UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

(Mark One)

 

x

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2007

 

OR

 

o

 

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: 001-32240

 

NEENAH PAPER, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

20-1308307

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

3460 Preston Ridge Road
Alpharetta, Georgia

 

30005

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(678) 566-6500

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 x  No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large accelerated filer  o

Accelerated filer  x

Non-accelerated filer  o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o  No x

 

As of October 31, 2007, there were 14,943,081 shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding.

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Part I — Financial Information

 

 

 

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

 

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

 

 

Part II — Other Information

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

 

 

Item 1a. Risk Factors

 

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

 

3



 

Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

NEENAH PAPER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In millions, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales

 

$

251.9

 

$

141.4

 

$

734.7

 

$

417.1

 

Cost of products sold

 

219.2

 

121.4

 

627.8

 

347.5

 

Gross profit

 

32.7

 

20.0

 

106.9

 

69.6

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

20.5

 

13.1

 

60.3

 

40.0

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

(1.6

)

(1.5

)

(4.5

)

(124.1

)

Other income - net

 

(2.5

)

(2.1

)

(4.2

)

(5.7

)

Operating income

 

16.3

 

10.5

 

55.3

 

159.4

 

Interest expense - net

 

6.4

 

2.8

 

18.9

 

11.4

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

9.9

 

7.7

 

36.4

 

148.0

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(6.6

)

3.1

 

1.4

 

55.8

 

Income from continuing operations

 

16.5

 

4.6

 

35.0

 

92.2

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(1.1

)

(19.0

)

(2.3

)

(32.4

)

Net income (loss)

 

$

15.4

 

$

(14.4

)

$

32.7

 

$

59.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

1.10

 

$

0.31

 

$

2.35

 

$

6.25

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.07

)

(1.29

)

(0.15

)

(2.20

)

 

 

$

1.03

 

$

(0.98

)

$

2.20

 

$

4.05

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

1.08

 

$

0.31

 

$

2.31

 

$

6.22

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.07

)

(1.28

)

(0.15

)

(2.19

)

 

 

$

1.01

 

$

(0.97

)

$

2.16

 

$

4.03

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding
(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

14,924

 

14,756

 

14,857

 

14,749

 

Diluted

 

15,213

 

14,846

 

15,147

 

14,823

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash Dividends Declared Per Share of Common Stock

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.10

 

$

0.30

 

$

0.30

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

4



 

NEENAH PAPER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

6.2

 

$

1.6

 

Accounts receivable (less allowances of $5.9 million and $4.4 million)

 

151.6

 

112.5

 

Inventories

 

111.1

 

74.9

 

Other receivables

 

13.6

 

13.6

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

29.8

 

19.8

 

Total Current Assets

 

312.3

 

222.4

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, at cost

 

893.5

 

768.1

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

479.9

 

412.5

 

Property, plant and equipment—net

 

413.6

 

355.6

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

56.3

 

32.7

 

Goodwill

 

101.5

 

92.0

 

Intangible Assets, net

 

34.3

 

29.5

 

Other Assets

 

13.8

 

12.5

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

931.8

 

$

744.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Debt payable within one year

 

$

8.0

 

$

1.3

 

Accounts payable

 

84.2

 

74.7

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

28.3

 

26.6

 

Accrued income taxes

 

15.1

 

10.2

 

Accrued expenses

 

27.0

 

16.7

 

Total Current Liabilities

 

162.6

 

129.5

 

Long-term Debt

 

331.2

 

282.3

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

28.5

 

35.8

 

Noncurrent Employee Benefits

 

133.0

 

109.2

 

Other Noncurrent Obligations

 

14.4

 

3.0

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

669.7

 

559.8

 

Commitments and Contingencies (Note 12)

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

262.1

 

184.9

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

931.8

 

$

744.7

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5



 

NEENAH PAPER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In millions)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

32.7

 

$

59.8

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

33.5

 

21.0

 

Stock-based compensation

 

5.1

 

3.9

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

 

(10.2

)

28.4

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

(4.5

)

(124.1

)

Loss on disposal of Terrace Bay

 

 

6.5

 

(Gain) loss on asset dispositions

 

0.2

 

(0.2

)

Decrease (increase) in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions

 

(12.5

)

38.5

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

(0.5

)

 

Pension and other post-employment benefits

 

1.0

 

1.9

 

Loss on curtailment and partial settlement of pension plan

 

 

26.4

 

Contribution to settle pension liabilities (Note 5)

 

 

(10.8

)

Other

 

(0.3

)

1.4

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

44.5

 

52.7

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(37.2

)

(15.4

)

Acquisition cost of Fox River, net of cash acquired

 

(54.7

)

 

Additional acquisition cost of Neenah Germany

 

(1.5

)

 

Net proceeds from sale of woodlands

 

 

134.8

 

Payment for transfer of Terrace Bay

 

 

(18.6

)

Other

 

(0.3

)

(0.9

)

NET CASH (USED IN) PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(93.7

)

99.9

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

75.5

 

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(1.0

)

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(20.8

)

(0.9

)

Short-term borrowings

 

4.8

 

0.6

 

Repayments of short-term debt

 

(5.0

)

(0.5

)

Cash dividends paid

 

(4.5

)

(4.4

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

3.7

 

0.4

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

0.5

 

 

Other

 

(0.1

)

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

53.1

 

(4.8

)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

0.7

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

4.6

 

147.8

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

1.6

 

12.6

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

6.2

 

$

160.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during period for interest, net of interest expense capitalized

 

$

13.8

 

$

8.4

 

Cash paid during period for income taxes

 

$

5.7

 

$

1.5

 

 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

6



 

NEENAH PAPER, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in millions, except as noted)

 

Note 1. Background and Basis of Presentation

 

Background

 

Neenah Paper, Inc. (“Neenah” or the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, was incorporated in April 2004 in contemplation of the spin-off by Kimberly-Clark Corporation (“Kimberly-Clark”) of its fine paper and technical products businesses in the United States and its Canadian pulp business (collectively, the “Pulp and Paper Business”). In November 2004, Kimberly-Clark completed the distribution of all of the shares of Neenah’s common stock to the stockholders of Kimberly-Clark (the “Spin-Off”). As a result of the Spin-Off, Kimberly-Clark transferred all of the assets and liabilities of the Pulp and Paper Business to Neenah. Following the Spin-Off, Neenah is an independent public company and Kimberly-Clark has no continuing stock ownership.

 

The fine paper business is a leading producer of premium writing, text, cover and specialty papers. The technical products business is a leading producer of transportation and other filter media; durable, saturated and coated base papers for a variety of end uses and nonwoven wall coverings. The pulp business primarily produces northern bleached softwood kraft pulp used by paper mills to manufacture tissue and printing and writing papers. At the time of the Spin-Off, the pulp business consisted of pulp mills in Terrace Bay, Ontario and Pictou, Nova Scotia and the related woodlands (including 1,000,000 acres in Nova Scotia).

 

In June 2006, the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, Neenah Paper Company of Canada (“Neenah Canada”) completed the sale of approximately 500,000 acres of woodlands in Nova Scotia for $139.1 million (proceeds net of transaction costs were $134.8 million). The woodlands sale agreement included a fiber supply agreement to secure a source of fiber for Neenah Canada’s Pictou pulp mill. The transaction resulted in a net pre-tax gain of $131.6 million.  Approximately $9.0 million of such gain was deferred and is being recognized in income pro-rata through December 2007. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, Neenah Canada recognized approximately $1.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively of such deferred gain.

 

In August 2006, Neenah Canada completed the transfer of the Terrace Bay, Ontario pulp mill and related woodlands operations (“Terrace Bay”) to certain affiliates of Buchanan Forest Products Ltd. (“Buchanan”). Pursuant to the terms of the sale agreement, Buchanan assumed responsibility for substantially all liabilities related to the future operation of Terrace Bay in exchange for a payment of $18.6 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations primarily reflect costs associated with Terrace Bay’s defined benefit pension plan.  The condensed consolidated statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006 has been restated to reflect the results of operations of Terrace Bay as discontinued operations. See Note 5, “Discontinued Operations.”

 

In October 2006, the Company completed the purchase of the stock of FiberMark Services GmbH & Co. KG and the stock of FiberMark Beteiligungs GmbH (collectively, “Neenah Germany”).  Neenah Germany was acquired from FiberMark, Inc. (“FiberMark”) and FiberMark International Holdings LLC for approximately $220 million in cash (net of cash acquired). The transaction was financed from available cash and debt drawn against the Company’s existing revolving credit facility. The assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Neenah Germany consist of two mills located near Munich, Germany and a third mill near Frankfurt, Germany, that produce a wide range of products, including transportation and other filter media, nonwoven wall coverings, masking and other tapes, abrasive backings, and specialized printing and coating substrates. The results of Neenah Germany are being reported as part of the Company’s Technical Products segment and have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since the acquisition date. See Note 4, “Acquisitions.”

 

In March 2007, the Company acquired the stock of Fox Valley Corporation and its subsidiary, Fox River Paper Company, LLC (collectively, “Fox River”). The Company paid $54.7 million in cash for Fox River and financed the acquisition through a combination of cash and debt drawn against its existing revolving credit facility. The assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Fox River consist of four U.S. paper mills and various related assets. The results of Fox River are being reported as part of the Company’s Fine Paper segment and have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since the acquisition date. See Note 4, “Acquisitions,” for a summary of the preliminary allocation of the purchase price and a description of certain post-acquisition restructuring activities.

 

7



 

Basis of Consolidation and Presentation

 

These statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and, in accordance with those rules and regulations, do not include all information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate for a fair presentation of the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows. In the opinion of management, the condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein. The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make extensive use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results may vary from these estimates.

 

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated and combined financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the full year.

 

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Neenah and its subsidiaries included herein are unaudited, except for the December 31, 2006 condensed consolidated balance sheet, which was derived from audited financial statements. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Company, and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Earnings per Share (“EPS”)

 

Basic EPS was computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.  Diluted EPS was calculated to give effect to all potentially dilutive common shares using the “Treasury Stock” method. Outstanding stock options, restricted shares, restricted stock units and restricted stock units with performance conditions represent the only potentially dilutive effects on the Company’s weighted-average shares. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, approximately 310,000 and 260,000 potentially dilutive stock options, respectively, were excluded from the computation of dilutive common shares because their inclusion would be antidilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, approximately 1,125,000 and 1,095,000 potentially dilutive options, respectively, were excluded from the computation of dilutive common shares because their inclusion would be antidilutive.

 

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted shares of common stock used in the computation of EPS (amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Weighted-average basic shares outstanding

 

14,924

 

14,756

 

14,857

 

14,749

 

Add: Assumed incremental shares under stock compensation plans

 

289

 

90

 

290

 

74

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assuming dilution

 

15,213

 

14,846

 

15,147

 

14,823

 

 

Note 2. Accounting Standard Changes

 

On January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes.

 

8



 

The Company is liable for taxes due for tax returns filed by Neenah Germany for periods prior to the acquisition (see Note 4, “Acquisitions”). Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, FiberMark has agreed to indemnify the Company for the Euro value of such taxes and a portion of the purchase price has been reserved in an escrow account to fund the indemnification. The Company believes it is probable that Neenah Germany is liable for approximately €4.1 million ($5.8 million) in additional taxes and recognized a liability for this uncertain income tax position at the acquisition date. The Company has also recognized a receivable for the value of the indemnification in an equal amount in Other receivables on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not believe its liability for such taxes is in excess of the escrow amount.

 

The Company’s adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a $1.0 million increase in its liability for uncertain income tax positions. As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s liability for uncertain income tax positions was $6.9 million. If recognized, approximately $0.7 million of such income tax benefits would favorably affect the Company’s effective tax rate in future periods. The Company does not anticipate that the expiration of the statute of limitations or the settlement of audits in the next 12 months will result in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions that are materially different than the amounts accrued as of September 30, 2007.

 

Tax years 2002 through 2006 are subject to examination by federal and state tax authorities in the United States, federal and provincial tax authorities in Canada and federal and municipal tax authorities in Germany. Currently, the 2002 through 2004 tax years are being audited by German tax authorities.

 

The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in Provision for income taxes on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $20 thousand accrued for interest related to uncertain income tax positions.

 

The Company’s effective income tax (benefit) provision rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was approximately (67) percent and 40 percent, respectively. The Company’s effective income tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was approximately 4 percent and 38 percent, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate can be affected by many factors, including but not limited to, changes in the mix of earnings in taxing jurisdictions with differing statutory rates, changes in corporate structure as a result of business acquisitions and dispositions, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, the results of audit examinations of previously filed tax returns and changes in tax laws. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, German tax laws were amended to reduce statutory income tax rates effective as of January 1, 2008. Application of the new rates to the Company’s existing deferred tax assets and liabilities reduced the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 2007. The reduction in the Company’s net deferred tax liabilities due to the benefit of the tax rate change resulted in an income tax benefit of $8.9 million and was treated as a discrete item for the three months ended September 30, 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and will have no further impact on the Company’s effective tax rate in 2007.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 applies to other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements.

 

The definition of fair value in SFAS 157 retains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value and emphasizes that fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement. SFAS 157 expands disclosures about the use of fair value to measure assets and liabilities in interim and annual periods subsequent to initial recognition.  SFAS 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years.  Adoption of SFAS 157 is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

9



 

In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115  (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. Most of the provisions of SFAS 159 apply only to entities that elect the fair value option. However, the amendment to FASB Statement No. 115, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, applies to all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year that begins on or before November 15, 2007, provided the entity also elects to apply the provisions of FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements.  The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 159 to have a material effect on its financial position or results of operations.

 

Note 3. Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income includes, in addition to net income, unrealized gains and losses recorded directly into a separate section of stockholders’ equity on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These unrealized gains and losses are referred to as other comprehensive income items. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses), deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and adjustments to pension and other post-employment benefit obligations. Unrealized foreign currency translation gains (losses) that relate to indefinite investments in international operations are not adjusted for income taxes. As of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, accumulated other comprehensive income was $49.7 million and $9.9 million, respectively.

 

The following table presents the components of comprehensive income:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

15.4

 

$

(14.4

)

$

32.7

 

$

59.8

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unrealized foreign currency translation gain

 

21.0

 

(0.2

)

37.3

 

8.3

 

Adjustments to pension and other post-employment
benefit liabilities

 

0.6

 

 

1.6

 

 

Deferred gain (loss) on cash flow hedges

 

(0.4

)

(0.3

)

0.9

 

(4.0

)

Total other comprehensive income (loss)

 

21.2

 

(0.5

)

39.8

 

4.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

36.6

 

$

(14.9

)

$

72.5

 

$

64.1

 

 

10



 

Note 4. Acquisitions

 

Fox River

 

In March 2007, the Company acquired the stock of Fox River for $54.7 million in cash (net of cash acquired). Included in such acquisition costs were amounts for the repayment of debt, the payoff of deferred employee compensation obligations of the acquired companies and fees and expenses directly related to the acquisition. The Company financed the acquisition through a combination of cash and debt drawn against its existing revolving credit facility. The assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Fox River consist of four U.S. paper mills and various related assets, producing premium fine papers with well-known brands including STARWHITE®, SUNDANCE®, ESSE® and OXFORD®. The results of Fox River are being reported as part of the Company’s Fine Paper segment and have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since the acquisition date.

 

During the second quarter of 2007, the Company completed the previously announced permanent closure of the Housatonic mill, located near Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In June 2007, the Company announced plans to permanently close the fine paper mill located in Urbana, Ohio (the “Urbana mill”). Manufacturing operations at the Urbana mill ceased in September 2007. Converting operations at the Urbana mill are expected to be phased out over the next six to nine months. The closure of the Housatonic and Urbana mills will allow the Company to maximize cost efficiencies by shifting fine paper manufacturing to utilize existing available capacity at its other high quality fine paper mills. In addition, the Company has substantially completed the process of identifying and notifying certain Fox River sales and administrative employees who will be terminated as the acquired business is integrated with its existing fine paper business. Approximately 340 former Fox River employees will receive severance benefits in conjunction with the closure and integration activities. At September 30, 2007, the long-lived assets of the Housatonic mill are classified as assets held for sale and are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheet in Prepaid and other current assets at their estimated fair values less costs to sell of $3.0 million.

 

The total cost of the acquisition has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS 141”). The values of certain assets and liabilities are based on preliminary valuations and are subject to adjustment as additional information is obtained. Such additional information includes, but is not limited to, the valuation of property, plant and equipment, gains or losses related to the settlement of post-retirement obligations at closed facilities and the liability for post-acquisition restructuring activities. The Company is in the process of finalizing its valuations and purchase price allocations which will be completed no later than one year from the acquisition date. Changes to the valuation of assets and liabilities acquired may result in adjustments to the carrying value of property, plant and equipment acquired. The Company did not acquire any in-process research and development assets as part of the acquisition.

 

11



 

The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of March 1, 2007:

 

Assets Acquired

 

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

18.7

 

Inventories

 

34.8

 

Other receivables

 

1.0

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

5.0

 

Property, plant and equipment

 

28.3

 

Unamortizable intangible assets

 

3.7

 

Amortizable intangible assets

 

0.3

 

Deferred income taxes

 

18.4

 

Other noncurrent assets

 

0.1

 

Total assets acquired

 

110.3

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities Assumed

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

13.3

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

5.5

 

Accrued expenses

 

12.9

 

Noncurrent employee benefits

 

17.5

 

Other noncurrent obligations

 

6.4

 

Total liabilities assumed

 

55.6

 

Net assets acquired

 

$

54.7

 

 

The preceding table includes approximately $11.4 million for the cost of post-acquisition restructuring activities that the Company recognized in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 95-3, Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. As of September 30, 2007, severance benefits of approximately $2.5 million had been paid to 230 employees and severance benefits of approximately $3.8 million due to approximately 110 former Fox River employees remained unpaid. Pursuant to the terms of employment agreements with certain former Fox River executives, approximately $2.2 million in severance benefits will be paid over a period of 18 to 36 months from the date of acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company made payments of approximately $0.5 million under such agreements. The Company expects the payment of all other severance benefits to be substantially complete within one year from the date of acquisition. The following table presents the status of post-acquisition restructuring activities as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

 

 

Post-Acquisition
Restructuring Costs

 

Payments through
September 30, 2007

 

September 30, 2007

 

Severance benefits

 

$

 6.3

 

$

(2.5

)

$

3.8

 

Contract termination costs

 

3.4

 

(0.8

)

2.6

 

Environmental clean-up and monitoring

 

1.7

 

(0.1

)

1.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

11.4

 

$

(3.4

)

$

8.0

 

 

12



 

The following selected unaudited pro forma consolidated statements of operations data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was prepared as though the acquisition of Fox River had occurred on January 1, 2007 and 2006 (in millions, except per share data):

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales

 

$

251.9

 

$

193.1

 

$

767.5

 

$

572.3

 

Operating income (a) (b)

 

16.3

 

12.6

 

55.4

 

165.5

 

Income from continuing operations (a) (b)

 

16.5

 

5.2

 

34.6

 

93.9

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

(1.1

)

(19.0

)

(2.3

)

(32.4

)

Net income (loss)

 

15.4

 

(13.8

)

32.3

 

61.5

 

Earnings (Loss) Per Common Share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

1.10

 

$

0.35

 

$

2.33

 

$

6.37

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.07

)

(1.29

)

(0.16

)

(2.20

)

 

 

$

1.03

 

$

(0.94

)

$

2.17

 

$

4.17

 

Diluted

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

$

1.08

 

$

0.35

 

$

2.28

 

$

6.33

 

Discontinued operations

 

(0.07

)

(1.28

)

(0.15

)

(2.18

)

 

 

$

1.01

 

$

(0.93

)

$

2.13

 

$

4.15

 


(a)               Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, include $1.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for the gain on sale of woodlands.

(b)              Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, include $1.5 million and $124.1 million, respectively, for the gain on sale of woodlands.

 

Neenah Germany

 

In October 2006, the Company completed the purchase of the stock of Neenah Germany.  Neenah Germany was acquired from FiberMark and FiberMark International Holdings LLC for approximately $220 million in cash, including $1.5 million paid in the first quarter of 2007 primarily for the adjusted value of working capital at the acquisition date. The Company also incurred approximately $5 million of transaction costs directly related to the acquisition of Neenah Germany. The acquisition of Neenah Germany was financed through $160 million of available cash and $58 million of debt drawn against the Company’s revolving credit facility. The primary source of available cash used to finance the acquisition was proceeds from the sale of woodlands in June 2006. The results of Neenah Germany are being reported as part of the Company’s Technical Products segment and have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial results since the acquisition date.

 

Note 5. Discontinued Operations

 

Transfer of Terrace Bay

 

Manufacturing operations at Terrace Bay were suspended in February 2006 due to a lack of wood fiber for its operations as the result of a strike initiated in January 2006 by workers employed by the woodlands operations that supplied wood fiber to the mill. Most of the hourly and salaried workers employed at the mill were laid off during the two weeks following the suspension of manufacturing activities.

 

In August 2006, Neenah Canada transferred Terrace Bay to Buchanan.  Buchanan assumed responsibility for substantially all liabilities related to the future operation of Terrace Bay in exchange for a payment of $18.6 million. At closing, Neenah Canada retained certain working capital amounts, primarily trade accounts receivable, finished goods inventory and trade accounts payable.  In addition, Neenah Canada retained certain long-term disability obligations for current and former mill employees and post-employment medical and life insurance liabilities for current retirees.

 

13



 

In conjunction with the transfer of Terrace Bay to Buchanan and as a closing condition of the agreement, Neenah Canada initiated plans to curtail and settle its Ontario, Canada defined benefit pension plan (“the Ontario Plan”). In August 2006, Neenah Canada made a payment to the pension trust of approximately $10.8 million for the purchase of annuity contracts to settle its pension liability for current retirees. As a result, Neenah Canada recognized a pension curtailment and settlement loss of approximately $26.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

In July 2007, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario approved the Company’s request to settle its pension obligations for active employees and terminate the Ontario Plan. The Company expects termination of the Ontario Plan to be completed by January 2008. Neenah Canada expects to record a settlement loss of approximately $40 million upon termination of the Ontario Plan.  The amount of any funds that Neenah Canada may pay or receive upon settlement of the Ontario Plan is dependent upon, among other things, an actuarial determination of the value of the obligations being settled, the cost of annuity contracts and employee elections. The Company does not, however, currently anticipate any additional funding will be required to settle the Ontario Plan.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations primarily reflect costs associated with the employee benefit liabilities retained by Neenah Canada. The results of operations of Terrace Bay are reflected as discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. The following table presents the results of discontinued operations:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales, net of intersegment sales

 

$

 

$

2.2

 

$

 

$

46.0

 

Discontinued Operations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from operations

 

$

(1.7

)

$

(30.3

)

$

(3.7

)

$

(46.0

)

Loss on disposal

 

 

(0.5

)

 

(6.5

)

Loss before income taxes

 

(1.7

)

(30.8

)

(3.7

)

(52.5

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

0.6

 

11.8

 

1.4

 

20.1

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

$

(1.1

)

$

(19.0

)

$

(2.3

)

$

(32.4

)

 

Note 6. Risk Management

 

The Company is exposed to risks such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates and pulp prices. A variety of practices are employed to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where deemed appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments are used only for risk management purposes and not for speculation or trading. All foreign currency derivative instruments are either exchange traded or entered into with major financial institutions. Credit risk with respect to the counterparties is considered minimal in view of the financial strength of the counterparties. The notional amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments do not represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, as such, are not a measure of exposure to credit loss. The amounts exchanged are determined by reference to the notional amounts and the other terms of the contracts.

 

In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended, the Company records all derivative instruments as assets (included in Prepaid and other current assets and Other Assets) or liabilities (included in Accrued expenses or Other Noncurrent Obligations) on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments are either recorded in income or other comprehensive income, as appropriate. Unrealized gains or losses from changes in the fair value of highly effective derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the period that changes in fair value occur and are reclassified to income in the same period that the hedged item affects income.

 

14



 

Pulp Price and Foreign Currency Risk

 

The operating results, cash flows and financial condition of the Company are subject to pulp price risk. Because the price of pulp is established in U.S. dollars and the Company’s cost of producing pulp is incurred principally in Canadian dollars, the profitability of the Company’s pulp operations is subject to foreign currency risk. The Company uses foreign currency forward contracts to manage its foreign currency risks. In addition, the Company has used, from time-to-time, pulp futures contracts to manage its pulp price risks. The use of these instruments allows management of this transactional exposure to exchange rate and pulp price fluctuations because the gains or losses incurred on the derivative instruments are intended to offset, in whole or in part, losses or gains on the underlying transactional exposure. (See “Cash Flow Hedges” below). The translation exposure related to the Company’s net investment in its Canadian and German subsidiaries is not hedged. In addition, the Company’s reported operating results are affected by changes in the Euro exchange rate relative to the U.S. dollar.  The Company’s exposure to such Euro risk is not hedged.

 

Cash Flow Hedges

 

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had outstanding foreign currency forward exchange contracts designated as cash flow hedges of U.S. dollar denominated pulp sales in a notional amount of $17 million Canadian dollars. The fair value of the contracts was a current asset of $2.4 million U.S. dollars. The weighted-average exchange rate for the foreign currency contracts at September 30, 2007 was $0.864 U.S. dollars per Canadian dollar. The contracts extend through February 2008 with the highest value of contracts maturing in October 2007. The Company recorded net pre-tax gains of $2.0 million and $4.6 million on foreign currency contracts as the forecasted transactions occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, respectively.  The Company recorded net pre-tax gains of $2.3 million and $8.6 million on foreign currency contracts as the forecasted transactions occurred in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, respectively. Realized gains and losses on foreign currency forward exchange contracts are recorded in Other (income) expense - net on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Pre-tax gains of $0.2 million and $2.6 million on foreign currency forward exchange contracts related to the operations of Terrace Bay were recorded in Loss from discontinued operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

During 2006 and 2005, the Company entered into a series of pulp futures contracts to hedge fluctuations in pulp prices through December 2006.  Subsequent to December 31, 2006, the Company had no outstanding pulp future contracts. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, the Company recorded net pre-tax losses of $4.2 million and $8.2 million on pulp futures contracts as the forecasted transactions occurred. Realized gains and losses on pulp derivatives are recorded in Net sales on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Losses of $1.5 million on pulp futures contracts related to the operations of Terrace Bay were recorded in Loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2006. No amounts were recorded in Loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended September 30, 2006.

 

For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2007, changes in the fair value of the Company’s derivative instruments were reflected in other comprehensive income. If future market rates are consistent with the rates assumed at September 30, 2007, a net pre-tax gain of approximately $2.4 million (or $1.5 million after-tax) is expected to be recognized in earnings during the next 12 months.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions (transactions denominated in a currency other than the entity’s functional currency) are included in Other (income)—net in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Net foreign currency transaction losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $0.6 million and $1.9 million, respectively. Net foreign currency transaction gains (losses) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006 were $6 thousand and $(0.8) million, respectively. Gains (losses) of $21 thousand and $(0.4) million on foreign currency transactions related to the operations of Terrace Bay were recorded in Loss from discontinued operations in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006.

 

15



 

Note 7. Inventories

 

The following presents inventories by major class:

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories by Major Class:

 

 

 

 

 

Raw materials

 

$

26.2

 

$

24.2

 

Work in progress

 

19.5

 

11.1

 

Finished goods

 

68.5

 

44.5

 

Supplies and other

 

5.5

 

3.4

 

 

 

119.7

 

83.2

 

Excess of FIFO over LIFO cost

 

(8.6

)

(8.3

)

Total

 

$

111.1

 

$

74.9

 

 

The FIFO values of total inventories valued on the LIFO method were $76.5 million and $37.9 million at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively.

 

Note 8. Debt

 

Long-term debt is as follows:

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Senior Notes (7.375% fixed rate) due 2014

 

$

 225.0

 

$

 225.0

 

Revolving bank credit facility (variable rates) due 2010

 

74.7

 

57.3

 

Term Loan (variable rates) due in 13 equal quarterly installments beginning November 2007

 

25.0

 

 

Third-party financing (7.375% fixed rate) due in quarterly

 

 

 

 

 

installments through December 2007

 

0.3

 

1.3

 

Neenah Germany project financing (3.8% fixed rate) due in 16 equal semi-annual installments beginning June 2009

 

14.2

 

 

Total debt

 

339.2

 

283.6

 

Less: Debt payable within one year

 

8.0

 

1.3

 

Long-term debt

 

$

331.2

 

$

282.3

 

 

 

Principal Payments

 

The following table presents the Company’s required debt payments:

 

 

 

2007

 

2008

 

2009

 

2010

 

2011

 

2012

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Debt payments

 

$

2.3

 

$

7.7

 

$

9.5

 

$

84.1

 

$

1.8

 

$

1.7

 

$

232.1

 

$

339.2

 

 

16



 

Senior Unsecured Notes

 

In November 2004, the Company completed an underwritten offering of ten-year senior unsecured notes (the “Senior Notes”) at an aggregate face amount of $225 million. The Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 7.375 percent, payable in May and November of each year and mature in November 2014. The Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by all of the Company’s subsidiaries, with the exception of Neenah Germany.

 

Secured Revolving Credit Facility

 

In November 2004, the Company entered into a Credit Agreement by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed in the Credit Agreement and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. as agent for the lenders (the “Initial Credit Agreement”). Under the Initial Credit Agreement, the Company had a secured revolving credit facility (the “Revolver”) that provided for borrowings of up to $150 million.

 

In March 2007, the Company entered into the Fourth Amendment (the “Fourth Amendment”) to the Initial Credit Agreement (the Initial Credit Agreement as amended, the “Credit Agreement”). Except as generally described herein, the Fourth Amendment retained the terms of the amended Initial Credit Agreement. The Fourth Amendment, among other things, (i) increased the Company’s secured revolving line of credit from $165 million to $180 million and (ii) made other definitional, administrative and covenant modifications to the amended Initial Credit Agreement. Despite the increase in the total commitment to $180 million, the Company’s ability to borrow under the Revolver is currently limited to the lowest of (a) $180 million, (b) the Company’s borrowing base (as determined in accordance with the Credit Agreement), and (c) the applicable cap on the amount of “credit facilities” under the indenture.

 

The closing of the Fourth Amendment occurred simultaneously with the Company’s consummation of its acquisition of Fox River. In March 2007, the Company borrowed $54 million in principal under the Credit Agreement as part of the financing for the acquisition of Fox River. The entities acquired by the Company pursuant to the Fox River acquisition are guarantors with respect to such secured revolving line of credit. Such entities are also subsidiary guarantors with respect to the Senior Notes; however, the property, plant and equipment acquired in the acquisition of Fox River does not secure the Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.

 

As of September 30, 2007, the Company’s available borrowing capacity under the Credit Agreement was $180 million. The weighted-average interest rate on outstanding borrowings was 7.3 percent per annum. Borrowing availability under the Revolver is reduced by outstanding letters of credit and reserves for certain other items as defined in the Credit Agreement. Availability under the Credit Agreement will fluctuate over time depending on the value of the Company’s inventory, receivables and various capital assets. As of September 30, 2007, the Company had approximately $1.6 million of letters of credit outstanding and $103.7 million of borrowing availability under the Revolver. Interest on amounts borrowed under the Revolver is paid monthly.

 

In October 2007, the Company entered into the Fifth Amendment (the “Fifth Amendment”) to the Initial Credit Agreement (the Initial Credit Agreement as amended, the “Credit Agreement”). Except as generally described herein, the Fifth Amendment retained the terms of the amended Initial Credit Agreement. The Fifth Amendment increased the Company’s secured revolving line of credit from $180 million to $210 million. Despite the increase in the total commitment to $210 million, the Company’s ability to borrow under the Revolver is limited to the lowest of (a) $210 million, (b) the Company’s borrowing base (as determined in accordance with the Credit Agreement), and (c) the applicable cap on the amount of “credit facilities” under the indenture for the Senior Notes.

 

The Credit Agreement contains events of default customary for financings of this type, including failure to pay principal or interest, materially false representations or warranties, failure to observe covenants and other terms of the Credit Agreement, cross-defaults to other indebtedness, bankruptcy, insolvency, various ERISA violations, the incurrence of material judgments and changes in control. As of September 30, 2007 no events of default had occurred.

 

17



 

Term Loan

 

In March 2007, the Company entered into an agreement by and among the Company, certain of its subsidiaries and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. (the “Term Loan Agreement”) to borrow up to $25 million (the “Term Loan”). As of September 30, 2007, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Term Loan borrowings was 7.6 percent per annum. Term Loan borrowings were used to repay outstanding Revolver borrowings. The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the property, plant and equipment acquired by the Company in the acquisition of Fox River and is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of the Company’s other subsidiaries, except Neenah Germany. Principal payments on the Term Loan are due in thirteen equal quarterly installments beginning in November 2007. Amounts outstanding under the Term Loan may be repaid, in whole or in part, at any time without premium or penalty except that LIBOR Borrowings (as defined below) may not be partially repaid such that less than $3.0 million of LIBOR Borrowings are outstanding. The Term Loan Agreement terminates in November 2010.

 

At the Company’s option, Term Loan borrowings may be designated as either Alternate Base Rate Borrowings (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) or London Interbank Offered Rate Borrowings (“LIBOR Borrowings”). The interest rate on Alternate Base Rate Borrowings is the greater of (i) the Prime Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) or (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) plus a percentage ranging from 0 percent to 0.75 percent. The interest rate on LIBOR Borrowings is LIBOR plus a percentage ranging from 1.50 percent to 2.25 percent. Interest is computed based on actual days elapsed in a 360-day year, payable monthly in arrears for Alternate Base Rate Borrowings, or for LIBOR Borrowings, payable monthly in arrears and at the end of the applicable interest period.

 

Other Financing

 

In December 2006, Neenah Germany entered into an agreement with HypoVereinsbank and IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG (the “Lenders”) to provide project financing for the construction of a saturator. As of September 30, 2007, €10.0 million ($14.2 million) was outstanding under this agreement. The Company’s use of proceeds under the loan agreement is restricted to the payment of costs incurred pursuant to construction of the saturator. As of September 30, 2007, Neenah Germany had no restricted cash related to such borrowings.

 

Neenah Germany has an unsecured revolving line of credit (the “Line of Credit”) with HypoVereinsbank that provides for borrowings of up to €15 million for general corporate purposes. As of September 30, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under the Line of Credit.

 

Note 9. Pension and Other Post-employment Benefits

 

Pension Plans

 

Substantially all active employees of the Company’s U.S. paper operations participate in defined benefit pension plans and defined contribution retirement plans. In November 2004, the Company assumed responsibility for pension and post-employment benefit obligations for active employees of the Pulp and Paper business and former employees of the Canadian pulp operations. In August 2006, Neenah Canada purchased annuity contracts to settle its obligations under the Ontario Plan for former employees of Terrace Bay. See Note 5 “Discontinued Operations.” Pension and post-employment benefit obligations related to former employees of the U.S. paper operations were retained by Kimberly-Clark. Substantially all of Neenah Germany’s hourly employees participate in defined benefit plans designed to provide a monthly pension benefit upon retirement. There is no legal or governmental obligation to fund Neenah Germany’s benefit plans and as such the plans are currently unfunded.

 

18



 

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost:

 

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Post-Employment Benefits
Other than Pensions

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

2.3

 

$

1.8

 

$

0.6

 

$

0.5

 

Interest cost

 

7.3

 

5.4

 

0.7

 

1.0

 

Expected return on plan assets (a)

 

(7.6

)

(7.5

)

 

 

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

1.3

 

1.9

 

1.0

 

0.3

 

Amortization of unrecognized transition liability

 

(0.1

)

(0.1

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

0.5

 

0.4

 

(1.8

)

0.1

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

3.7

 

1.9

 

0.5

 

1.9

 

Less: Costs (benefits) related to discontinued operations (b) (c)

 

1.0

 

(0.2

)

 

0.6

 

Net periodic benefit cost related to continuing operations

 

$

2.7

 

$

2.1

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.3

 

 

 

 

Pension Benefits

 

Post-Employment Benefits
Other than Pensions

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Service cost

 

$

6.7

 

$

6.2

 

$

1.8

 

$

1.6

 

Interest cost

 

20.4

 

17.1

 

1.8

 

3.1

 

Expected return on plan assets (a)

 

(21.2

)

(23.4

)

 

 

Recognized net actuarial loss

 

3.7

 

6.0

 

2.8

 

1.2

 

Amortization of unrecognized transition liability

 

(0.2

)

(0.2

)

 

 

Amortization of prior service cost (credit)

 

1.3

 

1.2

 

(4.9

)

0.3

 

Net periodic benefit cost

 

10.7

 

6.9

 

1.5

 

6.2

 

Less: Costs related to discontinued operations (b) (c)

 

2.7

 

0.4

 

 

2.4

 

Net periodic benefit cost related to continuing operations

 

$

8.0

 

$

6.5

 

$

1.5

 

$

3.8

 


(a)          The expected return on plan assets is determined by multiplying the fair value of plan assets at the prior year-end (adjusted for estimated current year cash benefit payments and contributions) by the expected long-term rate of return.

 

(b)         In conjunction with the transfer of Terrace Bay to Buchanan, and as a closing condition of the agreement, Neenah Canada initiated plans to curtail and settle the Ontario Plan. Pension costs for the Ontario Plan have been classified as Loss from discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. See Note 5, “Discontinued Operations.”

 

(c)          Pursuant to the terms of the transfer agreement, Buchanan assumed responsibility for post-employment medical and life insurance benefits for active employees at Terrace Bay. See Note 5, “Discontinued Operations.”

 

Based on exchange rates at September 30, 2007, the Company expects to contribute approximately $8 million to its pension trusts in 2007, of which approximately $6.3 million was paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Based on exchange rates at September 30, 2007, the Company expects to pay pension benefits for Neenah Germany retirees of approximately $1.7 million in 2007, of which approximately $1.1 million was paid in the nine months ended September 30, 2007. Estimated contributions to the Company’s pension trusts do not include any estimate of amounts necessary to settle the Ontario Plan. See Note 5, “Discontinued Operations.”

 

19



 

Note 10. Stock Compensation Plan

 

The Company adopted and established the 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) in December 2004. As of September 30, 2007, approximately 1,655,000 shares of Common Stock were reserved for future issuance under the Omnibus Plan. The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), Share Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”).

 

Valuation and Expense Information

 

Substantially all stock-based compensation expense is recorded in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The following table presents stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Stock-based compensation expense

 

$

1.6

 

$

1.2

 

$

5.1

 

$

3.9

 

Income tax benefit

 

(0.7

)

(0.5

)

(2.0

)

(1.5

)

Stock-based compensation, net of income tax benefit

 

$

0.9

 

$

0.7

 

$

3.1

 

$

2.4

 

 

The following table summarizes total compensation costs related to the Company’s equity awards and amounts recognized in the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Restricted Stock

 

Unrecognized compensation cost — December 31, 2006

 

$

3.3

 

$

2.2

 

Add:

Grant date fair value current year grants (a)

 

2.5

 

3.3

 

Less:

Compensation expense recognized (a)

 

3.3

 

1.8

 

Less:

Grant date fair value of shares forfeited

 

 

0.1

 

Unrecognized compensation cost — September 30, 2007

 

$

2.5

 

$

3.6

 

Expected amortization period (in years)

 

1.8

 

2.0

 

 


(a)          The grant date fair value of current year stock awards and compensation expense recognized each include $0.1 million related to a change in the Company’s estimate for forfeitures and $0.2 million related to the modification of certain awards.

 

20



 

Stock Options

 

As of September 30, 2007, the Company had 1,488,000 stock options outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of $2.4 million. As of December 31, 2006, the Company had 1,379,000 stock options outstanding with an aggregate intrinsic value of $5.5 million.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company awarded nonqualified stock options to purchase 163,425 shares of common stock to Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) participants. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company awarded nonqualified stock options to purchase 9,360 shares of common stock to members of its board of directors. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the weighted-average exercise price of nonqualified stock option awards was $37.23 per share. The exercise price of the options was equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. The options expire in ten years and, in general, one-third vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the date of grant. The weighted-average grant date fair value for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $14.20 per share and was estimated using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the following assumptions:

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

Expected life in years

 

5.9

 

Interest rate

 

4.7

%

Volatility

 

35.5

%

Dividend yield

 

1.1

%

 

The expected term was estimated based upon historical data for Kimberly-Clark stock option awards and the expected volatility was estimated by reference to the historical stock price performance of a peer group of companies. The risk-free interest rate was based on the yield on U.S. Treasury bonds with a remaining term approximately equivalent to the expected term of the stock option award. Forfeitures were estimated at the date of grant.

 

The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was $1.7 million and $57 thousand, respectively. As of September 30, 2007, 970,000 stock options were exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of $1.9 million. As of December 31, 2006, 962,000 stock options were exercisable with an aggregate intrinsic value of $3.8 million.

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the aggregate grant date fair value of options vested was $1.6 million. As of September 30, 2007, certain participants met age and service requirements that allowed their options to qualify for accelerated vesting upon retirement. As of September 30, 2007, LTIP participants held options to purchase 91,717 shares of common stock that would have been exercisable if they had retired as of such date. The aggregate grant date fair value of these options, which were subject to accelerated vesting, was $1.2 million. Stock options subject to accelerated vesting for expense recognition become exercisable according to the contract terms of the stock option grant.

 

As of September 30, 2007, the grant date fair value and aggregate intrinsic value of 1,439,000 stock options that were vested or expected to vest was $12.21 per share and $2.4 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2006, the grant date fair value and aggregate intrinsic value of 1,379,000 stock options that were vested or expected to vest was $11.72 per share and $5.5 million, respectively.

 

21



 

The following table summarizes the status of the Company’s unvested stock options as of September 30, 2007 and activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2007:

 

 

 

Number of

 

Weighted-Average

 

 

 

Stock Options

 

Grant Date Fair Value

 

Outstanding — December 31, 2006

 

379,396

 

$

12.98

 

Add:

Options granted

 

172,785

 

$

15.93

 

Less:

Options vested

 

163,539

 

$

13.20

 

Less:

Options forfeited/cancelled

 

2,575

 

$

14.73

 

Outstanding — September 30, 2007

 

386,067

 

$

13.46

 

 

Performance Shares

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company made a target award of 53,300 Performance Shares (net of 2,700 Performance Shares forfeited due to termination of employment) to LTIP participants. The measurement period for the Performance Shares is January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009. Common stock equal to between 30 percent and 250 percent of the performance share target will be awarded based on the Company’s growth in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) minus a capital charge and total return to shareholders relative to a peer group of companies and the Russell 2000® Value Small-Cap Index. The weighted-average grant date fair value for the Performance Shares was $57.94 per share (which represents the grant date market price of the Company’s common stock of $36.51 per share multiplied by the probability weighted expected payout of approximately 1.6 shares of common stock for each Performance Share) and was estimated using a “Monte Carlo” simulation technique. Compensation cost is recognized pro rata over the vesting period.

 

Note 11. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

The following table presents changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. All of such goodwill is reported in the Technical Products segment.

 

 

 

Technical
Products

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

 

$

92.0

 

Foreign currency translation

 

7.4

 

Other (a)

 

2.1

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2007

 

$

101.5

 

 


(a)             Primarily reflects payment to FiberMark for actual working capital acquired for Neenah Germany (Note 4).

 

The following table presents the gross carrying amount of intangible assets and the related accumulated amortization for intangible assets subject to amortization.

 

22



 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Gross
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Gross
Amount

 

Accumulated
Amortization

 

Amortizable intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer based intangibles

 

$

17.7

 

$

(1.1

)

$

16.2

 

$

(0.2

)

Trade names and trademarks

 

6.2

 

(0.6

)

5.3

 

(0.1

)

Acquired technology

 

1.1

 

(0.1

)

1.1

 

 

Total

 

25.0

 

(1.8

)

22.6

 

(0.3

)

Unamortizable intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Trade names

 

11.1

 

 

7.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

$

36.1

 

$

(1.8

)

$

29.8

 

$

(0.3

)

 

The increase in intangible assets at September 30, 2007 is primarily due to approximately $4.0 million of intangible assets acquired in the Fox River acquisition. The intangible assets acquired are reported within the Fine Paper segment. See Note 13, “Segments.”  Of the $4.0 million of acquired intangible assets identified in the preliminary purchase price allocation, $0.3 million was assigned to registered trade names and trademarks with definite lives and is being amortized over a weighted average useful life of 7.5 years. The remaining balance of intangible assets acquired of $3.7 million was assigned to registered trade names and trademarks with indefinite lives. Intangible assets at December 31, 2006 were acquired in the acquisition of Neenah Germany. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, amortization expense related to intangible assets was $0.4 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The Company had no amortizable intangible assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006. Estimated annual amortization expense for each of the next five years is approximately $1.7 million.

 

Note 12. Contingencies and Legal Matters

 

Litigation

 

In December 2006, certain retirees of Neenah Canada brought a proposed class action lawsuit against Neenah Canada, the Company and Kimberly-Clark Inc. alleging the wrongful reduction and/or elimination of certain retiree benefits following Neenah Canada’s transfer of the Terrace Bay pulp and woodlands operations to Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. and Eagle Logging Inc.  The plaintiffs allege that the Company and Neenah Canada have breached a contract to provide benefits, breached their fiduciary duty to the plaintiffs and have made negligent misrepresentations regarding retiree benefits. The purported class has not been certified. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for the value of the loss of retiree medical and health benefits (and/or reinstatement of the reduced/eliminated benefits), plus punitive damages in the amount of $5.0 million Canadian dollars. At this stage of the proceedings, while an adverse outcome of such litigation could be material, the Company believes that any potential liability for such claims is neither probable nor estimable.  The Company and Neenah Canada believe they have adequate defenses against such claims and will vigorously defend the litigation.

 

In February 2007, certain former employees of Neenah Canada who were previously employed in Neenah Canada’s Longlac woodlands operations brought suit against the Company and Neenah Canada in the Ontario (Canada) Superior Court of Justice for damages. The plaintiffs claim to have suffered from an alleged wrongful termination of employment by Neenah Canada occurring on or about August 21, 2006. Eagle Logging Inc. (the purchaser of Neenah Canada’s Longlac woodlands assets on August 29, 2006), Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. (the purchaser of Neenah Canada’s Terrace Bay pulp mill), Buchanan Forest Products Ltd., Lucky Star Holdings Inc. (each affiliates of Eagle Logging Inc. and Terrace Bay Pulp Inc.), Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Inc. have also been named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks damages for severance and notice pay under Ontario law, as well as damages for wrongful termination, breach of contract, conspiracy and punitive damages, among other things. Eagle Logging Inc. and certain affiliated companies have agreed to indemnify and hold the Company and Neenah Canada harmless from claims and damages arising from the termination of woodlands employees prior to the acquisition of Neenah Canada’s woodlands assets by Eagle Logging Inc. in 2006. The Company and Neenah Canada believe they have adequate defenses against such claims and will vigorously defend the litigation.

 

The Company is involved in certain other legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these legal actions and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of any such claim which is pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

23



 

Indemnifications

 

In conjunction with the transfer of Terrace Bay (see Note 5, “Discontinued Operations”), the Company entered into a pulp manufacturing agreement (the “Pulp Manufacturing Agreement”) with Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. (“TBPI”).  Pursuant to the Pulp Manufacturing Agreement, the Company has agreed to sell pulp manufactured by TBPI to satisfy the Company’s supply obligations under an amended and restated pulp supply agreement with Kimberly-Clark (as amended and restated, the “Pulp Supply Agreement”). The price paid by the Company under the Pulp Manufacturing Agreement will equal the price paid by Kimberly-Clark pursuant to the Pulp Supply Agreement. TBPI has agreed to perform substantially all of the Company’s obligations under the Pulp Supply Agreement and, together with three of its affiliated companies, to indemnify and hold the Company harmless for any claims arising from Terrace Bay’s failure to so perform. The Pulp Manufacturing Agreement will terminate in December 2010 or sooner by mutual agreement by the parties or upon the occurrence of certain events (as defined in the Pulp Manufacturing Agreement).  In June 2007, the Company notified Kimberly-Clark of its intention to terminate its obligation to supply pulp from Terrace Bay under the Pulp Supply Agreement in June 2008.  As a result, the Pulp Manufacturing Agreement will terminate contemporaneously with the Terrace Bay portion of the Pulp Supply Agreement in June 2008. The Company does not believe that it has any liability under the Pulp Supply Agreement.

 

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, the Company did not recognize revenue or cost in its condensed consolidated statements of operations for the pulp manufactured by TBPI at Terrace Bay for sale to Kimberly-Clark.  The Company receives payments from Kimberly-Clark for Kimberly-Clark’s purchases of pulp from TBPI and immediately remits such payments to TBPI.  In general, Kimberly-Clark pays for such pulp purchase in approximately 45 days following receipt of the product.  Due to the Company’s pulp purchase and sale agreements with TBPI and Kimberly-Clark, respectively, at any balance sheet date the Company has equal accounts receivable from Kimberly-Clark and accounts payable to TBPI for such pulp shipments.  As of September 30, 2007, the Company had a receivable from Kimberly-Clark for $18.9 million recorded in Accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and an equal payable to TBPI recorded in Accounts payable.

 

The Company is liable for taxes due for tax returns filed by Neenah Germany for periods prior to the acquisition (see Note 4, “Acquisitions”). Pursuant to the terms of the purchase agreement, FiberMark has agreed to indemnify the Company for the Euro value of such taxes and a portion of the purchase price has been reserved in an escrow account to fund the indemnification. The Company believes it is probable that Neenah Germany is liable for approximately €4.1 million ($5.8 million) in additional taxes and recognized a liability for the benefit of this uncertain income tax position at the acquisition date. As of September 30, 2007, the Company has a current liability in Accrued income taxes on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for such potential additional taxes.  The Company has also recognized a receivable in an equal amount in Prepaid and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet for the value of the indemnification.  The Company does not believe its liability for such taxes is in excess of the escrow amount.

 

Pursuant to the Distribution Agreement, the Pulp Supply Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement and the Tax Sharing Agreement, the Company has agreed to indemnify Kimberly-Clark for certain liabilities or risks related to the Spin-Off. Many of the potential indemnification liabilities under these agreements are unknown, remote or highly contingent. Furthermore, even in the event that an indemnification claim is asserted, liability for indemnification is subject to determination under the terms of the applicable agreement. For these reasons, the Company is unable to estimate the maximum potential amount of the possible future liability under the indemnity provisions of these agreements. The Company accrues for any potentially indemnifiable liability or risk under these agreements for which it believes a future payment is probable and a range of loss can be reasonably estimated. As of September 30, 2007, management believes the Company’s liability under such indemnification obligations was not material to the consolidated financial statements.

 

24



 

Employees and Labor Relations

 

Hourly employees at the Pictou pulp mill are represented by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement expiring in May 2009.

 

Hourly employees at the Neenah, Whiting and Munising paper mills are represented by the United Steelworkers Union (the “USW”). The collective bargaining agreements for the Neenah, Whiting and Munising paper mills expire on February 1, 2009, July 1, 2009 and July 15, 2009, respectively. Additionally, these mills have bargained jointly with the union on pension matters. The Neenah Paper Joint Pension Bargaining Agreement expired in June 2007. In September 2007, the Company and the union entered into a new agreement governing pension matters that expires in 2019.

 

As of September 30, 2007, Fox River had approximately 310 hourly and 130 salaried regular full-time employees all of whom were located in the United States. Hourly employees at the Ripon paper mill are represented by a local of the Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement that expires in April 2010. Hourly employees at the Appleton and Urbana paper mills and the Appleton distribution center are represented by locals of the USW. The collective bargaining agreements for the Appleton distribution center and the Urbana paper mill expire in November 2008 and May 2009, respectively. In October 2007, hourly employees at the Appleton paper mill, represented by locals of the USW and the Company ratified a new collective bargaining agreement expiring on May 31, 2010. Retroactive application of the Appleton mill contract terms were recognized in previously recorded compensation costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2007. As of September 30, 2007, all hourly employees at the Housatonic mill represented by locals of the USW had been terminated.

 

Approximately 50 percent of salaried employees and 80 percent of hourly employees of Neenah Germany are eligible to be represented by the Mining, Chemicals and Energy Trade Union, Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie and Energie (the “IG BCE”).  Union membership is voluntary, and under German law does not need to be disclosed to the Company. As a result, the number of employees covered by the collective bargaining agreement cannot be determined.  The collective bargaining agreement covering union employees of Neenah Germany is negotiated by the IG BCE and a national trade association representing all employers in the industry.  The collective bargaining agreement between the IG BCE and the national trade association expired in February 2007.  In June 2007, the IG BCE and the national trade association agreed on a new collective bargaining agreement that expires in September 2008 and the terms of which are retroactive to expiration of the previous agreement. Retroactive application of the contract terms did not have a material effect on compensation costs previously recognized.

 

25



 

Note 13. Business Segment Information

 

The Company reports its operations in three segments: Fine Paper, Technical Products and Pulp. The fine paper business is a leading producer of premium writing, text, cover and specialty papers. The technical products business is a leading producer of transportation and other filter media; durable, saturated and coated base papers for a variety of end uses and nonwoven wall coverings. The pulp business consists of a mill and related woodlands, which produces primarily northern bleached softwood. Each segment requires different technologies and marketing strategies. Corporate expenses that are identifiable as directly supporting the operations of the business segments are allocated to the business segments. General corporate expenses that do not directly support the operations of the business segments are shown as Unallocated corporate costs. Disclosure of segment information is on the same basis that management uses internally for evaluating segment performance and allocating resources.

 

The following table summarizes the net sales, operating income and total assets for each of the Company’s business segments.

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Paper

 

$

95.3

 

$

53.8

 

$

271.2

 

$

169.2

 

Technical Products

 

99.9

 

33.5

 

303.1

 

100.3

 

Pulp

 

56.7

 

54.2

 

160.7

 

149.4

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

(1.8

)

Consolidated

 

$

251.9

 

$

141.4

 

$

734.7

 

$

417.1

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Paper

 

$

9.3

 

$

12.8

 

$

34.9

 

$

43.9

 

Technical Products

 

3.2

 

0.9

 

22.1

 

5.8

 

Pulp (a) (b)

 

6.7

 

(0.3

)

8.6

 

119.2

 

Unallocated corporate costs

 

(2.9

)

(2.9

)

(10.3

)

(9.5

)

Consolidated

 

$

16.3

 

$

10.5

 

$

55.3

 

$

159.4

 

 


(a)   Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2006, include $1.5 million and $124.1 million, respectively, for the gain on sale of woodlands.

(b)   Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007, include $1.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for amortization of the deferred portion of the gain on sale of woodlands.

 

 

 

September 30, 2007

 

December 31, 2006

 

Total Assets

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Paper

 

$

214.7

 

$

111.0

 

Technical Products

 

456.6

 

394.1

 

Pulp

 

228.3

 

202.6

 

Unallocated coprorate and intersegment items

 

32.2

 

37.0

 

Total

 

$

931.8

 

$

744.7

 

 

26



 

Note 14. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

 

Neenah Paper Michigan, Inc., Neenah Paper FR, LLC, Neenah Paper FVC, Inc., Neenah Paper Company of Canada, Neenah Paper International Holding Company, LLC, NPCC Holding Company, LLC and Neenah Paper International, LLC, (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) guarantee the Company’s Senior Notes. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are 100 percent owned by the Company and all guarantees are full and unconditional. As of December 31, 2006, Neenah Paper Sales, Inc. which was a subsidiary guarantor was merged into Neenah Paper, Inc. (the parent company and issuer of the Senior Notes).  The following condensed consolidating financial information is presented in lieu of consolidated financial statements for the Guarantor Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

Net sales

 

$

54.6

 

$

131.3

 

$

66.0

 

$

 

$

251.9

 

Cost of products sold

 

40.3

 

120.7

 

58.2

 

 

219.2

 

Gross profit

 

14.3

 

10.6

 

7.8

 

 

32.7

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

10.2

 

6.2

 

4.1

 

 

20.5

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(1.6

)

 

 

(1.6

)

Other income - net

 

(0.1

)

(2.2

)

(0.2

)

 

(2.5

)

Operating income

 

4.2

 

8.2

 

3.9

 

 

16.3

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(16.6

)

 

 

16.6

 

 

Interest expense-net

 

5.8

 

0.7

 

(0.1

)

 

6.4

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

15.0

 

7.5

 

4.0

 

(16.6

)

9.9

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

(0.4

)

1.7

 

(7.9

)

 

(6.6

)

Income from continuing operations

 

15.4

 

5.8

 

11.9

 

(16.6

)

16.5

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(1.1

)

 

 

(1.1

)

Net income

 

$

15.4

 

$

4.7

 

$

11.9

 

$

(16.6

)

$

15.4

 

 

27



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

Net sales

 

$

21.7

 

$

136.4

 

$

(16.7

)

$

141.4

 

Cost of products sold

 

16.7

 

121.4

 

(16.7

)

121.4

 

Gross profit

 

5.0

 

15.0

 

 

20.0

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

1.5

 

11.6

 

 

13.1

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(1.5

)

 

(1.5

)

Other income - net

 

 

(2.1

)

 

(2.1

)

Operating income

 

3.5

 

7.0

 

 

10.5

 

Equity in losses of subsidiaries

 

15.0

 

 

(15.0

)

 

Interest expense-net

 

2.4

 

0.4

 

 

2.8

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

(13.9

)

6.6

 

15.0

 

7.7

 

Provision for income taxes

 

0.5

 

2.6

 

 

3.1

 

Income from continuing operations

 

(14.4

)

4.0

 

15.0

 

4.6

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(19.0

)

 

(19.0

)

Net loss

 

$

(14.4

)

$

(15.0

)

$

15.0

 

$

(14.4

)

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

Net sales

 

$

166.4

 

$

370.5

 

$

198.1

 

$

(0.3

)

$

734.7

 

Cost of products sold

 

116.8

 

343.1

 

168.2

 

(0.3

)

627.8

 

Gross profit

 

49.6

 

27.4

 

29.9

 

 

106.9

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

30.7

 

18.5

 

11.1

 

 

60.3

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(4.5

)

 

 

(4.5

)

Other income - net

 

(0.2

)

(3.6

)

(0.4

)

 

(4.2

)

Operating income

 

19.1

 

17.0

 

19.2

 

 

55.3

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(32.2

)

 

 

32.2

 

 

Interest expense-net

 

16.9

 

2.0

 

 

 

18.9

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

34.4

 

15.0

 

19.2

 

(32.2

)

36.4

 

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

 

1.7

 

4.4

 

(4.7

)

 

1.4

 

Income from continuing operations

 

32.7

 

10.6

 

23.9

 

(32.2

)

35.0

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(2.3

)

 

 

(2.3

)

Net income

 

$

32.7

 

$

8.3

 

$

23.9

 

$

(32.2

)

$

32.7

 

 

28



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

Net sales

 

$

67.9

 

$

418.9

 

$

(69.7

)

$

417.1

 

Cost of products sold

 

52.6

 

364.6

 

(69.7

)

347.5

 

Gross profit

 

15.3

 

54.3

 

 

69.6

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

4.7

 

35.3

 

 

40.0

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(124.1

)

 

(124.1

)

Other income - net

 

(0.1

)

(5.6

)

 

(5.7

)

Operating income

 

10.7

 

148.7

 

 

159.4

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(59.6

)

 

59.6

 

 

Interest expense-net

 

10.3

 

1.1

 

 

11.4

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

60.0

 

147.6

 

(59.6

)

148.0

 

Provision for income taxes

 

0.2

 

55.6

 

 

55.8

 

Income from continuing operations

 

59.8

 

92.0

 

(59.6

)

92.2

 

Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(32.4

)

 

(32.4

)

Net income

 

$

59.8

 

$

59.6

 

$

(59.6

)

$

59.8

 

 

29



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

(2.6

)

$

1.9

 

$

6.9

 

$

 

$

6.2

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

21.1

 

84.6

 

45.9

 

 

151.6

 

Inventories

 

22.0

 

60.1

 

29.0

 

 

111.1

 

Other receivables

 

2.5

 

 

11.1

 

 

13.6

 

Intercompany amounts receivable

 

52.2

 

3.9

 

 

(56.1

)

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

4.4

 

21.9

 

3.5

 

 

29.8

 

Total current assets

 

99.6

 

172.4

 

96.4

 

(56.1

)

312.3

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

249.8

 

463.5

 

180.2

 

 

893.5

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

154.2

 

313.5

 

12.2

 

 

479.9

 

Property, plant and equipment — net

 

95.6

 

150.0

 

168.0

 

 

413.6

 

Investments In Subsidiaries

 

447.9

 

 

 

(447.9

)

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

(1.9

)

58.2

 

 

 

56.3

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

101.5

 

 

101.5

 

Intangible Assets, net

 

 

4.0

 

30.3

 

 

34.3

 

Other Assets

 

8.9

 

4.2

 

0.7

 

 

13.8

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

650.1

 

$

388.8

 

$

396.9

 

$

(504.0

)

$

931.8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt payable within one year

 

$

8.0

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

8.0

 

Accounts payable

 

13.4

 

45.2

 

25.6

 

 

84.2

 

Intercompany amounts payable

 

3.9

 

52.2

 

 

(56.1

)

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

6.3

 

15.8

 

6.2

 

 

28.3

 

Accrued income taxes

 

0.8

 

(0.7

)

15.0

 

 

15.1

 

Accrued expenses

 

13.0

 

14.0

 

 

 

27.0

 

Total current liabilities

 

45.4

 

126.5

 

46.8

 

(56.1

)

162.6

 

Long-term Debt

 

317.0

 

 

14.2

 

 

331.2

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

 

28.5

 

 

28.5

 

Noncurrent Employee Benefits

 

23.5

 

71.4

 

38.1

 

 

133.0

 

Other Noncurrent Obligations

 

2.1

 

11.7

 

0.6

 

 

14.4

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

388.0

 

209.6

 

128.2

 

(56.1

)

669.7

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

262.1

 

179.2

 

268.7

 

(447.9

)

262.1

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

650.1

 

$

388.8

 

$

396.9

 

$

(504.0

)

$

931.8

 

 

30



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET

As of December 31, 2006

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

0.1

 

$

0.5

 

$

1.0

 

$

 

$

1.6

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

18.2

 

61.6

 

32.7

 

 

112.5

 

Inventories

 

17.0

 

30.2

 

27.7

 

 

74.9

 

Other receivables

 

3.3

 

 

10.3

 

 

13.6

 

Intercompany amounts receivable

 

33.6

 

 

 

(33.6

)

 

Prepaid and other current assets

 

4.6

 

13.1

 

2.1

 

 

19.8

 

Total current assets

 

76.8

 

105.4

 

73.8

 

(33.6

)

222.4

 

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

 

244.2

 

376.7

 

147.2

 

 

768.1

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

145.0

 

264.9

 

2.6

 

 

412.5

 

Property, plant and equipment — net

 

99.2

 

111.8

 

144.6

 

 

355.6

 

Investments In Subsidiaries

 

341.8

 

 

 

(341.8

)

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

(3.7

)

36.4

 

 

 

32.7

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

92.0

 

 

92.0

 

Intangible Assets, net

 

 

 

29.5

 

 

29.5

 

Other Assets

 

9.3

 

2.7

 

0.5

 

 

12.5

 

TOTAL ASSETS

 

$

523.4

 

$

256.3

 

$

340.4

 

$

(375.4

)

$

744.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt payable within one year

 

$

1.3

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

1.3

 

Accounts payable

 

13.7

 

37.3

 

23.7

 

 

74.7

 

Intercompany amounts payable

 

 

33.6

 

 

(33.6

)

 

Accrued salaries and employee benefits

 

8.1

 

15.5

 

3.0

 

 

26.6

 

Accrued income taxes

 

 

 

10.2

 

 

10.2

 

Accrued expenses

 

6.5

 

8.9

 

1.3

 

 

16.7

 

Total current liabilities

 

29.6

 

95.3

 

38.2

 

(33.6

)

129.5

 

Long-term Debt

 

282.3

 

 

 

 

282.3

 

Deferred Income Taxes

 

 

 

35.8

 

 

35.8

 

Noncurrent Employee Benefits

 

24.2

 

50.4

 

34.6

 

 

109.2

 

Other Noncurrent Obligations

 

2.4

 

0.6

 

 

 

3.0

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES

 

338.5

 

146.3

 

108.6

 

(33.6

)

559.8

 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

184.9

 

110.0

 

231.8

 

(341.8

)

184.9

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

$

523.4

 

$

256.3

 

$

340.4

 

$

(375.4

)

$

744.7

 

 

31



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

32.7

 

$

8.3

 

$

23.9

 

$

(32.2

)

32.7

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

11.3

 

11.9

 

10.3

 

 

33.5

 

Stock-based compensation

 

4.6

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

 

5.1

 

Deferred income tax (benefit) provision

 

(2.0

)

1.5

 

(9.7

)

 

(10.2

)

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(4.5

)

 

 

(4.5

)

Loss on asset dispositions

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

Increase in working capital, net of effects of acquisitions

 

0.9

 

(7.2

)

(6.2

)

 

(12.5

)

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

(0.5

)

 

 

 

(0.5

)

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(32.2

)

 

 

32.2

 

 

Pension and other post-employment benefits

 

0.4

 

(1.1

)

1.7

 

 

1.0

 

Other

 

(0.1

)

(0.5

)

0.3

 

 

(0.3

)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

15.3

 

8.6

 

20.6

 

 

44.5

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(10.0

)

(7.9

)

(19.3

)

 

(37.2

)

Acquisition cost of Fox River, net of cash acquired

 

(54.7

)

 

 

 

(54.7

)

Additional acquisition cost of Neenah Germany

 

(1.5

)

 

 

 

(1.5

)

Other

 

 

(0.4

)

0.1

 

 

(0.3

)

NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(66.2

)

(8.3

)

(19.2

)

 

(93.7

)

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

62.2

 

 

13.3

 

 

75.5

 

Debt issuance costs

 

(1.0

)

 

 

 

(1.0

)

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(20.8

)

 

 

 

(20.8

)

Short-term borrowings

 

 

 

4.8

 

 

4.8

 

Repayments of short-term debt

 

 

 

(5.0

)

 

(5.0

)

Cash dividends paid

 

(4.5

)

 

 

 

(4.5

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

Other

 

(0.1

)

 

 

 

(0.1

)

Intercompany transfers - net

 

8.2

 

0.8

 

(9.0

)

 

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

48.2

 

0.8

 

4.1

 

 

53.1

 

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

0.3

 

0.4

 

 

0.7

 

NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(2.7

)

1.4

 

5.9

 

 

4.6

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

0.1

 

0.5

 

1.0

 

 

1.6

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

(2.6

)

$

1.9

 

$

6.9

 

$

 

$

6.2

 

 

32



 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Neenah
Paper, Inc.

 

Guarantor
Subsidiaries

 

Consolidating
Adjustments

 

Consolidated
Amounts

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

59.8

 

$

59.6

 

$

(59.6

)

$

59.8

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

9.2

 

11.8

 

 

21.0

 

Stock-based compensation

 

3.7

 

0.2

 

 

3.9

 

Deferred income tax benefit

 

(5.5

)

33.9

 

 

28.4

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

 

(124.1

)

 

(124.1

)

Loss on disposal of Terrace Bay

 

 

6.5

 

 

6.5

 

Loss on other asset dispositions

 

(0.5

)

0.3

 

 

(0.2

)

Decrease in working capital

 

(10.2

)

48.7

 

 

38.5

 

Equity in earnings of subsidiaries

 

(59.6

)

 

59.6

 

 

Pension and other post-employment benefits

 

2.9

 

(1.0

)

 

1.9

 

Loss on curtailment and partial settlement of pension plan

 

 

26.4

 

 

26.4

 

Contribution to settle pension liabilities

 

 

(10.8

)

 

(10.8

)

Other

 

(0.6

)

2.0

 

 

1.4

 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

(0.8

)

53.5

 

 

52.7

 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

(8.0

)

(7.4

)

 

(15.4

)

Net proceeds from sale of woodlands

 

 

134.8

 

 

134.8

 

Payment for transfer of Terrace Bay

 

 

(18.6

)

 

(18.6

)

Other

 

0.3

 

(1.2

)

 

(0.9

)

NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

(7.7

)

107.6

 

 

99.9

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt

 

(0.9

)

 

 

(0.9

)

Short-term borrowings

 

0.6

 

 

 

0.6

 

Repayments of short-term debt

 

(0.5

)

 

 

(0.5

)

Cash dividends paid

 

(4.4

)

 

 

(4.4

)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

0.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

Intercompany transfers - net

 

160.4

 

(160.4

)

 

 

NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

155.6

 

(160.4

)

 

(4.8

)

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

 

 

 

 

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

147.1

 

0.7

 

 

147.8

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

 

12.0

 

0.6

 

 

12.6

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

 

$

159.1

 

$

1.3

 

$

 

$

160.4

 

 

33



 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The following discussion and analysis presents the factors that had a material effect on our financial position as of September 30, 2007 and our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated and combined  financial statements and the notes to those consolidated and combined financial statements included in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. See “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.

 

In this report, unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Neenah” or the “Company” are intended to mean Neenah Paper, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

 

(Tabular amounts in millions, except as noted)

 

Executive Summary

 

During 2006, we completed several complementary strategic initiatives: (1) we sold 500,000 acres of woodlands in Nova Scotia, (2) we divested our Terrace Bay pulp operations and (3) we acquired the German technical and specialty paper business of FiberMark, Inc. (“FiberMark”). During the first quarter of 2007, our strategic initiatives continued with the purchase of Fox River (as defined below) to add scale, well-known brands and integration benefits as we combine Fox River with our existing fine paper business.

 

Our operating results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 reflect the benefits of these strategic initiatives as consolidated net sales of $251.9 million were $110.5 million higher than the prior year period primarily due to increased volume from the acquisitions of Neenah Germany and Fox River. Consolidated operating income of $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $5.8 million compared to 2006 primarily due to incremental earnings of Neenah Germany, higher average selling prices, particularly prices for softwood pulp at our Pictou mill, and the absence in 2007 of losses on pulp price hedges in the prior year.

 

These strategic initiatives substantially changed the composition of our business and reduced our exposure to the cyclical pulp market. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, our paper businesses (fine paper and technical products) represented approximately 78 percent of our consolidated net sales. This compares to our paper businesses representing approximately 55 percent of our consolidated net sales for the first quarter of 2006, prior to the transfer of the Terrace Bay pulp operations.

 

Following is a more detailed discussion of these strategic activities:

 

Sale of Woodlands

 

In June 2006, our wholly owned subsidiary, Neenah Paper Company of Canada (“Neenah Canada”)  completed the sale of approximately 500,000 acres of woodlands in Nova Scotia to Atlantic Star Forestry LTD and Nova Star Forestry LTD (collectively, the “Purchaser”) for net cash proceeds of $134.8 million. Neenah Canada also entered into a fiber supply agreement (the “FSA”) with the Purchaser to secure a source of fiber for our Pictou pulp mill. Following the sale, Neenah Canada has approximately 500,000 acres of owned and 200,000 acres of licensed or managed woodlands in Nova Scotia.

 

Pursuant to the terms of the FSA, the Purchaser is required to make available to the Pictou mill sufficient woodlands acreage to yield 200,000 metric tons of softwood timber annually. The FSA expires in December 2010 and Neenah Canada has the option to unilaterally extend the FSA for an additional five years. Also, the FSA can be extended for an additional five years upon the mutual agreement of Neenah Canada and the Purchaser.

 

The sale qualified for gain recognition under the “full accrual method” described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 66, Accounting for Sales of Real Estate (“SFAS 66”). As a result, Neenah Canada recognized a pre-tax gain on the sale of approximately $122.6 million and deferred approximately $9.0 million, which represents Neenah Canada’s estimated “maximum exposure to loss” under the FSA.

 

34



 

Divestiture of Terrace Bay

 

Manufacturing at our Terrace Bay, Ontario pulp operation was suspended in February 2006 when the mill’s fiber supply was exhausted as a result of a strike initiated in January 2006 by workers employed by the woodlands operations that supplied wood fiber to the mill. Most of the hourly and salaried workers employed at the mill were laid off during the two weeks following the suspension of manufacturing activities.

 

In August 2006, Neenah Canada transferred the Terrace Bay pulp mill and related woodlands operations (“Terrace Bay”) to affiliates of Buchanan Forest Products Ltd. (“Buchanan”).  Buchanan assumed responsibility for substantially all liabilities related to the future operation of the mill in exchange for a payment of $18.6 million. At closing, in addition to certain working capital amounts, Neenah Canada retained certain long-term disability obligations for current and former mill employees and post-employment medical and life insurance liabilities for current retirees.

 

Acquisition of Neenah Germany

 

In October 2006, we completed the purchase of the stock of FiberMark Services GmbH & Co. KG and the stock of FiberMark Beteiligungs GmbH (collectively, “Neenah Germany”). Neenah Germany was acquired from FiberMark and FiberMark International Holdings for approximately $220 million in cash, including $1.5 million paid in the first quarter of 2007 primarily for the adjusted value of working capital at the acquisition date. The transaction was financed through available cash and debt drawn against our existing revolving credit facility.

 

The assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Neenah Germany consist of two mills located near Munich, Germany and a third mill near Frankfurt, Germany that produce a wide range of products, including transportation and other filter media, nonwoven wall coverings, masking and other tapes, abrasive backings, and specialized printing and coating substrates. The results of Neenah Germany are being reported as part of our Technical Products segment and have been included in our consolidated financial results since the acquisition date.

 

Acquisition of Fox River

 

In March 2007, we acquired the stock of Fox Valley Corporation and its subsidiary Fox River Paper Company, LLC (collectively, “Fox River”) for $54.7 million in cash (net of cash acquired). Included in such acquisition costs were amounts for the repayment of debt, the payoff of deferred employee compensation obligations of the acquired companies and fees and expenses directly related to the acquisition. We financed the acquisition through a combination of cash and debt drawn against our existing revolving credit facility. The assets acquired as a result of the acquisition of Fox River consist of four U.S. paper mills and various related assets, producing premium fine papers with well-known brands including STARWHITE®, SUNDANCE®, ESSE® and OXFORD®. The acquisition of Fox River strengthens our fine paper business by providing added scale and the ability to offer a broader array of premium branded products and better service to our customers. We believe that the added scale provided by Fox River will result in improved earnings but profit margins that are lower than those historically reported for our existing fine paper business. The results of Fox River are being reported as part of our Fine Paper segment and have been included in our consolidated financial results since the acquisition date.

 

During the second quarter of 2007, we completed the previously announced permanent closure of the Housatonic mill, located near Great Barrington, Massachusetts.  In June 2007, we announced plans to permanently close the fine paper mill located in Urbana, Ohio (the “Urbana mill”). Manufacturing operations at the Urbana mill ceased in September 2007. Converting operations at the Urbana mill are expected to be phased out over the next six to nine months. The closure of the Housatonic and Urbana mills, will allow us to maximize cost efficiencies by shifting fine paper manufacturing to utilize existing available capacity at our other high quality fine paper mills. In addition, we have substantially completed the process of identifying and notifying certain Fox River sales and administrative employees who will be terminated as the acquired business is integrated with our existing fine paper business.

 

35



 

In conjunction with the acquisition of Fox River, we recorded liabilities of approximately $11.4 million for the cost of post-acquisition restructuring activities in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 95-3 Recognition of Liabilities in Connection with a Purchase Business Combination. Such costs include approximately $6.3 million for severance benefits for approximately 340 affected employees, contract termination costs of approximately $3.4 million and approximately $1.7 million for environmental clean-up and monitoring costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we made termination benefit payments of approximately $2.5 million to 230 employees. Pursuant to the terms of employment agreements with certain former Fox River executives, approximately $2.2 million in severance benefits will be paid over a period of 18 to 36 months from the date of acquisition. For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, we made payments of approximately $0.5 million under such agreements. We expect the payment of all other severance benefits to be substantially complete within one year from the date of acquisition.

 

Results of Continuing Operations

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2007, our operating results benefited from the strategic initiatives described above as consolidated net sales increased 78 percent. Consolidated net sales were $110.5 million higher in the three months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the prior year period primarily due to increased volume in our paper businesses from the acquisitions of Neenah Germany and Fox River. Consolidated operating income of $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $5.8 million compared to 2006 primarily due to incremental earnings of Neenah Germany, higher average selling prices, particularly prices for softwood pulp at our Pictou mill, and the absence in 2007 of losses on pulp price hedges in the prior year. The benefits of increased volume from Fox River were largely offset by a less favorable product mix due to the inclusion of Fox River volume with relatively lower margins, the addition of direct selling and administrative costs for Fox River, and costs related to the integration of Fox River and our existing fine paper operations.

 

Results of Discontinued Operations

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we incurred an after-tax loss from discontinued operations of $1.1 million compared to an after-tax loss of $19.0 million in the prior year period. The loss in the current quarter primarily reflects costs associated with employee benefit liabilities retained by Neenah Canada.

 

In August 2006, we initiated the process to settle our pension obligations under the Ontario, Canada defined benefit pension plan (the “Ontario Plan”). In July 2007, the Financial Services Commission of Ontario approved our request to settle our pension obligations for active employees and terminate the Ontario Plan. We expect termination of the Ontario Plan to be completed by January 2008. We will, however, continue to recognize costs associated with the Ontario Plan until our pension obligations are settled.  We expect to record a loss of approximately $40 million when we settle the pension obligations for the Ontario Plan.  The amount of any funds that we may pay or receive to settle the Ontario Plan are dependent upon, among other things, an actuarial determination of the value of the obligations being settled, the cost of annuity contracts and employee elections. We do not, however, currently anticipate any additional funding will be required to settle the Ontario Plan.

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2006, net sales of discontinued operations of $2.2 million were primarily due to the liquidation of finished goods inventory during the suspension of manufacturing operations at Terrace Bay. We did not have any sales from discontinued operations in the three months ended September 30, 2007 due to the transfer of Terrace Bay to Buchanan in August 2006. For the three months ended September 30, 2006, the loss from discontinued operations includes a pre-tax loss of $26.4 million related to the curtailment of the Ontario Plan.

 

36



 

Income Taxes

 

For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a tax benefit of $6.6 million compared to tax expense of $3.1 million in the prior year period. As a result, our effective income tax (benefit) provision rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was approximately was approximately (67) percent and 40 percent, respectively. During the three months ended September 30, 2007, German tax laws were amended to reduce statutory income tax rates effective as of January 1, 2008. Application of the new rates to our existing deferred tax assets and liabilities reduced our net deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 2007. The reduction in our net deferred tax liabilities due to the benefit of the tax rate change resulted in an income tax benefit of $8.9 million and was treated as a discrete item for the three months ended September 30, 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and will have no further impact on our effective tax rate in 2007. We expect the effective income tax rate for the balance of 2007 to be approximately 30 percent. In addition, we expect an additional three percentage point decrease in our effective income tax rate in 2008 when the new German tax law becomes effective.

 

Results of Operations and Related Information

 

In this section, we discuss and analyze our net sales, operating income and other information relevant to an understanding of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006.

 

Analysis of Net Sales—Three and Nine months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

The following table presents net sales by segment, expressed as a percentage of total net sales before the elimination of intersegment sales:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Fine Paper

 

38

%

38

%

37

%

40

%

Technical Products

 

40

%

24

%

41

%

24

%

Pulp

 

22

%

38

%

22

%

36

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

100

%

100

%

 

37



 

The following table presents our net sales by segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Paper

 

$

95.3

 

$

53.8

 

$

271.2

 

$

169.2

 

Technical Products

 

99.9

 

33.5

 

303.1

 

100.3

 

Pulp

 

56.7

 

54.2

 

160.7

 

149.4

 

Intersegment sales

 

 

(0.1

)

(0.3

)

(1.8

)

Consolidated

 

$

251.9

 

$

141.4

 

$

734.7

 

$

417.1

 

 

Commentary:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Change in Net Sales Compared to Prior Period

 

 

 

 

 

Change Due To

 

 

 

Total Change

 

Volume

 

Average Net Price

 

Fine Paper

 

$

41.5

 

$

51.3

 

$

(9.8

)

Technical Products

 

66.4

 

64.3

 

2.1

 

Pulp (a)

 

2.5

 

(5.1

)

7.6

 

Intersegment sales

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

 

Consolidated

 

$

110.5

 

$

110.6

 

$

(0.1

)

 


(a)    Sales of pulp by our Canadian manufacturing facilities are invoiced in U.S. dollars in accordance with industry practice; therefore, no currency effects are presented in our analysis of the change in net sales for our pulp operations.

 

Consolidated net sales of $251.9 million in the three months ended September 30, 2007 were $110.5 million higher than the prior year period primarily as a result of increased volume in our paper businesses due to the acquisitions of Neenah Germany in October 2006 and Fox River in March 2007.

 

                  Net sales in our fine paper business of $95.3 million increased $41.5 million or 77 percent as shipment volumes increased 92 percent primarily due to the acquisition of Fox River. Lower average net price was primarily the result of a less favorable product mix due to selling a higher proportion of lower priced grades, primarily Fox River grades, partially offset by the realization of price increases implemented during the second quarter of 2007.

 

                  Net sales in our technical products business of $99.9 million increased $66.4 million or approximately 200 percent primarily due to the acquisition of Neenah Germany, and to a lesser extent, an improved product mix and favorable pricing. The improvement in average net price reflected a more favorable product mix due to selling a larger proportion of Graphics and Identification products such as decorative components and image transfer with relatively higher prices, an improved mix of tape products and higher selling prices for most products.

 

                  Net sales in our pulp business of $56.7 million increased $2.5 million or five percent primarily due to higher market prices for softwood pulp and the absence in 2007 of losses on pulp price hedges in the prior year, partially offset by a decrease in softwood pulp shipments. Average market prices for softwood pulp increased approximately 13 percent versus the prior year. Shipments decreased 11 percent due to very strong volume in the prior year.

 

38



 

Commentary:

 

Nine months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Nine months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Change in Net Sales Compared to Prior Period

 

 

 

 

 

Change Due To

 

 

 

Total Change

 

Volume

 

Average Net Price

 

Fine Paper

 

$

102.0

 

$

117.8

 

$

(15.8

)

Technical Products

 

202.8

 

195.9

 

6.9

 

Pulp (a)

 

11.3

 

(7.4

)

18.7

 

Intersegment sales

 

1.5

 

1.5

 

 

Consolidated

 

$

317.6

 

$

307.8

 

$

9.8

 

 


(a)             Sales of pulp by our Canadian manufacturing facilities are invoiced in U.S. dollars in accordance with industry practice; therefore, no currency effects are presented in our analysis of the change in net sales for our pulp operations.

 

Consolidated net sales of $734.7 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 were $317.6 million higher than the prior year primarily as a result of increased volume in our paper businesses due to the acquisitions of Neenah Germany and Fox River. In addition, the current year benefited from higher market prices for softwood pulp and the realization of price increases in our technical products business, partially offset by a less favorable product mix in our fine paper business.

 

                  Net sales in our fine paper business of $271.2 million increased $102.0 million or 60 percent. This improvement was consistent with the 60 percent increase in shipment volume due to the acquisition of Fox River. Lower average net price was primarily the result of a less favorable product mix due to selling a higher proportion of lower priced grades, primarily Fox River grades, partially offset by improved pricing for branded products.

 

                  Net sales in our technical products business of $303.1 million increased $202.8 million or more than 200 percent primarily due to the acquisition of Neenah Germany, and to a lesser extent, improved product mix and prices. The improvement in average net price reflected a more favorable product mix due to higher priced grades representing an increased proportion of sales and increased selling prices for most products.

 

                  Net sales in our pulp business of $160.7 million increased $11.3 million or eight percent primarily as a result of higher market prices for softwood pulp and the absence in 2007 of losses on pulp price hedges in the prior year, partially offset by a three percent decrease in shipment volume. Average market prices for softwood pulp increased approximately 18 percent versus the prior year. The increase in pulp prices was partially offset by lower shipments of logs to sawmills and veneer manufacturers due to the sale of a portion of our woodlands in June 2006.

 

39



 

The following table sets forth line items from our condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated and is intended to provide a perspective of trends in our historical results:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net sales

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

Cost of products sold

 

87.0

 

85.9

 

85.4

 

83.3

 

Gross profit

 

13.0

 

14.1

 

14.6

 

16.7

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses

 

8.1

 

9.2

 

8.2

 

9.6

 

Gain on sale of woodlands

 

(0.6

)

(1.1

)

(0.6

)

(29.7

)

Other income - net

 

(1.0

)

(1.5

)

(0.5

)

(1.4

)

Operating income

 

6.5

 

7.5

 

7.5

 

38.2

 

Interest expense-net

 

2.5

 

2.0

 

2.5

 

2.7

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

 

4.0

 

5.5

 

5.0

 

35.5

 

Provision for income taxes

 

(2.6

)

2.2

 

0.2

 

13.4

 

Income from continuing operations

 

6.6

%

3.3

%

4.8

%

22.1

%

 

Analysis of Operating Income—Three and Nine months Ended September 30, 2007 and 2006

 

The following table sets forth our operating income (loss) by segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

Three Months Ended September 30,

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

2007

 

2006

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fine Paper

 

$

9.3

 

$

12.8

 

$

34.9

 

$

43.9

 

Technical Products

 

3.2

 

0.9

 

22.1

 

5.8

 

Pulp

 

6.7

 

(0.3

)

8.6

 

119.2

 

Unallocated corporate costs

 

(2.9

)

(2.9

)

(10.3

)

(9.5

)

Consolidated

 

$

16.3

 

$

10.5

 

$

55.3

 

$

159.4

 

 

40



 

Commentary:

 

Three Months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Change in Operating Income Compared to Prior Period

 

 

 

 

 

Change Due To

 

 

 

Total
Change

 

Volume

 

Net
Price (a)

 

Material
Costs (b)

 

Currency

 

Other (c)

 

Fine Paper

 

$

(3.5

)

$

18.8

 

$

(14.6

)

$

(0.9

)

$

 

$

(6.8

)

Technical Products

 

2.3

 

3.0

 

1.1

 

(0.7

)

 

(1.1

)

Pulp

 

7.0

 

(1.4

)

8.1

 

(2.6

)

(3.3

)

6.2

 

Consolidated

 

$

5.8

 

$

20.4

 

$

(5.4

)

$

(4.2

)

$

(3.3

)

$

(1.7

)

 


(a)               Includes changes in selling price changes and product mix.

(b)              Includes price changes for raw materials and energy.

(c)               Includes other materials, manufacturing labor, distribution and selling, general and administrative expenses.

 

Consolidated operating income of $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $5.8 million from the prior year period primarily due to higher market prices for softwood pulp and the added earnings of Neenah Germany, partially offset by increased fiber costs and a stronger Canadian dollar. Higher volumes in our fine paper business, due to the acquisition of Fox River, were largely offset by a less favorable mix and increased costs for selling and other expenses.

 

                  Operating income for our fine paper business of $9.3 million decreased $3.5 million from the prior year period primarily due to a less favorable product mix and higher fiber and other costs. The increase in other costs was primarily due to additional direct selling and administrative expenses for the acquired Fox River business, higher distribution costs and costs related to the integration of Fox River and our existing fine paper operations. These unfavorable factors were only partially offset by increased volume related to the acquisition of Fox River and improved pricing for branded products.

 

                  Operating income for our technical products business of $3.2 million increased $2.3 million from the prior year primarily due to the additional earnings of Neenah Germany, partially offset by higher fiber and energy costs. The increase in energy cost was primarily due to the failure of a steam turbine. The increase in average net price due to a more favorable product mix and higher selling prices for most products was largely offset by increased manufacturing costs as a result of annual maintenance downtime.

 

                  Operating income for our pulp business of $6.7 million increased $7.0 million compared to an operating loss of $0.3 million in 2006 primarily due to higher market prices for softwood pulp in 2007, the absence in 2007 of losses on pulp price hedges of $4.2 million in the prior year period and lower distribution and employee benefit costs. These favorable factors were partially offset by increased costs related to fiber purchases and a stronger Canadian dollar. The increase in fiber costs was primarily due to the limited availability of residual wood chips from sawmills related to overall business conditions in the Canadian lumber market.

 

41



 

Commentary:

 

Nine months Ended September 30, 2007 Compared to the Nine months Ended September 30, 2006

 

 

 

Change in Operating Income (Loss) Compared to Prior Period

 

 

 

 

 

Change Due To

 

 

 

Total
Change

 

Volume

 

Net
Price (a)

 

Material
Costs (b)

 

Currency

 

Other (c) (d)

 

Fine Paper

 

$

(9.0

)

$

41.5

 

$

(36.0

)

$

(1.9

)

$

 

$

(12.6

)

Technical Products

 

16.3

 

16.3

 

3.7

 

(2.5

)

 

(1.2

)

Pulp

 

(110.6

)

(0.8

)

24.1

 

(6.0

)

(7.0

)

(120.9

)

Unallocated corporate costs

 

(0.8

)

 

 

 

 

(0.8

)

Consolidated

 

$

(104.1

)

$

57.0

 

$

(8.2

)

$

(10.4

)

$

(7.0

)

$

(135.5

)

 


(a)     Includes changes in selling price changes and product mix.

(b)     Includes price changes for raw materials and energy.

(c)     Includes other materials, manufacturing labor, distribution and selling, general and administrative expenses.

(d)     Includes $4.5 million and $124.1 million for gain on sale of woodlands and amortization of the deferred gain on sale in the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Consolidated operating income of $55.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $159.4 million compared to 2006 primarily due to the gain on the sale of woodlands in the prior year. Excluding the gain on sale of woodlands in 2006 and the recognition of $4.5 million of the deferred gain on the sale of woodlands in the current year, operating income increased $15.5 million compared to the prior year primarily due to the added earnings of Neenah Germany, an improved sales mix in our technical products business and higher selling prices, particularly for softwood pulp. These factors were partially offset by the timing of costs associated with scheduled maintenance downtime at our Pictou mill and increased manufacturing cost inputs and unfavorable currency effects due to a stronger Canadian dollar. The benefit of increased volume in our fine paper business associated with the acquisition of Fox River was largely offset by a less favorable product mix, direct selling and administrative expenses of Fox River and costs related to the integration of Fox River.

 

                  Operating income for our fine paper business of $34.9 million decreased $9.0 million from the prior year period primarily due to a less favorable product mix and higher fiber and other costs. The increase in other costs was primarily due to higher distribution costs, additional direct selling and administrative expenses for the Fox River business and costs related to the integration of Fox River and our existing fine paper operations. In addition, approximately $1.9 million of profits associated with the Fox River acquisition were capitalized as part of beginning inventory values under purchase accounting. These unfavorable factors were only partially offset by increased volume as a result of the acquisition of Fox River and higher average selling prices.

 

                  Operating income for our technical products business of $22.1 million increased $16.3 million from the prior year primarily as a result of the additional earnings of Neenah Germany and favorable average net price, partially offset by higher fiber costs. Favorable average prices were primarily due to an improved product mix and higher selling prices for most products.

 

                  Operating income for our pulp business of $8.6 million decreased $110.6 million from the prior year primarily due to the gain on the sale of woodlands in 2006. Excluding the gain on sale of woodlands and the recognition of $4.5 million of the deferred gain on the sale of woodlands in the current year, our pulp business had operating income of $4.1 million compared to an operating loss of $4.9 million in the prior year. The improvement in operating results was primarily due to higher market prices for softwood pulp and the absence in 2007 of losses of $6.7 million on pulp price hedges in the prior year. These favorable factors were partially offset by the timing of costs associated with scheduled maintenance downtime, increased fiber costs and unfavorable currency translation effects.

 

                  Unallocated corporate expenses increased by $0.8 million primarily due to costs associated with an executive retirement and increased non-cash stock-based compensation.

 

42



 

Additional Statement of Operations Commentary:

 

                  Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses of $20.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 increased $7.4 million from the prior year period primarily due to direct added costs for the acquired businesses. As a percentage of sales, SG&A expense decreased from 9.2 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2006 to 8.1 percent in the current year.

 

                  For the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006, we incurred $6.4 million and $2.8 million, respectively, of net interest expense (including $0.5 million of amortization of debt issuance costs in each three-month period). The increase in net interest expense was primarily due to borrowings under our bank credit agreement to partially finance the acquisitions of Neenah Germany and Fox River.

 

                  For the three months ended September 30, 2007, we recorded a tax benefit of $6.6 million compared to tax expense of $3.1 million in the prior year period. As a result, our effective income tax (benefit) provision rate for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and 2006 was approximately was approximately (67) percent and 40 percent, respectively. The change was primarily due to the application of a new tax law in Germany to our existing deferred tax assets and liabilities which reduced our net deferred tax liabilities at September 30, 2007. The effect of this tax rate benefit is treated as a discrete item for the three months ended September 30, 2007 in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and will have no further impact on our effective tax rate in 2007. We expect the effective income tax rate for the balance of 2007 to be approximately 30 percent. In addition, we expect an additional three percentage point decrease in our effective income tax rate in 2008 when the new German tax law becomes effective.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended September 30,

 

 

 

2007

 

2006

 

Net cash flow provided by (used in):

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

 

$

44.5

 

$

52.7

 

Investing activities, including capital expenditures

 

(93.7

)

99.9

 

Capital expenditures

 

(37.2

)

(15.4

)

Financing activities

 

53.1

 

(4.8

)

 

Operating Cash Flow Commentary:

 

                  Cash provided by operations of $44.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 decreased $8.2 million from the comparable prior year period primarily due to the liquidation of Terrace Bay working capital in 2006, partially offset by contributions to settle pension liabilities in the Ontario Plan. The reduction in working capital in 2006 of $38.5 million compares to an increase in working capital in 2007 of $12.5 million. The increase in working capital in the current year was primarily due to higher accounts receivable for Neenah Germany and our pulp business partially offset by an increase in amounts payable for income taxes and interest. The increase in our investment in working capital in the current year was partially offset by higher earnings (excluding the non-cash effects of deferred income taxes and the gain on sale of woodlands).

 

43



 

Investing Commentary:

 

                  For the nine months ended September 30, 2007, cash used in investing activities was $93.7 million versus cash provided by investing activities of $99.9 million in the prior year period. Cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was primarily due to spending of $54.7 million for the acquisition of Fox River and capital expenditures of $37.2 million. Cash provided by investing activities in the nine months ended September 30, 2006 was due to proceeds of $134.8 million from the sale of woodlands, partially offset by capital expenditures of $15.4 million and a payment to Buchanan of $18.6 million related to the transfer of Terrace Bay. Capital expenditures of $37.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 more than doubled from the comparable prior year period. Capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2007 were primarily for major projects to increase capacity and improve efficiency at Neenah Germany and spending for capital projects in our pulp business associated with scheduled maintenance downtime. In general, our 2007 capital expenditures in Neenah Germany will be financed from locally generated cash flow and government subsidized financing. We have aggregate planned capital expenditures for 2007 of approximately $55 million including amounts for our Fox River operations. These capital expenditures are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Financing Commentary:

 

                  Our liquidity requirements are being provided by cash generated from operations, proceeds from asset sales and short- and long-term borrowings. Availability under our revolving credit facility varies over time depending on the value of our inventory, receivables and various capital assets. As of September 30, 2007, we had $74.7 million outstanding under our revolving credit facility, outstanding letters of credit of $1.6 million and $103.7 million of available credit.

 

In October 2007, we amended our bank credit agreement to increase available borrowing capacity from $180 to $210 million. Despite the increase in the total commitment, our ability to borrow under the revolving credit facility is limited to the lowest of (a) $210 million, (b) our borrowing base (as defined in the credit agreement), and (c) the applicable cap on the amount of “credit facilities” under the indenture for our senior notes.

 

                  In the nine months ended September 30, 2007, outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility increased by $17.4 million primarily to finance the acquisition of Fox River.

 

                  In March 2007, we entered into an agreement to borrow up to $25 million (the “Term Loan”) upon closing the agreement in April 2007. The Term Loan is secured by substantially all of the property, plant and equipment we acquired in the Fox River acquisition and is fully and unconditionally guaranteed by substantially all of our other subsidiaries, except Neenah Germany. The term loan agreement terminates in November 2010. During the second quarter, we borrowed $25 million under the Term Loan to repay amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.

 

                  During the first nine months of 2007, Neenah Germany incurred €10 million ($14.2 million) of government subsidized project financing. Neenah Germany’s use of such funds was restricted to the payment of costs directly related to the construction of a saturator. In addition, Neenah Germany has an unsecured revolving line of credit to finance working capital needs. At September 30, 2007, no amounts were outstanding under such facility.

 

                  We paid cash dividends of $0.30 per share or $4.5 million and $4.4 million in the first nine months of 2007 and 2006, respectively.

 

Management believes that our ability to generate cash from operations and our borrowing capacity are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending and other cash needs for the next 12 months. Our ability to generate adequate cash from operations beyond 12 months, however, will depend on, among other things, our ability to successfully (i) implement our business strategies, (ii) integrate and achieve expected synergies from our Neenah Germany and Fox River acquisitions, (iii) implement other cost cutting initiatives, and (iv) manage the impact of changes in pulp prices and currencies. We can give no assurance that we will be able to successfully implement those strategies, integrate Neenah Germany and Fox River, implement other cost cutting initiatives, or successfully manage our pulp pricing and currency exposures.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. We believe that the estimates, assumptions and judgments described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Critical Accounting Policies” of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K have the greatest potential impact on our financial statements, so we consider these to be our critical accounting policies. The critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are those that are important both to the presentation of financial condition and results of operations and require significant judgments with regard to estimates used. These critical judgments relate to the timing of recognizing sales revenue, the recoverability of deferred income tax assets, pension benefits and future cash flows associated with impairment testing of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known. We believe that the consistent application of these policies enables us to provide readers of our financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition. There has been no significant change in these policies, or the estimates used in the application of the policies, since our 2006 year end, except as follows:

 

On January 1, 2007, we adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Our adoption of FIN 48 resulted in a $1.0 million increase in our liability for uncertain income tax positions. As of September 30, 2007, our liability for uncertain income tax positions was $6.9 million. If recognized, approximately $0.7 million of such income tax benefits would favorably affect our effective tax rate in future periods. We do not anticipate that the expiration of the statute of limitations or the settlement of audits in the next 12 months will result in liabilities for uncertain income tax positions that are materially different than the amounts accrued as of September 30, 2007.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute “forward-looking” statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “PSLRA”), or in releases made by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), all as may be amended from time to time. Statements contained in this quarterly report that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the PSLRA. Any such forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These cautionary statements are being made pursuant to the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the PSLRA with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the “safe harbor” provisions of such laws. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements we make are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. For additional information regarding factors that may cause our results of operations to differ materially from those presented herein, please see “Risk Factors” contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and as are detailed from time to time in other reports we file with the SEC.

 

You can identify forward-looking statements as those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “contemplate,” “estimate,” “believe,” “plan,” “project,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negative of these, or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider the following factors, as well as others contained in our public filings from time to time, which may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement:

 

        general economic conditions, particularly in the United States, Canada and Europe;

 

        fluctuations in global equity and fixed-income markets;

 

        the competitive environment;

 

        fluctuations in commodity prices, exchange rates (in particular changes in the U.S./Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar/Euro currency exchange rates) and interest rates;

 

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        the ability to realize anticipated cost savings, and the successful integrations of the former Fox River business and Neenah Germany operations;

 

        the cost or availability of wood, other raw materials and energy;

 

        unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations;

 

        our ability to control costs and implement measures designed to enhance operating efficiencies;

 

        the loss of current customers or the inability to obtain new customers;

 

        the cyclical nature of our pulp business;

 

        increases in the funding requirements for our pension and post-employment liabilities;

 

        changes in asset valuations including write-downs of assets including fixed assets, inventory, accounts receivable or other assets for impairment or other reasons;

 

        our existing and future indebtedness;

 

        strikes, labor stoppages and changes in our collective bargaining agreements and relations with our employees and unions;

 

  other risks that are detailed from time to time in reports we file with the SEC.

 

Any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements set forth or referred to above, as well as the risk factors contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, we disclaim any obligation to update such statements or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future events or developments.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

There have been no material changes to the disclosure on this matter made in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management in a timely manner.

 

As of September 30, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2007.

 

Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2007, we implemented new systems for manufacturing and costing, inventory, and order management as phase two of our Enterprise Resource Planning system in our Neenah, Whiting and Munising U.S. operating locations resulting in a material change in our processes and controls over financial reporting at those locations. We assessed the design effectiveness of the internal controls over the key processes affected by the systems changes. We also assessed the design effectiveness of the internal controls over financial reporting for our Neenah Germany manufacturing operations acquired in October 2006 which management had elected to exclude from their assessment made as of December 31, 2006. As a result of these assessments, management believes that we maintained adequate internal control over financial reporting.

 

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There have been no additional changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

In December 2006, certain retirees of Neenah Canada brought a proposed class action lawsuit against Neenah Canada, the Company and Kimberly-Clark Inc. alleging the wrongful reduction and/or elimination of certain retiree benefits following Neenah Canada’s transfer of the Terrace Bay pulp and woodlands operations to Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. and Eagle Logging Inc.  The plaintiffs allege that the Company and Neenah Canada have breached a contract to provide benefits, breached their fiduciary duty to the plaintiffs and have made negligent misrepresentations regarding retiree benefits. The purported class has not been certified. The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages for the value of the loss of retiree medical and health benefits (and/or reinstatement of the reduced/eliminated benefits), plus punitive damages in the amount of $5.0 million Canadian dollars. At this stage of the proceedings, while an adverse outcome of such litigation could be material, the Company believes that any potential liability for such claims is neither probable nor estimable.  The Company and Neenah Canada believe they have adequate defenses against such claims and will vigorously defend the litigation.

 

In February 2007, certain former employees of Neenah Canada who were previously employed in Neenah Canada’s Longlac woodlands operations brought suit against the Company and Neenah Canada in the Ontario (Canada) Superior Court of Justice for damages. The plaintiffs claim to have suffered from an alleged wrongful termination of employment by Neenah Canada occurring on or about August 21, 2006. Eagle Logging Inc. (the purchaser of Neenah Canada’s Longlac woodlands assets on August 29, 2006), Terrace Bay Pulp Inc. (the purchaser of Neenah Canada’s Terrace Bay pulp mill), Buchanan Forest Products Ltd., Lucky Star Holdings Inc. (each affiliates of Eagle Logging Inc. and Terrace Bay Pulp Inc.), Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Kimberly-Clark Inc. have also been named in the lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks damages for severance and notice pay under Ontario law, as well as damages for wrongful termination, breach of contract, conspiracy and punitive damages, among other things. Eagle Logging Inc. and certain affiliated companies have agreed to indemnify and hold the Company and Neenah Canada harmless from claims and damages arising from the termination of woodlands employees prior to the acquisition of Neenah Canada’s woodlands assets by Eagle Logging Inc. in 2006. The Company and Neenah Canada believe they have adequate defenses against such claims and will vigorously defend the litigation.

 

The Company is involved in certain other legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these legal actions and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of any such claim which is pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number

 

Exhibit

 

 

 

10.1

 

Fifth Amendment, dated as of October 24, 2007 to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 30, 2004, by and among Neenah Paper, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed herewith).

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of the CEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of the CFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

 

32

 

Certification of CEO and CFO pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

NEENAH PAPER, INC

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Sean T. Erwin

 

 

     Sean T. Erwin

 

 

Chairman of the Board, President and Chief

 

 

Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Bonnie C. Lind

 

 

     Bonnie C. Lind

 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

 

 

and Treasurer (Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

 

November 8, 2007

 

 

 

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