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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

Form 10-Q

 


 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

  x For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2004

 

or

 

  ¨ Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

            For the period transition period from                  to                 

 

 


 

WISE METALS GROUP LLC

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   333-117622   52-2160047

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (Commission File Number)  

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

 

857 Elkridge Road, Suite 600

Linthicum, Maryland 210908

  210908
(Address of principal executive offices)   Zip Code

 

(410) 636-6500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

N/A


(Former name, former address and former fiscal year if changed since last report)

 

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934).    Yes  ¨    No  x

 



Table of Contents
Part I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION     
     Item 1    Financial Statements    1
          Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003    1
          Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003    2
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and
September 30, 2003
   3
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    4
     Item 2    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    9
     Item 3    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    14
     Item 4    Controls and Procedures    14
Part II.    OTHER INFORMATION     
     Item 1    Legal Proceedings    15
     Item 2    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds    15
     Item 3    Defaults Upon Senior Securities    15
     Item 4    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    15
     Item 5    Other Information    15
     Item 6    Exhibits    15

SIGNATURES

   15


Table of Contents

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain of the matters discussed in this report, including, without limitation, matters discussed under Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Certain of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “expects,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “seeks,” “approximately,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” or “anticipates” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans or intention. Statements contained in this report that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the preceding statement, all statements in this report concerning or relating to estimated and projected earnings, margins, costs, expenditures, cash flows, growth rates and financial results are forward-looking statements. In addition, through the Company’s senior management, forward-looking statements are made concerning expected future operations, performance and other developments. Such forward-looking statements are necessary estimates reflecting management’s best judgment based upon current information and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Other factors may affect the accuracy of these forward-looking statements and actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements. While it is impossible to identify all such factors, factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated include, but are not limited to, those factors or conditions described under this Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Wise Metals Group LLC

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

    

September 30,

2004


  

December 31,

2003


     (unaudited)     
     (in thousands)

Assets

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 818    $ 903

Restricted cash

     6,110      250

Accounts receivable, less allowance

     41,144      20,406

Inventories

     166,139      163,250

Other current assets

     4,667      9,740
    

  

Total current assets

     218,878      194,549

Non-current assets:

             

Property and equipment, net

     82,263      86,257

Other assets

     9,062      4,551

Goodwill

     283      283
    

  

Total non-current assets

     91,608      91,091
    

  

Total assets

   $ 310,486    $ 285,640
    

  

Liabilities and members’ equity:

             

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

   $ 51,865    $ 39,663

Borrowing under revolving credit facility

     64,396      114,310

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,595      6,414

Accrued expenses, payroll and other

     19,300      16,146
    

  

Total current liabilities

     137,156      176,533

Non-current liabilities:

             

Borrowings under secured credit facility

     —        16,500

Subordinated obligations, less current portion

     —        35,428

Senior secured notes

     150,000      —  

Term loans, less current portion

     1,091      2,618

Other liabilities

     9,766      11,671
    

  

Total non-current liabilities

     160,857      66,217

Members’ equity:

             

Preferred member’s equity

     —        22,500

Common members’ equity

     12,473      20,390
    

  

Total members’ equity

     12,473      42,890
    

  

Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $ 310,486    $ 285,640
    

  

 

See accompanying notes.

 

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Wise Metals Group LLC

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

    

Three months ended

September 30,


   

Nine months ended

September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)     (in thousands)  

Sales

   $ 192,140     $ 160,721     $ 587,309     $ 474,494  

Cost of sales

     185,548       152,370       572,866       460,582  
    


 


 


 


Gross margin

     6,592       8,351       14,443       13,912  

Operating expenses:

                                

Selling, general, and administrative

     3,500       2,288       8,616       6,536  

Severance credits

     —         (233 )     —         (4,257 )
    


 


 


 


Operating income

     3,092       6,296       5,827       11,633  

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest expense and fees, net

     (4,997 )     (3,645 )     (12,552 )     (10,909 )

Early extinguishment of debt

     —         —         (7,455 )     —    

Income from affiliate

     —         973       —         1,273  

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative instruments

     1,906       1,722       (2,124 )     3,738  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ 1     $ 5,346     $ (16,304 )   $ 5,735  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

2


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Wise Metals Group LLC

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

    

Nine months ended

September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

Cash flows from operating activities

                

Net (loss) income

   $ (16,304 )   $ 5,735  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     9,930       9,198  

Amortization of deferred financing fees

     4,579       1,774  

LIFO provision

     8,974       3,738  

Guarantee of affiliate debt

     —         (300 )

Unrealized losses (gains) on derivatives

     2,124       (3,738 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                

Restricted cash

     (5,860 )     6,497  

Accounts receivable

     (20,738 )     (14,478 )

Inventories

     (11,863 )     1,464  

Other current assets

     (1,489 )     (1,146 )

Accounts payable

     12,202       (242 )

Advances to related parties

     —         (1,201 )

Accrued expenses, payroll and other

     5,040       (11,851 )
    


 


Net cash used in operating activities

     (13,405 )     (4,550 )

Cash flows from investing activities

                

Net cash received in acquisition of Wise Recycling LLC

     —         736  

Purchase of equipment

     (5,936 )     (9,491 )
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (5,936 )     (8,755 )

Cash flows from financing activities

                

Net (repayments) issuance of short-term borrowings

     (49,914 )     15,396  

Proceeds of bond offering, net of fees paid

     141,816       —    

Repayment of term debt

     (22,500 )     (4,500 )

Repayment of subordinated debt

     (35,687 )     —    

Payments on long-term obligations

     (346 )     (504 )

Purchase of members’ equity

     (14,113 )     —    
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     19,256       10,392  

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (85 )     (2,913 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     903       3,533  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 818     $ 620  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

3


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Wise Metals Group LLC

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

September 30, 2004

(Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

 

1. Organization

 

Wise Metals Group LLC is a holding company formed for the purpose of managing the operations of Wise Alloys LLC and Wise Recycling LLC (collectively, the Company). Wise Alloys LLC (Alloys) manufactures and sells aluminum can stock and related aluminum products primarily to aluminum can producers. Prior to June 30, 2003, the Company held a 50% membership interest in Wise Recycling LLC (Recycling) through a joint venture with Tomra North America, Inc. (TNA). Effective July 1, 2003, TNA conveyed its membership interest to Recycling, leaving the Company as the sole remaining member of Recycling. As a result, Recycling is now a wholly owned subsidiary, engaged in the recycling and sale of scrap aluminum and other non-ferrous metals.

 

2. Significant Accounting Policies

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the requirements of Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all the disclosures normally required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s customary accounting practices and, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to fairly present the results of operations for the reported interim periods have been made and were of a normal recurring nature. Operating results for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wise Metals Group LLC and its subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Derivatives and Hedging Activity

 

The Company has entered into long-term contracts to supply can stock to its largest customers. To reduce the risk of changing prices for purchases and sales of metal, including firm commitments under these supply contracts, the Company uses commodity futures and option contracts. In addition, the Company holds natural gas futures and caps and interest rate caps.

 

In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity. The Statement requires companies to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through the statement of operations. The Company has elected to not designate any of its derivative instruments as hedges.

 

In determining fair value, the Company uses market quotes for contracts of similar maturity. The market quotes for the aluminum futures and options are adjusted for premiums/discounts for various product grades, locations, and the closing times for various terminal markets.

 

4


Table of Contents

A summary of the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments is as follows:

 

Description of Derivative Instrument


  

Fair value at

September 30, 2004


  

Fair value at

December 31, 2003


Aluminum futures and options

   $ 483    $ 2,827

Natural gas futures and options

     1,931      958

Interest rate caps

     5      20
    

  

     $ 2,419    $ 3,805
    

  

 

Unrealized gain (loss) amounts recorded were as follows:

 

    

Three months

ended September 30


   

Nine months

ended September 30


 

Description of Derivative Instrument


   2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Aluminum futures and options

   $ 628     $ 2,804     $ (2,903 )   $ 6,381  

Natural gas futures and options

     1283       (1,039 )     794       (2,513 )

Interest rate caps

     (5 )     (43 )     (15 )     (130 )
    


 


 


 


     $ 1,906     $ 1,722     $ (2,124 )   $ 3,738  
    


 


 


 


 

In connection with the Company’s futures activity, the Company maintains lines of credit with brokers to cover unrealized losses on futures contracts and uses options to manage price exposure with respect to firm commitments to purchase or sell aluminum.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

    

September 30

2004


   

December 31

2003


 
     (in thousands)  

Manufacturing inventories:

                

Raw materials

   $ 63,741     $ 37,989  

Work in progress

     59,865       42,750  

Finished goods

     44,813       75,410  

LIFO reserve

     (21,040 )     (12,066 )
    


 


Total manufacturing inventories

     147,379       144,083  

Supplies inventory

     18,760       19,167  
    


 


Total inventories

   $ 166,139     $ 163,250  
    


 


 

The Company reduced inventory quantities during each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2004 and 2003. The reduction in the inventory quantities resulted in LIFO liquidation charges and a resulting increase to cost of sales of $8,974 and $3,738 for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The liquidated layers are not anticipated to be replenished by year end and therefore, the resulting charge was taken in the first quarter. Inventory levels at year end will be heavily dependent upon the volume of business that will be secured for 2005. If the volumes for 2005 were to increase substantially, the Company may elect to increase inventory levels to support the higher business volumes. This would then require a reversal of the first quarter liquidation charge as well as result in a higher inventory amount subject to LIFO provision. Depending upon fourth quarter aluminum market prices, this resulting increase to the LIFO reserve may be as much as $10 to $15 million in the fourth quarter. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method can be made only at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time. Accordingly, interim LIFO calculations must necessarily be based on management’s estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs dependent upon prevailing aluminum costs and other factors which are beyond management’s control.

 

5


Table of Contents

3. Financing Arrangements

 

Debt consists of the following at:

 

    

September 30

2004


   

December 31

2003


 

Secured credit facility

   $ 64,396     $ 136,810  

Senior secured 10.25% notes due 2012

     150,000       —    

Subordinated 15% notes

     —         35,428  

Other notes payable

     2,686       3,032  
    


 


       217,082       175,270  

Less current portion

     (65,991 )     (120,724 )
    


 


     $ 151,091     $ 54,546  
    


 


 

Effective May 5, 2004, the Company issued $150 million of 10.25% senior secured notes due 2012. In conjunction with issuing the notes, the Company, on the same date, amended and restated its secured credit facility reducing the revolving line of credit from $130 million to $75 million which on November 10, 2004 was amended and restated to increase the revolving line of credit to $125 million. The proceeds of the notes were used to repay the $30 million term loan of which $20 million had been outstanding.

 

Further use of proceeds included an early extinguishment of the subordinated 15% notes for which a prepayment penalty of $3,500 was paid and is included as other expense in the Company’s second quarter consolidated statement of operations. As part of the refinancing, approximately $3,955 of then deferred financing costs were written off through accelerated amortization of deferred financing fees and is also included as other expense. Accordingly, total early extinguishment of debt was $7,455.

 

Total financing costs of $8,184 were incurred and were deducted from the $150 million gross proceeds and are included on the balance sheet as other long term assets.

 

As a result of amending and restating the secured credit facility, the interest rate on the revolving line of credit was reduced from a variable rate of prime plus a range of .75% to 1.50% or LIBOR plus a range of 2.75% to 3.50% to a variable rate of prime plus a range of 0% to 0.50% or LIBOR plus a range of 2.25% to 2.75%.

 

Accounts Receivable Securitization

 

In July 2004, the Company entered into an asset sale agreement with a financial institution that allows the Company to sell certain accounts receivable up to $17 million on a non-recourse basis. This agreement expires in January 2005. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company agreed to sell on an ongoing basis and without recourse, a designated customer’s accounts receivable. On September 30, 2004, approximately $15 million of receivables had been sold under this agreement. No gain or loss resulted from the sale of these receivables.

 

6


Table of Contents

4. Pension and Post Retirement Benefits

 

Effective April 1, 1999, the Company established a defined benefit pension plan that covers essentially all union employees. The plan provides certain levels of benefits based on years of service and wage levels, but does not provide benefits for any prior service. In addition, defined contribution plans for both union and nonunion employees were established.

 

In 2003 the Company negotiated defined contributions, for certain union employees, to multi-employer union pension plans. This was done in exchange for freezing service time and the pension factor in the aforementioned defined benefit plan as of the first quarter of 2004 and eliminating post retirement benefits for affected employees.

 

The Company also established post retirement benefit plans for all hourly and salaried employees effective April 1, 1999. The union employees who become eligible to retire under the defined benefit plan, and are not a part of the unions that have elected the multi-employer option, will retain health benefits and certain other benefits for life. Salaried employees who retire after age 60 with a combined 10 years service with Wise Alloys LLC and the previous owner of the Wise Alloys facilities will be eligible for medical benefits until age 65.

 

The Company’s funding policy for these plans is to contribute negotiated amounts to the multi-employer funds and amounts necessary to meet minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act for the defined benefit plans but not to exceed the maximum deductible amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. The Company contributed $1,247 to the multi-employer plans during 2003. Contributions to the defined benefit plan in the amount of $1,756 were made during 2004.

 

The 2004 and 2003 amounts shown below reflect the defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit expense for the nine months ended September 30 for each year:

 

     Pension Benefits

   

Other Post Retirement

Benefits


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Service cost

   $ 801     $ 1,467     $ 1,110     $ 1,419  

Interest cost

     492       360       300       300  

Expected return on plan assets

     (309 )     (243 )     —         —    

Amortization of prior service cost

     27       45       —         —    

Amortization of net loss

     —         (21 )     (6 )     —    

Special termination benefits

     —         1,416       —         —    

Curtailment gains

     —         (1,096 )     —         (1,847 )
    


 


 


 


Net periodic benefit cost

   $ 1,011     $ 1,928     $ 1,404     $ (128 )
    


 


 


 


 

In May 2004, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 106-2, “Accounting and Disclosure Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” FSP No. FAS 106-2 provides guidance on accounting for the effects of the Act for employers that sponsor postretirement health care plans that provide drug benefits. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of FSP No. FAS 106-2 which will occur in the fourth quarter of 2004. The ultimate adoption of FSP No. 106-2 will not require the Company to change previously reported information since the Company elected to defer accounting for the effects of the Act until authoritative guidance on the accounting for the federal subsidy was issued under FSP No. 106-2.

 

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5. Members’ Equity

 

Effective May 5, 2004, the Company issued $150 million of 10.25% senior secured notes due 2012. The use of these proceeds included the repurchase of a 10% common membership interest in the Company that was owned by the holders of the $35 million secured subordinated notes that were also repaid from the use of proceeds. The 10% common membership interest in the Company that was valued at $612 as of the September 2002 issuance of the secured subordinated notes was purchased by the Company for $4,500.

 

In addition, the preferred member’s interest which had been granted by the Company in 2001 to Tomra North America, Inc. was repurchased for $9,000. The preferred member’s equity position carried a $22,500 liquidation preference upon dissolution of the Company as well as the right to a guaranteed payment of 8% of the initial preferred member’s account. As a result of the repurchase of this preferred member’s equity, the Company is no longer obligated to make the guaranteed payment.

 

6. Stock-Based Employee Compensation

 

On July 1, 2004, the Company issued a performance-based common membership option award to one employee that provides the employee with options to acquire 4 units of the common memberships’ equity upon attainment of pre-defined Company operating performance targets. Each unit is equal to a 1% interest in the common membership equity. Each of these 4 units have different vesting periods and performance measures and expire at various dates through June 2007. Generally, each option has a two year life in which the performance measure must be met in order for vesting to occur. The Company uses the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (FAS 123) to account for equity-based compensation.

 

The fair value for this option award was estimated at the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:

 

·

   Risk-free Interest Rate    4%

·

   Expected Dividend Yield    0%

·

   Expected Volatility    10%

·

   Expected Lives    20 years

·

   Range of Estimated Fair Value of Each Option Award    $35,000 to $80,000

·

   Exercise Price of Each Option    $750,000

·

   Remaining Contractual Life – 1 Option Each to Expire in:    June, 2006
          June, 2007
          June, 2008
          June, 2009

 

This common membership option award is a performance-based award, for which the recipient either receives the award at the time specified performance criteria has been met or the award lapses without vesting to the recipient if the performance criteria are not met. The Company has determined that the fair value of this award is approximately $230,000. However, as of September 30, 2004, the Company has concluded that vesting of this award is not probable and therefore has not recognized any compensation expense associated with this award.

 

Should, at a later date, the Company determine that the achievement of the performance targets is probable, a cumulative catch-up expense would be required equal to that portion of the total compensation attributable to the vesting period elapsed. If the award never becomes likely to be earned (and in fact never is earned), no expense would be recognized.

 

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Table of Contents

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

We are the third largest producer of aluminum beverage can stock in the world and one of the largest aluminum scrap recyclers in the United States. Beverage can stock is aluminum sheet specifically designed and engineered for the production of aluminum beverage cans. We supplied 15% of the North American market in 2003 for aluminum beverage can stock as measured by volume and own one of only five beverage can stock facilities in North America, providing valuable capacity to meet volume demands in a consolidated industry.

 

Quarterly Information

 

Our quarterly revenues tend to fluctuate period to period based in large part on changes in aluminum prices. These changes generally do not affect our cash flow because we seek to match our hedging positions to our contractually-obligated sales agreements. We also pass aluminum cost increases to customers through an indexed pricing mechanism and/or by fixing the cost of metal through forward contracts on the London Metals Exchange (LME). Our net income may also fluctuate period to period based on the mark to market adjustment caused by our hedged position on aluminum and natural gas. Because we do not designate our forward contracts as hedges under Financial Accounting Standard No. 133 (FAS 133), we are required to recognize the non-cash mark to market adjustment in our current earnings and these may be material. Net loss for the year to date period ended September 30, 2004 included an unrealized loss associated with those hedges of $2.1 million, while the comparable year to date period in 2003 included an unrealized gain of $3.7 million.

 

Operating Results

 

Conversion Revenue and Conversion Margin

 

There are two components to our pricing under industry standards for can sheet pricing (can sheet accounted for 95% of our Listerhill facility’s output in 2003). The first component is the market price for aluminum that we pass on to our customers, subject to an industry-wide ceiling price which did not affect third quarter pricing. Under this industry formula, the metal transfer price is changed twice annually, specifically on April 1 and again on October 1. The metal transfer price for the period April 1 through September 30 is determined based on the average published Midwest P1020 aluminum price for the immediately prior six month period ended the last day of February. Likewise, the metal transfer price for the period October 1 through the following March 31 is determined based on the average published Midwest P1020 aluminum price for the immediately prior six month period ended the last day of August. We reduce our exposure to aluminum price fluctuations by passing cost increases to customers through an indexed sales pricing mechanism and by fixing the cost of metal through forward contracts on the LME. Although the spread differential between prime metal and scrap cannot be cost effectively hedged in the financial markets, we minimize market price risk with respect to scrap aluminum we receive from our customers and reprocess at a fixed conversion spread.

 

The second component is a fixed conversion, or value added, price. The fixed conversion price is calculated annually using Alcoa’s list price as a basis and is the most significant factor influencing our profitability. Conversion pricing under the supply agreement is subject to renegotiation each year as well as at such times that our major competitors change their published conversion prices. Because of the importance of the conversion price to our operating results, we measure conversion margin to evaluate our performance. Conversion margin is determined as conversion revenue (sales less metal cost and the effect of LIFO) less conversion cost (cost of sales less metal costs). The following table is a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their related GAAP basis measures.

 

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Three months

ended September 30


   

Nine months

ended September 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Sales

   $ 192,140     $ 160,721     $ 587,309     $ 474,494  

Less:

                                

Metal costs

     (134,152 )     (101,974 )     (404,863 )     (305,347 )

LIFO adjustment

     —         —         8,974       3,738  
    


 


 


 


Conversion revenue

   $ 57,988     $ 58,747     $ 191,420     $ 172,885  
    


 


 


 


Cost of sales

   $ 185,548     $ 152,370     $ 572,866     $ 460,582  

Less:

                                

Metal costs

     (134,152 )     (101,974 )     (404,863 )     (305,347 )
    


 


 


 


Conversion costs

   $ 51,396     $ 50,396     $ 168,003     $ 155,235  
    


 


 


 


Conversion revenue

   $ 57,988     $ 58,747     $ 191,420     $ 172,885  

Conversion costs

     (51,396 )     (50,396 )     (168,003 )     (155,235 )
    


 


 


 


Conversion margin

   $ 6,592     $ 8,351     $ 23,417     $ 17,650  
    


 


 


 


 

Three months and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003

 

Sales. Our sales increased from $160.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $192.1 million in the comparable period in 2004, an increase of $31.4 million, or 20%. The increase was primarily a result of a corresponding increase in volumes shipped from 164.2 million pounds to 191.3 million pounds. Of the increase of 27.1 million pounds, the increase at Alloys was 24.0 million pounds, or 16%, primarily due to increased shipments to existing can stock customers as well as the addition of a new customer. Also contributing to the increase was an approximate 12% increase in the metal transfer price. Sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased 24% to $587.3 million from $474.5 million for the same period in 2003, with the increase also due to higher shipments and a higher metal transfer price which increased approximately 9%.

 

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased from $152.4 million in the three months ended September 30, 2003 to $185.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2004, an increase of $33.1 million, or 22%. Metal costs, representing 67% and 72% of cost of sales in the third quarter of 2003 and 2004, respectively, increased from $102.0 million in 2003 to $134.2 million in 2004, an increase of $32.2 million or 32%. Conversion costs, which exclude metal, but include employment, energy, materials and other costs increased from $50.4 million in the third quarter of 2003 to $51.4 million in 2004, an increase of $1.0 million or 2%. Conversion costs as a percentage of conversion revenue increased from 86% in the third quarter of 2003 to 89% in 2004. Resulting conversion margin decreased from $8.4 million to $6.6 million, a decrease of $1.8 million or 21%. The reasons for this decrease are primarily reduced manufacturing product recovery rates, increased freight costs, increased sales returns and an unfavorable sales mix. Cost of sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased 24% to $572.9 million from $460.6 million for the same period in 2003. Metal costs as a percentage of cost of sales for the period increased from 66% in 2003 to 71% in 2004. Conversion margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 increased to $23.4 million from $17.7 million for the same period in 2003.

 

Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $2.3 million in the third quarter of 2003 to $3.5 million in the third quarter of 2004, an increase of $1.2 million or 52%. Compared to the third quarter of 2003, current period consulting fees and bank service charges increased by $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, selling, general and administrative expenses were $6.5 million and $8.6 million, respectively. This represents an increase of $2.1 million or approximately 32%. Of the $2.1 million increase, the acquisition of Recycling contributed $0.6 million. Other increases were due to added professional fees of $0.6 million and increased bank service charges of $0.4 million.

 

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Interest Expense and Fees. Interest expense and fees increased from $3.6 million in the third quarter of 2003 to $5.0 million in 2004 due to the higher interest rate from the long-term refinancing consisting of senior secured notes which closed on May 5, 2004. For the first nine months of 2003 and 2004, interest expense and fees were $10.9 million and $12.6 million, respectively.

 

Mark-to-Market for Contracts under SFAS No. 133. This item represents the non-cash gain or loss we recognized pursuant to SFAS No. 133. The unrealized gains were primarily a result of forward contracts entered into to hedge the cost of natural gas and aluminum. The fair value increase during the third quarter of 2003 was $1.7 million compared to an increase of $1.9 million during the third quarter of 2004. For the nine months ended September 30, 2003 the fair value increased $3.7 million and for the same period in 2004 the fair value decreased $2.1 million.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Our principal source of cash to fund liquidity needs is net cash provided by operating activities and availability under the revolving portion of our senior secured facility. We anticipate that our primary liquidity needs will be for debt service, working capital and capital expenditures. Our debt service costs increased as a result of the offering of the senior secured notes. We believe that cash generated from operations and available borrowings under our senior secured credit facility, as amended and restated, in connection with the offering of the senior secured notes, will be sufficient to enable us to meet our liquidity requirements in the foreseeable future. However, our liquidity could be hampered if aluminum prices were to substantially increase or if we incur significant unexpected increases in necessary capital expenditures. Significant increases in volumes could also impact our liquidity. See “Risk Factors” included in Form S-4/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for certain circumstances that could adversely affect our liquidity. In particular, a default under our senior secured credit facility or decreased sales or lower margins from our sales customers and other competitive factors could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003.

 

Operating Activities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, net cash used in operating activities was $13.4 million as compared to $4.6 million used in operating activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Fluctuations in cash used in and provided by operating activities are subject to changing working capital requirements especially for accounts receivable and inventories. During the nine months ended September 30, 2004, accounts receivable increased from $20.4 million at December 31, 2003 to $41.1 million at September 30, 2004, an increase of $20.7 million. This increase is a result of timing, a change in a significant customer’s payment terms, and the rising price of metal. The payments by our customers are made at periodic times during the week and month, not everyday, nor exactly in 30 days, so the balance in receivables can fluctuate significantly at the end of a quarter depending on the timing of receiving payments. One of our largest customers changed to paying on 30-day terms versus previously paying on 10-day terms. This change has resulted in receivable balances for this customer generally being $15 million higher than under the previous terms. As a result, the customer is no longer entitled to a concomitant early payment discount. Lastly, metal prices and our corresponding metal transfer sales price are 10% higher at the end of September 30, 2004, as compared to December 31, 2003. The nine months ended September 30, 2004 also saw an increase in receivables of $14.5 million which was also the result of the timing of the receipt of customer payments as well as a normal seasonal fluctuation whereby third quarter shipment levels tend to be higher than fourth quarter shipments due to seasonal consumer demand for beverage cans.

 

Investing Activities. In the nine months ended September 30, 2004, our capital expenditures were $5.9 million as compared to $9.5 million during the same period in 2003. The reduction in capital expenditures in 2004 was based on a program to minimize discretionary spending while focusing on higher production levels to meet current can sheet demand. Certain capital projects are planned to occur later in the year to time with decreased seasonal production levels.

 

Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $19.3 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2004 compared with $10.4 million provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2003. Net cash provided by financing activities was related to the proceeds of the senior secured note offering offset by repayments under our senior secured credit facility, the repayment of the subordinated secured notes, and the repurchase of members’ equity, and was used primarily for working capital requirements and capital expenditures.

 

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Effective June 30, 2004, we entered into an Asset Sale Agreement with Congress Financial. This agreement allows us from time-to-time to sell certain accounts receivable up to $17 million on a non-recourse basis to Congress Financial. As of September 30, 2004, approximately $15 million had been sold under this agreement.

 

Effective November 10, 2004, we amended and restated our revolving credit facility to increase the revolver limit from $75 million to $125 million, subject to a borrowing base calculation and certain working capital eligibility requirements and limits. Proceeds of the revolver will be used primarily for increased working capital requirements due to higher shipment levels and increased metal prices.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

We have prepared our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and these statements necessarily include some amounts that are based on informed judgments and estimates of management. Our critical accounting policies are discussed in Note 2 of the notes to our financial statements. As discussed below, our financial position or results of operations may be materially affected when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements

 

Inventory Valuation

 

Inventories are valued at lower of cost or market using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. The Company uses the LIFO method since it better matches current costs with current sales prices in our results of operations. Certain items in inventory may be considered impaired, obsolete or excess, and as such, we may establish an allowance to reduce the carrying value of these items to their net realizable value. Based on certain assumptions and judgments made from the information available at that time, we determine the amounts in these inventory allowances. If these estimates and related assumptions or the market changes, we may be required to record additional reserves.

 

Valuation of Derivative Instruments

 

In determining the fair market value of our aluminum futures and options contracts, our interest rate cap and our natural gas futures and options, we use market quotes for contracts of similar maturities or management estimates in the absence of available market quotes. We adjust the market quotes for our aluminum derivative instruments for premiums or discounts for various product grades, locations and the closing times for various terminal markets. Differences in actual market prices from those estimated may cause us to make adjustments in future periods to reflect these differences.

 

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

 

Our ability to collect outstanding receivables from our customers is critical to our operating performance and cash flows. Typically, our customer agreements require monthly payments, mitigating the risk of non-collection. We record an allowance for uncollectible accounts based on our ongoing monitoring of our customers’ credit and on the aging of the receivables. If the financial condition of our two largest customers, which accounted for 80% of our accounts receivable at September 30, 2004, were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, the recorded allowance for doubtful accounts may be not be sufficient.

 

Derivative Accounting

 

We have entered into long-term agreements to supply beverage can stock to our largest customers. To reduce the risk of changing prices for purchases and sales of metal, including firm commitments under these supply agreements, we use commodity futures and option contracts. In addition, the Company holds an interest rate cap and natural gas futures and options.

 

Under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activity, we are required to recognize all derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair value through the statement of operations. In determining fair value, we use market quotes for contracts of similar maturity.

 

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Cost of Aluminum. As a condition of sale for a substantial majority of our sales, our customers require us to enter into short and long-term fixed price commitments. Under these agreements, the pricing terms of the aluminum component can be based on “band” pricing where there is an upper and lower limit, a fixed price or an upper limit only. In addition, the price of the aluminum component can be set as much as six months prior to the actual sale date, leaving us exposed to the risk of fluctuating aluminum prices between the time the price on the order is determined and the time that the order is fulfilled.

 

Our aluminum commodity risk management policy is to hedge the aluminum price risk associated with these fixed price firm commitments. At September 30, 2004, these LME options and futures contracts covered approximately 49,150 metric tons with a fair value gain of approximately $0.5 million. A hypothetical 10% increase (or decrease) in aluminum prices from the September 30, 2004 level would result in a non-cash gain (or loss) of approximately $8.4 million related to these positions and would be reflected as a mark-to-market adjustment for SFAS No. 133, which would be offset by the unrecorded gain (or loss) associated with customer and supplier contracts.

 

We do not enter into derivative contracts for speculative purposes.

 

Backlog of Customer Business

 

We maintain long-term supply agreements with our key customers in the aluminum can sheet market. Specifically, we have a long-term contract with Ball extending through 2007 and a long-term contract with Crown extending through 2008. These customers represent two of the four largest aluminum can manufacturers both in the United States and globally.

 

We believe the general terms of our customer contracts are standard for the industry. These contracts are supply arrangements whereby specific quantities and product pricing are negotiated and agreed to on an annual basis under the terms of the multi-year master supply agreement. While supply agreements are negotiated annually, the volumes have not varied significantly over the term of the supply agreements which generally extend three to five years. Furthermore, these volumes are not expected to vary significantly throughout the term of the multi-year master supply agreements.

 

Under the terms of our customer contracts, we use an industry standard for pricing the metal component of all aluminum can sheet sold. This standard is described above in “—Conversion Revenue and Conversion Margin.” Accordingly, at any given point of time, we effectively have seven months of delivery priced under the master contract, or approximately 350 million pounds, the exact specifications and delivery locations to be specified as described below.

 

We receive orders from our customers which provide detailed specifications as to metal characteristics and specific plant location. Although all orders are placed pursuant to the contract, quantities and specifications will vary by plant and more specifically by production line within the plant. These orders are generally provided with a two to three month lead time. The majority of all orders, specifically can stock orders, that are processed by Alloys are made to a specific customer order. Due to seasonal considerations, the first quarter is generally the highest sales volume for Alloys.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

See Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (the “Evaluation”) as of the end of the period covered by this Report. Based upon the Evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required. In addition, they concluded that there were no significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls which could significantly affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information. It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.

 

There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are a defendant from time to time in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, the outcomes of which, in the opinion of management, neither individually nor in the aggregate are likely to result in a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

We are defendants in an action brought by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated pending in the New York Supreme Court, County of New York. In this action, Merrill Lynch seeks $931,893 for out-of-pocket costs and expenses allegedly incurred pursuant to a letter agreement between Wise Metals and Merrill Lynch dated January 31, 2002, in which Merrill Lynch alleges that Wise Metals agreed to reimburse Merrill Lynch for such costs and expenses. Wise Metals has hired counsel and intends to vigorously contest this law suit and believes it has meritorious defenses. Wise Metals has filed an answer to the complaint denying the material allegations and alleging several affirmative defenses and counterclaims which exceed in amount the sum sought by Merrill Lynch. Merrill Lynch has moved to dismiss the Wise Metals’ counterclaims and Wise Metals filed a motion in opposition in the Central Motion Part on August 27, 2004. Oral argument of the motion was held before Judge Fried on September 9, 2004 and the Court reserved decision. Pretrial discovery is in process.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

(a) Exhibits

 

10.1   Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated November 10, 2004, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors, Congress Financial Corporation and Fleet Capital Corporation.
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

 

None.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

    WISE METALS GROUP LLC

Dated: November 19, 2004

 

/s/    David D’Addario


    David D’Addario
    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
   

/s/    Danny Mendelson


    Danny Mendelson
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
    and Secretary

 

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Exhibit Index

 

10.1    Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated November 10, 2004, by and among the Issuers, the Guarantors, Congress Financial Corporation and Fleet Capital Corporation.
31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

17