Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

 

þ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011

or

 

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

For the transition period from                             to                             

Commission file number 1-03560

 

LOGO

P. H. Glatfelter Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Pennsylvania   23-0628360

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

96 South George Street, Suite 520

York, Pennsylvania 17401

 

(717) 225-4711

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(Address of principal executive offices)  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Name of Each Exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

  New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  þ.

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.     ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer    ¨

  Accelerated filer    þ    Non-accelerated filer    ¨   Small reporting company    ¨
     (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)     Yes  ¨    No  þ.

Based on the closing price as of June 30, 2011, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $699.6 million.

Common Stock outstanding on February 29, 2012 totaled 42,622,256 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

Proxy Statement to be dated on or about March 29, 2012 (Part III).

 

 

 


Table of Contents

P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended

December  31, 2011

Table of Contents

 

          Page  
PART I      
Item 1   

Business

     1   
Item 1A   

Risk Factors

     6   
Item 1B   

Unresolved Staff Comments

     10   
Item 2   

Properties

     10   
Item 3   

Legal Proceedings

     11   
  

Executive Officers

     11   
Item 4   

Mine Safety Disclosures

     12   
PART II      
Item 5   

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

     12   
Item 6   

Selected Financial Data

     13   
Item 7   

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     14   
Item 7A   

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     26   
Item 8   

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     27   
Item 9   

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

     64   
Item 9A   

Controls and Procedures

     64   
Item 9B   

Other Information

     64   
PART III
 
     
Item 10   

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

     64   
Item 11   

Executive Compensation

     64   
Item 12   

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

     64   
Item 13   

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

     64   
Item 14   

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

     64   
PART IV
 
     
Item 15   

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

     65   

SIGNATURES

     67   

CERTIFICATIONS

     68   

SCHEDULE II

     70   


Table of Contents

PART I

We make regular filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings are available free of charge on our website, www.glatfelter.com, and the SEC website at www.sec.gov. We also provide copies of our SEC filings at no charge upon request to Investor Relations at (717) 225-2724, ir@glatfelter.com, or by mail to Investor Relations, 96 South George Street, Suite 520, York, PA, 17401. In this filing, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “Glatfelter” refer to P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries.

 

ITEM 1 BUSINESS

Overview    Glatfelter began operations in 1864, and we believe we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, we own and operate manufacturing facilities located in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Philippines.

Products    Our three business units manufacture a wide array of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials including:

 

   

Specialty Papers with revenues from the sale of papers for carbonless and other forms, book publishing, envelopes, and engineered products such as papers for digital imaging, transfer, casting, release, postal, playing card, FDA-compliant food and beverage applications, and other niche specialty applications;

 

   

Composite Fibers primarily consists of single-serve coffee and tea filtration papers, metallized and self adhesive labeling papers, composite laminates used for decorative furniture and flooring applications, and technical specialties such as battery pasting papers, among others; and

 

   

Advanced Airlaid Materials with revenue from the sale of airlaid non-woven fabric-like materials used in feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, cleaning pads and wipes, food pads, napkins, tablecloths, and baby wipes.

The markets served by the Composite Fibers and Advance Airlaid business units are characterized by attractive growth rates as the result of new and emerging

products, changing end-user customer preferences and evolving demographics. Specialty Papers serves more mature market segments, some of which are in decline.

As a result of our strategy to diversify sources of revenue and invest in growth businesses, revenue generated from Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials represents an increasingly greater proportion of total revenue. For 2011, these business units comprised 45% of consolidated revenue compared with 30% in 2006.

Consolidated net sales and the relative net sales contribution of each of our business units for the past three years are summarized below:

 

Dollars in thousands

    2011        2010        2009       

Net sales

  $ 1,603,154      $ 1,455,331      $ 1,184,010     

Business unit contribution

       

Specialty Papers

    54.6     57.9     66.9  

Composite Fibers

    29.7        28.8        33.1     

Advanced Airlaid Materials

    15.7        13.3            

Total

    100.0     100.0     100.0    

Our strategies are focused on growing revenues, in part, by leveraging leading positions in key global growth markets including the single-serve coffee and tea markets and the feminine hygiene and adult incontinence markets. To ensure we are best positioned to serve these markets, we have made investments to increase production capacity and service offerings and intend to make additional future investments.

Product innovation is a critical component of our business strategy. During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we invested $11.7 million, $10.4 million and $8.0 million, respectively, in new product development activities. In each of the past three years, in excess of 50% of net sales were generated from products developed, enhanced or improved within the past five years.

Other key elements to our success include margin expansion, driven by cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives, and the generation of strong and reliable cash flows. The strength of our balance sheet and generation of cash flows has allowed us to pursue strategic actions such as the $50 million investment to expand capacity in Composite Fibers and the $50 million share repurchase program approved and executed in 2011. We have a demonstrated ability to establish leading market positions through the successful acquisition and integration of complementary businesses. Since 2006, we have successfully completed and integrated four acquisitions. Our acquisition strategy complements our long-term strategy of driving growth in our markets.

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        1


Table of Contents

Our Business Units    We manage our company as three distinct business units: (i) Specialty Papers (ii) Composite Fibers; and (iii) Advanced Airlaid Materials. Net tons sold by each business unit for the past three years were as follows:

 

      2011     2010      2009       

Specialty Papers

     779,647        764,670         738,841     

Composite Fibers

     93,317        90,350         80,064     

Advanced Airlaid Materials

     87,951        72,833             

Total

     960,915        927,853         818,905       

A discussion of each unit follows:

Specialty Papers    Our North America-based Specialty Papers business unit focuses on producing papers for the following markets:

 

   

Carbonless & forms papers for credit card receipts, multi-part forms, security papers and other end-user applications;

 

   

Book publishing papers for the production of high quality hardbound books and other book publishing needs;

 

   

Envelope and converting papers for the direct mail market, shopping bags, and other converting applications; and

 

   

Engineered products for digital imaging, transfer, casting, release, postal, playing card, FDA-compliant food and beverage applications, and other niche specialty applications.

The market segments in which Specialty Papers competes have undergone significant and rapid consolidation over the past several years resulting in fewer producers. This business unit produces both commodity products (comprised of envelopes and certain forms) and higher-value-added specialty products.

Specialty Papers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated:

 

In thousands

     2011        2010         2009       

Carbonless & forms

   $ 368,582      $ 359,033       $ 320,088     

Book publishing

     166,506        168,155         176,646     

Envelope & converting

     170,380        157,202         146,812     

Engineered products

     166,660        155,257         143,490     

Other

     2,950        2,967         4,879     

Total

   $ 875,078      $ 842,614       $ 791,915       

Although many of the markets served by Specialty Papers are mature and, in many instances, declining, we have been successful at maintaining this unit’s shipments through new product and new business development initiatives while leveraging the flexibility of our operating

assets to efficiently respond to changing customer demands. In each of the past seven years, our flexible asset base, new product development capabilities and superior customer service offerings allowed us to outperform the broader uncoated free sheet market in terms of volumes shipped.

We believe we are one of the leading suppliers of carbonless and book publishing papers in the United States. Although the markets for these products are declining, we have been successful in executing our strategy to replace this lost volume with products such as envelope and converting papers, and other value-added specialty products. Specialty Papers also produces paper that is converted into specialized envelopes in a wide array of colors, finishes and capabilities. While this market is also declining, we have leveraged our customer service capabilities to grow our market share in each of the last three years.

Specialty Papers’ highly technical engineered products include those designed for multiple end uses, such as papers for pressure-sensitive postage stamps, greeting and playing cards, conical cups, digital imaging applications and for release paper applications. Such products comprise an array of distinct business niches that are in a continuous state of evolution. Many of these products are utilized for demanding, specialized customer and end-user applications. Some of our products are new and higher growth while others are more mature and further along in the product life cycle. Because many of these products are technically complex and involve substantial customer-supplier development collaboration, they typically command higher per ton prices and generally exhibit greater pricing stability relative to commodity grade paper products.

The Specialty Papers business unit operates two integrated pulp and paper making facilities with the following combined attributes:

 

Uncoated Production
Capacity (short tons)
 

Principal Raw

Material (“PRM”)

  Estimated Annual
Quantity of PRM
(short tons)

784,600

  Pulpwood   2,347,000
    Wood- and other pulps      703,300

The pulp mills within this business unit have a combined pulp making capacity of 586,000 tons of bleached pulp per year. The principal raw material used to produce each facility’s pulp is pulpwood, including both hardwoods and softwoods. Pulpwood is obtained from a variety of locations including the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. To protect our sources of pulpwood, we actively promote conservation

 

 

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and forest management among suppliers and woodland owners. In addition to critical raw materials, the cost to produce Specialty Papers’ products is influenced by energy costs. Although the business unit generates all of its steam needed for production at both facilities and generates more power than it consumes at the Spring Grove, PA facility, it purchases approximately 18% of its electricity needed for the Chillicothe, OH mill. The facilities’ source of fuel is primarily coal and, to a lesser extent, natural gas.

Since becoming a member of PJM Interconnection, a federally regulated regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement and ensures reliability of wholesale electricity in its region, excess electricity generated by Spring Grove is sold to the high-voltage electricity grid. As a member, we are committed to providing capacity to the grid and agree to sell excess power at market prices. Accordingly, our margin earned from energy sales will be subject to market volatility associated with the price at which energy is sold together with volatility in input costs, primarily related to coal.

The Spring Grove facility includes five uncoated paper machines as well as an off-line combi-blade coater and a Specialty Coater (“S-Coater”), which together provide annual production capacity for coated paper of approximately 68,000 tons. Since uncoated paper is used in producing coated paper, this is not additional capacity. The Chillicothe facility operates four paper machines producing uncoated and carbonless paper. Two of the machines have built-in coating capability which along with three additional coaters at the facility provide annual coated capacity of 130,000 tons.

In the carbonless paper market, we compete with Appleton Papers and, to a lesser extent, foreign importers including Fibria Celulose (formerly Votorantim Celulose e Papel) and Asia Pulp and Paper Co. We believe we are one of the leading producers of book publishing papers and compete in these markets with Domtar Corp. and North Pacific Paper (NORPAC), among others. In the envelope sector we compete with International Paper, Domtar Corp., Boise Inc. and Evergreen Packaging, among others. In our Specialty Papers’ engineered products markets, competition is product line specific as the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing equipment limits the number of companies offering multiple product lines. We compete with specialty divisions of large companies such as International Paper, Domtar Corp., Boise Inc., NewPage Corp. and Sappi Limited, among others. Service, product performance, technological advances and product pricing are important competitive factors with respect to all our products. We believe our reputation in these areas continues to be excellent.

To be successful in the market environment in which Specialty Papers operates, our strategy is focused on:

 

   

employing our new product and new business development capabilities to meet changing customer demands and ensure optimal utilization of capacity;

 

   

aggressively employing methodologies to manage pressures on margins presented by more mature markets;

 

   

leveraging our flexible operating platform to optimize product mix by shifting production among facilities to more closely match output with changing demand trends;

 

   

utilizing ongoing continuous improvement methodologies to ensure operational efficiencies; and

 

   

maintaining superior customer service.

Composite Fibers    Our Composite Fibers business unit, based in Gernsbach, Germany, serves customers globally and focuses on higher value-added products in the following markets:

 

   

Food & Beverage paper primarily used for single-serve coffee and tea products and other applications;

 

   

Metallized products used in the labeling of beer bottles, innerliners, gift wrap, self-adhesive labels and other consumer product applications;

 

   

Composite Laminates papers used in production of decorative laminates, furniture and flooring applications; and

 

   

Technical Specialties a diverse line of paper products used in batteries, medical masks and other highly-engineered applications.

We believe this business unit maintains a market leadership position in the single-serve coffee and tea markets, as well as the composite laminates market, and we have the second largest market share globally for metallized products. Composite Fibers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated:

 

In thousands

    2011        2010         2009   

Food & beverage

  $ 284,748      $ 242,882       $ 233,899   

Metallized

    95,276        88,753         81,388   

Composite laminates

    53,334        50,801         46,442   

Technical specialties and other

    42,671        36,781         30,366   

Total

  $ 476,029      $ 419,217       $ 392,095   
 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        3


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We believe many of the market segments served by Composite Fibers, particularly single-serve coffee and tea, present attractive growth opportunities by capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences, expanding into new emerging geographic markets and by gaining market share through quality product and service offerings. Many of this unit’s papers are technically sophisticated and most, except for metallized papers, are extremely lightweight and require specialized fibers. Our engineering capabilities, specifically designed papermaking equipment, use of specialized fibers and customer orientation position us well to compete in these global markets.

The Composite Fibers business unit is comprised of three paper making facilities (Germany, France and England), metallizing operations (Wales and Germany) and a pulp mill (the Philippines) with the following combined attributes:

 

Production
Capacity

(short tons)

    

Principal Raw

Material (“PRM”)

   Estimated Annual
Quantity of PRM
(short tons)
68,400 lightweight      Abaca pulp    18,100
     Wood pulp    46,000
     Synthetic fiber    12,800
27,550 metallized      Base stock    30,100
15,300 abaca pulp      Abaca fiber    20,900

Composite Fibers uses highly specialized inclined wire paper machine technology and we believe we currently maintain approximately 25% of the global inclined wire capacity.

The primary raw materials used in the production of our lightweight papers are abaca pulp and wood pulp. Abaca pulp is a specialized pulp with limited sources of availability. This abaca pulp production process provides a unique advantage by supplying a key raw material used by our Composite Fibers business unit. Sufficient quantities of abaca pulp and the source fiber are required to support growth in this business unit. In the event the supply of abaca fiber becomes constrained or when production demands exceed the capacity of the Philippines mill, alternative sources and/or substitute fibers are used to meet customer demands.

In addition to critical raw materials, the cost to produce Composite Fibers’ products is influenced by energy costs. Although the business unit generates all of its steam needed for production, it purchases approximately 89% of its electricity.

In Composite Fibers’ markets, competition is product line specific as the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing equipment limits the number of companies offering multiple product lines. We believe we

have leading market positions for paper used in single-serve coffee and tea products and compete with companies such as Ahlstrom and Purico. In composite laminates we compete with PdM, a division of Schweitzer-Maudit, Purico and MB Papeles and for metallized products, competitors include Vacumet, AR Metallizing, Amsterdam Metallized Products, and Wenzhou Protec Vacuum Metallizing Co. Ltd.

Our strategy in Composite Fibers is focused on:

 

   

capturing global growth in food & beverage, technical specialties and composite laminates;

 

   

expanding value-added production capacity by investing in state-of-the-art inclined wire technology to better ensure our capacity supports consistent growth of markets;

 

   

capitalizing on rapidly growing markets;

 

   

enhancing product mix across all of the business unit’s markets by utilizing new product and new business development capabilities;

 

   

implementing continuous improvement methodologies to increase productivity, reduce costs and expand capacity; and

 

   

ensuring readily available access to specialized raw material requirements to support projected growth.

The recently announced $50 million investment to expand our inclined wire capacity by nearly 20%, or approximately 10,500 short tons, by converting a flat wire machine to a state-of-the-art inclined wire machine demonstrates our commitment to realizing the growth presented in this business unit’s markets. The project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2013 and the new machine is expected to begin production in the second quarter of 2013. We expect to achieve a 15% to 20% after-tax return on this investment within three years.

Advanced Airlaid Materials    was formed in connection with our February 2010 acquisition of Concert Industries Corp. (“Concert”). Advanced Airlaid Materials is a leading global supplier of highly absorbent cellulose-based airlaid non-woven materials used to manufacture consumer and industrial products for growing global end-user markets. These products include, but are not limited to:

 

   

feminine hygiene;

 

   

adult incontinence;

 

   

home care such as specialty wipes;

 

   

table top and towels; and

 

   

food pads and other.

 

 

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Advanced Airlaid Materials affords us the opportunity to grow with customers who are industry leading consumer product companies for feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products. Advanced Airlaid Materials holds leading market share positions in many of the markets it serves, excels in building long-term customer relationships through superior quality and customer service programs, and has a well-earned reputation for innovation and its ability to quickly bring new products to market.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated:

 

In thousands

    2011        2010   

Feminine hygiene

  $ 206,724      $ 157,691   

Adult incontinence

    6,083        6,146   

Home care

    24,492        17,902   

Food pads

    9,526        8,200   

Other

    5,222        3,560   

Total

  $ 252,047      $ 193,499   

Sales for the feminine hygiene category accounted for 82% of Advanced Airlaid Material’s revenue in 2011. Sales in this market segment are to a small group of large, leading global consumer products companies. This market is considered to be more growth oriented driven by population growth in certain geographic regions, consumer preferences and suppliers’ ability to provide innovative products. In developing regions, demand is also influenced by increases in disposable income and cultural preferences.

The Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit operates state-of-the-art facilities in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada and Falkenhagen, Brandenburg, Germany. The Gatineau location consists of two airlaid production lines employing multi-bonded and thermal-bonded airlaid technologies and, with the recently completed investment, two proprietary single-lane festooners. The Falkenhagen location operates three multi-bonded production lines and three proprietary single-lane festooners.

The business unit’s two facilities operate with the following combined attributes:

 

Airlaid Production

Capacity (short tons)

   Principal Raw
Material (“PRM”)
   Estimated Annual
Quantity of PRM
(short tons)

102,300

   Fluff pulp    72,000

In addition to the cost of critical raw materials, the cost to produce multi-bonded and thermal-bonded airlaid materials is impacted by energy costs. Advanced Airlaid Materials purchases all of its electricity and natural gas.

Advanced Airlaid Materials continues to be a technology and product innovation leader in technically demanding segments of the airlaid market, most notably

feminine hygiene. We believe that its facilities are among the most modern and flexible airlaid facilities in the world, which allows it to produce at industry leading operating rates. Its proprietary single-lane rotary festooning technology, developed in 2002, provides customers with product packaged for efficient use. This business unit’s in-house technical expertise, combined with significant capital investment requirements and rigorous customer expectations creates large barriers to entry for new competitors.

The airlaid industry is made up of several producers, including Buckeye Technologies Inc., Georgia-Pacific LLC, Duni AB, Petropar SA, McAirlaid’s Vliestoffe GmbH & Co. KG, and us.

The markets served by this business unit are characterized by attractive growth opportunities. To take advantage of this, our strategy is focused on:

 

   

maintaining and expanding relationships with customers that are market-leading consumer product companies;

 

   

expanding geographic reach of markets served;

 

   

optimizing the use of existing production capacity;

 

   

employing continuous improvement methodologies and initiatives to reduce costs and improve efficiencies; and

 

   

capitalizing on our product and process innovation capabilities.

Additional financial information for each of our business units is included in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 23 including geographic revenue and long-lived asset financial information.

Balance Sheet    We are focused on prudent financial management and the maintenance of a conservative capital structure and strong balance sheet. This includes:

 

   

aggressively managing working capital to enhance cash flow from operations;

 

   

making disciplined capital expenditure decisions; and

 

   

monetizing the value of our timberland assets as opportunities warrant.

The success of these actions positions us with the flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities that will benefit our shareholders.

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        5


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Concentration of Customers    For each of the past three years, no single customer represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. However, as discussed in Item 1A Risk Factors, one customer accounted for the majority of Advanced Airlaid Materials net sales in 2011 and 2010.

Capital Expenditures    Our business is capital intensive and requires extensive expenditures for new and enhanced equipment. These capital investments are necessary to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, environmental compliance, and for normal upgrades or replacements. For 2012, capital expenditures are estimated to be $95 million to $105 million. This includes $30 million to $35 million of the $50 million investment to expand capacity to serve Composite Fibers’ growth markets.

Environmental Matters    We are subject to laws and regulations designed to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. We have, at various times, incurred significant costs to comply with these regulations, as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities change. Currently, we anticipate that we could incur material capital and operating costs to comply with several air quality regulations including the U.S. EPA Best Available Retrofit Technology rule (BART; otherwise known as the Regional Haze Rule) and the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule (Boiler MACT). For example, on March 21, 2011, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules which could require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on power boilers at two of our U.S.- based facilities. We are currently reviewing these rules, and challenges to them filed by others in the court system, to understand the effect they may have on our operations if we are required to comply with the rules in their current form. We are also evaluating options that may be available to us, such as reducing or curtailing boiler usage or modifying the types of boilers operated or fuel consumed. The cost of compliance is likely to be significant. Our initial estimates to implement viable options could result in additional capital spending in excess of $30 million, however, the amount ultimately incurred may be less depending on the outcome of challenges to current rules or on our successful implementation of appropriate available options. In addition, the timing of any additional capital spending is uncertain. Enactment of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations could significantly change our estimates. For a discussion of other environmental matters, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22.

Employees    As of December 31, 2011, we employed 4,274 people worldwide, of which approximately 70% are unionized. The United Steelworkers International Union and the Office and Professional Employees International Union represents the 1,600 hourly employees at our Chillicothe, OH and Spring Grove, PA facilities under labor contracts expiring in August 2012 and January 2014, respectively. Hourly employees at each of our international locations are represented by various unions or works councils. We consider the overall relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.

Other Available Information    Our website includes a Corporate Governance page consisting of, among others, our Governance Principles and Code of Business Conduct, and biographies of our Board of Directors and Executive Officers. In addition, the website includes the charters for the Audit, Compensation, Finance and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance page also includes the Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter, our “whistle-blower” policy and other related material. We satisfy the disclosure requirement for any future amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on our website. We will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, without charge, to any person who requests one, by contacting Investor Relations at (717) 225-2724, ir@glatfelter.com or by mail to 96 South George Street, Suite 520, York, PA, 17401.

 

ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS

Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by the global economic environment or downturns in the target markets that we serve.

Adverse global economic conditions could impact our target markets resulting in decreased demand for our products. Our results could be adversely affected if economic conditions weaken or fail to improve. Also, there may be periods during which demand for our products is insufficient to enable us to operate our production facilities in an economical manner. The economic impact may cause customer insolvencies which may result in their inability to satisfy their financial obligations to us. These conditions are beyond our ability to control and may have a significant impact on our sales and results of operations.

The markets for our products are also significantly affected by changes in industry capacity and output levels.

 

 

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There have been periods of supply/demand imbalance in our industry which have caused pulp prices and our products’ selling prices to be volatile. The timing and magnitude of price increases or decreases in these markets have generally varied by region and by product type. A sustained period of weak demand or excess supply would likely adversely affect pulp prices and our products’ selling prices. This could have a material adverse affect on our operating and financial results.

The cost of raw materials and energy used to manufacture our products could increase and the availability of certain raw materials could become constrained.

We require access to sufficient and reasonably priced quantities of pulpwood, purchased pulps, pulp substitutes, abaca fiber, synthetic fibers and certain other raw materials. Our Spring Grove and Chillicothe locations are vertically integrated manufacturing facilities that generate approximately 85% of their annual pulp requirements.

Our Philippine mill purchases abaca fiber to produce abaca pulp, which we use to manufacture our paper for single-serve coffee, tea and technical specialty products at our Gernsbach, Scaër and Lydney facilities. At certain times in the past, the supply of abaca fiber has been constrained due to factors such as weather related damage to the source crop as well as selection by land owners of alternative uses of land in lieu of fiber producing activities.

Our Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit requires access to sufficient quantities of fluff pulp, the supply of which is subject to availability of certain softwoods. Softwood availability can be limited by many factors, including weather in regions where softwoods are abundant.

The cost of many of our production materials, including petroleum based chemicals, and freight charges, are influenced by the cost of oil. In addition, coal is a principal source of fuel for both the Spring Grove and Chillicothe facilities and natural gas is used as a source of fuel for our Chillicothe facility, and the Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units’ facilities. In addition, our vendors’ liquidity may be impacted by the economy creating supply shortages.

Although we have contractual cost pass-through arrangements with certain customers, we may not be able to fully pass increased raw materials or energy costs on to all customers if the market will not bear the higher price or where existing agreements with our customers limit price increases. If price adjustments significantly trail increases in

raw materials or energy prices our operating results could be adversely affected.

Our industry is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce our sales and profitability.

In the past, global industries in which we compete have been adversely affected by capacity exceeding the demand for products and by declining uncoated free sheet demand. As a result, steps have been taken to reduce underperforming capacity. However, slowing demand or increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our gross margins and net income. The greater financial resources of certain of our competitors may enable them to commit larger amounts of capital in response to changing market conditions. Certain competitors may also have the ability to develop product or service innovations that could put us at a competitive disadvantage.

Some of the factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete in the markets in which we participate include:

 

   

the entry of new competitors into the markets we serve, including foreign producers;

 

   

the willingness of commodity-based producers to enter our markets when they are unable to compete or when demand softens in their traditional markets;

 

   

the aggressiveness of our competitors’ pricing strategies, which could force us to decrease prices in order to maintain market share;

 

   

our failure to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences;

 

   

the impact of electronic-based substitutes for certain of our products such as carbonless and forms, book publishing, and envelope;

 

   

the impact of replacement or disruptive technologies;

 

   

changes in end-user preferences;

 

   

our inability to develop new, improved or enhanced products; and

 

   

our inability to maintain the cost efficiency of our facilities.

If we cannot effectively compete in the markets in which we operate, our sales and operating results would be adversely affected.

 

 

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We may not be able to develop new products acceptable to our customers.

Our business strategy is market focused and includes investments in developing new products to meet the changing needs of our customers and to maintain our market share. Our success will depend, in part on our ability to develop and introduce new and enhanced products that keep pace with introductions by our competitors and changing customer preferences. If we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to these factors, we may lose opportunities for business with both current and potential customers. The success of our new product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to:

 

   

anticipate and properly identify our customers’ needs and industry trends;

 

   

price our products competitively;

 

   

develop and commercialize new products and applications in a timely manner;

 

   

differentiate our products from our competitors’ products; and

 

   

invest efficiently in research and development activities.

Our inability to develop new products could adversely impact our business and ultimately harm our profitability.

We are subject to substantial costs and potential liability for environmental matters.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. We are also subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. The Clean Air Act, and similar regulations, could impose significant compliance costs or require significant capital expenditures. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial capital and operating expenditures. We anticipate that environmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that capital and operating expenditures necessary to comply with environmental regulations will continue, and perhaps increase, in the future. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our ability to compete globally may be adversely affected by capital and operating expenditures required for

environmental compliance. In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment, such as air and water quality, resulting from mills we operate or have operated. Potential obligations include compensation for the restoration of natural resources, personal injury and property damages.

Despite favorable rulings in the pending Fox River litigation, we continue to have exposure to liability for remediation and other costs related to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls in the lower Fox River on which our former Neenah, Wisconsin mill was located. There can be no assurance that we will not be required to ultimately pay material amounts to resolve our liability in the Fox River matter. We have financial reserves for environmental matters, including the Fox River site, but we cannot be certain that those reserves will be adequate to provide for future obligations related to these matters, that our share of costs and/or damages for these matters will not exceed our available resources, or that such obligations will not have a long-term, material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

Our environmental issues are complex and should be reviewed in context; please see a more detailed discussion of these matters in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22.

The Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit generates a substantial portion of its revenue from one customer serving the feminine hygiene and home care product markets, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Advanced Airlaid Materials generates the majority of its net sales of feminine hygiene and home care products from one customer. The loss of this significant customer could have a material adverse effect on their operating results. In addition, sales in the feminine hygiene market accounted for 82% of Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales in 2011 and sales are concentrated within a small group of large customers. A decline in sales of feminine hygiene products could have a material adverse effect on this unit’s operating results. Customers in the airlaid non-woven fabric material market, including the feminine hygiene market, may also switch to less expensive products, change preferences or otherwise reduce demand for Advanced Airlaid Material’s products, thus reducing the size of the markets in which it currently sells its products. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and business prospects.

 

 

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Our operations may be impaired and we may be exposed to potential losses and liability as a result of natural disasters, acts of terrorism or sabotage or similar events.

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, flooding or fire, and acts of terrorism or sabotage affecting our operating activities and major facilities could materially and adversely affect our operations, our operating results and financial condition. In particular, we own and operate four dams in York County, Pennsylvania, that were built to ensure a steady supply of water for the operation of our paper mill in Spring Grove which is a primary manufacturing location for our envelope papers and engineered products. Each of these dams is classified as “high hazard” by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because they are located in close proximity to inhabited areas and sudden failure would endanger occupants or residential, commercial or industrial structures. Failure or breach of any of the dams, including as a result of natural disaster or act of terrorism or sabotage, could cause significant personal injuries and damage to residential and commercial property downstream for which we may be liable. The failure of a dam could also be extremely disruptive and result in damage to or the shutdown of our Spring Grove mill. Any losses or liabilities incurred due to the failure of one of our dams may not be fully covered by our insurance policies or may substantially exceed the limits of our policies, and could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

In addition, many of our papermaking operations require a reliable and abundant supply of water. Such mills rely on a local water body or water source for their water needs and, therefore, are particularly impacted by drought conditions or other natural or manmade interruptions to its water supplies. At various times and for differing periods, each of our mills has had to modify operations due to water shortages or low flow conditions in its principal water supplies. Any interruption or curtailment of operations at any of our paper mills due to drought or low flow conditions at the principal water source or another cause could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Our pulp mill in Lanao del Norte on the Island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines is located along the Pacific Rim in the world’s hazard belt. By virtue of its geographic location, this mill is subject to, among other types of natural disasters, floods, droughts, cyclones, typhoons, earthquakes, windstorms and volcanic activity. Moreover, the area of Lanao del Norte has been a target of terrorist activities, including bombings, by suspected

members of the al-Qaeda-linked Islamist groups in the Philippines, such as the Abu Sayyaf and the Rajah Solaiman Group and other Islamic militant groups, most notably the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The most common bomb targets in Lanao del Norte to date have been power transmission towers. Our pulp mill in Mindanao is located in a rural portion of the island and is susceptible to attacks or power interruptions. The Mindanao mill supplies approximately 80% of the abaca pulp that is used by our Composite Fibers business unit to manufacture our paper for single serve coffee and tea products and certain technical specialties. Any interruption, loss or extended curtailment of operations at our Mindanao mill could materially affect our operating results and financial condition.

We have operations in a potentially politically and economically unstable location.

Our pulp mill in the Philippines is located in a region that is unstable and subject to political unrest. As discussed above, our Philippine pulp mill produces abaca pulp, a significant raw material used by our Composite Fibers business unit, and is currently our main provider of abaca pulp. There are limited suitable alternative sources of readily available abaca pulp in the world. In the event of a disruption in supply from our Philippine mill, there is no guarantee that we could obtain adequate amounts of abaca pulp from alternative sources at a reasonable price or at all. As a consequence, any civil disturbance, unrest, political instability or other event that causes a disruption in supply could limit the availability of abaca pulp and would increase our cost of obtaining abaca pulp. Such occurrences could adversely impact our sales volumes, revenues and operating results.

Our international operations pose certain risks that may adversely impact sales and earnings.

We have significant operations and assets located in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Our international sales and operations are subject to a number of special risks, in addition to the risks in our domestic sales and operations, including differing protections of intellectual property, trade barriers, labor unrest, exchange controls, regional economic uncertainty, differing (and possibly more stringent) labor regulation, risk of governmental expropriation, domestic and foreign customs and tariffs, differing regulatory environments, difficulty in managing widespread operations and political instability. These factors may adversely affect our future

 

 

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profits. Also, in some foreign jurisdictions, we may be subject to laws limiting the right and ability of entities organized or operating therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met. Any such limitations would restrict our flexibility in using funds generated in those jurisdictions.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations.

As we diversify our business and expand our global footprint, an increasing proportion of our revenue is generated outside of the United States. We also own and operate manufacturing facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. Currently, the majority of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars; however, an increasing portion of business is transacted in Euros, British Pound Sterling, Canadian dollars or Philippine Peso. With respect to the Euro, we generate substantially greater cash inflow in this currency than we do outflow. However, with respect to the British Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine Peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies. As a result of these positions, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates. Uncertainty with respect to the ability of certain European countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations and actions proposed to restructure such obligations may cause the value of the euro to fluctuate further. In the event that one or more European countries were to replace the euro with another currency, business may be adversely affected until stable exchange rates are established.

Our ability to maintain our products’ price competitiveness is reliant, in part, on the relative strength of the currency in which the product is denominated compared to the currency of the market into which it is sold and the functional currency of our competitors. Changes in the rate of exchange of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar, and other currencies, may adversely impact our results of operations and our ability to offer products in certain markets at acceptable prices.

An IRS audit of our 2009 tax return could result in a change in the tax treatment of the alternative fuel mixture credits we claimed in 2009, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code, or the Code, provided a tax credit for companies that used alternative

fuel mixtures to produce energy to operate their businesses on or prior to December 31, 2009. During 2009, we registered two of our facilities with the IRS as alternative fuel mixers based on their use of black liquor as an alternative fuel source. For the year ended December 31, 2009, we had substantial alternative fuel mixture credits relating to these facilities. Our results of operations in 2009 included, on a pre-tax basis, $107.8 million of alternative fuel mixture credits all of which has been used or realized in cash. In the event that the IRS audits our tax return for the year ended December 31, 2009, the IRS may conclude that some or all of the credits claimed are subject to federal income taxes, which would subject us to additional tax liabilities and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.

In the event any of the above risk factors impact our business in a material way or in combination during the same period, we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to simultaneously fund our operations, finance capital expenditures, satisfy obligations and make dividend payments on our common stock.

In addition to debt service obligations, our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, environmental compliance, and for normal upgrades or replacements. We expect to meet all of our near and long-term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, our existing credit facility and other long-term debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from these sources, we could be unable to meet our near and long-term cash needs or make dividend payments.

 

ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

 

ITEM 2 PROPERTIES

We own substantially all of the land and buildings comprising our manufacturing facilities located in Pennsylvania; Ohio; Canada; the United Kingdom; Germany; France; and the Philippines. Substantially all of the equipment used in our manufacturing and related operations is also owned. Our metallized paper production facility located in Caerphilly, Wales leases the building and land associated with its operations. We also lease office and warehouse space in Moscow, Russia, as well as our corporate offices located in York, Pennsylvania. All of our

 

 

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properties, other than those that are leased, are free from any material liens or encumbrances. We consider all of our buildings to be in good structural condition and well maintained and our properties to be suitable and adequate for present operations.

 

ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary and incidental to our business. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty; however, we do not expect such lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations.

For a discussion of commitments, legal proceedings and related contingencies, see Item  8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers and senior management as of March 9, 2012.

 

Name    Age      Office with the Company
Dante C. Parrini      47      

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

John P. Jacunski      46      

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher W. Astley      39       Vice President, Corporate Strategy
Jonathan A. Bourget      47      

Vice President & General Manager, Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit

David C. Elder      43       Vice President, Finance
Michael L. Korniczky      46      

Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Debabrata Mukherjee      42      

Vice President & General Manager, Specialty Papers Business Unit

Martin Rapp      52      

Vice President & General Manager, Composite Fibers Business Unit

Mark A. Sullivan      57       Vice President Global Supply Chain
William T. Yanavitch II      51      

Vice President Human Resources and Administration

Officers are elected to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Except in the case of officers elected to fill a new position or a vacancy occurring at some other date, officers are generally elected at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders.

Dante C. Parrini became Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2011 and Chairman of the Board in May 2011. Prior to this appointment, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a position he

held since February 2005. Mr. Parrini joined us in 1997 and has previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, a position he held beginning in January 2003 and prior to that as Vice President responsible for Sales and Marketing.

John P. Jacunski became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2006. From October 2003 until July 2006, he was Vice President and Corporate Controller. Mr. Jacunski was previously Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at WCI Steel, Inc. from June 1999 to October 2003. Prior to joining WCI, Mr. Jacunski was with KPMG, an international accounting and consulting firm, where he served in various capacities.

Christopher W. Astley joined us in August 2010 as Vice President – Corporate Strategy. He has over fifteen years experience as an advisor and practitioner leading critical strategic and tactical corporate initiatives for natural resource companies, with a focus since 1999 on the pulp, paper, and packaging industries. Mr. Astley previously held positions with Accenture, a global management consulting firm, and The Coca-Cola Company, as well as successfully leading a privately held business for several years.

Jonathan A. Bourget joined us in July 2010 as Vice President & General Manager, Advanced Airlaid Materials Business Unit. From 2008 until joining our Company, Mr. Bourget was Vice President & General Manager of European operations at Polymer Group Inc. Prior to this, he held various positions of increasing responsibility, including General Manager Specialties Division in Europe, with Alcoa Inc.

David C. Elder was promoted to Vice President, Finance in December 2011 and continues as our Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to his promotion, he was our Vice President, Corporate Controller, a position held since joining Glatfelter in January 2006. Mr. Elder was previously Corporate Controller for YORK International Corporation and prior to that he was the Director, Financial Planning and Analysis for that company.

Michael L. Korniczky joined us in January 2012 as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. Prior to joining us, Mr. Korniczky was Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Secretary for Graham Packaging Company Inc. since March 2007 and was previously Assistant General Counsel at Crown Holdings, Inc. from 1998 to 2007.

Debabrata Mukherjee was appointed Vice President & General Manager, Specialty Papers Business Unit in April 2008. Dr. Mukherjee joined our Company in 1998 and since then has held various operational, sales

 

 

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and technical leadership positions within the Specialty Papers Business Unit. From March 2006 through March 2008, Dr. Mukherjee served as Division Vice President, Engineered & Converting Products. From February 2004 through February 2006, Dr. Mukherjee served as Director, Engineered Products. Prior to joining Glatfelter, Dr. Mukherjee served in various capacities with Felix Schoeller, a German based global specialty paper manufacturer.

Martin Rapp joined Glatfelter in August 2006 and serves as Vice President and General Manager – Composite Fibers Business Unit. Prior to this, Mr. Rapp was Vice President and General Manager of Avery Dennison’s Roll Materials Business in Central and Eastern Europe since August 2002.

Mark A. Sullivan was appointed Vice President, Global Supply Chain in February 2005. Mr. Sullivan joined our company in December 2003 as Chief Procurement Officer. His experience includes a broad array of operations and supply chain management responsibilities during twenty years with the DuPont Company.

William T. Yanavitch II was appointed Vice President, Human Resources and Administration in May 2005. Mr. Yanavitch briefly worked with Constellation Energy in Human Resources from February 2005 – May 2005. He served as our Vice President Human Resources from July 2000 until January 2005. Prior to joining us he worked for Dentsply International and Gould Pumps Inc. in various leadership capacities.

 

ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable

PART II

 

ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Common Stock Prices and Dividends Declared Information

The following table shows the high and low prices of our common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange

under the symbol “GLT” and the dividend declared per share for each quarter during the past two years.

 

Quarter

     High         Low         Dividend   

2011

        

Fourth

     $15.79         $12.46         $0.09   

Third

     16.03         11.73         0.09   

Second

     15.51         12.65         0.09   

First

     13.40         11.00         0.09   

2010

        

Fourth

     $13.37         $11.62         $0.09   

Third

     12.65         10.08         0.09   

Second

     15.49         10.62         0.09   

First

     15.05         12.32         0.09   

As of March 7, 2012, we had 1,367 shareholders of record.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return of our common stock with the cumulative total returns of both a peer group and a broad market index. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we compare our stock performance to the S&P Small Cap 600 Paper Products index comprised of Buckeye Technologies Inc., Clearwater Paper Corp., Kapstone Paper & Packaging Corp., Neenah Paper Inc., Schweitzer-Mauduit International and Wausau Paper Corp. In addition, the chart includes a comparison to the Russell 2000, which we believe is an appropriate benchmark index for stocks such as ours.

The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, in each index, and the peer group (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on December 31, 2006 and charts it through December 31, 2011.

 

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ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

 

As of or for the year ended December 31

Dollars in thousands, except per share

    2011        2010 (2)        2009 (4)        2008         2007   

Net sales

  $ 1,603,154      $ 1,455,331      $ 1,184,010      $ 1,263,850       $ 1,148,323   

Energy and related sales, net

    9,344        10,653        13,332        9,364         9,445   

Total revenue

    1,612,498        1,465,984        1,197,342        1,273,214         1,157,768   

Reversal of (charges for) shutdown and restructuring

                         856         (35

Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net

    3,950        453        898        18,468         78,685   

Net income

  $ 42,694 (1)    $ 54,434 (3)    $ 123,442      $ 57,888       $ 63,472 (5) 

Earnings per share

          

Basic

  $ 0.94      $ 1.19      $ 2.70      $ 1.28       $ 1.41   

Diluted

    0.93        1.17        2.70        1.27         1.40   

Total assets

    1,136,925      $ 1,341,747      $ 1,190,294      $ 1,057,309       $ 1,287,067   

Total debt

    227,000        333,022        254,583        313,285         313,185   

Shareholders’ equity

    490,404        552,442        510,704        342,707         476,068   

Cash dividends declared per common share

    0.36        0.36        0.36        0.36         0.36   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    69,313        65,839        61,256        60,611         56,001   

Capital expenditures

    64,491        36,491        26,257        52,469         28,960   

Shares outstanding

    42,650        45,976        45,706        45,434         45,141   

Net tons sold

    960,915        927,853        818,905        829,354         799,512   

Number of employees

    4,274        4,337        3,546        3,633         3,854   

 

(1)

During 2011, we recorded after-tax charges totaling $6.1 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred issuance costs and original issue discount and the redemption premium in connection with the early redemption of $100.0 million of bonds.

 

(2)

The information set forth above for 2010 includes the financial information for Concert Industries Corp. prospectively from the February 12, 2010 acquisition date.

 

(3)

During 2010, net income included a $23.2 million tax benefit from cellulosic biofuel production credits.

 

(4)

During 2009, we recognized $107.8 million of alternative fuel mixture credits, all of which were recorded as a reduction to cost of products sold.

 

(5)

During 2007, we recorded a $16.0 million after-tax charge to increase our reserve for the Fox River environmental matter.

 

 

 

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ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements    This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future consolidated financial position or results of operations, made in this Report on Form 10-K are forward looking. We use words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ significantly from such expectations. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements regarding expectations of, among others, non-cash pension expense, environmental costs, capital expenditures and liquidity, all of which are inherently difficult to predict. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Accordingly, we identify the following important factors, among others, which could cause our results to differ from any results that might be projected, forecasted or estimated in any such forward-looking statements:

 

i. variations in demand for our products including the impact of any unplanned market-related downtime, or variations in product pricing;

 

ii. changes in the cost or availability of raw materials we use, in particular pulpwood, pulp, pulp substitutes, caustic soda and abaca fiber;

 

iii. changes in energy-related costs and commodity raw materials with an energy component;

 

iv. our ability to develop new, high value-added products;

 

v. the impact of exposure to volatile market-based pricing for sales of excess electricity;

 

vi. the impact of competition, changes in industry production capacity, including the construction of new mills, the closing of mills and incremental changes due to capital expenditures or productivity increases;

 

vii. the gain or loss of significant customers and/or on-going viability of such customers;
viii. cost and other effects of environmental compliance, cleanup, damages, remediation or restoration, or personal injury or property damages related thereto, such as the costs of natural resource restoration or damages related to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) in the lower Fox River on which our former Neenah mill was located;

 

ix. risks associated with our international operations, including local economic and political environments and fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

 

x. geopolitical events, including war and terrorism;

 

xi. disruptions in production and/or increased costs due to labor disputes;

 

xii. the impact of unfavorable outcomes of audits by various state, federal or international tax authorities;

 

xiii. enactment of adverse state, federal or foreign tax or other legislation or changes in government policy or regulation;

 

xiv. adverse results in litigation in the Fox River matter;

 

xv. our ability to finance, consummate and integrate acquisitions; and

 

xvi. the cost, and successful design and construction, of the Composite Fibers capacity expansion project.

Introduction    We manufacture a wide array of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. We manage our company along three business units:

 

   

Specialty Papers with revenue from the sale of carbonless papers and forms, book publishing, envelope & converting papers, and fiber-based engineered products;

 

   

Composite Fibers with revenue from the sale of single-serve coffee and tea filtration papers, metallized papers, composite laminates used for decorative furniture and flooring applications, and other technical specialty papers; and

 

   

Advanced Airlaid Materials with revenue from the sale of airlaid non-woven fabric like materials used in feminine hygiene products, adult incontinence products, cleaning pads, wipes, food pads, napkins, tablecloths, and baby wipes.

Overview    For the year ended December 31, 2011, net income was $42.7 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, compared with net income of $54.4 million, or $1.17 per diluted share, in 2010. The amounts reported for 2011 include after-tax charges totaling $7.5 million for costs

 

 

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incurred to redeem $100.0 million of fixed-rate bonds, acquisition and integration expenses and work force efficiency actions. In addition, 2011 net income includes $4.2 million in gains from timberland sales and the release of tax reserves on prior timberland sales.

On February 12, 2010, we completed the acquisition of Concert Industries Corp. (“Concert”), a manufacturer of highly absorbent cellulose-based airlaid non-woven materials. Our results of operations for 2010 include the results of Concert (now operated as the Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit) prospectively since the acquisition was completed. Our 2010 results also include $9.1 million, after-tax, of acquisition and integration costs, together with a $1.7 million loss on forward foreign currency contracts that hedged the Canadian dollar purchase price, of the Concert acquisition. In addition, our results in 2010 benefited from $23.2 million of tax credits from cellulosic biofuel production tax credits and $1.1 million of after-tax gains from sales of timberlands.

Operationally, our results were favorably affected by higher volumes shipped associated with improving demand in many of the markets served by our businesses, the inclusion of Advanced Airlaid Materials for a full year and the benefits of profit improvement initiatives in this business unit. Higher average selling prices nearly offset the adverse affect of rising input costs, particularly purchased pulp.

Specialty Papers’ operating income totaled $57.3 million and $58.4 million for 2011 and 2010, respectively. This unit’s profitability was adversely impacted by rising input costs that more than offset benefits from higher volumes shipped, higher average selling prices and cost reduction initiatives.

Our Composite Fibers business unit’s operating income increased to $40.8 million from $32.9 million in 2010. Volumes shipped during 2011 increased 3.2% compared to 2010 and the mix of products sold was favorable primarily due to growth in single-serve coffee products. In addition, production and waste efficiency improved.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ operating income totaled $13.4 million in 2011 compared with $4.4 million of 2010 reflecting higher selling prices and volumes shipped, as well as profit improvement initiatives implemented to improve production and reduce waste.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2011 versus 2010

The following table sets forth summarized consolidated results of operations:

 

    Year Ended December 31  

In thousands, except per share

    2011         2010   

Net sales

  $ 1,603,154       $ 1,455,331   

Gross profit

    206,193         186,247   

Operating income

    85,272         64,589   

Net income

    42,694         54,434   

Earnings per diluted share

    0.93         1.17   

The consolidated results of operations for 2011 and 2010 include the following items not considered to be part of our core business operations:

 

In thousands, except per share

   

 

After-tax

Income (loss)

  

  

    Diluted EPS   

2011

   

Early redemption of $100 million bonds

  $ (6,065   $ (0.13

Charge for workforce efficiencies

    (652     (0.01

Acquisition and integration costs

    (792     (0.02

Timberland sales and related transaction costs

    4,160        0.09   

2010

   

Cellulosic biofuel/alternative fuel mixture credits

  $ 23,184      $ 0.50   

Acquisition and integration costs

    (9,073     (0.20

Foreign currency hedge on acquisition price

    (1,673     (0.04

Timberland sales and related transaction costs

    1,063        0.02   

During 2011, the aggregate effect of the unusual items set forth above decreased earnings by $3.3 million, or $0.07 per diluted share. In 2010, the items set forth above increased earnings by $13.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share in 2010.

Business Units    Results of individual business units are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        15


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primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services or are included in “Other and Unallocated” in the Business Unit Performance table.

Management evaluates results of operations of the business units before pension income or expense, alternative fuel mixture credits, debt redemption costs, restructuring related charges, certain corporate level costs, and the effects of asset dispositions. Management believes

that this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from these core operations. Such amounts are presented under the caption “Other and Unallocated.” This presentation is aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that the Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

 

    Year ended December 31  

Dollars in millions

    Specialty Papers         Composite Fibers        
 
Advanced Airlaid
Materials
  
  
    
 
Other and
Unallocated
  
  
    Total   
    2011      2010      2011      2010      2011      2010      2011     2010     2011     2010  

Net sales

  $ 875.1       $ 842.6       $ 476.0       $ 419.2       $ 252.0       $ 193.5       $      $      $ 1,603.2      $ 1,455.3   

Energy and related sales, net

    9.3         10.7                                                       9.3        10.7   

Total revenue

    884.4         853.3         476.0         419.2         252.0         193.5                       1,612.5        1,466.0   

Cost of products sold

    775.7         740.2         395.7         350.5         227.7         181.7         7.2        7.4        1,406.3        1,279.7   

Gross profit

    108.7         113.1         80.3         68.7         24.3         11.8         (7.2     (7.4     206.2        186.2   

SG&A

    51.4         54.7         39.5         35.8         10.9         7.4         23.0        24.3        124.9        122.1   

Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands

                                                    (4.0     (0.5     (4.0     (0.5

Total operating income (loss)

    57.3         58.4         40.8         32.9         13.4         4.4         (26.2     (31.2     85.3        64.6   

Other non-operating income (expense)

                                                    (34.4     (31.1     (34.4     (31.1

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ 57.3       $ 58.4       $ 40.8       $ 32.9       $ 13.4       $ 4.4       $ (60.7   $ (62.3   $ 50.8      $ 33.5   

Supplementary Data

                         

Net tons sold

    779.6         764.7         93.3         90.4         88.0         72.8                       960.9        927.9   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 36.0       $ 34.9       $ 24.8       $ 23.7       $ 8.5       $ 7.2       $      $      $ 69.3      $ 65.8   

Capital expenditures

    31.4         24.1         22.5         8.2         10.6         4.2                       64.5        36.5   

The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding.

 

Sales and Costs of Products Sold

 

    Year Ended December 31            

In thousands

    2011        2010        Change       

Net sales

  $ 1,603,154      $ 1,455,331      $ 147,823     

Energy and related sales – net

    9,344        10,653        (1,309  

Total revenues

    1,612,498        1,465,984        146,514     

Costs of products sold

    1,406,305        1,279,737        126,568     

Gross profit

  $ 206,193      $ 186,247      $ 19,946     

Gross profit as a percent of Net sales

    12.9     12.8            

 

The following table sets forth the contribution to consolidated net sales by each business unit:

 

    Percent of total
     2011     2010            

Business Unit

         

Specialty Papers

    54.6     57.9    

Composite Fibers

    29.7        28.8       

Advanced Airlaid Materials

    15.7        13.3         

Total

    100.0     100.0        

 

 

 

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Net sales for 2011 were $1,603.2 million, a 10.2% increase compared with $1,455.3 million for 2010, reflecting stronger business activity in the our Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units together with more favorable selling prices in all businesses. Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit is included for a full year in 2011 compared with only prospectively from the February 12, 2010 acquisition date in the prior year amounts.

In the Specialty Papers business unit, net sales for 2011 increased $32.5 million, or 3.9%, to $875.1 million. The increase was primarily due to a $27.3 million benefit from higher selling prices and a 2.0% increase in volumes shipped.

Specialty Papers’ operating profit for 2011 declined by $1.1 million compared with 2010 primarily due to pressure on margins as higher input costs of $28.4 million offset benefits of higher selling prices. Net energy revenue declined in the comparison of 2011 to 2010 by $1.3 million.

We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. In addition, two of our facilities are registered generators of renewable energy credits (“RECs”). The following table summarizes this activity for 2011 and 2010:

 

In thousands

    2011         2010         Change   

Energy sales

  $ 10,992       $ 14,296       $ (3,304

Costs to produce

    (9,319      (10,403      1,084   

Net

    1,673         3,893         (2,220

Renewable energy credits

    7,671         6,760         911   

Total

  $ 9,344       $ 10,653       $ (1,309

RECs represent sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste. We sell RECs into an emerging and somewhat illiquid market. The extent and value of future revenues from REC sales is dependent on many factors outside of management’s control. Therefore, we may not be able to generate consistent amounts of sales of RECs in future periods.

In Composite Fibers, net sales for 2011 were $476.0 million, an increase of $56.8 million, or 13.5%, from 2010. The improvement primarily reflects growth in food & beverage market segment, particularly single-serve coffee products. Volumes shipped increased 3.3%, and on a constant currency basis, average selling prices benefitted the comparison by $13.0 million, and the translation of foreign currencies favorably affected net sales by approximately $17.0 million.

Composite Fibers’ operating profit increased $7.9 million, or 24.0%, in the year over year comparison. The improved performance was driven by higher selling prices as well as improved operating rates, efficiency gains related to continuous improvement initiatives and the impact of an improved mix of products sold. The combination of these factors more than offset the $10.0 million negative impact of higher input costs, primarily related to woodpulp, synthetic fibers and energy. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted operating income by $0.5 million.

In Advanced Airlaid Materials, net sales were $252.0 million, an increase of $58.5 million, due to including a full period’s results in 2011, higher selling prices and improved demand. The results for 2010 were included prospectively from the February 12, 2010 acquisition date. Higher selling prices benefited the comparison by $12.3 million but were offset by $12.1 million of higher input costs. Operating income increased $9.0 million primarily due to higher volumes shipped, increased selling prices, improved operating efficiencies and a benefit in the comparison of a non-recurring $1.4 million charge in 2010 to cost of products sold for the write up of acquired inventory to fair value. Foreign currency translation unfavorably impacted operating income by $0.4 million.

Pension Expense    The following table summarizes the amounts of pension expense recognized for 2011 compared to 2010:

 

    Year Ended December 31         
 

 

 

    

In thousands

    2011         2010         Change   

Recorded as:

       

Costs of products sold

  $ 6,735       $ 7,056       $ (321

SG&A expense

    3,645         2,185         1,460   

Total

  $ 10,380       $ 9,241       $ 1,139   

The amount set forth above for pension expense recorded as selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense in 2011 includes a $2.0 million one-time pension settlement charge recorded in connection with the retirement of our former Chief Executive Officer.

The amount of pension expense recognized each year is determined using various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including discount rates and the fair value of our pension assets as of the beginning of the year. Pension expense in 2012 is expected to be higher than 2011 due to lower discount rates and the amortization of actuarial losses primarily related to lower returns on pension assets.

 

 

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Selling, General & Administrative    SG&A expenses increased $2.8 million in the year-to-year comparison and totaled $124.9 million for 2011. The increase was primarily due to legal and professional fees and the inclusion of Advanced Airlaid Materials for a full year in 2011 compared with only prospectively from the February acquisition date in 2010.

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands, net    During the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we completed the following sales of assets:

 

Dollars in thousands

     Acres        Proceeds         Gain   

2011

       

Timberlands

     942      $ 3,821       $ 3,590   

Other

     n/a        670         360   

Total

     $ 4,491       $ 3,950   

2010

       

Timberlands

     164      $ 387       $ 373   

Other

     n/a        177         80   

Total

           $ 564       $ 453   

In connection with each of the asset sales set forth above, we received cash proceeds.

Interest expense    Interest expense totaled $31.8 million for 2011, a $6.2 million increase compared with 2010. The increase was primarily due to the write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs and the remaining balance of the original issue discount aggregating $5.9 million in connection with the early redemption of $100 million of bonds. As a result of the debt redemption and amendments to our revolving credit agreement, interest expense is expected to be lower in 2012 than 2011.

Other nonoperating income (expense)    For the year ended December 31, 2011, consolidated other non operating expense, net totaled $3.3 million and primarily includes the $3.6 million redemption premium incurred in connection with the bond retirement discussed above. In 2010, other non operating expense, net totaled $6.3 million and represented a $3.4 million loss on a series of forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the Concert acquisition’s Canadian dollar purchase price. In addition, in connection with purchase accounting for the Concert transaction, we recorded a $2.5 million reserve for tax risks, inclusive of accrued interest, existing at the time of the acquisition and at the same time recorded a $2.5 million receivable from the seller due to an indemnification agreement. During the fourth quarter, a tax ruling was issued that eliminated this tax risk and as a result we recognized an expense of $2.5 million which is presented

under the caption “Other – net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income to eliminate the receivable from the seller. We also recognized a $2.5 million tax benefit for this same item to eliminate the tax reserve previously established resulting in no net impact to earnings during 2010.

Income taxes    In 2011, income tax expense totaled $8.2 million on pre-tax income of $50.8 million. Tax expense in 2011 includes a net $5.2 million income tax benefit realized in connection with the resolution of certain foreign tax audits, and expiration of statutes of limitation, partially offset by an increase in the valuation allowance on certain net operating loss carryforwards. For 2010, we recorded income tax benefits of $20.9 million on $33.5 million of pretax income. The benefit in 2010 was due to $23.2 million of cellulosic biofuel credits, net, recorded as an income tax benefit in 2010 as discussed further below. We also recorded the $2.5 million tax benefit discussed in the previous paragraph, as well as a $6.4 million adjustment to reduce tax liabilities resulting from the expiration of statutes of limitations on uncertain tax positions and other factors.

Foreign Currency    In 2011, we owned and operated manufacturing facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. The functional currency in Canada is the U.S. dollar, in Germany and France the Euro, in the UK it is the British Pound Sterling, and in the Philippines it is the Peso. During 2011, Euro functional currency operations generated approximately 28.7% of our sales and 27.2% of operating expenses and British Pound Sterling operations represented 7.6% of net sales and 7.4% of operating expenses. The translation of the results from international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The table below summarizes the translation impact on reported results that changes in currency exchange rates had on our non-U.S. based operations from the conversion of these operation’s results:

 

In thousands

   
 
Year Ended
December 31, 2011
  
  
    Favorable
(unfavorable)
 

Net sales

  $ 23,625   

Costs of products sold

    (22,380

SG&A expenses

    (2,117

Income taxes and other

    (352

Net income

  $ (1,224
 

 

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The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency exchange rates in 2011 were the same as 2010. It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi-currency markets.

2010 versus 2009

The following table sets forth summarized consolidated results of operations:

 

    Year Ended December 31  

In thousands, except per share

    2010         2009   

Net sales

  $ 1,455,331       $ 1,184,010   

Gross profit

    186,247         269,764   

Operating income

    64,589         160,405   

Net income

    54,434         123,442   

Earnings per diluted share

    1.17         2.70   

The consolidated results of operations for 2010 and 2009 include the following items not considered to be part of our core business operations:

 

In thousands, except per share

   

 

After-tax

Income (loss)

  

  

    Diluted EPS   

2010

   

Cellulosic biofuel/alternative fuel mixture credits

  $ 23,184      $ 0.50   

Acquisition and integration costs

    (9,073     (0.20

Foreign currency hedge on acquisition price

    (1,673     (0.04

Timberland sales and related transaction costs

    1,063        0.02   

2009

   

Alternative fuel mixture credits

  $ 95,764      $ 2.09   

Acquisition related costs

    (1,768     (0.04

These items increased earnings by $13.5 million, or $0.28 per diluted share in 2010. Comparatively, the items identified above increased earnings in 2009 by $94.0 million, or $2.05 per diluted share.

 

 

 

    Year ended December 31  

In millions

    Specialty Papers         Composite Fibers        
 
Advanced Airlaid
Materials
  
  
    
 
Other and
Unallocated
  
  
    Total   
    2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009      2010      2009     2010      2009  

Net sales

  $ 842.6       $ 791.9       $ 419.2       $ 392.1       $ 193.5       $       $       $      $ 1,455.3       $ 1,184.0   

Energy and related sales, net

    10.7         13.3                                                        10.7         13.3   

Total revenue

    853.3         805.2         419.2         392.1         193.5                                1,466.0         1,197.3   

Cost of products sold

    740.2         693.9         350.5         334.4         181.7                 7.4         (100.7     1,279.7         927.6   

Gross profit

    113.1         111.3         68.7         57.7         11.8                 (7.4      100.7        186.2         269.8   

SG&A

    54.7         55.4         35.8         35.8         7.4                 24.3         19.1        122.1         110.3   

Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands

                                                    (0.5      (0.9     (0.5      (0.9

Total operating income (loss)

    58.4         55.9         32.9         21.9         4.4                 (31.2      82.6        64.6         160.4   

Other non-operating income (expense)

                                                    (31.1      (17.3     (31.1      (17.3

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ 58.4       $ 55.9       $ 32.9       $ 21.9       $ 4.4       $         $ (62.3    $ 65.3      $ 33.5       $ 143.1   

Supplementary Data

                                     

Net tons sold

    764.7         738.8         90.4         80.1         72.8                                927.9         818.9   

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

  $ 34.9       $ 37.5       $ 23.7       $ 23.7       $ 7.2       $       $       $      $ 65.8       $ 61.3   

Capital expenditures

    24.1         14.2         8.2         12.1         4.2                                36.5         26.3   

The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding.

 

Sales and Costs of Products Sold

 

    Year Ended December 31            

In thousands

    2010        2009        Change       

Net sales

  $ 1,455,331      $ 1,184,010      $ 271,321     

Energy and related sales – net

    10,653        13,332        (2,679    

Total revenues

    1,465,984        1,197,342        268,642     

Costs of products sold (1)

    1,279,737        927,578        352,159     

Gross profit

  $ 186,247      $ 269,764      $ (83,517    

Gross profit as a percent of Net sales

    12.8     22.8            

 

(1) 2009 includes $107.8 million of alternative fuel mixture credits, net of related expenses.

 

The following table sets forth the contribution to consolidated net sales by each business unit:

 

    Percent of total  
     2010     2009  

Business Unit

     

Specialty Papers

    57.9     66.9

Composite Fibers

    28.8        33.1   

Advanced Airlaid Materials

    13.3          

Total

    100.0     100.0

Net sales for 2010 were $1,445.3 million, a 22.9% increase compared with $1,184.0 million for 2009, reflecting stronger business activity in the our Specialty Papers and Composite Fibers business units and the inclusion of Concert, operated and reported as Advanced

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        19


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Airlaid Materials business unit, prospectively since the February 12, 2010 acquisition date.

In the Specialty Papers business unit, net sales for 2010 increased $50.7 million, or 6.4%, to $842.6 million. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes shipped and a $24.0 million benefit from higher selling prices.

Specialty Papers’ operating profit for 2010 improved by $2.5 million compared with 2009 primarily due to higher selling prices, a 3.5% increase in volumes shipped and the lack of market related downtime. These favorable factors were partially offset by higher input costs, primarily pulp. In addition, higher maintenance costs largely associated with the annual mill outages and with unplanned production interruptions adversely impacted the year over year comparison.

We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. In addition, two of our facilities are registered generators of renewable energy credits (“RECs”). The following table summarizes this activity for 2010 and 2009:

 

In thousands

    2010        2009         Change   

Energy sales

  $ 14,296      $ 20,128       $ (5,832

Costs to produce

    (10,403     (11,883      1,480   

Net

    3,893        8,245         (4,352

Renewable energy credits

    6,760        5,087         1,673   

Total

  $ 10,653      $ 13,332       $ (2,679

RECs represent sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste. We sell RECs into an emerging and somewhat illiquid market. The extent and value of future revenues from REC sales is dependent on many factors outside of management’s control. Therefore, we may not be able to generate consistent amounts of sales of RECs in future periods.

In Composite Fibers, net sales for 2010 were $419.2 million, an increase of $27.1 million, or 6.9%, from 2009. The improvement reflects strengthening demand in each of its product lines as volumes shipped increased 12.9%. On a constant currency basis, average selling prices were lower by $1.0 million, and the translation of foreign currencies unfavorably affected net sales by approximately $15.0 million.

Composite Fibers’ operating profit increased $11.0 million, or 50.2%, in the year-over-year comparison. The improved performance was driven by the $10.8 million combined benefit from improved demand in markets served resulting in higher shipments and the elimination of market driven downtime. In addition, the production efficiencies from

continuous improvement initiatives more than offset the adverse effect of foreign currency translation adjustments.

Results for Advanced Airlaid Materials are included from February 12, 2010, the date of the Concert acquisition. This business unit’s results were unfavorably affected by rising input costs that outpaced the timing of increases in selling prices. In addition, results were adversely impacted by operating inefficiencies and by $1.4 million as a result of charging cost of products sold for the write-up of acquired inventory to fair value.

Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits    The U.S. Internal Revenue Code provided a tax credit for companies that use alternative fuel mixtures to produce energy to operate their businesses. The credit, equal to $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel contained in the mixture, is refundable to the taxpayer. On May 11, 2009, we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our application to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer was approved. During 2009, we mixed and burned eligible alternative fuels, and earned $107.8 million of alternative fuel mixture credits. We record all alternative fuel mixture credits as a reduction to cost of goods sold.

According to the Internal Revenue Code, the tax credit expired on December 31, 2009.

Pension Expense    The following table summarizes the amounts of pension expense recognized for 2010 compared to 2009:

 

    Year Ended December 31               
In thousands   2010      2009      Change       

Recorded as:

           

Costs of products sold

    $7,056         $4,936         $2,120     

SG&A expense

    2,185         2,097         88     

Total

    $9,241         $7,033         $2,208       

The amount of pension expense recognized each year is determined using various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including discount rates and the fair value of our pension assets as of the beginning of the year. The primary reason for the increase in pension expense in the comparison is due to decreases in discount rates used.

Selling, General & Administrative    SG&A expenses increased $11.9 million in the year-to-year comparison and totaled $122.1 million for 2010. The increase was substantially all related to legal and professional fees related to the Concert acquisition, costs to integrate the acquired entities and the inclusion of its operations prospectively from the date of acquisition.

 

 

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Table of Contents

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands, net     During the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, we completed the following sales of assets:

 

Dollars in thousands

     Acres        Proceeds         Gain   

2010

       

Timberlands

     164      $ 387       $ 373   

Other

     n/a        177         80   

Total

     $ 564       $ 453   

2009

       

Timberlands

     319      $ 951       $ 906   

Other

     n/a                (8

Total

           $ 951       $ 898   

In connection with each of the asset sales set forth above, we received cash proceeds.

Other nonoperating income (expense)    For the year ended December 31, 2010, other non operating expense, net totaled $6.3 million. In connection with the Concert acquisition, we entered into a series of forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the acquisition’s Canadian dollar purchase price. All contracts were settled for cash during the first quarter of 2010 and resulted in a $3.4 million loss, net of realized currency translation gains, which is presented under the caption “Other – net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, in connection with purchase accounting for the Concert transaction, we recorded a $2.5 million reserve for tax risks, inclusive of accrued interest, existing at the time of the acquisition and at the same time recorded a $2.5 million receivable from the seller due to an indemnification agreement. During the fourth quarter, a tax ruling was issued that eliminated this tax risk and as a result we recognized an expense of $2.5 million which is presented under the caption “Other – net” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income to eliminate the receivable from the seller. We also recognized a $2.5 million tax benefit for this same item to eliminate the tax reserve previously established resulting in no net impact to earnings during 2010.

Income taxes    For 2010, we recorded income tax benefits of $20.9 million on $33.5 million of pretax income. The comparable amounts in the same period of 2009 were income tax expense of $19.7 million on $143.1 million of pretax income. The benefit in 2010 was due to $23.2 million of cellulosic biofuel credits, net, recorded as an income tax benefit in 2010 as discussed further below. We also recorded the $2.5 million tax benefit discussed in the previous paragraph, as well as a $6.4 million adjustment to reduce tax liabilities resulting from the expiration of statutes of limitations on uncertain tax

positions and other factors. The tax provision in 2009 included a $27.1 million benefit from nontaxable alternative fuel mixture credit.

Cellulosic Biofuel Production Credit    In March 2010, our application to be registered as a cellulosic biofuel producer was approved by the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Internal Revenue Code provides for a non refundable tax credit equal to $1.01 per gallon for taxpayers that produce cellulosic biofuel. On July 9, 2010, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel issued a memorandum which concluded that black liquor sold or used in a taxpayer’s trade or business during calendar year 2009, qualifies for the cellulosic biofuel producer credit (“CBPC”). Accordingly, each gallon of black liquor we produced during calendar year 2009 qualifies for a non-refundable CBPC of $1.01 per gallon.

In connection with the filing of our 2009 income tax return, we claimed $23.2 million, net of taxes, of CBPC, and as a result we received $17.8 million of a cash tax refund subsequent to the end of 2010. The CBPC claimed is attributable to black liquor produced and burned from January 1, 2009 through February 19, 2009, after which we began mixing black liquor and diesel fuel to qualify for alternative fuel mixture credits.

In October 2010, the IRS issued further guidance concluding that both the alternative fuel mixture credit and the cellulosic biofuel production credit can be claimed in the same year, but only for different volumes of black liquor.

With respect to CBPC, although we do not intend to claim any additional credits, we could amend our 2009 federal tax return and claim additional credits. If we were to elect to do so, we would be required to return cash already received from alternative fuel mixture credits, since we can only claim either the alternative fuel mixture credit or CBPC. The ability to realize the value of any additional CBPC depends on future taxable income. We continue to evaluate opportunities, if any, to claim additional CBPC from qualifying activities based on the results of our ongoing operations.

Foreign Currency    In 2010, we owned and operated manufacturing facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. The functional currency in Canada is the U.S. dollar, in Germany and France the Euro, in the UK it is the British Pound Sterling, and in the Philippines it is the Peso. During 2010, Euro functional currency operations generated approximately 25.5% of our sales and 24.6% of operating expenses and British Pound Sterling operations represented

 

 

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8.8% of net sales and 8.7% of operating expenses. The translation of the results from international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The table below summarizes the translation impact on reported results that changes in currency exchange rates had on our non-U.S. based operations from the conversion of these operation’s results:

 

In thousands    Year Ended
December 31, 2010
 
    

 

Favorable

(unfavorable)

  

  

Net sales

   $ (15,000

Costs of products sold

     10,891   

SG&A expenses

     791   

Income taxes and other

     468   

Net income

   $ (2,850

The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency exchange rates in 2010 were the same as 2009. It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi-currency markets.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures for new or enhanced equipment, for environmental compliance matters including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, to support our research and development efforts and to support our business strategy. In addition, we have mandatory debt service requirements of both principal and interest. The following table summarizes cash flow information for each of the years presented:

 

     Year Ended December 31  
In thousands    2011      2010  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

   $ 95,788       $ 135,420   

Cash provided by (used for)

       

Operating activities

     140,307         168,005   

Investing activities

     (16,830      (264,217

Financing activities

     (180,140      59,681   

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

     (848      (3,101

Net cash used

     (57,511      (39,632

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 38,277       $ 95,788   

At the end of the 2011, we had $38.3 million in cash and cash equivalents and $318.4 million available under our revolving credit agreement, which matures in November 2016.

 

Operating cash flow declined in 2011 by $27.7 million primarily due to $37.0 million less cash received from alternative fuel mixture and cellulosic biofuel credits. These unfavorable factors were offset by improved working capital usage and increased operating profit.

Cash used by investing activities declined in comparison to prior year due to the use, net of cash acquired, of $228.3 million to acquire Concert Industries. Capital expenditures increased $28.0 million in the comparison and totaled $64.5 million 2011. Capital expenditures are expected to approximate $95 million to $105 million in 2012 including the rebuild of a papermaking machine in Germany. In 2011, investing activities also includes the cash received from the collection of a $43.2 million installment note receivable.

Net cash used by financing activities in 2011 totaled $180.1 million due to the early redemption of $100.0 million of bonds and an early redemption premium of $3.6 million, $48.0 million for the repurchase of common stock, the repayment of a $36.7 million term loan in connection with the collection of the installment note discussed above, and dividends paid on our common stock. These actions were completed using available cash on hand as well as $27.0 million borrowing under our revolving credit agreement. In 2010, financing activities provided net cash of $59.7 million, reflecting increased borrowings to fund the Concert acquisition including the proceeds, net of debt issue costs and original issue discount, from the issuance of $100.0 million of senior notes, at 95% of par. In addition, during 2010, we refinanced our revolving credit facility, repaid a $14.0 million remaining balance on a term loan and paid dividends on common stock.

The following table sets forth our outstanding long-term indebtedness:

 

     December 31  
In thousands    2011      2010  

Revolving credit facility, due May 2014

     n/a       $   

Revolving credit facility, due Nov. 2016

   $ 27,000      

7 1/8% Notes, due May 2016

     200,000         200,000   

7 1/8% Notes, due May 2016 – net of original issue discount

             95,529   

Term Loan, due January 2013

             36,695   

Total long-term debt

     227,000         332,224   

Less current portion

               

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

   $ 227,000       $ 332,224   

During the fourth quarter of 2011, we completed a number of transactions that affected our outstanding debt: i) We amended our revolving credit agreement increasing the amount available from $225 million to $350 million,

 

 

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extended the facility’s maturity from May 2014 to November 2016 and agreed to a more favorable pricing grid; ii) we redeemed early $100 million of our 7 1/8% Notes at a 3.6% premium to par using, in part, borrowings under the revolving credit agreement; and iii) completed a series of actions related to the November 2007 sale of timberlands the effect of which was the receipt in full of a $43.2 million note receivable and satisfaction in full of the $36.7 million Term Loan owed by us.

Our revolving credit facility contains a number of customary compliance covenants. In addition, the 7 1/8% Notes contain cross default provisions that could result in all such notes becoming due and payable in the event of a failure to repay debt outstanding under the credit agreement at maturity, or a default under the credit agreement, that accelerates the debt outstanding thereunder. As of December 31, 2011, we met all of the requirements of our debt covenants. The significant terms of the debt instruments are more fully discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 16.

During 2011 and 2010, cash dividends paid on common stock totaled $16.6 million and $16.7 million, respectively. Our Board of Directors determines what, if any, dividends will be paid to our shareholders. Dividend payment decisions are based upon then-existing factors and conditions and, therefore, historical trends of dividend payments are not necessarily indicative of future payments.

In April 2011, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to $50.0 million of our outstanding common stock. The following table summarizes share repurchases made under this program through December 31, 2011:

 

      shares     (thousands)  

Authorized amount

     n/a      $ 50,000   

Repurchases(1)

     3,505,485        (48,799

Remaining authorization

           $ 1,201   
(1) Amounts reflect trades entered into through December 31, 2011. Cash spent on settled transactions, excluding commissions, totaled $47.9 million.

In January 2012, we completed additional share repurchases fully utilizing the authorized amount.

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations which operate to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. We have, at various times, incurred significant cost to comply with these regulations, as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities

change. Currently, we anticipate that we could incur material capital and operating costs to comply with several air quality regulations including the U.S. EPA Best Available Retrofit Technology rule (BART; otherwise known as the Regional Haze Rule) and the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule (Boiler MACT). For example, on March 21, 2011, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new rules which could require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on power boilers at two of our facilities. We are currently reviewing these rules, and challenges to them filed by others in the court system, to understand the effect they may have on our operations if we are required to comply with the rules in their current form. We are also evaluating options that may be available to us, such as reducing or curtailing boiler usage or modifying the types of boilers operated or fuel consumed. The cost of compliance is likely to be significant. Our initial estimates to implement viable options could result in additional capital spending in excess of $30 million, however, the amount ultimately incurred may be less depending on the outcome of challenges to current rules or on our successful implementation of appropriate available options. In addition, the timing of any additional capital spending is uncertain. Enactment of new environmental laws or regulations or changes in existing laws or regulations could significantly change our estimates.

 

In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment resulting from our operations, including the restoration of natural resources and liability for personal injury and for damages to property and natural resources. See Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22 for a summary of significant environmental matters.

We expect to meet all of our near and long-term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, and our existing credit facilities. However, an unfavorable outcome of various environmental matters could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and/or results of operations.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements    As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had not entered into any off-balance-sheet arrangements. Financial derivative instruments to which we are a party and guarantees of indebtedness, which solely consist of obligations of subsidiaries and a partnership, are reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheets included herein in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

 

 

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Contractual Obligations    The following table sets forth contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011:

 

           Payments due during the year ended
December 31,
     
In millions   Total      2012      2013 to
2014
     2015 to
2016
     2017 and
beyond
      

Long-term debt(1)

  $ 300       $ 15       $ 30       $ 255       $     

Operating leases(2)

    20         4         6         4         6     

Purchase obligations(3)

    122         77         44         1             

Other long term obligations(4), (5)

    76         7         16         18         35     
 

 

 

Total

  $ 518       $ 103       $ 96       $ 278       $ 41       

 

(1) Represents principal and interest payments due on long-term debt, the significant terms of which are discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements, Note 16, “Long-term Debt.”

 

(2) Represents rental agreements for various land, buildings, vehicles, and computer and office equipment.

 

(3) Represents open purchase order commitments and other obligations, primarily for raw material forward purchases and pulpwood contracts with minimum annual purchase obligations. In certain situations, prices are subject to variations based on market prices. In such situations, the information above is based on prices in effect at December 31, 2011 or expectations based on historical experience and/or current market conditions.

 

(4) Primarily represents expected benefits to be paid pursuant to retirement medical plans and nonqualified pension plans over the next ten years and expected costs of asset retirement obligations.

 

(5) Since we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of ultimate payment, the amounts set forth above do not include any payments that may be made related to uncertain tax positions, including potential interest, accounted for in accordance with ASC 740-10-20. As discussed in more detail in Item 8 – Financial Statements, Note 8, “Income Taxes”, such amounts totaled $29.7 million at December 31, 2011.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates     The preceding discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial position and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, pension and post-retirement obligations, environmental liabilities and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following represent the most significant and subjective estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Inventory Reserves    We maintain reserves for excess and obsolete inventories to reflect our inventory at the lower of its stated cost or market value. Our estimate for excess and obsolete inventory is based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual conditions are less favorable than those we have projected, we may need to increase our reserves for excess

and obsolete inventories. Any increases in our reserves will adversely impact our results of operations. The establishment of a reserve for excess and obsolete inventory establishes a new cost basis in the inventory. Such reserves are not reduced until the product is sold. If we are able to sell such inventory, any related reserves would be reversed in the period of sale.

Long-lived Assets    We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including plant, equipment, timberlands, goodwill and other intangible assets periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Our evaluations include considerations of a variety of qualitative factors and analyses based on the cash flows generated by the underlying assets, profitability information, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the value of an asset determined by these evaluations is less than its carrying amount, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the related business may indicate an inability to recover the carrying value of the assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

Pension and Other Post-Retirement Obligations    Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans, and any curtailments thereof, requires various assumptions, including, but not limited to, discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets and future compensation growth rates. Accounting for our retiree medical plans, and

 

 

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any curtailments thereof, also requires various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to, discount rates and annual rates of increase in the per capita costs of health care benefits. We evaluate these assumptions at least once each year or as facts and circumstances dictate and we make changes as conditions warrant. Changes to these assumptions will increase or decrease our reported net periodic benefit expense, which will result in changes to the recorded benefit plan assets and liabilities.

Environmental Liabilities    We maintain accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.

Income Taxes    We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability based on historical taxable income, projected

future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which may result in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on our reported results.

Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. We and our subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjust the income tax provision, the current liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.

Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional accounting policies.

 

 

 

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ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

     Year Ended December 31     At December 31, 2011  
Dollars in thousands    2012     2013     2014     2015     2016     Carrying Value      Fair Value  

Long-term debt

               

Average principal outstanding

               

At fixed interest rates

   $ 200,000      $ 200,000      $ 200,000      $ 200,000      $ 76,923      $ 200,000       $ 204,000   

At variable interest rates

     27,000        27,000        27,000        27,000        22,846        27,000         27,000   
             $ 227,000       $ 231,000   

Weighted-average interest rate

               

Fixed interest rate debt

     7.13     7.13     7.13     7.13     7.13     

Variable interest rate debt

     2.04        2.04        2.04        2.04        2.04                    

 

The table above presents the average principal outstanding and related interest rates for the next five years for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2011. Fair values included herein have been determined based upon rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Our market risk exposure primarily results from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2011, we had long-term debt outstanding of $227.0 million, of which $27.0 million or 11.9% was at variable interest rates. Variable-rate debt outstanding represents borrowings under our revolving credit agreement that accrues interest based on one month LIBOR plus a margin. At December 31, 2011, the weighted-average interest rate paid was approximately 2.04%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate on variable rate debt would increase or decrease annual interest expense by $0.3 million.

As part of our overall risk management practices, we enter into financial derivatives primarily designed to either i) hedge foreign currency risks associated with forecasted transactions – “cash flow hedges”; or ii) mitigate the impact that changes in currency exchange rates have on intercompany financing transactions and foreign currency denominated receivables and payables – “foreign currency hedges.” For a more complete discussion of this activity, refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 19.

We are subject to certain risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent our operations are conducted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. During 2011, Euro functional currency operations generated approximately 28.7% of our sales and 27.2% of operating expenses and British Pound Sterling operations represented 7.6% of net sales and 7.4% of operating expenses.

 

 

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ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of P. H. Glatfelter Company (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the chief executive and chief financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As of December 31, 2011, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, is effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management; and provide reasonable

assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.

The Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all frauds. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of P. H. Glatfelter Company

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of P.H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are

recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2011 of the Company and our report dated March 9, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements and financial statement schedule.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 9, 2012

 

 

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of P. H. Glatfelter Company

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of P.H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit 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. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 9, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 9, 2012

 

 

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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

        Year Ended December 31      

     In thousands, except per share

        2011        2010        2009       

Net sales

    $ 1,603,154      $ 1,455,331      $ 1,184,010     

Energy and related sales – net

      9,344        10,653        13,332       

Total revenues

      1,612,498        1,465,984        1,197,342     

Costs of products sold

      1,406,305        1,279,737        927,578       

Gross profit

      206,193        186,247        269,764     

Selling, general and administrative expenses

      124,871        122,111        110,257     

Gains on disposition of plant, equipment and timberlands, net

      (3,950     (453     (898    

Operating income

      85,272        64,589        160,405     

Other nonoperating income (expense)

           

Interest expense

      (31,794     (25,547     (19,220  

Interest income

      666        808        1,886     

Other – net

      (3,299     (6,321     75       

Total other nonoperating expense

      (34,427     (31,060     (17,259    

Income before income taxes

      50,845        33,529        143,146     

Income tax (benefit) provision

      8,151        (20,905     19,704       

Net income

    $ 42,694      $ 54,434      $ 123,442       

Weighted average shares outstanding

           

Basic

      45,228        45,922        45,678     

Diluted

      45,794        46,374        45,774     

Earnings per share

           

Basic

    $ 0.94      $ 1.19      $ 2.70     

Diluted

      0.93        1.17        2.70     
 

 

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

 

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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

    December 31      

Dollars in thousands, except par values

    2011        2010       

Assets

       

Current assets

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 38,277      $ 95,788     

Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts:

    2011 – $2,861; 2010 – $3,118)

    135,412        141,208     

Inventories

    206,707        201,077     

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    42,017        64,617     

Total current assets

    422,413        502,690     

Plant, equipment and timberlands – net

    601,950        608,170     

Other long-term assets

    112,562        230,887     

Total assets

  $ 1,136,925      $ 1,341,747     
 

 

 

 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

       

Current liabilities

       

Short-term debt

  $      $ 798     

Accounts payable

    109,490        98,594     

Dividends payable

    3,902        4,190     

Environmental liabilities

    250        248     

Other current liabilities

    97,598        109,316     
 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    211,240        213,146     

Long-term debt

    227,000        332,224     

Deferred income taxes

    69,791        94,918     

Other long-term liabilities

    138,490        149,017     
 

 

 

Total liabilities

    646,521        789,305     
 

Commitments and contingencies

               
 

Shareholders’ equity

       

Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized – 120,000,000 shares; issued –

    54,361,980 shares (including shares in treasury: 2011 – 11,711,536;
2010 – 8,385,772)

    544        544     

Capital in excess of par value

    51,477        48,145     

Retained earnings

    775,825        749,453     

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (166,741     (121,247  
 

 

 

    661,105        676,895     

Less cost of common stock in treasury

    (170,701     (124,453  
 

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

    490,404        552,442     
 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $ 1,136,925      $ 1,341,747     
 

 

 

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

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        31


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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

    Year Ended December 31      
In thousands   2011     2010     2009       

Operating activities

         

Net income

  $ 42,694      $ 54,434      $ 123,442     

Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operations:

         

Depreciation, depletion and amortization

    69,313        65,839        61,256     

Amortization of debt issuance costs and original issue discount

    8,838        2,758        1,690     

Pension expense, net of unfunded benefits paid

    2,127        8,637        6,343     

Deferred income taxes

    333        (16,815     (22,981  

Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net

    (3,950     (453     (898  

Share-based compensation

    5,762        5,767        4,599     

Cellulosic biofuel and alternative fuel mixture credits

    17,833        54,880        (57,946  

Change in operating assets and liabilities

         

Accounts receivable

    3,771        (598     16,542     

Inventories

    (7,280     (7,592     28,207     

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    2,115        (13,318     1,451     

Accounts payable

    13,606        21,064        2,390     

Environmental matters

    (57     (29     (7,728  

Accruals and other current liabilities

    (2,516     (1,490     6,676     

Other

    (12,282     (5,079     825     
 

 

 

Net cash provided by operations

    140,307        168,005        163,868     

Investing activities

         

Expenditures for purchases of plant, equipment and timberlands

    (64,491     (36,491     (26,257  

Proceeds from disposal of plant, equipment and timberlands

    4,491        564        951     

Proceeds from timberland installment sale note receivable

    43,170               37,850     

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

           (228,290         
 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by investing activities

    (16,830     (264,217     12,544     

Financing activities

         

(Repayment of) proceeds from $100 million 7 1/8% note offering

    (103,563     95,000            

Payments of credit facility and note offering costs

    (1,672     (5,340         

Net borrowings under (repayments of) revolving credit facility

    27,000               (6,725  

Repayments of $100 million term loan facility

           (14,000     (16,000  

Net repayments of other short-term debt

    (798     (3,208     (2,008  

Repayment of Term Loan due January 2013

    (36,695                

Repayment of Term Loan due March 2013

                  (34,000  

Repurchases of common stock

    (48,033                

Payment of dividends

    (16,611     (16,746     (16,596  

Proceeds and excess tax benefits from stock options exercised and
proceeds from government grants

    232        3,975            
 

 

 

Net cash (used) provided by financing activities

    (180,140     59,681        (75,329  

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

    (848     (3,101     2,103     
 

 

 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (57,511     (39,632     103,186     

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period

    95,788        135,420        32,234     
 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period

  $ 38,277      $ 95,788      $ 135,420     
 

 

 

Supplemental cash flow information

         

Cash paid (received) for

         

Interest

  $ 24,191      $ 23,193      $ 17,338     

Income taxes

    (8,344     (40,265     16,634     
 

 

 

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

 

32


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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009

 

In thousands   Common
Stock
     Capital in
Excess of
Par Value
    Retained
Earnings
   

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive

Income Loss

    Treasury
Stock
    Total
Shareholders’
Equity
 

Balance at January 1, 2009

  $ 544       $ 45,806      $ 605,001      $ (176,133   $ (132,511   $ 342,707   

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

         123,442            123,442   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

           11,941       

Change in benefit plans’ net funded status, net of
taxes of $27,164

           44,307       
        

 

 

     

Other comprehensive income

           56,248          56,248   
            

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

               179,690   

Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per share)

         (16,678         (16,678

Share-based compensation expense

       3,502              3,502   

Delivery of treasury shares

            

RSUs

       (1,483         1,280        (203

401 (k) plans

       (995         2,517        1,522   

Director compensation

       (84         248        164   
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

    544         46,746        711,765        (119,885     (128,466     510,704   

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

         54,434            54,434   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

           (17,227    

Change in benefit plans’ net funded status, net of
taxes of $9,905

           15,865       
        

 

 

     

Other comprehensive income

           (1,362       (1,362
            

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

               53,072   

Tax effect on employee stock options exercised

       (50           (50

Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per share)

         (16,746         (16,746

Share-based compensation expense

       3,962              3,962   

Delivery of treasury shares

            

RSUs

       (2,152         1,662        (490

401 (k) plans

       (318         1,960        1,642   

Director compensation

       (16         179        163   

Employee stock options exercised – net

       (27         212        185   
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2010

    544         48,145        749,453        (121,247     (124,453     552,442   

Comprehensive income

            

Net income

         42,694            42,694   

Foreign currency translation adjustments

           (10,160    

Deferred gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax

           1,185       

Change in benefit plans’ net funded status, net of taxes of $22,672

           (36,519    
        

 

 

     

Other comprehensive income (loss)

           (45,494       (45,494
            

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

               (2,800

Tax effect on employee stock options exercised

       90              90   

Cash dividends declared ($0.36 per share)

         (16,322         (16,322

Share-based compensation expense

       3,633              3,633   

Repurchase of common shares

             (48,904     (48,904

Delivery of treasury shares

            

RSUs

       (215         215          

401 (k) plans

       (141         2,108        1,967   

Director compensation

       (13         177        164   

Employee stock options exercised – net

       (22         156        134   
 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

  $ 544       $ 51,477      $ 775,825      $ (166,741   $ (170,701   $ 490,404   
 

 

 

 

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

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        33


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P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1. ORGANIZATION

P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (“Glatfelter”) is a manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, our manufacturing facilities are located in Spring Grove, Pennsylvania; Chillicothe and Freemont, Ohio; Gatineau, Quebec, Canada; Gloucestershire (Lydney), England; Caerphilly, Wales; Gernsbach and Falkenhagen, Germany; Scaër, France; and the Philippines. Our products are marketed worldwide, either through wholesale paper merchants, brokers and agents, or directly to customers.

 

2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of Consolidation    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Glatfelter and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Accounting Estimates    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are reasonable, based upon currently available facts and known circumstances, but recognizes that actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents    We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents.

Inventories    Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials, in-process and finished inventories of our U.S. manufacturing operations are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, and the supplies inventories are valued principally using the average-cost method. Inventories at our foreign operations are valued using the average cost method.

 

Plant, Equipment and Timberlands    For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets.

The range of estimated service lives used to calculate financial reporting depreciation for principal items of plant and equipment are as follows:

 

Buildings

     10 – 45 Years   

Machinery and equipment

     7 – 35 Years   

Other

     4 – 40 Years   

Maintenance and Repairs    Maintenance and repairs costs are charged to income and major renewals and betterments are capitalized. At the time property is retired or sold, the net carrying value is eliminated and any resultant gain or loss is included in income.

Valuation of Long-lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Goodwill    We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when a specific event indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is assessed based on estimates of future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, the asset’s fair value is estimated and an impairment loss is recognized for any deficiencies. Goodwill is reviewed, on a discounted cash flow basis, during the third quarter of each year for impairment. Impairment losses, if any, are recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The carrying value of a reporting unit is defined using an enterprise premise which is generally determined by the difference between the unit’s assets and operating liabilities.

Asset Retirement Obligations    In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, we accrue asset retirement obligations in the period in which obligations relating to future asset retirements are incurred and when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. Under these standards, costs are to be accrued at estimated fair value, and a related long-lived asset is capitalized. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset for which the obligation exists. Upon settlement of the liability, we

 

 

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recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded.

Income Taxes    Income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes plus the provision for U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested. Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense in the year the credits are claimed. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported in deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized in future years. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not.

Income tax contingencies are accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 740-10-20 Income Taxes. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. We and our subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State, and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and record any necessary adjustments in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.

Treasury Stock    Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the weighted-average cost basis.

Foreign Currency Translation    Foreign currency translation gains and losses and the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments are included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are included in income in the period in which they occur.

Revenue Recognition    We recognize revenue on product sales when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Estimated costs for sales incentives, discounts and sales returns and

allowances are recorded as sales deductions in the period in which the related revenue is recognized.

Revenue from energy sales is recognized when electricity is delivered to the customer. Certain costs associated with the production of electricity, such as fuel, labor, depreciation and maintenance are netted against energy sales for presentation on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Our fixed-price contract to sell electricity generated in excess of our own use expired March 31, 2010. Subsequent to the expiration, we now sell excess power at market-rates.

Revenue from renewable energy credits is recorded under the caption “Energy and related sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and is recognized when all risks, rights and rewards to the certificate are transferred to the counterparty.

Environmental Liabilities    Accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. Costs related to environmental remediation are charged to expense. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the asset, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income     The amounts reported on the consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity for Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss at December 31, 2011 consisted of a loss of $157.9 million from additional defined benefit liabilities, net of tax, $10.0 million of losses from foreign currency translation adjustments and $1.2 million of unrealized gains on cash flow hedges, net of tax.

Earnings Per Share    Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is considered in the diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method.

 

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        35


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Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities    We use financial derivatives to manage exposure to changes in foreign currencies. In accordance with FASB ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), we record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting.

Cash Flow Hedges    The effective portion of the gain or loss on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to forecasted transactions is deferred and reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred gains or losses are reclassified to our results of operations at the time the hedged forecasted transaction is recorded in our results of operations. The effectiveness of cash flow hedges is assessed at inception and quarterly thereafter. If the instrument becomes ineffective or it becomes probable that the originally – forecasted transaction will not occur, the related change in fair value of the derivative instrument is also reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments    Under the accounting for fair value measurements and disclosures, a fair value hierarchy was established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (level 3 measurements). A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:

 

Level 1 – 

  Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2 – 

  Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including

 

  quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 – 

  Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2011, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-05, “Presentation of Comprehensive Income.” This ASU is designed to improve the comparability and transparency of other comprehensive income components. The guidance provides an option to present total comprehensive income, the components of net income and the components of other comprehensive income in a single continuous statement or two separate but consecutive statements. This ASU eliminates the option to present other comprehensive income components as part of the statement of changes in shareholders’ equity. The provisions of this ASU will be applied retrospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early application is permitted. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this update and have not yet determined which presentation option we will elect.

In September 2011, the FASB updated FASB ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other to provide an entity the option, when evaluating goodwill and other assets for possible impairment, to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after completing this assessment, an entity determines it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. The amendments are effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment test performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We are currently evaluating the requirements of this update but do not anticipate it will have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS,” which

 

 

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provides common requirements for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements in accordance with U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. We are required to adopt this guidance beginning with our quarterly financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2012 and we do not expect it to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

3. ACQUISITIONS

On February 12, 2010, we completed the acquisition of all the issued and outstanding stock of Concert Industries Corp. (“Concert”), a manufacturer of highly absorbent cellulose based airlaid non-woven materials, for cash totaling $231.1 million based on the currency exchange rates on the closing date, and net of post-closing working capital adjustments. Concert has operations located in Gatineau, Quebec, Canada and Falkenhagen, Brandenburg, Germany. Annual revenues totaled $203.0 million in 2009.

Concert manufactures highly absorbent cellulose based airlaid non-woven materials used in products such as feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, pre-moistened cleaning wipes, food pads, napkins, tablecloths, and baby wipes. The acquisition of Concert affords us the opportunity to grow with our customers who are the industry leaders in feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products. We believe that our acquisition of Concert provides us with an industry-leading global business that sells highly specialized, engineered fiber-based materials to niche markets with substantial barriers to entry.

The share purchase agreement provides for, among other terms, indemnification provisions for claims that may arise, including among others, uncertain tax positions and other third party claims.

During 2010, we and the sellers reached agreement on post-closing working capital related adjustments that reduced the purchase price by $4.7 million. In addition, as a result of further evaluation of asset appraisals, contingencies and other factors, in accordance with FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations, we determined that certain adjustments were required to be made to the February 12, 2010 original allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The adjustments included $0.6 million recorded in 2011 to reduce the fair value of acquired accounts receivable.

The following summarizes the impact of the adjustments recorded since the original estimated purchase price allocation together with the final purchase price allocation:

 

In thousands

   
 
As originally
presented
  
  
   
 
Cumulative
Adjustments
  
  
    Final   

Assets

     

Cash

  $ 2,792      $      $ 2,792   

Accounts receivable

    24,703        (583     24,120   

Inventory

    28,034               28,034   

Prepaid and other current assets

    5,941        (1,316     4,625   

Plant, equipment and timberlands

    177,253        9,101        186,354   

Intangible assets

    3,138        1,902        5,040   

Deferred tax assets and other assets

    20,738        (5,830     14,908   

Total

    262,599        3,274        265,873   

Liabilities

     

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    25,322        611        25,933   

Deferred tax liabilities

    1,267        4,069        5,336   

Other long term liabilities

    212        3,310        3,522   

Total

    26,801        7,990        34,791   

Total purchase price

  $ 235,798      $ (4,716   $ 231,082   

The adjustments set forth above did not materially impact previously reported results of operations, earnings per share, or cash flows and, therefore, were not retrospectively reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

For purposes of allocating the total purchase price, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair market value. The allocation set forth above is based on management’s estimate of the fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow models, appraisals and similar methodologies. The amount allocated to intangible assets represents the estimated value of customer sales contracts and relationships. Deferred tax assets reflect the estimated value of future tax deductions acquired in the transaction.

Acquired property plant and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis with estimated remaining lives ranging from 5 years to 40 years. Intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated remaining life of 11 to 20 years reflecting the expected economic life.

During 2010, we incurred legal, professional and advisory costs directly related to the Concert acquisition totaling $6.9 million. All such costs are presented under the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses”

 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        37


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in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. Deferred financing fees incurred in connection with issuing debt related to the acquisition totaled $3.0 million. The unamortized fees are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet under the caption “Other assets”.

In addition, in connection with the Concert acquisition, we entered into a series of forward foreign currency contracts to hedge the acquisition’s Canadian dollar purchase price. All contracts were settled for cash during the first quarter of 2010 and resulted in a $3.4 million loss, net of realized currency translation gains, which is presented under the caption “Other – net” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of income.

Our results of operations for 2010 include the results of Concert prospectively from the February 12, 2010 date of acquisition. All such results are reported herein as the Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit, a new reportable segment. Revenue and operating income of this operation included in our consolidated statements of income totaled $252.0 million and $13.4 million, respectively in 2011 and $193.5 million and $4.4 million, respectively, for 2010.

The unaudited pro-forma results presented below include the effects of the acquisition as if it had been consummated as of January 1, 2009. The pro forma results include the amortization associated with the acquired intangible assets and interest expense associated with debt used to fund the acquisition, as well as fair value adjustments for plant, equipment and timberlands. To better reflect the combined operating results, material non-recurring charges directly attributable to the acquisition have been excluded. The unaudited pro forma financial information below is not necessarily indicative of either future results of operations or results that might have been achieved.

 

    Year ended December 31  

In thousands, except per share

    2010         2009   

Pro forma

    

Net sales

  $ 1,480,980       $ 1,388,120   

Net income

    69,116         135,713   

Diluted earnings per share

    1.49         2.96   

For purposes of presenting the above pro forma financial information, non-recurring legal, professional and transaction costs directly related to the acquisition have been eliminated. This pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of what the operating results would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the respective period nor is it indicative of future results.

4. ALTERNATIVE FUEL MIXTURE CREDITS

The U.S. Internal Revenue Code provided a tax credit for companies that use alternative fuel mixtures to produce energy to operate their businesses. The credit, equal to $0.50 per gallon of alternative fuel contained in the mixture, was refundable to the taxpayer. On May 11, 2009, we were notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our application to be registered as an alternative fuel mixer was approved. We earned $107.8 million of alternative fuel mixture credits for the alternative fuel mixture consumed during the period February 20, 2009 through December 31, 2009. We recorded all alternative fuel mixture credits as a reduction to cost of goods sold in 2009.

The alternative fuel mixture credit expired on December 31, 2009. For information related to the Cellulosic Biofuel Credit, see Note 8 – Income Taxes.

 

5. ENERGY AND RELATED SALES, NET

We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. Prior to the March 31, 2010 expiration of a long-term contract, all sales were at a fixed price. Subsequently, we sell excess power at prevailing market rates. We also sell renewable energy credits generated by the Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe, OH facilities representing sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste.

The following table summarizes this activity for each of the past three years:

 

In thousands

    2011        2010        2009   

Energy sales

  $ 10,992      $ 14,296      $ 20,128   

Costs to produce

    (9,319     (10,403     (11,883

Net energy sales

    1,673        3,893        8,245   

Renewable energy credits

    7,671        6,760        5,087   

Total energy and related sales, net

  $ 9,344      $ 10,653      $ 13,332   
 

 

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6. GAIN ON DISPOSITIONS OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS

During 2011, 2010 and 2009, we completed the following sales of assets:

 

Dollars in thousands

     Acres        Proceeds         Gain   

2011

       

Timberlands

     942      $ 3,821       $ 3,590   

Other

     n/a        670         360   

Total

     $ 4,491       $ 3,950   

2010

       

Timberlands

     164      $ 387       $ 373   

Other

     n/a        177         80   

Total

     $ 564       $ 453   

2009

       

Timberlands

     319      $ 951       $ 906   

Other

     n/a                (8

Total

           $ 951       $ 898   

 

7. EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS):

 

In thousands, except per share

    2011        2010        2009   

Net income

  $ 42,694      $ 54,434      $ 123,442   

Weighted average common shares outstanding used in basic EPS

    45,228        45,922        45,678   

Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options, restricted stock awards and performance awards

    566        452        96   

Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in diluted EPS

    45,794        46,374        45,774   

Basic EPS

  $ 0.94      $ 1.19      $ 2.70   

Diluted EPS

    0.93        1.17        2.70   

The following table sets forth the potential common shares outstanding for stock options and restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the period indicated, because their effect would be anti-dilutive:

 

In thousands

    2011         2010         2009   

Potential common shares

    891         1,405         2,215   
8. INCOME TAXES

Income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The effects of income taxes are measured based on enacted tax laws and rates.

The provision/(benefit) for income taxes from operations consisted of the following:

 

    Year Ended December 31  

In thousands

    2011         2010        2009   

Current taxes

      

Federal

  $ 6,943       $ (8,238   $ 29,848   

State

    (1,762      (392     4,050   

Foreign

    2,637         4,540        8,787   
    7,818         (4,090     42,685   

Deferred taxes and other

      

Federal

    (3,908      (17,530     (23,943

State

    (286      (131     3,760   

Foreign

    4,527         846        (2,798
    333         (16,815     (22,981

Income tax provision/(benefit)

  $ 8,151       $ (20,905   $ 19,704   

The amounts set forth above for total deferred taxes and other included a deferred tax benefit of $1.5 million in 2011, a deferred tax benefit of $17.6 million in 2010 and $23.0 million in 2009. Other taxes totaled an expense of $1.8 million, $0.8 million, and $0.0 million in 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, associated with the deferred tax impact of uncertain tax positions.

The following are the domestic and foreign components of pretax income from operations:

 

    Year Ended December 31  

In thousands

    2011         2010         2009   

United States

  $ (991    $ 2,384       $ 122,657   

Foreign

    51,836         31,145         20,489   

Total pretax income

  $ 50,845       $ 33,529       $ 143,146   
 

 

Glatfelter 2011 Form 10-K        39


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A reconciliation between the income tax provision, computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes, and the actual income tax (benefit)/provision is as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31  
     2011     2010     2009  

Federal income tax provision at statutory rate

    35.0     35.0     35.0

State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

    0.7        1.4        0.7   

Foreign income tax rate differential

    (6.8     (4.9     (0.5

Change in statutory tax rates

    0.9        1.5        (0.3

Tax credits

    (2.0     (7.8     (1.8

Change in unrecognized tax benefits, net

    (11.6     (12.4     8.0   

Cellulosic biofuel credit, net of incremental state tax and manufacturing deduction benefit

           (69.3       

Adjustment for prior year estimates

           (6.8       

Alternative fuel mixture credits

                  (26.4

Valuation allowance

    3.2                 

Other

    (3.4     1.0        (0.9

Provision/(benefit) for income taxes

    16.0     (62.3 )%      13.8

The sources of deferred income taxes were as follows at December 31:

 

    2011     2010  

In thousands

   
 

 

Current
Asset

(Liability)

  
  

  

   
 
 

 

Non
current
Asset

(Liability)

  
  
  

  

   
 

 

Current
Asset

(Liability)

  
  

  

   
 
 
Non-current
Asset
(Liability)
  
  
  

Reserves

  $ 5,908      $ 10,595      $ 5,628      $ 10,422   

Compensation

    3,481        5,064        3,850