy Oil Corporation, Deltic's parent prior to spin-off,
was included in general and administrative expenses and totaled $.5 million in
1997, $1.3 million in 1996, and $2 million in 1995. These services were
provided by Murphy through June 30, 1997.
Net interest income
Net interest income during 1997 was $.3 million, compared to $2.8 million
during 1996 and $2.4 million during 1995. The $2.5 million decrease in 1997 was
due primarily to settlement of an interest-bearing receivable from Murphy.
Deltic's interest income from this receivable was $2.4 million in 1996 and $2
million in 1995. On December 18, 1997, the Company received $29.6 million in
proceeds from the issuance of 600,000 shares of Redeemable Preferred Stock, net
of issuance costs of $.4 million, most of which was invested in interest-bearing
securities until required for the Company's acquisition program. (Refer to Note
10 to the consolidated financial statements.)
Other income
Other income was $1.4 million in 1997, $1.2 million in 1996, and $.2
million in 1995. During 1997, the Company realized a $1.2 million gain on
settlement of a physical damage insurance claim which was the result of a fire
that destroyed the Ola Mill lumber planer. A business interruption claim for
this event is expected to be settled in 1998. A $.7 million gain on the sale of
approximately 3,200 acres of Arkansas farmland was recorded during 1996.
20
Income tax expense
The Company's income tax expense was $10.7 million for 1997, $8.8 million
for 1996, and $5.9 million for 1995. The effective income tax rate was 39
percent, 40 percent, and 37 percent in 1997, 1996, and 1995, respectively. The
increase in income tax expense of $1.9 million in 1997 and $2.9 million in 1996
was due to similar increases in pretax earnings. In addition, prior period tax
adjustments included a $.3 million benefit in 1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash Flows and Capital Expenditures
Net cash provided by operating activities was $23.9 million in 1997,
compared to $21.7 million in 1996 and $16.9 million in 1995. Changes in
operating working capital other than cash and cash equivalents required cash of
$.5 million for 1997, but provided cash of $.6 million in 1996 and $1.6 million
in 1995. The Company's accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
identify other differences between net income and cash provided by operating
activities for each of those years.
Capital expenditures required cash of $35.7 million in 1997, $14.1 million
in 1996, and $8.4 million in 1995. Other seller-financed capital expenditures
not requiring cash included land acquisitions of $.1 million in 1997 and $.7
million in 1995. Total capital expenditures are presented by segment in the
following table for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
(Millions of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Forest Products $27.9 5.6 2.7
Real Estate 6.4 6.7 4.7
Agriculture 1.0 .3 .2
Corporate .5 1.5 1.5
---- ---- ----
Capital expenditures $35.8 14.1 9.1
==== ==== ====
Capital expenditures for Forest Products included land acquisitions of
approximately 25,100 acres at a cost of $15.9 million in 1997 and approximately
3,100 acres at a cost of $2.5 million in 1996. At the Company's Ola Mill,
capital projects for 1997 included $3 million for installation of a new boiler
system and an additional kiln, which will increase drying capacity by 30 million
board feet annually, and $1.4 million for a small log processing deck, which
enables the mill to extract small diameter logs from pulpwood to facilitate log
supply and reduce log cost. In 1996, Ola's expenditures included $.7 million for
a sorter system. The Waldo Mill's planer upgrade required capital expenditures
of $4.1 million in 1997 and $1.4 million in 1996. During 1997, $1.6 million was
expended for the Waldo Mill's new secondary manufacturing operation, which will
expand the product mix to include products such as finger-jointed studs. This
project is expected to be completed early in 1998. In 1995, Waldo's mill
expansion was completed and required capital expenditures of $1.8 million.
Real Estate operations had capital expenditures related to costs of lot
development of $2.1 million in 1997, $.4 million in 1996, and $1.2 million in
1995. Commercial development included $.6 million in 1997 for site work for a
retail service center that will offer approximately 50,000 square feet of prime
retail space for lease and $4.5 million in 1996 for construction of a 50,000
square-foot office building which the Company offers for lease. Infrastructure
construction totaled $1.3 million in 1997, compared to $.4 million in 1996 and
$.7 million in 1995. In 1997, an expansion of the clubhouse at Chenal Country
Club was begun and expenditures totaled $.6 million. In 1995, land adjoining
Chenal Valley was acquired for $1 million. Other expenditures were primarily for
various amenity improvements.
21
Agriculture expenditures in 1997 included the installation of two
continuous-flow drying systems for $.4 million and the purchase of three
combines for $.4 million. Other capital requirements were mainly for
replacements of various machinery and equipment.
Capital expenditures of $.5 million for Corporate operations in 1997 were
primarily for the purchase of office furniture and computer equipment, including
software, required when the Company's offices were relocated after being spun
off from Murphy. Expenditures included $.9 million in 1996 for purchase of
additional investment in a consolidated entity and $1.4 million in 1995 for
mineral lease acquisitions in Union and Columbia Counties in Arkansas.
At December 31, 1997, the Company had commitments of $4.5 million for
capital projects in progress, including $.4 million for land acquisitions, $1.5
million for the boiler/kiln and log deck projects at the Ola Mill, $.6 million
for the secondary manufacturing facility at the Waldo Mill, and $1.5 million
related to residential lot and commercial development, infrastructure
construction, and amenity improvements at Chenal.
The net change in purchased stumpage inventory required cash of $2.9
million in 1997 and provided cash of $2.8 million in 1996 and $1 million in
1995. The Company increased its investment in U. S. government securities by $.7
million in 1997 and $1.5 million in 1996. Proceeds from sales of assets provided
$1.4 million in 1997, due primarily to the involuntary conversion of the Ola
Mill's planer which was destroyed by fire, and $2.9 million in 1996, primarily
from the sale of approximately 3,200 acres of Arkansas farmland. In 1996, as a
part of the spin-off of the Company by Murphy, the Company received a $17.2
million cash payment from Murphy in partial settlement of its receivable due
from Murphy. Prior to the spin-off, the Company remitted to Murphy cash funds
generated in excess of its daily requirements. As a result, the receivable from
Murphy had increased by $7.9 million in 1996 and $8.7 million in 1995. Also, in
connection with the spin-off, the Company recorded an $18.8 million noncash
dividend to Murphy which reduced the outstanding balance of the receivable.
(Refer to Note 2 to consolidated financial statements.) The Company advanced $1
million and $6.8 million in 1997 and 1996, respectively, to Del-Tin Fiber.
On December 18, 1997, the Company issued 600,000 shares of Redeemable
Preferred Stock, proceeds of which were $29.6 million, net of issuance cost of
$.4 million. (Refer to Note 10 to the consolidated financial statements.)
Borrowings under Deltic's line of credit provided $3 million in 1997, which were
also repaid during the year. Cash required to repay long-term debt arising from
installment payments on notes used to finance a portion of the Company's timber
requirements amounted to $1.8 million in 1997, $.4 million in 1996, and $1.6
million in 1995. In 1997, the Company paid $3.2 million in dividends on Common
Stock.
Financial Condition
Year-end working capital totaled $38 million in 1997 and $25.8 million in
1996. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of 1997 were $28.8 million, compared
to $16.6 million at the end of 1996. The improvement for 1997 was primarily
attributable to the $30 million issuance of Redeemable Preferred Stock. During
1997, total long-term and short-term debt declined $1.5 million. The Company's
working capital ratio at December 31, 1997 was 5.9 to 1, compared to 5.3 to 1 at
the end of 1996.
22
Liquidity
The primary sources of the Company's liquidity are internally generated
funds, access to outside financing, and working capital. The Company's current
strategy for growth emphasizes a significant timberland acquisition program,
which will facilitate an increase in harvest levels as it is expanding lumber
production and entering the engineered wood products market through its interest
in Del-Tin Fiber. To facilitate these growth plans, the Company issued $30
million of Redeemable Preferred Stock late in 1997, proceeds of which will be
used primarily to fund the land acquisition program. This equity offering also
satisfied representations made to the Internal Revenue Service for purposes of
receiving a ruling that the distribution of its stock by Murphy would qualify as
tax-free to Murphy and its shareholders. Deltic has an agreement with a group
of banks which provides an unsecured, committed revolving credit facility
totaling $100 million. Of the total credit facility, up to $40 million may be
designated as borrowings of Del-Tin Fiber. The agreement will expire on
December 31, 2001. As of December 31, 1997, $78 million was available under
this facility. Current financing arrangements are set forth in Note 9 to the
consolidated financial statements. The Company does not anticipate any problem
in meeting future requirements for funds.
During 1998, Deltic anticipates filing a shelf registration with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under which the Company could issue up to
$100 million of Common Stock. Such stock, if issued, would be used in the
Company's timberland acquisition program or for general corporate purposes.
There can be no assurance that debt or equity funds will be available at terms
acceptable to the Company.
OTHER MATTERS
General inflation has not had a significant effect on the Company's
operating results during the three years ended December 31, 1997. The Company's
timber operations are more significantly impacted by the forces of supply and
demand in the southern United States than by changes in inflation. Sales of real
estate are affected by changes in the general economy and long-term interest
rates.
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 ("SFAS 131"),
Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information, requires
segment reporting to correspond with the organizational units that management
has established for internal performance evaluation purposes. SFAS 131 will be
effective for periods beginning after December 15, 1997. As a result, the
Company will divide its current Forest Products segment into two separate
reporting segments, Woodlands and Mills, for all future reports issued,
beginning in the first quarter of 1998.
The Company recognizes the need to ensure its operations will not be
adversely impacted by Year 2000 software failures. The Company is addressing
the risk to the availability and integrity of financial systems and the
reliability of operational systems. The majority of Deltic's computer equipment
and financial system software was purchased when the Company was spun off from
Murphy. As a result, the Company has no significant compliance issue with its
financial system and the cost to resolve any inherent problems in older COBOL or
FORTRAN programs is not expected to be material. An evaluation of the Company's
operational systems, primarily at its sawmills, has not been completed and the
effect on these operations and the cost of compliance cannot be determined at
the current time. Deltic is also communicating with suppliers, customers,
financial institutions, and others with which it does business to coordinate
Year 2000 conversion. The cost of achieving Year 2000 compliance is not
estimated to be material.
Deltic is committed to protecting the environment and has certain
obligations based on federal, state, and local laws for the protection of the
environment. Costs of compliance through 1997 have not been material and the
Company currently has no reason to believe that such costs will become material.
23
OUTLOOK
The Company expects domestic demand for timber and lumber to remain strong
in 1998. However, demand will be negatively affected if the economy slows and
housing starts decline. In addition, the oversupply of lumber that developed in
the second half of 1997 and the resulting depressed prices may extend into 1998.
The Company expects that timber sales by the United States government will
remain at historically low levels; and increasing environmental pressures in
Canada, along with the Canada-United States Lumber Quota Agreement, will prevent
any significant increase in Canadian imports.
Pine sawtimber harvested from the Company's fee lands is projected to
increase annually through the year 2000, depending on the Company's ability to
increase timber inventory through growth and timberland acquisitions. Lumber
production is also projected to increase over this period, as the Company
continues to increase the capacity of its manufacturing facilities. The Company
expects Real Estate operations to continue to expand, although sales could be
affected by declines in economic growth or housing starts in central Arkansas.
Agriculture operations will be subject to a number of factors, including weather
conditions, insect infestation, crop disease, and price fluctuations.
The Company's capital budget for 1998 provides for expenditures of $52.9
million, including $32.7 million for Forest Products operations and $19.1
million for the Real Estate segment. A major portion of the Forest Products
amount, $21.5 million, is designated for timberland acquisitions, while $10.2
million is provided for sawmill projects. Expenditures for timberland will be
dependent on the availability of tracts at prices which meet the Company's
criterion for timber stocking, site index, growth potential, and location. The
planned installation of a new planermill at the Ola Mill at a cost of $4.9
million will increase production capacity by 19 million board feet. Residential
lot development is expected to add over 250 lots at a projected cost of $6.2
million. Expenditures for commercial real estate development and infrastructure
construction is estimated at $6.3 million. Golf course and clubhouse expansion
projects are anticipated to require capital expenditures of $4.2 million.
Agriculture expenditures are budgeted at $.7 million for replacements of
machinery and equipment and land improvements. Capital and other expenditures
are under constant review, and these budgeted amounts may be adjusted to reflect
changes in the Company's estimated cash flows from operations or general
economic conditions.
The Company has made "forward-looking statements" in this report which are
made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are identified by the use of
forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipates", "expects", "plans",
"estimates", or words or phrases of similar import. These forward-looking
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, risks, and uncertainties,
including those disclosed elsewhere herein. Actual results and developments
could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.
24
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 1997 and 1996
---------------------------------
(Thousands of dollars)
1997 1996
--------- -------
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,838 16,635
U. S. government securities 2,207 1,527
Trade accounts receivable - net 3,772 3,186
Other receivables 297 2,532
Inventories 8,595 5,436
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,060 2,386
-------- -------
Total current assets 45,769 31,702
Investment in real estate held for development and sale 20,365 19,558
Investment in and advances to Del-Tin Fiber, L.L.C. 7,383 6,811
Timber and timberlands - net 108,206 90,320
Property, plant, and equipment - net 39,646 28,902
Deferred charges and other assets 4,006 2,785
-------- -------
Total assets $225,375 180,078
======== =======
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt $ 1,801 1,698
Notes payable 192 -
Trade accounts payable 2,542 2,031
Accrued taxes other than income taxes 979 780
Bank overdraft 1,479 -
Other accrued liabilities 805 942
Income taxes payable - 493
-------- -------
Total current liabilities 7,798 5,944
Long-term debt 1,093 2,685
Deferred credits and other noncurrent liabilities 6,488 4,741
Redeemable preferred stock 30,000 -
Stockholders' equity
Preferred stock - -
Common stock 128 128
Capital in excess of par value 68,372 68,372
Retained earnings 111,496 98,208
-------- -------
Total stockholders' equity 179,996 166,708
-------- -------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $225,375 180,078
======== =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
25
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
-----------------------------------------------------
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
1997 1996 1995
--------- ------- -------
Net sales $104,208 86,498 80,662
-------- ------ ------
Costs and expenses
Cost of sales 67,625 61,076 59,597
Depreciation, amortization, and
cost of fee timber harvested 4,912 4,109 4,053
General and administrative expenses 6,062 3,373 3,669
-------- ------ ------
Total costs and expenses 78,599 68,558 67,319
-------- ------ ------
Operating income 25,609 17,940 13,343
Interest income 646 3,070 2,668
Interest expense (370) (284) (309)
Other income 1,367 1,207 192
-------- ------ ------
Income before income taxes 27,252 21,933 15,894
Income taxes (10,678) (8,772) (5,878)
-------- ------ ------
Net income $ 16,574 13,161 10,016
======== ====== ======
Earnings per Common share*
Basic $ 1.29 1.03 N/A
======== ====== ======
Assuming dilution $ 1.29 1.03 N/A
======== ====== ======
Dividends declared per Common share $ .25 N/A N/A
======== ====== ======
Average Common shares outstanding (thousands)* 12,798 12,798 N/A
======== ====== ======
* 1996 amounts are presented on a pro forma basis. The distribution of the
Company's Common Stock did not occur until December 31, 1996.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
26
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
-----------------------------------------------------
(Thousands of dollars)
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
Operating activities
Net income $ 16,574 13,161 10,016
Adjustments to reconcile above income to
net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation, amortization, and cost of
fee timber harvested 4,912 4,109 4,053
Deferred and noncurrent income taxes (65) 52 (624)
Gains from sales of assets (1,449) (844) (4)
Real estate costs recovered upon sale 3,732 2,942 1,984
(Increases)/decreases in operating working
capital other than cash and cash equivalents (503) 610 1,601
Other 716 1,701 (161)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 23,917 21,731 16,865
--------- --------- ---------
Investing activities
Capital expenditures requiring cash (35,729) (14,134) (8,383)
Net change in purchased stumpage inventory (2,924) 2,781 1,022
Purchases of U. S. government securities (21,817) (1,527) -
Maturities of U. S. government securities 21,145 - -
Proceeds from sales of assets 1,359 2,850 126
Net (additions)/reductions to noncurrent receivable
from Murphy Oil - 10,938 (8,680)
Investment in and advances to Del-Tin
Fiber, L.L.C. - net (299) (6,811) -
Other - net 461 (205) (219)
------- ------- ---------
Net cash required by investing activities (37,804) (6,108) (16,134)
--------- --------- ---------
Financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Redeemable Preferred
Stock, net of issuance costs of $395 29,605 - -
Proceeds from long-term borrowings 3,000 - -
Repayments of long-term debt (4,794) (419) (1,644)
Bank overdraft 1,479 - -
Common Stock dividends paid (3,200) - -
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided/(required) by financing activities 26,090 (419) (1,644)
--------- --------- ---------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 12,203 15,204 (913)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 16,635 1,431 2,344
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 28,838 16,635 1,431
========= ========= =========
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
27
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995
-----------------------------------------------------
(Thousands of dollars)
1997 1996 1995
---------- -------- -------
Cumulative Preferred Stock - $.01 par, authorized
20,000,000 shares, 600,000 shares issued at
end of year as Redeemable Preferred Stock
(See Note 10 - Redeemable Preferred Stock) $ - - -
-------- ------- -------
Common Stock - $.01 par, authorized 50,000,000
shares, 12,798,323 shares issued at beginning
and end of year 128 128 128
-------- ------- -------
Capital in excess of par value
Balance at beginning of year 68,372 66,301 66,301
Capital contributions by Murphy Oil for administrative
and financial services, net of tax - 384 -
Transfer of prepaid retirement and accrued
postretirement benefit obligation from Murphy Oil
at spin-off, net of tax - 1,687 -
-------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year 68,372 68,372 66,301
-------- ------- -------
Retained earnings
Balance at beginning of year 98,208 103,860 93,844
Net income 16,574 13,161 10,016
Preferred Stock dividends accrued (86) - -
Common Stock dividends declared, $.25 per share (3,200) - -
Noncash dividends to Murphy Oil - (18,813) -
-------- ------- -------
Balance at end of year 111,496 98,208 103,860
-------- ------- -------
Total stockholders' equity $179,996 166,708 170,289
======== ======= =======
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
28
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 1 - SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation -- The consolidated financial statements include
the accounts of Deltic and all majority-owned subsidiaries after elimination
of significant intercompany transactions and accounts.
Use of Estimates -- In the preparation of financial statements of the Company
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, management has
made a number of estimates and assumptions related to the reporting of assets
and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities.
Actual results may differ from those estimates.
Cash Equivalents -- Cash equivalents include U. S. government securities that
have a maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts -- The Company provides an allowance for
doubtful accounts based on a review of the specific receivables outstanding.
At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the balance in the allowance account was
$95,000 and $154,000, respectively.
Inventories -- Inventories of logs, lumber, agricultural products, and
supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market, primarily using the
average cost method. Log costs include harvest and transportation cost as
appropriate. Lumber costs include materials, labor, and production overhead.
Investment in Real Estate Held for Development and Sale -- Real estate held
for development and sale is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable
value, and includes direct costs of land and land development and indirect
costs, including amenities, less amounts charged to cost of sales. These
costs are allocated to individual lots or acreage sold based on relative
sales value. Direct costs are allocated on a specific neighborhood basis,
while indirect costs for the Company's two development areas, Chenal Valley
and Chenal Downs, are allocated to neighborhoods over the entire respective
development area.
Investment in Del-Tin Fiber, L.L.C. -- Investment in Del-Tin Fiber, L.L.C.
("Del-Tin Fiber"), the 50-percent owned limited liability company, is carried
at cost and will be adjusted for the Company's proportionate share of its
undistributed earnings or losses.
Timber and Timberlands -- Timber and timberlands, which includes purchased
stumpage inventory and logging facilities, is stated at acquisition cost less
cost of fee timber harvested and accumulated depreciation of logging
facilities. The cost of fee timber harvested is based on the volume of timber
harvested in relation to the estimated volume of timber recoverable. Logging
facilities, which consist primarily of the cost of roads constructed and
other land improvements, are depreciated by using the straight-line method
over a ten-year estimated life. The Company estimates its fee timber
inventory using statistical information and data obtained from physical
measurements and other information gathering techniques. The cost of timber
and timberland purchased and reforestation costs are capitalized. Fee timber
carrying costs are expensed as incurred.
29
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Property, Plant, and Equipment -- Property, plant, and equipment is stated at
cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, equipment, and
other depreciable assets is primarily determined by using the straight-line
method. Expenditures that substantially improve and/or increase the useful
life of facilities and equipment are capitalized. Maintenance and repair
costs are expensed as incurred. Gains and losses on disposals or retirements
are included in income as they occur.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets -- Effective October 1, 1995, the Company
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") 121, Accounting
for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be
Disposed Of. Under this standard, long-lived assets are evaluated on a
specific asset basis or in groups of similar assets, as applicable.
Recognition of an impairment loss is required when the undiscounted estimated
future net cash flows are less than the carrying value of an evaluated asset.
The adoption of this statement had no effect on the Company's 1995 results of
operations.
Revenue Recognition -- Revenue from the sale of lumber, wood by-products, and
agricultural goods is generally recorded at the time of shipment. Revenue
from the sale of timber-cutting rights to third parties is recorded when
legal title passes to the purchaser. Revenue from intrasegment timber sales
is recorded when the timber is harvested; such intrasegment sales, which are
made at market prices, are eliminated in the consolidated financial
statements. Revenue from real estate sales is recorded when the sale is
closed and legal title is transferred.
Income Taxes -- The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting
for income taxes. Under this method, the provision for income taxes includes
amounts currently payable and amounts deferred as tax assets and liabilities
based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the
tax bases of existing assets and liabilities and measured using the enacted
tax rates that are assumed will be in effect when the differences reverse.
The Company was included in the consolidated federal tax return of Murphy Oil
Corporation ("Murphy Oil"), Deltic's parent prior to its spin-off, for the
1996 and 1995 periods for which income statements are presented; however, for
financial accounting purposes, federal income tax has been computed and
recorded as if the Company filed a separate federal income tax return.
Deltic will file a separate federal income tax return for 1997.
Stock-Based Compensation -- In October 1995, the Financial Accounting
Standards Board issued SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
SFAS 123 allows companies to choose whether to account for stock-based
compensation under the current method as prescribed in Accounting Principles
Board Opinion ("APB") 25 or use the fair value method described in SFAS 123.
Deltic elected to follow the accounting measurement provisions of APB 25 and
implement the disclosure provisions of SFAS 123. (See Note 16 - Incentive
Plans.)
Capital Expenditures -- Capital expenditures include additions to Investment
in Real Estate Held for Development and Sale; Timber and Timberlands; and
Property, Plant, and Equipment.
30
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Net Change in Purchased Stumpage Inventory -- Purchased stumpage inventory
consists of timber-cutting rights purchased from third parties specifically
for use in the Company's sawmills. Depending on the timing of acquisition and
usage of this acquired stumpage inventory, the net change in inventory can
either be a source or use of funds in the Company's Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows.
Earnings per Common Share -- Earnings per share amounts presented were
calculated under the provisions of SFAS 128, Earnings per Share. Basic
earnings per share is computed based on earnings available to Common
shareholders (net income less accrued preferred dividends) and the weighted
average number of Common shares outstanding. The earnings per share assuming
dilution amounts presented are computed based on earnings available to Common
shareholders and the weighted average number of Common shares outstanding,
including shares assumed to be issued under the Company's stock option plan.
(For a reconciliation of amounts used in per share computations, see
Note 18 -Earnings per Share.)
Reclassifications -- Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
conform with the 1997 presentation format.
NOTE 2 - SPIN-OFF FROM MURPHY OIL CORPORATION
On December 31, 1996, Deltic Timber Corporation became an independent, public
company when Murphy Oil, the Company's former parent, surrendered 100 percent
of the outstanding shares of Deltic's Common Stock, which were redistributed to
Murphy Oil's shareholders as a dividend. Through December 10, 1996, the
Company operated under Murphy Oil's consolidated cash management policy. Under
this policy, Deltic remitted cash funds generated in excess of its daily
operating and capital requirements to Murphy Oil. Such remitted funds gave
rise to an interest-bearing receivable that was due on demand. Settlement of
this receivable was accomplished by recording noncash dividends from Deltic to
Murphy Oil, in the amount of $18,813,000, and a cash repayment by Murphy Oil to
the Company of $17,200,000, leaving a net receivable of $1,858,000 at December
31, 1996, with no amount due at December 31, 1997. Deltic realized interest
income from Murphy Oil, related to this receivable, of $2,374,000 in 1996 and
$1,978,000 in 1995.
Murphy Oil personnel historically performed certain administrative and
financial services on behalf of the Company. These services included, among
others, cash management and consultation related to certain personnel, employee
benefit, and income tax matters. During 1997, Murphy Oil continued to provide
or caused to be provided certain specified services for a transitional period
ending June 30, 1997. Deltic personnel have assumed responsibility for all
functions previously provided by Murphy Oil. The Company recorded charges of
$427,000 in 1997, $1,250,000 in 1996, and $2,015,000 in 1995, for these
services. Of the total amount expensed for services during 1996, $630,000
($384,000 net of tax) was a capital contribution by Murphy Oil (recorded as an
adjustment to Capital in Excess of Par Value in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets) since payment was not required. The cost for each year was included in
General and Administrative Expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income
for the respective years.
31
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
In addition, during 1996, capital contributions by Murphy Oil were recorded as
a result of the transfer of $1,177,000 for prepaid retirement cost and
$1,419,000 for accrued postretirement obligations from Murphy Oil to Deltic for
employees and retirees transferred between the two companies. These capital
contributions ($1,687,000 net of income taxes) are recorded as adjustments to
Capital in Excess of Par Value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTE 3 - INVENTORIES
Inventories at December 31 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
------ -----
Logs $3,278 1,366
Finished products 5,058 3,912
Materials and supplies 259 158
------ -----
$8,595 5,436
====== =====
NOTE 4 - ACQUISITION OF CHENAL COUNTRY CLUB, INC.
On May 1, 1997, the Company acquired the net assets of Chenal Country Club, the
entity that had operated the club amenity around which Deltic's Chenal Valley
development is centered. In conjunction with this acquisition, the clubhouse
and golf course facilities were transferred to Deltic Timber Corporation, the
parent company of the Deltic Timber Corporation consolidated group. The cost
of these facilities acquired will be accounted for as an additional amenity for
the Chenal Valley development. The remaining assets of Chenal Country Club
were transferred to Chenal Country Club, Inc., a new, wholly-owned subsidiary
of Deltic. The acquisition was accomplished by exchanging an interest-bearing
receivable from the club membership, which had been previously held by Deltic,
in the amount of $5,600,000 at April 30, 1997, for the clubhouse and golf
course facilities and an investment in 100 percent of the shares of stock of
the newly-formed, incorporated subsidiary.
Deltic had previously constructed the clubhouse and golf course and purchased
the original operational assets of the club amenity and sold them to the club
membership in exchange for the original interest-bearing receivable. Chenal
Country Club, Inc. continued to operate the club for the remainder of 1997. The
results of operations of Chenal Country Club, Inc., since the date of the
acquisition, are included in the accompanying financial statements. However,
upon the exchange of the interest-bearing receivable for the acquisition,
Deltic ceased to earn interest income related to the receivable as of April 30,
1997.
The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of accounting for
business combinations. Operating income of Chenal Country Club, Inc. included
in the amounts reported in the Consolidated Statement of Income for 1997 was
$104,000, and was comprised of net sales of $2,277,000, cost of sales of
$2,065,000, and depreciation expense of $108,000. Due to the break-even level
for operating income of Chenal Country Club, Inc., Deltic's financial
statements would not be materially impacted had the operations of this new
subsidiary been included for 1996 and the entire year of 1997. Interest income
on the receivable from the club membership prior to the acquisition was
$173,000 in 1997, $542,000 in 1996, and $539,000 in 1995.
32
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 5 - INVESTMENT IN DEL-TIN FIBER, L.L.C.
Deltic owns 50 percent of the outstanding shares of Del-Tin Fiber, which is
nearing completion of the construction of a medium density fiberboard plant
near El Dorado, Arkansas. The cost to construct the plant is estimated at
approximately $100,000,000. Currently, each owner has recorded an initial
investment, with the remainder to be financed by Del-Tin Fiber with a
combination of borrowings and issuance of interest-bearing bonds. Temporary
financing arrangements were finalized in 1996, with each owner required to
arrange for and guarantee for an interim period half of Del-Tin Fiber's
borrowings, of which the Company's share could amount to $40,000,000.
Negotiations for arrangement of permanent project-financing for Del-Tin Fiber
began in the first quarter of 1998. Under the operating agreement for the
joint-venture, Del-Tin Fiber's employees will operate the plant. Deltic has
committed to provide a portion of the plant's fiber supply at market prices.
The results of operations for the year ended December 31 and financial position
at December 31 for Del-Tin Fiber consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997
---------
Condensed Income Statement Information
Net sales $ -
Operating income/(loss) (266)
Net income/(loss) (262)
Condensed Balance Sheet Information
Current assets $ 9,712
Property, plant, and equipment 90,088
Other noncurrent assets 11,592
Current liabilities 82,649
Long-term debt 29,000
Members' capital (257)
NOTE 6 - TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS
Timber and timberlands at December 31 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
-------- -------
Purchased stumpage inventory $ 10,545 7,235
Timberlands 44,846 37,401
Fee timber 80,534 71,919
Logging facilities 1,592 1,588
-------- -------
137,517 118,143
Less accumulated cost of fee timber harvested
and facilities depreciation (29,311) (27,823)
-------- -------
$108,206 90,320
======== =======
33
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Cost of fee timber harvested amounted to $1,404,000 in 1997, $1,060,000 in
1996, and $1,073,000 in 1995. Depreciation of logging facilities for the three
years ended December 31, 1997 was: 1997, $84,000; 1996, $94,000; and 1995,
$97,000.
The Company obtains a portion of its sawmill log requirements by acquiring
purchased stumpage inventory through cutting contracts with various private and
governmental landowners. These contracts have terms ranging from a few months
to several years. At December 31, 1997, the Company's total commitment under
such contracts amounted to approximately $5,703,000. Based on lumber prices at
December 31, 1997, management estimated the fair value of stumpage under such
contracts to be approximately $5,922,000. Depending on the market value of
this stumpage at time of harvest, the Company's sawmills may experience
favorable or unfavorable log supply costs.
NOTE 7 - PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant, and equipment at December 31 consisted of the following:
Range of
(Thousands of dollars) Useful Lives 1997 1996
------------ --------- --------
Land and land improvements --- $ 7,452 7,272
Buildings and structures 10-20 years 7,966 6,836
Machinery and equipment 3-10 years 58,138 45,782
-------- -------
73,556 59,890
Less accumulated depreciation (33,910) (30,988)
-------- -------
$ 39,646 28,902
======== =======
Gains/(losses) on disposals or retirements included in income were $1,449,000
in 1997 ($1,196,000 for involuntary conversion of Ola planermill due to fire
and $186,000 from the sale of 9.5 acres of undeveloped real estate acreage),
$844,000 in 1996 ($787,000 from the sale of Arkansas farmland), and $4,000 in
1995.
NOTE 8 - INDEBTEDNESS
The Company's indebtedness at December 31 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
-------- -------
Short-term notes, 3.6% average rate $ 192 -
Installment timber notes payable, average interest rate
of 5.7%, due 1998-2000 2,114 3,595
Note payable, 8%, due 1999 750 750
Other notes payable, 9%, due 1998-2000 30 38
------- ------
3,086 4,383
Less: Short-term notes (192) -
Current maturities of long-term debt (1,801) (1,698)
------- ------
Long-term debt at December 31 $ 1,093 2,685
======= ======
34
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
The scheduled maturities of long-term debt after 1998 are $954,000 in 1999 and
$139,000 in 2000. (For additional information regarding financial instruments,
see Note 13 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments.)
NOTE 9 - CREDIT FACILITIES
In 1996, Deltic entered into an agreement with NationsBank, N.A. and other
domestic banks which provides an unsecured, committed revolving credit facility
totaling $100,000,000. Of the total credit facility, up to $40,000,000 may be
designated as borrowings of Del-Tin Fiber. The agreement will expire on
December 31, 2001. As of December 31, 1997, $78,000,000 of committed credit
was available in excess of all borrowings outstanding under or supported by the
facility. All $22,000,000 of borrowings under the facility outstanding at
December 31, 1997 were by Del-Tin Fiber. Therefore, no amount of revolving
credit facility indebtedness is reflected on the Company's Consolidated Balance
Sheet at December 31, 1997. However, Deltic guarantees the $22,000,000 of
borrowings by Del-Tin Fiber outstanding under the facility. Borrowings under
the agreement bear interest based upon prime or other various cost of funds
options. Fees associated with this revolving credit facility include a
commitment fee of .15 percent per annum on the unused portion of the commitment
balance.
The revolving credit agreement contains certain restrictive financial
covenants, including a maximum funded debt/capitalization ratio of .5 to 1,
which is to be maintained throughout the term of the credit agreement.
The Company may also borrow up to $5,000,000 under a short-term credit facility
with First National Bank of El Dorado. The agreement expires May 8, 1998, with
renewal annually. As of December 31, 1997, all $5,000,000 was available to the
Company, since no borrowings under the facility had occurred. Borrowings bear
interest based upon the New York Prime and the facility carries a commitment
fee of .1 percent per annum on the total amount of the facility.
In addition, Deltic entered into an agreement with First Commercial Bank of
Little Rock which provides a $1,750,000 credit facility used primarily to
support letters of credit issued in connection with the Company's purchased
stumpage procurement and real estate development operations. The agreement,
which is renewable annually, carries no facility fees and borrowings bear
interest based upon prime. Amounts available to Deltic under the facility are
reduced by any outstanding letters of credit issued by Deltic, which amounted
to $1,717,000 at December 31, 1997, leaving $33,000 available to the Company.
(For additional information regarding these financial instruments, see Note 13
- Fair Value of Financial Instruments.)
35
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 10- REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
On December 18, 1997, the Company issued 600,000 shares of its previously
authorized Preferred Stock having a par value of $.01 per share. Redemption of
these shares, designated as Cumulative Mandatory Redeemable Preferred Stock,
7.54% Series ("Redeemable Preferred Stock"), by the Company is mandatory on
December 31, 2002 ("Mandatory Redemption Date"). These Redeemable Preferred
shares have no voting rights, except if at any time, cumulative dividends
payable for these shares become in arrears for an amount equal to dividends
payable for six quarterly dividends or the shares are not redeemed in full on
the Mandatory Redemption Date. If either occurs, the holders of the Redeemable
Preferred shares shall have the right to elect a director to the Board of
Directors, which would be in addition to the current number of directors. This
right shall continue until such time that all cumulative unpaid dividends have
been paid or the Redeemable Preferred shares are redeemed.
NOTE 11 - INCOME TAXES
The components of income tax expense/(benefit) for the three years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------- ----- ------
Federal
Current $ 9,143 7,270 5,086
Deferred and noncurrent (65) 52 (203)
------- ----- -----
9,078 7,322 4,883
State
Current 1,600 1,450 995
------- ----- -----
Total $10,678 8,772 5,878
======= ===== =====
A reconciliation of the U. S. statutory income tax rate to the Company's
effective rates on income before income taxes consisted of the following:
1997 1996 1995
----- ----- -----
Statutory income tax rate 35% 35% 35%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 4 4 4
Other - 1 (2)
---- ---- ----
Effective income tax rate 39% 40% 37%
==== ==== ====
36
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
An analysis of the Company's deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities
at December 31, 1997 and 1996 showing the tax effects of significant temporary
differences consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
-------- -------
Deferred tax assets
Postretirement and other employee benefits $ 277 -
Investment in real estate held for development and sale 2,638 3,150
Other deferred tax assets 422 284
------- ------
Total deferred tax assets 3,337 3,434
------- ------
Deferred tax liabilities
Postretirement and other employee benefits - (106)
Property, plant, and equipment (2,997) (2,469)
Timber and timberlands (244) (296)
Other deferred tax liabilities (158) (172)
------- ------
Total deferred tax liabilities (3,399) (3,043)
------- ------
Net deferred tax assets/(liabilities) $ (62) 391
======= ======
Net noncurrent deferred tax liabilities of $440,000 at December 31, 1997, and
$656,000 at December 31, 1996, are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
in Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities for the respective years. In
addition, current deferred tax assets of $378,000 at December 31, 1997, and
$1,047,000 at December 31, 1996, are included in the Consolidated Balance
Sheets in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets for the respective years.
In management's judgment, the Company's deferred tax assets at December 31,
1997 will more likely than not be realized as reductions of future taxable
income or by utilizing available tax planning strategies. There were no
valuation allowances for deferred tax assets at the end of each year in the
three years ended December 31, 1997.
NOTE 12- STOCKHOLDERS RIGHTS PLAN
The Company has a Stockholders Rights Plan, which provides for each eligible
Common shareholder to receive a dividend of one Preferred Stock purchase right
("Right") for each outstanding share of the Company's Common Stock held. The
Rights will expire on December 31, 2006, unless earlier exchanged or redeemed.
The Rights will detach from the Common Stock and become exercisable following a
specified period of time after the date of the first public announcement that a
person or group of affiliated or associated persons ("Acquiring Person"), other
than certain persons, has become the beneficial owner of 15 percent or more of
the Company's Common Stock or following a specified amount of time of the
commencement of a tender or exchange offer by any Acquiring Person, other than
certain persons, which would, if consummated, result in such persons becoming
the beneficial owner of 15 percent or more of the Company's Common Stock. In
either case, the detachment of the Rights from the Common Stock is subject to
extension by a majority of the Directors of the Company not affiliated with the
Acquiring Person. The Rights have certain antitakeover effects and will cause
substantial dilution to any Acquiring Person that attempts to acquire the
Company without conditioning the offer on a substantial number of Rights being
acquired. The Rights are not intended to prevent a takeover, but
37
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
rather are designed to enhance the ability of the Board of Directors of the
Company to negotiate with an acquiror on behalf of all shareholders. Other
terms of the Rights are set forth in, and the foregoing description is
qualified in its entirety by, the Rights Agreement between the Company and
Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as Rights Agent.
NOTE 13 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of
financial instruments held by the Company at December 31, 1997 and 1996. The
fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument
could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The table
excludes cash and cash equivalents, U. S. government securities, trade accounts
receivable, notes payable, trade accounts payable, and accrued liabilities, all
of which had fair values approximating carrying values.
1997 1996
------------------------ ------------------------
Carrying or Estimated Carrying or Estimated
Notional Fair Notional Fair
(Thousands of dollars) Amount Value Amount Value
------------ ---------- ------------ ----------
Financial liabilities
Long-term debt, including
current maturities $ (2,894) (2,912) (4,383) (4,401)
Redeemable preferred stock (30,000) (31,617) - -
Off-balance sheet exposures
Letters of credit (1,717) (1,717) (1,080) (1,080)
Long-term debt, including current maturities -- The fair value is estimated
based on current rates offered the Company for debt of the same maturities.
Redeemable preferred stock -- The fair value is based upon the redemption
amount for the stock, discounted using the Company's estimated borrowing rate
for debt instruments of comparable maturity.
Letters of credit -- The fair value is based on the estimated cost to
settle these obligations.
NOTE 14 - CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISKS
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to credit risk are
trade accounts receivable. These receivables normally arise from the sale of
wood products, primarily finished lumber. Concentration of credit with respect
to these trade accounts receivable is limited due to the large number of
customers comprising the Company's customer base. No single customer accounted
for a significant amount of the Company's sales of timber or wood products, and
there were no significant accounts receivable from a single customer. Within
the Agriculture segment, the Company is exposed to a minimal level of credit
risk in that the majority of farm crops grown are delivered to a small number
of grain elevators and these elevators are limited to the geographic area in
which the Company's agriculture operations are located. However, receipt of
payment from these elevators usually occurs at the time of delivery. At
December 31, 1997, the Company had no significant accounts receivable
outstanding in this area.
38
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 15 - EMPLOYEE AND RETIREE BENEFITS
Through December 31, 1996, Deltic employees were participants in the employee
and retiree benefit plans of Murphy Oil. Amounts presented for 1996 and 1995
reflect the Company's portion of these respective plans. Effective January 1,
1997, separate plans were implemented for active Deltic employees. Any vesting
in the plans of Murphy Oil was retained by employees for Deltic's plans; and
plans implemented by Deltic were similar, in all aspects, to those of Murphy
Oil.
Retirement Plan -- The Company has a noncontributory, defined benefit
retirement plan that covers substantially all employees. Benefits are based
on years of service, including those with Murphy Oil, and final-pay or
career-average-pay formulas as defined by the plan.
Retirement expense/(expense reduction) and its components for 1997, 1996, and
1995 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------- ----- -------
Service cost - benefits earned during the year $ 354 337 284
Interest accrued on benefits earned in prior years 389 686 644
Actual return on plan assets (1,738) (956) (2,074)
Net amortization and deferral 1,022 (136) 1,134
------- ----- ------
Net retirement expense/(expense reduction)* $ 27 (69) (12)
======= ===== ======
*Major assumptions were discount rates of 7.5% for 1997, 7% for 1996, and
7.5% for 1995; assumed long-term rate of return of plan assets was 8.5% for
1997, 1996, and 1995.
39
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Amounts contributed to the funded plan were actuarially determined and were
at least the minimum required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974. The funded status of the plan applicable to the Company and the
amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the
following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
-------- ------
Present value of accumulated benefit based on years of
service, applicable pay formulas, and present pay levels
Vested $ 3,404 2,747
Nonvested 774 571
------ -----
Accumulated benefit obligation/1/ 4,178 3,318
Provision for future pay increases 2,380 2,094
------ -----
Projected benefit obligation/1/ 6,558 5,412
Plan assets - at market value/2/ 9,884 8,032
------ -----
Plan assets in excess of projected benefit obligation 3,326 2,620
Unrecognized net asset from transition to SFAS 87/3/ (282) (332)
Unrecognized net (gain)/loss from (favorable)/unfavorable
actuarial experience (766) (8)
Unrecognized prior service cost 241 266
------ -----
Prepaid retirement cost/4/ $2,519 2,546
====== =====
/1/ Major assumptions were discount rates of 7% for 1997 and 7.5% for 1996;
and future pay rate increases of 4.6% for 1997 and 1996.
/2/ Primarily includes listed stocks and bonds, government securities, and
U. S. agency bonds.
/3/ Being amortized over a period of 15 years.
/4/ Included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the caption "Deferred
Charges and Other Assets".
Thrift Plans -- Employees of the Company may participate in its thrift plan
by allotting up to a specific percentage of their base pay. The Company
matches contributions at a stated percentage of each employee's allotment
based on length of participation in the plan. Company contributions to this
plan were $279,000 in 1997, $190,000 in 1996, and $157,000 in 1995.
Postretirement Benefits -- The Company sponsors a plan that provides
comprehensive health care benefits (supplementing Medicare benefits for those
eligible) and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Costs are
accrued for this plan during the service lives of covered employees. Retirees
contribute a portion of the self-funded cost of health care benefits; the
Company contributes the remainder. The Company pays premiums for life
insurance coverage, arranged through an insurance company. The health care
plan is funded on a pay-as-you-go basis. The Company retains the right to
modify or terminate the benefits and/or cost sharing provisions.
40
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Based on actuarial computations, postretirement expense and its components
for 1997, 1996, and 1995 consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
----- ---- ----
Service cost $ 132 136 90
Amortization of net actuarial loss - 1 60
Interest cost 159 296 316
----- ---- ----
Postretirement expense $ 291 433 466
===== ==== ====
A summary follows of the postretirement benefit obligations recorded in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 1997 and 1996. Calculation of
the amount of accumulated unfunded postretirement benefit obligations
("APBO") was based on discount rates of 7 percent in 1997 and
7.5 percent in 1996.
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
------ -----
APBO
Retirees $ - -
Fully eligible active participants 758 578
Other active participants 1,845 1,545
------ -----
Total unfunded APBO 2,603 2,123
Unrecognized net actuarial gain/(loss) (125) 64
------ -----
Accrued APBO $2,478 2,187
====== =====
In determining the APBO at December 31, 1997, health care inflation cost was
assumed to increase at an annual rate of 7.5 percent, gradually decreasing to
4.5 percent in 2002 and thereafter. An increase of one percent in the assumed
health care cost trend would increase the 1997 postretirement benefit expense
by 12.8 percent and the APBO at December 31, 1997 by 12.1 percent.
NOTE 16 - INCENTIVE PLANS
STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
The Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan ("the Plan") permits annual awards of
shares of the Company's Common Stock to executives and other key employees.
Under the Plan, the Executive Compensation Committee ("the Committee") is
authorized to grant: (1) stock options, nonqualified or incentive; (2) stock
appreciation rights; and (3) restricted stock awards. Total annual shares
granted, excluding any replacement options issued due to the spin-off from
Murphy Oil, may not exceed .5 percent of shares outstanding as of the date of
issuance of the options. In subsequent years, the Committee may award up to .5
percent of shares issued and outstanding at the end of the preceding year; any
allowed shares not granted will be available for grant in subsequent years.
The Company applies APB 25 to account for stock-based compensation plans. Cost
of options are accrued over the vesting periods and adjusted for subsequent
changes in fair market value of the shares.
41
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Cost for stock-based compensation charged against income was $491,000 in 1997.
Had cost of the Company's stock-based compensation plans been determined based
on the fair value of the instruments at the grant dates using the provisions of
SFAS 123, the Company's net income and earnings per share would be the
following pro forma amounts.
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts) 1997
-------
Net income
As reported $16,574
Pro forma 16,270
Basic earnings per share
As reported $ 1.29
Pro forma 1.26
Dilutive earnings per share
As reported $ 1.29
Pro forma 1.26
For the pro forma net income calculation in the preceding table, the fair value
of each option on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes
option-pricing model and the following assumptions for awards: dividend yield
of .90 percent; expected volatility of 26.39 percent; risk-free interest rate
of 6.38 percent; and an expected life of five years. Using these assumptions,
the weighted-average grant-date fair value per share of options granted in 1997
was $7.69.
Stock Options -- For each option granted under the Plan, the Committee fixes
the option price at no less than fair market value on the date of the grant
and the option term, not to exceed 10 years from date of grant. Replacement
options granted were for 10 years from original grant date and nonqualified.
Options granted in 1997 were for 10 years and primarily incentive. All
options have an option price no less than the fair market value on the grant
date, with a range in option prices of $23.19 to $25.25 per share, and each
grantee is permitted to surrender options for equivalent value of stock at
the date of surrender.
Changes in options outstanding, including replacement options, were as
follows:
Number Average Average
of Exercise Life
Shares Price in Years
------- -------- --------
Outstanding January 1, 1997 - N/A N/A
Granted 103,355 $23.60 8.5
Surrendered - N/A N/A
-------
Outstanding December 31, 1997 103,355 23.60 8.5
=======
Exercisable December 31, 1997 9,375 $23.19 6.7
42
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
Stock Appreciation Rights -- Stock appreciation rights may be granted in
conjunction with or independent of stock options. The Committee determines
when these rights may be exercised and the price. No stock appreciation
rights have been granted.
Restricted Stock -- The Committee may award restricted stock to selected
employees, with vesting for each grant contingent upon the Company's
achieving specific objectives, established by the Committee, at the end of a
specified performance period. During the performance period, the grantee may
vote and receive dividends on the shares, but shares are subject to transfer
restrictions and are all, or partially, forfeited if a grantee terminates,
depending on the reason. The grantee may be reimbursed by the Company for
personal income tax liability on the value of stock awarded. No restricted
stock has been granted.
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
Cash Awards -- The Company has an Incentive Compensation Plan that provides
for annual cash awards to officers, directors, and key employees based on
actual results for a year compared to financial performance objectives
established at the beginning of that year. The Plan is administered by the
Executive Compensation Committee. Initial awards under the Plan will be
granted in 1998, based on 1997 results of operations. A provision for cash
incentive awards of $425,000 was recorded in 1997; no provisions were
recorded in the 1996 and 1995 Consolidated Statements of Income presented.
NOTE 17 - SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS DISCLOSURES
Income taxes paid, net of refunds, were $11,159,000, $1,016,000, and $1,825,000
in 1997, 1996, and 1995. Federal income taxes for 1996 and 1995 were included
in Murphy Oil's consolidated tax returns and were settled through intercompany
accounts. Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized, was $449,000, $110,000,
and $273,000 in 1997, 1996, and 1995.
Noncash investing and financing activities excluded from the Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows were: (1) assumptions of owner-financed debt in the
amount of $496,000 in 1997 and $6,276,000 in 1995 related to acquisitions of
land and timber-cutting rights and (2) addition of $1,656,000 during 1996 to
the noncurrent receivable from Murphy Oil as a result of recording the transfer
of all mineral leases acquired by Deltic during 1995.
(Increases)/decreases in operating working capital other than cash and cash
equivalents for each of the three years ended December 31, 1997 consisted of
the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- ------
Trade accounts receivable $ (137) 378 1,042
Other receivables 2,532 (676) -
Inventories (2,998) 2,102 (450)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 342 (297) (56)
Trade accounts payable 413 (1,868) 1,407
Accrued liabilities (655) 971 (342)
------- ------ -----
$ (503) 610 1,601
======= ====== =====
43
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 18 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
In February 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS 128,
Earnings per Share. SFAS 128 supersedes the earnings per share calculation
methods of APB 15, effective for annual and interim periods ending after
December 15, 1997. In accordance with this standard, earnings per share
("EPS") amounts presented on the Company's Consolidated Statement of Income for
1997 have been calculated using the provisions of SFAS 128. Since Deltic had
no securities with potential dilution effect outstanding during 1996, the pro
forma earnings per share amounts for 1996, presented on the Consolidated
Statements of Income, did not require restatement.
The following data show amounts used in computing earnings per share under the
provisions of SFAS 128.
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996
------- ------
Net income $16,574 13,161
Less Preferred dividends (86) -
------- ------
Income available to Common shareholders $16,488 13,161
======= ======
Weighted average number of Common shares
used in basic EPS 12,798 12,798
Effect of dilutive securities
Stock options 27 -
------- ------
Weighted average number of Common shares
and dilutive potential Common Stock used in
EPS assuming dilution 12,825 12,798
======= ======
Earnings per Common share
Basic $ 1.29 1.03
======= ======
Assuming dilution $ 1.29 1.03
======= ======
NOTE 19 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments -- Commitments for capital expenditures at December 31, 1997 were
approximately $407,000 for timber and timberlands; $2,590,000 for property,
plant, and equipment; and $1,531,000 for investment in real estate held for
development and sale.
Contingencies -- The Company is involved in litigation incidental to its
business from time to time. Currently, there are no material legal
proceedings outstanding. Deltic is currently negotiating a business
interruption claim, resulting from the fire at its Ola Mill, with its
insurance coverage provider. An estimate of the final claim amount cannot be
determined at the current time. Therefore, no impact of the related potential
insurance proceeds are reflected in the Company's financial statements for
1997.
44
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 20 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS
Information about the Company's business segments consisted of the following:
(Thousands of dollars) 1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- -------
Net sales
Forest Products $ 83,149 69,567 68,258
Real Estate 11,563 6,346 4,188
Agriculture 9,509 10,585 8,216
Eliminations (13) - -
-------- ------- -------
$104,208 86,498 80,662
======== ======= =======
Income before income taxes
Forest Products $ 24,796 15,870 14,748
Real Estate 3,266 1,578 999
Agriculture 2,778 2,760 373
Corporate (5,231) (2,268) (2,777)
-------- ------- -------
Operating income 25,609 17,940 13,343
Interest income 646 3,070 2,668
Interest expense (370) (284) (309)
Other income 1,367 1,207 192
-------- ------- -------
$ 27,252 21,933 15,894
======== ======= =======
Identifiable assets at year-end
Forest Products $147,379 117,518 118,375
Real Estate 27,278 25,516 20,961
Agriculture 11,517 11,697 11,613
Corporate 39,201 25,347 34,298
-------- ------- -------
$225,375 180,078 185,247
======== ======= =======
Depreciation, amortization, and
cost of fee timber harvested
Forest Products $ 3,967 3,556 3,307
Real Estate 365 120 31
Agriculture 468 515 561
Corporate 112 (82) 154
-------- ------- -------
$ 4,912 4,109 4,053
======== ======= =======
Capital expenditures
Forest Products $ 27,886 5,681 2,712
Real Estate 6,378 6,669 4,638
Agriculture 1,000 272 245
Corporate 574 1,512 1,538
-------- ------- -------
$ 35,838 14,134 9,133
======== ======= =======
45
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 1997
NOTE 21 - FINANCIAL RESULTS BY QUARTER (UNAUDITED)
(Thousands of dollars, except per share amounts)
1997
---------------------------------------------
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year
------- ------- -------- -------- -------
Net sales $24,364 26,581 28,992 24,271 104,208
Operating income 7,815 7,199 6,523 4,072 25,609
Net income 4,865 4,544 3,881 3,284 16,574
Earnings per Common share*
Basic .38 .36 .30 .25 1.29
Assuming dilution .38 .35 .30 .25 1.29
Dividends per Common share .0625 .0625 .0625 .0625 .25
Market price per Common share
High 28-1/2 29-5/16 32-7/8 32-1/2 32-7/8
Low 22-1/4 25 24-15/16 26-15/16 22-1/4
1996
---------------------------------------------
First Second Third Fourth
Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter Year
------- ------- -------- -------- -------
Net sales $19,318 19,493 25,651 22,036 86,498
Operating income 4,259 4,086 5,385 4,210 17,940
Net income 3,151 2,850 4,280 2,880 13,161
Earnings per Common share*
Basic .25 .22 .33 .23 1.03
Assuming dilution .25 .22 .33 .23 1.03
Dividends per Common share N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Market price per Common share
High N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Low N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
* Interim period EPS amounts for each of the first three quarters of 1997 have
been restated as specified in SFAS 128. Amounts for basic earnings per share
presented here are unchanged from primary EPS amounts as previously reported
under the provisions of APB 15. The per share amounts assuming dilution have
been added as required by SFAS 128; the Company was not required to present
fully diluted EPS amounts under APB 15. 1996 amounts are presented on a pro
forma basis and did not require restatement since Deltic had no securities
with potential dilutive effect outstanding during 1996. The distribution of
the Company's Common Stock did not occur until December 31, 1996.
46
REPORT OF MANAGEMENT
--------------------
The Shareholders
Deltic Timber Corporation:
The management of Deltic Timber Corporation has prepared and is responsible for
the Company's consolidated financial statements. The statements are prepared in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles appropriate in the
circumstances. In preparing the financial statements, management has, when
necessary, made judgments and estimates with consideration given to materiality.
The Company maintains internal control systems and related policies and
procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded
against loss or unauthorized use, that the accounting records accurately reflect
business transactions, and that the transactions are in accordance with
management's authorization. The design, monitoring, and revision of the systems
of internal control involve, among other things, our judgment with respect to
the relative cost and expected benefits of specific control measures. The
Company has engaged an outside accounting firm to provide internal audit
services in order to monitor the effectiveness of the controls, while
independently and systematically evaluating and formally reporting on the
adequacy and effectiveness of components of the system.
The Company's consolidated financial statements have been audited by KPMG Peat
Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, who have expressed their
opinion with respect to the fairness of the consolidated financial statements.
Their audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards, which includes the consideration of the Company's internal controls
to the extent necessary to form an independent opinion on the consolidated
financial statements prepared by management. The Board of Directors appoints
the independent auditors; ratification of the appointment is solicited annually
from the shareholders.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is composed of directors who are
not officers or employees of the Company. The Committee meets periodically with
the independent certified public accountants, the firm providing internal audit
services, and representatives of management to review the Company's internal
controls, the quality of its financial reporting, and the scope and results of
audits. The independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Committee,
without management's presence, to discuss audit findings and other financial
matters.
Clefton D. Vaughan
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
February 13, 1998
47
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
----------------------------
The Board of Directors
Deltic Timber Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Deltic Timber
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Deltic Timber
Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996, and the results
of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Shreveport, Louisiana
February 13, 1998
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None
48
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.
The sections entitled "Nominees For Election as Directors" and "Directors
Whose Term of Office Continues" appearing in the Registrant's proxy statement
for the annual meeting of shareholders to be held on April 28, 1998, sets forth
certain information with respect to the directors of the registrant and is
incorporated herein by reference. Certain information with respect to persons
who are or may be deemed to be executive officers of the Registrant is set forth
under the caption "Executive Officers of the Registrant" in Part I of this
report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 1998.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 1998.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the
Proxy Statement which was filed with the SEC on March 17, 1998.
49
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.
a. Financial Statement Schedules and Exhibits.
1. Consolidated Financial Statements.
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 1997 and 1996.
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December
31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years
Ended December 31, 1997, 1996, and 1995.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, including
Consolidated Quarterly Income Information (unaudited).
Independent Auditors' Report on Consolidated Financial Statements
and Financial Statement Schedules.
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
Financial statement schedules are omitted because either they are
not applicable or the required information is included in the
consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
3. Exhibits.
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Deltic
Timber Corporation as of December 17, 1996 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996).
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of Deltic Timber Corporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996).
4 Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders. Rights
Agreement dated as of December 11, 1996 between Deltic
Timber Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, as
Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to
Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996).
Deltic Timber Corporation is party to several long-term debt
instruments, none of which authorizes securities that exceed
10 percent of the total assets of Deltic Timber Corporation
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis. Pursuant to
Regulation S-K, item 601(b), paragraph 4(iii)(A), Deltic
agrees to furnish a copy of each such instrument to the
Securities and Exchange Commission upon
50
request.
10.1 Deltic Timber Corporation 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1996).
10.2 Distribution Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.2 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996).
10.3 Tax Sharing Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.3 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1996).
10.4. Credit facility dated December 19, 1996 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Registrant's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 1997).
10.5 Certificate of Designation of the Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock, 7.54% Series ($.01 Par Value), of Deltic
Timber Corporation.
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant, included elsewhere herein.
23 Independent Auditors' Consent, included elsewhere herein.
27 Financial Data Schedule for 1997 (electronic filing only),
included elsewhere herein.
99 Form 11-K, Annual Report for the fiscal year ended December
31, 1997, covering Thrift Plans for Employees of Deltic
Timber Corporation. To be filed as an amendment of this
Annual Report on Form 10-K, not later than 180 days after
December 31, 1997.
Exhibits other than those listed above have been omitted since they
either are not required or are not applicable.
b. Reports on Form 8-K.
The following item was reported in the Form 8-K dated December 23, 1997:
Item 5. Other Events - News release reporting issuance of
Redeemable Preferred Stock.
51
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
DELTIC TIMBER CORPORATION
By: /s/Ron L. Pearce Date: March 27, 1998
------------------------------ ----------------------------
Ron L. Pearce, President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed below on March 27, 1998 by the following persons on behalf of
the registrant and in the capacities indicated.
/s/Robert C. Nolan /s/William L. Rosoff
- - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Robert C. Nolan, Chairman and Director William L. Rosoff, Director
/s/Ron L. Pearce /s/O. H. Darling, Jr.
- - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Ron L. Pearce, President and Chief O. H. Darling, Jr., Director
Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/R. Madison Murphy /s/John C. Shealy
- - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
R. Madison Murphy, Director John C. Shealy, Director
/s/Eric M. Heiner /s/Clefton D. Vaughan
- - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Eric M. Heiner, Director Clefton D. Vaughan, Vice President,
Finance and Administration
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/Christoph Keller, III /s/Emily R. Evers
- - -------------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Christoph Keller, III, Director Emily R. Evers, Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/Alex R. Lieblong
- - --------------------------------------
Alex R. Lieblong, Director
52