SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                               Washington, D. C.
          -----------------------------------------------------------


                                  FORM U-3A-2

                STATEMENT BY HOLDING COMPANY CLAIMING EXEMPTION
                UNDER RULE U-2 FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE PUBLIC
                      UTILITY HOLDING COMPANY ACT OF 1935

                     TO BE FILED ANNUALLY PRIOR TO MARCH 1

                           ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC.
                               (Name of Company)
                                 P. O. Box 3440
                            Honolulu, Hawaii  96801

(hereinafter called the "Claimant") and its wholly-owned subsidiary,
A&B-Hawaii, Inc., P. O. Box 3440, Honolulu, Hawaii 96801 (hereinafter called
"Co-claimant"), hereby file with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
pursuant to Rule U-2, this joint and consolidated statement claiming exemption
as a holding company from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company
Act of 1935.  This statement is filed jointly by Claimant and Co-claimant
pursuant to oral authorization to file on a joint and consolidated basis
received from the Commission on February 21, 1990.  In support of such claim
for exemption, the following information is submitted:

          1.   The name, jurisdiction of organization, location and nature of
business of Claimant and Co-claimant, and every subsidiary thereof, other than
any exempt wholesale generator (EWG) or foreign utility company in which
Claimant or Co-claimant directly or indirectly holds an interest, as at
January 31, 1998 (indirect subsidiaries are indicated by indentation).

                          Jurisdiction
          Name           of Organization  Location     Nature of Business
          ----           --------------   --------     ------------------

Alexander & Baldwin,
Inc.                     Hawaii           Honolulu,    Ocean carriage of goods,
                                          Hawaii       real property management
                                                       and development,
                                                       investments
  Subsidiaries:

  A&B Inc.               Hawaii           Honolulu,    Inactive
                                          Hawaii

  A&B-Hawaii, Inc.       Hawaii           Honolulu,    Agriculture/food (inclu-
                                          Hawaii       ding sugar cane and
                                                       coffee plantations),
                                                       real property management
                                                       and development, general
                                                       freight and petroleum
                                                       hauling and self-storage
                                                       services

     A&B Development     California       Honolulu,    Ownership, management
     Company                              Hawaii       and development of real
     (California)                                      property in California

     A&B Properties,     Hawaii           Kahului,     Ownership, management,
     Inc.                                 Hawaii       development and selling
                                                       of real property
                                                       
       Prospect          Hawaii           Honolulu,    Development and selling
       Venture LLC                        Hawaii       of real property  

     California and      Hawaii           Crockett,    Refining raw sugar and
     Hawaiian Sugar                       California   marketing of refined
     Company, Inc.                                     sugar products and
                                                       molasses

       MLM Corporation   California       Crockett,    Marketing of refined
                                          California   sugar products

     East Maui Irri-     Hawaii           Puunene,     Collection and distribu-
     gation Company,                      Hawaii       tion of irrigation water
     Limited                                           on island of Maui

     Kahului Trucking &  Hawaii           Kahului,     Motor carriage of goods,
     Storage, Inc.                        Hawaii       self-storage services
                                                       and stevedoring on
                                                       island of Maui

     Kauai Commercial    Hawaii           Lihue,       Motor carriage of goods
     Company,                             Hawaii       and self-storage
     Incorporated                                      services on island of
                                                       Kauai

     Kukui'ula           Hawaii           Koloa,       Ownership, management
     Development                          Hawaii       and development of real
     Company, Inc.                                     property on island of
                                                       Kauai

     McBryde Sugar       Hawaii           Eleele,      Coffee plantation
     Company, Limited                     Hawaii

       Kauai Coffee      Hawaii           Eleele,      Grow, process and sell
       Company, Inc.                      Hawaii       coffee

     Ohanui Corporation  Hawaii           Puunene,     Collection and distri-
                                          Hawaii       bution of domestic water
                                                       on island of Maui

     South Shore         Hawaii           Koloa,       Development and opera-
     Community                            Hawaii       tion of sewer trans-
     Services, Inc.                                    mission and treatment
                                                       system on island of
                                                       Kauai

     South Shore         Hawaii           Koloa,       Development and opera-
     Resources, Inc.                      Hawaii       tion of water source
                                                       and delivery system on
                                                       island of Kauai

     WDCI, INC.          Hawaii           Honolulu,    Ownership, manage-
                                          Hawaii       ment and development of
                                                       property

     Hawaiian Sugar &    Hawaii           Crockett,    Ocean carriage of sugar
     Transportation                       California   from Hawaii
     Cooperative

  Matson Navigation      Hawaii           San          Ocean carriage of goods
  Company, Inc.                           Francisco,   between West Coast of
                                          California   United States and
                                                       Hawaii, Western Pacific
                                                       and Asian ports

     Matson Intermodal   Hawaii           San          Broker, shipper's agent
     System, Inc.                         Francisco,   and freight forwarder    
                                          California   for overland cargo
                                                       services of ocean
                                                       carriers

     Matson Leasing     Hawaii            San          Formerly container
     Company, Inc.                        Francisco,   leasing; in process of
                                          California   winding up

     Matson Services    Hawaii            San          Tugboat services
     Company, Inc.                        Francisco,
                                          California

     Matson Terminals,  Hawaii            San          Stevedoring and terminal
     Inc.                                 Francisco,   services
                                          California
                                         
     Matson Logistics   California        San          Agent to provide deli-
     Solutions, Inc.                      Francisco,   very of equipment, goods
                                          California   and supplies for busi-
                                                       nesses and projects

     The Matson         California        San          Inactive
     Company                              Francisco,
                                          California

     The Oceanic        California        San          Inactive
     Steamship                            Francisco,
     Company                              California

          2.   A brief description of the properties of Claimant and
Co-claimant, and each of their subsidiary public utility companies, used for
the generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy for sale, or
for the production, transmission and distribution of natural or manufactured
gas:

Claimant:                None

Co-Claimant:             4 steam-driven generators with rated capacities of 1
                         of 12,000 KW, 2 of 10,000 KW, and 1 of 20,000 KW; 5
                         hydroelectric plants with rated capacities of 1 of
                         1,000 KW, 3 of 1,500 KW and 1 of 500 KW; about 80
                         miles of transmission lines; all located on the
                         island of Maui, State of Hawaii

McBryde Sugar Company,   2 hydroelectric plants with rated capacities of 1
Limited ("McBryde")      of 1,000 KW and 1 of 3,600 KW; about 70 miles of
(Note 1)                 transmission lines; all located on the island of
                         Kauai, State of Hawaii

          3.   Information for the calendar year 1997 with respect to Claimant
and Co-claimant, and each of their subsidiary public utility companies:

            (a)(1)  Number of kwh of electric energy sold (all sales were at
wholesale):
                    Claimant            None
                    Co-claimant         85,680,000 kwh
                    McBryde             23,712,000 kwh

____________

Note 1. McBryde Sugar Company, Limited has filed with the Securities and
        Exchange Commission an application for an order declaring that it is
        not an electric utility company.


               (2)  Number of Mcf of natural or manufactured gas distributed at
retail:
                    None.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant, nor any of their
subsidiary public utility companies, distributes any natural or manufactured
gas at retail.

            (b)     Number of kwh of electric energy and Mcf of natural or
manufactured gas distributed at retail outside the State in which each such
company is organized:

                    None.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant, nor any of their
subsidiary public utility companies, distributes any electric energy or natural
or manufactured gas at retail outside the State in which each such company is
organized.

            (c)     Number of kwh of electric energy and Mcf of natural or
manufactured gas sold at wholesale outside the State in which each such company
is organized, or at the State line:

                    None.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant, nor any of their
subsidiary public utility companies, sells electric energy or natural or
manufactured gas at wholesale (or otherwise) outside the State in which each
such company is organized, or at the State line.

            (d)     Number of kwh of electric energy and Mcf of natural or
manufactured gas purchased outside the State in which each such company is
organized, or at the State line:

                    None.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant, nor any of their
subsidiary public utility companies, purchases any electric energy or natural
or manufactured gas outside the State in which each such company is organized,
or at the State line.

          4.  The following information for the reporting period with respect
to Claimant and Co-claimant and each interest they hold directly or indirectly
in an EWG or a foreign utility company, stating monetary amounts in United
States dollars:

            (a)     Name, location, business address and description of the
facilities used by the EWG or foreign utility company for the generation,
transmission and distribution of electric energy for sale or for the
distribution at retail of natural or manufactured gas.

                    Not applicable.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant holds any
interest, directly or indirectly, in an EWG or a foreign utility company.

            (b)     Name of each system company that holds an interest in such
EWG or foreign utility company; and description of the interest held.

                    No applicable (see 4(a) above).

            (c)   Type and amount of capital invested, directly or
indirectly, by the holding company claiming exemption; any direct or indirect
guarantee of the security of the EWG or foreign utility company by the holding
company claiming exemption; and any debt or other financial obligation for
which there is recourse, directly or indirectly, to the holding company
claiming exemption or another system company, other than the EWG or foreign
utility company.

                    Not applicable (see 4(a) above).

            (d)     Capitalization and earnings of the EWG or foreign utility
company during the reporting period.

                    Not applicable (see 4(a) above).

            (e)     Identify any service, sales or construction contract(s)
between the EWG or foreign utility company and a system company, and describe
the services to be rendered or goods sold and fees or revenues under such
agreement(s).

                    Not applicable (see 4(a) above).

                             
                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------
                            
           Consolidating statements of income and retained earnings of Claimant
and Co-claimant, and their subsidiary companies, for the last calendar year,
together with a consolidating balance sheet of Claimant and Co-claimant, and
their subsidiary companies, as of the close of such calendar year, are attached
hereto.

                                   EXHIBIT B
                                   ---------
  
                            FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
                            -----------------------

        The registrant is required to submit this report and any amendments
thereto electronically via EDGAR.  Attached hereto is a Financial Data Schedule
that sets forth the financial and other data specified below that are appli-
cable to the registrant on a consolidated basis:

                ITEM NO.     CAPTION HEADING

                   1         Total Assets
                   2         Total Operating Revenues
                   3         Net Income


                                   EXHIBIT C
                                   ---------

        An organizational chart showing the relationship of each EWG or foreign
utility company to associate companies in the holding-company system.

        Not applicable.  Neither Claimant nor Co-claimant holds any interest,
directly or indirectly, in an EWG or a foreign utility company.

        The above-named Claimant and Co-claimant have caused this joint and
consolidated statement to be duly executed on their behalf by their authorized
officers this 26th day of February, 1998.


ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC.            A&B-HAWAII, INC.
(Name of Claimant)                   (Name of Co-Claimant)


By: /s/Glenn R. Rogers               By: /s/Glenn R. Rogers
    ----------------------------         ----------------------------
    Glenn R. Rogers                      Glenn R. Rogers
    Executive Vice President             Senior Vice President






(Corporate Seal)                     (Corporate Seal)

Attest:                              Attest:



/s/Michael J. Marks                  /s/Michael J. Marks
- ----------------------------         ----------------------------
        Secretary                         Assistant Secretary


        Name, title and address of Officer to whom notices and correspondence
concerning this statement should be addressed:

If to Claimant
Alexander & Baldwin Inc.:        Michael J. Marks
                                 Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
                                 Alexander & Baldwin, Inc.
                                 P. O. Box 3440
                                 Honolulu, Hawaii  96801

If to Co-claimant
A&B-Hawaii, Inc.:                Michael J. Marks
                                 Senior Vice President and General Counsel
                                 A&B-Hawaii, Inc.
                                 P. O. Box 3440
                                 Honolulu, Hawaii  96801
                                 
                                 
February 26, 1998



EXHIBIT A ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 ($000 OMITTED) ABIC ABI/MATSON ABHIC OTHER ABHI MCB OPERATING REVENUE: Net sales 497,973 8,430 489,543 404,770 76,471 8,302 Transportation and terminal services 566,705 560,659 6,046 6,046 - - Rentals and other services 159,153 127,014 32,139 32,139 - - Power generation 9,513 - 9,513 - 8,144 1,369 --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total operating revenue 1,233,344 696,103 537,241 442,955 84,615 9,671 --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES: Cost of goods sold 416,861 6,792 410,069 319,661 80,717 9,691 Cost of services 585,739 547,571 38,168 38,168 - - Power generation 9,118 - 9,118 - 8,612 506 --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total operating costs and expenses 1,011,718 554,363 457,355 357,829 89,329 10,197 --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ GROSS MARGIN 221,626 141,740 79,886 85,126 (4,714) (526) GENERAL, ADMIN & SELLING EXPENSES 99,839 70,190 29,649 24,959 4,690 - --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ INCOME FROM OPERATIONS 121,787 71,550 50,237 60,167 (9,404) (526) OTHER INCOME 42,101 37,553 4,548 (1,232) 3,482 2,298 OTHER EXPENSE 36,676 16,346 20,330 6,022 13,354 954 --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 127,212 92,757 34,455 52,913 (19,276) 818 PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 45,825 33,832 11,993 18,774 (6,286) (495) --------- ------- ------- ------- ------- ------ NET INCOME 81,387 58,925 22,462 34,139 (12,990) 1,313 ========= ======= ======= ======= ======= ======
ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 ($000 OMITTED) ABIC ABI/MATSON ABHIC OTHER ABHI MCB CURRENT ASSETS: Cash 21,623 20,607 1,016 428 588 Accounts and notes receivable 176,165 138,776 37,389 19,832 15,247 2,310 Inventories 81,772 7,846 73,926 60,705 9,616 3,605 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,381 804 8,577 6,790 393 1,394 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total current assets 288,941 168,033 120,908 87,755 25,844 7,309 INVESTMENTS: Subsidiaries - - - (265,504) 265,504 - Divisions - - - (31,683) 31,683 - Other 102,813 101,624 1,189 709 473 7 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total investments 102,813 101,624 1,189 (296,478) 297,660 7 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS 68,056 - 68,056 68,056 - - PROPERTY: Land 66,161 17,150 49,011 41,068 5,677 2,266 Buildings 215,656 66,465 149,191 143,960 3,596 1,635 Vessels 815,805 815,805 - - - - Machinery and equipment 660,157 405,019 255,138 128,788 111,358 14,992 Power generation 58,261 - 58,261 - 55,916 2,345 Other 158,983 60,595 98,388 29,913 58,755 9,720 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total property 1,975,023 1,365,034 609,989 343,729 235,302 30,958 Less accumulated depreciation 938,508 683,629 254,879 84,857 157,843 12,179 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Property - net 1,036,515 681,405 355,110 258,872 77,459 18,779 OTHER ASSETS 208,473 145,677 62,796 72,038 3,843 (13,085) --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ TOTAL ASSETS 1,704,798 1,096,739 608,059 190,243 404,806 13,010 ========= ========= ======= ======= ======= ====== CURRENT LIABILITIES: Current portion of long-term debt 51,485 24,826 26,659 19,583 7,076 - Accounts payable 46,835 38,434 8,401 6,023 2,228 150 Other current liabilities 75,815 46,532 29,283 17,562 10,549 1,172 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total current liabilities 174,135 109,792 64,343 43,168 19,853 1,322 LONG-TERM LIABILITIES: Long-term debt 292,885 132,646 160,239 28,500 131,739 - Other long-term liabilities 518,190 358,075 160,115 103,694 44,444 11,977 --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total long-term liabilities 811,075 490,721 320,354 132,194 176,183 11,977 SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY: Capital stock 36,769 36,768 1 (2,350) 1 2,350 Additional capital 49,437 (78,108) 127,545 (13,316) 127,545 13,316 Unrealized holding gains 55,144 55,144 - - - - Retained earnings 591,135 495,319 95,816 30,464 81,224 (15,872) Treasury stock (12,897) (12,897) - 83 - (83) --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ Total shareholders' equity 719,588 496,226 223,362 14,881 208,770 (289) --------- --------- ------- ------- ------- ------ TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY 1,704,798 1,096,739 608,059 190,243 404,806 13,010 ========= ========= ======= ======= ======= ======
ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF RETAINED EARNINGS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997 ($000 OMITTED) ABIC ABI/MATSON ABHIC OTHER ABHI MCB Balance at December 31, 1996 568,969 495,615 73,354 29,757 60,782 (17,185) Net income 81,387 58,925 22,462 34,139 (12,990) 1,313 Dividends to shareholders (39,789) (39,789) - - - - Capital stock purchased and retired (16,117) (16,117) - - - - Stock acquired in payment of options (3,315) (3,315) - - - - Intercompany dividends - - - - - - Net income of subsidiaries - - - (33,432) 33,432 - ------- ------- ------ ------- ------ ------- Balance at December 31, 1997 591,135 495,319 95,816 30,464 81,224 (15,872) ======= ======= ====== ======= ====== =======
LEGEND OF COMPANY REFERENCES IN CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL SCHEDULES ABIC Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. Consolidated Elim Eliminations ABI Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. MNC Matson Navigation Company, Inc. ABHI A&B-Hawaii, Inc. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. and all subsidiaries, after elimination of significant intercompany amounts. COMPREHENSIVE INCOME: The Statements of Income include a new measure called Comprehensive Income. This is intended to report a measure of all changes in Shareholders' Equity that result from either recognized transactions or other economic events, excluding capital stock transactions, which impact Shareholders' Equity. For the Company, the only difference between Net Income and Comprehensive Income is the unrealized holding gains on securities available for sale. Comprehensive Income is not used in the calculation of Earnings Per Share. BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK: Basic Earnings per Share is determined by dividing Net Income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. The impact on earnings per share of the Company's stock options is immaterial, consequently, Diluted Earnings per Share is the same amount as Basic Earnings per Share. OCEAN TRANSPORTATION: Voyage revenue and variable costs and expenses are included in income at the time each voyage leg commences. This method of accounting does not differ materially from other acceptable accounting methods. Vessel depreciation, charter hire, terminal operating overhead, and general and administrative expenses are charged to expense as incurred. Expected costs of regularly-scheduled dry docking of vessels and planned major vessel repairs performed during dry docking are accrued. PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT: Sales are recorded when the risks and benefits of ownership have passed to the buyers (generally at closing dates), adequate down payments have been received and collection of remaining balances is reasonably assured. Expenditures for real estate developments are capitalized during construction and are classified as Real Estate Developments on the balance sheet. When construction is complete, the costs are reclassified either as Property or as Real Estate Held For Sale, based upon the Company's intent to sell the completed asset or to hold it as an investment. Cash flows related to real estate developments are classified as operating or investing activities, based upon the Company's intention either to sell the property or to retain ownership of the property as an investment following completion of construction. FOOD PRODUCTS: Revenue is recorded when refined sugar products and coffee are sold to third parties. Costs of growing sugar cane are charged to the cost of production in the year incurred and to cost of sales as refined products are sold. The cost of raw cane sugar purchased from third parties is recorded as inventory at the purchase price. Costs of developing coffee are capitalized during the development period and depreciated over the estimated productive lives of the orchards. Costs of growing coffee are charged to inventory in the year incurred and to cost of sales as coffee is sold. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: The Company considers highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less, which have no significant risk of change in value, to be cash equivalents. INVENTORIES: Sugar inventory, consisting of raw and refined sugar products, and coffee inventory, are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis) or market. Other inventories, composed principally of materials and supplies, are stated at the lower of cost (principally average cost) or market. PROPERTY: Property is stated at cost. Major renewals and betterments are capitalized. Replacements, maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend asset lives are charged to expense as incurred. Assets held under capital leases are included with property owned. Gains or losses from property disposals are included in income. CAPITALIZED INTEREST: Interest costs incurred in connection with significant expenditures for real estate developments or the construction of assets are capitalized. DEPRECIATION: Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Depreciation expense includes amortization of assets under capital leases. Estimated useful lives of property are as follows: Buildings 10 to 50 years Vessels 10 to 40 years Marine containers 15 years Machinery and equipment 3 to 35 years Utility systems and other depreciable property 5 to 60 years OTHER NON-CURRENT ASSETS: Other non-current assets consist principally of sugar supply contracts and intangible assets. These assets are being amortized using the straight-line method over periods not exceeding 30 years. PENSION PLANS: Certain ocean transportation subsidiaries are members of the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA), the Maritime Service Committee or the Hawaii Stevedore Committee, which negotiate multi-employer pension plans covering certain seagoing and shoreside bargaining unit personnel. The subsidiaries negotiate multi-employer pension plans covering other bargaining- unit personnel. Pension costs are accrued in accordance with contribution rates established by the PMA, the parties to a plan or the trustees of a plan. Several trusteed, noncontributory, single-employer defined benefit plans cover substantially all other employees. INCOME TAXES: Income tax expense is based on revenue and expenses in the Statements of Income. Deferred income tax liabilities and assets are computed at current tax rates for temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities. FAIR VALUES: The carrying values of current assets (other than inventories, real estate held for sale, deferred income taxes and prepaid and other assets) and of debt instruments are reasonable estimates of their fair values. Real estate is carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Fair values are generally determined using the expected market value for the property, less sales costs. For residential units and lots held for sale, fair value is determined by reference to the sales of similar property, market studies, tax assessments and discounted cash flows. For commercial property, fair value is determined using recent comparable sales, tax assessments and cash flow analysis. A large portion of the Company's real estate is undeveloped land located in Hawaii. This land has a cost basis which averages approximately $150 per acre, a value which is much lower than fair value. FUTURES CONTRACTS: Realized and unrealized gains and losses on commodity futures contract hedges are recorded in inventory and subsequently charged to cost of sales when the related inventory is sold. These amounts are not significant. ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS: Environmental expenditures that relate to current operations are expensed or capitalized as appropriate. Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations or events, and which do not contribute to current or future revenue generation, are charged to expense. Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments or remedial efforts are probable and the costs can be reasonably estimated. USE OF ESTIMATES: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. Future actual amounts could differ from those estimates. RECLASSIFICATIONS: Certain amounts in the 1996 and 1995 financial statements have been reclassified to conform with the 1997 presentation. RESTATEMENTS: The financial statements for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the sale of certain net assets of the Company's container leasing segment, as described in Note 2. 2. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS In June 1995, the Company sold the net assets of its container leasing subsidiary, Matson Leasing Company, Inc., for approximately $362 million in cash, and realized an after-tax gain of $18 million. Sales and gross profit of the discontinued operation were $35,251,000 and $14,762,000, respectively, in 1995. 3. INVESTMENTS At December 31, 1997 and 1996, investments principally consisted of marketable equity securities, limited partnership interests and purchase-money mortgages. The marketable equity securities are classified as "available for sale" and are stated at quoted market values. The unrealized holding gains on these securities, net of deferred income taxes, have been recorded as a separate component of Shareholders' Equity. The components of the net unrealized holding gains at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Market value $ 96,597 $85,796 Less historical cost 9,851 9,966 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Unrealized holding gains 86,746 75,830 Less deferred income taxes 31,602 27,625 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Net unrealized holding gains $ 55,144 $48,205 ===================================================================== The investments in limited partnership interests and purchase-money mortgages are recorded at cost, which approximated market values, of $6,216,000 and $5,806,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The purchase money mortgages are intended to be held to maturity. The value of the underlying investments of the limited partnership interests are assessed annually and are approximately equal to the original cost. See Note 4 for a discussion of market values of investments in the Capital Construction Fund. 4. CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION FUND A subsidiary is party to an agreement with the United States Government which established a Capital Construction Fund (CCF) under provisions of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended. The agreement has program objectives for the acquisition, construction or reconstruction of vessels and for repayment of existing vessel indebtedness. Deposits to the CCF are limited by certain applicable earnings. Such deposits are Federal income tax deductions in the year made; however, they are taxable, with interest payable from the year of deposit, if withdrawn for general corporate purposes or other non-qualified purposes, or upon termination of the agreement. Qualified withdrawals for investment in vessels having adequate tax bases do not give rise to a current tax liability, but reduce the depreciable bases of the vessels or other assets for income tax purposes. Amounts deposited into the CCF are a preference item for calculating Federal alternative minimum taxable income. Deposits not committed for qualified purposes within 25 years from the date of deposit, will be treated as non- qualified withdrawals over the subsequent five years. As of year-end, the oldest CCF deposits date from 1994. Management believes that all amounts on deposit in the CCF at the end of 1997 will be used or committed for qualified purposes prior to the expiration of the applicable 25-year periods. Under the terms of the CCF agreement, the subsidiary may designate certain qualified earnings as "accrued deposits" or may designate, as obligations of the CCF, qualified withdrawals to reimburse qualified expenditures initially made with operating funds. Such accrued deposits to and withdrawals from the CCF are reflected on the balance sheet either as obligations of the Company's current assets or as receivables from the CCF. The Company has classified its investments in the CCF as "held-to-maturity" and, accordingly, has not reflected temporary unrealized market gains and losses on the Balance Sheets or Statements of Income. The long-term nature of the CCF program supports the Company's intention to hold these investments to maturity. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the balances on deposit in the CCF are summarized in Table 1.
TABLE 1 (In thousands) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Amortized Fair Unrealized Amortized Fair Unrealized Cost Value Gain (Loss) Cost Value Gain (Loss) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mortgage-backed securities $ 69,451 $ 68,738 $ (713) $ 84,642 $ 80,871 $(3,771) Cash and cash equivalents 69,159 69,159 - 92,318 92,318 - Accrued deposits 10,000 10,000 - 1,656 1,656 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $148,610 $147,897 $ (713) $178,616 $174,845 $(3,771) =======================================================================================================
Fair value of the mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") was determined by an outside investment management company, based on the experience of trading identical or substantially similar securities. No central exchange exists for these securities; they are traded over-the-counter. At the end of 1997, the fair value of the Company's investments in MBS is less than amortized cost, due to interest rate sensitivity inherent in the fair value determination of such securities. While an unrealized market loss exists, the Company intends to hold these investments to maturity, which ranges from 2005 through 2028. The MBS have a weighted average life of approximately 5.6 years. The Company earned $5,897,000 in 1997, $6,838,000 in 1996 and $7,655,000 in 1995 on its investments in MBS. Fair values of the remaining CCF investments were based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price was not available, fair value was estimated using quoted market prices of similar securities and investments. These remaining investments mature in 1998. During 1997 and 1996, there were no sales of securities classified as "held-to- maturity" included in the CCF. 5. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Total contributions to the multi-employer pension plans covering personnel in shoreside and seagoing bargaining units were $5,828,000 in 1997, $5,552,000 in 1996 and $5,903,000 in 1995. Union collective bargaining agreements provide that total employer contributions during the terms of the agreements must be sufficient to meet the normal costs and amortization payments required to be funded during those periods. Contributions are generally based on union labor paid or cargo volume. A portion of such contributions is for unfunded accrued actuarial liabilities of the plans being funded over periods of 25 to 40 years, which began between 1967 and 1976. The multi-employer plans are subject to the plan termination insurance provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and are paying premiums to the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC). The statutes provide that an employer which withdraws from or significantly reduces its contribution obligation to a multi-employer plan generally will be required to continue funding its proportional share of the plan's unfunded vested benefits. Under special rules approved by the PBGC and adopted by the Pacific Coast longshore plan in 1984, the Company could cease Pacific Coast cargo-handling operations permanently and stop contributing to the plan without any withdrawal liability, provided that the plan meets certain funding obligations as defined in the plan. The estimated withdrawal liabilities under the Hawaii longshore plan and the seagoing plans aggregated approximately $2,896,000 for the year ended December 31, 1997, based on estimates by plan actuaries. Management has no present intention of withdrawing from and does not anticipate termination of any of the aforementioned plans. The net pension benefit and components for 1997, 1996 and 1995, of single- employer defined benefit pension plans, which cover substantially all other employees, were as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Service cost--benefits earned during the year $ 6,692 $ 6,326 $ 6,210 Interest cost on projected benefit obligations 23,807 23,295 21,785 Actual return on plan assets (84,027) (47,980) (78,713) Net amortization and deferral 48,272 14,599 50,298 Curtailments and terminations 412 (779) (1,761) - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net pension benefit $ (4,844) $ (4,539) $ (2,181) =========================================================================== The funded status of the single-employer plans at December 31, 1997 and 1996 was as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Actuarial present value of benefit obligations: Vested benefits $ 310,593 $ 284,755 Non-vested benefits 9,395 8,415 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated benefit obligations 319,988 293,170 Additional amounts related to projected compensation levels 34,895 32,925 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Projected benefit obligations 354,883 326,095 Plan assets at fair value 443,248 380,909 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Excess of plan assets over projected benefit obligations (88,365) (54,814) Prior service costs to be recognized in future years (5,707) (3,518) Unrecognized actuarial net gain 91,011 59,119 Unrecognized net asset at January 1, 1987 (being amortized over periods of 4 to 15 years) 1,869 2,864 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accrued pension liability (asset) $ (1,192) $ 3,651 =========================================================================== At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the projected benefit obligations were determined using a discount rate of 7.25 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively, and assumed increases in future compensation levels of 4.25 percent and 4.5 percent, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was 9 percent for 1997 and 1996. The assets of the plans consist principally of listed stocks and bonds. Gains and losses are amortized using the minimum method allowed by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 87. Contributions are determined annually for each plan by the Company's pension administrative committee, based upon the actuarially determined minimum required contribution under ERISA and the maximum deductible contribution allowed for tax purposes. For the plans covering employees who are members of collective bargaining units, the benefit formulas are determined according to the collective bargaining agreements, either using career average pay as the base or a flat dollar amount per year of service. The benefit formulas for the remaining defined benefit plans are based on final average pay. The Company has non-qualified supplemental pension plans covering certain employees and retirees, which provide for incremental pension payments from the Company's general funds so that total pension benefits would be substantially equal to amounts that would have been payable from the Company's qualified pension plans if it were not for limitations imposed by income tax regulations. The obligation, included with other non-current liabilities, relating to these unfunded plans, totaled $10,654,000 and $9,844,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. 6. POST-RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS The Company has plans that provide certain retiree health care and life insurance benefits to substantially all salaried and to certain hourly employees. Employees are generally eligible for such benefits upon retirement and completion of a specified number of years of credited service. The Company does not pre-fund these benefits and has the right to modify or terminate certain of these plans in the future. Certain groups of retirees pay a portion of the benefit costs. The net periodic cost for post-retirement health care and life insurance benefits during 1997, 1996 and 1995 included the following (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Service cost $ 1,310 $ 1,351 $ 1,512 Interest cost 6,250 6,605 7,031 Net amortization (6,683) (2,016) (1,524) Curtailment gain - (2,476) (2,045) - --------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-retirement benefit cost $ 877 $ 3,464 $ 4,974 ===================================================================== The unfunded accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations at December 31, 1997 and 1996 are summarized below (in thousands): 1997 1996 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Retirees $ 52,668 $ 54,951 Fully-eligible active plan participants 12,120 10,865 Other active plan participants 26,324 27,780 Unrecognized prior service cost 3,824 3,643 Unrecognized net gain 22,353 24,518 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations 117,289 121,757 Current obligation 5,164 5,710 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Non-current obligation $112,125 $116,047 ====================================================================== At December 31, 1997 and 1996, the weighted average discount rates used in determining the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations were 7.25 percent and 7.5 percent, respectively, and the assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligations was 10 percent through 2001, decreasing to 5 percent thereafter. For 1997, gains and losses are being amortized over five years. For 1996 and previous years, gains and losses were amortized using the minimum method allowed by SFAS No. 106. This change did not significantly affect financial results for 1997. If the assumed health care cost trend rate were increased by one percentage point, the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 would have increased by approximately $11,113,000 and $11,105,000, respectively, and the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost for 1997 and 1996 would have increased by approximately $1,172,000 and $1,208,000, respectively. 7. LONG-TERM DEBT, CREDIT AGREEMENTS At December 31, 1997 and 1996, long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands): 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Commercial paper, 1997 high 6.70%, low 5.15% $130,852 $225,632 Bank variable rate loans (1997 high 6.325%, low 5.570%) due after 1997 41,500 22,000 Term loans: 7.18%, payable through 2007 67,500 75,000 8%, payable through 2000 27,500 37,500 9.05%, payable through 1999 14,815 21,285 9.8%, payable through 2004 14,583 16,667 9%, payable through 1999 10,588 15,882 7.43%, payable through 2007 15,000 15,000 7.65%, payable through 2001 10,000 10,000 11.78%, repaid in 1997 - 618 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 332,338 439,584 Less current portion 24,453 31,966 Commercial paper classified as current 17,000 62,000 - ------------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term debt $290,885 $345,618 =================================================================== VARIABLE RATE LOANS: The Company and a subsidiary have a revolving credit and term loan agreement with five commercial banks, whereby they may borrow up to $155,000,000, under revolving loans to November 30, 1999, at varying rates of interest. Any revolving loan outstanding on that date may be converted into a term loan, which would be payable in 16 equal quarterly installments. The agreement contains certain restrictive covenants, the most significant of which requires the maintenance of an interest coverage ratio of 2:1. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $25,000,000 and $15,000,000, respectively, were outstanding under this agreement. The Company and a subsidiary have an uncommitted $45,000,000 short-term revolving credit agreement with a commercial bank. The agreement extends to November 30, 1998, but may be canceled by the bank at any time. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $11,500,000 and $7,000,000, respectively, were outstanding under this agreement. The Company and a subsidiary have an uncommitted $25,000,000 revolving credit agreement with a commercial bank. The agreement extends to September 8, 2000. At December 31,1997, $5,000,000 was outstanding under this agreement. No amount was outstanding at December 31, 1996. A subsidiary has a $50,000,000 one-year revolving credit agreement with a two- year term option. Up to $25,000,000 of this agreement serves as a commercial paper liquidity back-up line, with the balance available for general corporate funds. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no amounts outstanding under this agreement. A subsidiary has an uncommitted $15,000,000 revolving credit agreement with a commercial bank. The Agreement extends to November 28, 2000. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, there were no amounts outstanding under this agreement. TERM LOAN: The Company and a subsidiary have a shelf facility under which they may borrow up to $50,000,000 in $5,000,000 term loan increments. At December 31, 1997 and 1996, $15,000,000 had been borrowed. COMMERCIAL PAPER: At December 31, 1997, there were two commercial paper programs. The first program was used by a subsidiary to finance the construction of a vessel, which was delivered in 1992. At December 31, 1997, $99,852,000 of commercial paper notes was outstanding under this program. Maturities ranged from 3 to 34 days. The borrowings outstanding under this program are classified as long-term, because the subsidiary intends to continue the program and, eventually, to repay the borrowings with qualified withdrawals from the Capital Construction Fund. The second commercial paper program is used by a subsidiary to fund the purchases of sugar inventory from Hawaii sugar growers and to provide working capital for sugar refining and marketing operations. At December 31, 1997, $31,000,000 of commercial paper notes was outstanding under this program. Maturities ranged from 22 to 26 days. The interest cost and certain fees on the borrowings relating to sugar inventory advances to growers are reimbursed by the growers. Of the total commercial paper borrowing outstanding at December 31, 1997, $17,000,000 was classified as current. The commercial paper is supported by a $100,000,000 backup revolving credit facility with five commercial banks. Both the commercial paper program and the backup facility are guaranteed by the subsidiary's parent and by the Company. LONG-TERM DEBT MATURITIES: At December 31, 1997, maturities and planned prepayments of all long-term debt during the next five years totaled $24,453,000 for 1998, $32,616,000 for 1999, $19,583,000 for 2000, $17,083,000 for 2001 and $9,583,000 for 2002. 8. LEASES THE COMPANY AS LESSEE: Various subsidiaries of the Company lease a vessel and certain land, buildings and equipment under both capital and operating leases. Capital leases include one vessel leased for a term of 25 years ending in 1998; containers, machinery and equipment for terms of 5 to 12 years expiring through 1998; and a wastewater treatment facility in California, the title to which will revert to a subsidiary in 2002. Principal operating leases cover office and terminal facilities for periods which expire between 1998 and 2026. Management expects that in the normal course of business, most operating leases will be renewed or replaced by other similar leases. Rental expense under operating leases totaled $45,560,000, $45,559,000 and $46,680,000 for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Contingent rents and income from sublease rents were not significant. Assets recorded under capital lease obligations and included in property at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Vessel $55,253 $55,253 Machinery and equipment 42,039 42,468 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 97,292 97,721 Less accumulated amortization 95,866 90,462 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property under capital leases--net $ 1,426 $ 7,259 ========================================================================= Future minimum payments under all leases and the present value of minimum capital lease payments as of December 31, 1997 were as follows (in thousands): Capital Operating Leases Leases - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1998 $ 11,081 $ 27,539 1999 609 17,321 2000 578 14,448 2001 547 12,412 2002 516 11,705 Thereafter - 90,191 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total minimum lease payments 13,331 $173,616 Less amount representing interest 1,299 ======== - --------------------------------------------------------------- Present value of future minimum payments 12,032 Less current portion 10,032 - --------------------------------------------------------------- Long-term obligations at December 31, 1997 $ 2,000 =============================================================== A subsidiary is obligated to pay terminal facility rent equal to the principal and interest on Special Facility Revenue Bonds issued by the Department of Transportation of the State of Hawaii. Interest on the bonds is payable semi- annually and principal, in the amount of $16,500,000, is due in 2013. An accrued liability of $8,257,000 and $7,713,000 at December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively, included in other long-term liabilities, provides for a pro-rata portion of the principal due on these bonds. THE COMPANY AS LESSOR: Various Company subsidiaries lease land, buildings and land improvements under operating leases. The historical cost of and accumulated depreciation on leased property at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Leased property $267,569 $246,802 Less accumulated amortization 47,253 42,722 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Property under operating leases--net $220,316 $204,080 ========================================================================== Total rental income under these operating leases for the three years ended December 31, 1997 was as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minimum rentals $ 35,535 $ 34,556 $ 28,164 Contingent rentals (based on sales volume) 1,048 1,232 880 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $ 36,583 $ 35,788 $ 29,044 =========================================================================== Contingent rentals are based on sales volume. Future minimum rental income on non-cancelable leases at December 31, 1997 was as follows (in thousands): Operating Leases - ------------------------------------------------------- 1998 $ 23,057 1999 19,960 2000 16,288 2001 13,738 2002 11,525 Thereafter 130,618 - ------------------------------------------------------ Total $ 215,186 ====================================================== 9. INCOME TAXES The income tax expense for the three years ended December 31, 1997 consisted of the following (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current: Federal $ 30,181 $ 23,549 $(23,833) State 2,476 4,779 403 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 32,657 28,328 (23,430) Deferred 13,168 10,420 42,965 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax expense $ 45,825 $ 38,748 $ 19,535 =========================================================================== Total income tax expense for the three years ended December 31, 1997 differs from amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal rate to pre-tax income, for the following reasons (in thousands): 1997 1996 1995 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Computed income tax expense $ 44,525 $ 36,412 $ 18,184 State tax on income, less applicable Federal tax 3,732 2,605 326 Low-income housing credits (1,214) (1,219) (1,224) Fair market value over cost of donations (1,306) (11) - Other-net 88 961 2,249 - --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Income tax expense $ 45,825 $ 38,748 $ 19,535 =========================================================================== The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 1997 and 1996 were as follows (in thousands): 1997 1996 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accelerated depreciation $178,570 $171,815 Capital Construction Fund 104,408 111,064 Tax-deferred gains on real estate transactions 77,784 73,890 Unrealized holding gains on securities 31,602 27,625 Post-retirement benefits (48,014) (49,398) Insurance reserves (6,907) (6,791) Alternative minimum tax benefit - (3,905) Other-net 12,907 8,905 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total $350,350 $333,205 ========================================================================== The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has completed its audits of the Company's tax returns through 1991. No settlement had a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. The IRS has commenced an audit of the Company's tax returns for 1992 through 1995. Management believes that the resolution of the current audit will not have a material effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 10. CAPITAL STOCK AND STOCK OPTIONS The Company has a stock option plan ("1989 Plan") under which key employees may be granted stock purchase options and stock appreciation rights. A second stock option plan terminated in 1993, but shares previously granted under the plan are still exercisable. Under the 1989 Plan, option prices may not be less than the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock on the dates of grant, and each option generally becomes exercisable in-full one year after the date granted. Payment for options exercised, to the extent not reduced by the application or surrender of stock appreciation rights, may be made in cash or in shares of the Company's stock. If payment is made in shares of the Company's stock, the option holder may receive, under a reload feature of the 1989 Plan, a new stock option grant for the number of shares equal to that surrendered, with an option price not less than the fair market value of the Company's stock on the date of exercise. During 1997, new options to purchase 565,212 shares were granted under the 1989 Plan. This included reload options to purchase 57,132 shares. The 1989 Plan also permits issuance of shares of the Company's common stock as a reward for past service rendered to the Company or one of its subsidiaries or as an incentive for future service with such entities. The recipients' interest in such shares may be fully vested upon issuance or may vest in one or more installments, upon such terms and conditions as are determined by the committee which administers the plan. The number of incentive shares issued during 1997 or outstanding at the end of the year was not material. The Company also has a Directors' stock option plan, under which each non- employee Director of the Company, elected at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders, is automatically granted, on the date of each such Annual Meeting, an option to purchase 3,000 shares of the Company's common stock at the average fair market value of the shares for the five consecutive trading days prior to the grant date. Each option becomes exercisable six months after the date granted. During 1997, new options to purchase 21,000 shares were granted, options to purchase 15,000 shares were exercised and options to purchase 9,000 shares were canceled. At December 31, 1997, options to purchase 183,000 shares were outstanding under the plan. The Company applies Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations in accounting for its stock-based compensation plans. Accordingly, no compensation cost is recognized in the Company's income statement for stock option plans at the time grants are awarded. If the compensation costs for the 1989 Plan and the Directors' stock option plan had been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," the after-tax cost for grants made in 1997, 1996 and 1995 would have been approximately $1,800,000, $900,000 and $1,300,000, respectively. Earnings per share for 1997, 1996 and 1995 would have declined by $0.04, $0.02 and $0.03, respectively. Changes in shares under all option plans, for the three years ended December 31, 1997, were as follows: Price Range Shares Per Share - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1995: Granted 551,800 $21.750-22.500 Exercised (23,550) 17.375-24.750 Canceled (385,531) 24.250-36.250 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding, December 31 2,586,751 17.375-37.875 1996: Granted 495,264 21.750-32.625 Exercised (125,188) 17.375-24.750 Canceled (15,800) 24.250-36.250 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Outstanding, December 31 2,941,027 17.375-37.875 1997: GRANTED 586,212 25.100-34.875 EXERCISED (263,351) 17.375-24.750 CANCELED (57,850) 24.750-37.875 - ----------------------------------------------------------------------- OUTSTANDING, DECEMBER 31 (2,600,337 EXERCISABLE) 3,206,038 $21.750-37.875 ======================================================================= The Company has a Shareholder Rights Plan, designed to protect the interests of shareholders in the event an attempt is made to acquire the Company. The rights initially will trade with the Company's outstanding common stock and will not be exercisable absent certain acquisitions or attempted acquisitions of specified percentages of such stock. If exercisable, the rights generally entitle shareholders to purchase additional shares of the Company's stock or shares of an acquiring company's stock at prices below market value. If not renewed, the Plan will expire in 1998. 11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES At December 31, 1997, the Company and its subsidiaries had an unspent balance of total appropriations for capital expenditures of approximately $84,222,000. However, there is no contractual obligation to spend this entire amount. The Company has arranged for standby letters of credit of approximately $19,930,000 necessary to qualify as a self-insurer for state and federal workers' compensation liabilities. The Company also has other letters of credit outstanding for normal operating matters, which total approximately $3,958,000. A subsidiary is a party, acting as the steam host, to a Steam Purchase Agreement with a developer which constructed and operates a cogeneration facility contiguous to the subsidiary's California refinery. The agreement provides that, during the 30-year period of the agreement, the subsidiary will receive steam necessary for refinery operations at a reduced price, compared to the market price of fuel which previously had to be purchased to generate its steam requirements. A subsidiary is party to a long-term sugar supply contract with Hawaiian Sugar & Transportation Cooperative (HSTC), a raw sugar marketing and transportation cooperative owned by the Company and by the other Hawaii sugar growers. Under the terms of this contract, the subsidiary is obligated to purchase, and HSTC is obligated to sell, all of the raw sugar delivered to HSTC by the Hawaii sugar growers, at prices determined by the quoted domestic sugar market. The subsidiary made purchases of raw sugar totaling $126,629,000 and $190,188,000 under the contract during 1997 and 1996, respectively. The contract also requires that the subsidiary provide cash advances to HSTC prior to the physical receipt of the sugar at its refinery (see Note 7). Such advances are determined by the estimated raw sugar market prices. Amounts due to HSTC are credited against outstanding advances to HSTC upon delivery of raw sugar to the subsidiary's refinery. The Company and certain subsidiaries are parties to various legal actions and are contingently liable in connection with claims and contracts arising in the normal course of business, the outcome of which, in the opinion of management after consultation with legal counsel, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position or results of operations. 12. INDUSTRY SEGMENTS Industry segment information for 1997, 1996 and 1995, on page 24, is incorporated herein by reference. Segments are: Ocean transportation -- carrying freight between various U.S. and Canadian West Coast, Hawaii and other Pacific ports, and providing terminal services. Property development and management -- developing, managing and selling residential, commercial and industrial properties. Food products -- growing, processing and marketing sugar, molasses and coffee, and generating and selling electricity. As discussed in Note 2, the net assets of the container leasing segment were sold in 1995. EXHIBIT B ALEXANDER & BALDWIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31, 1997 (In thousands) THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET AND CONSOLIDATING INCOME STATEMENT AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Item No. Caption Heading 1 Total Assets $1,704,798 2 Total Operating Revenues $1,233,344 3 Net Income $81,387 February 26, 1998 Securities and Exchange Commission Judiciary Plaza 450 Fifth Street, N. W. Washington, D. C. 20549 Re: Form U-3A-2 - Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. and A&B-Hawaii, Inc. - SEC File No. 69-166 ------------------------------------------ Gentlemen: Submitted herewith for filing is the joint and consolidated Statement of Alexander & Baldwin, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, A&B-Hawaii, Inc., on Form U-3A-2 claiming an exemption under Rule U-2 from the provisions of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935. This filing is being made by direct transmission to the Commission's EDGAR system, and is being filed jointly pursuant to oral authorization to file on a joint and consolidated basis received from the Commission on February 21, 1990. Very truly yours, /s/ Francis K. Mukai Assistant General Counsel