Sonoco
SON
#2948
Rank
A$7.80 B
Marketcap
A$79.16
Share price
-0.60%
Change (1 day)
16.08%
Change (1 year)

Sonoco - 10-Q quarterly report FY


Text size:
1

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC

20549

FORM 10-Q


QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the Quarter Ended July 1, 2001 Commission File No. 1-11261


SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY


-------------------


Incorporated under the laws I.R.S. Employer Identification
of South Carolina No. 57-0248420


Post Office Box 160

Hartsville, South Carolina 29551-0160

Telephone: 843-383-7000


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days.

Yes X No
------ -----



Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock at August 5, 2001:

Common stock, no par value: 95,468,631
---------------------------------------
2



SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY


INDEX



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - July
1, 2001 (unaudited) and December 31, 2000

Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations - Three Months and Six Months
Ended July 1, 2001 (unaudited) and July 2,
2000 (unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows - Six Months Ended July 1, 2001
(unaudited) and July 2, 2000 (unaudited)

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements

Report of Independent Accountants

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

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES
ABOUT MARKET RISK

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

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

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K


SIGNATURE
3

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars and shares in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
July 1,
2001 December 31,
(unaudited) 2000*
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents $ 36,160 $ 35,219
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowances 318,956 329,467
Other receivables 23,420 26,875
Inventories:
Finished and in process 108,825 108,887
Materials and supplies 145,604 158,717
Prepaid expenses and other 37,119 36,628
----------- -----------
670,084 695,793
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET 935,710 973,470
COST IN EXCESS OF FAIR VALUE OF ASSETS PURCHASED, NET 231,537 236,733
OTHER ASSETS 297,578 306,615
----------- -----------
Total Assets $ 2,134,909 $ 2,212,611
=========== ===========

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payable to suppliers $ 180,948 $ 227,408
Accrued expenses and other 182,552 145,851
Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt 40,454 45,556
Taxes on income 41,382 18,265
----------- -----------
445,336 437,080
LONG-TERM DEBT 750,994 812,085
POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS OTHER THAN PENSIONS 30,113 27,611
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES AND OTHER 133,292 134,364
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, no par value
Authorized 300,000 shares
95,391 and 95,006 shares outstanding, of which
95,134 and 94,681 are issued as of July 1, 2001 and
December 31, 2000, respectively 7,175 7,175
Capital in excess of stated value 295,091 289,657
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (187,761) (172,403)
Retained earnings 660,669 677,042
----------- -----------
Total Shareholders' Equity 775,174 801,471
----------- -----------
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity $ 2,134,909 $ 2,212,611
=========== ===========
</TABLE>

* The December 31, 2000 condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived
from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required
by generally accepted accounting principles.


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
4

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)
(Dollars and shares in thousands except per share data)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
------------------------------- -------------------------------
July 1, July 2, July 1, July 2,
2001 2000 2001 2000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 647,659 $ 688,686 $ 1,280,427 $ 1,364,985

Cost of sales 511,302 533,804 1,006,783 1,058,442

Selling, general and administrative expenses 66,985 69,369 135,706 136,795

Other expense 8,045 -- 52,328 --
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Income before interest and taxes 61,327 85,513 85,610 169,748

Interest expense 12,596 15,164 26,822 30,683

Interest income (964) (735) (1,439) (1,498)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Income before income taxes 49,695 71,084 60,227 140,563

Provision for income taxes 32,171 26,992 39,278 53,414
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Income before equity in earnings (loss) of
affiliates/Minority interest in subsidiaries 17,524 44,092 20,949 87,149

Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates/Minority
interest in subsidiaries (580) 2,308 655 4,268
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Net income $ 16,944 $ 46,400 $ 21,604 $ 91,417
=========== =========== =========== ===========


Average common shares outstanding:
Basic 95,266 99,452 95,194 100,188
Assuming exercise of options 450 264 366 220
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Diluted 95,716 99,716 95,560 100,408
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Per common share
Net income:
Basic $ .18 $ .47 $ .23 $ .91
=========== =========== =========== ===========
Diluted $ .18 $ .47 $ .23 $ .91
=========== =========== =========== ===========

Cash dividends $ .20 $ .20 $ .40 $ .39
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>


See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
5

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended
---------------------------
July 1, July 2,
2001 2000
--------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES $ 158,677 $ 167,547

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (54,014) (47,910)
Cost of acquisitions, exclusive of cash (9,726) (1,878)
Proceeds from the sale of assets 4,742 856
Investments in joint ventures/affiliates (1,100) (1,153)
--------- ---------

Net cash used by investing activities (60,098) (50,085)
--------- ---------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt 8,774 8,460
Principal repayment of debt (13,582) (102,768)
Net (decrease) increase in commercial paper borrowings (60,000) 70,700
Net increase (decrease) in bank overdrafts 358 (4,209)
Cash dividends (37,978) (39,125)
Shares acquired (2,041) (46,364)
Common shares issued 7,341 2,346
--------- ---------

Net cash used by financing activities (97,128) (110,960)
--------- ---------

EFFECTS OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH (510) (214)
--------- ---------

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 941 6,288

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 35,219 36,515
--------- ---------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 36,160 $ 42,803
========= =========
</TABLE>

See accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6


SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)

NOTE 1: BASIS OF INTERIM PRESENTATION

In the opinion of the management of Sonoco Products Company (the
"Company"), the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial
position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods
reported hereon. Operating results for the three and six months ended
July 1, 2001, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be
expected for the year ending December 31, 2001. These condensed
consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in
the Company's annual report for the fiscal year ended December 31,
2000.

Certain prior year amounts in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.


NOTE 2: DIVIDEND DECLARATIONS

On April 18, 2001, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly
dividend of $.20 per share. This dividend was paid June 8, 2001, to all
shareholders of record May 18, 2001.

On July 18, 2001, the Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly
dividend of $.20 per share payable September 10, 2001, to all
shareholders of record August 17, 2001.


NOTE 3: ACQUISITIONS

The Company recently announced that it has signed a definitive
agreement to purchase for cash, U.S. Paper Mills Corp., a
privately-held company that produces and sells lightweight paperboard
for conversion into cores, composite cans and tubes, and produces paper
cores. U.S. Paper Mills is the North American market leader in the
production of lightweight tissue and towel coreboard and had sales of
approximately $70,000 in 2000. Completion of the purchase, which is
subject to regulatory approval, is expected in this year's third
quarter.

The Company also recently announced the third quarter 2001 purchase of
Cumberland Wood Products, Inc.'s, plywood reel operation in Helenwood,
Tennessee. The transaction is for equipment and inventory and does not
include building and real estate. Cumberland's plywood reel operations
had 2000 sales of approximately $13,000.

Both acquisitions will be part of the industrial packaging segment.
7

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)

NOTE 3: ACQUISITIONS, CONTINUED

In addition to the acquisitions in the industrial packaging segment,
the Company recently announced that it has signed a definitive
agreement to purchase Phoenix Packaging Corporation, a privately-held
company headquartered in North Canton, Ohio. The all-cash purchase,
which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close by the
fourth quarter of this year. Phoenix Packaging Corporation is the
leading manufacturer of steel easy-open closures in North America and
had sales of approximately $70,000 in 2000. The acquisition will be
part of the Company's consumer packaging segment.

During the first quarter of 2001, Sonoco completed two small
acquisitions. An engineered carrier operation in Georgia was acquired
at a cash cost of $3,622, and the assets of a packaging services
operation in the United Kingdom were acquired for $1,733 in cash. These
acquisitions are part of the industrial packaging segment and consumer
packaging segment, respectively.

NOTE 4: FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

As of January 1, 2001, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, `Accounting for Derivative Instruments
and Hedging Activities' (FAS 133), as amended by FAS No. 137 and FAS
No. 138. The Standard establishes accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, and hedging activities. It requires the
recognition of all derivative instruments as assets or liabilities in
the Company's balance sheet and measurement of those instruments at
fair value. The Statement requires that changes in a derivative
instrument's fair value be recognized currently in earnings unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. Special accounting for
qualifying hedges allows a derivative instrument's gains and losses to
offset related results on the hedged item in the income statement or to
be deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a
component of shareholder's equity, until the hedged item is recognized
in results of operations. Hedging activities did not have a material
impact to the Company or on its Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the three months and six months ended July 1, 2001 or its
Consolidated Balance Sheet at July 1, 2001.

The Company is a purchaser of commodities such as recovered paper,
resins, and energy. In general, the Company does not engage in material
hedging of commodity prices due to a high correlation between the
commodity cost and the ultimate selling price of its products. These
commodities are generally purchased at market or fixed prices that are
established with the vendor as part of the purchase process for
quantities expected to be consumed in the ordinary course of business.
On occasion, where the correlation between selling price and commodity
price is less direct, the Company may enter into commodity futures or
swaps to reduce the effect of price fluctuations. These derivatives are
marked to market on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheet in
accordance with FAS 133.
8

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)

NOTE 5: COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table reconciles net income to comprehensive income:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
------------------------- -------------------------
July 1, July 2, July 1, July 2,
2001 2000 2001 2000
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>


Net income $ 16,944 $ 46,400 $ 21,604 $ 91,417

Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation
adjustments (23,499) (8,352) (15,358) (25,113)
-------- -------- -------- --------


Comprehensive (loss) income $ (6,555) $ 38,048 $ 6,246 $ 66,304
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>


The following table summarizes the components of the current period
change in the accumulated other comprehensive loss balances:

Foreign Minimum Accumulated
Currency Pension Other
Translation Liability Comprehensive
Adjustments Adjustment Loss
--------- --------- ---------

Balance at January 1, 2001 $(168,815) $ (3,588) $(172,403)

Year to date change (15,358) -- (15,358)
--------- --------- ---------

Balance at July 1, 2001 $(184,173) $ (3,588) $(187,761)
========= ========= =========
9

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)


NOTE 6: FINANCIAL SEGMENT INFORMATION

Sonoco reports its results in two primary segments, Industrial
Packaging and Consumer Packaging. The Industrial Packaging segment
includes engineered carriers (high performance paper and plastic tubes
and cores, paper manufacturing, and recovered paper operations); and
protective packaging (designed interior packaging and protective
reels). The Consumer Packaging segment includes composite cans;
flexible packaging (printed flexibles, high density bags and film
products); specialty products and packaging services (supply chain
management/e-marketplace, graphics management, folding cartons, and
paper glass covers and coasters). The Consumer Packaging segment also
included the Capseals unit, maker of container seals, which was sold in
December 2000.

FINANCIAL SEGMENT INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
-------------------------------- --------------------------------

July 1, 2001 July 2, 2000 July 1, 2001 July 2, 2000
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Net Sales

Industrial Packaging $ 325,463 $ 377,289 $ 657,311 $ 740,651

Consumer Packaging 322,196 305,609 623,116 612,271

Other* -- 5,788 -- 12,063
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Consolidated $ 647,659 $ 688,686 $ 1,280,427 $ 1,364,985
=========== =========== =========== ===========

Operating Profit

Industrial Packaging $ 39,866 $ 56,437 $ 82,877 $ 109,436

Consumer Packaging 29,506 28,867 55,061 59,899

Other* -- 209 -- 413

One-time non-operational items** (8,045) -- (52,328) --

Interest, net (11,632) (14,429) (25,383) (29,185)
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

Consolidated $ 49,695 $ 71,084 $ 60,227 $ 140,563
=========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>


* Includes net sales and operating profits of businesses divested in 2000.
** Includes restructuring charges and corporate-owned life insurance policy
adjustments in 2001.
10

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)


NOTE 7: RESTRUCTURING

During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company recognized non-recurring
pretax restructuring charges of $5,226 ($3,240 after tax). Severance
and termination benefits of approximately $1,100 remained accrued on
the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2000. Additional
restructuring charges of $46,324 ($32,119 after tax) were recorded in
the first six months of 2001 as a result of further restructuring
actions announced during the period. The restructuring charges
consisted of severance and termination benefits of $21,529, asset
impairment charges of $12,904 and other exit costs of $11,891,
consisting of building lease termination expenses of $9,412 and other
miscellaneous charges of $2,479. Restructuring charges were determined
in accordance with the provisions of SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No.
100 "Restructuring and Impairment Charges" and Emerging Issues Task
Force No. 94-3 "Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination
Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity". The original
restructuring plan, which included a global reduction of 241 salaried
and 387 hourly positions, was revised to include a total of 244
salaried positions (180 in the United States) and 482 hourly positions
(370 in the United States) during the second quarter of 2001. In
addition to revised headcount reductions, the restructuring plan
includes adjustments in the second quarter of 2001 related to the
closure of an additional plant and the decision to downsize, rather
than close, a plant originally included in the restructuring plan. The
restructuring plan includes the closure of 13 plant locations,
including 8 in the United States. As of July 1, 2001, 8 plants have
been closed, and approximately 445 employees have been terminated (183
salaried and 262 hourly). The restructuring costs in the first six
months of 2001 are included in "Other expense" in the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table sets forth the activity related to the liability
accrued in conjunction with the restructuring charges as of July 1,
2001:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Severance and
Termination Asset Other
Benefits Impairment Exit Costs Total
-------- -------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>

Beginning Liability 12/31/2000 $ 1,100 -- -- $ 1,100
New Charges 21,996 $ 12,665 $ 12,327 46,988
Cash Payments (6,312) -- (966) (7,278)
Asset Impairment -- (12,904) -- (12,904)
Adjustments (467) 239 (436) (664)
-------- -------- -------- --------

Ending Liability 7/01/2001 $ 16,317 $ -- $ 10,925 $ 27,242
======== ======== ======== ========
</TABLE>

The Company expects to pay the remaining restructuring costs, with the
exception of on-going pension subsidies, by the end of the first
quarter 2002.

Additionally, restructuring charges of $1,980 ($1,306 after tax), were
recognized in the second quarter of 2001 relating to a plant closing at
an affiliate. The affiliate restructuring charges, for the first six
months of 2001, are included in "Equity in earnings (loss) of
affiliates/Minority interest in subsidiaries" in the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
11

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(unaudited)


NOTE 8: CORPORATE OWNED LIFE INSURANCE

In the second quarter 2001, the Company surrendered its Corporate-Owned
Life Insurance (COLI) policies as a result of the settlement with the
Internal Revenue Service over deductibility of COLI loan interest. The
surrender of these policies resulted in additional income taxes of
$11,296 and other costs of $6,004, in the second quarter 2001. Other
costs are included in "Other expense" in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Operations.

NOTE 9: NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business
Combinations' (FAS 141), and Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets' (FAS 142).
FAS 141 requires business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 to
be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting, and broadens
the criteria for recording intangible assets separate from goodwill.
Recorded goodwill and intangibles will be evaluated against this new
criteria and may result in certain intangibles being included with
goodwill, or alternatively, amounts initially recorded as goodwill may
be separately identified and recognized apart from goodwill. FAS 142
requires the use of a non-amortization approach to account for
purchased goodwill and certain intangibles. Under a non-amortization
approach, goodwill and certain intangibles will not be amortized into
results of operations, but instead will be reviewed for impairment and
written down and charged to results of operations only in the periods
in which the recorded value of goodwill and certain intangibles is in
excess of its fair value. The provisions of each statement which apply
to goodwill and intangible assets acquired prior to June 30, 2001 will
be adopted by the Company on January 1, 2002. The Company expects the
adoption of these accounting standards to result in a reduction of the
amortization of goodwill and intangibles commencing January 1, 2002;
however, impairment reviews may result in future periodic write-downs.
12

Report of Independent Accountants


To the Shareholders and Directors of Sonoco Products Company


We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Sonoco
Products Company as of July 1, 2001, and the related condensed consolidated
statements of operations for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended
July 1, 2001 and July 2, 2000, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash
flows for the six-month periods ended July 1, 2001 and July 2, 2000. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.

We conducted our review in accordance with standards established by the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial
information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial
data and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting
matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards, the objective of which is the
expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole.
Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should
be made to the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements
for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in
the United States of America.

We previously audited in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet as of December
31, 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
shareholders' equity and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented
herein); and in our report dated January 31, 2001, we expressed an unqualified
opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the
information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet
as of December 31, 2000 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation
to the consolidated balance sheet from which it has been derived.



/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
------------------------------
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Charlotte, North Carolina
August 8, 2001
13

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Statements included in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations, and elsewhere in this report, that are not
historical in nature, are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward
looking statements" for purposes of the safe harbor provided by section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements
include, but are not limited to, statements regarding offsetting high raw
material costs, adequacy of income tax provision, refinancing of debt, adequacy
of cash flows, and financial strategies and the results expected from them. Such
forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and
projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions
made by management. Such information includes, without limitation, discussions
as to estimates, expectations, beliefs, plans, strategies, and objectives
concerning our future financial and operating performance. These statements are
not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks,
uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual
results may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in such
forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without
limitation; availability and pricing of raw materials; success of new product
development and introduction; ability to maintain or increase productivity
levels; international, national and local economic and market conditions;
ability to maintain market share; pricing pressures and demand for products;
continued strength of our paperboard-based engineered carrier and composite can
operations; anticipated results of restructuring activities; ability to
successfully integrate newly acquired businesses into the Company's operation;
currency stability and the rate of growth in foreign markets; and actions of
government agencies.

SECOND QUARTER 2001 COMPARED WITH SECOND QUARTER 2000

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated net sales for the second quarter of 2001 were $647.7 million,
versus $688.7 million in the second quarter of 2000. Sales in the second quarter
of 2001 were adversely affected by weak volume, with company-wide volume
decreases averaging approximately 4%, compared with the same period last year.
Lower volume in the Company's industrial segment, principally in the North
American engineered carriers/paper businesses, and lower prices and demand for
trade sales of recovered paper were partially offset by a slight increase in
volume in the consumer segment driven primarily by higher packaging services
revenue. Overall, the lower sales compared with the same period in 2000 were due
primarily to the impact of reduced volume/pricing of $45.5 million, unfavorable
exchange rate variances of $10.0 million, and divested operations of $5.8
million, offset partially by the impact of acquisitions and new businesses of
$21.4 million.

Net income for the second quarter of 2001, excluding one-time transactions, was
$36.8 million, versus $46.4 million in the second quarter of 2000. Including
one-time transactions, net income for the second quarter 2001 was $16.9 million,
versus $46.4 million in the second quarter of 2000. Compared with the same
period in 2000, second quarter 2001 results, excluding one-time transactions,
declined primarily due to lower volume, lower selling prices and demand for
recovered paper, and less favorable mix of products sold. In addition, higher
energy prices of approximately $3.0 million, and increased pension expense of
approximately $4.0 million, contributed to the lower profit compared to the same
period last year. Lower material costs in some operations partially offset these
items.
14

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

SECOND QUARTER 2001 COMPARED WITH SECOND QUARTER 2000, CONTINUED

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED

The Company reported earnings per diluted share, excluding one-time
transactions, of $.38 and $.47 in the second quarter of 2001 and 2000,
respectively. Including one-time transactions, earnings per diluted share in the
second quarter of 2001 were $.18.

CONSUMER PACKAGING SEGMENT

The Consumer Packaging segment includes composite cans; flexible packaging
(printed flexibles, high density bags and film products); specialty products and
packaging services (supply chain management/e-marketplace, graphics management,
folding cartons, and paper glass covers and coasters). The Consumer Packaging
segment also included the Capseals unit, maker of container seals, which was
sold in December 2000.

Second quarter sales in the consumer segment were $322.2 million, compared with
$305.6 million in the same quarter of 2000, excluding divested operations.
Operating profits in this segment, excluding divested operations, were $29.5
million in the second quarter of 2001, compared with $28.9 million in the same
period last year.

The increase in second quarter sales was due primarily to higher packaging
services revenue and some selling price increases in certain businesses,
partially offset by unfavorable exchange rate variances. Profits were higher
than last year's second quarter due to higher selling prices, lower raw material
costs, principally resin in the high density bag operation, and higher
productivity, which were partially offset by higher year over year benefit
costs. For the remainder of the year, positive effects of savings realized as a
result of recent restructuring actions are anticipated as well as increased
volume in the flexible packaging operation from new contracts entered into in
2000 and the packaging services operation.

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING SEGMENT

The Industrial Packaging segment includes engineered carriers (high performance
paper and plastic tubes and cores, paper manufacturing and recovered paper
operations) and protective packaging (designed interior packaging and protective
reels).

Second quarter 2001 sales for the industrial segment were $325.5 million, versus
$377.3 million in the same period last year. Operating profit for the segment,
excluding one-time transactions, was $39.9 million, versus $56.4 million in the
same period last year.
15

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

SECOND QUARTER 2001 COMPARED WITH SECOND QUARTER 2000, CONTINUED

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING SEGMENT CONTINUED

The decrease in second quarter sales and operating profits in the industrial
sector was due primarily to lower volumes in the Company's engineered carriers
and paper operations reflecting the adverse impact of continuing general
economic weakness in this segment, and does not reflect any significant net loss
of market share. Sales were impacted by a decline in volume/pricing of
approximately $45.0 million coupled with unfavorable exchange rate variances of
approximately $6.3 million, compared with the same period in 2000. Operating
profit was negatively impacted by decreased prices for outside sales of
recovered paper, lower sales volume and higher year-over-year energy and benefit
costs. There are no current indications of an upturn in the industrial segment
of the general economy and consequently the Company does not anticipate a
significant improvement in volume for the remainder of 2001. However, positive
effects of savings realized as a result of recent restructuring actions are
anticipated.

Additional net restructuring charges of $2.0 million in the second quarter 2001
include $2.7 million related to the closing of an additional plant, partially
offset by a reduction of $.7 million related to the decision to downsize, rather
than close, another plant originally included in the restructuring plan, as well
as other miscellaneous adjustments.

JUNE 2001 YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARED WITH JUNE 2000 YEAR-TO-DATE

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For the first six months of 2001, sales were $1.28 billion, versus $1.36 billion
in the same period last year. Sales for the first six months of 2001 were
adversely affected by lower volume of approximately $75.0 million, principally
in the North American engineered carriers and composite can businesses, and
decreased prices for outside sales of recovered paper. In addition, sales were
impacted by unfavorable exchange rate variances of $15.1 million and divested
operations of $12.1 million, offset partially by the impact of acquisitions and
new businesses of $23.2 million. Higher prices in certain consumer businesses,
coupled with increased sales volume from packaging services, partially offset
the sales shortfall.

Net income for the first half of 2001, excluding one-time transactions, was
$72.3 million, versus $91.4 million in the same period last year. Including
one-time transactions, net income for this year's first six months was $21.6
million, versus $91.4 million in the first half of 2000. Compared with the same
period in 2000, net income for the first half of 2001, excluding one-time
transactions, declined primarily due to lower volume, lower prices of outside
sales of recovered paper, and less favorable mix of products sold. In addition,
higher energy prices of
16

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

JUNE 2001 YEAR-TO-DATE COMPARED WITH JUNE 2000 YEAR-TO-DATE

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS, CONTINUED

approximately $7.0 million, and increased pension expense of approximately $7.0
million, contributed to the lower profit compared to the same period last year.
Lower material costs, principally in the North American engineered
carriers/paper and high density film businesses, partially offset these items.

Earnings per diluted share for the first six months of 2001, excluding one-time
transactions, were $.76 versus $.91 in the same period in 2000. Including
one-time transactions, earnings per diluted share for the first half of 2001
were $.23.

CONSUMER PACKAGING SEGMENT

First half sales in the consumer segment were $623.1 million, versus $612.3
million in the same period of 2000, excluding divested operations. Higher
packaging services revenue coupled with higher selling prices in the composite
can and flexible packaging businesses during the first six months of 2001 were
partially offset by lower volume.

Operating profit in this segment, excluding one-time charges and divested
operations, was $55.1 million, versus $59.9 million in the same period last
year. The decrease in profits in the first six months of 2001 was due primarily
to lower overall volume in the segment offset by increased volume and pricing in
flexible packaging, higher prices in composite cans, and lower resin costs and
productivity improvements.

Restructuring charges of $23.7 million, recorded in the first quarter of 2001,
included a reduction in force, the closing of five facilities, and consolidation
activities in all major businesses to improve workflow and operating efficiency.
No new restructuring charges were recorded during the second quarter of 2001.

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING SEGMENT

Sales for the first half of 2001 in this segment were $657.3 million, versus
$740.7 million. Operating profit for the industrial segment in the first half of
2001, excluding one-time transactions, was $82.9 million, versus $109.4 million
in the same period last year.

The decrease in sales and profits in this segment, compared with the first six
months of 2000, resulted primarily from decreased volume in the North American
engineered carriers and paper businesses. The decrease reflects the adverse
impact of continuing general weakness in the industrial sector of the United
States economy. Although
17

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

INDUSTRIAL PACKAGING SEGMENT, CONTINUED

volumes have also weakened in the other areas of the world, they remain stronger
than in the United States.

During the first six months of 2001, restructuring charges of $19.5 million were
recorded in the industrial packaging segment. Restructuring charges of $17.5
million, in the first quarter of 2001, included a reduction in force; eight
plant closings (two engineered carrier operations in the United States, two in
Europe and one in Asia; and paper operation closings in Canada, Mexico and the
United States); and consolidation activities in all major businesses to improve
workflow and operating efficiency. Additional net restructuring charges of $2.0
million, in the second quarter of 2001, included $2.7 million related to the
closing of an additional plant, partially offset by $.7 million related to the
decision to downsize, rather than close, another plant originally included in
the restructuring plan, as well as other miscellaneous adjustments.

CORPORATE

On July 12, 2001, Standard and Poor's announced that they reduced the Company's
long-term debt rating from "A" to "A minus" and the commercial paper rating from
"A-1" to "A-2" with a stable outlook.

General corporate expenses have been allocated as operating costs to each of the
segments. Year to date net interest expense was $3.8 million lower in the first
six months of 2001 compared with the same period last year due to lower average
debt levels and interest rates.

In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, `Business Combinations' (FAS 141),
and Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, `Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets' (FAS 142). FAS 141 requires business combinations initiated
after June 30, 2001 to be accounted for using the purchase method of accounting,
and broadens the criteria for recording intangible assets separate from
goodwill. FAS 142 requires the use of a non-amortization approach to account for
purchased goodwill and certain intangibles. Under a non-amortization approach,
goodwill and certain intangibles will not be amortized into results of
operations, but instead will be reviewed for impairment and written down and
charged to results of operations only in the periods in which the recorded value
of goodwill and certain intangibles is in excess of its fair value. The
provisions of each statement which apply to goodwill and intangible assets
acquired prior to June 30, 2001 will be adopted by the Company on January 1,
2002. The Company expects the adoption of these accounting standards to result
in a reduction of the amortization of goodwill and intangibles commencing
January 1, 2002; however, impairment reviews may result in future periodic
write-downs.
18

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

CORPORATE, CONTINUED

As previously disclosed, early in the second quarter of 2001, the Company
surrendered its Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) policies as a result of
the settlement with the Internal Revenue Service over deductibility of COLI loan
interest. The surrender of these policies resulted in additional income taxes of
$11.3 million and other costs of $6.0 million, in the second quarter of 2001.
Other costs are included in "Other expense" in the Company's Consolidated
Statements of Operations.

In February 2001, Sonoco's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to
5.0 million shares of the Company's common stock. Although no shares were
repurchased in the first six months of 2001 related to this authorization, in
April 2001, 92 thousand shares were repurchased under previous authorizations.

Restructuring charges of $3.1 million, recorded in the first quarter of 2001,
were primarily comprised of severance and termination charges. No new
restructuring charges were recorded during the second quarter of 2001.

RESTRUCTURING

During the fourth quarter of 2000, the Company recognized non-recurring pretax
restructuring charges of $5.2 million ($3.2 million after tax). Severance and
termination benefits of approximately $1.1 million remained accrued on the
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2000. Additional restructuring
charges of $46.3 million ($32.1 million after tax) were recorded in the first
six months of 2001 as a result of further restructuring actions announced during
the period. The restructuring charges consisted of severance and termination
benefits of $21.5 million, asset impairment charges of $12.9 million and other
exit costs of $11.9 million, consisting of building lease termination expenses
of $9.4 million and other miscellaneous charges of $2.5 million. As previously
disclosed, the objective of the restructuring is to realign and centralize a
number of staff functions and to permanently remove approximately $30.0 million
of annualized costs from the Company's cost structure, of which approximately
one half is estimated to be realized in 2001. The savings are expected to reduce
fixed and variable costs of sales and reduce selling and administrative costs.
The Company may record additional restructuring-related charges in the third
quarter associated with actions under consideration.

The Company recorded restructuring charges of $2.0 million ($1.3 million after
tax), during the second quarter of 2001, related to a plant closing at an
affiliate. The affiliate restructuring charges, for the first six months of
2001, are included in "Equity in earnings (loss) of affiliates/Minority interest
in subsidiaries" in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations.
19

SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
CONTINUED

FINANCIAL POSITION, LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company's financial position remained strong through the first six months of
2001. The debt-to-capital ratio decreased to 47.2% at July 1, 2001, from 48.5%
at December 31, 2000. The decrease is due to a $66.2 million net reduction in
the Company's overall debt since the end of 2000.

Net working capital decreased $34.0 million to $224.7 million at July 1, 2001
from December 31, 2000, driven primarily by decreases in current assets,
particularly trade accounts receivable and inventory, and an increase in current
liabilities. The decrease in trade accounts receivable and inventory is
partially attributed to lower sales as well as a Company initiative to reduce
working capital days during 2001. Accrued expenses increased $36.7 million
primarily due to the restructuring reserve recorded in 2001.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the second quarter and first six
months of 2001 was $37.0 million and $76.1 million, respectively.

The effective tax rate was 64.7% and 65.2% for the three-month and six-month
periods ended July 1, 2001, respectively. Excluding the impact of one-time
additional COLI charges and certain non-deductible foreign restructuring
charges, the effective tax rate would have been 37.5%. This compares to an
effective tax rate of 38.0% for the three-month and six-month periods ended July
2, 2000.

Cash generated from operations of $158.7 million was used to partially fund
capital expenditures of $54.0 million, repay debt of $66.2 million, pay
dividends of $38.0 million and fund acquisitions of $9.7 million. The Company
expects internally generated cash flows, along with borrowings available under
its commercial paper and other existing credit facilities, to be sufficient to
meet operating and normal capital expenditure requirements.
20


SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information about the Company's exposure to market risk was disclosed
in its 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K which was filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on March 30, 2001. There have been
no material quantitative or qualitative changes in market risk
exposures since the date of that filing.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Incorporated by reference to the information set forth under Item 4 of
the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10Q for the quarter ended April
1, 2001.

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) No exhibits required.

(b) No current reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Company
during the first two quarters of 2001.
21

S O N O C O P R O D U C T S C O M P A N Y


SIGNATURE




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.


SONOCO PRODUCTS COMPANY
------------------------------

(Registrant)



Date: August 13, 2001 By: /s/ F. T. Hill, Jr.
-------------------------- --------------------------
F. T. Hill, Jr.
Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer