10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Prepared by R.R. Donnelley Financial -- Form 10-Q
 

 
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 

 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the Quarter Ended June 30, 2002
 
OR
 
¨
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File
No. 1-5210
 

 
AmeriSteel Corporation
 
Incorporated in
State of Florida
 
Employer Identification
No. 59-0792436
 
5100 W. Lemon Street
Tampa, Florida 33609
 
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 31328
Tampa, Florida 33631-3328
Telephone No. (813)286-8383
 

 
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 ¨
 
As of July 31, 2002 the registrant had 10,336,372 shares, $.01 par value, Common Stock outstanding.
 

 


 
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item I.    Financial Statements
 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
(US$ in thousands)
 
    
June 30, 2002 (Unaudited)

    
December 31, 2001

 
ASSETS
                 
CURRENT ASSETS
                 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
7,595
 
  
$
5,087
 
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $1,982 and $1,682 at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively, for estimated losses
  
 
87,746
 
  
 
62,399
 
Inventories
  
 
137,366
 
  
 
142,895
 
Deferred tax assets
  
 
4,980
 
  
 
4,980
 
Other current assets
  
 
835
 
  
 
940
 
    


  


TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
  
 
238,522
 
  
 
216,301
 
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                 
Property, plant & equipment held for future sale
  
 
6,550
 
  
 
6,550
 
Land and improvements
  
 
23,223
 
  
 
21,988
 
Building and improvements
  
 
58,416
 
  
 
51,915
 
Machinery and equipment
  
 
387,499
 
  
 
374,401
 
Construction in progress
  
 
7,559
 
  
 
12,725
 
    


  


    
 
483,247
 
  
 
461,029
 
Less allowances for depreciation
  
 
(168,001
)
  
 
(157,879
)
    


  


PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET
  
 
315,246
 
  
 
303,150
 
GOODWILL
  
 
77,731
 
  
 
77,731
 
DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS
  
 
1,536
 
  
 
1,760
 
OTHER ASSETS
  
 
42
 
  
 
41
 
    


  


TOTAL ASSETS
  
$
633,077
 
  
$
605,533
 
    


  


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements

2


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION—(Continued)
(US$ in thousands, except share data)
 
    
June 30, 2002 (Unaudited)

    
December 31, 2001

 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
                 
Trade accounts payable
  
$
68,582
 
  
$
61,709
 
Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits
  
 
18,828
 
  
 
16,826
 
Environmental remediation
  
 
978
 
  
 
1,120
 
Other current liabilities
  
 
11,902
 
  
 
4,655
 
Interest payable
  
 
1,079
 
  
 
1,647
 
Current maturities of long-term borrowings
  
 
25,568
 
  
 
25,598
 
    


  


TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
  
 
126,937
 
  
 
111,555
 
LONG-TERM BORROWINGS, LESS CURRENT MATURITIES
  
 
196,967
 
  
 
186,344
 
OTHER LIABILITIES
  
 
21,273
 
  
 
26,548
 
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES
  
 
43,940
 
  
 
44,516
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                 
Common Stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 authorized; 10,336,522 and 10,338,816 shares outstanding at June 30, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively
  
 
103
 
  
 
103
 
Redeemable Preferred Stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 authorized; none issued and outstanding
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Capital in excess of par
  
 
157,012
 
  
 
157,051
 
Retained earnings
  
 
87,873
 
  
 
79,579
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
  
 
(1,028
)
  
 
(163
)
    


  


TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
 
243,960
 
  
 
236,570
 
    


  


TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  
$
633,077
 
  
$
605,533
 
    


  


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements

3


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(US$ in thousands except per share data)
 
    
Six Months Ended

    
Three Months Ended

 
    
June 30, 2002 (Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001 (Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2002 (Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001 (Unaudited)

 
GROSS SALES
  
$
369,584
 
  
$
333,192
 
  
$
198,005
 
  
$
174,012
 
Operating Expenses:
                                   
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation
  
 
316,166
 
  
 
284,475
 
  
 
168,040
 
  
 
143,219
 
Selling and administrative
  
 
19,394
 
  
 
16,807
 
  
 
10,018
 
  
 
9,418
 
Depreciation
  
 
13,770
 
  
 
13,789
 
  
 
6,803
 
  
 
6,952
 
Amortization of goodwill
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,270
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,159
 
Other operating expense (income)
  
 
913
 
  
 
(667
)
  
 
133
 
  
 
(667
)
    


  


  


  


    
 
350,243
 
  
 
316,674
 
  
 
184,994
 
  
 
160,081
 
    


  


  


  


INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
  
 
19,341
 
  
 
16,518
 
  
 
13,011
 
  
 
13,931
 
Other Expenses:
                                   
Interest
  
 
5,294
 
  
 
6,761
 
  
 
2,689
 
  
 
2,921
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
  
 
224
 
  
 
222
 
  
 
112
 
  
 
112
 
    


  


  


  


    
 
5,518
 
  
 
6,983
 
  
 
2,801
 
  
 
3,033
 
    


  


  


  


INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
  
 
13,823
 
  
 
9,535
 
  
 
10,210
 
  
 
10,898
 
Income taxes
  
 
5,529
 
  
 
4,713
 
  
 
4,084
 
  
 
4,814
 
    


  


  


  


NET INCOME
  
$
8,294
 
  
$
4,822
 
  
$
6,126
 
  
$
6,084
 
PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(238
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(238
)
    


  


  


  


NET INCOME APPLICABLE TO COMMON STOCK
  
$
8,294
 
  
$
4,584
 
  
$
6,126
 
  
$
5,846
 
    


  


  


  


PER COMMON SHARE—BASIC
  
$
.80
 
  
$
.41
 
  
$
.59
 
  
$
.51
 
PER COMMON SHARE—DILUTED
  
$
.80
 
  
$
.41
 
  
$
.59
 
  
$
.51
 
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  
 
10,338
 
  
 
11,111
 
  
 
10,337
 
  
 
11,478
 
Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding
  
 
10,365
 
  
 
11,112
 
  
 
10,364
 
  
 
11,479
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                   
Net income
  
$
8,294
 
  
$
4,584
 
  
$
6,126
 
  
$
5,846
 
Other comprehensive loss:
                                   
Unrealized loss on marketable securities
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(1,023
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
—  
 
Derivative loss
  
 
(865
)
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(1,183
)
  
 
—  
 
    


  


  


  


Comprehensive income
  
$
7,429
 
  
$
3,561
 
  
$
4,943
 
  
$
5,846
 
    


  


  


  


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements

4


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(US$ in thousands)
 
    
Six Months Ended

 
    
June 30, 2002
(Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001
(Unaudited)

 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
                 
Net income
  
$
8,294
 
  
$
4,822
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
                 
Provided by operating activities:
                 
Depreciation and amortization
  
 
13,994
 
  
 
16,281
 
Other
  
 
(442
)
  
 
118
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                 
Accounts receivable
  
 
(25,347
)
  
 
(12,818
)
Inventories
  
 
6,765
 
  
 
15,489
 
Other assets
  
 
271
 
  
 
389
 
Current and other liabilities
  
 
9,105
 
  
 
18,006
 
    


  


NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
  
 
12,640
 
  
 
42,287
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
                 
Additions to property, plant and equipment
  
 
(12,449
)
  
 
(11,943
)
Purchase price for acquisitions
  
 
(8,356
)
  
 
(9,468
)
Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment
  
 
119
 
  
 
4
 
Proceeds from sale of assets held for sale
  
 
—  
 
  
 
510
 
    


  


NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  
 
(20,686
)
  
 
(20,897
)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                 
Proceeds from (payments of) short term and long term borrowings, net
  
 
10,593
 
  
 
(44,851
)
Additions to deferred financing costs
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(4
)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock
  
 
—  
 
  
 
10,000
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
  
 
32
 
  
 
15,150
 
Redemption of common stock
  
 
(71
)
  
 
(5,367
)
Dividends declared
  
 
—  
 
  
 
(238
)
    


  


NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  
 
10,554
 
  
 
(25,310
)
    


  


INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
  
 
2,508
 
  
 
(3,920
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
  
 
5,087
 
  
 
5,956
 
    


  


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
  
$
7,595
 
  
$
2,036
 
    


  


 
See notes to consolidated financial statements

5


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
NOTE A—ORGANIZATION, BUSINESS & BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AmeriSteel Corporation (“AmeriSteel”), a Florida corporation, and its majority owned subsidiary, AmeriSteel Bright Bar, Inc. (“ABB”), a Florida corporation (together, the “Company”) after elimination of all significant intercompany balances and transactions. The Company operates in the steel production and fabrication industry. Its headquarters are located in Tampa, Florida, and its operations are located throughout the eastern half of the United States.
 
The Company is a majority-owned subsidiary of FLS Holdings, Inc. (“FLS”), whose only business is to own common stock of the Company. FLS, which owns 87% of the common stock of the Company, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Brazilian steel manufacturer, Gerdau S.A. (“Gerdau”), through one of Gerdau’s subsidiaries, Gerdau U.S.A., Inc. (“GUSA”). GUSA acquired 88% of FLS in September 1999, resulting in a change of control, and the remaining 12% in September 2000, in each instance from Kyoei Steel Ltd. An institutional investor owns approximately 4% of the common stock of the Company. Executives and other employees own the remaining 9% of the Company’s common stock. Push-down accounting has not been applied to the financial statements of the Company as a result of a change of control in September 1999, therefore the historical cost basis of the Company’s assets have not been changed.
 
On March 13, 2001, AmeriSteel formed ABB. On April 2, 2001, ABB merged with American Bright Bar of Orrville, Ohio, a producer of cold drawn flat bars. ABB acquired all of American Bright Bar’s assets.
 
On December 28, 2001, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of the Cartersville, Georgia mill (“Cartersville”), a producer of structural steel products, from Birmingham Steel Corporation. In a separate transaction on the same date, the Company acquired certain assets that were being leased by Cartersville from the existing lessor group for cash and negotiated a new operating lease. The transactions are accounted for as a business combination.
 
Unaudited proforma consolidated results of operations for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2001 reflecting the business combination of the Cartersville mill are presented in the table below. The proforma results assume the Cartersville acquisition was completed on the first day of the respective periods. Interest expense, which is not directly charged to the mill, is based on projected capital employed and actual average interest rates for the respective periods.
 
    
Six
Months Ended

  
Three Months Ended

    
June 30, 2001

    
(US$ in thousands, unaudited)
Net sales
  
$
388,963
  
$
203,724
Income before income taxes
  
 
2,021
  
 
7,246
Net income
  
 
314
  
 
3,893
 
Management believes that the results of operations of Cartersville in the proforma periods are not reflective of those which would have been achieved under current management and operating conditions. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2002, Cartersville operating income was $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
 
On June 24, 2002, the Company acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Republic Technologies’ cold drawn plant in Cartersville, Georgia, to complement the operations of ABB. The purchase price was $8.4 million and the transaction is accounted for as a business combination. The plant was reopened and commenced operations on July 2, 2002.

6


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all the information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. However all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Such adjustments consisted of only normally recurring items.
 
These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s latest annual report on Form 10-K. The results of the three months and six months ended June 30, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods.
 
NOTE B—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Property Plant and Equipment:    Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged against operating expenses as incurred; however, as is typical in the industry, certain major maintenance requires occasional shutdown and production curtailment. The Company accrues for planned periodic major maintenance activities and the estimated cost of these shutdowns. The Company has accrued $1.3 million and $1.2 million as of June 30, 2002 and June 30, 2001, respectively.
 
Earnings per Common Share:    Basic earnings per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period and the diluted earnings per common share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares plus the dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. The following is a reconciliation of the basic and diluted earnings per common share computations shown on the face of the accompanying consolidated statements of income (in thousands, except per share data):
 
    
Six Months Ended
  
Three Months Ended
    
June 30,

  
June 30,

    
2002

  
2001

  
2002

  
2001

    
(unaudited)
  
(unaudited)
  
(unaudited)
  
(unaudited)
Net income applicable to common stock
  
$
8,294
  
$
4,584
  
$
6,126
  
$
5,846
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  
 
10,338
  
 
11,111
  
 
10,337
  
 
11,478
Dilutive effect of stock option plans
  
 
27
  
 
1
  
 
27
  
 
1
    

  

  

  

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding
  
 
10,365
  
 
11,112
  
 
10,364
  
 
11,479
Basic EPS:
                           
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
  
$
.80
  
$
.41
  
$
.59
  
$
.51
    

  

  

  

Diluted EPS:
                           
Net income (loss) applicable to common stock
  
$
.80
  
$
.41
  
$
.59
  
$
.51
    

  

  

  

 
Other comprehensive income:    Other comprehensive income represents the unrealized loss on marketable securities held for sale and the unrealized gain on hedging financial instruments. The derivative loss represents the after tax change in the mark-to-market valuation of the interest rate swaps. The change from period to period is indicative of current interest rate expectations over the remaining life of the swaps (swap yield curves) relative to the swap yield curve at the time the swaps were entered into.

7


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
Recent accounting pronouncements:    In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (SFAS 142). SFAS 142 provides that goodwill and intangible assets which have indefinite useful lives will not be amortized but rather will be tested at least annually for impairment. The provisions of SFAS 142 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. At June 30, 2002, the Company did not have indefinite lived intangible assets other than goodwill and did not have any intangible assets with definite lives. The Company has adopted SFAS 142 and no longer amortizes goodwill resulting in improved income from operations of approximately $1.1 million per quarter and $4.4 million annually, or $.43 per basic common share, in 2002. SFAS 142 prescribes a two-phase process for impairment testing of goodwill. The Company completed its first phase impairment analysis and found no instances of impairment of its recorded goodwill; accordingly, the second phase, absent future indications of impairment, is not necessary during 2002.
 
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (SFAS 144), that addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS 144 requires that one accounting model be used for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale and broadens the presentation of discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions. The implementation of this standard did not have a significant impact on the Company.
 
Derivatives:    The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (SFAS No. 133), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by SFAS 137 and SFAS 138 (“SFAS 133”). SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative financial instruments and requires that derivative instruments be recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at their fair value. SFAS 133 allows that changes in the derivative fair values that are designated effective and qualify as cash flow hedges can be deferred and recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged transactions occur and are recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a hedging derivative’s change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings. For derivative instruments that do not qualify as cash flow hedges, SFAS 133 requires that changes in the derivative fair values be recognized in earnings in the period of change.
 
In order to reduce its exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in August and September 2001 that are considered cash flow hedges. The interest rate swaps have a notional value of $55 million with the Company paying a fixed interest rate (ranging between 4.75% and 5.28%) and receiving a variable interest rate based on three-month LIBOR. The underlying hedged instruments are specific tranches of LIBOR based revolving credit and term loan borrowings under the Company’s Revolving Credit Agreement. The Company tests effectiveness of the swaps on a quarterly basis using the “hypothetical derivative” method prescribed by SFAS 133. Each period, the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements is recorded on the balance sheet. The effective portion of the swap agreements is deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until the hedged transaction occurs and is recognized in income. The ineffective portion of the swap agreements is recognized in income immediately.
 
Reclassifications:    Certain accounts in prior periods have been restated to conform to current accounting treatment.

8


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
NOTE C—INVENTORIES
 
Inventories consist of the following:
 
(US$ in thousands)
  
June 30, 2002
(Unaudited)

  
December 31, 2001

Finished goods
  
$
81,484
  
$
89,798
Work-in-process
  
 
14,208
  
 
11,839
Raw materials and operating supplies
  
 
41,674
  
 
41,258
    

  

    
$
137,366
  
$
142,895
    

  

 
NOTE D—BORROWINGS
 
Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
 
(US$ in thousands)
  
June 30, 2002
(Unaudited)

    
December 31, 2001

 
Term Loan
  
$
81,250
 
  
$
93,750
 
Revolving Loan
  
 
99,800
 
  
 
80,000
 
Industrial Revenue Bonds
  
 
36,795
 
  
 
33,195
 
Subsidiary Debt
  
 
3,727
 
  
 
3,867
 
TVA Loan
  
 
905
 
  
 
1,009
 
Capital Lease
  
 
58
 
  
 
121
 
    


  


Total Borrowings
  
 
222,535
 
  
 
211,942
 
Less Current Maturities
  
 
(25,568
)
  
 
(25,598
)
    


  


Total long-term borrowings
  
$
196,967
 
  
$
186,344
 
    


  


 
The Company’s primary financial obligation outstanding as of June 30, 2002 was a $285 million credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) that includes a $100 million term loan that began amortizing at the rate of 25% per year in December 2001 and a $185 million revolving loan. The Revolving Credit Agreement is collateralized by first priority security interests in substantially all accounts receivable and inventory of the Company as well as a lien on the Company’s Charlotte Mill property, plant and equipment. Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement bear interest at a per annum rate equal to one of several rate options (LIBOR, Fed Funds, or Prime Rate) based on the facility chosen at the time of borrowing plus an applicable margin determined by tests of performance from time to time. The rate options for the tranches being hedged are always the same. The effective interest rate on the Revolving Credit Agreement at June 30, 2002 was approximately 4.1%.
 
As part of the acquisition of the Cartersville, Georgia cold drawn operation, the Company assumed an Industrial Revenue Bond in the amount of $3.6 million that matures in 2018.
 
Subsidiary Debt represents a bank loan of ABB secured by its machinery and equipment. The loan matures in 2011 with amortization payments that began in July 2001. The loan currently bears interest at the rate of approximately 7.2% per year with the rate scheduled to reset June 2005 and every three years thereafter based on prime plus 1%. The Company is a guarantor of the loan.

9


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
NOTE E—ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
 
As the Company is involved in the manufacture of steel, it produces and uses certain substances that may pose environmental hazards. The principal hazardous waste generated by current and past operations is Emission Control (“EC”) dust, a residual from the production of steel in electric arc furnaces. Environmental legislation and regulation at both the federal and state level over EC dust is subject to change, which may change the cost of compliance. While EC dust is generated in current production processes, such EC dust is being collected, handled and disposed of in a manner that management believes meets all current federal and state environmental regulations. The costs of collection and disposal of EC dust are being expensed as operating costs when incurred. In addition, the Company has handled and disposed of EC dust in other manners in previous years, and is responsible for the remediation of certain sites where such EC dust was generated and/or disposed.
 
In general, the Company’s estimate of remediation costs is based on its review of each site and the nature of the anticipated remediation activities to be undertaken. The Company’s process for estimating such remediation costs includes determining for each site the expected remediation methods, and the estimated cost for each step of the remediation. In such determinations, the Company may employ outside consultants and providers of such remedial services to assist in making such determinations. Although the ultimate costs associated with the remediation are not known precisely, the Company estimated the total remaining costs to be approximately $2.7 million with these costs recorded as a liability at June 30, 2002, of which the Company expects to pay approximately $1.0 million within one year.
 
Based on past use of certain technologies and remediation methods by third parties, evaluation of those technologies and methods by the Company’s consultants and third-party estimates of costs of remediation-related services provided to the Company or which the Company and its consultants are aware, the Company and its consultants believe that the Company’s cost estimates are reasonable. Considering the uncertainties inherent in determining the costs associated with the clean-up of such contamination, including the time periods over which such costs must be paid, the extent of contribution by parties which are jointly and severally liable, and the nature and timing of payments to be made under cost sharing arrangements, there can be no assurance the ultimate costs of remediation may not be greater or less than the estimated remediation costs.
 
In April 2001, the Company was notified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) of an investigation that may identify the Company as a potential responsible party (“PRP”) in a Superfund Site in Pelham, Georgia. The Pelham site was a fertilizer manufacturer in operation from 1910 through 1992, lastly operated by Stoller Chemical Company, a now bankrupt corporation. The EPA recently offered a settlement to the named PRPs under which the Company’s allocation was approximately $1.8 million. The Company objects to its inclusion as a PRP in this site and is pursuing legal alternatives, including the addition of larger third parties to the allocation which the Company feels were incorrectly excluded from the original settlement offer. The EPA has filed suit with the Company named as a defendant. As the ultimate exposure to the Company, if any, is uncertain, no liability has been established for this site.

10


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
NOTE F—SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
The Company is organized into two primary business segments: (a) Mill Operations and (b) Steel Fabrication. Steel products sold to the fabricating divisions are sold at market prices with intracompany transactions eliminated upon consolidation. Performance is evaluated and resources allocated based on specific segment requirements and measurable factors. Segment assets are those assets that are specifically identified with the operations in each operational segment. Corporate assets include primarily cash, assets held for sale, some property, plant and equipment, deferred income taxes and deferred financing costs. Corporate expense includes corporate headquarters staff, including executive management, human resources, finance and accounting, procurement and environmental, and management information systems. Included in these respective areas are payroll costs, travel and entertainment, professional fees and other costs that may not be directly attributable to either specific segment.
 
Operational results and other financial data for the two manufacturing segments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2001 and June 30, 2002, are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2001
  
Mill
Operations

  
Steel
Fabrication

  
Total
Segments

    
(US$ in thousands)
Revenue from external customers
  
$
98,079
  
$
75,933
  
$
174,012
Intracompany revenues
  
 
47,164
  
 
—  
  
 
47,164
Segment profit
  
 
8,485
  
 
5,634
  
 
14,119
                      
Three Months Ended June 30, 2002
  
Mill Operations

  
Steel
Fabrication

  
Total
Segments

    
(US$ in thousands)
Revenue from external customers
  
$
126,351
  
$
71,654
  
$
198,005
Intracompany revenues
  
 
39,256
  
 
—  
  
 
39,256
Segment profit
  
 
9,637
  
 
4,071
  
 
13,708
                      
Six Months Ended June 30, 2001
  
Mill Operations

  
Steel
Fabrication

  
Total
Segments

    
(US$ in thousands)
Revenue from external customers
  
$
194,079
  
$
139,113
  
$
333,192
Intracompany revenues
  
 
91,235
  
 
—  
  
 
91,235
Segment profit
  
 
6,284
  
 
10,422
  
 
16,706
                      
Six Months Ended June 30, 2002
  
Mill Operations

  
Steel
Fabrication

  
Total
Segments

    
(US$ in thousands)
Revenue from external customers
  
$
233,522
  
$
136,062
  
$
369,584
Intracompany revenues
  
 
76,102
  
 
—  
  
 
76,102
Segment profit
  
 
15,269
  
 
5,326
  
 
20,595

11


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION & SUBSIDIARY
 
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
 
Reconciliation of reportable segments to consolidated total:
 
    
Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2002

    
Six Months
Ended
June 30, 2001

    
Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2002

    
Three Months
Ended
June 30, 2001

 
    
(US$ in thousands)
 
Revenues
                                   
Total segments revenues
  
$
445,686
 
  
$
424,427
 
  
$
237,261
 
  
$
221,176
 
Elimination of intersegment revenues
  
 
(76,102
)
  
 
(91,235
)
  
 
(39,256
)
  
 
(47,164
)
    


  


  


  


Consolidated revenues
  
$
369,584
 
  
$
333,192
 
  
$
198,005
 
  
$
174,012
 
    


  


  


  


Profit
                                   
Total segments profit
  
$
20,595
 
  
$
16,706
 
  
$
13,708
 
  
$
14,119
 
Other profit or loss
  
 
913
 
  
 
(667
)
  
 
133
 
  
 
(667
)
Elimination of intersegment profits
  
 
287
 
  
 
(354
)
  
 
251
 
  
 
(120
)
Unallocated amounts:
                                   
Other corporate expense (income)
  
 
(2,454
)
  
 
833
 
  
 
(1,081
)
  
 
599
 
Unallocated interest expense
  
 
(5,518
)
  
 
(6,983
)
  
 
(2,801
)
  
 
(3,033
)
    


  


  


  


Consolidated income before income taxes
  
$
13,823
 
  
$
9,535
 
  
$
10,210
 
  
$
10,898
 
    


  


  


  


 
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations
 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition & Results of Operations are based on AmeriSteel’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company reviews the accounting policies used in reporting its financial results on a regular basis. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and on various other factors that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates and judgments under different assumptions or conditions.
 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The following critical accounting policies, among others discussed throughout the Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, involve the more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of AmeriSteel’s consolidated financial statements.
 
Revenue Recognition And Allowance For Doubtful Accounts
 
AmeriSteel recognizes revenues in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) 101, Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements. Generally, AmeriSteel recognizes revenues when earned, and the risks and rewards of ownership have transferred to the buyer.
 
The Company generally recognizes revenues from sales and the allowance for estimated costs associated with returns from these sales when the product is shipped. Provisions are made for estimated product returns and customer claims based on estimates and actual historical experience. If the historical data used in the estimates does not reflect future returns and claims trends, additional

12


 
provisions may be necessary. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained for estimated losses resulting from the inability of customers to make required payments. If the financial condition of customers was to deteriorate, resulting in the impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowance may be required.
 
Allowance For Uncollectible Receivables
 
The allowance for all potentially uncollectible receivables is based on a combination of historical data, cash payment trends, specific customer issues, write off trends, general economic conditions and other factors. These factors are continuously monitored by management to arrive at the estimate for the amount of accounts receivable that may be ultimately uncollectible. This analysis requires the Company to make significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the allowance for uncollectible receivables.
 
Impairment Of Goodwill
 
The Company periodically evaluates acquired businesses for potential impairment indicators. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance of acquired businesses. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that impairment indicators exist and that goodwill associated with acquired businesses is impaired. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on financial condition and results of operations.
 
Impairments Of Long-Lived Assets
 
In accordance with the methodology described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (FAS) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment and Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Impairment losses would be recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when indicators of impairment were present and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the assets’ carrying amounts. The impairment loss is measured by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying amount.
 
Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities
 
The Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. AmeriSteel regularly reviews its deferred tax assets for recoverability and establishes a valuation allowance based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. If the Company was to operate at a loss for a continued period, or was unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there were a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, the Company could be required to establish a valuation allowance against all or a significant portion of our deferred tax assets resulting in a substantial increase in its effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on its operating results.
 
Accident Claims Reserves
 
The Company is self-insured up to the respective stop-loss limits for general, auto and product and workers’ compensation liability claims. In developing liability reserves, the Company relies on professional third party claims administrators, insurance company estimates and the judgment of its own safety department personnel. This analysis requires the Company to make significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the accident claims reserves.

13


 
Environmental Liabilities
 
The Company has reserved for potential environmental liabilities based on the best estimates of potential clean-up and remediation estimates for known environmental sites. The Company employs a staff of environmental experts to administer all phases of its environmental programs, and uses outside experts where needed. These professionals develop estimates of potential liabilities at these sites based on projected and known remediation costs. This analysis requires the Company to make significant estimates, and changes in facts and circumstances could result in material changes in the environmental accrual.
 
Factors That May Affect Operating Results
 
This report contains certain forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of the Company’s management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Such statements include, among others, (i) the highly cyclical nature and seasonality of the steel industry, (ii) the fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, (iii) the possibility of excess production capacity, (iv) global econometrics and the potential for unfair dumping of imports, (v) the risks associated with potential acquisitions, (vi) further opportunities for industry consolidation, (vii) the impact of inflation, (viii) the potential costs of environmental compliance, and (ix) the fluctuations in the cost of electricity. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual actions and strategies and the timing and expected results thereof may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The following presentation of management’s discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
General
 
The results of operations of the Company are largely dependent on the level of construction and general economic activity in the U.S. The Company’s sales are seasonal with sales in the June and September quarters generally stronger than the rest of the year. The Company’s cost of sales includes the cost of its primary raw material, steel scrap, the cost of converting scrap to finished steel products, the cost of warehousing and handling finished steel products and freight costs. The following table sets forth information regarding recent results of operations.

14


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
 
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands, except per to and per share data)
 
    
Six Months Ended

    
Three Months Ended

 
    
June 30, 2002
(Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001 (Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2002
(Unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001
(Unaudited)

 
Gross Sales
  
$
369,584
 
  
$
333,192
 
  
$
198,005
 
  
$
174,012
 
Cost of sales
  
 
316,166
 
  
 
284,475
 
  
 
168,040
 
  
 
143,219
 
Cost of sales as percent of sales
  
 
85.5
%
  
 
85.4
%
  
 
84.9
%
  
 
82.3
%
Selling and administrative
  
 
19,394
 
  
 
16,807
 
  
 
10,018
 
  
 
9,418
 
Depreciation
  
 
13,770
 
  
 
13,789
 
  
 
6,803
 
  
 
6,952
 
Amortization of goodwill
  
 
—  
 
  
 
2,270
 
  
 
—  
 
  
 
1,159
 
Other operating expense (income)
  
 
913
 
  
 
(667
)
  
 
133
 
  
 
(667
)
    


  


  


  


    
 
350,243
 
  
 
316,674
 
  
 
184,994
 
  
 
160,081
 
    


  


  


  


Income from operations
  
 
19,341
 
  
 
16,518
 
  
 
13,011
 
  
 
13,931
 
Other Expenses:
                                   
Interest
  
 
5,294
 
  
 
6,761
 
  
 
2,689
 
  
 
2,921
 
Amortization of deferred financing costs
  
 
224
 
  
 
222
 
  
 
112
 
  
 
112
 
    


  


  


  


Income before income taxes
  
 
13,823
 
  
 
9,535
 
  
 
10,210
 
  
 
10,898
 
Income taxes
  
 
5,529
 
  
 
4,713
 
  
 
4,084
 
  
 
4,814
 
    


  


  


  


Net income
  
$
8,294
 
  
$
4,822
 
  
$
6,126
 
  
$
6,084
 
    


  


  


  


EPS—Basic applicable to common stock
  
$
.80
 
  
$
.41
 
  
$
.59
 
  
$
.51
 
EPS—Diluted applicable to common stock
  
$
.80
 
  
$
.41
 
  
$
.59
 
  
$
.51
 
EBITDA*
  
$
33,388
 
  
$
32,701
 
  
$
19,848
 
  
$
22,098
 
EBITDA margin
  
 
9.0
%
  
 
9.8
%
  
 
10.0
%
  
 
12.7
%
Capital expenditures
  
$
12,449
 
  
$
11,943
 
  
$
3,744
 
  
$
3,513
 
Ratio of EBITDA to interest expense
  
 
6.3x
 
  
 
4.8x
 
  
 
7.4x
 
  
 
7.6x
 
EBITDA—(ttm)**
  
$
67,327
 
  
$
55,007
 
                 
Ratio of total debt to EBITDA (ttm)
  
 
3.31x
 
  
 
3.38x
 
                 
Shipped Tons
                                   
Stock rebar
  
 
350
 
  
 
375
 
  
 
176
 
  
 
192
 
Merchant bar
  
 
454
 
  
 
303
 
  
 
243
 
  
 
152
 
Rods
  
 
69
 
  
 
49
 
  
 
40
 
  
 
26
 
    


  


  


  


Subtotal mill finished goods
  
 
873
 
  
 
727
 
  
 
459
 
  
 
370
 
Fabricated rebar
  
 
224
 
  
 
245
 
  
 
119
 
  
 
132
 
Billets
  
 
40
 
  
 
18
 
  
 
29
 
  
 
3
 
    


  


  


  


Total shipped tons
  
 
1,137
 
  
 
990
 
  
 
607
 
  
 
505
 
    


  


  


  


Average Selling Prices ($ Per Ton)
                                   
Mill finished goods
                                   
Stock rebar
  
$
266
 
  
$
271
 
  
$
270
 
  
$
278
 
Merchant bar
  
 
288
 
  
 
293
 
  
 
292
 
  
 
294
 
Rods
  
 
289
 
  
 
288
 
  
 
290
 
  
 
289
 
    


  


  


  


Average mill finished goods
  
 
279
 
  
 
281
 
  
 
283
 
  
 
285
 
Fabricated rebar
  
 
418
 
  
 
427
 
  
 
413
 
  
 
423
 
Billets
  
 
197
 
  
 
201
 
  
 
198
 
  
 
211
 
Average mill finished goods prices (per ton)
  
$
279
 
  
$
281
 
  
$
283
 
  
$
285
 
Average yielded scrap cost (per ton)
  
 
91
 
  
 
88
 
  
 
97
 
  
 
89
 
    


  


  


  


Average metal spread (per ton)
  
$
188
 
  
$
193
 
  
$
186
 
  
$
196
 
    


  


  


  


Average mill conversion costs (per ton)
  
$
127
 
  
$
127
 
  
$
126
 
  
$
127
 
    


  


  


  


15


 
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
 
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION—(Continued)
 
(US$000s)
  
June 30, 2002
(unaudited)

    
June 30, 2001
(unaudited)

 
Total current assets
  
$
238,522
 
  
$
214,360
 
Net property, plant & equipment
  
 
315,246
 
  
 
303,150
 
Total assets
  
 
633,077
 
  
 
603,592
 
Current maturities of LT borrowings
  
 
25,568
 
  
 
25,598
 
Total current liabilities
  
 
126,937
 
  
 
109,614
 
Long term borrowings
  
 
196,967
 
  
 
186,344
 
Total liabilities
  
 
389,117
 
  
 
367,022
 
Shareholders’ equity
  
 
243,960
 
  
 
236,570
 
Current ratio
  
 
1.9x
 
  
 
2.0x
 
Debt to capital ratio
  
 
47.7
%
  
 
47.3
%
 
*EBITDA (earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization) excludes non-cash charges. Non-cash charges included property disposals of $34,000, $277,000 and $296,000 in the three months, six months and twelve months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, and $2,005 investment write-down in the December 31, 2001 quarter. In the prior year periods, non-cash charges included property disposals of $30,000, $74,000 and $280,000 in the three months, six months and twelve months ended June 30, 2001, respectively, and start-up costs of $2.5 million in the September 30, 2000 quarter relating to the Knoxville meltshop.
** ttm = trailing twelve months
 
The above summary financial data should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the current year.
 
Gross Sales:    The acquisition of the Cartersville mill in December 2001 resulted in additional revenues of $27.0 million and $43.7 million during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, primarily from the sale of merchant bars (inlcuding structurals). Excluding Cartersville, finished tons shipped increased approximately 4.6% in the current quarter and remained relatively flat in the six month period. While pricing improved modestly from the March 31, 2002 quarter, prices remain depressed from the same periods last year, which resulted in a $2.7 million decline in revenues due to pricing for the three month periods ended June 30, 2002, and $5.9 million less revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2002. Average selling prices for rebar and merchant products have come off recent 15 year lows. Recent implementation of Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974 has resulted in tariffs of 15% on rebar and 30% for merchant bar and should help stabilize pricing in the coming quarters.
 
Cost of Sales:    Yielded scrap costs, which comprise approximately 35% to 40% of the Company’s cost of sales, averaged $97 per ton and $89 per ton in the three months ended June 30, 2002 and June 30, 2001, respectively. Prices have increased as a result of higher demand for scrap in other domestic steel markets as the Section 201 relief has resulted in increased production at domestic mills, primarily in the flat rolled market. Mill conversion costs have remained flat relative to the same prior year periods, with the higher costs associated with Cartersville being offset by reductions in the other mills. Excluding Cartersville, conversion costs were down to approximately $122 per ton and $123 per ton for the three months ended and the six months ended June 30, 2002, respectively, primarily due to lower utility costs which tend to fluctuate.
 
Selling and Administrative:    Selling and administrative expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2002 were approximately $600,000 higher than the same period last year due primarily to increased professional fees and the incremental costs associated with the acquired businesses, ABB and Cartersville. For the six months ended June 30, 2002, selling and administrative costs were approximately $2.6 million higher than the same period last year due to higher professional fees, improved performance incentive

16


pay, severance pay and the incremental costs associated with ABB and Cartersville. The increased professional fees relate to consulting engagements for strategic development initiatives.
 
Other Operating Expense:    Other operating expense in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 relate to the closing of the Wilmington and St. Albans fabricating plants. Other operating income in the three months and six months ended June 30, 2001 represents tax refunds from prior years.
 
Interest Expense:    Interest expense decreased in the three and six months ended June 30, 2002 from the same prior year periods due to lower interest rates, which more than offset higher average borrowing. Higher average borrowing resulted from the Cartersville mill and cold drawn acquisitions, and last year’s issuance of common and preferred stock which reduced debt in the comparable prior year periods. The Company’s debt is primarily variable based LIBOR, some of which is hedged via a fixed rate interest swap.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2002 was $12.6 million compared to $42.3 for the same period in the prior year due primarily to the incremental working capital. Cartersville operations added approximately $12 million in accounts receivable and $6 million in inventories during the six months ended June 30, 2002, while gradual price increases have resulted in increased accounts receivable from existing operations. In the six months ended June 30, 2002, the Company spent a combined $20.8 million related to capital projects, including $5.2 million to purchase fabricating facilities in the northeast that had been leased, and $8.4 million related to the acquisition of the Cartersville cold drawn facility from Republic Technologies in June 2002. This compared to $21.4 million spent in the same prior year period, of which $9.5 million related to the acquisition of ABB.
 
In February 2001, the Company sold approximately $15 million of common stock and in March 2001, sold approximately $10 million of newly authorized Series A preferred stock, in each case to GUSA. The funds received were used for working capital purposes, for the reduction of debt, and for the acquisition of ABB. The Company bought back at fair value $5 million in June 2001 and $5 million in July 2001 of the common stock sold in February 2001. In October 2001, the Company bought back at fair value the remaining shares issued in February and March 2001.
 
The closure of the Wilmington and St. Albans fabricating facilities did not have a material effect on the cash flows during the quarter. Total charges relating to the closures amounted to approximately $915,000 which included severance, lease buyouts and non-cash charges relating to equipment disposals.
 
The Company believes that amounts available from operating cash flows and funds available through its Revolving Credit Agreement will be sufficient to meet its expected cash needs and planned capital expenditures through the end of 2003. The Company is confident that it will be successful in any potential refinancing effort to replace the existing facility, if needed. The Company continues to comply with all of the covenants of its loan agreements.
 
Item 3.    Quantitative & Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
The interest rates charged on the Company’s debt are predominantly variable, the majority of which is based on LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). In late 2001, the Company hedged $55 million of its debt via interest rate swaps that in effect result in a fixed interest rate on $55 million for a period of four to five years. As a result, the Company has reduced its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates with the result being that approximately 75% of the Company’s debt is subject to changes in interest expense due to fluctuations of interest rates in the markets. A 10% change in interest rates would result in a change in annual interest expense of approximately $650,000.
 
The value of the Company’s interest rate swaps changes from period to period due to changes in the swap yield curve relative to the swap yield curve at the swap’s inception, and adjusted for the shortening duration. Generally the market value of the swap

17


instrument will decline as interest rates remain lower than previously forecasted and will increase in value as interest rates rise faster the previously anticipated. The Company recognizes the changes in these mark-to-market valuations through other comprehensive income in accordance with FAS 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
 
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 6.    Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
 
 
(a)
 
The following documents are filed as exhibits to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q:
 
 
Exhibit
 
99—Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(b)
 
Reports on Form 8-K:
 
During the quarter ended June 30, 2002, the Company filed a current report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 2002 to report changes in the certifying accountant to PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.
 
SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
    
AMERISTEEL CORPORATION
Date: August 9, 2002
  
/s/ PHILLIP E. CASEY

    
Phillip E. Casey, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: August 9, 2002
  
/s/ TOM J. LANDA

    
Tom J. Landa, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
    
(Principal Financial Officer); Director
Date: August 9, 2002
  
/s/ ROBERT POWELL

    
Robert Powell, Corporate Controller
    
(Principal Accounting Officer)

18