Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Packaging & Containers / Ball

Ball

bll · NYSE Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker bll
Exchange NYSE
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Packaging & Containers
Employees 10,000+
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FY2003 Annual Report · Ball
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Growth

Strength

Integrity

Ball  Corporation
2003  Annual  Repor t

Performance

Ball Corporation
10 Longs Peak Drive
Broomfield, CO 80021
(303) 469-3131
www.ball.com

New
Ideas

 
 
 
 
covers  3/8/04  8:41 AM  Page 2

Performance

Financial Highlights
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Stock Performance
Total per share return (share price appreciation plus assumed reinvested dividends) .....................................
Closing market price per share ...................................................................................................................... $ 
Total market value of common stock ............................................................................................................ $ 
Shares outstanding at year end (000s) ............................................................................................................
Shares outstanding assuming dilution (000s) (1) .............................................................................................
Operating Performance
Net sales ......................................................................................................................................................... $ 
Earnings before taxes (2) ................................................................................................................................. $
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) (2)(3) ............................................................................................. $ 
Net earnings .................................................................................................................................................. $ 
Basic earnings per share ................................................................................................................................. $ 
Diluted earnings per share  ............................................................................................................................ $ 
Cash dividends per share ............................................................................................................................... $ 
Number of employees ....................................................................................................................................

2003

2002

17.4%
59.57 $ 
3,359 $ 

56,389
57,408

4,977 $ 
320 $
461 $ 
230 $ 
4.12 $ 
4.02 $ 
0.48 $ 

12,630

46.0%
51.19
2,905
56,745
57,739

3,859
230
311
156
2.77
2.71
0.36
12,635

(1) Represents shares outstanding at year end plus the assumed exercise of options that are “in-the-money" at year end, less an estimate of shares that could be repurchased at the

year-end market price of Ball stock using the assumed exercise proceeds. This measure is not the same as the diluted weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation
of diluted earnings per share.

(2) Includes income of $3.7 million ($0.04 cents per diluted share) in 2003 and $2.3 million ($0.01 cent per diluted share) in 2002 related to the finalization of various

business consolidation and other activities, as explained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

(3) Management utilizes earnings before interest and taxes as an internal measure for evaluating operating results and for planning purposes. EBIT is shown prior to interest

expense of $141.1 million in 2003 and $80.8 million in 2002.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation is a leading provider of metal and plastic packaging, primarily for beverages and foods, and of
aerospace and other technologies and services to commercial and government customers. Founded in 1880,
the company employs approximately 12,600 people in approximately 75 locations worldwide. Ball Corporation
stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BLL.”

Strategy
In packaging, our strategy is to leverage our superior continuous process improvement expertise in order to
manufacture, market, sell and service high-quality, value-added products that meet the needs of high-volume
and/or growing customer segments of the beverage and food markets.

In aerospace and technologies, our strategy is to provide remote sensing systems and solutions to the
aerospace and defense market with products and services used to collect and interpret information to support
national missions and scientific discovery.

As a corporation, our strategy is to earn a return in excess of our cost of capital by aggressively managing 
our businesses and through acquisitions, divestitures, strategic alliances or other means when such changes 
will enhance a business and benefit Ball’s shareholders.

Shareholder Information

Quarterly Stock Prices and Dividends
Quarterly prices for the company’s common stock, 
as reported on the composite tape, and quarterly 
dividends in 2003 and 2002 were:

2003

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

High ............................. $56.57 $58.31 $54.50 $59.57 

Low .............................. 48.95 45.75 42.58

53.61

Dividends per share ...

.09

.09

.15

.15

2002

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

High.............................. $48.05 $51.89 $54.40 $53.09 

Low .............................. 32.60 38.85  32.82

44.88

Dividends per share .....

.09

.09

.09

.09

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of Ball Corporation shareholders
will be held to tabulate the votes cast and to report
the results of voting on the matters listed in the 
proxy statement sent to all shareholders. No other
business and no presentations are planned. The 
meeting to report voting results will be held on
Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at 9 a.m. (MST) at the
company’s headquarters, 10 Longs Peak Drive,
Broomfield, Colorado.

Annual Report on Form 10-K
Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003,
filed by the company with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, may be obtained by
shareholders without charge by writing to the 
assistant corporate secretary, Ball Corporation, 
P.O. Box 5000, Broomfield, CO 80038-5000.

Amounts have been retroactively restated for a 
two-for-one stock split, which was effective on 
February 22, 2002.

Quarterly Results and Company Information
Quarterly financial information and company news 
are posted on www.ball.com. For investor relations 
call 303-460-3537.

Purchase Plan
A dividend reinvestment and voluntary stock 
purchase plan for Ball Corporation shareholders 
permits purchase of the company’s common stock
without payment of a brokerage commission or 
service charge. Participants in this plan may have 
cash dividends on their shares automatically 
reinvested at a 5 percent discount and, if they 
choose, invest by making optional cash payments.
Additional information on the plan is available 
by writing EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., 
Dividend Reinvestment Service, P.O. Box 43081, 
Providence, RI 02940-3081. The toll-free number 
is 1-800-446-2617, and the Web site is
www.equiserve.com.

You can access your Ball Corporation common
stock account information on the Internet 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week through EquiServe’s Web site at
gateway.equiserve.com. You will need the issue
number (3101), your account number, your password
and your social security number (if applicable)
to gain access to your account. If you need assis-
tance, please phone EquiServe at 1-877-843-9327.

Transfer Agents
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43069
Providence, RI 02940-3069

Registrars
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43069
Providence, RI 02940-3069

Investor Relations
Ann T. Scott
Director, Investor Relations and Analysis
Ball Corporation
P.O. Box 5000
Broomfield, CO 80038-5000
(303) 460-3537

Equal Opportunity
Ball Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Celebrating 30 Years on the New York Stock Exchange

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2003 Annual Report

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

We are pleased to report that 2003 was a record year for Ball Corporation in many ways
and judged by many measures. Sales, earnings and earnings per share were all records.
In packaging we delivered far more containers than in any previous year, and in aerospace
and technologies we were awarded one of our largest contracts ever and finished the year
with a record backlog of contracted business. Perhaps most impressive, we generated
$365 million in free cash flow.

With such strong performance a natural question is, “What’s next?” We expect the
answer to be further growth and improvement as we continue to pay relentless attention
to detail in everything we do. As good as 2003 was, we know we can do
better with our existing businesses, and we constantly are adding to
the foundation and financial strength that allow us to continue to pay
dividends, invest in our businesses, buy back our stock, and prudently
and selectively pursue value-enhancing acquisitions that would contribute 
to our future growth within packaging and aerospace.

Our acquisition in December 2002 of the beverage can manufacturing

business we now operate as Ball Packaging Europe fueled much of our
growth in 2003. It now makes up the majority of our international
packaging segment that had sales of $1,127.7 million and earnings of
$158.6 million in 2003, compared to $132.2 million and $9.2 million
in 2002 when our international packaging segment results included
primarily our consolidated operations in the People’s Republic of China.
As part of the acquisition and integration of Ball Packaging Europe,
we refinanced essentially all of our debt on extremely attractive terms.

1

R. DAVID HOOVER
Chairman, president and
chief executive officer

 
Message to Our Shareholders

Adjusting to the current environment

The smooth integration of Ball Packaging Europe and its strong results came despite
the disruption caused throughout 2003 by the imposition in Germany of a mandatory
deposit on most one-way beverage packaging, including recyclable beverage cans. 
An eventual successful resolution of the German deposit situation holds significant
potential for Ball Packaging Europe at some point in the future. In the meantime, our
management and employees in Europe have done an excellent job of dealing with this
new environment. Expansion projects were put on hold. An older, smaller plant was
closed. Production volumes were shifted among plants to increase operating efficiencies.
New customers were added as the demand for beverage cans continued to grow,
particularly in eastern and southern Europe and in Africa.

The result was a successful, if challenging, 2003 in our international packaging
segment. The continued improvement from our China operations, after a major
restructuring in 2001, contributed to the very positive results from our international
packaging segment. 

Upside in many areas

Our North American packaging segment faced its own set of challenges in 2003.
Pricing was an issue due to competition among packaging material types and packaging
suppliers. We closed a small metal food can plant and consolidated some of our plastic
container operations to help balance our own supply and demand situations.
We acquired and then consolidated into our North American metal beverage container
operations a manufacturer of aluminum can ends. These steps, while small compared to
the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe, demonstrate our ability to acquire, consolidate
and integrate operations within the large North American packaging industry.

The startup of our new high speed metal food can production line in Milwaukee
did not go as smoothly as we had anticipated. The resulting lower efficiencies and higher
manufacturing costs reduced the earnings in our North American packaging segment.
We ended 2003 confident that our issues in Milwaukee are behind us, providing upside
potential in 2004.

We are in the process of relocating the offices and R&D lab for our plastic container
operations from Georgia to Colorado. When complete in mid-2004, this relocation will
allow us to take full advantage of the resources of our North American packaging
segment to improve the results of our plastic container operations, which thus far have
not been satisfactory. We are determined to improve the performance of these operations.

John R. Friedery, 
left, succeeds the
retiring Leon A.
Midgett as head of 
our North American
packaging operations.

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99 00 01 02 03

NET SALES
($ in millions)

2

Message to Our Shareholders

Our aerospace and technologies segment had record sales, earnings and year-end
backlog in 2003 as the quest for scientific discovery, national security priorities and
world geopolitical events continued to point customers directly toward the technologies
where we are a recognized industry leader.

We have played important roles in all of NASA’s great observatories and supplied

nearly all of the scientific instruments
currently operating on the Hubble Space
Telescope. Our record in these high profile
missions no doubt played an important role
in winning one of our largest aerospace
contracts ever, to build the primary mirror
system for the James Webb Space Telescope,
the successor to the Hubble.

“ We constantly are adding to the foundation
and financial strength that allow us to pursue
value-enhancing acquisitions that would
contribute to future growth.”

As important and meaningful as our scientific work is, a large portion of our aerospace

and technologies segment revenues come from the defense market, where technologies
which we helped develop, and at which we excel, are in critical demand.

Building on our record

Leon A. Midgett, who was an early pioneer in our metal beverage can business and rose
to executive vice president and chief operating officer for all of our packaging operations,
has elected to retire in early 2004. A person of Leon’s skill and experience will be missed,
but we are fortunate to have the succession planning and the people ready for such
inevitabilities. John R. Friedery, who has been heading our North American metal
beverage container operations since 2000, will now have responsibility for all of our
North American, Brazilian and Asian packaging operations.

Having leaders like Leon and John is essential for us to continue to build on the
record we have established. Just as essential is the skill, professionalism and dedication
of each of the approximately 12,600 women and men who work for Ball Corporation.
Many of us are shareholders, just like you, and we all behave like owners. Our stake
in this enterprise is large and important to us, and our interests are aligned with yours.
You can be assured that we work hard every day to improve this company. We are
proud of our results and excited about our prospects.

R. DAVID HOOVER
Chairman, president and chief executive officer

3

 
Strength

The  strength  of  a  company  starts  with  its  people.  Ball  Corporation  and  its

employees  have  built  an  enterprise  that  has  prospered  for  123  years.  Our

products  and  services  have  earned  the  confidence  of  our  customers,  our

investors,  our  employees  and  others  who  have  chosen  Ball.  Our  financial

strength  is  based  on  our  strategy  of  generating  free  cash  flow,  paying  down

debt, buying back stock, paying dividends and making strategic acquisitions.

Our  management  strength  is  backed  by  an  established  succession  plan.

And our  product  strength  is  backed  by  12,600  passionate  employees  who

behave  each  day  as  if  they  own  the  company.  In  fact,  through  stock

ownership, many do.

4

Our products have changed since Ball Corporation’s
founding in 1880, but our people remain the heart of
our company. Our employees work together to forge
relationships with customers, suppliers and others that
are based on mutual respect, honesty and integrity.
To get to know Ball, talk with any of our dedicated
and talented employees. We’re proud of them all. 
(Left to right) Kerry Drewry, sales specialist, PET
containers; May Johnson, mechanical designer, Ball
Aerospace; Jack Pickenbrock, senior vice president,
manufacturing, metal beverage containers; Alexandra
Brandt, materials and process engineer, metal food
containers; Michael Wright, manager, federal and
international tax compliance, corporate.

5

Integrity

A  company’s  reputation  helps  define  its  character.  How  a  company  does

business  each  day  affects  its  financial  performance,  investor  confidence  and

long-term  success.  If  being  strong  allows  a  company  to  weather  storms,

integrity  helps  avoid  encountering  some  storms  entirely.  Ball  Corporation

combines  the  ethical  grounding  rooted  in  its  long  heritage  with  the  extensive

expertise and resources of a global company. We strive to operate like a small

company,  respecting  the  values  that  have  served  as  our  compass  since

Ball’s founding.  

6

When employees at Ball’s Monticello, Ind., metal
beverage container plant participated in the 2003
America Recycles Day Can Challenge, they made 
it a community affair. Working with Monticello town
officials and others, plant employees helped increase
recycling there by more than 50 percent. Proceeds 
from selling the recycled aluminum cans will help pay
for a public skate park. (Left to right) Julian Herrera,
Jr., printer maintainer; Virginia Peck, environmental
operations manager; the Honorable Robert Fox, mayor,
Monticello; Nicole Tam, daughter of Ron Tam, back 
end maintainer; Ross Rittberg, plant manager; Mitchell
Billue, Monticello city parks director; Kyle Buschman,
step-son of Ron Kozma, machinist/millwright.

7

Belgrade

Growth

Why a company grows is as important as whether it does. Smart growth adds

value.  In  late  2002,  Ball  began  the  successful  integration  of  Ball  Packaging

Europe. Ball Packaging Europe performed very well during the past year and in

2004  plans  to  build  a  new  beverage  can  plant  in  Belgrade,  Serbia.  In  North

America, Ball also added to its metal beverage container end-making volume

with  a  small,  strategic  acquisition.  Ball  Aerospace  &  Technologies  Corp.  won

several new important projects, including one with DigitalGlobe, Inc., to build a

next-generation,  commercial  high-resolution  imaging  satellite  for  the  National

Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). We are focused on growth on Earth and

in space.

8

Beverage can sales in eastern Europe are growing fast,
and Ball Packaging Europe’s Radomsko, Poland, 
plant is located in the midst of the sizzling region.
Radomsko is part of Ball Corporation’s growth 
strategy as we continue to explore new opportunities
in southern and eastern Europe and North Africa. 
(Left to right) Slawek Cyganek, shift manager; Kasia
Stanek, plant manager secretary; Darek Gnoinski,
engineering manager; Edyta Walada, inside sales; 
Janek Wlazlak, deco technician; Przemek Krajewski,
planning & logistics manager; Beata Zawadzka, chief
accountant; Krzysztof Bartnik, front end team leader;
Robert Karbownik, purchasing manager.

9

New Ideas

New ideas energize us. They enable us to seize opportunities, remove obstacles

and open new avenues to success. New ideas result from seeing the world as

our  customers  do,  and  anticipating  their  needs.  In  our  packaging  business,

new  ideas  can  mean  exciting  new  products  such  as  the  Straw  Can,  which

provides  a  cleaner,  recyclable  alternative  to  the  juice  box,  and  a  new  widget

technology that produces a foam head in beer. In our aerospace business, new

ideas are the foundation of almost everything we do. The scientific instruments

we  provided  for  NASA’s  Spitzer  Space  Telescope,  which  launched  in  August,

allow researchers to see faint infrared light produced by young galaxies, brown

dwarfs and other cosmic objects. At Ball, creativity is part of the package.

10

Ball Aerospace, teamed with DigitalGlobe, was selected
by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA)
in 2003 to build the WorldView high-resolution
imaging satellite. WorldView will provide the NGA
with imagery and will be available for uses such as city
planning, homeland security or forestry management.
The satellite is scheduled to launch in 2006. 
(Left to right) Tom Gonzales, senior SI&T engineer; 
Suzan Green, propulsion system engineer; Laurie Seide,
optical engineer; Karen K. McConnell, flight products area
lead, CSO; Tom Miers, manager, instrument products;
Joseph A. Laurienti, principal mechanical engineer; Arnold
“Chip” A. Barnes, III, WorldView technical manager.

11

Ball Corporation Stock Price

$55

$45

$35

$25

2001

2002

2003

Amounts have been retroactively restated for a two-for-one
stock split, which was effective on February 22, 2002.

Direction

At  Ball  Corporation,  our  direction  is  clear:  We  are  focused  on  earning  an

acceptable return for our investors, and on getting close to our customers so

that  we  can  anticipate  and  meet  their  needs.  Our  continued  success  will  be

built on our company’s strength and integrity, as we grow our business through

new  ideas,  acquisition  and  strong  financial  management.  We  performed  in

2003, and we believe we can do better still. Ball’s direction today is the same

as it has been for 123 years: Moving forward.

12

 
When a major food customer needed Ball to supply
a high-quality food can in a new size for a growing
medical nutritional product, our Findlay, Ohio, plant
employees went to work. They successfully converted
a manufacturing line from beginning to end to be able
to produce a food can that would meet the exacting
standards of the premium product inside. Our
customer received a new package and promptly
awarded the plant additional business. 
(Left to right) Greg Garman, chief maintainer;
Dan Velasquez, maintenance mechanic; Ted Bonham,
electronics technician; Ron Jones, production manager;
Denny Siferd, maintenance mechanic; Cristy Wise,
chief quality assurance inspector; Mark Sims, quality
assurance supervisor.

13

Ball Corporation Segment Overview

PA C K A G I N G *

N O R T H A M E R I C A N

Products and Services: Two-piece aluminum
beverage cans and easy-open beverage can ends
for a variety of products; two-piece beverage
can technology services and support; plastic
containers in a variety of shapes and sizes;
expanded PET product base from carbonated
soft drinks to bottled water, juices and nutriceutical
beverages; two- and three-piece steel food cans 
in a wide range of heights and diameters using
draw-redraw, draw and ironed, and three-piece
welded can technology.

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Products and Services: Two-piece aluminum
and steel beverage cans and easy-open beverage
can ends for a variety of products; two-piece
beverage can technology services and support.

A E R O S PA C E A N D T E C H N O L O G I E S *

Products and Services: Electro-optical and
infrared sensors, spacecraft and data exploitation
for governments, commercial space and 
science communities.

Representative Customers: Air Force Research
Laboratory; Boeing; Defense Advanced Research
Projects Agency; DigitalGlobe; General Dynamics;
Jet Propulsion Laboratory; NASA Ames Research
Center; NASA Goddard Space Flight Center;

Representative Customers: Allen Canning;
Anchor Steam; Anheuser-Busch; Bush Brothers;
Cadbury Schweppes; Campbell Soup; Canadian
Fish Company; Carriere; CCDA; Chiquita Processed
Foods; Coca-Cola; ConAgra; Coors; Dean Foods;
Hansen’s; High Falls Brewing; Hirzel Canning Co.;
Hormel; Kraft; Lakeport Brewing; Masterfoods;
Molson; National Beverage Corporation; Pepsi-
Cola; Red Gold; SABMiller; Safeway; Sleeman;
Trident Seafoods

Customer Products: Beer; soft drinks; energy
drinks; juices; nutritional supplements; food
processing of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafoods,
soups, pastas and pet foods; meal replacement
drinks; dairy products

Representative Customers: A.S. Watson Group;
AmBev; Anheuser-Busch; Bavaria; Beijing Coke; Beijing
Yanjing Brewery; Britvic (Pepsi); Cadbury Schweppes;
Coca-Cola; Coors; Guangzhou Dingjing; Guinness;
Heineken; Interbrew; Kingsway Beer; SABMiller; San
Miguel Group; Wahaha

Customer Products: Beer; soft drinks; energy
drinks; juices; nutritional supplements; household
products; personal care products; dairy products;
oil industry

NASA Langley Research Center; Lockheed Martin;
National Air Intelligence Center; National Oceanic
& Atmospheric Administration; Naval Research
Laboratory; Northrop Grumman; Office of Naval
Research; Raytheon; U.S. Air Force; U.S. Army; 
U.S. Coast Guard; U.S. Department of Defense; 
U.S. Marines; U.S. Navy

M A N U FA C T U R I N G A N D A E R O S PA C E S E R V I C E S L O C AT I O N S **

North America

Europe

China

Brazil

Corporate Headquarters

Metal Beverage Containers

Metal Food Containers

Plastic Containers

Aerospace

Joint Ventures

** Please note: These are brief descriptions and not complete lists.
** Complete listings of our locations can be found on www.ball.com, www.ball-europe.com and www.ballaerospace.com. Locations shown here do not include sales offices.

14

Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Ball Corporation and subsidiaries are referred to collectively as “Ball,” “the company,” “we” and “our” in the following discussion and analysis.

Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction
with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

BUSINESS OVERVIEW
Ball Corporation is one of the world’s leading suppliers of metal
and plastic packaging to the beverage and food industries. Our
packaging products are produced for a variety of end uses
and are manufactured in 50 plants around the world. We also
supply aerospace and other technologies and services to government
and commercial customers.

We sell our packaging products primarily to major beverage and
food producers with which we have developed long-term customer
relationships. This is evidenced by our high customer retention and
our large number of long-term supply contracts. While we have
diversified our customer base, we do sell a majority of our packag-
ing products to relatively few major beverage and food companies
in North America, Europe and the People’s Republic of China
(PRC). Because of our customer concentration, our business,
financial condition and results of operations could be adversely
affected by the loss of a major customer or a change in a supply
agreement with a major customer, although our long-term customer
relationships and contracts mitigate this risk.

The can manufacturing industry in the U.S. and Canada is
relatively mature and industry share is gained or lost among a
small group of competitors. Sales and earnings are improved
by reducing our costs, developing and enhancing products and
increasing pricing where possible. European demand, however, is
still expanding, particularly in eastern and southern Europe. We
plan to capitalize on this growth by building a new beverage can
manufacturing plant in Belgrade, Serbia, which will service these
rapidly growing regions.

Following the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe in December

2002, our revenues outside of North America now account for
more than 20 percent of consolidated net sales. Prior to 2003,
revenues and net earnings in the packaging segments were impacted
more by weather patterns than by economic changes. However, due
to the increase in our European revenues, our consolidated earnings
have become more exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations.
We attempt to mitigate this exposure through the use of derivative
financial instruments, as discussed in the “Financial Instruments
and Risk Management” section. The acquisition of Ball Packaging
Europe also brought another challenge with the German govern-
ment’s imposition at the beginning of 2003 of a mandatory deposit
on most non-refillable beverage containers. The mandatory deposit
situation, which is discussed in more detail in the “International
Packaging” section, cost Ball Packaging Europe a significant loss

of sales in 2003. While we are hopeful this situation will improve
in the future, we are doing what we can to adjust in the interim.
The primary customers for the products and services provided
by our aerospace and technologies segment are U.S. government
agencies or their prime contractors. These sales represented
approximately 96 percent of segment sales in 2003 and 10 percent
of Ball’s consolidated net sales. Our government work has increased
significantly in recent years and our contracted backlog was at a
record year-end level of $644 million at the end of 2003. It is
possible that congressional budget reductions or changes in agency
budgets could limit future funding and new contract awards.

We recognize sales under long-term contracts in the aerospace

and technologies segment using the cost-to-cost, percentage of
completion method. Our contracts typically consist of approxi-
mately two-thirds cost-plus contracts, which are billed at our costs
plus an agreed upon profit component, and approximately 
one-third fixed price contracts. Throughout the period of contract
performance, we regularly reevaluate and, if necessary, revise our
estimates of total contract revenue, total contract cost and progress
toward completion. Because of contract payment schedules,
limitations on funding and other contract terms, our sales and
accounts receivable generally include amounts that have been
earned but not yet billed.

Management uses various measures to evaluate company
performance. Among the financial measures we use are earnings
before interest and taxes, or EBIT, earnings per share, return on
investment, cost of capital, free cash flow (generally defined by
the company as cash flow from operating activities less capital
expenditures) and economic value added. Nonfinancial measures
in the packaging segments include production spoilage rates, quality
control measures and production and shipment volumes. Other
measures used to evaluate performance in the aerospace and tech-
nologies segment include contract revenue realization, award and
incentive fees realized, proposal win rates and backlog, including
awarded, contracted and funded.

We recognize that attracting and retaining quality employees is
critically important to the success of Ball and, because of this, we
work to pay employees competitively and encourage their owner-
ship in the company’s common stock. For most management
employees, a portion of compensation is at risk as an incentive,
dependent upon operating performance. For more senior posi-
tions, more compensation is at risk. Through our employee stock
purchase plan and our 401(k) plan, which matches employee
contributions in Ball common stock, many employees, regardless
of organizational level, have additional opportunities to participate
as Ball shareholders. In 2004 we are expanding our employee
stock purchase program to Ball Packaging Europe employees.

15

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED SALES AND EARNINGS
Ball’s operations are organized along its product lines and include
three segments – North American packaging, international packag-
ing and aerospace and technologies. We also have investments in
companies in the U.S., the PRC and Brazil, which are accounted
for using the equity method of accounting, and accordingly, those
results are not included in segment sales or earnings. 

North American Packaging
North American packaging consists of operations located in the
U.S. and Canada which manufacture metal container products,
used primarily in beverage and food packaging, and PET (poly-
ethylene terephthalate) plastic container products, used principally
in beverage packaging. This segment decreased from 84 percent
of consolidated net sales in 2002 to 67 percent in 2003 due to
the addition of Ball Packaging Europe.

Metal Beverage Container Sales
North American metal beverage container sales, which represented
69 percent of segment sales in 2003, were slightly higher than in
2002. Higher can end volumes related to Ball’s acquisition of
Metal Packaging International, Inc. (MPI) in March 2003 (discussed
below) were offset by the negative impact of adverse weather condi-
tions in several regions of the country. Based on publicly available
industry information, we estimate that shipments for our metal
beverage container product line were approximately 31 percent
of total U.S. and Canadian shipments in 2003.

On March 11, 2003, we acquired MPI, a manufacturer of
aluminum beverage can ends, for $28 million. MPI produced just
over 2 billion beverage can ends per year, primarily for soft drink
companies, and had sales of approximately $42 mil-
lion in 2002. The former MPI plant, which was
located in Northglenn, Colorado, was closed during
the second quarter of 2003 and the volumes were
consolidated into other Ball facilities.

9
.
5
83
.
3
3

5
.
2
3

North American metal beverage container sales

increased 3 percent in 2002 compared to 2001,
partially as a result of Ball’s agreement with Coors
Brewing Company (Coors), effective January 1,
2002, under which substantially all of Coors’ can
requirements for its Shenandoah, Virginia, filling
location are manufactured at Ball facilities and sold
to Coors. Sales under this agreement began in the
first quarter of 2002. North American beverage con-
tainer operating margins were higher as a result of

3
.
5

6
.
5

6
.
5

8
.
5

0
.
5

99

00

01

02

03

METAL PACKAGING
CONTAINERS SHIPPED
(units in billions)

North American Metal Food
North American Metal Beverage

16

plants operating at or near full capacity coupled with improved sales
prices. In mid-December 2001 we ceased production at the Moultrie,
Georgia, beverage can plant; its production of one billion cans per
year was consolidated into other Ball plants.

Through Rocky Mountain Metal Container, LLC, a 50/50 joint

venture which is accounted for as an equity investment, Ball and
Coors operate Coors’ can and end manufacturing facilities in Golden,
Colorado. The joint venture supplies Coors with beverage cans and
ends for its Golden, Colorado, and Memphis, Tennessee, breweries
and supplies ends to its Shenandoah, Virginia, filling location.

Metal Food Container Sales
North American metal food container sales, which comprised
20 percent of segment sales in 2003, were 3 percent higher than
2002 sales. Sales were unfavorably impacted by competitive pricing,
wetter than normal weather in the Midwest growing region and by
the extended start-up of a new two-piece food can line in our
Milwaukee plant. The new line, which can produce over one billion
cans per year, became fully operational during the fourth quarter of
2003. This capacity allows our food container plants to accommo-
date a multi-year contract with Abbott Laboratories’ Ross Products
Division, the makers of a broad range of pediatric and adult nutri-
tional products, as well as to convert some existing three-piece can
products to two-piece food cans. We estimate our 2003 shipments
of 5.8 billion cans to be approximately 17 percent of total U.S.
and Canadian metal food container shipments, based on publicly
available industry information.

Metal food container sales in 2002 were essentially flat compared

to those in 2001, which were at record levels. Sales in 2002 were
affected by a combination of droughts and floods in the
U.S., which negatively impacted our fruit and vegetable
processor customers, and the lowest salmon pack in the
Pacific Northwest in over a decade.

5
.
2
3

9
.
2
3

The company is in purchase negotiations with ConAgra
Grocery Products Company (ConAgra) related to the future
of Ball Western Can Company, LLC, its 50/50 joint
venture with Ball that operates a food can manufacturing
plant in Oakdale, California. The joint venture had been
scheduled to terminate on December 31, 2003, but has
been extended while negotiations continue. The current
negotiations contemplate Ball purchasing ConAgra’s interest
in Ball Western Can and providing containers to ConAgra’s
packaging locations in California under a long-term supply
agreement. These negotiations are expected to be completed
in the first quarter of 2004.

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Plastic Container Sales
Plastic container sales, which accounted for 11 percent of segment
sales in 2003, increased 6 percent compared to 2002 sales, which
were higher than 2001 sales by 21 percent. The 2003 increase in
sales, which are predominantly to water and carbonated soft drink
customers, was made possible by the addition of four plastic bottle
blow-molding production lines during the latter part of 2002.
Competitive pricing pressure and cold and wet weather conditions on
the East Coast and in the Midwest contributed to lower than expected
sales. In response to the lower than anticipated sales, we reduced
production at certain plants, and reduced the work force and idled
some of the equipment at our Watertown, Wisconsin, plastic
container plant. We estimate our 2003 shipments of 5.5 billion plastic
containers to be approximately 8 percent of total U.S. and Canadian
plastic container shipments.

The increase in plastic container sales in 2002 compared to 2001
was driven by growth in production volumes as well as the company’s
acquisition of Wis-Pak Plastics, Inc., in December 2001. Overall
operating margins also improved as a result of lower energy, freight
and warehousing costs, despite higher operating costs and increased
freight between plants in the third quarter as a result of extremely
low inventory levels. 

North American Packaging Segment Earnings
Operating margins in the North American packaging segment were
slightly lower in 2003 than in 2002. Operating margins in 2003
were negatively impacted by approximately $11 million of start-up
costs associated with the new two-piece food can line in Milwaukee.
Additionally, pricing pressures on food cans and plastic containers
have eroded margins compared to 2002. Margins were slightly
improved through operating efficiencies, lower spoilage and
stringent cost management, particularly in our metal beverage
container plants. The metal food and plastic container plants will
continue to focus on improving segment margins in 2004 through
similar cost reduction programs.

The North American packaging earnings results over the past three

years include various restructuring activities, which were undertaken
to improve our operations. In February 2003 we announced the
closure of our Blytheville, Arkansas, metal food container plant to
address decreased demand for three-piece welded cans. The plant
was closed in the second quarter of 2003 and its operations were
consolidated into our Springdale, Arkansas, plant. In connection
with the closure, a charge of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax)
was recorded in the first quarter of 2003, partially offset by a
$0.5 million gain on the sale of a Canadian plant that was included
in a restructuring charge taken in 2000. The $1.9 million charge

included estimated employee costs, decommissioning costs and an
impairment charge on related fixed assets.

In December 2002 Ball announced the relocation of its plastic
container office and research and development facility from Georgia
to Colorado. In connection with the relocation, we recorded a pretax
charge in 2002 of $1.6 million ($1 million after tax) for employee
termination and decommissioning costs and impairment of the lease-
hold improvements. The office relocation was completed in 2003 and
the R&D facility relocation is expected to be completed by the end
of 2004. The cost of relocating employees is being charged to current
period earnings and totaled $2.7 million in 2003.

In December 2001 we closed our Moultrie, Georgia, beverage can

plant to address overcapacity in the North American beverage can
industry. A pretax charge of $24.7 million was recorded in 2001 in
connection with this closure. A $1.6 million gain was recorded in the
fourth quarter of 2003 when the facility was sold for more than the
original estimate and final employee costs were less than anticipated.

International Packaging
International packaging includes the production and sale of metal
beverage container products manufactured in Europe and Asia as
well as plastic containers manufactured and sold in Asia. This seg-
ment increased from 3 percent of consolidated net sales in 2002 to
22 percent in 2003 due to the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe
on December 19, 2002.

Europe
Ball Packaging Europe, which represents approximately one-third
of the total European metal beverage can manufacturing capacity,
has manufacturing plants located in Germany, the United
Kingdom, France, the Netherlands and Poland. European sales
of $1 billion in 2003 benefited from a strong euro, but were
negatively affected by the January 1, 2003, imposition of a
mandatory deposit on one-way metal, PET and glass beverage
containers (for beer, carbonated soft drinks and water) in Germany,
where four of Ball Packaging Europe’s plants are located. While
sales volumes to German customers from our European plants
were down approximately 2.2 billion cans in 2003 from prior year
levels, warm weather conditions in much of Europe and the con-
tinued growth in beverage can usage in eastern and southern
Europe have helped to increase volumes in other countries.
Ball plans to begin construction in 2004 on a new beverage can
plant in Belgrade, Serbia, to serve the growing demand for
beverage cans in southern and eastern Europe.

17

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Due to political and legal uncertainties in Germany, no
nationwide system for returning the containers was in place at
the time the mandatory deposit was imposed and many retailers
stopped carrying beverages in non-refillable containers. The
situation is not expected to improve until the deposit is eliminated
by once again meeting the mandatory refill quotas or until it is
resolved by various courts, intervention by the European Union
or by the implementation of a nationwide return system. We have
responded by reducing beverage can production at our German
plants, implementing aggressive cost reduction measures, entering
into price increase negotiations and increasing exports from
Germany to other European nations. We also closed a plant in the
United Kingdom, delayed capital investment projects in France and
Poland and are converting one of our steel can production lines in
Germany to aluminum in order to facilitate additional can exports.

PRC
Sales in the PRC in 2003 were relatively flat compared to 2002.
Earnings before taxes were significantly improved over the prior year
due largely to cost reduction initiatives resulting from the business
consolidation actions taken in 2001 (discussed below). Sales in the
PRC in 2002 were lower than those in 2001 due to the sale of the
general line can business and other PRC restructuring efforts that
commenced in the second half of 2001. However, operating
earnings improved significantly compared to 2001 due to the
business consolidation actions begun in mid-2001.

In June 2001 we announced a plan to exit the general line
metal can business in the PRC and to reduce our PRC beverage
can manufacturing capacity by closing two plants. A $237.7 million
pretax charge ($185 million after tax and minority interest impact)
was recorded in connection with this reorganization. As a result
of the realization on asset dispositions in excess of esti-
mated realizable values, as well as employee benefit and
severance accruals no longer required as some exit
activities were completed, we recorded $3.3 million
of earnings in the third quarter of 2003, $5.1 million
in December 2002 and $5 million in the fourth
quarter of 2001 related to the June 2001 charge.
The restructuring activities in the PRC have been
substantially completed with the liquidation of certain
investments and the sale of certain assets still in process
at December 31, 2003. See the discussion in Note 4
to the consolidated financial statements for further
information regarding the restructuring of our
China operations.

6
4
3

1
5
3

Aerospace and Technologies
Sales in the aerospace and technologies segment were 9 percent
higher than in 2002, primarily in defense and commercial space
operations. The increase is due to a combination of newly
awarded contracts and additions to previously awarded contracts.
The segment won some large, strategic contracts, delivered a
great deal of sophisticated space and defense instrumentation
and continued to sharpen its marketing focus. Operating margins
also increased compared to 2002 as a result of strong operating
performance and program completions. Two key program
milestones and completions in 2003 added close to $8 million
to sales and operating margins. 

Our customer, DigitalGlobe, Inc., in which we hold an equity

investment, was selected for a contract to provide commercial
imagery to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and has
selected us to provide the spacecraft and imaging camera for this
program. Terms of the contract are not final, but we anticipate this
will result in a significant contract for the segment. We also have
been involved in four different components of the high-profile
Mars Exploration Rovers mission.

Aerospace and technologies sales in 2002 were 17 percent higher

than in 2001, primarily in defense and civil space operations. The
increase was due to a combination of newly awarded contracts and
additions to previously awarded contracts. During 2002 Ball was
selected as part of a team to build NASA’s James Webb Space
Telescope. The improvement in operating earnings in 2002 was
primarily the result of the strong sales, which were driven by growth
in our U.S. government business, and by the disposition of two
unprofitable aerospace product lines in 2001.

In the second quarter of 2001, we ceased operations in two
commercial developmental product lines in our aerospace and

4
4
6

7
9
4

1
3
4

technologies segment for which we recorded a pretax
charge of $16 million ($9.7 million after tax). After
the sale of one of the exited product lines, a portion
of the estimated exit costs were no longer required.
As a result, earnings were recorded of $0.2 million
in the third quarter of 2003, $2 million in December
2002 and $2.2 million in December 2001. Also in the
fourth quarter of 2002, we recorded a $2.5 million
after-tax charge to write off an equity investment in
an aerospace company.

Sales to the U.S. government, either directly as a

prime contractor or indirectly as a subcontractor,
represented approximately 96 percent of segment sales

99 00 01 02 03

AEROSPACE BACKLOG
($ in millions)

18

Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

in 2003 and 2002 and 92 percent in 2001. Contracted backlog for
the aerospace and technologies segment at December 31, 2003 and
2002, was $644 million and $497 million, respectively. Year-to-year
comparisons of backlog are not necessarily indicative of the trend of
future operations.

For additional information regarding the company’s segments,

see the summary of business segment information in Note 2
accompanying the consolidated financial statements. The charges
recorded for business consolidation activities were based on the
estimates of Ball management, actuaries and other independent
parties and were developed from information available at the time.
Actual outcomes may vary from the estimates, and, as required,
changes, if any, have been or will be reflected in current period
earnings. Additional details about our business consolidation
activities and associated costs are provided in Note 4 accompanying
the consolidated financial statements. 

Selling and Administrative Expenses
Selling and administrative expenses were $221.6 million, 
$170.6 million and $145.6 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001,
respectively. Approximately $48.1 million of the increase in 2003
compared to 2002 is related to the acquisition of Ball Packaging
Europe in December 2002. The additional increase in 2003 is
primarily the result of higher employee costs, incentives and higher
pension expense, partially offset by lower expenses in the PRC.
Included in employee incentive costs was $4.5 million of increased
expense associated with the company’s deposit share program, which
is discussed in further detail in Note 14 to the consolidated financial
statements. In 2003 we reduced our U.S. pension plan long-term
asset return assumption from 9 percent to 8.5 percent and our
discount rate from 7.5 percent to 6.75 percent. The changes in the
return on pension asset and discount rate assumptions, as well as
actual asset performance, resulted in approximately $14.8 million
higher North American pension expense for the year compared
to 2002, most of which was included in cost of sales.

Higher expenses in 2002 compared to 2001 were largely related
to higher employee incentives, increased pension and medical costs
and additions to environmental reserves. In addition, 401(k) plan
costs previously accounted for as preferred stock dividends under
the company’s leveraged employee stock ownership plan that
expired at the end of 2001 are included in selling and administrative
costs beginning in 2002. Included in employee incentive costs was
$4.7 million of higher expense associated with the company’s
deposit share program. Pension expense was higher by $3.7 million
as a result of the reduction in the U.S. pension plan asset return
assumptions to 9 percent.

For the U.S. pension plans, we intend to maintain our current
return on asset assumptions for 2004. Initially, the discount rate in
the U.S. will be reduced from 6.75 percent to 6.25 percent. Based
on these assumptions and poor plan asset performance in prior
years, North American pension expense for 2004 is anticipated to
increase approximately $8.3 million compared to 2003, most of
which will be included in cost of sales. Pension expense in Europe
is expected to increase by $1.4 million for a consolidated increase
of $9.7 million. A further reduction of the plan asset return
assumption by one half of a percentage point would result in
additional expense of approximately $3.3 million. Additional
information regarding the company’s pension plans is provided
in Note 13 accompanying the consolidated financial statements.

Interest and Taxes
Interest expense in 2003 includes $15.2 million of costs associated
with the early redemption of the company’s 8.25% senior subordi-
nated notes in August 2003. Interest expense in 2002 includes
$5.2 million related to the refinancing of the company’s debt in
connection with the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe.
Consolidated interest expense before the debt refinancing costs was
$125.9 million in 2003, $75.6 million in 2002 and $88.3 million
in 2001. The higher expense in 2003 was associated with the
higher level of borrowings subsequent to the acquisition of Ball
Packaging Europe. The decrease in 2002 from 2001 was primarily
the result of lower interest rates and lower borrowings. The
company’s consolidated average borrowing rate was 6.1 percent,
6.8 percent and 7.3 percent for the years ended December 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Ball’s consolidated effective income tax rate for 2003 decreased
to 31.3 percent compared to 35.6 percent in 2002 as a result of a
lower consolidated European income tax rate due primarily to
lower profits in Germany, reflecting the impact of the refundable
mandatory deposit on non-refillable containers imposed on
January 1, 2003, and a tax holiday in Poland. Germany has the
highest tax rate of the European countries in which Ball has
operations. Excluding the effect of business consolidation costs in
2001, Ball’s effective income tax rate was approximately 35 percent
for 2001. The tax benefit rate of 8.6 percent on the loss in 2001
was largely the result of nondeductible goodwill as well as unreal-
ized capital losses included in the second quarter 2001 charge for
business consolidation costs in the PRC

Results of Equity Affiliates
Equity in the earnings of affiliates is attributable to our 50 percent
ownership in packaging investments in North America and Brazil
and, to a lesser extent, an aerospace business and our minority-
owned packaging investments in the PRC and, prior to 2003,

19

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

in Thailand. Earnings were $11.3 million in 2003, $9.3 million in
2002 and $4 million in 2001. The higher earnings in 2003
compared to 2002 were the result of improved earnings in our joint
venture in Brazil, offset by lower earnings in our North American
packaging joint ventures and our investment in Thailand no longer
being accounted for under the equity method beginning in 2003.
Our investment in Thailand was reduced from 40 percent to
approximately 7 percent in the fourth quarter of 2002 as a result of
a sale of a portion of the company’s shares, with minimal financial
impact, and dilution by the investment from a new investor. Higher
equity in the earnings of affiliates during 2002 compared to 2001
reflected improved earnings from all joint ventures.

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
For information regarding recent accounting pronouncements,
see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, LIQUIDITY
AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flows from operating activities were $364 million in 2003
compared to $452.3 million in 2002 and $320.8 million in 2001.
The lower amount generated in 2003 included $138.3 million
for the payment in January 2003 of an accrued withholding tax
obligation related to the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe 
(discussed further below) which was funded by the seller at the time
of closing by the inclusion of €131 million of additional cash.
Management internally uses a free cash flow measure: 

9
.
8
9

(1) to evaluate the company’s operating results, (2) for
planning purposes, (3) to evaluate strategic investments 
and (4) to evaluate the company’s ability to incur and service debt.
Free cash flow is not a defined term under U.S. gener-
ally accepted accounting principles and it should not
be inferred that the entire free cash flow amount is
available for discretionary expenditures. The company
defines free cash flow as cash flow from operating activ-
ities less additions to property, plant and equipment
(capital spending). Free cash flow is typically derived
directly from the company’s cash flow statements; how-
ever, it may be adjusted for items that affect compara-
bility between periods. An example of such an item
excluded in 2003 is the $138.3 million withholding tax
payment liability assumed in the acquisition of Ball
Packaging Europe in December 2002 (discussed
above). We believe this is not a comparable free cash
flow outflow of the company as it was funded by 
the seller.

0
.
6
8

Based on this, our consolidated free cash flow is summarized

as follows:

($ in millions)

Cash flows from

2003

2002

2001

operating activities . . . . . . . . .

$ 364.0 $ 452.3 $ 320.8

Add back withholding tax
payment related to the
acquisition of 
Ball Packaging Europe . . . . . .
Capital spending  . . . . . . . . . . . .

138.3
(137.2)

–n
(158.4)

–n
(68.5)

Free cash flow  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 365.1 $ 293.9 $ 252.3

Free cash flow in 2003 was better than the forecasted range of
$275 million to $300 million. Most of the unanticipated free cash
flow came late in the fourth quarter as more customers took advan-
tage of cash discounts for early payment of receivables, fixed asset
spending levels were slightly lower than expected and strong year-end
sales coupled with planned production curtailments significantly
reduced inventory levels at the end of 2003. Receivables collections
were also strong in the aerospace and technologies segment due in
part to the efforts to collect payment on large invoices. Cash flow in
2003 also included higher earnings, lower accounts receivable and
lower inventories but were offset by lower accounts payable. The
increase in 2002 from 2001 includes the working capital effects
of higher accrued employee incentive costs, higher taxes currently
payable and higher year-end trade accounts payable. The cash
outflow for the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe in 2002 is
net of acquired cash of approximately $145.4 million, which
includes approximately €131 million for an accrued withholding tax
obligation paid out in early January 2003. 

Capital spending of $137.2 million in 2003 was
well below depreciation and amortization expense
of $205.5 million. Capital spending was lower than
expected in 2003, due in part to the delay of projects
in Europe in response to the mandatory deposit
situation in Germany. 

Based on information currently available, we

estimate cash flows from operating activities for 2004 
to be between $450 and $500 million, capital spending
to be between $175 and $200 million and free cash
flow to be between $275 million and $300 million.
The majority of the increase in capital spending
in 2004 compared to 2003 is for the construction
of a new beverage can manufacturing plant in
Belgrade, Serbia.

3
.
9
5

1
.
9
4

0
.
8
4

99 00 01 02 03

NET DEBT TO MARKET
CAPITALIZATION
(percent)

20

Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Cash payments required for debt maturities, rental payments under noncancellable operating leases and purchasing obligations in effect at

December 31, 2003, are summarized in the following table:

($ in millions)

Total

Less than
1 Year

1-3 Years

3-5 Years

Long-term debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital lease obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase obligations(a)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 1,632.4
10.4
160.9
5,474.7

$

66.8
1.5
44.1
1,719.7

$

435.4
3.0
58.2
2,708.3

$

79.4
2.4
27.8
1,018.7

More than
5 years

$ 1,050.8
3.5 
30.8
28.0

Total payments on contractual obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$  7,278.4

$  1,832.1

$  3,204.9

$ 1,128.3

$ 1,113.1

(a) The company’s purchase obligations include contracted amounts for aluminum, steel, plastic resin and other direct materials. Also included are commitments for purchases of

natural gas and electric usage, aerospace and technologies contracts and other less significant items. In cases where variable prices and/or usage are involved, management’s best
estimates have been used. Depending on the circumstances, early termination of the contracts may not result in penalties and, therefore, actual payments could vary significantly.

Contributions to the company’s defined benefit pension plans,

not including the unfunded German plans, are expected to be
between $35 million and $40 million in 2004. This estimate may
change based on plan asset performance.

Interest-bearing debt at December 31, 2003, decreased

$294.1 million to $1,686.9 million from $1,981 million at year-end
2002 and current liabilities, excluding current portion of debt,
decreased by $188.4 million from the prior year. A portion of this
debt reduction resulted in a $222.7 million reduction in cash and
cash equivalents. The $294.1 million reduction in interest-bearing
debt includes the net repayment of approximately $394 million of
debt, partially offset by the non-cash translation exchange loss on the
balance sheet due to the stronger euro and British pound. Cash at
December 31, 2002, was unusually high due to cash included in the
opening balance sheet of Ball Packaging Europe.

At December 31, 2003, approximately $404 million was available

under the revolving credit facility portions of the multi-
currency senior credit facilities. The company also had
$179.6 million of short-term uncommitted credit
facilities available at the end of the year, of which
$39.3 million was outstanding.

During the fourth quarter of 2003, Ball repaid
$160 million of the U.S. dollar denominated Term
Loan B and €25 million of the euro denominated
Term Loan B. At the time of the early repayment, the
interest rate on the U.S. portion of the Term Loan B
was reduced by 50 basis points. A pretax charge of
$2.9 million ($1.9 million after tax) was recorded as
interest expense during the fourth quarter of 2003,
which represents the write off of the unamortized
deferred financing costs associated with the repaid
portion of the Term B loans. We anticipate that future

cash flows will allow us to continue to pay down debt and reduce
our overall borrowings.

On August 8, 2003, Ball refinanced its 8.25% Senior Sub-
ordinated Notes through the private placement of $250 million of
its 6.875% Senior Notes due 2012 at a price of 102% of the princi-
pal amount. The 6.875% interest rate on the notes will be offset by
the amortization over the life of the notes of the $5 million issue
premium paid to Ball on the issuance of the notes, resulting in an
effective yield to maturity of 6.58% for the new notes. In connec-
tion with the refinancing of the higher interest debt, in the third
quarter of 2003 a pretax charge of $15.2 million ($9.9 million
after tax) was recorded as interest expense, which consisted of the
payment of a $10.3 million call premium and the write off of
$4.9 million of unamortized deferred financing costs.

0
2
0
,
2

In 2003 the company exchanged the Senior Notes due 2012 for
new notes that are substantially the same in all respects (including
principal amount, interest rate, maturity, ranking and
covenant restrictions) to the terms of the notes for
which they were exchanged, except that the new notes
are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended, and therefore are not subject to certain
restrictions on transfer which applied to the previous
privately placed notes.

In connection with the acquisition of Ball Packaging

Europe, we refinanced approximately $389 million of
our existing debt and, as a result, recorded in 2002 a
pretax charge of $5.2 million ($3.2 million after tax).
This charge, which represented the write off of
unamortized deferred financing costs, has been
reported as a component of interest expense.

The company has a receivables sales agreement
which provides for the ongoing, revolving sale of a
designated pool of trade accounts receivable of Ball’s

1
6
2
,
51
0
2
,
1

6
9
3
,
1

7
.
7

5
.
7

3
.
87
.
6

9
0
1
,
1

1
.
6

99

00

01

02

03

AVERAGE DEBT
LEVELS AND
BORROWING RATES

Avg. Borrowing Rates (%)
Avg. Debt Levels ($ in millions)

21

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

North American packaging operations, up to $175 million.
The agreement qualifies as off-balance sheet financing under the
provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS)
No. 140. Net funds received from the sale of the accounts receivable
totaled $175 million and $122.5 million at December 31, 2003
and 2002, respectively, and are reflected as a reduction of accounts
receivable in the consolidated balance sheets.

The company was not in default of any loan agreement at

December 31, 2003, and has met all payment obligations. The U.S.
note agreements, bank credit agreement and industrial development
revenue bond agreements contain certain restrictions relating to
dividends, investments, financial ratios, guarantees and the
incurrence of additional indebtedness.

Additional details about the company’s receivables sales

agreement and debt are available in Notes 5 and 10, respectively,
accompanying the consolidated financial statements.

Annual cash dividends paid on common stock were 48 cents per
share in 2003, 36 cents per share in 2002 and 30 cents per share in
2001. Ball increased its dividends for the third and fourth quarters
of 2003 from nine to fifteen cents per share. This change resulted
in $6.4 million of higher dividend payments in 2003 than in 2002.

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT
In the ordinary course of business, we employ established risk
management policies and procedures to reduce our exposure to
commodity price changes, changes in interest rates, fluctuations
in foreign currencies and fluctuations in prices of the company’s
common stock in regard to common share repurchases. Although
the instruments utilized involve varying degrees of credit and
interest risk, the counter parties to the agreements are financial
institutions, which are expected to perform fully under the terms
of the agreements.

We have estimated our market risk exposure using sensitivity
analysis. Market risk exposure has been defined as the changes in
fair value of a derivative instrument assuming a hypothetical 
10 percent adverse change in market prices or rates. The results
of the sensitivity analysis are summarized below. Actual changes
in market prices or rates may differ from hypothetical changes.

Commodity Price Risk
We manage our commodity price risk in connection with market
price fluctuations of aluminum primarily by entering into can and
end sales contracts, which include aluminum-based pricing terms
that consider price fluctuations under our commercial supply con-
tracts for aluminum purchases. The terms include a fixed price or
an upper limit to the aluminum component pricing. This matched
pricing affects substantially all of our North American metal bever-
age packaging net sales. We also, at times, use certain derivative

instruments such as option and forward contracts as cash flow
hedges of commodity price risk that are matched to sales
contract terms. 

North American steel can sales contracts incorporate annually
negotiated metal costs, and plastic container sales contracts include
provisions to pass through resin cost changes. As a result, we believe
we have minimal, if any, exposure related to changes in the costs of
these commodities.

In Europe and Asia the company manages the aluminum and
steel raw material commodity price risks through annual contracts
for the purchase of the materials, as well as the sale of cans and
ends, that reduce the company’s exposure to fluctuations in
commodity prices within the current year. These purchase and
sales contracts include fixed price, floating and pass through pricing
arrangements. The company additionally uses forward and option
contracts as cash flow hedges to manage future aluminum price risk
and foreign exchange exposures to those sales contracts where there
is not a pass through arrangement to minimize the company’s
exposure to significant price changes.

Considering the effects of derivative instruments, the market’s
ability to accept price increases and the company’s commodity price
exposures to aluminum, a hypothetical 10 percent adverse change in
the company’s aluminum prices could have an estimated $9.3 mil-
lion after-tax reduction of net earnings over a one-year period. Actual
results may vary based on actual changes in market prices and rates.
The company is also exposed to fluctuations in prices for utilities
such as natural gas and electricity. A hypothetical 10 percent increase
in our utility prices could have an estimated $4 million after-tax
reduction of net earnings over a one-year period. Actual results may
vary based on actual changes in market prices and rates.

Interest Rate Risk
Our objective in managing exposure to interest rate changes is to
limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash flows
and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these objectives,
we use a variety of interest rate swaps to manage our mix of floating
and fixed-rate debt. Interest rate instruments held by the company at
December 31, 2003 and 2002, included pay-floating and pay-fixed
interest rate swaps. Pay-fixed swaps effectively convert variable rate
obligations to fixed rate instruments. Pay-floating swaps effectively
convert fixed-rate obligations to variable rate instruments. Swap
agreements expire at various times up to three years.

Based on our interest rate exposure at December 31, 2003,
assumed floating rate debt levels throughout 2004 and the effects
of derivative instruments, a 100 basis point increase in interest rates
could have an estimated $5.2 million after-tax reduction of net
earnings over a one-year period. Actual results may vary based on
actual changes in market prices and rates and the timing of
these changes.

22

 
Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctua-
tions is to protect foreign cash flows and earnings associated with
foreign exchange rate changes through the use of cash flow hedges.
In addition, we manage foreign earnings translation volatility
through the use of foreign currency options. Our foreign currency
translation risk results from the European euro, British pound,
Canadian dollar, Polish zloty and Chinese renminbi. We face
currency exposures in our global operations as a result of purchasing
raw materials in U.S. dollars. Sales contracts are negotiated with
customers to reflect cost changes and, where there is not a foreign
exchange pass-through arrangement, the company uses forward
and option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures.

Considering the company’s derivative financial instruments
outstanding at December 31, 2003, and the currency exposures,
a hypothetical 10 percent reduction in foreign currency exchange
rates compared to the U.S. dollar could have an estimated
$13.4 million after-tax reduction of net earnings over a one-year
period if the company is unable to pass along these increases to its
customers. Actual changes in market prices or rates may differ from
hypothetical changes.

Common Share Repurchases
In connection with the company’s ongoing share repurchases,
the company sells put options which give the purchasers of those
options the right to sell shares of the company’s common stock to
the company on specified dates at specified prices upon the exercise
of those options. Our objective in selling put options is to lower the
average purchase price of acquired shares. The put option contracts
allow us to determine the method of settlement, either in cash or
shares. As such, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 during the
second quarter of 2003, the contracts were considered equity instru-
ments and changes in the fair value were not recognized in our
financial statements. Since the adoption of this accounting standard,
which is required on a prospective basis, changes in the fair value
are recognized in our net earnings. The impact on the 2003 consoli-
dated financial statements since the adoption of SFAS No. 150 was
not significant. There were no put option contracts outstanding at
December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2002, there were put option
contracts outstanding for 100,000 shares at an average price of
$46.50 per share, all of which expired without value during 2003.
During 2002 we received $0.7 million in premiums for option
contracts, which were recorded as a reduction in treasury stock. 

In 2001 we entered into a forward share repurchase agreement

to purchase shares of the company’s common stock. Under this
agreement, we purchased 736,800 shares in January 2002 at an
average price of $33.58 per share; 313,400 shares in April 2002
at an average price of $38.95 per share; 195,600 shares in July 2002
at an average price of $45.49 per share and 189,900 shares in
December 2002 at an average price of $45.67 per share.

Contingencies
The company is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the
ordinary course of business due, in part, to the competitive nature
of the industries in which we participate, our operations in develop-
ing markets outside the U.S., changing commodity prices for the
materials used in the manufacture of our products and changing
capital markets. Where practicable, we attempt to reduce these risks
and uncertainties through the establishment of risk management
policies and procedures, including, at times, the use of derivative
financial instruments as explained above.

From time to time, the company is subject to routine litigation

incident to its business. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has designated Ball as a potentially responsible
party, along with numerous other companies, for the cleanup of
several hazardous waste sites. Our information at this time does
not indicate that these matters will have a material adverse effect
upon the liquidity, results of operations or financial condition of
the company.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S.

generally accepted accounting principles requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingencies at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting period. Future events could
affect these estimates. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial
statements for a summary of the company’s critical and significant
accounting policies.

The U.S. economy and the company have experienced minor
general inflation during the past several years. Management believes
that evaluation of Ball’s performance during the periods covered by
these consolidated financial statements should be based upon
historical financial statements.

23

Management’s Discussion & Analysis
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The company has made or implied certain forward-looking state-
ments in this annual report which are made as of the end of the
period covered by this report. These forward-looking statements
represent the company’s goals and results could vary materially from
those expressed or implied. From time-to-time we also provide oral
or written forward-looking statements in other materials we release
to the public. As time passes, the relevance and accuracy of forward-
looking statements may change. Some factors that could cause the
company’s actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those
discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not
limited to: fluctuation in customer and consumer growth and
demand, particularly during the months when the demand for
metal beverage cans is heaviest; product introductions; insufficient
production capacity; overcapacity in foreign and domestic metal
and plastic container industry production facilities and its impact
on pricing and financial results; lack of productivity improvement
or production cost reductions; the weather; fruit, vegetable and
fishing yields; power and natural resource costs; difficulty in
obtaining supplies and energy, such as gas and electric power;
shortages in and pricing of raw materials, particularly resin, steel
and aluminum and the ability or inability to include or pass on to
customers changes in raw material costs; changes in the pricing of
the company’s products and services; competition in pricing and
the possible decrease in, or loss of, sales resulting therefrom; loss of
profitability and plant closures; insufficient or reduced cash flow;
transportation costs; the number and timing of the purchases of the
company’s common shares; the ability to obtain adequate credit
resources for foreseeable financing requirements of the company’s
businesses and to satisfy the resulting credit obligations; regulatory
action or federal and state legislation including mandated corporate
governance and financial reporting laws; the German mandatory
deposit or other restrictive packaging legislation such as recycling
laws; environmental and workplace safety regulations; increases
in interest rates, particularly on floating rate debt of the company;
labor strikes; increases and trends in various employee benefits
and labor costs, including pension, medical and health care costs

incurred in the countries in which Ball has operations; rates of
return projected and earned on assets and discount rates used to
measure future obligations and expenses of the company’s defined
benefit retirement plans; boycotts; litigation; antitrust, intellectual
property, consumer and other issues; maintenance and capital
expenditures; goodwill or intangible asset impairment; the effect of
LIFO accounting on earnings; changes in U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles or their interpretation; local economic
conditions; the authorization, funding and availability of contracts
for the aerospace and technologies segment and the nature and
continuation of those contracts and related services provided there-
under; technical uncertainty and schedule of performance associated
with such segment contracts; the ability to invoice and collect
accounts receivable related to such segment contracts in the ordi-
nary course of business; pricing and ability or inability to sell scrap
associated with the production of metal and plastic containers;
international business and market risks (including foreign exchange
rates and tax rates) in the United States, Europe and particularly in
developing countries such as China and Brazil; foreign exchange
rates of the U.S. dollar, European euro, British pound, Polish zloty,
Hong Kong dollar, Canadian dollar, Chinese renminbi and
Brazilian real; terrorist activity or war that disrupts the company’s
production, supply, or pricing of the company’s good and services,
including raw materials and energy costs, and/or disrupts the ability
of the company to obtain adequate credit resources for the foresee-
able financing requirements of the company’s businesses; and
successful or unsuccessful acquisitions, joint ventures or divestitures
and the integration activities associated therewith, including the
integration and operation of Ball Packaging Europe. If the company
is unable to achieve its goals, then the company’s actual perform-
ance could vary materially from those goals expressed or implied in
the forward-looking statements. The company currently does not
intend to publicly update forward-looking statements except as it
deems necessary at quarterly or annual earnings reports. You are
advised, however, to consult any further disclosures we make on
related subjects in our 10-Q, 8-K and 10-K reports to the Securities
and Exchange Commission.

24

 
2003 Annual Report
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

REPORT OF MANAGEMENT ON FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements contained in this annual report to shareholders are the responsibility of management. These financial
statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and, necessarily, include certain amounts
based on management’s informed judgments and estimates. Future events could affect these judgments and estimates.

In fulfilling its responsibility for the integrity of financial information, management maintains and relies upon a system of internal controls

which is designed to provide reasonable assurance that assets are safeguarded from unauthorized use or disposition, that transactions are
executed in accordance with management’s authorization and that transactions are properly recorded to permit the preparation of reliable
financial statements in all material respects. To assure the continuing effectiveness of the system of internal controls and to maintain a climate
in which such controls can be effective, management establishes and communicates appropriate written policies and procedures; selects, trains
and develops qualified personnel; maintains an organizational structure that provides defined lines of responsibility, appropriate delegation of
authority and segregation of duties; and maintains an ongoing program of internal audits with appropriate management follow-up. Company
policies concerning use of corporate assets and conflicts of interest, which require employees to maintain the highest ethical and legal
standards in their conduct of the company’s business, are important elements of the internal control system.

The board of directors oversees management’s administration of company reporting practices, internal controls and the preparation of the

consolidated financial statements with the assistance of its audit committee, which is subject to regulation by the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the New York Stock Exchange (the Exchange). The board of directors has adopted an audit committee charter that governs
the work of the audit committee and is structured to meet the requirements of the Exchange.

R. David Hoover
Chairman, president and chief executive officer

Raymond J. Seabrook
Senior vice president and chief financial officer

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
Ball Corporation

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of earnings, of cash flows and of
shareholders’ equity and comprehensive earnings present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ball Corporation and its
subsidiaries at December 31, 2003, and 2002, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the company’s management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States
of America which require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed the measurement date for determining the fair

value of pension plan assets and plan obligations in 2002 from September 30 to December 31.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Denver, Colorado
February 23, 2004

25

 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Net sales

Costs and expenses

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization)
Depreciation and amortization (Notes 7, 8 and 9)
Business consolidation (gains) costs (Note 4)
Selling and administrative

Years ended December 31,

2003

2002

2001

$ 4,977.0

$ 3,858.9

$ 3,686.1

4,092.8
205.5
(3.7)
221.6

4,516.2

3,230.4
149.2
(2.3)
170.6

3,547.9

3,142.2
152.5
271.2
145.6

3,711.5

Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes

460.8

311.0

(25.4)

Interest expense (Note 10)

Interest expense before debt refinancing costs
Debt refinancing costs

Total interest expense

Earnings (loss) before taxes
Tax provision (Note 12)
Minority interests
Equity in results of affiliates

Net earnings (loss)

Preferred dividends, net of tax

125.9
15.2
141.1

319.7
(100.1)
(1.0)
11.3

229.9
–n

75.6
5.2
80.8

230.2
(81.9)
(1.5)
9.3

156.1
–n

88.3
–n
88.3

(113.7)
9.7
0.8
4.0

(99.2)
(2.0)

Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders

$

229.9

$

156.1

$

(101.2)

Earnings (loss) per share (Notes 14 and 15)

Basic
Diluted

Weighted average common shares outstanding (000s):

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividends declared and paid, per common share

$ 
$

4.12
4.02

$
$

2.77
2.71

$
$

(1.85)(a)(b)
(1.85)(a)(b)

55,855
57,137

56,317
57,538

54,880 (b)
54,880 (b)

$

0.48

$

0.36

$

0.30 (a)

(a) Per share amounts have been retroactively restated for the two-for-one stock split discussed in Note 14.
(b) The diluted loss per share and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are the same as the basic measures because the assumed exercise of stock options and conversion

of Ball’s employee stock ownership plan preferred stock would have been antidilutive.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

26

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions)

Assets
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables, net (Note 5)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories, net (Note 6)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred taxes and prepaid expenses (Note 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 7)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill (Notes 3, 4 and 8)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets (Notes 3, 4 and 9)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 31,

2003

2002

36.5
250.1
546.2
90.7

923.5

1,471.1
1,336.9
338.1

$

259.2
345.9
552.5
66.9

1,224.5

1,445.9
1,148.1
313.9

Total Assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,069.6

$ 4,132.4

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Current liabilities

Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 10) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued employee costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Total current liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt (Note 10)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee benefit obligations (Note 13)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred taxes and other liabilities (Note 12)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

107.6
349.7
180.6
75.0
148.2

861.1

1,579.3
701.7
113.5

3,255.6

$

127.0
439.6
147.1
54.1
301.1

1,068.9

1,854.0
646.5
64.5

3,633.9

Contingencies (Note 19)
Minority interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.2

5.6

Shareholders’ Equity (Note 14)

Common stock (77,942,355 shares issued – 2003; 77,200,656 shares issued – 2002)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retained earnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury stock, at cost (21,553,003 shares – 2003; 20,455,296 shares – 2002)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

567.3
748.8
(1.4)
(506.9)

807.8

530.8
545.7
(138.3)
(445.3)

492.9

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,069.6

$ 4,132.4

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

27

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions)

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Net earnings (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncash charges to net earnings:

Depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business consolidation (gains) costs and other, net of related 

equity and minority interest effects  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contributions to defined benefit plans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt refinancing costs:

Debt prepayment costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Noncash write off of unamortized deferred financing costs

related to early payments of term loans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Working capital changes, excluding effects of acquisitions:

Withholding tax payment related to European acquisition (Note 3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued salaries and wages  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Additions to property, plant and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (Note 3)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball Packaging Europe purchase price adjustments (Note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions of previously leased assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Incentive loan receipts and other, net  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash used in investing activities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Long-term borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments of long-term borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in short-term borrowings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt prepayment costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issuance costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common and preferred dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under various employee and shareholder plans  . . . . . .
Acquisitions of treasury stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash provided by (used in) financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and Cash Equivalents – Beginning of Year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years ended December 31,

2003

2002

2001

$

229.9

$

156.1

$

(99.2)

205.5

149.2

152.5

(3.3)
17.8
(34.1)
29.2

10.3
4.9

2.9

(138.3)
55.6
38.5
(112.6)
32.8
46.1
(21.2)

364.0

(137.2)
(28.0)
39.8
–n
1.6

(123.8)

5.3
(367.4)
(31.6)
(10.3)
(5.2)
(26.8)
35.5
(63.4)
–n

(463.9)

1.0

(222.7)
259.2

2.1
25.6
(56.4)
13.1

–n
5.2

–n

–n
35.2
12.4
37.8
37.9
40.2
(6.1)

452.3

(158.4)
(813.8)
–n
(43.1)
(5.9)

268.7
2.5
(57.8)
11.2

–n
–n

–n

–n
33.9
155.8
(71.8)
(37.9)
(12.1)
(25.0)

320.8

(68.5)
(27.4)
–n
(50.5)
23.5

(1,021.2)

(122.9)

1,300.5
(440.4)
(1.3)
–n
(28.1)
(20.4)
35.0
(104.1)
0.2

741.4

3.6

176.1
83.1

259.2

$

–n
(52.0)
(10.3)
–n
–n
(20.4)
32.1
(85.9)
(3.9)

(140.4)

–n

57.5
25.6

83.1

Cash and Cash Equivalents – End of Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

36.5

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

28

Consolidated Statements of
Shareholders’ Equity & Comprehensive Earnings
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Number of Shares
(in thousands)

Years ended December 31,
($ in millions)

2003

2002

2001

2003

2002

2001

Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares converted or retired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Unearned Compensation – ESOP

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common Stock (a)

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares issued for stock options and 
other employee and shareholder 
stock plans less shares exchanged  . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit from option exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Retained Earnings

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common dividends  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred dividends, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ESOP/treasury stock conversion  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Treasury Stock (a)

–n
–n
–n

–n
–n
–n

1,454
(1,454)
–n

$

$

$

$

–n
–n
–n

–n
–n
–n

77,201

75,708

73,546

$

530.8

741
–n
77,942

1,493
–n
77,201

2,162
–n
75,708

28.8
7.7
567.3

545.7
229.9
(26.8)
–n
–n
748.8

$

$

$

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shares reacquired, net of reissues  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ESOP/treasury stock conversion  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(20,455)
(1,098)
–n
(21,553)

(17,890)
(2,565)
–n
(20,455)

(17,448) $
(3,566)
3,124
(17,890) $

(445.3)
(61.6)
–n
(506.9)

(a) Share amounts in 2001 have been retroactively restated for the two-for-one stock split discussed in Note 14.

2003

Accumulated
Other

Years ended December 31,

2002

Accumulated
Other

53.4
(53.4)
–n

(10.6)
10.6
–n

443.9

35.0
–n
478.9

529.3
(99.2)
(16.5)
(2.0)
(1.6)
410.0

(303.9)
(85.9)
48.7
(341.1)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

–n
–n
–n

–n
–n
–n

478.9

35.6
16.3
530.8

410.0
156.1
(20.4)
–n
–n
545.7

(341.1)
(104.2)
–n
(445.3)

$

$

$ 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2001

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

($ in millions)
Comprehensive Earnings (Loss)

Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive Comprehensive
Earnings

Earnings

Loss

Loss

Loss

Balance, beginning of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net earnings (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency translation adjustment  . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustment, 

net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective financial derivatives (Note 16) . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive earnings (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

229.9
103.6

11.8
21.5
136.9
366.8

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

$

(138.3)

$

(43.7)

$

(29.7)

$

$

156.1
7.0

(99.2)
(2.4)
(94.6)
61.5

$

$

(99.2)
(2.1)

(3.8)
(8.1)
(14.0)
(113.2)

(94.6)

136.9

(14.0)

$

(1.4)

$

(138.3)

$

(43.7)

29

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

1. SIGNIFICANT AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
In the application of required U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles, management is required to make estimates and assump-
tions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingencies and reported amounts of revenues and
expenses. These estimates are based on historical experience and
various other assumptions believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates 
under different assumptions or conditions.

Critical Accounting Policies
The company considers certain accounting policies to be critical as
they are most important to the depiction of the company’s financial
condition and results of operations, and their application requires
management’s most subjective judgment in making estimates about
the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Following is a
discussion of the accounting policies we consider critical to our
financial statements. 

Revenue Recognition in the Aerospace and Technologies Segment
Sales under long-term contracts in the aerospace and technologies
segment are recognized under the cost-to-cost, percentage-of-
completion method. This segment records sales using two types of
long-term sales contracts – cost-plus sales contracts, which typically
represent approximately two-thirds of our contracts, and fixed price
sales contracts, which typically represent one-third of our contracts.
A cost-plus sales contract is an agreement to perform the contract
for cost plus an agreed upon profit component, whereas a fixed price
sales contract is an agreement to complete the contract for a fixed
price. Cost-plus sales contracts can have different types of fee
arrangements, including fixed fee, cost, schedule and performance
incentive fees, award fees or a combination thereof. 

During initial periods of sales contract performance, our esti-
mates of base, incentive and other fees are set at or near the lowest
probable level of profit. Throughout the period of contract perform-
ance, we regularly reevaluate and, if necessary, revise our estimates
of total contract revenue, total contract cost and extent of progress
toward completion. Provision for estimated contract losses, if any, is
made in the period that such losses are determined to be probable.
Our history indicates that the final adjustments made upon comple-
tion of our sales contracts have generally resulted in gains. Because
of sales contract payment schedules, limitations on funding and
contract terms, our sales and accounts receivable generally include
amounts that have been earned but not yet billed. As a prime U.S.
government contractor or subcontractor, the aerospace and tech-
nologies segment is subject to a high degree of regulation, financial
review and oversight by the U.S. government.

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Other Employee Benefits
The company has defined benefit plans that cover the majority of
its employees, including those at Ball Packaging Europe, for which
we assumed a portion of the assets and liabilities of the former
Schmalbach-Lubeca GmbH Pension Plan when we acquired Ball
Packaging Europe in December 2002. We also have postretirement
plans that provide medical benefits and life insurance for retirees
and eligible dependents. The accounting for these plans is subject
to the guidance provided in Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 87, “Employers Accounting for Pensions,”
and SFAS No. 106, “Employers’ Accounting for Postretirement
Benefits Other than Pensions.” Both of these statements require
that management make certain assumptions relating to the long-
term rate of return on plan assets, discount rates used to measure
future obligations and expenses, salary scale inflation rates, health
care cost trend rates and other assumptions. We believe that the
accounting estimates related to our pension and postretirement
plans are critical accounting estimates because they are highly sus-
ceptible to change from period to period based on the performance
of plan assets, actuarial valuations, market conditions and con-
tracted benefit changes. The selection of assumptions is based on
historical trends and known economic and market conditions at
the time of valuation. However, actual results may differ substan-
tially from these assumptions. 

Plan liabilities are revalued annually based on updated assump-
tions and information about the individuals covered by the plan.
For pension plans, accumulated gains and losses in excess of a
10 percent corridor, the prior service cost and the transition asset
are amortized on a straight-line basis from the date recognized over
the average remaining service period of active participants. For other
postemployment benefits, the 10 percent corridor is not used.
In addition to defined benefit and postretirement plans, the
company maintains reserves for employee medical claims, up to our
insurance stop-loss limit, and workers’ compensation claims. These
are regularly evaluated and revised, as needed, based on a variety
of information including historical experience, third party actuarial
estimates and current employee statistics.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Asset Valuation 
We evaluate the carrying value of goodwill and other indefinite-
lived intangible assets annually, and we evaluate our other intangible
assets whenever there is evidence that certain events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets may
not be recoverable. Significant judgments and assumptions are
required in the evaluation of intangible assets for impairment, most
significantly the estimated future cash flows to be generated by these
assets. Changes in these estimates could have a material adverse
effect on the assessment of our goodwill and other intangible assets,
thereby requiring us to write down the assets. 

30

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in order 
to conform to the current year presentation.

Foreign Currency Translation
Assets and liabilities of foreign operations, where the local currency
is the functional currency, are translated using period-end exchange
rates, and revenues and expenses are translated using average
exchange rates during each period. Translation gains and losses are
reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss as a component
of shareholders’ equity.

Revenue Recognition in the Packaging Segments 
Sales of products in the packaging segments are recognized when
delivery has occurred and title has transferred, there is persuasive
evidence of an agreement or arrangement, the price is fixed and
determinable, and collection is reasonably assured.

Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents have original maturities of three months or less.

Derivative Financial Instruments
The company uses derivative financial instruments for the
purpose of hedging exposures to fluctuations in interest rates,
foreign currency exchange rates, raw materials purchasing and
common share repurchases. The company’s derivative instruments
are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For a
derivative designated as a fair value hedge of a recognized asset or
liability, the gain or loss is recognized in earnings in the period of
change together with the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item
attributable to the risk being hedged. For a derivative designated as
a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the derivative’s gain or
loss is initially reported as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive loss and subsequently reclassified into earnings
when the forecasted transaction affects earnings. The ineffective
portion of the gain or loss associated with a cash flow hedge is
reported in earnings immediately. 

Realized gains and losses from hedges are classified in the income

statement consistent with the accounting treatment of the item
being hedged. Gains and losses upon the early termination of
effective derivative contracts are deferred in accumulated other
comprehensive loss and amortized to earnings in the same period
as the originally hedged items affect earnings.

1. SIGNIFICANT AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Taxes on Income
Deferred income taxes reflect the future tax consequences of
differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their
financial reporting amounts at each balance sheet date, based upon
enacted income tax laws and tax rates. Income tax expense or
benefit is provided based on earnings reported in the financial state-
ments. The provision for income tax expense or benefit differs from
the amounts of income taxes currently payable because certain items
of income and expense included in the consolidated financial state-
ments are recognized in different time periods by taxing authorities.
Deferred tax assets and operating loss, capital loss and tax credit
carryforwards are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the
opinion of management, it is more likely than not that any portion
of these tax attributes will not be realized.

Business Consolidation Costs 
The company estimates its liabilities for business consolidation activ-
ities, which are approved by senior management, by accumulating
detailed estimates of costs and asset sales proceeds, if any, for each
business consolidation initiative. This includes the estimated costs of
employee severance and related benefits, impairment of property and
equipment and other assets, including estimates of realizable value,
contract termination payments for leases, contractual obligations,
and any other qualifying costs related to the exit plan. These esti-
mated costs are grouped by specific projects within the overall exit
plan and are then monitored on a monthly basis. Such disclosures
represent management’s best estimates, but require assumptions about
the plans that may change over time. Changes in estimates for indi-
vidual locations are evaluated periodically to determine if a change
in estimate is required for the overall restructuring plan. Subsequent
changes to the original estimates are included in current period
earnings and identified as business consolidation gains or losses.

Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ball
Corporation and its controlled subsidiaries (collectively, Ball, the
company, we or our). Investments in 20 percent through 50 percent-
owned affiliates are accounted for by the equity method where Ball
does not control, but exercises significant influence over, operating
and financial affairs. Otherwise, investments are included at cost.
Significant intercompany transactions are eliminated. The results of
subsidiaries and equity affiliates in Asia are reflected in the consoli-
dated financial statements on a one-month lag.

31

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

1. SIGNIFICANT AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The cost 
of the aluminum component of U.S. metal beverage container
inventories and substantially all inventories within the U.S. metal
food container business is determined using the last-in, first-out
(LIFO) method of accounting. The cost of remaining inventories 
is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or
acquisition cost.

Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization is provided using the straight-line
method in amounts sufficient to amortize the cost of the assets
over their estimated useful lives (buildings and improvements –
15 to 40 years; machinery and equipment – 5 to 15 years; other
intangible assets – approximately 6.5 years, weighted average).
Through the end of 2001, goodwill was amortized using the
straight-line method over 40 years. However, in accordance
with SFAS No. 142 (discussed further in the “New Accounting
Pronouncements” section) beginning on January 1, 2002, goodwill
is no longer amortized. See Note 8 for a table summarizing pro
forma net earnings and the per share impact if goodwill had not
been amortized in 2001. The company evaluates long-lived assets,
including goodwill and other intangible assets, in accordance
with the guidelines of SFAS No. 142 and SFAS No. 144 (discussed
further in the “New Accounting Pronouncements” section).

Deferred financing costs are amortized over the terms of the
related facilities and the associated expense is reported as part of
interest expense. When debt is repaid prior to its maturity date, the
write off of the remaining unamortized deferred financing costs is
also reported as interest expense.

Environmental Reserves 
We estimate the liability related to environmental matters based on,
among other factors, the degree of probability of an unfavorable
outcome and the ability to make a reasonable estimate of the
amount of loss. We record our best estimate of a loss when the loss
is considered probable. As additional information becomes avail-
able, we assess the potential liability related to our pending matters
and revise our estimates. 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan
On December 14, 2001, Ball’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan
(ESOP) trust paid the remaining balance of the ESOP loan. At that
time, the company discontinued matching the ESOP participants’
contributions to the 401(k). All of the preferred shares were con-
verted into the company’s common shares and distributed to the
participants. Prior to that date, the cost of the ESOP was recorded
using the shares allocated transitional method under which the
annual pretax cost of the ESOP, including preferred dividends,
approximated program funding. Compensation and interest com-
ponents of ESOP cost were included in net earnings and preferred
dividends, net of related tax benefits, were shown as a reduction
from net earnings.

Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing the net earnings
attributable to common shareholders by the weighted average
number of common shares outstanding for the period. Shares con-
verted under the ESOP plan are included after December 14, 2001.
Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could
occur if outstanding dilutive stock options were exercised, and prior
to final repayment of the ESOP loan by the trust, also included the
assumed conversion of the Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred
Stock into additional outstanding common shares as well as the
related earnings adjustment.

Stock-Based Compensation
Ball has a variety of restricted stock and stock option plans. With
the exception of the company’s deposit share program, which is
accounted for as a variable plan and is discussed in Note 14, the
compensation cost associated with restricted stock grants is calcu-
lated using the fair value at the date of grant and amortized over
the restriction period. Expense related to stock options is calculated
using the intrinsic value method under the guidelines of Accounting
Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, and is therefore not
included in the consolidated statements of earnings. Ball’s
earnings as reported include after-tax stock-based compensation
of $7.6 million, $4.2 million and $2.4 million for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. If the fair value
based method had been used, after-tax stock-based compensation
would have been $8.8 million in 2003, $8 million in 2002 and
$6 million in 2001, and diluted earnings per share would have
been lower by $0.02, $0.07 and $0.07 for the same three periods,
respectively. Further details regarding the expense calculated under
the fair value based method are provided in Note 14.

32

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

1. SIGNIFICANT AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

New Accounting Pronouncements
On December 8, 2003, the Medicare Prescription Drug,
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (Act) was signed
into law. The Act expanded Medicare to include, for the first time,
coverage for prescription drugs. Ball expects that this legislation
may eventually reduce the company’s costs for its retiree medical
programs. As permitted in Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Staff Position FAS 106-1, Ball has elected to defer financial
recognition of this legislation until the FASB issues final accounting
guidance and various governmental and regulatory agencies provide
the requirements that must be met to obtain these cost reductions,
as well as the manner in which such savings should be measured.
Final guidance could require the retroactive restatement of
previously reported information.

In December 2003 the FASB issued a revision of SFAS No. 132,
“Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement
Benefits.” This statement, which replaces the original SFAS
No. 132, retains the disclosures contained in the original
pronouncement while requiring additional disclosures about plan
assets, investment strategy, measurement date, plan obligations,
cash flows and components of net periodic benefit cost recognized
during interim periods. The statement is effective for Ball as of year-
end 2003 and the new disclosures have been included in Note 13.
In May 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for

Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both
Liabilities and Equity.” This statement requires that certain financial
instruments previously classified as equity be classified as liabilities
or, in some cases, as assets. Prior to adoption of the standard during
the second quarter of 2003, Ball accounted for premiums received
on written put option contracts on its common shares as a reduc-
tion of equity because the company had the option to settle in
either shares or cash. Upon adoption of this standard, which was
done on a prospective basis, we now account for these premiums
in the overall determination of fair market value of such contracts.
The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a significant effect on
Ball’s consolidated financial statements in 2003. 

In April 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of
Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.”
This statement amends and clarifies financial accounting and
reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities under
SFAS No. 133. In general the statement was effective for Ball
on a prospective basis for contracts entered into or modified
after June 30, 2003, and for hedging relationships designated after
that date. Adopting this standard had no effect on Ball’s 2003 
financial statements.

In January 2003 the FASB issued Interpretation No. (FIN) 46,

“Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities,” which it revised in
December 2003. FIN 46 and the revision address the consolidation
of entities if they possess certain characteristics. The adoption of
this standard, which was effective for Ball in 2003, did not have a
significant impact on Ball’s 2003 financial statements. 

In December 2002 the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting

for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure, an
Amendment of FASB Statement No. 123.” SFAS No. 148 amends
SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” to
provide alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to
the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee
compensation. In addition the statement amends the disclosure
requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in
both annual and interim financial statements about the method of
accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect
of the method used on reported results. This statement became
effective for Ball at the end of 2002. The company is not adopting
the voluntary accounting changes of SFAS No. 123. See Note 14
for the required disclosures under SFAS Nos. 123 and 148. 

In May 2002 the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, “Rescission of

FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, amendment of FASB
Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections as of April 2002.”
This statement affects Ball primarily in its rescission of SFAS No. 4,
“Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of Debt,” which
required all such gains and losses be reported as extraordinary items.
Under SFAS No. 145, these items are to be reported as extraordinary
items only if they meet the requirements established under APB
Opinion No. 30. This statement became effective for Ball on
January 1, 2003, and requires that amounts previously reported as
extraordinary items be reevaluated in accordance with APB No. 30
and reclassified as appropriate. In its 2002 annual report, Ball
originally reported a $3.2 million after-tax charge for early debt
extinguishment as an extraordinary item. This charge has been
reclassified for comparative purposes under the guidelines of
SFAS No. 145 to reflect $5.2 million more interest expense and
a $2 million lower provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter
of 2002 than was previously reported. 

The FASB issued SFAS No. 141, “Business Combinations,” and
SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.” SFAS No.
141 requires that the purchase method be used for business com-
binations. Its provisions became effective for acquisitions after
June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142 establishes accounting guidelines
for intangible assets acquired outside of a business combination. 
It also addresses how goodwill and other intangible assets are to
be accounted for after initial recognition in the financial statements.

33

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

In general goodwill and certain intangible assets are no longer
amortized but are tested periodically for impairment. Resulting
write-downs, if any, are recognized in the statement of earnings.
The adoption of this statement on January 1, 2002, did not result
in any impairment charges.

2. BUSINESS SEGMENT INFORMATION
Ball’s operations are organized and reviewed by management along
its product lines in three reportable segments – North American
packaging, international packaging and aerospace and technologies.
We have investments in all three segments that are accounted
for under the equity method of accounting, and, accordingly,
those results are not included in segment sales or earnings. The
accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described
in the summary of significant and critical accounting policies.
See Notes 3 and 4 for information regarding transactions affecting
segment results.

North American Packaging
North American packaging consists of operations in the U.S.
and Canada, which manufacture metal and PET (polyethylene
terephthalate) plastic containers, primarily for use in beverage
and food packaging. 

International Packaging
International packaging, with operations in several countries in
Europe and the People’s Republic of China (PRC), includes the
manufacture and sale of metal beverage container products in
Europe and Asia, as well as plastic containers in Asia. 

Aerospace and Technologies
Aerospace and technologies includes the manufacture and sale of
aerospace and other related products and services used primarily
in the defense, civil space and commercial space industries.

Major Customers
Following is a summary of Ball’s major customers and their 
respective percentages of consolidated sales for the years ended
December 31:

SABMiller plc  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PepsiCo, Inc. and affiliates  . . . .
All bottlers of Pepsi-Cola 

and Coca-Cola 
branded beverages  . . . . . . . . .

U.S. government agencies

2003

2002

2001

12%
10%

15%
13%

16%
13%

29%

32%

31%

and their prime contractors  . .

10%

12%

10%

Financial data segmented by geographic area are provided below.

Summary of Net Sales by Geographic Area
($ in millions)

U.S.

Other (a)

Consolidated

2003........................................ $ 3,567.8 $ 1,409.2 $ 4,977.0
3,858.9
2002 ........................................
3,686.1
2001 ........................................

3,473.2
3,264.3

385.7
421.8

Summary of Long-Lived Assets(b) by Geographic Area
($ in millions)

U.S.

Germany

Other (c)

Consolidated

2003
2002
2001

$ 2,002.3 $ 1,207.6 $

1,717.7
1,351.9

1,017.0
–n

(63.8) $ 3,146.1
2,907.9
173.2
1,520.1
168.2

(a) Includes the company’s net sales in the PRC, Canada and certain European

countries, none of which was significant, intercompany eliminations and other.
(b) Long-lived assets primarily consist of property, plant and equipment, goodwill and

other intangible assets.

(c) Includes the company’s long-lived assets in the PRC, Canada and certain European
countries, none of which was significant, intercompany eliminations and other.

34

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

Summary of Business by Segment
($ in millions)
Net Sales
North America metal beverage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North America metal food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North America plastic containers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total North American packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe metal beverage (Note 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Asia metal beverage and plastic containers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total international packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Earnings
North American packaging (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International packaging (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment earnings before interest and taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate undistributed expenses  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax provision  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minority interests  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in results of affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Depreciation and Amortization
North American packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated depreciation and amortization  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

$

$

282.9
158.6
49.5
491.0
(30.2)
460.8
(141.1)
(100.1)
(1.0)
11.3
229.9

127.5
62.5
12.9
202.9
2.6
205.5

Total Assets
North American packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate assets net of eliminations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 2,165.7
2,027.8
278.6
4,472.1
(402.5)
$ 4,069.6

Investments in Equity Affiliates
North American packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated investments in equity affiliates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Property, Plant and Equipment Additions
North American packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Segment property, plant and equipment additions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Corporate   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated property, plant and equipment additions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

$

$

5.8
64.2
22.8
92.8

90.7
22.1
19.2
132.0
5.2
137.2

(a) Includes the following business consolidation gains (costs): 

($ in millions)
North American packaging . . . .
International packaging  . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies . . . . .

2003
$ 0.2
3.3
0.2
$ 3.7

2002 
$ (2.3)
5.1 
(0.5)
$ 2.3 

2001
$ (24.7)
(232.7)
(13.8)
$(271.2)

35

2003

2002

2001

$ 2,292.2
646.2
376.0
3,314.4
1,007.0
120.7
1,127.7
534.9
$ 4,977.0

$ 2,254.8
625.5
355.2
3,235.5
11.1
121.1
132.2
491.2
3,858.9

$

$ 2,186.3
625.3
292.7
3,104.3
–
162.9
162.9
418.9
3,686.1

$

$

$ 

$

$

$

$

$

$ 

$

$

294.9
9.2
38.9
343.0
(32.0)
311.0
(80.8)
(81.9)
(1.5)
9.3
156.1

124.9
9.9
12.3
147.1
2.1
149.2

2,023.0
2,025.9
248.5
4,297.4
(165.0)
4,132.4

5.2
59.7
13.4
78.3

126.5
6.2
17.0
149.7
8.7
158.4

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

222.6
(238.7)
17.7
1.6
(27.0)
(25.4)
(88.3)
9.7
0.8
4.0
(99.2)

124.6
13.5
12.4
150.5
2.0
152.5

1,666.6
213.5
179.8
2,059.9
253.7
2,313.6

0.2
53.5
15.1
68.8

50.4
3.1
11.8
65.3
3.2
68.5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

for in the opening acquisition balance sheet. These costs include
€8.7 million for employee termination costs and €3.2 million
for decommissioning costs, of which €2.7 million were paid
during 2003.

Following is a summary of the net assets acquired:

($ in millions)

Cash  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 145.4
483.1
Property, plant and equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
765.0
Goodwill  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52.0
Other intangible assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
301.9
Other assets, primarily current  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(310.0)
Pension liabilities assumed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(468.5)
Other liabilities assumed  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 968.9

Ball Packaging Europe’s customer relationships were identified
as a valuable intangible asset by an independent valuation firm and
assigned a fair value of €50.6 million (approximately $52 million).
This intangible asset is being amortized over seven years. Goodwill
related to Ball Packaging Europe is included in the international
packaging segment. Both goodwill and the intangible asset are
nondeductible under European local country corporate tax laws
but will generally be deductible in computing earnings and profits
for U.S. tax purposes.

Subsequent increases in actual costs, if any, will be included in
current period earnings, and decreases, if any, will result in a further
reduction of goodwill.

The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of
operations have been prepared as if the acquisition had occurred as
of January 1 in each of the periods presented. The pro forma results
are not necessarily indicative of the actual results that would have
occurred had the acquisition been in effect for the periods pre-
sented, nor are they necessarily indicative of the results that may
be obtained in the future.

($ in millions)

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net earnings (loss) attributable 

to common shareholders . . . . . . . . 
Basic earnings (loss) per share . . . . . . 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share . . . . 

2002

2001

$ 4,910.3
230.7

$ 4,540.8
(61.9)

230.7
4.10
4.01

(63.9)
(1.16)
(1.16)

3. ACQUISITIONS

Metal Packaging International (MPI)
On March 11, 2003, Ball acquired MPI, a manufacturer of alu-
minum beverage can ends, for $28 million. MPI produced just over
2 billion ends per year, primarily for soft drink companies, and had
sales of approximately $42 million in 2002. The MPI plant, which
had approximately 100 employees and was located in Northglenn,
Colorado, was closed during the second quarter of 2003 and the
volumes were consolidated into other Ball facilities. A liability of
$1.6 million was recorded in the opening balance sheet for the
plant closing costs, including $1.1 million for employee related
costs and $0.5 million for decommissioning costs. Payments related
to the liability totaled $1.1 million through December 31, 2003.
The acquisition of MPI is not significant to the North American
packaging segment.

Ball Packaging Europe
On December 19, 2002, Ball acquired 100 percent of the outstand-
ing shares of Schmalbach-Lubeca GmbH (a European beverage can
manufacturer) for an initial purchase price of €922.3 million at
closing (approximately $948 million), plus acquisition costs of
$11.6 million, refinancing costs of $28.1 million and the assump-
tion of approximately $20 million of debt and approximately
$145 million of cash. The company also assumed approximately
$300 million of ongoing pension liabilities. In addition, at closing
Ball assumed a €131 million withholding tax liability ($138.3 mil-
lion at the time of payment), which was paid in January 2003 with
cash provided by the seller at the time of the acquisition. The final
purchase price was reduced in 2003 by $39.8 million for working
capital and other purchase price adjustments, including the final
valuation of pension liabilities.

The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase, and accord-

ingly, its results have been included in our consolidated financial
statements effective from December 19, 2002. With this acquisition,
now known as Ball Packaging Europe, we expanded our presence in
the global beverage container market, enhanced our customer base
and gained entry into the growing European market place.

Ball Packaging Europe and its operations consist of nine beverage

can plants and two beverage can end plants, a technical center in
Bonn, Germany, and an office in Ratingen, Germany. Of the 11
plants, four are located in Germany, three in the United Kingdom,
two in France and one each in the Netherlands and Poland. Ball
Packaging Europe closed its plant in Runcorn, England, at the end
of December 2003. The cost of the plant closure, along with costs
associated with a line conversion and a line shut down at other
plants, estimated to be €11.9 million in total, has been accounted

36

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

3. ACQUISITIONS (CONTINUED)

Pro forma adjustments primarily include the after-tax effect of
increased interest expense related to incremental borrowings used
to finance the acquisition. The adjustments also include the after-tax
effects of amortization of the customer relationship intangible asset
and decreased depreciation expense on plant and equipment based
on extended useful lives partially offset by increased fair values.

Wis-Pak Plastics
On December 28, 2001, Ball acquired substantially all of the assets
of Wis-Pak Plastics, Inc. (Wis-Pak) for approximately $27 million.
Additional payments of up to $10 million in total, plus interest, are
contingent upon the future performance of the acquired business
through 2006. Approximately $4.9 million of these contingent
payments, including interest, which have been paid or were payable
at the end of 2003, are reflected as an increase in goodwill in the
consolidated balance sheet. Under the acquisition agreement, Ball
entered into a ten-year agreement to supply 100 percent of Wis-
Pak’s annual PET container requirements, which are currently
550 million containers. The company closed one of the two
acquired plants during 2002; the after-tax cash costs associated with
this closure were approximately $1 million and were substantially
paid by the end of 2002. The acquisition is not significant to the
North American packaging segment’s financial statements.

4. BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION COSTS

North American Packaging

2003
In December 2003 Ball completed the sale of the Moultrie, Georgia
facility that was closed in December 2001. A gain of $1.6 million
was recorded in connection with this sale and the completion of the
Moultrie consolidation activities. In February 2003 Ball announced
plans to close its Blytheville, Arkansas, metal food container plant to
address decreased demand for three-piece welded cans. In connec-
tion with the closure, a charge of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after
tax), partially offset by a $0.5 million gain ($0.3 million after tax)
on the sale of a Canadian plant that was included in a restructuring
charge taken in 2000, was recorded in the first quarter of 2003.
The Blytheville plant was closed during the second quarter of 2003
and its operations were consolidated into the Springdale, Arkansas
plant. The remaining actions are expected to be completed in 2004.
The $1.9 million charge included $0.8 million for employee
severance and benefit costs and $1.1 million for decommissioning
costs and an impairment charge on fixed assets. Payments and
asset write-downs to reflect estimated realizable values totaling
$1 million were made related to these charges during 2003. 

2002
In December 2002 Ball announced it would relocate its plastics
office and research and development facility from Atlanta, Georgia,
to Colorado. In connection with the relocation, a pretax charge
of $1.6 million ($1 million after tax) was recorded in the fourth
quarter of 2002, including $0.8 million for employee severance and
benefit costs and $0.8 million for decommissioning costs and the
impairment of leasehold improvements. The office relocation was
completed during 2003 and the R&D facility relocation is
expected to be completed by the end of 2004. Relocation costs
of $2.7 million were incurred in 2003 and charged to continuing
operations. Also in December 2002, income of $0.8 million was
recorded related to 2001 restructuring activities primarily related
to proceeds on asset dispositions and employee benefit and
severance accruals no longer required. 

2001
In November 2001 Ball announced the closure of its Moultrie,
Georgia, plant to address overcapacity in the aluminum beverage
can industry in North America. The plant was closed in Decem-
ber 2001 and the company recorded a charge of $24.7 million
($15 million after tax). Details of the charge are summarized
in the table on page 38. 

International Packaging
The company recorded $3.3 million of earnings in third quarter of
2003, $5.1 million in December 2002 and $5 million in the fourth
quarter of 2001 related to the reversal of portions of a charge taken
in June 2001 for the PRC business consolidation activities as a
result of the realization on asset dispositions in excess of estimated
realizable values, as well as employee benefit and severance accruals
no longer required as exit activities were completed. In June 2001
Ball announced the reorganization of its PRC packaging business,
which included exiting the general line metal can business and
closing two PRC beverage can plants. A $237.7 million pretax
charge ($185 million after tax and minority interest impact) was
recorded in connection with this reorganization. Details of the
charge are included in the table on page 38. The charge for other
assets and costs was comprised of $24 million of accounts receivable
deemed uncollectible and inventories deemed unsaleable, both as a
direct result of the exit plan, and $17.2 million of decommissioning
costs, miscellaneous taxes and other exit costs. The restructuring
activities in the PRC have been substantially completed with the
liquidation of certain investments and the sale of certain assets still
in process at December 31, 2003.

37

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

4. BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION COSTS (CONTINUED)

Aerospace and Technologies
Earnings were recorded of $0.2 million in the third quarter
of 2003, $2 million in December 2002 and $2.2 million in
December 2001 related to the reversal of portions of a second
quarter 2001 aerospace charge as a result of exit costs no longer
required due to the sale of one of the exited product lines. Also
in the fourth quarter of 2002, we recorded a $2.5 million after-tax
charge to write off an equity investment in an aerospace company.

In the second quarter of 2001, we ceased operations in two com-
mercial developmental product lines in our aerospace and technolo-
gies business. A pretax charge of $16 million ($9.7 million after tax)
was recorded in the second quarter of 2001. Details of the charge
are included in the table below. The charge for other assets and
costs was comprised of $10 million of accounts receivable deemed
uncollectible and inventories deemed unsaleable, both as a direct
result of the exit plan and $3.6 million of decommissioning and
other exit costs. These actions were substantially completed by the
end of 2002.

Severance and other benefit costs related to the above actions in the PRC and the U.S. are associated with 1,640 former employees,
primarily manufacturing and administrative personnel. The following table summarizes the activity related to the restructuring and plant
closing activities for 2001 through 2003:

($ in millions)

Charge to earnings in 2001:

Fixed Assets/
Spare Parts

Goodwill

Minority
Interests
and Equity
Investments

Pension/
Employee
Costs

Other
Assets/Costs

Total

PRC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North America packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers to assets to reflect 

estimated realizable values  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers to liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Charge (income) in 2002:

PRC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North America packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash proceeds (payments)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers to assets to reflect 

estimated realizable values  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers to liabilities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at December 31, 2002  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Charge (income) in 2003:

PRC  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North America packaging  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Aerospace and technologies  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash proceeds (payments)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers to assets to reflect 

estimated realizable values  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

83.1
15.8
1.9

100.8
–n

(100.8)
–n

–n

0.1
(0.8)
–n

(0.7)
0.4

0.3
–n

–n

(1.3)
0.3
–n

(1.0)
1.9

(0.9)

Balance at December 31, 2003  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

–n

$

38

$

64.4
–n
–n

64.4
–n

(64.4)
–n

–n

–n
–n
–n

–n
–n

–n
–n

–n

–n
–n
–n

–n
–n

–n

–n

$

27.9
–n
–n

27.9
(10.4)

(19.4)
1.9

–n

–n
–n
2.5

2.5
–n

(2.5)
–n

–n

(0.3)
–n
–n

(0.3)
0.3

$

9.5
5.7
0.1

15.3
(5.6)

–n
(1.0)

8.7

(1.4)
0.8
–n

(0.6)
(4.0)

–n
–n

4.1

–n
–n
–n

–n
(1.4)

47.8
3.2
11.8

62.8
(3.6)

(40.3)
(2.3)

16.6

(3.8)
0.8
(2.0)

(5.0)
(2.7)

0.8
(2.2)

7.5

(1.7)
–n
(0.2)

(1.9)
(0.3)

$

232.7
24.7
13.8

271.2
(19.6)

(224.9)
(1.4)

25.3

(5.1)
0.8
0.5

(3.8)
(6.3)

(1.4)
(2.2)

11.6

(3.3)
0.3
(0.2)

(3.2)
0.5

(0.5)

8.4

–n

–n

$

–n

2.7

$

0.4

5.7

$

$

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

4. BUSINESS CONSOLIDATION COSTS (CONTINUED)

6. INVENTORIES

($ in millions)

Raw materials and supplies  . . . . . . . . .
Work in process and finished goods . . . .

December 31,

2003

2002

$

$

199.6
346.6
546.2

$

$

183.0
369.5
552.5

Approximately 29 percent and 32 percent of total inventories at
December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were valued using the
LIFO method of accounting. Inventories at December 31, 2003
and 2002, would have been $1.4 million higher and $2.4 million
lower, respectively, than the reported amounts if the FIFO method
of accounting, which approximates replacement cost, had been used
for those inventories.

7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

($ in millions)

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Machinery and equipment . . . . . . . . . 

Accumulated depreciation. . . . . . . . . . 

December 31,

$ 

2003

75.0
681.0
1,980.9

$

2002

69.9
609.5
1,847.9

2,736.9
(1,265.8)

2,527.3
(1,081.4)

$ 1,471.1

$ 1,445.9

Property, plant and equipment are stated at historical cost.

Depreciation expense amounted to $193 million, $145.3 million and
$137.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively. The increase in property, plant and equipment
during 2003 is the result of planned capital spending projects as
well as the effects of foreign exchange rates.

During 2003 the company entered into capital leases totaling
$6.7 million. These capital leases are noncash transactions and,
accordingly, have been excluded from the consolidated statement
of cash flows.

Balances remaining at December 31, 2003, will be used as

employee and other costs are paid and as the related companies are
liquidated. The carrying value of fixed assets remaining for sale in
connection with the business consolidation activities was approxi-
mately $1.6 million at December 31, 2003. The remaining accrued
employee severance and other exit costs for business consolidation
activities commenced prior to 2001 were approximately $0.6 million
at December 31, 2003, including an additional charge in 2002 of
$1.5 million for the further write down to net realizable value of
assets remaining for sale. Subsequent changes to the estimated costs
of the company’s business consolidation activities, if any, will be
included in current-period earnings.

5. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Accounts receivable are net of an allowance for doubtful accounts
of $15.4 million at December 31, 2003, and $13.6 million at
December 31, 2002.

A receivables sales agreement provides for the ongoing, revolving
sale of a designated pool of trade accounts receivable of Ball’s North
American packaging operations, up to $175 million. The agreement
qualifies as off-balance sheet financing under the provisions of SFAS
No. 140. Net funds received from the sale of the accounts receivable
totaled $175 million at December 31, 2003, and $122.5 million at
December 31, 2002, and are reflected as a reduction of accounts
receivable in the consolidated balance sheets. Fees incurred in
connection with the sale of accounts receivable, which are reported
as part of selling and administrative expenses, totaled $2.5 million
in 2003, $3 million in 2002 and $5.5 million in 2001. The fees were
progressively lower over the three-year period due largely to decreases
in interest rates.

Net accounts receivable under long-term contracts, due primarily
from agencies of the U.S. government and their prime contractors,
were $102.7 million and $86.3 million at December 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively, and include unbilled amounts representing
revenue earned but contractually not yet billable of $13 million
and $30.8 million, respectively. The average length of the long-term
contracts is approximately three years and the average length
remaining on those contracts at December 31, 2003, was
approximately 15 months. Approximately $2.9 million of unbilled
receivables at December 31, 2003, is expected to be collected after
one year and is related to fees and cost withholds that will be paid
upon completion of milestones or other contract terms, as well as
final overhead rate settlements.

39

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

8. GOODWILL

($ in millions)

North
American
Packaging

International
Packaging

Balance at December 31, 2002  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business acquisition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchase price and other adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effects of foreign exchange rates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

327.4
17.4
2.4
8.4

820.7
–
3.6
157.0

Total

$ 1,148.1
17.4
6.0
165.4

Balance at December 31, 2003  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

355.6

$

981.3

$ 1,336.9

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, which Ball adopted on January 1, 2002, goodwill is no longer amortized but rather tested periodically
for impairment. There was no impairment of goodwill in 2003 or 2002. Total amortization expense of goodwill amounted to $10.7 million
for the year ended December 31, 2001.

The following table summarizes the pro forma earnings and per share impact if goodwill had not been amortized during 2001:

($ in millions)

Net earnings (loss) as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro forma net earnings (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share:

Basic earnings (loss) per share as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro forma basic earnings (loss) per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share:

Diluted earnings (loss) per share as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add back goodwill amortization, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Pro forma diluted earnings (loss) per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2003

2002

2001

$

$

$

$

$

$

229.9
–n

229.9

4.12
–n

4.12

$

$

$

$ 

4.02  $
–n

4.02

$

156.1
–n

156.1

2.77
–n

2.77

2.71
–n

2.71

$

$

$

$

$

$

(99.2)
9.1

(90.1)

(1.85)
0.17

(1.68)

(1.85)
0.15

(1.70)

9. INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS

($ in millions)

Intangibles and Other Assets

2003

2002

Investments in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Prepaid pension and related intangible asset  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other intangibles (net of accumulated amortization of $30.1 and

$

$16.6 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deferred financing costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$ 

92.8
91.2

66.7
32.5
54.9

78.3
88.9

65.6
35.9
45.2

$

338.1

$

313.9

Total amortization expense of other intangible assets amounted to $12.5 million, $3.9 million and $3.9 million for the years ended

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The change in other intangibles from 2002 to 2003 included a reduction of $12.5 million
for amortization expense and an increase of $13.6 million due to foreign exchange rates. Based on intangible assets and foreign exchange
rates as of December 31, 2003, total annual intangible asset amortization expense is expected to be between $9.3 million and $11.2 million
in each of the next five years.

40

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

10. DEBT AND INTEREST COSTS
Short-term debt at December 31, 2003, includes $39.3 million outstanding under uncommitted bank facilities totaling $179.6 million.
At December 31, 2002, $47.1 million was outstanding under uncommitted bank facilities totaling $80 million. The weighted average inter-
est rate of the outstanding short-term facilities was 3.24 percent at December 31, 2003, and 4.7 percent at December 31, 2002. Also
included in 2002 was $20.9 million of debt associated with Ball Packaging Europe’s accounts receivable securitization program with a year-
end weighted average interest rate of 3.5 percent. The European program was discontinued during 2003.

Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:

($ in millions)

Notes Payable

2003

In Local
Currency

In U.S. $

2002

In Local
Currency

In U.S. $

7.75% Senior Notes due August 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
6.875% Senior Notes due December 2012 

(excluding premium of $4.8 million in 2003). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
8.25% Senior Subordinated Notes due August 2008. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Senior Credit Facilities

Term Loan A, Euro denominated due December 2007

(2003 – 4.14%; 2002 – 5.25%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Term Loan A, British sterling denominated due December 2007 

(2003 – 6.04%; 2002 – 6.30%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Term Loan B, Euro denominated due December 2009

(2003 – 4.64%; 2002 – 5.75%). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Term Loan B, U.S. dollar denominated due December 2009 

$

$

€ 

£ 

€ 

300.0

$

300.0

550.0
–n

96.0

63.2

550.0
–n

120.8

112.9

266.1

334.7

(2003 – 2.92%; 2002 – 3.66%) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

186.9

186.9

Multi-currency revolver, U.S. dollar equivalent 

(3.50% weighted average at year end 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Multi-currency revolver, Euro equivalent 

(4.97% weighted average at year end 2002) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

–n

–n

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds

Floating rates due through 2011 (2003 – 1.20% to 1.35%; 2002 - 1.60%) . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

27.1

Less: Current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

300.0

$

300.0

300.0
250.0

300.0
250.0

120.0

126.0

79.0

127.2

294.0

308.7

350.0

350.0

$

$
$

€ 

£ 

€

$

$

–n

10.0

–n

€ 

86.0

$ 

27.1

27.1
15.2

1,647.6
(68.3)

$ 1,579.3

10.0

90.3

27.1
23.7

1,913.0
(59.0)

$ 1,854.0

The senior credit facilities bear interest at variable rates and
are comprised of the following: (1) Term Loan A, denominated in
euros and British pounds, due in installments through December
2007; (2) Term Loan B, denominated in euros, due in installments
through December 2009; (3) Term Loan B, denominated in U.S.
dollars, due in installments through December 2009; (4) a multi-
currency long-term revolving credit facility which provides the com-
pany with up to the equivalent of $415 million; and (5) a Canadian
long-term revolving credit facility which provides the company with
up to the equivalent of $35 million. Both revolving credit facilities
expire in 2007. At December 31, 2003, approximately $404 million
was available under the revolving credit facilities.

During the fourth quarter of 2003, Ball repaid $160 million of
the U.S. dollar denominated Term Loan B and €25 million of the
euro denominated Term Loan B. At the time of the early repay-
ment, the interest rate on the U.S. portion of the Term Loan B
was reduced by 50 basis points. A pretax charge of $2.9 million
($1.9 million after tax) was recorded as interest expense during
the fourth quarter of 2003 for the write off of the unamortized
deferred financing costs associated with the repaid portion of
the Term B loans.

On August 8, 2003, Ball refinanced its 8.25% Senior

Subordinated Notes due in 2008 through the private placement
of $250 million of its 6.875% Senior Notes due in 2012 at a price

41

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

10. DEBT AND INTEREST COSTS (CONTINUED)

of 102% of the principal amount. The 6.875% interest rate on the
notes will be offset by the amortization over the life of the notes
of the $5 million issue premium paid to Ball on the issuance of the
notes, resulting in an effective yield to maturity of 6.58% for the
new notes. In connection with the refinancing of the higher interest
debt, in the third quarter of 2003, a pretax charge of $15.2 million
($9.9 million after tax) was recorded as interest expense, which
consisted of the payment of a $10.3 million call premium and the
write off of $4.9 million of unamortized financing costs.

In connection with the acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe
on December 19, 2002, Ball refinanced $389 million of its existing
debt and wrote off to interest expense $5.2 million ($3.2 million
after tax) of unamortized financing costs.

Financing costs incurred with the placement of the senior
credit facilities and senior notes totaled $5.2 million in 2003 and
$28.1 million in 2002, of which $2.9 million was written off in
2003 in connection with early debt repayments. The remaining
unamortized financing costs are included in other assets on the con-
solidated balance sheet and are being amortized to earnings on a
straight-line basis over the remaining lives of the related facilities.

The company exchanged the 6.875% Senior Notes due in 2012
for new notes that are substantially the same in all respects (includ-
ing principal amount, interest rate, maturity, ranking and covenant
restrictions) to the terms of the notes for which they were
exchanged, except that the new notes are registered under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and therefore are not subject
to certain restrictions on transfer which applied to the previous
privately placed notes.

The notes payable and senior credit facilities are guaranteed 
on a full, unconditional and joint and several basis by certain of the
company’s domestic wholly-owned subsidiaries. Certain tranches of
the senior credit facilities are similarly guaranteed by certain of the
company’s wholly owned foreign subsidiaries. The senior credit
facilities are secured by: (1) a pledge of 100 percent of the stock
owned by the company in its material direct and indirect majority-
owned domestic subsidiaries and (2) a pledge of the company’s
stock, owned directly or indirectly, of certain foreign subsidiaries,
which equals 65 percent of the stock of each such foreign sub-
sidiary. Separate financial statements for the guarantor subsidiaries
and the non-guarantor subsidiaries are not presented because
management has determined that such financial statements would
not be material to investors. Condensed, consolidating financial
information for the company, segregating the guarantor subsidiaries
and non-guarantor subsidiaries, will be provided in an exhibit to
our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

Maturities of all fixed long-term debt obligations outstanding

at December 31, 2003, are $68.3 million, $73.2 million, 
$365.2 million, $72.2 million and $9.6 million for the years 
ending December 31, 2004 through 2008, respectively, and
$1,054.3 million thereafter.

Ball issues letters of credit in the ordinary course of business to
secure liabilities recorded in connection with industrial development
revenue bonds and insurance arrangements, of which $45.6 million
and $41.2 million were outstanding at December 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively.

The company was not in default of any loan agreement at

December 31, 2003, and has met all payment obligations. The U.S.
note agreements, bank credit agreement and industrial development
revenue bond agreements contain certain restrictions relating to div-
idends, share repurchases, investments, financial ratios, guarantees
and the incurrence of additional indebtedness.

A summary of total interest cost paid and accrued follows:

($ in millions)

2003

2002

2001

Interest costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Amounts capitalized . . . . . . . . . . 

$ 144.2 $ 
(3.1)

83.2 $
(2.4)

Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$  141.1 $

80.8 $

Interest paid during the year . . . 

$ 139.2 $

74.3 $

89.7
(1.4)

88.3

89.0

11. LEASES
The company leases warehousing and manufacturing space and
certain equipment, primarily within the packaging segments, and
office and technical space, primarily within the aerospace and
technologies segment. During 2003 we entered into a lease which
qualifies as an operating lease for book purposes and a capital lease
for tax purposes. Under this lease arrangement, Ball has the option
to purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term, or if we
elect not to do so, to compensate the lessor for the difference between
a guaranteed minimum residual value of $12.2 million and the fair
market value of the asset, if less. The company had similar lease
arrangements prior to 2003. During 2001 we purchased some of
these leased assets for a total of $50.5 million and during 2002 we
purchased all of the remaining assets for $43.1 million. Certain of
the company’s leases in effect at December 31, 2003, include renewal
options and/or escalation clauses for adjusting lease expense based
on various factors.

Total noncancellable operating leases in effect at December 31,

2003, require rental payments of $44.1 million, $34.6 million,
$23.6 million, $16.6 million and $11.2 million for the years 2004
through 2008, respectively, and $30.8 million combined for
all years thereafter. Lease expense for all operating leases was
$64.8 million, $50.7 million and $58.1 million in 2003,
2002 and 2001, respectively.

42

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

12. TAXES ON INCOME

The amounts of earnings (losses) before income taxes by national
jurisdiction follow:

($ in millions)

2003

2002

2001

U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$ 187.8 $  224.4 $ 112.8
(226.5)

131.9

5.8

$ 319.7 $ 230.2 $ (113.7)

The provision for income tax expense (benefit) was as follows:

($ in millions)
Current

2003

2002

2001

U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
State and local . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total current . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

35.5 $
7.9
38.9
82.3

47.4 $
6.8
2.1
56.3

(5.3)
(7.7)
0.8
(12.2)

Deferred

U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
State and local . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Foreign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total deferred. . . . . . . . . . . 
Provision for income taxes. . . . . 

22.9
2.7
(7.8)
17.8
$ 100.1 $

23.4
3.4
(1.2)
25.6
81.9 $

(8.2)
6.9
3.8
2.5
(9.7)

The 2001 current and deferred U.S. benefits above include the
offsetting effects of a $34 million minimum tax credit reclassified
from current to deferred since full realization is not expected
before 2005.

The income tax provision recorded within the consolidated
statements of earnings differs from the provision determined by
applying the U.S. statutory tax rate to pretax earnings as a result
of the following:

($ in millions)
Statutory U.S. federal 

2003

2002

2001

income tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$ 111.9 $

80.6 $ (39.8)

Increase (decrease) due to:

Foreign tax holiday . . . . . . . . 
Company-owned 

life insurance . . . . . . . . . . . 
Tax rate differences . . . . . . . . 
Research and development 

tax credits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

U.S. tax effects of China 
restructuring and
nondeductible goodwill . . . 
State and local taxes, net . . . . 
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Provision for taxes . . . . . . . . . 

Effective tax rate expressed

as a percentage of 
pretax earnings. . . . . . . . . . . . 

(8.4)

(4.8)
(5.5)

(1.5)

–n

(2.5)
–n

(1.3)

–n

(2.9)
–n

(1.3)

–n
6.9
1.5
$ 100.1 $

–n
6.8
(1.7)
81.9 $

28.6
2.8
2.9
(9.7)

31.3%

35.6%

(8.6)%

43

In 1995, Ball Packaging Europe’s Polish subsidiary was granted

a tax holiday. Under the terms of the holiday, an exemption was
granted on manufacturing earnings for up to €39.5 million of
income tax. At December 31, 2003, the remaining tax holiday
available to reduce future Polish tax liability was €14.8 million. 

Provision has not been made for additional U.S. or foreign taxes
on undistributed earnings of controlled foreign corporations where
such earnings will continue to be reinvested. It is not practicable to
estimate the additional taxes, including applicable foreign withhold-
ing taxes, that might become payable upon the eventual remittance
of the foreign earnings for which no provision has been made.

Net income tax payments were $28.4 million, $16.2 million and

$0.2 million for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at

December 31 were:

($ in millions)
Deferred tax assets: 

2003

2002

Deferred compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $ (42.9) $ (43.5)
(62.1)
Accrued employee benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . 
(43.7)
Plant closure costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
(34.0)
Alternative minimum tax credits . . . . . . . . 
(26.7)
Accrued pensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
(44.0)
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
(254.0)
Deferred tax liabilities:

(64.0)
(33.4)
(31.5)
(42.0)
(67.6)
(281.4)

Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Goodwill and other intangible assets . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net deferred tax liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  $

278.9
38.0
23.4
340.3
58.9 $

237.5
13.6
19.6
270.7
16.7

The net change in deferred taxes during 2003 is primarily attri-
butable to accelerated (including bonus) depreciation, the effects of
foreign exchange rates and an increase in accrued pension liabilities.
At December 31, 2003, the company, excluding Ball Packaging

Europe, had capital loss carryforwards, expiring in 2004, of
$20.5 million with a related tax benefit of $8 million. That benefit
has been fully offset by a valuation allowance as the company
currently does not anticipate capital gains in the carryforward period
to allow realization of the tax benefit.

At December 31, 2003, Ball Packaging Europe and subsidiaries

had net operating loss carryforwards, with no expiration date, of
$72.8 million with a related tax benefit of $23.2 million. That
benefit has been offset by a valuation allowance of $15.1 million
due to the uncertainty of ultimate realization. Any realization of the
valuation allowance will be recognized as a reduction in goodwill.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

($ in millions)

2003

2002

Total defined benefit pension liability . . . . . .  $ 470.8 $ 417.6
(10.3)
Less current defined benefit pension liability. . 

(24.6)

Long-term defined benefit pension liability . . 
Retiree medical and other 

postemployment benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Deferred compensation plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

446.2

407.3

119.6
117.8
18.1

111.3
100.9
27.0

$ 701.7 $ 646.5

Defined Benefit Pension Plans
The company’s pension plans cover substantially all U.S.,
Canadian and European employees meeting certain eligibility
requirements. The defined benefit plans for salaried employees,

as well as those for hourly employees in Germany and the
United Kingdom, provide pension benefits based on employee
compensation and years of service. In addition, the plan covering
salaried employees in Canada includes a defined contribution
feature. Plans for North American hourly employees provide
benefits based on fixed rates for each year of service. The German
plans are not funded but the company maintains book reserves
and annual additions to the reserves are generally tax deductible.
With the exception of the German plans, our policy is to fund
the plans on a current basis to the extent deductible under
existing tax laws and regulations and in amounts at least sufficient
to satisfy statutory funding requirements. Plan assets consist
primarily of common stocks and fixed income securities. We
also have defined benefit pension obligations in France and
Austria, the assets and liabilities of which are insignificant.

An analysis of the change in benefit accruals for 2003 and 2002 follows:

U.S.

2003
Foreign

Total

U.S.

2002
Foreign

Total

($ in millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at 

$

prior measurement date  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe  . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign exchange rates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball Packaging Europe opening balance 

sheet adjustments and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Projected benefit obligation at year end . . . . . . . . .

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of assets at prior measurement date . . . .
Actual return on plan assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe  . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of foreign exchange rates  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ball Packaging Europe opening balance 

sheet adjustments and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of assets at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

550.1
18.8
36.3
(27.0)
31.0
–n
–n

3.6
612.8

405.2
83.1
26.7
(27.0)
–n
–n

–n
488.0

Funded status  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(124.8)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized prior service cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

221.9
30.7
127.8

$

430.8
7.7
26.0
(28.0)
8.1
–n
81.9

17.4
543.9

122.2
17.7
7.4
(9.0)
–n
21.4

(1.3)
158.4
(385.5)(a)

29.6
4.8
(351.1)

$

$

980.9
26.5
62.3
(55.0)
39.1
–n
81.9

21.0
1,156.7

527.4
100.8
34.1
(36.0)
–n
21.4

(1.3)
646.4

$

441.9
15.7
32.7
(31.9)
85.4
–n
–n

6.3
550.1

351.9
(1.0)
86.2
(31.9)
–n
–n

–n
405.2

(510.3)

(144.9)

251.5
35.5
(223.3) $

$

240.8
30.0
125.9

$ 

$

68.5
0.4
5.1
(5.7)
4.6
357.0
0.9

–n
430.8

64.0
2.9
2.9
(5.7)
57.4
0.7

–n
122.2
(308.6)(a)

24.0
1.3
(283.3)

$

510.4
16.1
37.8
(37.6)
90.0
357.0
0.9

6.3
980.9

415.9
1.9
89.1
(37.6)
57.4
0.7

–n
527.4

(453.5)

264.8
31.3
(157.4)

(a) The German plans are unfunded and, therefore, the liability is included in the sponsor company’s balance sheet and benefits are paid by the company to the participants. The
German plans represented $323.3 million and $250.6 million of the total unfunded status as December 31, 2003, and 2002, respectively. The increase from 2002 to 2003 is
primarily the result of foreign exchange rates.

44

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

Amounts recognized in the balance sheet at December 31 consisted of:

($ in millions)

Prepaid benefit cost  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued benefit liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax benefit associated with 

U.S.

2003
Foreign

Total

U.S.

2002
Foreign

$

$

54.7
(86.8)
30.4

1.2
(384.0)
4.9

$

$

55.9
(470.8)
35.3

56.8
(110.1)
30.0

$

$

0.9
(307.5)
1.2

Total

57.7
(417.6)
31.2

accumulated other comprehensive loss  . . . . . . . . .

51.1

12.1

63.2

58.8

7.6

66.4

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, 

net of tax effect  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net amount recognized  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

78.4
127.8

14.7
(351.1)

93.1
(223.3) $ 

$ 

$ 

90.4
125.9

14.5
(283.3)

$

104.9
(157.4)

$ 

The accumulated benefit obligation for all U.S. defined benefit pension plans was $569.4 million and $511.8 million at December 31,

2003 and 2002, respectively. The accumulated benefit obligation for all foreign defined benefit pension plans was $506.2 million and
$378.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Following is the information for defined benefit plans with an accumulated
benefit obligation in excess of plan assets at December 31:

($ in millions)

Projected benefit obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated benefit obligation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

U.S.

422.9
410.1
323.2

Components of net periodic benefit cost were:

($ in millions)

Service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Expected return on plan assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Amortization of transition asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Curtailment loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Recognized net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

$

2003
Foreign

Total

U.S.

2002
Foreign

$

515.7
477.9
129.0

$ 

938.6
888.0
452.2

389.5
376.3
266.2

$ 

$ 

406.6
354.6
97.4

Total

796.1
730.9
363.6

2003
Foreign

Total

2002(a)

2001(a)

$ 

$

7.7
26.0
(10.1)
0.1
–n
–n
1.0

$

26.5
62.3
(52.5)
3.0
–n
–n
10.1

$

16.1
37.8
(46.7)
2.8
–n
0.2
0.8

13.1
34.4
(45.1)
1.4
(0.6)
0.4
0.4

U.S.

18.8
36.3
(42.4)
2.9
–n
–n
9.1

Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$ 

24.7

$

24.7

$

49.4

$

11.0

$ 

4.0

(a) Net periodic benefit cost for the U.S. and foreign plans have been aggregated prior to 2003 since the cost associated with the foreign plans was insignificant prior to the acquisition 

of Ball Packaging Europe on December 19, 2002.

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the North American plans at December 31 using the measure-

ment dates of December 31, 2003, December 31, 2002, and September 30, 2001, for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, were:

Discount rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2003

6.25%
3.33%

U.S.
2002

6.75%
3.33%

2001

7.50%
3.33%

2003

6.20%
3.50%

Canada
2002

6.37%
3.50%

2001

6.68%
3.50%

45

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations for the European pension plans at December 31 using the

measurement dates of December 31, 2003, and December 31, 2002, for 2003 and 2002, respectively, were:

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension increases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

United Kingdom

Germany

2003

5.50%
4.00%
2.50%

2002

5.50%
4.00%
2.50%

2003

5.25%
3.00%
2.00%

2002

5.50%
3.25%
2.00%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the North American plans for the years ended 

December 31 were:

Discount rate  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected long-term rates of return on assets  . . . . . . .

2003

6.75%
3.33%
8.50%

U.S.
2002

7.50%
3.33%
9.00%

2001

8.00%
3.33%
9.88%

2003

6.37%
3.50%
7.69%

Canada
2002

6.68%
3.50%
8.00%

2001

6.68%
3.50%
9.50%

Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the European plans for the years ended December 31 were:

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension increases  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected long-term rates of return on assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

United Kingdom

Germany

2003

5.50%
4.00%
2.50%
7.00%

2002

5.50%
4.00%
2.50%
7.00%

2003

5.50%
3.25%
2.00%
N/A

2002

5.50%
3.25%
2.00%
N/A

The assumption related to the expected long-term rate of return
on plan assets reflects the average rate of earnings expected on the
funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits over the
life of the plans. The assumption is based upon Ball’s pension plan
asset allocations, investment strategies and the views of investment
managers and other large pension plan sponsors. Some reliance was
placed on historical asset returns for our plans. An asset-return
generation model was used to project future asset returns using
simulation and asset class correlation. The analysis includes expected
future risk premiums, forward looking return expectations derived
from the yield on long-term bonds and the price earnings ratios of
major stock market indexes, expected inflation and real risk-free
interest rate assumptions, and the fund’s expected asset allocation.
The expected long-term rates of return on assets are calculated
by applying the expected rate of return to a market related value of
plan assets at the beginning of the year, adjusted for the weighted
average expected contributions and benefit payments. For the
North American plans, the market related value of plan assets
used to calculate expected return was $570.4 million for 2003,
$501.6 million for 2002 and $479.8 million for 2001. For the
United Kingdom plan, the fair market value of plan assets was used

to calculate the expected long-term rates of return on assets for
2003 and 2002.

During 2002 the measurement date for determining the fair
value of plan assets and obligations was changed from September 30
to December 31 for several reasons: (1) December 31 better reflects
the company’s financial position at year end; (2) the European plans
have historically had a December 31 measurement date; and
(3) reliable trustee information is now available in a more timely
manner. The change in measurement date was not significant to
Ball’s net earnings but resulted in a $41 million reduction of the
required minimum pension liability adjustment, including the effect
of a fourth quarter contribution of $37 million, which brought one
of the company’s defined benefit plans into a fully funded status.
The additional minimum pension liability, less related intangible
asset, was recognized net of tax benefits as a component of
shareholders’ equity within accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Included in other comprehensive earnings, net of related tax effect,
was a decrease in the minimum liability of $11.8 million in 2003
and increases of $99.2 million and $3.8 million in 2002 and
2001, respectively.

46

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

For pension plans, accumulated gains and losses in excess of a
10 percent corridor, the prior service cost and the transition asset
are being amortized on a straight-line basis from the date recognized
over the average remaining service period of active participants.

Defined Benefit Pension Plan Assets
Investment policies and strategies for the plan assets in the 
U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom are established by
committees in each country and include the following common
themes: (1) to invest the funds in accordance with applicable
standards; (2) to provide for long-term growth of principal income
without undue exposure to risk; (3) to minimize contributions
to the plans; (4) to minimize and stabilize pension expense; and 
(5) to achieve a rate of return which is above the market average
for each asset class over the long term. The investment committees
are required to regularly, but no less frequently than once annually,
review asset mix and asset performance, as well as the performance
of the investment managers. Based on their reviews, which are
generally conducted quarterly, investment policies and strategies
are revised as appropriate.

Target asset allocations are set using a minimum and maximum
range for each asset category as a percent of the total funds market
value. Following are the ranges established for the U.S. and
Canadian plans as of December 31, 2003:

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Canadian equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fixed income securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Alternative investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

U.S.

Canada

0-10%
30-75% (a)

–n

25-60% (b)
0-10%

0-10%
15-35% (c)
30-50%
25-45%
–n

(a) Equity securities may consist of up to 20 percent foreign equity securities.
(b) Debt securities may include up to 20 percent high yield non-investment grade bonds.
(c) The percentage of foreign equity securities must remain within the Canadian tax

law for foreign property limits.

The United Kingdom plan does not establish target asset alloca-

tions but relies on the advice of third-party investment managers
and consultants. None of Ball’s defined benefit pension plans allow
for investment in Ball common stock.

The actual weighted average asset allocations for Ball’s defined
benefit pension plans, which were within the established targets
for each country, were as follows at December 31:

2003

2002

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Equity securities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fixed income securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

1%
66%
32%
1%

9% (a)
58%
32%
1%

100%

100%

(a) Includes a $37 million cash contribution made on December 31, 2002.

Contributions to the company’s defined benefit pension plans,

not including the unfunded German plans, are expected to be
between $35 million and $40 million in 2004. This estimate may
change based on plan asset performance.

Other Postemployment Benefits
The company sponsors defined benefit and defined contribution
postretirement health care and life insurance plans for substantially
all U.S. and Canadian employees. Employees may also qualify for
long-term disability, medical and life insurance continuation and
other postemployment benefits upon termination of active employ-
ment prior to retirement. All of the Ball-sponsored postretirement
health care and life insurance plans are unfunded and, with the
exception of life insurance benefits, are self-insured.

In Canada, the company provides supplemental medical and
other benefits in conjunction with Canadian provincial health care
plans. Most U.S. salaried employees who retired prior to 1993 are
covered by noncontributory defined benefit medical plans with
capped lifetime benefits. Ball provides a fixed subsidy toward each
retiree’s future purchase of medical insurance for U.S. salaried and
substantially all nonunion hourly employees retiring after January 1,
1993. Life insurance benefits are noncontributory. Ball has no
commitments to increase benefits provided by any of the post-
employment benefit plans.

47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

An analysis of the change in other postemployment benefit accruals for 2003 and 2002 follows:

($ in millions)
Change in projected benefit obligation:

Projected benefit obligation at prior measurement date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Effect of foreign exchange rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Projected benefit obligation at year end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

$

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of assets at prior measurement date . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Employer contributions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Fair value of assets at end of year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

2003

2002

$

135.3
2.1
9.0
(7.9)
20.7
3.4
162.6

–n
7.9
(7.9)
–n

111.3
1.8
8.2
(10.0)
23.8
0.2
135.3

–n
10.0
(10.0)
–n

Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

(162.6)

(135.3)

Unrecognized net actuarial loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Unrecognized prior service cost. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Accrued benefit cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

40.1
2.9
(119.6)

$

20.7
3.3
(111.3)

$

Components of net periodic benefit cost were:

($ in millions)

2003

2002

2001

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
Amortization of prior

service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

Recognized net 

actuarial loss (gain) . . . . . . . . . 

$

2.1 $
9.0

1.8 $
8.2

0.4

2.0

0.4

0.2

2.4
7.6

0.4

(0.9)

Net periodic benefit cost . . . . . . 

$

13.5 $

10.6 $

9.5

The assumptions used for the determination of benefit obliga-
tions and net periodic benefit cost were the same as used for the
U.S. and Canadian defined benefit pension plans (included on
pages 45 and 46). For other postemployment benefits, accumulated
gains and losses, the prior service cost and the transition asset are
being amortized over the average remaining service period of
active participants.

For the U.S. health care plans at December 31, 2003, an 
8.5 percent health care cost trend rate was used for pre-65 and 
post-65 benefits, and trend rates were assumed to decrease by 
one-half of one percent per year until 2011 when they reach 
5 percent and remain level thereafter. For the Canadian plans,
an 8.5 percent health care cost trend rate was used, which was
assumed to decrease to 4.5 percent by 2008 and remain at that 
level in subsequent years.

Health care cost trend rates can have an effect on the amounts
reported for the health care plan. A one-percentage point change
in assumed health care cost trend rates would increase or decrease
the total of service and interest cost by approximately $0.3 million
and the postemployment benefit obligation by approximately
$5 million. 

48

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

13. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)

Other Benefit Plans
Prior to the payment of the ESOP loan by the trust on
December 14, 2001 (discussed in Note 14), substantially all U.S.
salaried employees and certain U.S. nonunion hourly employees
who participate in Ball’s 401(k) salary conversion plan automatically
participated in the company’s ESOP through an employer matching
contribution. Cash contributions to the ESOP trust, including
preferred dividends, were used to service the ESOP debt and were
$11.4 million in 2001. Interest paid by the ESOP trust for its
borrowings was $0.7 million for 2001. Subsequent to the payment
of the ESOP loan by the trust on December 14, 2001, the company
began matching employee contributions to the company’s 401(k)
with shares of Ball common stock beginning on January 1, 2002.
Matching contributions are limited to 50 percent of up to 6 percent
of a participant’s annual salary. The expense associated with the
company match amounted to $11.7 million and $10.9 million
for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

In addition, substantially all employees within the company’s

aerospace and technologies segment who participate in Ball’s
401(k) salary conversion plan receive a performance-based
matching cash contribution of up to 4 percent of base salary.
The company recognized $6 million and $4.8 million of
additional compensation expense related to this program 
for the years 2003 and 2002, respectively.

14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
At December 31, 2003, the company had 240 million shares of
common stock and 15 million shares of preferred stock authorized,
both without par value. Preferred stock includes 600,000 authorized
but unissued shares designated as Series A Junior Participating
Preferred Stock.

On January 23, 2002, the company’s board of directors declared

a two-for-one split of our stock and authorized the repurchase of
additional common shares. The stock split was effective February 22,
2002, for all shareholders of record on February 1, 2002. As a result
of the stock split, all amounts prior to the split related to earnings,
options and outstanding shares have been retroactively restated as if
the split had occurred as of January 1, 2001.

In accordance with plan provisions, effective December 14, 2001,

the ESOP loan was paid by the trust and each related preferred
share was converted into 1.1552 common shares, which were issued
out of treasury stock. These common shares were transferred to the
company’s 401(k) plan under which the employees have the option
to convert them to other investments.

Under the company’s successor Shareholder Rights Plan,
one Preferred Stock Purchase Right (Right) is attached to each
outstanding share of Ball Corporation common stock. Subject to
adjustment, each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase
from the company one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock of the company at an exercise price of
$130 per Right. If a person or group acquires 15 percent or more
of the company’s outstanding common stock (or upon occurrence
of certain other events), the Rights (other than those held by the
acquiring person) become exercisable and generally entitle the
holder to purchase shares of Ball Corporation common stock at
a 50 percent discount. The Rights, which expire in 2006, are
redeemable by the company at a redemption price of one cent per
Right and trade with the common stock. Exercise of such Rights
would cause substantial dilution to a person or group attempting
to acquire control of the company without the approval of Ball’s
board of directors. The Rights would not interfere with any merger
or other business combinations approved by the board of directors.
Common shares were reserved at December 31, 2002, for future
issuance under the employee stock purchase, stock option, dividend
reinvestment and restricted stock plans.

In connection with the employee stock purchase plan, the com-

pany contributes 20 percent of up to $500 of each participating
employee’s monthly payroll deduction toward the purchase of Ball
Corporation common stock. Company contributions for this plan
were approximately $2.5 million in 2003, $1.9 million in 2002 and
$1.8 million in 2001.

49

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The activity related to accumulated other comprehensive loss was as follows:

($ in millions)
December 31, 2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2001 change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
December 31, 2001 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2002 change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
December 31, 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
2003 change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

(a) Please refer to Note 16 for a discussion of the company’s use of derivative financial instruments.

Foreign
Currency
Translation

Minimum
Pension
Liability
(net of tax)

Effective
Financial
(a)Derivatives (a)

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

(27.8)
(2.1)
(29.9)
7.0

(1.9)
(3.8)
(5.7)
(99.2)
(22.9) $ (104.9)
11.8
103.6
(93.1)
80.7

$

–n
(8.1)
(8.1)
(2.4)
(10.5)
21.5
11.0

(29.7)
(14.0)
(43.7)
(94.6)
(138.3)
136.9
(1.4)

$

$

$

$

$ 

$ 

The minimum pension liability component of other comprehen-

sive loss increased significantly in 2002 due to poor stock market
performance causing lower than expected pension plan assets and
the use of a lower discount rate in the determination of benefit obli-
gations (presented in further detail in Note 13). The change in the
minimum pension liability is presented net of related tax expense
of $7.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, and net of
related tax benefit of $63.3 million and $2.1 million for the years
ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. No tax benefit
has been provided on the foreign currency translation loss compo-
nent for any period, as the undistributed earnings of the company’s
foreign investments will continue to be reinvested.

Stock Options and Restricted Shares
The company has several stock option plans under which options to
purchase shares of common stock have been granted to officers and
key employees at the market value of the stock at the date of grant.
Payment must be made at the time of exercise in cash or with shares
of stock owned by the option holder, which are valued at fair
market value on the date exercised. Options issued through
December 31, 2003, terminate 10 years from date of grant. Tier A
options are exercisable in four equal installments commencing one
year from date of grant, with the exception of certain Tier A options
granted in 1998, which became exercisable in October 2001 after

the company’s common stock price reached $30 or greater for
10 consecutive days.

Ball adopted a Deposit Share Program in March 2001 that, by
matching purchased shares with restricted shares, encourages certain
senior management employees and outside directors to invest in
Ball stock. Participants in the initial award had until March 2003
to acquire shares in order to receive the matching restricted shares
grants. Also, in general, restrictions on the matching shares lapse
at the end of four years from date of grant, or earlier if established
share ownership guidelines are met and if the qualifying purchased
shares are not sold or transferred prior to that time. As of
December 31, 2003, a total of 532,209 shares were granted under
this program and 49,816 were forfeited. This plan is accounted for
as a variable plan where expense is recorded based upon the current
market price of the company’s common stock until restrictions lapse.
The company recorded $10.5 million, $6 million and $1.3 million
of expense in connection with this program in 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively. The variations in 2003 compared to 2002 and
2001 are the result of the timing of the share grants as well as the
higher price of Ball stock. Ball guarantees loans made by a third
party bank to certain participants in the deposit share program,
of which $4.1 million was outstanding at December 31, 2003. 
In the event of a participant default, Ball would pursue payment
from the participant.

50

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

A summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31 follows (retroactively restated for the two-for-one stock split):

2003

2002

2001

Outstanding at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tier A options exercised  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tier B options exercised  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tier A options granted  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tier A options canceled  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Number of
Shares

3,208,747
(581,651)
–n
377,200
(73,293)

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$24.565
19.704
–n
55.196
27.534

Number of
Shares

3,783,538
(864,670)
(161,000)
559,350
(108,471)

Outstanding at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2,931,003

29.398

3,208,747

Exercisable at end of year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,613,163

21.970

1,581,302

Reserved for future grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,170,920

1,647,279

Additional information regarding options outstanding at December 31, 2003, follows:

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$ 19.252
18.521
12.188
47.490
24.000

24.565

19.033

$

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

17.297
15.513
12.188
21.960
20.857

19.252

17.567

Number of
Shares

4,308,510
(1,186,986)
(215,000)
976,684
(99,670)

3,783,538

1,951,746

2,315,876

Exercise Price Range

$12.188-$17.969

$21.225-$27.563

$47.490-$56.31

Total

Number of options outstanding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average exercise price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average remaining contractual life . . . . . . . .

Number of shares exercisable   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Weighted average exercise price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

988,799
$16.705
4.91 years

854,984
$16.732

1,040,817
$23.022
6.52 years

625,117
$23.701

901,387
$50.685
8.75 years

133,062
$47.49

2,931,003
$29.398
6.66 years

1,613,163
$21.97

These options cannot be traded in any equity market. However,
based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, adapted for use
in valuing compensatory stock options in accordance with SFAS
No. 123, options granted in 2003, 2002 and 2001 have estimated
weighted average fair values at the date of grant of $17.25,
$16.57 per share and $7.80 per share, respectively. The actual
value an employee may realize will depend on the excess of the
stock price over the exercise price on the date the option is exer-
cised. Consequently, there is no assurance that the value realized
by an employee will be at or near the value estimated.

The fair values were estimated using the following weighted

average assumptions:

Expected dividend yield . . . 
Expected stock 

2003
Grants

2002
Grants

2001
Grants

0.84%

0.70%

0.91%

price volatility. . . . . . . . . 
35.38%
2.87%
Risk-free interest rate . . . . . 
Expected life of options . . .  4.75 years

34.92%
4.57%
4.75 years

33.75%
4.84%
5.25 years

51

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

14. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

Ball accounts for its stock-based employee compensation programs using the intrinsic value method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25,
“Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” If we had elected to recognize compensation based upon the calculated fair value of the options
granted after 1994, pro forma net earnings and earnings per share would have been:

($ in millions)

Stock-based compensation as reported, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma effect of fair value based method  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma stock-based compensation, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings as reported  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma effect of fair value based method  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma net earnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share as reported  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma basic earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share as reported  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma diluted earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Years ended December 31,

2003

2002

2001

$

$

$

$

$ 

$

7.6
1.2
8.8

229.9
(1.2)
228.7

4.12
4.10

4.02
4.00

$

$

$

$

$

$

4.2
3.8
8.0

156.1
(3.8)
152.3

2.77
2.71

2.71
2.64

2.4
3.6
6.0

(99.2)
(3.6)
(102.8)

(1.85)
(1.92)

(1.85)
(1.92)

$

$

$

$

$

$

15. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table provides additional information on the computation of earnings per share amounts. Share and per share information
have been retroactively restated for the two-for-one stock split discussed in Note 14.

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

Diluted Earnings per Share

Years ended December 31,

2003

2002

2001

Net earnings (loss)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments for deemed ESOP cash contribution in lieu of the ESOP Preferred dividend . . . . . . .

Net earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

229.9
–n

229.9

$

$

156.1
–n

156.1

$ 

(99.2)
(1.4)

$

(100.6)

Weighted average common shares (000s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive securities:

55,855

56,317

54,880

Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted shares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common shares issuable upon conversion of the ESOP Preferred stock  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,282
–n

1,221
–n

Weighted average shares applicable to diluted earnings per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

57,137

57,538

Diluted earnings (loss) per share  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

4.02

$

2.71

$

–n (a)
–n (a)

54,880 (a)

(1.85)(a)

(a) The diluted loss per share and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding are the same as the basic measures because the assumed exercise of stock options and 

conversion of Ball’s employee stock ownership plan preferred stock would have been antidilutive.

52

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

15. EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)

The following options have been excluded for the respective years from the computation of the diluted earnings per share calculation

since they were anti-dilutive (i.e., the exercise price exceeded the average closing market price of common stock for the year):

Exercise Price

$ 27.563
47.490
56.310

Total

Expiration

2009
2012
2013

2003

–n
–n
319,700

319,700

2002

–n
547,500
–n

547,500

2001

403,470
–n
–n

403,470

16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Policies and Procedures
In the ordinary course of business, we employ established risk
management policies and procedures to reduce our exposure to
commodity price changes, changes in interest rates, fluctuations
in foreign currencies and fluctuations in prices of the company’s
common stock in regard to common share repurchases. Although
the instruments utilized involve varying degrees of credit and
interest risk, the counter parties to the agreements are financial
institutions, which are expected to perform fully under the terms
of the agreements.

Commodity Price Risk
We manage our North American commodity price risk in
connection with market price fluctuations of aluminum primarily
by entering into can and end sales contracts, which include
aluminum-based pricing terms that consider price fluctuations
under our commercial supply contracts for aluminum purchases.
The terms include a fixed price or an upper limit to the aluminum
component pricing. This matched pricing affects substantially all of
our North American metal beverage container net sales. We also, at
times, use certain derivative instruments such as option and forward
contracts as cash flow hedges of commodity price risk.

North American food can sales contracts incorporate annually
negotiated steel costs, and North American plastic container sales
include provisions to pass through resin cost changes. As a result,
we believe we have minimal, if any, exposure related to changes in
the costs of these commodities.

In Europe and Asia, the company manages the aluminum and
steel raw commodity price risks through annual contracts for the
purchase of the materials, as well as the sale of cans and ends, that
reduce the company’s exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices
within the current year. These purchase and sales contracts include
fixed price, floating and pass through pricing arrangements. The
company additionally uses forward and option contracts as cash
flow hedges to manage future aluminum price risk and foreign
exchange exposures for those sales contracts where there is not

a pass through arrangement to minimize the company’s exposure to
significant price changes.

At December 31, 2003, the company had aluminum forward

contracts with notional amounts of $115.6 million hedging its
aluminum purchase contracts. These forward contract agreements
expire within one year. Included in shareholders’ equity at
December 31, 2003, within accumulated other comprehensive 
loss, is a net gain of $6.4 million associated with these contracts,
$5.6 million of which is expected to be recognized in the consoli-
dated statement of earnings during 2004. The majority of the gains
on these derivative contacts will be offset by lower revenue from
fixed price sales contracts. At December 31, 2002, the company had
aluminum forward contracts with notional amounts of $321 mil-
lion hedging the aluminum in the aluminum purchase contracts.

The company’s equity joint ventures also had aluminum forward
contracts with notional amounts of $25 million hedging aluminum
purchase contracts at December 31, 2002. There were no forward
contract agreements at December 31, 2003.

Interest Rate Risk
Our objective in managing our exposure to interest rate changes
is to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings and cash
flows and to lower our overall borrowing costs. To achieve these
objectives, we use a variety of interest rate swaps, collars and options
to manage our mix of floating and fixed-rate debt. Interest rate
instruments held by the company at December 31, 2003, included
pay-floating and pay-fixed interest rate swaps. Pay-fixed swaps
effectively convert variable rate obligations to fixed rate instruments.
Pay-floating swaps effectively convert fixed-rate obligations to
variable rate instruments. Swap agreements expire at various times
up to three years. 

Interest rate swap agreements outstanding at December 31, 

2003, had notional amounts of $50 million at a floating rate
and $139.6 million at a fixed rate, or a net fixed position of
$89.6 million. Approximately $3.1 million of net gain associated
with these contracts is included in accumulated other compre-
hensive loss at December 31, 2003, of which approximately
$0.8 million is expected to be recognized in the consolidated

53

 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

16. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND RISK MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED)

statement of earnings during 2004. The company also had an interest rate cap on Eurolibor interest rates with a notional amount of 
€50 million. The fair value was not material at December 31, 2003 or 2002. At December 31, 2002, the agreements had notional
amounts of $75 million at a floating rate and $185 million at a fixed rate, or a net fixed position of $110 million. 

The fair value of all non-derivative financial instruments approximates their carrying amounts with the exception of long-term debt. Rates
currently available to the company for loans with similar terms and maturities are used to estimate the fair value of long-term debt based on
discounted cash flows. The fair value of derivatives generally reflects the estimated amounts that we would pay or receive upon termination
of the contracts at December 31, 2003 and 2002, taking into account any unrealized gains and losses on open contracts.

($ in millions)

2003

2002

Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

Carrying
Amount

Fair
Value

Long-term debt, including current portion  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrealized net gain (loss) on derivative contracts relating to debt  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 1,647.6
–n

$ 1,696.2
(0.4)

$  1,913.0
–n

$ 1,943.4
1.4

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
Our objective in managing exposure to foreign currency fluctua-
tions is to protect foreign cash flows and earnings associated with
foreign exchange rate changes through the use of cash flow hedges.
In addition, we manage foreign earnings translation volatility
through the use of foreign currency options. Our foreign currency
translation risk results from the European euro, British pound,
Canadian dollar, Polish zloty and Chinese renminbi. We face
currency exposures in our global operations as a result of purchasing
raw materials in U.S. dollars. Sales contracts are negotiated with
customers to reflect cost changes and, where there is not a foreign
exchange pass-through arrangement, the company uses forward and
option contracts to manage foreign currency exposures. Contracts
outstanding at December 31, 2003, expire in less than one year
and their fair value was a loss of $9.7 million.

Common Share Repurchases
In connection with the company’s ongoing share repurchases, the
company sells put options which give the purchasers of those
options the right to sell shares of the company’s common stock to
the company on specified dates at specified prices upon the exercise
of those options. Our objective in selling put options is to lower the
average purchase price of acquired shares. The put option contracts
allow us to determine the method of settlement, either in cash or

shares. As such, prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 during the
second quarter of 2003, the contracts were considered equity instru-
ments and changes in the fair value were not recognized in our
financial statements. Since the adoption of this accounting standard,
which is required on a prospective basis, changes in the fair value
are recognized in our net earnings. The impact on the 2003 consoli-
dated financial statements since the adoption of SFAS No. 150 was
not significant. There were no put option contracts outstanding at
December 31, 2003. At December 31, 2002, there were put option
contracts outstanding for 100,000 shares at an average price of
$46.50 per share, all of which expired without value during 2003.
During 2002 we received $0.7 million in premiums for option con-
tracts, which were recorded as a reduction in treasury stock. 

In 2001 we entered into a forward share repurchase agreement

to purchase shares of the company’s common stock. Under this
agreement, we purchased 736,800 shares in January 2002 an
average price of $33.58 per share; 313,400 shares in April 2002
at an average price of $38.95 per share; 195,600 shares in July 2002
at an average price of $45.49 per share and 189,900 shares in
December 2002 at an average price of $45.67 per share.

54

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

17. QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
The company’s fiscal quarters end on the Sunday nearest the calendar quarter end. The fiscal years end on December 31.

2003 Quarterly Information
The acquisition of Ball Packaging Europe in December 2002 significantly increased the revenues and added to the net earnings during all
four quarters of 2003 compared to 2002. Other items affecting comparability included a gain of $1.6 million recorded in the fourth quarter
or 2003 in connection with the sale of the Moultrie, Georgia, plant that was closed in late 2001, as well as the completion of the Moultrie
business consolidation activities. In the third quarter of 2003, the company recorded $3.5 million of earnings related to PRC and aerospace
consolidation activities commenced in 2001. The third quarter also included after-tax debt refinancing costs of $9.9 million. In February
2003 Ball announced plans to close its Blytheville, Arkansas, metal food container plant to address decreased demand for three-piece welded
cans. In connection with the closure, a charge of $1.9 million ($1.2 million after tax), partially offset by a $0.5 million gain ($0.3 million
after tax) on the sale of a Canadian plant that was included in a restructuring charge taken in 2002, was recorded in the first quarter of 2003.

2002 Quarterly Information
The fourth quarter of 2002 included income of $2.3 million related to business consolidation activities and after-tax debt refinancing costs
of $3.2 million. Other than these two items, fluctuations in sales and earnings for the quarters in 2002 reflected the normal seasonality of the
business as well as the number of days in each fiscal quarter.

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

2003
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit(a)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2002

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit(a)  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net earnings  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

Total

$ 1,070.9

$ 1,353.3

$ 1,359.3

$ 1,193.5

$ 4,977.0

136.9

202.6

207.3

157.8

$

$

$

$

$

$

31.5

0.56

0.55

$

$

$

74.3

1.33

1.30

$

$

$

68.8

1.24

1.21

875.9

$ 1,034.2

$ 1,038.6

97.3

27.5

0.49

$

$

137.0

49.9

0.89

138.4

50.0

0.89

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

704.6

229.9

4.12

4.02

55.3 

0.99

0.97

$

$

$

910.2

$ 3,858.9

118.2

28.7

0.51

$

$

490.9

156.1 

2.77

2.71

$
Diluted earnings per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(a)Gross profit is shown after depreciation and amortization related to cost of sales of $179.6 million and $137.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 

0.87

0.48

0.87

0.50

$

$

$

$

2002, respectively.

Earnings per share calculations for each quarter are based on the
weighted average shares outstanding for that period. As a result, the
sum of the quarterly amounts may not equal the annual earnings
per share amount. 

18. RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred in connec-
tion with the company’s internal programs for the development of
products and processes. Costs incurred in connection with these
programs, the majority of which are included in cost of sales,
amounted to $20.5 million, $18.8 million and $14.9 million for the
years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The majority of these costs
were incurred in the company’s aerospace and technologies segment.

19. CONTINGENCIES
The company is subject to various risks and uncertainties in the
ordinary course of business due, in part, to the competitive nature
of the industries in which we participate, our operations in
developing markets, changing commodity prices for the materials
used in the manufacture of our products and changing capital
markets. Where practicable, we attempt to reduce these risks and
uncertainties through the establishment of risk management policies
and procedures, including, at times, the use of certain derivative
financial instruments.

From time to time, the company is subject to routine litigation

incident to its business. Additionally, the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency has designated Ball as a potentially responsible

55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

19. CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

party, along with numerous other companies, for the cleanup of
several hazardous waste sites. Our information at this time does not
indicate that these matters will have a material adverse effect upon the
liquidity, results of operations or financial condition of the company.

On January 1, 2003, the German government imposed a
mandatory deposit on one-way metal, PET and glass beverage
containers (for beer, carbonated soft drinks and water). Due to
political and legal uncertainties in Germany, no nationwide system
for returning the containers was in place at the time the mandatory
deposit was imposed and many retailers stopped carrying beverages
in non-refillable containers. The situation is not expected to
improve until the deposit is eliminated by once again meeting the
mandatory refill quotas or until it is resolved by various courts,
intervention by the European Union or by new legislative action.
We have responded by reducing beverage can production at our
German plants, implementing aggressive cost reduction measures,
entering into price increase negotiations and increasing exports from
Germany to other European nations. We also closed one of our
plants in the United Kingdom, delayed capital investment projects
in France and Poland and are converting one of our steel can
production lines in Germany to aluminum in order to facilitate
additional can exports.

20. INDEMNIFICATIONS AND GUARANTEES
During the normal course of business, the company or the appro-
priate consolidated direct or indirect subsidiary have made certain
indemnities, commitments and guarantees under which the speci-
fied entity may be required to make payments in relation to certain
transactions. These indemnities, commitments and guarantees
include indemnities to the customers of the subsidiaries in connec-
tion with the sales of their packaging and aerospace products and
services, guarantees to suppliers of direct or indirect subsidiaries of
the company guaranteeing the performance of the respective entity
under a purchase agreement, indemnities for liabilities associated
with the infringement of third party patents, trademarks or copy-
rights under various types of agreements, indemnities to various
lessors in connection with facility, equipment, furniture, and other
personal property leases for certain claims arising from such leases,
indemnities pursuant to agreements relating to the company’s
domestic and foreign joint ventures, indemnities in connection with
the purchase or sale of businesses or substantially all of the assets
and specified liabilities of the businesses, indemnities in connection
with the sale of facilities no longer needed by the company and
indemnities to directors, officers and employees of the company to
the extent permitted under the laws of the State of Indiana and the
United States of America. The duration of these indemnities, com-

mitments and guarantees varies, and in certain cases, is indefinite.
In addition, the majority of these indemnities, commitments and
guarantees do not provide for any limitation of the maximum
potential future payments the company could be obligated to make.
As such, the company is unable to reasonably estimate its potential
exposure under these items. The company has not recorded any
liability for these indemnities, commitments and guarantees in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The company does,
however, accrue for losses for any known contingent liability,
including those that may arise from indemnifications, commitments
and guarantees, when future payment is both reasonably deter-
minable and probable. Finally, the company carries specific and
general liability insurance policies and has obtained indemnities,
commitments and guarantees from third party purchasers, sellers
and other contracting parties, which the company believes would,
in many circumstances, provide recourse to any claims arising from
these indemnifications, commitments and guarantees. 

The company’s senior notes and senior credit facilities are guar-
anteed on a full, unconditional and joint and several basis by certain
of the company’s wholly owned domestic subsidiaries. Certain
tranches of the senior credit facilities are similarly guaranteed by
certain of the company’s wholly owned foreign subsidiaries. These
guarantees were required in support of the notes and credit facilities
referred to above, are co-terminous with the terms of the respective
note indentures and credit agreement and would require perform-
ance upon certain events of default referred to in the respective
guarantees. The maximum potential amounts which could be
required to be paid under the guarantees is essentially equal to the
then outstanding principal and interest under the respective notes
and credit agreement, or under the applicable tranche. The com-
pany is not in default under the above notes or credit facilities. 

Ball Capital Corp. II is a separate, wholly owned corporate entity
created for the purchase of receivables from certain of the company’s
wholly owned subsidiaries. Ball Capital Corp. II’s assets will be
available first and foremost to satisfy the claims of its creditors. The
company has provided an undertaking to Ball Capital Corp. II in
support of the sale of receivables to a commercial lender or lenders
and would require performance upon certain events of default
referred to in the undertaking. The maximum potential amount
which could be paid is equal to the outstanding amounts due under
the accounts receivable financing (discussed in the first paragraph of
Note 5). The company, the appropriate subsidiaries and Ball Capital
Corp. II are not in default under the above credit arrangement. 
From time to time, the company is subject to claims arising in

the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management,
no such matter, individually or in the aggregate, exists which is
expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s
consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows. 

56

Five-Year Review of Selected Financial Data
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions, except per share amounts)

2003

2002

2001

2000

1999

Net sales  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,977.0

$ 3,858.9

$ 3,686.1

$ 3,664.7

$ 3,707.2 

Net earnings (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred dividends, net of tax  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings (loss) attributable to common shareholders (1) . . . . . . . . . .

Return on average common shareholders’ equity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Basic earnings (loss) per share (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighted average common shares outstanding (000s) (2) . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings (loss) per share (1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (000s)(2) . . . .

229.9
–n

229.9

35.4%

4.12

55,855

4.02

57,137

$

$

$

156.1
–n

156.1

31.3%

2.77

56,317

2.71

57,538

$

$

$

(99.2)
(2.0)

(101.2)

$

68.2
(2.6)

65.6

(17.7%)

10.1% 

(1.85)

$

1.13

54,880

58,080

(1.85)

$

1.07

54,880

62,034

$

$

$

$

$

$

104.2
(2.7)

101.5

16.2% 

1.68

60,340

1.58

64,900

Property, plant and equipment additions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total interest bearing debt and capital lease obligations . . . . . . . . .
Common shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market capitalization (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net debt to market capitalization (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book value (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Market value (2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Annual return to common shareholders (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

137.2
$
$
205.5
$ 4,069.6
$ 1,686.9
$
807.8
$ 3,359.1
49.1%
0.48
14.33
59.57
17.4%
62.4
1.07

$
$
$

$

158.4
$
$
149.2
$ 4,132.4
$ 1,981.0
$
492.9
$ 2,904.8
59.3%
0.36
8.69
51.19
46.0%
155.6
1.15

$
$
$

$

68.5
$
$
152.5
$ 2,313.6
$ 1,064.1
$
504.1
$ 2,043.8
48.0%
0.30
8.72
35.35
55.3%
218.8
1.38

$
$
$

$

98.7
$
$
159.1
$ 2,649.8
$ 1,137.3
$
639.6
$ 1,292.0
86.0% 
0.30
11.40
23.03
19.2% 
310.2
1.47

$
$
$

$

107.0
$
$
162.9
$ 2,732.1 
$ 1,196.7
$
655.2
$ 1,174.0 
98.9% 
0.30
10.99
19.69 
(12.7%)
225.7
1.34

$
$
$

$

(1) Includes business consolidation costs and other items affecting comparability between years of pretax income of $3.7 million and $2.3 million in 2003 and 2002, 

respectively, and pretax expense of $271.2 million and $76.4 million in 2001 and 2000, respectively.

(2)  Amounts have been retroactively restated for a two-for-one stock split, which was effective on February 22, 2002.
(3) Market capitalization is defined as the number of common shares outstanding at year end multiplied by the year-end closing price of Ball common stock. 

Net debt is total debt less cash and cash equivalents.

(4) Change in stock price plus dividend yield assuming reinvestment of dividends.

57

Directors and Officers

B OA R D O F D I R E C T O R S

Frank A. Bracken President and director of the George and Frances Ball Foundation of Muncie, Indiana (1,3,4)
Howard M. Dean Retired chairman of the board of Dean Foods Company of Dallas (3,4)
Hanno C. Fiedler Executive vice president of Ball Corporation; chairman and chief executive officer of Ball Packaging Europe (2)
R. David Hoover Chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer of Ball Corporation (2)
John F. Lehman Chairman of J.F. Lehman & Company of New York City (2,3,4)
Jan Nicholson President of The Grable Foundation of Pittsburgh (1,2)
George A. Sissel Retired chairman of the board of Ball Corporation (2)
Theodore M. Solso Chairman and chief executive officer of Cummins Inc. of Columbus, Indiana (3,4)
William P. Stiritz Chairman of Energizer Holdings, Inc., and chairman of Ralcorp Holdings, Inc., both of St. Louis (1,3,4)
Stuart A. Taylor II Chief executive officer of The Taylor Group L.L.C. of Chicago (1,2,3,4)
Erik H. van der Kaay Retired chairman of the board of Symmetricom of San Jose, California 
(1) Audit Committee (2) Finance Committee (3) Human Resources Committee (4) Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee

C O M PA N Y O F F I C E R S

Douglas K. Bradford Vice president and controller 
Hanno C. Fiedler Executive vice president, Ball Corporation; chairman and chief executive officer, Ball Packaging Europe
John R. Friedery Senior vice president and chief operating officer, North American packaging
John A. Hayes Vice president, corporate strategy, marketing and development
R. David Hoover Chairman of the board, president and chief executive officer 
Donald C. Lewis Vice president, assistant corporate secretary and general counsel 
Leon A. Midgett Executive vice president and chief operating officer, packaging
Scott C. Morrison Vice president and treasurer
Raymond J. Seabrook Senior vice president and chief financial officer
Harold L. Sohn Vice president, corporate relations 
David A. Westerlund Senior vice president, administration, and corporate secretary

O P E R AT I O N S E X E C U T I V E S

Brian M. Cardno President, metal food container operations
Jan Driessens President, Ball Packaging Europe
Larry J. Green President, plastic container operations
Albert R. Schlesinger Chairman and chief executive officer, Ball Asia Pacific Limited
David L. Taylor President and chief executive officer, Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.

D I R E C T O R E M E R I T U S

John W. Fisher Chairman of the board emeritus; retired chairman, president and chief executive officer of Ball Corporation

58

 
covers  3/8/04  8:41 AM  Page 2

Performance

Financial Highlights
Ball Corporation and Subsidiaries

($ in millions, except per share amounts)
Stock Performance
Total per share return (share price appreciation plus assumed reinvested dividends) .....................................
Closing market price per share ...................................................................................................................... $ 
Total market value of common stock ............................................................................................................ $ 
Shares outstanding at year end (000s) ............................................................................................................
Shares outstanding assuming dilution (000s) (1) .............................................................................................
Operating Performance
Net sales ......................................................................................................................................................... $ 
Earnings before taxes (2) ................................................................................................................................. $
Earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) (2)(3) ............................................................................................. $ 
Net earnings .................................................................................................................................................. $ 
Basic earnings per share ................................................................................................................................. $ 
Diluted earnings per share  ............................................................................................................................ $ 
Cash dividends per share ............................................................................................................................... $ 
Number of employees ....................................................................................................................................

2003

2002

17.4%
59.57 $ 
3,359 $ 

56,389
57,408

4,977 $ 
320 $
461 $ 
230 $ 
4.12 $ 
4.02 $ 
0.48 $ 

12,630

46.0%
51.19
2,905
56,745
57,739

3,859
230
311
156
2.77
2.71
0.36
12,635

(1) Represents shares outstanding at year end plus the assumed exercise of options that are “in-the-money" at year end, less an estimate of shares that could be repurchased at the

year-end market price of Ball stock using the assumed exercise proceeds. This measure is not the same as the diluted weighted average shares outstanding used in the calculation
of diluted earnings per share.

(2) Includes income of $3.7 million ($0.04 cents per diluted share) in 2003 and $2.3 million ($0.01 cent per diluted share) in 2002 related to the finalization of various

business consolidation and other activities, as explained in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

(3) Management utilizes earnings before interest and taxes as an internal measure for evaluating operating results and for planning purposes. EBIT is shown prior to interest

expense of $141.1 million in 2003 and $80.8 million in 2002.

About Ball Corporation
Ball Corporation is a leading provider of metal and plastic packaging, primarily for beverages and foods, and of
aerospace and other technologies and services to commercial and government customers. Founded in 1880,
the company employs approximately 12,600 people in approximately 75 locations worldwide. Ball Corporation
stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BLL.”

Strategy
In packaging, our strategy is to leverage our superior continuous process improvement expertise in order to
manufacture, market, sell and service high-quality, value-added products that meet the needs of high-volume
and/or growing customer segments of the beverage and food markets.

In aerospace and technologies, our strategy is to provide remote sensing systems and solutions to the
aerospace and defense market with products and services used to collect and interpret information to support
national missions and scientific discovery.

As a corporation, our strategy is to earn a return in excess of our cost of capital by aggressively managing 
our businesses and through acquisitions, divestitures, strategic alliances or other means when such changes 
will enhance a business and benefit Ball’s shareholders.

Shareholder Information

Quarterly Stock Prices and Dividends
Quarterly prices for the company’s common stock, 
as reported on the composite tape, and quarterly 
dividends in 2003 and 2002 were:

2003

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

High ............................. $56.57 $58.31 $54.50 $59.57 

Low .............................. 48.95 45.75 42.58

53.61

Dividends per share ...

.09

.09

.15

.15

2002

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Quarter Quarter Quarter Quarter

High.............................. $48.05 $51.89 $54.40 $53.09 

Low .............................. 32.60 38.85  32.82

44.88

Dividends per share .....

.09

.09

.09

.09

Annual Meeting
The annual meeting of Ball Corporation shareholders
will be held to tabulate the votes cast and to report
the results of voting on the matters listed in the 
proxy statement sent to all shareholders. No other
business and no presentations are planned. The 
meeting to report voting results will be held on
Wednesday, April 28, 2004, at 9 a.m. (MST) at the
company’s headquarters, 10 Longs Peak Drive,
Broomfield, Colorado.

Annual Report on Form 10-K
Copies of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2003,
filed by the company with the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission, may be obtained by
shareholders without charge by writing to the 
assistant corporate secretary, Ball Corporation, 
P.O. Box 5000, Broomfield, CO 80038-5000.

Amounts have been retroactively restated for a 
two-for-one stock split, which was effective on 
February 22, 2002.

Quarterly Results and Company Information
Quarterly financial information and company news 
are posted on www.ball.com. For investor relations 
call 303-460-3537.

Purchase Plan
A dividend reinvestment and voluntary stock 
purchase plan for Ball Corporation shareholders 
permits purchase of the company’s common stock
without payment of a brokerage commission or 
service charge. Participants in this plan may have 
cash dividends on their shares automatically 
reinvested at a 5 percent discount and, if they 
choose, invest by making optional cash payments.
Additional information on the plan is available 
by writing EquiServe Trust Company, N.A., 
Dividend Reinvestment Service, P.O. Box 43081, 
Providence, RI 02940-3081. The toll-free number 
is 1-800-446-2617, and the Web site is
www.equiserve.com.

You can access your Ball Corporation common
stock account information on the Internet 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week through EquiServe’s Web site at
gateway.equiserve.com. You will need the issue
number (3101), your account number, your password
and your social security number (if applicable)
to gain access to your account. If you need assis-
tance, please phone EquiServe at 1-877-843-9327.

Transfer Agents
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43069
Providence, RI 02940-3069

Registrars
EquiServe Trust Company, N.A.
P.O. Box 43069
Providence, RI 02940-3069

Investor Relations
Ann T. Scott
Director, Investor Relations and Analysis
Ball Corporation
P.O. Box 5000
Broomfield, CO 80038-5000
(303) 460-3537

Equal Opportunity
Ball Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.

Celebrating 30 Years on the New York Stock Exchange

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2003  Annual  Repor t

Performance

Ball Corporation
10 Longs Peak Drive
Broomfield, CO 80021
(303) 469-3131
www.ball.com

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