---

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549



---



Form 10-K



---



(Mark One)

|x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| | For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003
| | -------------------------------------------



OR



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



| | For the transition period from              to
| | ----------------------------------------------



Commission file number 0-20646



---



CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



---



|                                                               |  |                                     
|-------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------
|North Carolina                                                 |  | 581388387                           
|(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |  | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
|                                                               | 
|3100 Joe Jerkins Blvd. Austell, Georgia                        |  | 30106                               
|(Address of principal executive offices)                       |  | (Zip Code)                          



(770) 948-3101

(Registrants telephone number, including area code)



---



SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

NONE



SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:

Common Stock, $.10 par value

(Title of Class)



---



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 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 ̈



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



Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).    Yes  x    No ̈



The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2003, computed by
reference to the closing sale price on such date, was $223,565,660. For purposes of calculating this amount only, all directors and executive officers are treated as affiliates. This determination of affiliate status shall not be deemed conclusive
for other purposes. As of March 5, 2004, 28,440,719 shares of Common Stock, $.10 par value, were outstanding.



DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



Portions of the Registrants definitive Proxy Statement pertaining to the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the Proxy Statement) and
filed pursuant to Regulation 14A are incorporated herein by reference into Part III.



---





---

INTRODUCTION



Caraustar Industries, Inc. operates its business through 26 subsidiaries across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. As used herein,
we, our, us, (or similar terms), the Company or Caraustar includes Caraustar Industries, Inc. and its subsidiaries, except that when used with reference to common shares or other securities
described herein and in describing the positions held by management of the Company, the term includes only Caraustar Industries, Inc. Our corporate website is www.caraustar.com. You can access our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly
reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those filings, as well as our other filings with the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), free of charge on our website via hyperlink to a third party database
of documents filed electronically with the SEC. These documents are available for access as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these documents with the SEC.



FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION



This annual report on Form 10-K, including Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, may
contain various forward-looking statements, within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that are based on our beliefs and assumptions, as well as information currently available to us. When used in this
document, the words believe, anticipate, estimate, expect, intend, should, would, could, or may and similar expressions may identify
forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, but not limited to, those identified under the caption
 Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1 of this Report and other factors discussed elsewhere in this annual report and the Companys other filings with the SEC. With respect to such forward-looking statements, we claim protection
under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our SEC filings are available from us, and also may be examined at public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission or, to the extent filed via EDGAR,
accessed through the website of the SEC (http://www.sec.gov). We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements we make.



PART I



ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS



Overview



We are a major manufacturer of 100%
recycled paperboard and converted paperboard products. We manufacture products primarily from recovered fiber, which is derived from recycled paper. We operate in three business segments:



| |  | Paperboard
| | - | ----------



| |  | Tube, core and composite container
| | - | ----------------------------------



| |  | Carton and custom packaging
| | - | ---------------------------



We report certain financial information, including sales, results from operations and assets, by segment in the notes to the consolidated financial
statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.



Operations
and Products



Paperboard. Our principal
manufacturing activity is the production of uncoated and clay-coated recycled paperboard. In this manufacturing process, we reduce recovered fiber to pulp, clean and refine it and then process it into various grades of paperboard for internal
consumption by our converting facilities or sale in the following four end-use markets:



| |  | Tube, core and composite containers
| | - | -----------------------------------



| |  | Folding cartons
| | - | ---------------



1



---

| |  | Gypsum wallboard facing paper
| | - | -----------------------------



| |  | Other specialty products
| | - | ------------------------



We currently operate a total of 15 paperboard mills, including one owned in our 50% owned Premier Boxboard joint venture. These mills are located in the
following states: Connecticut, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Washington and Virginia.



In 2003, approximately 42% of the recycled paperboard sold by our paperboard mills was consumed internally by our converting facilities; the remaining 58%
was sold to external customers. Sales of unconverted paperboard to external customers as a percentage of total sales by end-use market were as follows (excludes sales from the Premier Boxboard joint venture):



|                                    |  |                          |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|----------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | - |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                                    |  | Years Ended December 31, |  
|End-use Market                      |  | 2001                     |   |  | 2002 |   |  | 2003 |  
|Tube, core and composite containers |  | 1.6                      | % |  | 1.8  | % |  | 1.9  | %
|Folding cartons                     |  | 11.5                     | % |  | 12.1 | % |  | 12.0 | %
|Gypsum wallboard facing paper       |  | 7.9                      | % |  | 6.8  | % |  | 4.1  | %
|Other specialty products(1)         |  | 10.7                     | % |  | 10.2 | % |  | 11.9 | %

---

|(1) | Includes sales of unconverted paperboard and certain specialty converted products.
|--- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Three of our paperboard mills operate specialty converting facilities that supply other specialty converted and laminated
products to the bookbinding, game, puzzleboard, printing and furniture industries. We operate a specialty converting facility that supplies die cut and foam laminated products and manufactures jigsaw puzzles and other specialty products. We also
operate three partition plants that convert paperboard from our mill system into solid fiber interlocking partitions used by the food and beverage, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and electronic industries.



Each of our paperboard mills and most of our converting plants have onsite
recovered fiber facilities that collect and bale recovered fiber. In addition, we operate 7 stand-alone recovered fiber recycling and brokerage facilities that collect, sell and broker recovered fiber to external customers and to our own mills.
Sales of recovered fiber to external customers accounted for 4.0%, 5.0% and 4.8% of our total sales in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.



Tube, Core and Composite Container. Our largest converting operation is the production of tubes and cores. The principal applications of these
products are cloth cores, paper mill cores, yarn carriers, carpet cores and film, foil and metal cores. Our 38 tube and core converting plants obtain approximately 89% of their paperboard needs from our paperboard mills and the remaining 11% from
other manufacturers. Paper tubes are designed to provide specific physical strength properties, resistance to moisture and abrasion, and resistance to delamination at extremely high rotational speeds. Because of the relatively high cost of shipping
tubes and cores, these facilities generally serve customers within a relatively small geographic area. Accordingly, most of our tube and core converting plants are located close to concentrations of customers.



We continually seek to expand our presence in the markets for more
sophisticated tubes and cores, which require stronger paper grades, higher skill and new converting technology. These markets include the yarn carrier and plastic film markets, as well as the market for cores used in certain segments of the paper
industry. We believe these markets offer growth potential, as well as potentially higher operating margins.



In addition to tube and core converting facilities, our tube, core and composite container division operates four facilities that produce specialty
converted products used in industrial packaging protection applications (edge protectors). Our tube, core and related sales to external customers accounted for 22.1%, 23.9% and 29.9% of our total sales to external customers in 2001, 2002 and 2003,
respectively.



2



---

Our tube, core and composite container division also produces composite containers used in the adhesive,
sealant, food and food service markets, as well as grease cans, tubes, cartridges and other components. The group has three composite container plants located in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Saint Paris, Ohio and Orrville, Ohio and a transportation
operation in Ohio. Composite container sales accounted for 4.4 %, 4.5% and 4.3% of our total sales to external customers in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.



We manufacture injection-molded and extruded plastic products, including plastic cores for the textile industry, plastic cores for the film, paper and
other industries and other specialized products. These plastic products are, to a large extent, complementary to our tube and core products. We own 80% of a company in Union, South Carolina that produces such plastic products.



We also produce injection-molded plastic parts at our facility in Georgetown,
Kentucky. These parts are primarily used as components in the manufacture of our composite containers. We produce plastic cartridges at a facility located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Plastic products and related sales to external customers
accounted for 2.1%, 1.9% and 1.9% of our total sales to external customers in 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.



Carton and Custom Packaging. Our other converting operations produce folding cartons and rigid set-up boxes at 14 plants. These plants obtain
approximately 56% of their paperboard needs from our paperboard mills and the remaining 44% from other manufacturers. The paperboard purchased from other manufactures is primarily for paperboard not manufactured by our mill system. Our folding
cartons and rigid set-up boxes are used principally as containers for paper goods, hardware, candy, sports-related items, frozen foods, dry food, film and various other industrial applications, including textile and apparel applications.



We operate seven specialty packaging facilities: three in Ohio, two in New
Jersey and one each in Massachusetts and North Carolina. These facilities perform contract manufacturing and custom contract packaging for a variety of consumer product companies. Additionally, we operate a digital imaging facility in Ohio and a
prepress reproduction facility in Connecticut.



Carton and
custom packaging sales accounted for 35.6% of our total sales to external customers in 2001, 33.7% in 2002 and 29.2% in 2003.



Our consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $992.2 million. Our three business segments accounted for the following percentages of
sales for that period:



| |  | Paperboard  32%
| | - | ----------------



| |  | Tube, core and composite container  38%
| | - | ----------------------------------------



| |  | Carton and custom packaging  30%
| | - | ---------------------------------



Joint Ventures. We also operate two joint ventures with Temple-Inland, Inc., in which we own 50% interests. One of the joint ventures, Premier
Boxboard Limited LLC, produces a lightweight gypsum facing paper along with containerboard grades. We believe that Premier is the lowest cost mill in the industry. The other joint venture, Standard Gypsum, L.P. formed in 1996, manufactures gypsum
wallboard. We manage the day-to-day operations of our Premier Boxboard joint venture, and Temple-Inland manages the day-to-day operations of our Standard Gypsum joint venture. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations  Liquidity and Capital Resources  Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements  Joint Venture Financings, for more information.



Raw Materials. Recovered fiber derived from recycled paperstock is the only significant raw material we use in our
mill operations. We purchase approximately 42% of our recovered fiber requirements from independent sources, such as major retail stores, distribution centers and manufacturing plants. We obtain the balance from a combination of other sources. We
collect some recovered fiber from small collectors and waste



3



---

collection businesses. Our recovered fiber recycling and processing facilities sort and bale this recovered fiber and then either transfer it to our mills
for processing or sell it to third parties. We also obtain recovered fiber from customers of our converting operations and from waste handlers and collectors who deliver loose recovered fiber to our mill sites for direct use without baling. We
obtain another portion of our requirements from our small baler program, in which we lease, sell or furnish small baling machines to businesses that bale their own recovered fiber for our periodic collection.



We closely monitor our recovered fiber costs, which can fluctuate
significantly. See  Risk Factors  Our business and financial performance may be harmed by future increases in raw material costs. Our paperboard mills continually pursue operational methods and alternative fiber sources to
minimize our recovered fiber costs. One of these initiatives is to consolidate procurement of recovered fiber in order to maximize buying proficiency.



Energy Costs. Excluding raw materials and labor, energy is our most significant manufacturing cost. We use energy, including electricity, natural
gas, fuel oil and coal, to generate steam used in the paper making process and to operate our paperboard machines and our other converting machinery. We purchase energy from local suppliers at market rates. For information about our rising energy
costs, see  Risk Factors  Our operating margins and cash flow may be adversely affected by rising energy costs.



Product Distribution. Each of our manufacturing and converting facilities has its own sales staff and maintains direct sales relationships with its
customers. We also employ divisional and corporate level sales personnel who support and coordinate the sales activities of individual facilities. Divisional and corporate sales personnel also provide sales management, marketing and product
development assistance in markets where customers are served by more than one of our facilities. Approximately 166 of our employees are devoted exclusively to sales and customer service activities, although many other employees participate generally
in sales efforts. We generally do not sell our products through independent sales representatives. Our advertising is limited to trade publications.



Customers. We manufacture most of our converted products pursuant to customers orders. We do, however, maintain minimal inventory levels of
certain products. Our business generally is not dependent on any single customer or upon a small number of major customers. We do not believe that the loss of any one customer would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or
results of operations.



For information about our sales to
external customers located in foreign countries, see Note 14 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this annual report.



Competition. Although we compete with numerous other manufacturers and converters, our competitive position varies greatly by geographic area and
within the various product markets of the recycled paperboard industry. In most of our markets, our competitors are capable of supplying products that would meet customer needs. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do. We
compete in our markets on the basis of price, quality and service. We believe that it is important in all of our markets to work closely with our customers to develop or adapt products to meet customers specialized needs. We also believe that
we compete favorably on the basis of all of the above factors.



Tube, core and composite containers. In the southeastern United States, where we historically have marketed our tubes and cores, we believe that we and Sonoco Products Company are the major competitors. On a national level,
Sonoco is our largest competitor in the tube and core market. According to industry data, Sonoco had more than 50% of the total tube and core market in the United States in 2003. We also compete with several regional companies and numerous small
local companies in the tube and core market.



Carton and
custom packaging. The folding carton and custom packaging market in the United States is served by several large national and regional companies and numerous small local companies. Nationally, none of the major competitors is dominant,
although certain competitors may be dominant in particular geographic areas or market niches. In the markets served by our carton plants, the dominant competitors are Graphic Packaging, Inc, Rock-Tenn Company and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation.



4



---

Gypsum wallboard facing paper. The gypsum wallboard industry is divided into independent
gypsum wallboard manufacturers, which either do not produce their own gypsum wallboard facing paper or cannot fill all of their needs internally, and integrated wallboard manufacturers, which supply most of their own gypsum wallboard facing paper
requirements internally. We believe that the two largest integrated gypsum wallboard manufacturers, USG Corporation and National Gypsum Company, do not have significant sales of gypsum wallboard facing paper to the independent gypsum wallboard
manufacturers. We believe that we have the largest market share of the supply of gypsum wallboard facing paper to independent wallboard manufacturers in North America.



We also compete in the gypsum wallboard industry through a joint venture with Temple-Inland. Our joint venture, Standard
Gypsum, competes with larger integrated wallboard manufacturers such as USG Corporation and National Gypsum, who have greater financial resources and superior marketing strength due to their greater number of locations and national presence.
Standard Gypsum competes primarily on the basis of product quality, dependability, timeliness of delivery and price.



Other specialty products. In our sales of specialty products and in sales of recycled paperboard to other manufacturers for the production
of tubes, cores and composite containers, folding cartons and boxes and miscellaneous converted products (other than gypsum wallboard facing paper), we compete with a number of recycled paperboard manufacturers, including Rock-Tenn, Smurfit-Stone
Container Corporation and The Newark Group, Inc. We believe that none of our competitors is dominant in any of these markets.



Competitive position. Recovered fiber costs were higher on average in 2003 compared to 2002. Our average cost for recovered fiber per ton of
recycled paperboard produced was approximately $88 during 2003, a 3.5% increase from $85 per ton in 2002. Although no specific information is available about competitors actual recovered fiber costs, we believe that our delivered recovered
fiber costs are among the lowest in the recycled paperboard industry. Relative to other competitors, we believe that our lower recovered fiber costs are attributable in part to lower shipping costs resulting from the location of our paperboard mills
and recovered fiber facilities near major metropolitan areas that generate substantial supplies of recovered fiber.



Our relatively low recovered fiber costs are also attributable to our emphasis on certain recovery methods that enable us to avoid baling operations. We
believe that our competitors rely primarily on off-site, company-owned and operated recovered fiber baling operations that collect and bale recovered fiber for shipment and processing at the mill site. We also operate such facilities, and our
experience is that the baling operation results in $25-$30 per ton higher recovered fiber costs. We equip most of our paperboard mills to accept unbaled recovered fiber for processing directly into its pulpers. In 2003 and 2002, unbaled recovered
fiber represented approximately 5% of our total recovered fiber purchases. We also use other fiber recovery methods  our small baler program and our recovery of fiber from customers  that result in lower recovered fiber costs.



Environmental Matters. Our operations are subject to
various international, federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations that may be administered by international, federal, state and local agencies. Among other things, these laws and regulations regulate the discharge of materials into
the water, air and land, and govern the use and disposal of hazardous substances. We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, except for matters of non-compliance that we
believe would not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. Where we believe necessary or appropriate, we have initiated response actions or obtained indemnities from predecessor owners.



Our recycled paperboard mills use substantial amounts of water in the
papermaking process. Our mills discharge process wastewater pursuant to wastewater discharge permits into local sewer systems or directly into nearby waters. We use only small amounts of hazardous substances, and we believe the concentration of
these substances in our wastewater discharge generally is below permitted maximums. From time to time, the imposition of stricter limits on the solids, sulfides, BOD (biological oxygen demand) or metals content of a mills wastewater requires
us to alter the content of our wastewater. We can effect reductions by, among other things,



5



---

additional screening of the wastewater, by otherwise changing the flow of process wastewater from the mill or from pretreatment ponds into the sewer system,
and by adding chemicals to the wastewater. We also are subject to regulatory requirements related to the disposal of solid wastes and air emissions from our facilities. We are not currently aware of any required expenditures relating to wastewater
discharge, solid waste disposal or air emissions that we expect to have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition, but we are unable to give assurance that we will not incur material expenditures in these areas in the future.



In addition, under certain environmental laws, we can be held
strictly liable if hazardous substances are found on real property we have owned, operated or used as a disposal site. In recent years, we have adopted a policy of assessing real property for environmental risks prior to purchase. We are aware of
issues regarding hazardous substances at certain facilities. In each case we believe that any possible liabilities will not have a material adverse effect on our business or financial position. See  Risk Factors  We are subject to
many environmental laws and regulations that require significant expenditures for compliance and remediation efforts, and changes in the law could increase those expenses and adversely affect our operations.



Employees. As of the filing of this report, the 106 facilities we
operate had approximately 5,800 employees, of whom approximately 4,600 are hourly and 1,200 are salaried. Approximately 2,800 of our hourly employees are represented by labor unions. All principal union contracts expire during the period 2004-2009.
We consider our relations with our employees to be good.



Executive Officers. The names and ages, positions and period of service of each of our Companys executive officers are set forth below. The term of office for each executive officer expires upon the earlier of the appointment
and qualification of a successor or such officers death, resignation, retirement, removal or disqualification.



|                         |  |                                                             |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
|------------------------ |  | ----------------------------------------------------------- |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Name and Age             |  | Position                                                    |  | Period of Service as Executive Officer and pre-Executive Officer experience (if an Executive Officer for less than 5
years)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 
|Thomas V. Brown (63)     |  | President and Chief Executive Officer; Director             |  | President since 1/1991; CEO since 10/1991; Director since 4/1991                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|                         |  |                                                            
|Michael J. Keough (52)   |  | Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Director |  | Since 3/2002; 2000-2002, President and Chief Operating Officer and 1993-2000, Vice President and General Manager, Container Operations, of
Gaylord Container Corporation, a manufacturer and distributor of corrugated containers. Director since 10/2002                                                                                                                                   
|                         |  |                                                            
|Ronald J. Domanico (45)  |  | Vice President and Chief Financial Officer                  |  | Vice President and CFO since 10/2002; 2000-2002, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AHL Services, Inc., a provider of
marketing support services; 1997-2000, CFO, Nabisco International, a manufacturer and distributor of packaged foods; 1981-1997, Chief Financial Officer, Kraft, Inc., International Operations, a manufacturer and distributor of packaged
foods.
|                         |  |                                                            
|William A. Nix, III (52) |  | Vice President, Treasurer and Controller                    |  | Since 4/2001; 1995-2000, Vice President, Treasurer, AGCO Corporation, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of agricultural
equipment.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   



6



---

|                       |  |                                                        |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
|---------------------- |  | ------------------------------------------------------ |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Name and Age           |  | Position                                               |  | Period of Service as Executive Officer and pre-Executive Officer experience (if an Executive Officer for less than 5
years)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|                       |  |                                                       
|Thomas C. Dawson (52)  |  | Vice President, Mill Group                             |  | Vice President since 12/2003; Employed with Caraustar Mill Group since 1973.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|                       |  |                                                       
|Jimmy A. Russell (56)  |  | Vice President, Industrial and Consumer Products Group |  | Vice President since 4/1993; CEO of Star Paper Tube, Inc., the predecessor of the Industrial and Consumer Products Group, since
1/1993                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
|                       |  |                                                       
|James L. Walden (58)   |  | Vice President, Custom Packaging Group                 |  | Since 2/1993                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|                       |  |                                                       
|Barry A. Smedstad (57) |  | Vice President, Human Resources and Public Relations   |  | Since 1/1999; 1997-1998, Vice President, Human Resources, Box USA, a manufacturer of corrugated shipping containers; 1996-1997, Director of
Human Resources, Northeast Region, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a diversified healthcare products and technology manufacturer; 1985-1996, Director, Labor & Employee Relations, Federal Paper Board Company, Inc., a paper
manufacturer.
|                       |  |                                                       
|John R. Foster (58)    |  | Vice President, Sales and Marketing                    |  | Since 9/1996                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          



Website.Our
corporate website is www.caraustar.com. There you can access general information about our company, as well as our SEC filings. See Introduction above for more information regarding our website.



Risk Factors



Investors should consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information presented in this Report and the
other Reports and registration statements we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in evaluating us, our business and an investment in our securities. Any of the following risks, as well as other risks and
uncertainties, could harm our business and financial results and cause the value of our securities to decline, which in turn could cause investors to lose all or part of their investment in our Company. The risks below are not the only ones facing
our Company. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may impair our business.



Our business and financial performance may be harmed by future increases in raw material and other operating costs.



Our primary raw material is recycled paper, which is known in our industry
as recovered fiber. The cost of recovered fiber has, at times, fluctuated greatly because of factors such as shortages or surpluses created by market or industry conditions. Although we have historically raised the selling prices of our
products in response to raw material price increases, sometimes raw material prices have increased so quickly or to such levels that we have been unable to pass the price increases through to our customers on a timely basis, which has adversely
affected our operating margins. We cannot give assurance that we will be able to pass such price changes through to our customers on a timely basis and maintain our margins in the face of raw material cost fluctuations in the future.



7



---

More recently, we have announced price increases on our products to help offset increases in other
operating costs as well, such as energy, freight, employee benefits and insurance. Although we seek to realize the full benefit of these announced price increases, our ability to do so is dependent on numerous factors, such as customer acceptance of
these increases, pricing strategies of our competitors, and contractual commitments that may limit our ability to raise prices. For all these reasons, we may not be able to realize the full benefits of pricing increases that we announce and attempt
to implement.



Our operating margins and cash flow may be adversely affected
by rising energy costs.



Excluding labor, energy is our
most significant manufacturing cost. Energy consists of electrical purchases and fuel used to generate steam used in the paper making process and to operate our paperboard machines and all of our other converting machinery. Our energy costs
increased steadily throughout 2003 compared to 2002. In 2002, the average energy cost in our mill system was approximately $50 per ton. In 2003, energy costs increased by 22.2% to $61 per ton. This increase was due primarily to increases in natural
gas and fuel oil costs. Until the last few years, our business had not been significantly affected by energy costs, and we historically have not passed energy cost increases through to our customers. Consequently, we have not been able to pass
through to our customers all of the energy cost increases we have incurred. As a result, our operating margins have been adversely affected. Although we continue to evaluate our energy costs and consider ways to factor energy costs into our pricing,
we cannot give assurance that our operating margins and results of operations will not continue to be adversely affected by rising energy costs.



Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by downturns in industrial production, housing and construction and the consumption of nondurable and
durable goods.



Demand for our products in our four
principal end use markets is primarily driven by the following factors:



| |  | Tube, core and composite container  industrial production, construction spending and consumer nondurable consumption
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Folding cartons  consumer nondurable consumption and industrial production
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Gypsum wallboard facing paper  long-term interest rates, single and multifamily construction, repair and remodeling construction and commercial construction
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Other specialty products  consumer nondurable consumption and consumer durable consumption
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Downturns in any of these sectors will result in decreased demand for our products. In particular, our business has been
adversely affected in recent periods by the general slow down in industrial demand. These conditions are beyond our ability to control, but have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our sales and results of operations.



We are adversely affected by the cycles, conditions and problems inherent in our
industry.



Our operating results tend to reflect the
general cyclical nature of the business in which we operate. In addition, our industry has suffered from excess capacity. Our industry also is capital intensive, which leads to high fixed costs and generally results in continued production as long
as prices are sufficient to cover marginal costs. These conditions have contributed to substantial price competition and volatility within our industry. In the event of a recession, demand and prices are likely to drop substantially. Our
profitability historically has been more sensitive to price changes than to changes in volume. Future decreases in prices for our products would adversely affect our operating results. These factors, coupled with our substantially leveraged
financial position, may adversely affect our ability to respond to competition and to other market conditions or to otherwise take advantage of business opportunities.



8



---

Our business may suffer from risks associated with growth and acquisitions.



Historically, we have grown our business, revenues and production capacity to
a significant degree through acquisitions. In the current difficult operating climate facing our industry and our financial position, the pace of our acquisition activity (with the exception of the 2002 purchase of certain assets of the Smurfit
Industrial Packaging Group), and accordingly, our revenue growth, has slowed significantly as we have focused on conserving cash and maximizing the productivity of our existing facilities. However, we expect to continue evaluating and pursuing
acquisition opportunities on a selective basis, subject to available funding and credit flexibility. Growth through acquisitions involves risks, many of which may continue to affect us based on acquisitions we have completed in the past. We cannot
give assurance that our acquired businesses will achieve the same levels of revenue, profit or productivity as our existing locations or otherwise perform as we expect.



Acquisitions also involve specific risks. Some of these risks include:



| |  | assumption of unanticipated liabilities and contingencies;
| | - | ----------------------------------------------------------



| |  | diversion of managements attention; and
| | - | ----------------------------------------



| |  | possible reduction of our reported earnings because of:
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------



| |  | goodwill and intangible asset impairment;
| | - | -----------------------------------------



| |  | increased interest costs;
| | - | -------------------------



| |  | issuances of additional securities or debt; and
| | - | -----------------------------------------------



| |  | difficulties in integrating acquired businesses.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------



As we grow, we can give no assurance that we will be able to:



| |  | use the increased production capacity of any new or improved facilities;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | identify suitable acquisition candidates;
| | - | -----------------------------------------



| |  | complete additional acquisitions; or
| | - | ------------------------------------



| |  | integrate acquired businesses into our operations.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------



If we cannot raise the necessary capital for, or use our stock to finance, acquisitions, expansion plans or other significant corporate opportunities, our growth may
be impaired.



As described under Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  Liquidity and Capital Resources, we have entered into a new senior credit facility that, among other things, imposes limitations on our ability to make
acquisitions or other strategic investments. Without additional capital, we may have to curtail any acquisition and expansion plans or forego other significant corporate opportunities that may be vital to our long-term success. If our revenues and
cash flow do not meet expectations, then we may lose our ability to borrow money or to do so on terms that we consider favorable. Conditions in the capital markets also will affect our ability to borrow, as well as the terms of those borrowings. In
addition, our financial performance and the conditions of the capital markets will also affect the value of our common stock, which could make it a less attractive form of consideration in making acquisitions. All of these factors could also make it
difficult or impossible for us to expand in the future.



Our substantial
indebtedness could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to fulfill our obligations under our indebtedness.



We have a substantial amount of outstanding indebtedness. See Selected Financial Data, Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations  Liquidity and Capital Resources and the consolidated financial statements included in Part II of this annual report. In addition, as described in



9



---

Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  Liquidity and Capital Resources  Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements  Joint Venture Financings, we have provided credit support to our joint ventures for which we could also be liable. Our substantial level of indebtedness increases the possibility that we may be unable to generate cash
sufficient to pay when due the principal of, interest on or other amounts due in respect of our indebtedness. We may also obtain additional long-term debt, increasing the risks discussed below. Our substantial leverage could have significant
consequences to holders of our debt and equity securities. For example, it could:



| |  | make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, including compliance with financial covenants;
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | limit our ability to obtain additional financing;
| | - | -------------------------------------------------



| |  | require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, reducing the amount of our cash flow available for other purposes,
including capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | require us to sell debt or equity securities or to sell some of our core assets, possibly on unfavorable terms, to meet payment obligations;
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and our industry;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | place us at a possible competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | adversely affect the value of our common stock and;
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------



| |  | affect our viability as a going concern.
| | - | ----------------------------------------



Our interest expense could be adversely affected by risks associated with our interest rate swap agreements.



Interest rate swap agreements carry a certain inherent element of interest
rate risk. During 2003 we entered into two interest rate swap agreements in order to take advantage of market conditions. These agreements effectively converted $100.0 million of our fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates are based on the six-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin. These swap agreements
lowered our interest expense in 2003, and we expect these agreements to continue to positively impact our interest expense. If, however, the six-month LIBOR increases significantly, our interest expense could be adversely affected. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for additional information on our swap agreements.



We are subject to many environmental laws and regulations that require significant expenditures for compliance and remediation efforts, and changes in the law could
increase those expenses and adversely affect our operations.



Compliance with the environmental requirements of international, federal, state and local governments significantly affects our business. Among other things, these requirements regulate the discharge of materials into the water, air and
land and govern the use and disposal of hazardous substances. Under environmental laws, we can be held strictly liable if hazardous substances are found on real property we have ever owned, operated or used as a disposal site. In recent years, we
have adopted a policy of assessing real property for environmental risks prior to purchase. We are aware of issues regarding hazardous substances at some facilities. Where we believe necessary or appropriate, we have initiated response actions or
obtained indemnities from predecessor owners. We regularly make capital and operating expenditures to stay in compliance with environmental laws. Despite these compliance efforts, risk of environmental liability is part of the nature of our
business. We cannot



10



---

give assurance that environmental liabilities, including compliance and response costs, will not have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition,
future events may lead to additional compliance or other costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business. Such future events could include changes in, or new interpretations of, existing laws, regulations or enforcement policies,
discoveries of past releases, failure of indemnitors to fulfill their obligations, or further investigation of the potential health hazards of certain products or business activities.



Our business is subject to changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure that has increased both our costs and the
risk of noncompliance.



Because our common stock is
publicly traded, we are subject to certain rules and regulations of federal, state and financial market exchange entities charged with the protection of investors and the oversight of companies whose securities are publicly traded. These entities,
including the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the SEC and Nasdaq, have recently issued new requirements and regulations and continue developing additional regulations and requirements in response to recent corporate scandals and laws
enacted by Congress, most notably the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Our efforts to comply with these new regulations have resulted in, and are likely to continue resulting in, increased general and administrative expenses and diversion of management
time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.



In particular, our efforts to prepare to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and related regulations regarding our managements required assessment of our internal control over financial reporting
and our independent auditors attestation of that assessment has required, and continues to require, the commitment of significant financial and managerial resources. In part to prepare for compliance with Section 404, as well as to generally
improve our internal control environment, we have undertaken substantial measures, including, among other things, costly projects to centralize our accounting functions and reorganize our information technology department. These projects, which
represent both operational and compliance risks, require significant resources and must be completed in a timely manner in order to enable us to comply with the Section 404 requirements. Although management believes that ongoing efforts to improve
our internal control over financial reporting will enable management to provide the required report, and our independent auditors to provide the required attestation, under Section 404 as of December 31, 2004, we can give no assurance that such
efforts will be completed on a timely and successful basis to enable our management and independent auditors to provide the required report and attestation.



Moreover, because the new and changed laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations in many cases due to their lack of
specificity, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This evolution may result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and additional costs necessitated by
ongoing revisions to our disclosure and governance practices.



11



---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES



Facilities. The following table sets forth certain information concerning our facilities as of the date of this report. Unless otherwise indicated,
we own these facilities.



|                                                     |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------- |  | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Type of Facility                                     |  | Number of Facilities |  | Locations                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
|PAPERBOARD                                           |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|                                                     |  |                     
|Paperboard Mills (1)                                 |  | 14                   |  | Versailles, CT; Austell, GA (Mill #1); Austell, GA (Mill #2); Austell, GA (Sweetwater); Tama, IA; Lafayette, IN; Charlotte, NC; Cincinnati,
OH; Rittman, OH; Sinking Spring, PA; Taylors, SC; Chattanooga, TN; Richmond, VA; Tacoma, WA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|                                                     |  |                     
|Specialty Converting Plants                          |  | 5                    |  | Austell, GA (one facility); Charlotte, NC; Marietta, GA; Mooresville, NC; Taylors, SC                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
|                                                     |  |                     
|Recovered Fiber Collection and Processing Plants (2) |  | 7                    |  | Columbus, GA; Dalton, GA; Doraville, GA; Charlotte, NC; Cleveland, OH; Hardeeville, SC; Texarkana, TX
(leased)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|                                                     |  |                     
|TUBE, CORE AND COMPOSITE CONTAINER                   |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|                                                     |  |                     
|Tube and Core Plants                                 |  | 38                   |  | Linden, AL; Mobile, AL; Crossett, AR; McGehee, AR (leased); Phoenix, AZ (leased); Vacaville, CA; Kingston, Ontario, Canada; Scarborough,
Ontario, Canada; Cantonment, FL; Palatka, FL; Austell, GA; Cedar Springs, GA; Dalton, GA; Beardstown, IL; Franklin, KY; DeQuincy, LA; West Monroe, LA; Grand Rapids, MI; Saginaw, MI; Corinth, MS; Hendersonville, NC; Kernersville, NC; Minerva, OH;
Toledo, OH; Lancaster, PA (leased); Rock Hill, SC; Taylors, SC; Amarillo, TX (leased); Arlington, TX; Silsbee, TX; Texarkana, TX; Leyland, Lancaster, United Kingdom; Salt Lake City, UT (leased); Danville, VA; Franklin, VA; West Point, VA; Weyers
Cave, VA; Tacoma, WA
|                                                     |  |                     
|Composite Container Plants                           |  | 3                    |  | Orrville, OH; Saint Paris, OH; Stevens Point, WI                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
|                                                     |  |                     
|Specialty Converting Plants                          |  | 7                    |  | Austell, GA; Lancaster, PA; Arlington, TX; Tacoma, WA; Covington, GA; Litchfield, IL; Frenchtown, NJ                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|                                                     |  |                     
|Plastics Plants                                      |  | 3                    |  | New Smyrna Beach, FL (leased); Georgetown, KY; Union, SC (80% interest)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|                                                     |  |                     
|Special Services and Other Facilities                |  | 2                    |  | Kernersville, NC (leased); Saint Paris, OH                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               



12



---

|                                                     |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------- |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Type of Facility                                     |  | Number of Facilities |  | Locations                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|CARTON AND CUSTOM PACKAGING                          |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|                                                     |  |                     
|Carton Plants                                        |  | 14                   |  | Birmingham, AL (leased); Denver, CO; Versailles, CT; Thorndike, MA; Hunt Valley, MD; Burlington, NC; Charlotte, NC; Randleman, NC; Mentor, OH;
Grand Rapids, MI; St. Louis, MO; York, PA; Kingston Springs, TN; Chicago, IL (leased)
|                                                     |  |                     
|Contract Packaging and Contract Manufacturing Plants |  | 7                    |  | Thorndike, MA; Clifton, NJ; Pine Brook, NJ (leased); Robersonville, NC; Bucyrus, OH; Strasburg, OH (two
facilities)                                                                                                                 
|                                                     |  |                     
|Special Services                                     |  | 3                    |  | Versailles, CT; Grand Rapids, MI; Cleveland, OH                                                                                                                                                                                     
|                                                     |  |                     
|JOINT VENTURES                                       |  |                      |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     
|                                                     |  |                     
|Gypsum Wallboard(3)                                  |  | 2                    |  | Cumberland, TN (50% interest); McQueeney, TX (50% Interest)                                                                                                                                                                         
|                                                     |  |                     
|Paperboard Mill                                      |  | 1                    |  | Newport, IN (50% interest)                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|                                                     |  |                     
|Tube and Core Plant                                  |  | 1                    |  | Mexico City, Mexico (65% interest)                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|                                                     |  |                     
|Tube and Core Specialty Converting Facility          |  | 1                    |  | Mexico City, Mexico (65% interest)                                                                                                                                                                                                  

---

|(1) | All of our paperboard mills produce uncoated recycled paperboard with the exceptions of our Rittman, OH, Tama, IA and Versailles, CT paperboard mills, which produce clay-coated
recycled boxboard.
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(2) | Recovered fiber collection and/or processing also occurs at each of our mill sites and all of our carton plants and tube and core plants.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(3) | The two gypsum wallboard facilities are managed by our joint venture partner.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------



ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS



From time to time claims are asserted against the Company arising out of its operation in the normal course of business. Management does not believe that
the Company is currently a party to any litigation that will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.



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



There were no matters submitted to the Companys security holders during the fourth fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2003.



13



---

PART II



ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS



Our common shares, $.10 par value (the Common Shares), are
traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. NASDAQ National Market System (NASDAQ) under the symbol CSAR. As of March 8, 2004, there were approximately 660 shareholders of record and, as of that date, we estimate that
there were approximately 3,000 beneficial owners holding stock in nominee or street name. The table below sets forth quarterly high and low stock prices during the years 2002 and 2003.



|               |  |      |       |     |   |     
|-------------- |  | ---- | ----- | --- | - | ----
|               |  | High |       | Low
|2002           |  |      |       |     |   |     
|               |  |      |       |     |   |     
|First Quarter  |  | $    | 11.00 |     | $ | 6.80
|Second Quarter |  |      | 13.99 |     |   | 9.96
|Third Quarter  |  |      | 13.40 |     |   | 7.97
|Fourth Quarter |  |      | 10.57 |     |   | 8.01
|               |  |     
|2003           |  |      |       |     |   |     
|               |  |      |       |     |   |     
|First Quarter  |  | $    | 9.80  |     | $ | 6.20
|Second Quarter |  |      | 8.65  |     |   | 6.40
|Third Quarter  |  |      | 9.89  |     |   | 7.51
|Fourth Quarter |  |      | 13.91 |     |   | 8.20



Beginning the first
quarter of 2002, we suspended payments of quarterly dividends. Our debt agreements, as described in Item 7 (Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation  Liquidity and Capital Resources),
contain certain limitations on paying dividends and currently preclude us from doing so.



14



---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | - |  | ---- | --------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                        |  | Year Ended December 31,                          |        
|                                                        |  | 2003                                             |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 |  |   | 2000    |   |  | 1999 |          
|                                                        |  | (In thousands, except per share data and ratios) |        
|Summary of Operations                                   |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Sales                                                   |  | $                                                | 992,220 |   |      | $ | 936,779 |      |  | $ | 900,256 |   |  | $    | 1,014,615 |   |  | $ | 936,928 |  
|Cost of sales                                           |  |                                                  | 819,349 |   |      |   | 767,955 |      |  |   | 720,018 |   |  |      | 810,705   |   |  |   | 730,611 |  
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                            |  |                                                  | 172,871 |   |      |   | 168,824 |      |  |   | 180,238 |   |  |      | 203,910   |   |  |   | 206,317 |  
|Selling, general and administrative expenses            |  |                                                  | 163,930 |   |      |   | 150,044 |      |  |   | 146,934 |   |  |      | 145,268   |   |  |   | 125,784 |  
|Restructuring and impairment costs                      |  |                                                  | 15,142  |   |      |   | 12,713  |      |  |   | 7,083   |   |  |      | 16,777    |   |  |   |        |  
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|(Loss) income from operations                           |  |                                                  | (6,201  | ) |      |   | 6,067   |      |  |   | 26,221  |   |  |      | 41,865    |   |  |   | 80,533  |  
|Other (expense) income:                                 |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Interest expense                                        |  |                                                  | (43,905 | ) |      |   | (38,115 | )    |  |   | (41,153 | ) |  |      | (34,063   | ) |  |   | (25,456 | )
|Interest income                                         |  |                                                  | 1,026   |   |      |   | 1,652   |      |  |   | 986     |   |  |      | 412       |   |  |   | 603     |  
|Loss on extinguishment of debt                          |  |                                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   | (4,305  | ) |  |      |          |   |  |   |        |  
|Write-off of deferred debt costs                        |  |                                                  | (1,812  | ) |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |   |  |      |          |   |  |   |        |  
|Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates    |  |                                                  | 8,354   |   |      |   | 2,488   |      |  |   | (2,610  | ) |  |      | 6,533     |   |  |   | 9,224   |  
|Other, net                                              |  |                                                  | 208     |   |      |   | 130     |      |  |   | (1,434  | ) |  |      | (918      | ) |  |   | (459    | )
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|                                                        |  |                                                  | (36,129 | ) |      |   | (33,845 | )    |  |   | (48,516 | ) |  |      | (28,036   | ) |  |   | (16,088 | )
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|(Loss) income before minority interest and income taxes |  |                                                  | (42,330 | ) |      |   | (27,778 | )    |  |   | (22,295 | ) |  |      | 13,829    |   |  |   | 64,445  |  
|Minority interest in losses (income)                    |  |                                                  | 196     |   |      |   | 235     |      |  |   | 180     |   |  |      | (169      | ) |  |   | (356    | )
|(Benefit) provision for income taxes                    |  |                                                  | (15,099 | ) |      |   | (9,623  | )    |  |   | (7,513  | ) |  |      | 5,485     |   |  |   | 23,142  |  
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Net (loss) income                                       |  | $                                                | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602 | ) |  | $    | 8,175     |   |  | $ | 40,947  |  
|                                                        |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Diluted weighted average shares outstanding             |  |                                                  | 27,993  |   |      |   | 27,871  |      |  |   | 27,845  |   |  |      | 26,301    |   |  |   | 25,199  |  
|Per Share Data                                          |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Net (loss) income                                       |  |                                                  | (0.97   | ) |      |   | (0.64   | )    |  |   | (0.52   | ) |  |      | 0.31      |   |  |   | 1.62    |  
|Cash dividends declared                                 |  |                                                  | 0.00    |   |      |   | 0.00    |      |  |   | 0.18    |   |  |      | 0.72      |   |  |   | 0.72    |  
|Market price on December 31                             |  | $                                                | 13.80   |   |      | $ | 9.48    |      |  | $ | 6.93    |   |  | $    | 9.38      |   |  | $ | 24.00   |  
|Shares outstanding December 31                          |  |                                                  | 28,222  |   |      |   | 27,907  |      |  |   | 27,854  |   |  |      | 26,205    |   |  |   | 25,488  |  
|Total Market Value of Common Stock                      |  | $                                                | 389,464 |   |      | $ | 264,558 |      |  | $ | 193,028 |   |  | $    | 245,803   |   |  | $ | 611,712 |  
|Balance Sheet Data                                      |  |                                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |   |  |      |           |   |  |   |         |  
|Cash and cash equivalents                               |  | $                                                | 85,551  |   |      | $ | 34,314  |      |  | $ | 64,244  |   |  | $    | 8,900     |   |  | $ | 18,771  |  
|Property, plant and equipment, net                      |  |                                                  | 410,772 |   |      |   | 443,395 |      |  |   | 450,376 |   |  |      | 483,309   |   |  |   | 479,856 |  
|Depreciation and amortization                           |  |                                                  | 30,991  |   |      |   | 54,246  |      |  |   | 64,340  |   |  |      | 60,858    |   |  |   | 52,741  |  
|Capital expenditures                                    |  |                                                  | 20,006  |   |      |   | 22,542  |      |  |   | 28,059  |   |  |      | 58,306    |   |  |   | 35,696  |  
|Total assets                                            |  |                                                  | 960,545 |   |      |   | 990,333 |      |  |   | 960,981 |   |  |      | 934,097   |   |  |   | 879,880 |  
|Current maturities of long-term debt                    |  |                                                  | 106     |   |      |   | 70      |      |  |   | 48      |   |  |      | 1,259     |   |  |   | 16,615  |  
|Revolving credit loans                                  |  |                                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |   |  |      | 194,000   |   |  |   | 140,000 |  
|Long-term debt, less current maturities                 |  |                                                  | 531,001 |   |      |   | 532,715 |      |  |   | 508,691 |   |  |      | 272,813   |   |  |   | 269,739 |  
|Shareholders equity                                    |  |                                                  | 219,877 |   |      |   | 241,681 |      |  |   | 279,579 |   |  |      | 279,808   |   |  |   | 279,184 |  
|Total shareholders equity and debt                     |  | $                                                | 750,984 |   |      | $ | 774,466 |      |  | $ | 788,318 |   |  | $    | 747,880   |   |  | $ | 705,538 |  



15



---

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



General



We are a major manufacturer of recycled paperboard and converted paperboard
products. We operate in three business segments. The paperboard segment manufactures 100% recycled uncoated and clay-coated paperboard and collects recycled paper and brokers recycled paper and other paper rolls. The tube, core and composite
container segment produces spiral and convolute-wound tubes, cores and cans. The carton and custom packaging segment produces printed and unprinted folding carton and set-up boxes and provides contract manufacturing and packaging services.



Our business is vertically integrated to a large extent. This
means that our converting operations consume a large portion of our own paperboard production, approximately 42% in 2003. The remaining 58% of our paperboard production is sold to external customers in any of the four recycled paperboard end-use
markets: tube, core and composite containers; folding cartons; gypsum wallboard facing paper and other specialty products. These integration statistics do not include volume produced or converted by our 50% owned, unconsolidated, joint ventures
Premier Boxboard Limited and Standard Gypsum, LLP. As part of our strategy to optimize our operating efficiency, each of our mills can produce recycled paperboard for more than one end-use market. This allows us to shift production among mills in
response to customer or market demands.



Recovered fiber, which
is derived from recycled paper stock, is our most significant raw material. Historically, the cost of recovered fiber has fluctuated significantly due to market and industry conditions. For example, our average recovered fiber cost per ton of
paperboard produced increased from $43 per ton in 1993 to $144 per ton in 1995, an increase of 235%, before dropping to $66 per ton in 1996. Recovered fiber cost per ton averaged $88 and $85 during 2003 and 2002, respectively.



We raise our selling prices in response to increases in raw material costs.
However, we often are unable to pass the full amount of these costs through to our customers on a timely basis due to supply and demand in the industry, and as a result often cannot maintain our operating margins in the face of dramatic cost
increases. We experience margin shrinkage during all periods of cost increases due to customary time lags in implementing our price increases. We cannot give assurance that we will be able to recover any future increases in the cost of recovered
fiber by raising the prices of our products. Even if we are able to recover future cost increases, our operating margins and results of operations may still be materially and adversely affected by time delays in the implementation of price
increases. See Part I, Item 1,  Risk Factors  Our business and financial performance may be harmed by future increases in raw material costs.



Excluding raw materials and labor, energy is our most significant manufacturing cost. Energy consists of electrical
purchases and fuel used to generate steam used in the paper making process and to operate our paperboard machines and all of our converting machinery. In 2001, the average energy cost in our mill system was approximately $57 per ton compared to $50
per ton in 2002, a 12.3% decline. In 2003 energy costs averaged $61 per ton, an increase of 22.2% from 2002. Until the last few years, our business had not been significantly affected by energy cost increases, and we historically have not passed
increases in energy costs through to our customers. Consequently, we have not been able to pass through to our customers all of the energy cost increases we have incurred. As a result, our operating margins have been adversely affected. Although we
continue to evaluate our energy costs and consider ways to factor energy costs into our pricing, we cannot give assurance that our operating margins and results of operations will not continue to be adversely affected by rising energy costs. See
Part I, Item 1,  Risk Factors  Our operating margins may be adversely affected by rising energy costs.



Historically, we have grown our business, revenues and production capacity to a significant degree through acquisitions. Based on the difficult operating
climate for our industry and our financial position over the last three years, the pace of our acquisition activity, and correspondingly, our revenue growth, has slowed as we have focused on conserving cash and maximizing the productivity of our
existing facilities. During the third quarter of 2002, we



16



---

acquired certain operating assets (excluding accounts receivable) of Smurfit-Stones Industrial Packaging Group. In addition, during the first quarter
of 2003 we completed the purchase of our venture partners interest in Caraustar Northwest, LLC located in Tacoma, WA. See  Liquidity and Capital Resources  Acquisitions.



We are a holding company that currently operates our business through 26
subsidiaries. We also own a 50% interest in two joint ventures with Temple-Inland, Inc. We account for these interests in our joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. See  Liquidity and Capital Resources below.



Critical Accounting Policies



Our accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require management to make estimates that affect the amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities reported. The following are critical
accounting matters which are both very important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require some of managements most difficult, subjective and complex judgments. The accounting for these matters involves
forming estimates based on current facts, circumstances and assumptions which, in managements judgment, could change in a manner that would materially affect managements future estimates with respect to such matters and, accordingly,
could cause future reported financial condition and results of operations to differ materially from financial results reported based on managements current estimates.



Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue and the related account receivable when the following four criteria are
met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) ownership has transferred to the customer; (3) the selling price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Determination of criteria (4) is based on
managements judgments regarding the collectibility of our accounts receivable. Generally, we recognize revenue when we ship our manufactured products or when we complete a service and title and risk of loss passes to our customers. Provisions
for discounts, returns, allowances, customer rebates and other adjustments are provided for in the same period as the related revenues are recorded.



Accounts Receivable. We perform periodic credit evaluations of our customers and adjust credit limits based upon payment history and the
customers current credit worthiness, as determined by our review of their current credit information. We periodically monitor collections from our customers and maintain a provision for estimated credit losses based upon our historical
experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. While such credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same
credit loss rates that we have in the past. These estimates may prove to be inaccurate, in which case we may have overstated or understated the reserve required for uncollectible accounts receivable. During the second quarter of 2003 one of
our significant carton customers, Spalding Sports, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy unexpectedly, and we were required to write-off uncollectible accounts receivable of $2.2 million, net of the $1.1 million recovery recorded in the third quarter of 2003.



Inventory. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost
or market. Cost includes materials, labor and overhead. Market, with respect to all inventories, is replacement cost or net realizable value. Management reviews inventory at least quarterly to determine the necessity of write-offs for excess,
obsolete or unsaleable inventory. We reserve for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on managements judgment of future realization. These reviews require management to assess customer and market demand. These estimates may prove to be
inaccurate, in which case we may have overstated or understated the write-offs required for excess, obsolete or unsaleable inventory.



Goodwill. Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This pronouncement requires us to
perform a goodwill impairment test at least annually. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators are based on legal factors, market conditions and operational performance of our acquired businesses. Future events could cause us
to conclude that impairment indicators



17



---

exist and that goodwill associated with our acquired businesses is impaired. Evaluating the impairment of goodwill also requires us to estimate future
operating results and cash flows, which also require judgment by management. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.



Impairment of Long-Lived Assets. Pursuant to SFAS No. 144,
Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, we periodically evaluate long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and definite lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in conditions may
indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that management considers important that could initiate an impairment review include the following:



| |  | significant operating losses
| | - | ----------------------------



| |  | recurring operating losses
| | - | --------------------------



| |  | significant declines in demand for a product produced by an asset capable of producing only that product
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | assets that are idled or held for sale
| | - | --------------------------------------



| |  | assets that are likely to be divested
| | - | -------------------------------------



The impairment review requires management to estimate future undiscounted cash flows associated with an asset or group of assets and sum the estimated
future cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, then we must estimate the fair value of the asset. If the fair value of the asset is below the carrying value, then the difference will be
written-off. Estimating future cash flows requires management to make judgments regarding future economic conditions, product demand and pricing. Although we believe our estimates are appropriate, significant differences in the actual performance of
the asset or group of assets may materially affect our asset values and results of operations.



Impairment costs of $2.1 million were recorded in 2003 related to assets held for sale. The costs represent the difference between the carrying value of the assets and their estimated fair value.



Self-Insurance. We are self-insured for the majority of our
workers compensation costs and health care costs, subject to specific retention levels. Consulting actuaries and administrators assist us in determining our liability for self-insured claims. Our self-insured workers compensation liability is
estimated based on actual claims as established by a third party administrator, increased by factors that reflect our historical claim development. The developed claim, net of amounts paid, represents the liability that we record in our
financial statements. Our self-insured health care liability is estimated based on our actual claim experience and multiplied by a time lag factor. The lag factor represents an estimate of claims that have been incurred and should be recorded as a
liability, but have not been reported. While we believe that our assumptions are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our workers compensation costs and
group health insurance costs.



Accounting for Income
Taxes. As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate. This process involves estimating our actual current tax exposure,
together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes. These differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included within our consolidated balance
sheet. We must then assess the likelihood that our deferred tax assets will be recovered from future taxable income and to the extent we believe that recovery is not likely, we must establish a valuation allowance. To the extent we establish a
valuation allowance or increase this allowance in a period, we must include an expense within the tax provision in the statement of operations.



Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes, our deferred tax assets and liabilities and any valuation
allowance recorded against our deferred tax assets. We record



18



---

valuation allowances due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred tax assets, primarily consisting of certain state net
operating losses carried forward and state tax credits, before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income by jurisdiction in which we operate and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be
recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates or we adjust these estimates in future periods, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance which could have a material negative impact on our statement of
operations and our balance sheet.



Pension and Other
Postretirement Benefits.We maintain a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan). The Pension Plan provides benefits to be paid to all eligible employees at retirement based primarily on years of service with
the Company and compensation rates in effect near retirement. Our policy is to fund benefits attributed to employees services to date as well as service expected to be earned in the future. During September 2003, the maximum deductible
contribution of $11.7 million was made to the Pension Plan relating to the 2002 plan year. Based on our current estimate of future funding requirements, we do not expect to make a contribution during the year ended December 31, 2004.



During 1996, we adopted a supplemental executive retirement plan
(SERP), which provides benefits to certain named participants based on average compensation. The SERP covers certain executives of the Company commencing upon retirement. The SERP was unfunded at December 31, 2003.



The determination of our pension benefit obligation and expense is dependent
on our selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among others, the weighted average discount rate, the weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets and the weighted average
rate of compensation increase. The following table is a summary of the significant assumptions we used to determine our projected benefit obligation as of:



|                                               |  |              |   |  |      |  
|---------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | - |  | ---- | -
|                                               |  | December 31, |  
|                                               |  | 2002         |   |  | 2003 |  
|Weighted average discount rate                 |  | 6.75         | % |  | 6.25 | %
|Weighted average rate of compensation increase |  | 3.00         | % |  | 3.00 | %



The following table is
a summary of the significant assumptions to determine net periodic pension expense for the years ended:



|                                                        |  |              |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | - |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                                                        |  | December 31, |  
|                                                        |  | 2001         |   |  | 2002 |   |  | 2003 |  
|Weighted average discount rate                          |  | 7.75         | % |  | 7.50 | % |  | 6.75 | %
|Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 9.50         | % |  | 9.50 | % |  | 9.00 | %
|Weighted average rate of compensation increase          |  | 3.00         | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | 3.00 | %



In developing the
weighted average discount rate, we evaluated input from our actuaries, including estimated timing of obligation payments and yields for long-term bonds that received one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency. The discount
rate, determined on this basis, was lowered from 6.75% at December 31, 2002 to 6.25% at December 31, 2003. Based on analysis of the rating and maturity of the long-term bonds, the timing of payment obligations and the input from our actuaries, we
concluded that a discount rate of 6.25% is appropriate and reflects the yield of a portfolio of high-quality bonds that has the same duration as the plan obligations. Future actual pension expense and benefit obligations will depend on future
investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to populations participating in our pension plans. A 0.25% change in the discount rate would result in a change in the December 31, 2003 projected benefit
obligation of approximately $3.3 million and estimated 2004 net pension expense of approximately $540 thousand.



In developing our weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets, we evaluated such criteria as return expectations by asset class and long-term
inflation assumptions. Our expected weighted average rate of



19



---

return is based on an asset allocation assumption of 70% equity and 30% fixed income. We regularly review our asset allocation and periodically rebalance our
investments to our targeted allocation when considered appropriate. As a result of this analysis, we concluded that the expected weighted average rate of return of 9.0% for December 31, 2003 is appropriate. A 0.25% change in the weighted average
expected rate of return would change estimated 2004 net pension expense $186 thousand.



The investment performance during 2003, combined with the $11.7 million contribution, decreased our under-funded status of the Pension Plan and the SERP plan by approximately $5.9 million in 2003. While we believe
that the assumptions we have used are appropriate, significant differences in our actual experience or significant changes in our assumptions may materially affect our Pension Plan and SERP liability.



We also provide postretirement medical benefits at certain of our
subsidiaries. Our net periodic postretirement benefit cost for medical costs was approximately $507 thousand, $593 thousand and $195 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The accumulated postretirement benefit
obligations at December 31, 2002 and 2003 were determined using a weighted average discount rate of 6.75% and 6.25%, respectively. The rate of increase in the costs of covered health care benefits is assumed to be 8.0% in 2003, decreasing 0.5% each
year to 4.5% by the year 2010. Increasing the assumed health care costs trend rate by one percentage point would have increased the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2003 by approximately $672 thousand and would have
increased net periodic postretirement benefit cost by approximately $66 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2003.



Depreciation.Management is required to make estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values of long-lived assets. These estimates can
significantly affect depreciation expense and accordingly, both results of operations and the asset values reflected on the balance sheet. In the fourth quarter of 2002, we completed, with the assistance from independent professional valuation
advisors, a comprehensive review of the remaining estimated useful lives of our machinery and equipment. As a result of this review, we revised our estimate of the useful lives for production machinery and equipment from an average of approximately
10 years to an average of approximately 20 years. We believe that the change more appropriately reflects the useful lives of the assets. The effect of this change in estimated useful lives has been accounted for on a prospective basis. The estimated
impact of this change was a decrease in depreciation expense in the fourth quarter of 2002 of approximately $7.6 million and a decrease of $22.5 million in 2003.



20



---

Results of Operations 2002  2003



The following table shows volume, gross paper margins and related data for the periods indicated. The volume information
shown below includes shipments of unconverted paperboard and converted paperboard products. Tonnage volumes from our business segments, excluding tonnage produced or converted by our unconsolidated joint ventures, are combined and presented along
end-use market lines. Additional financial information is reported by segment in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.



|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|--------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------ | ------- | ------ | - | ------- | -------- | - | ----- | - |  | ----- | --
|                                                          |  | Years Ended December 31, |         | Change |   |         | % Change |  
|                                                          |  | 2002                     |         | 2003   |   |        
|Production source of paperboard tons sold (in thousands): |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|From paperboard mill production                           |  |                          | 952.8   |        |   | 958.9   |          |   | 6.1   |   |  | 0.6   | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                          | 118.5   |        |   | 118.5   |          |   | 0.0   |   |  | 0.0   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Total paperboard tonnage                                  |  |                          | 1,071.3 |        |   | 1,077.4 |          |   | 6.1   |   |  | 0.6   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tons sold by market (in thousands):                       |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container volume                 |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                          | 206.5   |        |   | 248.1   |          |   | 41.6  |   |  | 20.1  | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                          | 27.0    |        |   | 32.7    |          |   | 5.7   |   |  | 21.1  | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container converted products     |  |                          | 233.5   |        |   | 280.8   |          |   | 47.3  |   |  | 20.3  | % 
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                          | 39.5    |        |   | 43.3    |          |   | 3.8   |   |  | 9.6   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container volume                 |  |                          | 273.0   |        |   | 324.1   |          |   | 51.1  |   |  | 18.7  | % 
|Folding carton volume                                     |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                          | 97.2    |        |   | 87.5    |          |   | (9.7  | ) |  | (10.0 | )%
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                          | 82.8    |        |   | 69.3    |          |   | (13.5 | ) |  | (16.3 | )%
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Folding carton converted products                         |  |                          | 180.0   |        |   | 156.8   |          |   | (23.2 | ) |  | (12.9 | )%
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                          | 265.6   |        |   | 261.4   |          |   | (4.2  | ) |  | (1.6  | )%
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Folding carton volume                                     |  |                          | 445.6   |        |   | 418.2   |          |   | (27.4 | ) |  | (6.1  | )%
|Gypsum wallboard facing paper volume                      |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                          | 138.1   |        |   | 106.6   |          |   | (31.5 | ) |  | (22.8 | )%
|Other specialty products volume                           |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                          | 64.7    |        |   | 70.7    |          |   | 6.0   |   |  | 9.3   | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                          | 8.7     |        |   | 16.5    |          |   | 7.8   |   |  | 89.7  | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Other specialty converted products                        |  |                          | 73.4    |        |   | 87.2    |          |   | 13.8  |   |  | 18.8  | % 
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                          | 141.2   |        |   | 141.3   |          |   | 0.1   |   |  | 0.1   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Other specialty products volume                           |  |                          | 214.6   |        |   | 228.5   |          |   | 13.9  |   |  | 6.5   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Total paperboard tonnage                                  |  |                          | 1,071.3 |        |   | 1,077.4 |          |   | 6.1   |   |  | 0.6   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Gross paper margins ($/ton):                              |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard mill:                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Average net selling price                                 |  | $                        | 402     |        | $ | 418     |          | $ | 16    |   |  | 4.0   | % 
|Average recovered fiber cost                              |  |                          | 85      |        |   | 88      |          |   | 3     |   |  | 3.5   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard mill gross paper margin                        |  | $                        | 317     |        | $ | 330     |          | $ | 13    |   |  | 4.1   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube and core:                                            |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Average net selling price                                 |  | $                        | 789     |        | $ | 807     |          | $ | 18    |   |  | 2.3   | % 
|Average paperboard cost                                   |  |                          | 445     |        |   | 464     |          |   | 19    |   |  | 4.3   | % 
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube and core gross paper margin                          |  | $                        | 344     |        | $ | 343     |          | $ | (1    | ) |  | (0.3  | )%
|                                                          |  |                          |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   



21



---

Paperboard tonnage. Total paperboard tonnage for 2003 was nearly flat, increasing only 0.6% from
2002. Likewise, tons sold from paperboard mill production increased by only 0.6% in 2003. Total tonnage converted increased 7.8% in 2003.



The positive effects on 2003 tonnage were primarily related to:



| |  | Higher internal conversion by our tube, core and composite container segment. The higher conversion was primarily driven by the tube and core plants acquired in September 2002.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher internal conversion by our other specialty converting operations, primarily the partition plants that were acquired in September of 2002.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



These improvements were largely offset by:



| |  | A decrease in internal conversion by our folding carton operations due to weak demand.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | A decrease in sales of unconverted paperboard to the gypsum wallboard facing paper end-use market. This decrease was primarily due to the transfer of volume from our Buffalo
paperboard mill, which was closed in March 2003, to our 50% owned, unconsolidated, Premier Boxboard joint venture. Including the volume from Premier Boxboard, gypsum volume increased 5.2% to 187 thousand tons in 2003 compared with 178 thousand tons
for the same period in 2002.
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | The decision to stop serving certain customers in conjunction with idling one of the two coated recycled paperboard machines at our Rittman, Ohio facility.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | A decrease in sales of unconverted paperboard to the folding carton end-use market due to weak demand in that end-use market.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sales. Our consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2003
increased 5.9% to $992.2 million from $936.8 million in 2002. The following table presents sales by business segment (in thousands):



|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |         |   |  |      |   
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------- | ------- | -------- | - | ------- | -------- | - | ------- | - |  | ---- | --
|                                   |  | For the Year Ended December 31, |         | $ Change |   |         | % Change |  
|                                   |  | 2002                            |         | 2003     |   |        
|Paperboard                         |  | $                               | 323,017 |          | $ | 321,987 |          | $ | (1,030  | ) |  | (0.3 | )%
|Tube, core and composite container |  |                                 | 293,217 |          |   | 380,144 |          |   | 86,927  |   |  | 29.6 | % 
|Carton and custom packaging        |  |                                 | 320,545 |          |   | 290,089 |          |   | (30,456 | ) |  | (9.5 | )%
|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |         |   |  |      |   
|Total                              |  | $                               | 936,779 |          | $ | 992,220 |          | $ | 55,441  |   |  | 5.9  | % 
|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |         |   |  |      |   



Paperboard Segment



Sales for the paperboard segment decreased primarily due to lower sales
from our coated paperboard mill operations. These decreases were partially offset by sales from acquisitions and higher selling prices.



Tube, Core and Composite Container Segment



Sales for the tube, core and composite container segment increased primarily due to acquisitions and higher selling prices.



Carton and Custom Packaging Segment



Sales for the carton and custom packaging segment declined due to a decrease
in volume, lower selling prices and lower contract packaging sales.



22



---

Gross Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for 2003 decreased to 17.4% of sales from 18.0% in 2002.
This margin decrease was due primarily to the following:



| |  | Costs to consolidate and reconfigure operations.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher energy, insurance and pension costs.
| | - | -------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher inventory write-offs and lower selling prices in the carton and custom packaging segment.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



These factors were partially offset by:



| |  | Lower depreciation expense and higher gross paper margins in the paperboard segment.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $163.9 million in
2003, an increase of 9.3% from 2002. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was the result of the following:



| |  | Selling, general and administrative expenses associated with acquired locations.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher pension and insurance costs.
| | - | -----------------------------------



| |  | Higher expense related to uncollectible accounts receivable.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Cost of idling one of the two coated recycled paperboard machines at our Rittman, Ohio facility.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Costs of consolidating operations, including the downsizing and the eventual closure of the Ashland carton facility.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



These increases were partially offset by reductions through savings
initiatives, including facility closures.



Restructuring and
Impairment Costs. In March 2003, we announced the permanent closure of our Buffalo Paperboard mill located, in Lockport, New York. We recorded a charge of approximately $4.4 million in connection with this closure. The majority of the Buffalo
mills sales were transferred to our other paperboard mills and our Premier Boxboard joint venture.



In June 2003, we initiated a plan to permanently close our Ashland, Ohio carton facility. We recorded a charge of $6.7 million in connection with this
closure. We restructured this facility in December 2002; however, due to severe margin pressure and excess industry capacity, the aggressive downsizing undertaken in December 2002 was unsuccessful so the facility was permanently closed.



In December 2003, we recorded a $986 thousand asset impairment charge
related to the closing of the Hendersonville tube and core facility located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, a $223 thousand asset impairment charge related to the closing of the Jacksonville tube and core facility located in Jacksonville, Florida
and a $609 thousand asset impairment charge related to the closure of the Halifax recycling plant located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.



In June 2002, we recorded a $985 thousand noncash, pretax restructuring charge related to the permanent closure of our Camden and Chicago paperboard
mills, which were shut down in 2000 and 2001, respectively. The $985 thousand charge represents a revised estimate of fixed asset disposals at these mills. In 2003 we recorded an additional $82 thousand asset impairment charge and an additional $477
thousand related to other exit costs.



In December 2002, we
initiated a plan to restructure our carton plant in Ashland, Ohio to serve a smaller, more focused carton market and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $2.4 million. The $2.4 million charge included a $1.2 million asset
impairment charge.



In December 2002, we initiated a plan to
permanently close our Halifax paperboard mill located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $3.4 million. The $3.4 million



23



---

charge included a $3.0 million noncash write down of assets. In 2003 we recorded a reduction in expenses of $581 thousand due to a revised estimate of
impaired assets and expensed and paid an additional $72 thousand for severance and other termination benefits.



In December 2002, we initiated a plan to consolidate our specialty products converting operations in Fayetteville, North Carolina into Carolina Component
Concepts, Inc., also located in North Carolina, and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $6.0 million. The $6.0 million charge included a $2.4 million asset impairment charge. In 2003, we recorded a $2.2 million charge which
included a $914 thousand asset impairment charge, a $113 thousand charge for severance and other termination benefits and a $1.1 million charge for other exit costs.



See the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our restructuring plans.



Income (loss) from operations. Loss from operations for
2003 was $6.2 million, a decrease of $12.3 million compared with operating income of $6.1 million in 2002. The following table presents income (loss) from operations by business segment (in thousands):



|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------- | ------- | - | -------- | - | ------- | -------- |  | - | ------- | - |  | ----- | --
|                                   |  | For the Year Ended December 31, |         |   | $ Change |   |         | % Change | 
|                                   |  | 2002                            |         |   | 2003     |   |         |         
|Paperboard                         |  | $                               | 12,268  |   |          | $ | 20,013  |          |  | $ | 7,745   |   |  | 63.1  | % 
|Tube, core and composite container |  |                                 | 11,383  |   |          |   | 8,688   |          |  |   | (2,695  | ) |  | (23.7 | )%
|Carton and custom packaging        |  |                                 | 973     |   |          |   | (12,758 | )        |  |   | (13,731 | ) |  | N/A   |   
|Corporate expense                  |  |                                 | (18,557 | ) |          |   | (22,144 | )        |  |   | (3,587  | ) |  | 19.3  | % 
|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   
|Total                              |  | $                               | 6,067   |   |          | $ | (6,201  | )        |  | $ | (12,268 | ) |  | N/A   |   
|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   



Paperboard Segment



The increase in income from operations was a result of the following:



| |  | Lower depreciation expense.
| | - | ---------------------------



| |  | Higher gross paper margins.
| | - | ---------------------------



| |  | Results from acquisitions.
| | - | --------------------------



This increase was partially offset by:



| |  | Restructuring costs.
| | - | --------------------



| |  | Cost of idling one of the two coated recycled paperboard machines at our Rittman, Ohio facility.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher energy costs.
| | - | --------------------



| |  | Higher expense related to uncollectible accounts receivable.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher pension and insurance costs.
| | - | -----------------------------------



Tube, Core and Composite Container Segment



The decrease in income from operations is the result of the costs of consolidating acquired operations, combined with higher pension and insurance costs.
These higher costs were partially offset by results from acquisitions and lower depreciation expense.



24



---

Carton and Custom Packaging Segment



The decline in operating results is the result of:



| |  | Lower selling prices and margins.
| | - | ---------------------------------



| |  | Higher expense related to uncollectible accounts receivable.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Restructuring and impairment costs.
| | - | -----------------------------------



| |  | Higher paperboard costs.
| | - | ------------------------



| |  | Lower sales volume.
| | - | -------------------



| |  | Higher energy, pension and insurance costs.
| | - | -------------------------------------------



This decline was partially offset by lower depreciation expense.



Other Income (Expense). Interest expense increased 15.2% to $43.9 million for 2003 from $38.1 million in 2002. This increase was due to the
unwinding of fixed to floating interest rate swaps. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information regarding our debt, interest expense and interest rate swap agreements.



Equity in income from unconsolidated affiliates was $8.4 million in 2003, an
improvement of $5.9 million over 2002. This increase was primarily due to improved operating results for Premier Boxboard Limited, our paper mill joint venture with Temple-Inland. The improved results were due primarily to an increase in gross paper
margins and volume and lower depreciation expense. Standard Gypsums results declined slightly in 2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to increased raw material and energy costs, which were partially offset by increased volume and lower
depreciation expense.



Benefit for income taxes.The
effective rate of income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2003 was 35.7% compared with 34.6% for the same period last year. The effective rates for both periods are different from the statutory rates due to permanent tax adjustments. In
addition, the year ended December 31, 2003 included $700 thousand of additional tax expense relating to an estimated future impairment of state net operating losses.



Net Loss. Due to the factors discussed above, net loss for 2003 was $27.0 million, or $0.97 net loss per common
share, compared to net loss of $17.9 million, or $0.64 net loss per common share, in 2002.



25



---

Results of Operations 2001  2002



The following table shows volume, gross paper margins and related data for the periods indicated. The volume information
shown below includes shipments of unconverted paperboard and converted paperboard products. Tonnage volumes from our business segments, excluding tonnage produced or converted by our unconsolidated joint ventures, are combined and presented along
end-use market lines. Additional financial information is reported by segment in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.



|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|--------------------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ------- | ------ | - | ------- | -------- | - | ----- | - |  | ----- | --
|                                                          |  | Years EndedDecember 31, |         | Change |   |         | % Change |  
|                                                          |  | 2001                    |         | 2002   |   |        
|Production source of paperboard tons sold (in thousands): |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|From paperboard mill production                           |  |                         | 892.4   |        |   | 952.8   |          |   | 60.4  |   |  | 6.8   | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                         | 123.1   |        |   | 118.5   |          |   | (4.6  | ) |  | (3.7  | )%
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Total paperboard tonnage                                  |  |                         | 1,015.5 |        |   | 1,071.3 |          |   | 55.8  |   |  | 5.5   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tons sold by market (in thousands):                       |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container volume                 |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                         | 187.6   |        |   | 206.5   |          |   | 18.9  |   |  | 10.1  | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                         | 25.9    |        |   | 27.0    |          |   | 1.1   |   |  | 4.2   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container converted products     |  |                         | 213.5   |        |   | 233.5   |          |   | 20.0  |   |  | 9.4   | % 
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                         | 32.7    |        |   | 39.5    |          |   | 6.8   |   |  | 20.8  | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube, core and composite container volume                 |  |                         | 246.2   |        |   | 273.0   |          |   | 26.8  |   |  | 10.9  | % 
|Folding carton volume                                     |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                         | 85.2    |        |   | 97.2    |          |   | 12.0  |   |  | 14.1  | % 
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                         | 92.2    |        |   | 82.8    |          |   | (9.4  | ) |  | (10.2 | )%
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Folding carton converted products                         |  |                         | 177.4   |        |   | 180.0   |          |   | 2.6   |   |  | 1.5   | % 
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                         | 232.4   |        |   | 265.6   |          |   | 33.2  |   |  | 14.3  | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Folding carton volume                                     |  |                         | 409.8   |        |   | 445.6   |          |   | 35.8  |   |  | 8.7   | % 
|Gypsum wallboard facing paper volume                      |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                         | 151.5   |        |   | 138.1   |          |   | (13.4 | ) |  | (8.8  | )%
|Other specialty products volume                           |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard (internal)                                     |  |                         | 68.0    |        |   | 64.7    |          |   | (3.3  | ) |  | (4.9  | )%
|Outside purchases                                         |  |                         | 5.0     |        |   | 8.7     |          |   | 3.7   |   |  | 74.0  | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Other specialty converted products                        |  |                         | 73.0    |        |   | 73.4    |          |   | 0.4   |   |  | 0.5   | % 
|Unconverted paperboard                                    |  |                         | 135.0   |        |   | 141.2   |          |   | 6.2   |   |  | 4.6   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Other specialty products volume                           |  |                         | 208.0   |        |   | 214.6   |          |   | 6.6   |   |  | 3.2   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Total paperboard tonnage                                  |  |                         | 1,015.5 |        |   | 1,071.3 |          |   | 55.8  |   |  | 5.5   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Gross paper margins ($/ton):                              |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard mill:                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Average net selling price                                 |  | $                       | 413     |        | $ | 402     |          | $ | (11   | ) |  | (2.7  | )%
|Average recovered fiber cost                              |  |                         | 65      |        |   | 85      |          |   | 20    |   |  | 30.8  | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Paperboard mill gross paper margin                        |  | $                       | 348     |        | $ | 317     |          | $ | (31   | ) |  | (8.9  | )%
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube and core:                                            |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Average net selling price                                 |  | $                       | 783     |        | $ | 789     |          | $ | 6     |   |  | 0.8   | % 
|Average paperboard cost                                   |  |                         | 447     |        |   | 445     |          |   | (2    | ) |  | (0.4  | )%
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   
|Tube and core gross paper margin                          |  | $                       | 336     |        | $ | 344     |          | $ | 8     |   |  | 2.4   | % 
|                                                          |  |                         |         |        |   |         |          |   |       |   |  |       |   



26



---

Paperboard Tonnage. Total paperboard tonnage for 2002 increased 5.5% to 1,071.3 thousand tons from
1,015.5 thousand tons in 2001. Tons sold from paperboard mill production increased 6.8% in 2002. Total tonnage converted increased 5.0% in 2002. These increases were primarily due to the following:



| |  | Higher shipments of unconverted paperboard to external customers in the folding carton, tube, core and composite container and other specialty markets.
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher internal conversion by our operations in the tube, core and composite container segments and the carton and custom packaging segments.
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



These improvements were partially offset by a decrease in gypsum wallboard
facing paper volume. However, including gypsum facing paper volume transferred to our 50% owned, unconsolidated Premier Boxboard joint venture, gypsum facing paper volume was essentially unchanged compared to prior year.



Sales. Our consolidated sales for the year ended December 31, 2002
increased 4.1% to $936.8 million from $900.3 million in 2001. The following table presents sales by business segment (in thousands):



|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |        |   |  |      |   
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------- | ------- | -------- | - | ------- | -------- | - | ------ | - |  | ---- | --
|                                   |  | For the Year Ended December 31, |         | $ Change |   |         | % Change |  
|                                   |  | 2001                            |         | 2002     |   |        
|Paperboard                         |  | $                               | 313,042 |          | $ | 323,017 |          | $ | 9,975  |   |  | 3.2  | % 
|Tube, core and composite container |  |                                 | 262,064 |          |   | 293,217 |          |   | 31,153 |   |  | 11.9 | % 
|Carton and custom packaging        |  |                                 | 325,150 |          |   | 320,545 |          |   | (4,605 | ) |  | (1.4 | )%
|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |        |   |  |      |   
|Total                              |  | $                               | 900,256 |          | $ | 936,779 |          | $ | 36,523 |   |  | 4.1  | % 
|                                   |  |                                 |         |          |   |         |          |   |        |   |  |      |   



Paperboard Segment



Sales for the paperboard segment increased primarily due to higher sales
of unconverted coated paperboard to external customers, sales from acquired mills, partially offset by a decline in selling prices.



Tube, Core and Composite Container Segment



Sales for the tube, core and composite container segment increased primarily due to acquisitions and higher selling prices.



Carton and Custom Packaging Segment



Sales for the carton and custom packaging segment declined due to a decrease
in selling prices, partially offset by an increase in volume.



Gross Profit Margin. Gross profit margin for 2002 decreased to 18.0% of sales from 20.0% in 2001. This decrease was due primarily to the following:



| |  | Lower margins in the paperboard segment due to a decline in selling prices and higher recovered fiber costs.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | The comparative effect of the $7.1 reduction in reserves recorded in 2001 related to expiring unfavorable supply contracts at the Sprague paperboard mill.
| | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



These factors were partially offset by:



| |  | Improved margins in the tube, core and composite container segment.
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Lower depreciation expense.
| | - | ---------------------------



27



---

Restructuring and Impairment Costs.In January 2001, we initiated a plan to close our paperboard
mill located in Chicago, Illinois and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $4.4 million. The $4.4 million charge included a $2.2 million asset impairment charge.



In March 2001, we initiated a plan to consolidate the operations of our Salt Lake City, Utah carton plant into our Denver,
Colorado carton plant and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $2.6 million. The $2.6 million charge included a $1.8 million asset impairment charge.



See the notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our restructuring plans.



Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.Selling,
general and administrative expenses increased to $150.0 million in 2002, an increase of $3.1 million compared to 2001. This increase was a result of the following:



| |  | Higher corporate expenses related to amendment fees for our senior credit facility.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher executive recruiting and severance costs.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------



| |  | Costs related to a proposed debt issuance that was aborted.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Noncapitalized costs related to acquisitions.
| | - | ---------------------------------------------



These increases were partially offset by:



| |  | Lower goodwill amortization of $4.4 million.
| | - | --------------------------------------------



| |  | Reductions through savings initiatives, including facility closures.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------



Income from Operations. Income from operations for 2002 was $6.1 million, a decrease of $20.2 million, or 76.9% from 2001. The following table
presents income (loss) from operations by business segment (in thousands):



|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   
|---------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------- | ------- | - | -------- | - | ------- | -------- |  | - | ------- | - |  | ----- | --
|                                   |  | For the Year Ended December 31, |         |   | $ Change |   |         | % Change | 
|                                   |  | 2001                            |         |   | 2002     |   |         |         
|Paperboard                         |  | $                               | 31,365  |   |          | $ | 12,268  |          |  | $ | (19,097 | ) |  | (60.9 | )%
|Tube, core and composite container |  |                                 | 7,016   |   |          |   | 11,383  |          |  |   | 4,367   |   |  | 62.2  | % 
|Carton and custom packaging        |  |                                 | 2,324   |   |          |   | 973     |          |  |   | (1,351  | ) |  | (58.1 | )%
|Corporate expense                  |  |                                 | (14,484 | ) |          |   | (18,557 | )        |  |   | (4,073  | ) |  | (28.1 | )%
|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   
|Total                              |  | $                               | 26,221  |   |          | $ | 6,067   |          |  | $ | (20,154 | ) |  | (76.9 | )%
|                                   |  |                                 |         |   |          |   |         |          |  |   |         |   |  |       |   



Paperboard Segment



The decline in income from operations was a result of the following:



| |  | Higher recovered fiber costs and lower selling prices.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Higher restructuring costs.
| | - | ---------------------------



| |  | The comparative effect of the $7.1 million reduction in reserves recorded in 2001 related to expiring unfavorable supply contracts at the Sprague paperboard mill.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This decline was partially offset by:



| |  | Lower depreciation expense.
| | - | ---------------------------



| |  | Lower goodwill amortization expense.
| | - | ------------------------------------



| |  | Results from acquisitions.
| | - | --------------------------



28



---

Tube, Core and Composite Container Segment



The increase in income from operations was primarily from acquisition results and lower depreciation and goodwill
amortization expense.



Carton and Custom Packaging Segment



The decline in income from operations was a result of lower selling
prices, partially offset by lower depreciation and goodwill amortization expense.



Other Income (Expense). Interest expense decreased 7.4% to $38.1 million for 2002 from $41.2 million in 2001. This decrease was due to savings from interest rate swap agreements that effectively converted
portions of our fixed rate notes into variable rate obligations. See Liquidity and Capital Resources for additional information regarding our debt, interest expense and interest rate swap agreements.



Equity in income from unconsolidated affiliates was $2.5 million in 2002, and
improvement of $5.1 million from equity in loss from unconsolidated affiliates of $2.6 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to improved operating results for Standard Gypsum, L.P., our gypsum wallboard joint venture with Temple-Inland.
The improved results were due primarily to higher selling prices in 2002 compared to 2001. Standard Gypsums improved results were partially offset by increased losses at Premier Boxboard Limited, our paper mill joint venture with
Temple-Inland. The increased losses at Premier Boxboard were due to lower selling prices and higher recovered fiber costs.



Benefit for income taxes.The effective rate of income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2002 was 34.6% compared with 33.7% for 2001. The
effective rates for both periods are different from the statutory rates due to permanent tax adjustments



Net Loss. For the reasons discussed above, net loss was $17.9 million in 2002, or $0.64 net loss per common share compared with a net loss of $14.6
million, or $0.52 net loss per common share in 2001.



Liquidity and Capital
Resources



Liquidity Sources and Risks. Our primary
sources of liquidity are cash from operations and borrowings under our senior credit facility, described below. Downturns in operations can significantly affect our ability to generate cash. Factors that can affect our operating results and
liquidity are discussed further in this annual report under  Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1. In 2003, we generated $55.4 million in cash from operations, which is $7.8 million lower than 2002. Although the timing or certainty of
the following events cannot be assured, we believe that our existing cash and liquidity position will be strengthened through the sale of the real estate at our Chicago, Illinois and Baltimore, Maryland paperboard mills and internal cost reduction
initiatives. We believe that our cash on hand at December 31, 2003 of $85.6 million and borrowing availability under our senior credit facility will be sufficient to meet our cash requirements for the year ended December 31, 2004. Additionally,
based on our historical ability to generate cash, we believe we will be able to meet our long-term cash requirements. However, if we are unable to generate cash at historic levels our ability to generate cash sufficient to meet long-term
requirements is uncertain. The following are factors that could impact our future ability to generate cash from operations:



| |  | Continued contraction in domestic demand for recycled paperboard and related packaging products that our industry experienced in 2001 and 2002.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Substitution of paperboard packaging products by alternative products such as flexible packaging and plastics.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Continued export of domestic manufacturing operations to countries where the costs of manufacturing are lower.
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Significant unforeseen adverse conditions in our industry or the markets we serve.
| | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------



29



---

Although we believe that our liquidity will be sufficient to meet expected needs for the foreseeable future, we could
require additional funds from external sources.



The
availability of liquidity from borrowings is primarily affected by our continued compliance with the terms of the agreement governing our senior credit facility, including the payment of interest and compliance with various covenants and financial
maintenance tests. We were in compliance with the covenants under our senior credit facility during 2003. Absent further material deterioration of the U.S. economy as a whole or the specific sectors on which our business depends (see Part I, Item 1,
 Risk Factors  Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by downturns in industrial production, housing and construction and the consumption of durable and nondurable goods), we believe it is likely
that we will be in compliance with our covenants under the senior credit agreement during 2004.



Borrowings. At December 31, 2002 and 2003, total debt (consisting of current maturities of debt and long-term debt, as reported on our consolidated
balance sheets) was as follows (in thousands):



|                                                 |  |      |         |      |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------ |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------- | -
|                                                 |  | 2002 |         | 2003 |  
|Senior credit facility                           |  | $    |        |      | $ |        |  
|97/8%
senior subordinated notes                  |  |      | 285,000 |      |   | 285,000 |  
|73/8%
senior notes                               |  |      | 193,250 |      |   | 193,250 |  
|71/4%
senior notes                               |  |      | 29,000  |      |   | 29,000  |  
|Other notes payable                              |  |      | 9,880   |      |   | 9,895   |  
|Mark-to-market value of interest swap agreements |  |      | 15,153  |      |   | (1,145  | )
|Realized interest rate swap gains (1)            |  |      | 502     |      |   | 15,107  |  
|                                                 |  |      |         |      |   |         |  
|Total debt                                       |  | $    | 532,785 |      | $ | 531,107 |  
|                                                 |  |      |         |      |   |         |  

---

|(1) | Net of original issuance discounts and accumulated discount amortization. As described below under Interest Rate Swap Agreements, realized gains resulting from unwinding
interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of debt and will be accreted as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Effective June 24, 2003, we completed a refinancing of our senior credit facility. The new facility provides for a revolving
line of credit of $75.0 million and is secured primarily by a first priority security interest in our accounts receivable and inventory. The facility matures in June 2006. Borrowing availability is subject to borrowing base requirements established
by eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The facility includes a subfacility of $50.0 million for letters of credit, usage of which reduces availability under the facility. As of December 31, 2003, no borrowings were outstanding under the
facility; however, an aggregate of $44.0 million in letter of credit obligations were outstanding. Availability under the facility at December 31, 2003 was limited to $21.0 million after taking into consideration outstanding letter of credit
obligations and minimum borrowing availability requirements.



Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (1) the base rate (which is the prime rate most recently announced by Bank of America, N.A., the administrative agent under the facility) plus a margin of
0.50% or (2) the adjusted Eurodollar Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 2.50%. The undrawn portion of the facility is subject to a facility fee at an annual rate of 0.50%. Outstanding letters of credit are subject to an annual fee equal to the
applicable margin for Eurodollar-based loans.



The facility
contains covenants that restrict, among other things, our ability and our subsidiaries ability to create liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, incur indebtedness and guarantees, pay dividends, repurchase or redeem capital stock and
indebtedness, make certain investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make capital expenditures in excess of $30.0 million per year or change the nature of our business. The facility also contains a fixed charge
coverage ratio covenant, which applies only in the event borrowing availability falls below $10.0 million or suppressed availability falls below $20.0 million. Suppressed



30



---

availability is defined as the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory (less reserves and aggregate credit outstandings) in excess of $75.0
million or the amount of eligible inventory (less reserves and aggregate credit outstandings) in excess of $37.5 million. The fixed charge ratio covenant did not require measurement at December 31, 2003. Based on levels of accounts receivable and
inventory and liquidity at December 31, 2003 and expectations for 2004, we do not expect to be required to measure the fixed charge ratio covenant in 2004.



The facility contains events of default including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, violation of covenants, breaches of
representations and warranties, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, material judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation and certain changes of control of our Company.



On June 1, 1999, we issued $200.0 million in aggregate
principal amount of our 73/8% senior notes due June 1, 2009. Our 73/8% senior notes were issued at a discount to yield an effective interest rate of 7.473%, are unsecured obligations of our Company and pay interest
semiannually. After taking into account realized gains from unwinding various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior notes is 6.4%. See -Interest Rate Swap Agreements below regarding transactions that lowered the effective interest rates of the 73/8% senior notes. In connection with the offering of our 71/4% senior notes and 97/8% senior subordinated notes, as described
below, our subsidiary guarantors also guaranteed our 73/8% senior notes. In February 2002, we purchased $6.75
million in principal amount of our 73/8% senior notes in the open market. This purchase lowered our interest
expense approximately $500 thousand annually.



On March 29, 2001, we issued $29.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 71/4% senior notes due May 1, 2010 and $285.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 97/8% senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2011. The 71/4% senior
notes and 97/8% senior subordinated notes were issued at a discount to yield effective interest rates of 9.4%
and 10.5%, respectively. After taking into account realized gains from unwinding various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes is 9.2%. See  Interest Rate Swap Agreements below regarding transactions that lowered the effective interest rates of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes. These publicly traded notes are unsecured, but are guaranteed, on a joint and several
basis, by all of our domestic subsidiaries (subsidiary guarantors), other than two that are not wholly-owned.



We have certain obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, such as debt and lease agreements. See
 Contractual Obligations below and the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which detail these future obligations and commitments.



Interest Rate Swap Agreements. During 2001, we entered into four interest rate swap agreements in notional amounts totaling $285.0 million. The
agreements, which had payment and expiration dates that corresponded to the terms of the note obligations they covered, effectively converted $185.0 million of our fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes and $100.0 million of our fixed rate 73/8% senior notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates were based on the three-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin.



In October 2001, we unwound our $185.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes and received $9.1 million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously, we executed a
new swap agreement with a fixed spread that was 85 basis points higher than the original swap agreement. The new swap agreement was the same notional amount, had the same terms and covered the same notes as the original agreement. The $9.1 million
gain will be accreted to interest expense over the remaining term of the notes and will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The $9.1 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 50 basis points.



In August 2002, we unwound our $185.0 million interest rate swap agreement
related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes and received $5.5 million from the bank counter-party.
Simultaneously, we executed a new swap agreement with a fixed spread that was 17 basis points higher than the original swap agreement. The new



31



---

swap agreement was the same notional amount, had the same terms and covered the same notes as the original agreement. In September 2002, we repaid the $5.5
million and entered into a new swap agreement that lowered the fixed spread by 7.5 basis points from the August 2002 swap.



In November 2002, we unwound $50.0 million of our $185.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes, and received approximately $2.8 million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously,
we unwound $50.0 million of one of our interest rate swap agreements related to the 73/8% senior notes, and
received approximately $3.4 million. The $6.2 million gain will be accreted to interest expense over the remaining term of the notes and will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The $2.8 million gain lowered the effective interest
rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 20 basis points. The $3.4 million gain lowered the
effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior notes by approximately 30 basis points.



In January 2003, we effectively
unwound $85.0 million of our $135.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior
subordinated notes by assigning our rights and obligations under the swap to one of the lenders under our senior credit facility. In exchange, we received approximately $4.3 million. We will accrete this gain into interest expense over the remaining
term of the notes, which will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The gain will lower the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 30 basis points.



In May 2003, we unwound the remaining $50.0 million of our $50.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes, and received approximately $4.6 million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously,
we unwound $50.0 million of our remaining interest rate swap agreements related to the 73/8% senior notes, and
received approximately $7.1 million. We will accrete the $11.7 million gain into interest expense over the life of the notes, and it will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The $4.6 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of
the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 30 basis points. The $7.1 million gain lowered the
effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior notes by approximately 80 basis points.



In July 2003 we entered into an
interest rate swap agreement in the notional amount of $50.0 million. This agreement, which has payment and expiration dates that correspond to the terms of the note obligations it covers, effectively converted $50.0 million of our fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates are based on the six-month LIBOR
plus a fixed margin.



In December 2003 we entered into a
second interest rate swap agreement in the notional amount of $50.0 million. This agreement, which has payment and expiration dates that correspond to the terms of the note obligations it covers, effectively converted $50.0 million of our fixed rate
97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates are based on the six-month
LIBOR plus a fixed margin.



See  Subsequent
Events regarding the unwind of the $50.0 million interest rate swap in March 2004.



Off-Balance Sheet ArrangementsJoint Venture Financings. As noted above, we own a 50% interest in two joint ventures with Temple-Inland, Inc.: Standard Gypsum, L.P. and Premier Boxboard Limited
LLC. Because we account for these interests in our joint ventures under the equity method of accounting, the indebtedness of these joint ventures is not reflected in the liabilities included on our consolidated balance sheets. Standard Gypsum
manufactures gypsum wallboard, and Premier Boxboard is a low-cost recycled paperboard mill that produces a lightweight gypsum facing paper along with containerboard grades. See Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements in Part II, Item 8 of
this report for summarized financial information for these joint ventures.



Standard Gypsum is the obligor under reimbursement agreements pursuant to which direct-pay letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $56.2 million were originally issued for its account in support of
industrial revenue bond obligations. Standard Gypsum replaced these letters of credit in October 2003 with new



32



---

direct-pay letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $57.4 million, issued by a replacement lender. We are severally obligated for 50% of Standard
Gypsums obligations for reimbursement of letter of credit drawings, interest, fees and other amounts. The other Standard Gypsum partner, Temple-Inland, has guaranteed 50% of Standard Gypsums obligations. As of December 31, 2003, the
outstanding letters of credit totaled approximately $57.4 million, for one-half of which we are obligated (approximately $28.7 million). If either joint venture partner had defaulted under its support arrangements, our total obligation would have
been $28.7 million at December 31, 2003.



As of December 31,
2003, our obligation with respect to these letters of credit is supported by a letter of credit in the face amount of $28.7 million, issued in favor of the Standard Gypsum lender. This letter of credit was issued under our senior credit facility and
expires on October 24, 2004. The letter of credit may be drawn in the event of a default under the Standard Gypsum reimbursement agreement, and such a default would be triggered by, among other things, our failure to renew or extend this letter of
credit. In the event we are unable to renew, extend or otherwise replace this letter of credit, the lender under the Standard Gypsum facility would be entitled to draw under the letter of credit to satisfy our support obligations, and we would then
be obligated to reimburse our senior lenders for the amount of such drawing.



Premier Boxboard is the borrower under a credit facility, the aggregate principal amount of which was reduced from $30.0 million to $20.2 million pursuant to an amendment completed on March 28, 2003. Pursuant to this
amendment, the maturity date of the facility was shortened from June 29, 2005 to January 5, 2004. On December 22, 2003, an additional amendment was completed that extended the maturity date of the facility to January 5, 2005. We are severally
obligated for 50% of Premier Boxboards obligations for reimbursement letter of credit drawings, interest, fees and other amounts. Temple-Inland has guaranteed 50% of Premier Boxboards obligations. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding
principal amount of borrowings under the facility was approximately $10.6 million (including a $632 thousand undrawn letter of credit), for one-half of which we are obligated (approximately $5.3 million). If either joint venture partner had
defaulted under its support arrangements, our total obligation would have been $5.3 million at December 31, 2003. Our obligation is supported by a letter of credit in the face amount of $5.3 million, issued in favor of the Premier Boxboard lenders.
This letter of credit was issued in June 2003 under our new senior credit facility in replacement of a guarantee agreement, and expires in January 2005.



Any reductions of outstanding loans under the Premier Boxboard credit facility may not be reborrowed and will permanently reduce the commitments. The
reduction of the commitments under this credit facility eliminates availability for borrowings unless we are able to reduce outstandings under the facility, and effectively requires us to fund Premier Boxboards operations from its internal
cash flow and from any cash contributions that we and our joint venture partner are permitted to make. If we are not able to fund Premier Boxboards operations in this manner, its performance could be adversely affected. Further, if we are
unable to refinance this facility prior to January 5, 2005, the entire facility would become immediately due and payable and the lenders under the Premier Boxboard facility would be entitled to draw under the letter of credit to satisfy our support
obligations.



In the event that we were called upon to
reimburse drawings under either or both of our joint venture letter of credit support obligations, we believe that we would be able to satisfy such obligations by having our senior lenders treat these reimbursement obligations as revolving credit
loans under our senior credit agreement. The full $34.0 million of these letter of credit obligations and other letter of credit obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2003 has already been included in determining the $21.0 million in borrowing
availability under our senior credit facility as of December 31, 2003. Our cash on hand is also a potential source of repayment of some or all of these reimbursement obligations. However, we can give no assurance that we will be able to obtain, on a
timely basis, the renewals, extensions or refinancings necessary to avoid being called upon to satisfy either or both of our joint venture support obligations, or that we will be able to reimburse our senior lenders in the event of drawings under
one or both of the letters of credit. Any resulting acceleration and default in repayment of these support obligations could cause defaults and acceleration under our 97/8% senior subordinated notes, our 71/4%
senior notes and our 73/8% senior notes.



33



---

In addition to the general default risks discussed above with respect to the joint ventures, a
substantial portion of the assets of Premier Boxboard are pledged as security for $50.0 million in outstanding principal amount of senior notes under which Premier Boxboard is the obligor. These notes are guaranteed by Temple-Inland, but are not
guaranteed by us. A default under the Premier Boxboard credit facility would also constitute an event of default under these notes. In the event of default under these notes, the holders would also have recourse to the assets of Premier Boxboard
that are pledged to secure these notes. Thus, any resulting default under these notes could result in the assets of Premier Boxboard being utilized to satisfy creditor claims, which would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and
operations of Premier Boxboard and, accordingly, our interest in Premier Boxboard. Further, in such an event of default, these assets would not be available to satisfy obligations owing to unsecured creditors of Premier Boxboard, including the
lenders under the credit facility, which might make it more likely that our guarantee of the Premier Boxboard credit facility would be the primary source of repayment under the facility in the event Premier Boxboard cannot pay.



Additional contingencies relating to our joint ventures that could affect our
liquidity include possible additional capital contributions and buy-sell triggers which, under certain circumstances, give us and our joint venture partner either the right, or the obligation, to purchase the others interest or to sell an
interest to the other. In the case of both Standard Gypsum and Premier Boxboard, neither joint venture partner is obligated or required to make additional capital contributions without the consent of both partners. With regard to buy-sell rights,
under the Standard Gypsum joint venture, in general, either party may purchase the others interest upon the occurrence of certain purported unauthorized transfers or involuntary transfer events (such as bankruptcy). In addition, under the
Standard Gypsum joint venture, either (i) in the event of an unresolved deadlock over a material matter or (ii) at any time, either party may initiate a Russian roulette buyout procedure by which it names a price at which the other party
must agree either to sell its interest to the initiating party or to purchase the initiating partys interest. Under the Premier Boxboard joint venture, in general, mutual buy-sell rights are triggered upon the occurrence of certain purported
unauthorized or involuntary transfers, but in the event of certain change of control or deadlock events, the buy-sell rights are structured such that we are always the party entitled, or obligated, as the case may be, to purchase.



We generally consider our relationship with Temple-Inland to be good with
respect to both of our joint ventures and currently do not anticipate experiencing material liquidity events resulting from either additional capital contributions or buy-sell contingencies with respect to our joint ventures during 2004. However, in
light of the recent amendments to the Premier Boxboard credit facility, as described above, we could be required to fund Premier Boxboards operations with additional cash contributions to the extent it is unable to fund operations with
internally generated cash. We cannot give assurance that material liquidity events will not arise with respect to our joint ventures, and the occurrence of any such events could materially and adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.



Contractual Obligations. The following table summarizes
our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2003, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flows in future periods (in thousands):



|                            |  |                        |         |                  |   |           |  |           |        |                   |   |        |  |   |        
|--------------------------- |  | ---------------------- | ------- | ---------------- | - | --------- |  | --------- | ------ | ----------------- | - | ------ |  | - | -------
|                            |  | Payments due by period
|Contractual Obligations     |  | Total                  |         | Less than 1 year |   | 1-3 years |  | 3-5 years |        | More than 5 years
|Long-term debt obligations  |  | $                      | 517,145 |                  | $ | 106       |  | $         | 219    |                   | $ | 195    |  | $ | 516,625
|Capital lease obligations   |  |                        | 280     |                  |   | 154       |  |           | 126    |                   |   |       |  |   |       
|Operating lease obligations |  |                        | 82,428  |                  |   | 20,323    |  |           | 28,272 |                   |   | 19,889 |  |   | 13,944 
|Purchase obligations        |  |                        | 6,705   |                  |   | 4,789     |  |           | 994    |                   |   | 922    |  |   |       
|Other long-term liabilities |  |                        | 78      |                  |   | 18        |  |           | 50     |                   |   | 10     |  |   |       
|                            |  |                        |         |                  |   |           |  |           |        |                   |   |        |  |   |        
|Total1                      |  | $                      | 606,636 |                  | $ | 25,390    |  | $         | 29,661 |                   | $ | 21,016 |  | $ | 530,569
|                            |  |                        |         |                  |   |           |  |           |        |                   |   |        |  |   |        

---

|1 | Total does not include certain obligations under purchase orders as discussed below.
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



34



---

Purchase orders for the purchase of raw materials and other goods and services are not included in the
table above. We are not able to determine the aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations, as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding agreements. For the purposes of this
table, purchase obligations are defined as agreements for purchase of goods or services that are enforceable and legally binding on Caraustar and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed,
minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions. Our purchase orders are based on our current manufacturing needs and are fulfilled by our vendors within short time horizons.



Cash from Operations. Cash generated from operations was $55.4 million
for the year ended December 31, 2003, compared with $63.2 million in 2002. The decrease in 2003 compared to the same period in 2002 was due primarily to lower operating results, partially offset by a reduction in working capital. The reduction in
working capital is the result of management initiatives to reduce inventory, lengthen payment terms to vendors to be more consistent with industry averages and improve collections of accounts receivable.



Capital Expenditures. Capital expenditures were $20.0 million in 2003
versus $22.5 million in 2002. Aggregate capital expenditures of approximately $24.0 million are anticipated for 2004. To conserve cash, we intend to limit capital expenditures for 2004 to cost reduction, productivity improvement and replacement
projects.



Acquisitions. In April 2002, we acquired the
remaining 51% of the outstanding stock of Design Tubes Company Limited (Design Tubes), Toronto, Ontario, Canada in consideration for shares of a subsidiary exchangeable at the holders option (for no additional consideration) for
approximately 141 thousand shares of our common stock, valued at $1.5 million. We originally acquired our minority interest in Design Tubes in November 1998 and accounted for our 49% ownership using the equity method. Design Tubes manufactures
paperboard tubes and also produces paper tube manufacturing equipment for companies throughout North America. Goodwill in the amount of $2.0 million was recorded in the connection with the Design Tubes acquisition.



On September 30, 2002, we acquired certain operating assets (excluding
accounts receivable) of the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group, a business unit of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.), for approximately $67.1 million, and assumed $1.7 million of indebtedness outstanding under certain industrial revenue bonds.
The acquisition was funded with cash on hand. Goodwill and intangible assets of approximately $43.2 million were recorded in conjunction with the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group acquisition. Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group operations included
17 paper tube and core plants, 3 uncoated recycled paperboard mills and 3 partition manufacturing plants. These facilities are located in 16 states across the U.S. and in Canada.



Dividends. In February 2002, we announced that we would suspend future dividend payments on our common stock until
our earnings performance and cash flow performance improve. As described under  Liquidity and Capital Resources, our debt agreements contain certain limitations on the payment of dividends and currently preclude us from doing so.



Inflation



Raw material and energy cost changes have had, and continue to have, a
material negative effect on our operations. We do not believe that general economic inflation is a significant determinant of our raw material and energy cost increases or that it has a material effect on our operations.



Subsequent Events



On January 13, 2004, we announced the closure of the Cedartown paperboard mill located in Cedartown, Georgia. All of the
paperboard produced at this facility had been consumed internally by our converting operations. The paperboard production will be transitioned to our other paperboard mills. This closure is not expected to have a significant impact on our operations
and is expected to improve operating results and capacity utilization.



35



---

In March 2004, we unwound one of our two $50.0 million interest rate swap agreements related to our
97/8% senior subordinated notes and received approximately $400 thousand from the bank counter-party. The $400
thousand gain will be recorded as a component of debt and will be accreted to interest expense over the remaining life of the notes.



New Accounting Pronouncements



In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (SFAS No. 146). This
pronouncement requires recording costs associated with exit or disposal activities at their fair values when a liability has been incurred. Under previous guidance, certain exit costs were accrued upon managements commitment to an exit plan,
which was generally before an actual liability had been incurred. We adopted SFAS No. 146 effective January 1, 2003 and are accounting for exit and disposal activities initiated during 2003 in accordance with this pronouncement. The adoption of this
statement has resulted in the accrual of liabilities as incurred.



See Item 8  Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding other new accounting pronouncements that did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK



At December 31, 2003, we had outstanding borrowings of approximately $507.3
million related to the issuance of debt securities registered with the SEC. In June of 1999, we issued $200.0 million of 73/8% senior notes at a discount to yield an effective interest rate of 7.473%. After taking into account realized gains from unwinding various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate is 6.4%. The 73/8% senior notes pay interest semiannually, and are our unsecured obligations. In March of 2001, we issued $285.0
million of 97/8% senior subordinated notes and $29.0 million of 71/4% senior notes. These notes were issued at a discount to yield effective interest rates of 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. After taking into account realized
gains from unwinding various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate of the 97/8%
senior subordinated notes is 9.2%. These 97/8% senior subordinated notes and the 71/4% senior notes pay interest semiannually, and are unsecured, but they are guaranteed, on a joint and several basis,
by all of our domestic subsidiaries, other than two that are not wholly-owned.



We have a senior credit facility that provides for a revolving line of credit of $75.0 million and is secured by a first priority security interest in our
accounts receivable and inventory. The facility matures in June 2006. Borrowing availability is subject to borrowing base requirements established by eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The facility includes a subfacility of $50.0 million
for letters of credit, usage of which reduces availability under the facility. Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at our option, either (1) the base rate (which is the prime rate most recently announced by Bank of
America, N.A., the administrative agent under the facility) plus a margin of 0.50% or (2) the adjusted Eurodollar Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 2.50%. No borrowings were outstanding under the facility as of December 31, 2003, although
approximately $44.0 million in letter of credit obligations were outstanding.



In 2003, we entered into two interest rate swap agreements in notional amounts totaling $100.0 million. The agreements, which have payment and expiration dates that correspond to the terms of the note obligations they
cover, effectively converted $100.0 million of our 97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate
obligations. The variable rates are based on the six-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin. A one hundred basis point increase in the six-month LIBOR would cause interest expense to increase by $1.0 million annually.



Our senior management establishes parameters, which are approved by the board
of directors, for our financial risk. We do not utilize derivatives for speculative purposes.



36



---

The table below provides information about our debt obligations and interest rate derivatives that are
sensitive to changes in interest rates. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related interest rates by expected maturity dates. For interest rate derivatives, the table presents notional amounts and weighted average
interest rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates for our interest rate swaps. Notional amounts are used to calculate the contractual payments to be exchanged under the contract. Weighted average variable rates are based on the contractual
fixed spread plus the six-month LIBOR in effect at December 31, 2003.



|                                   |  |                            |  |            |         |   |       |   |         |  
|---------------------------------- |  | -------------------------- |  | ---------- | ------- | - | ----- | - | ------- | -
|                                   |  | Contractual Maturity Dates | 
|                                   |  | 2004 to 2008               |  | Thereafter |         |   | Total |  
|                                   |  | (In thousands)             | 
|Debt Obligations                   |  |                            |  |            |         |   |       |   |         |  
|97/8%
Senior Subordinated Notes(1) |  |                           |  | $          | 285,000 |   |       | $ | 285,000 |  
|Average interest rate              |  |                           |  |            | 9.875   | % |       |   | 9.875   | %
|71/4%
Senior Notes(1)              |  |                           |  | $          | 29,000  |   |       | $ | 29,000  |  
|Average interest rate              |  |                           |  |            | 7.25    | % |       |   | 7.25    | %
|73/8%
Senior Notes(1)              |  |                           |  | $          | 193,250 |   |       | $ | 193,250 |  
|Average interest rate              |  |                           |  |            | 7.375   | % |       |   | 7.375   | %
|Interest Rate Derivatives          |  |                            |  |            |         |   |       |   |         |  
|Fixed to Variable(1)               |  |                           |  | $          | 100,000 |   |       | $ | 100,000 |  
|Average pay rate                   |  |                           |  |            | 9.875   | % |       |   | 9.875   | %
|Average receive rate(2)            |  |                           |  |            | 6.796   | % |       |   | 6.796   | %

---

|(1) | See the notes to the consolidated financial statements.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------

|(2) | The average receive rate represents the actual rates in effect at December 31, 2003.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



37



---

ITEM 8: FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTAL DATA



CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share data)



|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | -------- | - | ---- | - | -------- | -
|                                                                                                                                                                |  | December 31, |         
|                                                                                                                                                                |  | 2003         |          |   | 2002 |  
|ASSETS                                                                                                                                                          |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|CURRENT ASSETS:                                                                                                                                                 |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                       |  | $            | 85,551   |   |      | $ | 34,314   |  
|Receivables, net of allowances for doubtful accounts, returns, and discounts of $5,302 and $5,386 in 2003 and 2002,
respectively                                |  |              | 93,892   |   |      |   | 105,669  |  
|Inventories                                                                                                                                                     |  |              | 87,608   |   |      |   | 107,644  |  
|Refundable income taxes                                                                                                                                         |  |              | 250      |   |      |   | 13,681   |  
|Current deferred tax asset                                                                                                                                      |  |              | 7,457    |   |      |   | 6,364    |  
|Other current assets                                                                                                                                            |  |              | 12,461   |   |      |   | 8,978    |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Total current assets                                                                                                                                            |  |              | 287,219  |   |      |   | 276,650  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT:                                                                                                                                  |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Land                                                                                                                                                            |  |              | 12,211   |   |      |   | 14,337   |  
|Buildings and improvements                                                                                                                                      |  |              | 141,022  |   |      |   | 150,565  |  
|Machinery and equipment                                                                                                                                         |  |              | 617,688  |   |      |   | 643,863  |  
|Furniture and fixtures                                                                                                                                          |  |              | 15,225   |   |      |   | 14,894   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              | 786,146  |   |      |   | 823,659  |  
|Less accumulated depreciation                                                                                                                                   |  |              | (375,374 | ) |      |   | (380,264 | )
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Property, plant and equipment, net                                                                                                                              |  |              | 410,772  |   |      |   | 443,395  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|GOODWILL                                                                                                                                                        |  |              | 183,130  |   |      |   | 180,545  |  
|INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES                                                                                                                         |  |              | 54,623   |   |      |   | 52,830   |  
|OTHER ASSETS                                                                                                                                                    |  |              | 24,801   |   |      |   | 36,913   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  | $            | 960,545  |   |      | $ | 990,333  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY                                                                                                                            |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|CURRENT LIABILITIES:                                                                                                                                            |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Current maturities of debt                                                                                                                                      |  | $            | 106      |   |      | $ | 70       |  
|Accounts payable                                                                                                                                                |  |              | 75,013   |   |      |   | 60,027   |  
|Accrued interest                                                                                                                                                |  |              | 8,832    |   |      |   | 8,749    |  
|Accrued compensation                                                                                                                                            |  |              | 9,800    |   |      |   | 12,841   |  
|Accrued pension                                                                                                                                                 |  |              |         |   |      |   | 11,279   |  
|Other accrued liabilities                                                                                                                                       |  |              | 31,307   |   |      |   | 36,866   |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                       |  |              | 125,058  |   |      |   | 129,832  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY                                                                                                                                          |  |              |         |   |      |   |         |  
|OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities                                                                                                                   |  |              | 531,001  |   |      |   | 532,715  |  
|DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                                                                                                                                           |  |              | 58,920   |   |      |   | 65,749   |  
|PENSION LIABILITY                                                                                                                                               |  |              | 18,632   |   |      |   | 13,572   |  
|DEFERRED COMPENSATION                                                                                                                                           |  |              | 1,522    |   |      |   | 1,500    |  
|OTHER LIABILITIES                                                                                                                                               |  |              | 5,031    |   |      |   | 4,584    |  
|MINORITY INTEREST                                                                                                                                               |  |              | 504      |   |      |   | 700      |  
|COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)                                                                                                                          |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY:                                                                                                                                           |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Preferred stock, $.10 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued                                                                                  |  |              |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Common stock, $.10 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized, 28,222,205 and 27,906,674 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and
2002, respectively |  |              | 2,822    |   |      |   | 2,791    |  
|Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                                      |  |              | 185,031  |   |      |   | 182,369  |  
|Unearned compensation                                                                                                                                           |  |              | (1,865   | ) |      |   | (145     | )
|Retained earnings                                                                                                                                               |  |              | 52,531   |   |      |   | 79,566   |  
|Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income:                                                                                                                  |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Minimum pension liability adjustment                                                                                                                            |  |              | (19,244  | ) |      |   | (22,313  | )
|Foreign currency translation                                                                                                                                    |  |              | 602      |   |      |   | (587     | )
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Total accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                                                                      |  |              | (18,642  | ) |      |   | (22,900  | )
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|Total Shareholders Equity                                                                                                                                      |  |              | 219,877  |   |      |   | 241,681  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  | $            | 960,545  |   |      | $ | 990,333  |  
|                                                                                                                                                                |  |              |          |   |      |   |          |  



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



38



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)



|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|----------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------------------- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                      |  | For the Years Ended December 31, |        
|                                                      |  | 2003                             |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|SALES                                                 |  | $                                | 992,220 |   |      | $ | 936,779 |      |  | $ | 900,256 |  
|COST OF SALES                                         |  |                                  | 819,349 |   |      |   | 767,955 |      |  |   | 720,018 |  
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                          |  |                                  | 172,871 |   |      |   | 168,824 |      |  |   | 180,238 |  
|SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES          |  |                                  | 163,930 |   |      |   | 150,044 |      |  |   | 146,934 |  
|RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS                    |  |                                  | 15,142  |   |      |   | 12,713  |      |  |   | 7,083   |  
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|(Loss) income from operations                         |  |                                  | (6,201  | ) |      |   | 6,067   |      |  |   | 26,221  |  
|OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:                               |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Interest expense                                      |  |                                  | (43,905 | ) |      |   | (38,115 | )    |  |   | (41,153 | )
|Interest income                                       |  |                                  | 1,026   |   |      |   | 1,652   |      |  |   | 986     |  
|Write-off of deferred debt costs                      |  |                                  | (1,812  | ) |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|Loss on extinguishment of debt                        |  |                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   | (4,305  | )
|Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates  |  |                                  | 8,354   |   |      |   | 2,488   |      |  |   | (2,610  | )
|Other, net                                            |  |                                  | 208     |   |      |   | 130     |      |  |   | (1,434  | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|                                                      |  |                                  | (36,129 | ) |      |   | (33,845 | )    |  |   | (48,516 | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|LOSS BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST AND INCOME TAXES        |  |                                  | (42,330 | ) |      |   | (27,778 | )    |  |   | (22,295 | )
|MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES                           |  |                                  | 196     |   |      |   | 235     |      |  |   | 180     |  
|BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES                              |  |                                  | (15,099 | ) |      |   | (9,623  | )    |  |   | (7,513  | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|NET LOSS                                              |  | $                                | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602 | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:                             |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Minimum pension liability adjustment                  |  |                                  | 3,069   |   |      |   | (22,313 | )    |  |   |        |  
|Foreign currency translation adjustment               |  |                                  | 1,189   |   |      |   | 223     |      |  |   | (57     | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|COMPREHENSIVE LOSS                                    |  | $                                | (22,777 | ) |      | $ | (40,010 | )    |  | $ | (14,659 | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|BASIC                                                 |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE                             |  | $                                | (0.97   | ) |      | $ | (0.64   | )    |  | $ | (0.52   | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING         |  |                                  | 27,993  |   |      |   | 27,871  |      |  |   | 27,845  |  
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|DILUTED                                               |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE                             |  | $                                | (0.97   | ) |      | $ | (0.64   | )    |  | $ | (0.52   | )
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING |  |                                  | 27,993  |   |      |   | 27,871  |      |  |   | 27,845  |  
|                                                      |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  



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



39



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

For the Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

(In thousands, except share data)



|                                                                           |  |              |   |  |                            |       |   |                       |   |         |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |         |   |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | - |  | -------------------------- | ----- | - | --------------------- | - | ------- | ----------------- |  | - | --------------------------------------------- | - |  | ----- | ------- | - |  | - | ------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                                           |  | Common Stock |   |  | Additional Paid-In Capital |       |   | Unearned Compensation |   |         | Retained Earnings |  |   | Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income |   |  | Total |        
|                                                                           |  | Shares       |   |  | Amount                     |       |   |                       |   |         |                  
|BALANCE, December 31, 2000                                                 |  | 26,204,567   |   |  | $                          | 2,620 |   |                       | $ | 161,378 |                   |  | $ | (554                                          | ) |  | $     | 117,117 |   |  | $ | (753    | ) |  | $ | 279,808 |  
|Net loss                                                                   |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       | (14,602 | ) |  |   |        |   |  |   | (14,602 | )
|Issuance of common stock for acquisitions                                  |  | 1,643,192    |   |  |                            | 165   |   |                       |   | 18,634  |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 18,799  |  
|Benefit from issuance of common stock under nonqualified stock option plan |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   | 408     |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 408     |  
|Forfeiture of common stock under 1993 stock purchase plan                  |  | (5,526       | ) |  |                            | (1    | ) |                       |   | (115    | )                 |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | (116    | )
|Issuance of common stock under 1998 stock purchase plan                    |  | 451          |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   |        |  
|Issuance of common stock under director equity plan                        |  | 8,339        |   |  |                            | 1     |   |                       |   | 75      |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 76      |  
|Amortization of unearned compensation expense                              |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   | 265                                           |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 265     |  
|Foreign currency translation adjustment                                    |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   | (57     | ) |  |   | (57     | )
|Dividends declared of $.18 per share                                       |  | 2,874        |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   | 25      |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       | (5,027  | ) |  |   |        |   |  |   | (5,002  | )
|                                                                           |  |              |   |  |                            |       |   |                       |   |         |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |         |   |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|BALANCE, December 31, 2001                                                 |  | 27,853,897   |   |  |                            | 2,785 |   |                       |   | 180,405 |                   |  |   | (289                                          | ) |  |       | 97,488  |   |  |   | (810    | ) |  |   | 279,579 |  
|Net loss                                                                   |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       | (17,920 | ) |  |   |        |   |  |   | (17,920 | )
|Issuance of common stock for acquisitions                                  |  | 34,003       |   |  |                            | 3     |   |                       |   | 321     |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 324     |  
|Issuance of common stock under nonqualified stock option plan              |  | 3,239        |   |  |                            | 1     |   |                       |   | 30      |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 31      |  
|Forfeiture of common stock under 1993 stock purchase plan                  |  | (8,864       | ) |  |                            | (1    | ) |                       |   | (73     | )                 |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | (74     | )
|Issuance of common stock under 1998 stock purchase plan                    |  | 1,332        |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   |        |  
|Issuance of common stock under director equity plan                        |  | 8,690        |   |  |                            | 1     |   |                       |   | 78      |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 79      |  
|Issuance of common stock under employee benefit plan                       |  | 14,068       |   |  |                            | 2     |   |                       |   | 134     |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 136     |  
|Amortization of unearned compensation expense                              |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   | 144                                           |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 144     |  
|Convertible shares issued for acquisition                                  |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   | 1,472   |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 1,472   |  
|Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $13,595              |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   | (22,313 | ) |  |   | (22,313 | )
|Foreign currency translation adjustment                                    |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   | 223     |   |  |   | 223     |  
|Stock dividend paid                                                        |  | 309          |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   | 2       |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       | (2      | ) |  |   |        |   |  |   |        |  
|                                                                           |  |              |   |  |                            |       |   |                       |   |         |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |         |   |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|BALANCE, December 31, 2002                                                 |  | 27,906,674   |   |  |                            | 2,791 |   |                       |   | 182,369 |                   |  |   | (145                                          | ) |  |       | 79,566  |   |  |   | (22,900 | ) |  |   | 241,681 |  
|Net loss                                                                   |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       | (27,035 | ) |  |   |        |   |  |   | (27,035 | )
|Forfeiture of common stock under 1993 stock purchase plan                  |  | (572         | ) |  |                            |      |   |                       |   | (4      | )                 |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | (4      | )
|Issuance of common stock under 1998 stock purchase plan                    |  | 75,402       |   |  |                            | 7     |   |                       |   | 718     |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 725     |  
|Issuance of common stock under long-term equity incentive plan             |  | 229,900      |   |  |                            | 23    |   |                       |   | 1,855   |                   |  |   | (1,878                                        | ) |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   |        |  
|Issuance of common stock under director equity plan                        |  | 10,801       |   |  |                            | 1     |   |                       |   | 93      |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 94      |  
|Amortization of unearned compensation expense                              |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   | 158                                           |   |  |       |        |   |  |   |        |   |  |   | 158     |  
|Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of taxes of $1,871               |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |        |   |  |   | 3,069   |   |  |   | 3,069   |  
|Foreign currency translation adjustment                                    |  |             |   |  |                            |      |   |                       |   |        |                   |  |   |                                              |   |  |       |        |   |  |   | 1,189   |   |  |   | 1,189   |  
|                                                                           |  |              |   |  |                            |       |   |                       |   |         |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |         |   |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|BALANCE, December 31, 2003                                                 |  | 28,222,205   |   |  | $                          | 2,822 |   |                       | $ | 185,031 |                   |  | $ | (1,865                                        | ) |  | $     | 52,531  |   |  | $ | (18,642 | ) |  | $ | 219,877 |  
|                                                                           |  |              |   |  |                            |       |   |                       |   |         |                   |  |   |                                               |   |  |       |         |   |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  



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



40



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------------------- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | -------- | -
|                                                                                |  | For the Years Ended December 31, |        
|                                                                                |  | 2003                             |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|OPERATING ACTIVITIES:                                                           |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Net loss                                                                        |  | $                                | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602  | )
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Loss from extinguishment of debt                                                |  |                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   | 4,305    |  
|Depreciation and amortization                                                   |  |                                  | 30,991  |   |      |   | 54,246  |      |  |   | 64,340   |  
|Write-off of deferred debt costs                                                |  |                                  | 1,812   |   |      |   |        |      |  |   |         |  
|Disposal of property, plant and equipment, net                                  |  |                                  | 3,507   |   |      |   | 1,267   |      |  |   | 470      |  
|Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates, net of distributions             |  |                                  | (2,204  | ) |      |   | 8,167   |      |  |   | 3,610    |  
|Deferred income taxes                                                           |  |                                  | (9,631  | ) |      |   | 5,976   |      |  |   | 15,811   |  
|Provision for deferred compensation                                             |  |                                  | 190     |   |      |   | 223     |      |  |   | 226      |  
|Minority interest                                                               |  |                                  | (196    | ) |      |   | (235    | )    |  |   | (180     | )
|Restructuring costs                                                             |  |                                  | 11,862  |   |      |   | 5,167   |      |  |   | 3,987    |  
|Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:               |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Receivables                                                                     |  |                                  | 12,180  |   |      |   | (18,547 | )    |  |   | 6,848    |  
|Inventories                                                                     |  |                                  | 20,036  |   |      |   | 5,580   |      |  |   | 9,737    |  
|Other assets and liabilities                                                    |  |                                  | (5,108  | ) |      |   | (4,729  | )    |  |   | (8,951   | )
|Accounts payable and accrued liabilities                                        |  |                                  | 5,630   |   |      |   | 19,737  |      |  |   | (14,770  | )
|Income taxes                                                                    |  |                                  | 13,348  |   |      |   | 4,268   |      |  |   | (13,628  | )
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Total adjustments                                                               |  |                                  | 82,417  |   |      |   | 81,120  |      |  |   | 71,805   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Net cash provided by operating activities                                       |  |                                  | 55,382  |   |      |   | 63,200  |      |  |   | 57,203   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                           |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Purchases of property, plant and equipment                                      |  |                                  | (20,006 | ) |      |   | (22,542 | )    |  |   | (28,059  | )
|Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired                                 |  |                                  | (695    | ) |      |   | (69,547 | )    |  |   | (34      | )
|Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment                         |  |                                  | 2,321   |   |      |   | 2,145   |      |  |   | 267      |  
|Investment in unconsolidated affiliates                                         |  |                                  |        |   |      |   | (200    | )    |  |   |         |  
|Other, net                                                                      |  |                                  |        |   |      |   | (230    | )    |  |   | 436      |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Net cash used in investing activities                                           |  |                                  | (18,380 | ) |      |   | (90,374 | )    |  |   | (27,390  | )
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|FINANCING ACTIVITIES:                                                           |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Proceeds from note issuance                                                     |  |                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   | 291,200  |  
|Proceeds from senior credit facility                                            |  |                                  |        |   |      |   | 38,000  |      |  |   | 18,000   |  
|Repayments of senior credit facility                                            |  |                                  |        |   |      |   | (38,000 | )    |  |   | (212,000 | )
|Repayments of short and long-term debt                                          |  |                                  | (95     | ) |      |   | (6,693  | )    |  |   | (67,110  | )
|Proceeds from swap agreement unwind                                             |  |                                  | 15,950  |   |      |   | 6,163   |      |  |   | 9,093    |  
|7.74% senior notes prepayment penalty                                           |  |                                  |        |   |      |   |        |      |  |   | (3,565   | )
|Dividends paid                                                                  |  |                                  |        |   |      |   | (833    | )    |  |   | (8,870   | )
|Deferred debt costs                                                             |  |                                  | (2,214  | ) |      |   | (1,528  | )    |  |   | (1,217   | )
|Issuances of stock, net of forfeitures                                          |  |                                  | 594     |   |      |   | 135     |      |  |   |         |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities                             |  |                                  | 14,235  |   |      |   | (2,756  | )    |  |   | 25,531   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS                            |  |                                  | 51,237  |   |      |   | (29,930 | )    |  |   | 55,344   |  
|CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR                                  |  |                                  | 34,314  |   |      |   | 64,244  |      |  |   | 8,900    |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF YEAR                                        |  | $                                | 85,551  |   |      | $ | 34,314  |      |  | $ | 64,244   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES:                                                       |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Cash payments for interest                                                      |  | $                                | 42,990  |   |      | $ | 36,199  |      |  | $ | 35,352   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Income tax refunds, net of payments                                             |  | $                                | 18,783  |   |      | $ | 18,784  |      |  | $ | 7,980    |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  
|Stock issued for acquisitions                                                   |  | $                                |        |   |      | $ | 324     |      |  | $ | 18,799   |  
|                                                                                |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |          |  



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



41



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies



Nature of Business



Caraustar Industries, Inc. (the Parent Company) and subsidiaries
(collectively, the Company) are engaged in manufacturing, converting, and marketing paperboard and related products.



Consolidation



The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Parent Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.



Cash and Cash
Equivalents



The Company considers cash on deposit and
investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.



Inventories



Inventories are carried at
the lower of cost or market. Cost includes materials, labor and overhead. Market, with respect to all inventories, is replacement cost or net realizable value. The Company reviews inventory at least quarterly to determine the necessity of write-offs
for excess, obsolete or unsaleable inventory. The Company estimates reserves for inventory obsolescence and shrinkage based on managements judgment of future realization. These reviews require management to assess customer and market demand.
All inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out method.



Inventories at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were as follows (in thousands):



|                                   |  |      |        |      |   |        
|---------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------ | ---- | - | -------
|                                   |  | 2003 |        | 2002
|Raw materials and supplies         |  | $    | 37,294 |      | $ | 46,781 
|Finished goods and work in process |  |      | 50,314 |      |   | 60,863 
|                                   |  |      |        |      |   |        
|Total inventory                    |  | $    | 87,608 |      | $ | 107,644
|                                   |  |      |        |      |   |        



Property, Plant and Equipment



Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost.
Expenditures for repairs and maintenance not considered to substantially lengthen the asset lives or increase capacity or efficiency are charged to expense as incurred. The recoverability of property, plant, and equipment is periodically reviewed by
management based on current and anticipated conditions.



In the
fourth quarter of 2002, the Company completed, with the assistance from independent professional valuation advisors, a comprehensive review of the remaining estimated useful lives of its machinery and equipment. As a result of this review, the
Company revised its estimate of the useful lives for production machinery and equipment from an average of approximately 10 years to an average of approximately 20 years. The Company believes that the change more appropriately reflects the useful
lives of the assets. The effect of this change in estimated useful lives was accounted for on a prospective basis. The impact of this change was a decrease in depreciation expense in the fourth quarter of 2002 of approximately $7.6 million and a
decrease of $22.5 million in 2003.



42



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of
the assets:



|                           |  |            
|-------------------------- |  | -----------
|Buildings and improvements |  | 10-45 years
|Machinery and equipment    |  | 3-25 years 
|Furniture and fixtures     |  | 5-10 years 



Depreciation expense
was $29.4 million, $50.9 million, and $57.4 million for the years ended December 2003, 2002 and 2001.



Use of Estimates



The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. For example, significant management judgment is required in determining: the credit worthiness of customers and
collectibility of accounts receivable; excess, obsolete or unsaleable inventory reserves; the potential impairment of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangibles; the accounting for income taxes; the liability for self-insured claims; and the
Companys obligation and expense for pension and other postretirement benefits. Actual results could differ from the Companys estimates and the differences could be significant.



Revenue Recognition



The Company recognizes revenue and the related account receivable when the
following four criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) ownership has transferred to the customer; (3) the selling price is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectibility is reasonably assured. Determination of
criteria (4) is based on managements judgments regarding the collectibility of the Companys accounts receivable. Generally, the Company recognizes revenue when it ships its manufactured products or when it completes a service and title
and risk of loss passes to its customers. Provisions for discounts, returns, allowances, customer rebates, and other adjustments are provided for in the same period as the related revenues are recorded.



Freight Costs



The costs of delivering finished goods to the Companys customers are recorded as a component of cost of sales. Those
costs include the amounts paid to a third party to deliver the finished goods or the Companys cost of using its own delivery trucks and drivers. Any freight costs billed to and paid by a customer are included in revenue.



Self-Insurance



The Company is self-insured for the majority of its workers compensation costs and health care costs, subject to
specific retention levels. Consulting actuaries and administrators assist the Company in determining its liability for self-insured claims. The Companys self-insured workers compensation liability is estimated based on actual claims as
established by a third party administrator, increased by factors that reflect the Companys historical claim development. The developed claim, net of amounts paid, represents the liability that the Company records in its financial
statements. The Companys self-insured health care liability is estimated based on its actual claim experience and multiplied by a time lag factor. The lag factor represents an estimate of claims that have been incurred and should be recorded
as a liability, but have not been reported to the Company.



43



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Foreign Currency Translation



The financial statements of the Companys non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars in accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 52, Foreign Currency Translation. Assets and liabilities of the non-U.S. subsidiaries are translated at current rates of exchange. The resulting translation adjustments
were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss. Income and expense items were translated at the average exchange rate for the year. Gains and losses were reported in the net loss and were not material in any year.



Goodwill



Goodwill was amortized using the straight-line method over periods ranging up to 40 years for fiscal years prior to 2002.
Effective January 1, 2002, the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under this pronouncement, goodwill is no longer amortized, but instead requires the Company to perform a goodwill impairment test at least
annually. The Companys most recent impairment test was performed during the fourth quarter of 2003 and did not result in an impairment charge.



Impairment of Long-Lived Assets



Pursuant to SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, the Company periodically evaluates long-lived
assets, including property, plant and equipment and definite lived intangible assets whenever events or changes in conditions may indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Factors that management considers important that could
initiate an impairment review include the following:



| |  | significant operating losses;
| | - | -----------------------------



| |  | recurring operating losses;
| | - | ---------------------------



| |  | significant declines in demand for a product produced by an asset capable of producing only that product;
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | assets that are idled or held for sale;
| | - | ---------------------------------------



| |  | assets that are likely to be divested
| | - | -------------------------------------



The impairment review requires the Company to estimate future undiscounted cash flows associated with an asset or group of assets and sum the estimated
future cash flows. If the future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, the Company must estimate the fair value of the asset. If the fair value of the asset is below the carrying value, then the difference will be
written-off. Estimating future cash flows requires the Company to make judgments regarding future economic conditions, product demand and pricing. Although the Company believes its estimates are appropriate, significant differences in the actual
performance of the asset or group of assets may materially affect the Companys asset values and results of operations.



Impairment costs of $2.1 million was recorded in 2003 related to assets held for sale. These assets are land and buildings for operations that have been
permanently closed in conjunction with the Companys restructuring activities. The costs represent the difference between the carrying value of the assets and the estimated fair value.



Income Taxes



The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which
requires an asset and liability approach to financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. In



44



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



accordance with SFAS No. 109, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed annually for differences between the financial statement and tax bases
of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax laws and rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Income tax expense (benefit) is
the tax payable or refundable for the period plus or minus the change during the period in deferred tax assets and liabilities.



Under SFAS No. 109, a valuation allowance is required when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.
Realization is dependent on generating sufficient future taxable income.



Income or Loss Per Share



The Company
computes basic and diluted earnings or loss per share in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share. Basic income or loss per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income or loss available to common shareholders by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if convertible securities were converted into common stock, or other contracts to issue common stock
resulted in the issuance of common stock. Since the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were net losses, the impact of the dilutive effect of stock options, if any, were not added to the weighted average shares.



Stock-Based Compensation



On December 31, 2002 the Company was required to adopt SFAS No. 148,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation  Transition and Disclosure (SFAS No. 148). SFAS No. 148 amends SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation to provide alternative methods of transition for
companies that voluntarily elect to adopt the fair value recognition and measurement methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123.



In addition, regardless of the method a company elects to account for stock-based compensation arrangements, SFAS No. 148 requires additional disclosures
in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies footnote of both interim and annual financial statements regarding the method the company uses to account for stock-based compensation and the effect of such method on the Companys reported
results.



The Company has elected to follow Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related interpretations (APB No. 25) in accounting for its employee stock options. However, pro forma information regarding net income and earnings
per share is required by SFAS 123, which requires that the information be determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options granted under the fair value method of that statement. The fair values for these options were
estimated as of the grant dates using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following assumptions were used for options granted for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:



|                        |  |               |  |               |  |              
|----------------------- |  | ------------- |  | ------------- |  | -------------
|                        |  | 2003          |  | 2002          |  | 2001         
|Risk-free interest rate |  | 3.54%  4.22% |  | 3.39%  4.94% |  | 4.92%  5.36%
|Expected dividend yield |  | 0%            |  | 0%            |  | 1.16%  1.63%
|Expected option lives   |  | 8-10 years    |  | 8-10 years    |  | 8-10 years   
|Expected volatility     |  | 39%           |  | 39%           |  | 41%          



The total fair values
of the options granted during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 were computed to be approximately $1.0 million, $2.3 million and $470 thousand, respectively. If the Company had



45



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



accounted for these plans in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and included the amortization expense related to options vesting each year, the Companys
reported and pro forma net loss and net loss per share for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 would have been as follows (in thousands, except per share data):



|                                                                                                 |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  | ---- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                                                                 |  | 2003 |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|Net loss:                                                                                        |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|As reported                                                                                      |  | $    | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602 | )
|Stock based compensation expense determined pursuant to SFAS No. 123, net of related tax effects |  |      | (1,440  | ) |      |   | (1,692  | )    |  |   | (1,154  | )
|                                                                                                 |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Pro forma                                                                                        |  |      | (28,475 | ) |      |   | (19,612 | )    |  |   | (15,756 | )
|Diluted loss per common share:                                                                   |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|As reported                                                                                      |  | $    | (0.97   | ) |      | $ | (0.64   | )    |  | $ | (0.52   | )
|Pro forma                                                                                        |  |      | (1.02   | ) |      |   | (0.70   | )    |  |   | (0.57   | )



New Accounting Pronouncements



In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations (SFAS No. 143). This pronouncement requires entities to record the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in
the period in which it is incurred. When the liability is initially recorded, the entity capitalizes the cost by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each period
and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, the entity either settles the obligation for the amount recorded or incurs a gain or loss. The Company adopted SFAS No. 143
effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.



In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146 Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (SFAS No. 146). This
pronouncement requires recording costs associated with exit or disposal activities at their fair values when a liability has been incurred. Under previous guidance, certain exit costs were accrued upon managements commitment to an exit plan,
which was generally before an actual liability had been incurred. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 effective January 1, 2003 and is accounting for exit and disposal activities initiated during 2003 in accordance with this pronouncement. The adoption
of this statement has resulted in the accrual of liabilities as incurred.



In November 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Guarantees of Indebtedness of
Others (FIN 45) which requires companies to recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. FIN 45 provides specific guidance identifying the
characteristics of contracts that are subject to its guidance in its entirety from those only subject to the initial recognition and measurement provisions. The recognition and measurement provisions of FIN 45 were effective on a prospective basis
for guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The Company adopted FIN 45 effective January 1, 2003. The adoption of this pronouncement did not have a material effect on the Companys consolidated financial statements.



In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB
Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB 51 (FIN 46). The primary objectives of FIN 46 are to provide guidance on the identification of entities for which control is
achieved through means other than through voting rights (variable interest entities or VIEs) and how to determine when and which business enterprise should consolidate the VIE (the primary beneficiary). This new
model for consolidation applies to an entity if either (1) the equity investors (if any) do not have a controlling financial interest or (2) the equity



46



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entitys activities without receiving additional subordinated financial support from other parties.
In addition, FIN 46 requires that both the primary beneficiary and all other enterprises with a significant variable interest in a VIE make additional disclosures regarding the nature, purpose, size and activities of the VIE and the
enterprises maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with the VIE. The Company adopted this interpretation effective July 1, 2003. The Company does not currently hold any VIEs and the adoption of this interpretation did not have
an impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements or disclosures.



In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 149, Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (SFAS No. 149). SFAS No. 149 amends
and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. In particular, this Statement clarifies under what circumstances a contract
with an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative and when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. This Statement was generally effective for contracts entered
into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.



In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of
both Liabilities and Equity (SFAS No. 150). SFAS No. 150 established standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS No. 150 was effective
for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003. The adoption of this statement on June 1, 2003 did not have an impact on the Companys consolidated financial statements.



Reclassifications



Reclassifications of previously recorded amounts have been made to conform
with 2003 presentations. Freight costs were reclassified as a component of cost of sales. The loss on disposals of property, plant and equipment was reported as a component of other non-operating expenses in prior years. These expenses are now
classified as a component of cost of sales. In addition, certain items which were classified as a component of freight costs are now classified as a reduction in sales.



2. Shareholders Equity



Preferred Stock



The Company has authorized 5.0 million shares of $0.10 par value preferred stock. The preferred stock is issuable in one or more series and with such
designations and preferences for each series as shall be stated in the resolutions providing for the designation and issue of each such series adopted by the board of directors of the Company. The board of directors is authorized by the
Companys articles of incorporation to determine the voting, dividend, redemption and liquidation preferences pertaining to each such series. No shares of preferred stock have been issued by the Company.



3. Acquisitions



Each of the following acquisitions was accounted for applying the provisions of SFAS No. 141. As a result, the Company
recorded the assets and liabilities of the acquired companies at their estimated fair values with the excess of the purchase price over these amounts being recorded as goodwill. Actual allocations of goodwill and



47



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



other identifiable assets may change during the allocation period, generally one year following the date of acquisition. The financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 reflect the operating results of the acquired businesses for the periods after their respective dates of acquisition.



Caraustar Northwest



In January 2003, the Company acquired its venture partners 50% interest in the equity of Caraustar Northwest, LLC, located in Tacoma, WA, for
approximately $695 thousand. The Tacoma facility, which manufactures tubes, cores and edge protectors and performs custom slitting for customers on the West coast, became a part of the tube, core and composite container segment.



Design Tubes



In April 2002, the Company acquired the remaining 51% of the outstanding stock of Design Tubes Company Limited (Design
Tubes), located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in consideration for shares of a subsidiary of the Company exchangeable at the holders option (for no additional consideration) for approximately 141 thousand shares of the Companys
common stock, valued at $1.5 million. The Company originally acquired its minority interest in Design Tubes in November 1998 and accounted for its 49% ownership using the equity method. Design Tubes manufactures paperboard tubes and also produces
paper tube manufacturing equipment for companies throughout North America. Goodwill in the amount of $2.0 million was recorded in connection with the Design Tubes acquisition.



Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group



On September 30, 2002, the Company acquired certain operating assets (excluding accounts receivable) of the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group
(Smurfit), a business unit of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.), for approximately $67.1 million, and assumed $1.7 million of indebtedness outstanding under certain industrial revenue bonds. Goodwill of approximately $34.5 million and
intangible assets of approximately $8.7 million were recorded in conjunction with the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group acquisition. The intangible assets are associated with the value of acquired customer relationships and will be amortized over
15 years.



The Company also entered into operating lease
agreements with a third party to lease machinery and equipment at certain acquired Smurfit locations. The terms of the agreements are six years. The future minimum rental payments required under these leases are approximately $1.7 million each year
in 2004 through 2007 and $1.3 million in 2008. The Company will recognize operating lease expense of approximately $2.0 million each year in 2004 through 2007 and $1.4 million in 2008.



Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group operations included 17 paper tube and core plants, 3 uncoated recycled paperboard mills
and 3 partition manufacturing plants. These facilities are located in 16 states across the U.S. and in Canada. The Company believes that these assets enhance the Companys capabilities in its tube, core and composite container market and
position the Company as a prominent producer in this market. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company is evaluating its existing and acquired locations to determine which locations should be closed or consolidated to achieve economies of
scale and other efficiencies. As of December 31, 2003, the Company has closed a total of eight of the acquired tube and core locations and announced the closure of the acquired Cedartown paperboard mill in January 2004.



48



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities
assumed at the date of acquisition (in thousands):



|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|------------------------------------------------ |  | - | ------ |  | - | ------
|Cash paid to Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S) |  |   |        |  | $ | 67,140
|Acquisition expenses                             |  |   |        |  |   | 2,342 
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Total allocable cost                             |  |   |        |  |   | 69,482
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Assets acquired:                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Current assets                                   |  | $ | 11,279 |  |   |       
|Intangible asset                                 |  |   | 8,672  |  |   |       
|Property, plant & equipment                      |  |   | 29,052 |  |   |       
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Total assets purchased                           |  |   |        |  |   | 49,003
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Liabilities assumed:                             |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Current liabilities                              |  |   | 12,273 |  |   |       
|Long-term debt                                   |  |   | 1,745  |  |   |       
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Total liabilities assumed                        |  |   |        |  |   | 14,018
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Net assets acquired                              |  |   |        |  |   | 34,985
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       
|Total goodwill                                   |  |   |        |  | $ | 34,497
|                                                 |  |   |        |  |   |       



The following
unaudited pro forma financial data gives effect to the acquisition of Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group as if it had occurred on the first day of each period presented. The pro forma financial data is provided for comparative purposes only and is
not necessarily indicative of the results which would have occurred if the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group acquisition had been effected at that date (in thousands, except per share information):



|                    |  |                                  |           |   |      |   |           |  
|------------------- |  | -------------------------------- | --------- | - | ---- | - | --------- | -
|                    |  | For the Years Ended December 31, |          
|                    |  | 2002                             |           |   | 2001 |  
|Total revenues      |  | $                                | 1,058,332 |   |      | $ | 1,051,442 |  
|Net loss            |  | $                                | (13,079   | ) |      | $ | (13,602   | )
|Net loss per share: |  |                                  |           |   |      |   |           |  
|Basic and diluted   |  | $                                | (0.47     | ) |      | $ | (0.49     | )
|                    |  |                                  |           |   |      |   |           |  





Vivid Graphics



In September 2002, the Company acquired a provider of digital imaging services for 34 thousand shares of its common stock valued at approximately $324
thousand. Goodwill of approximately $170 thousand was recorded in connection with the acquisition.



4. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets



Goodwill



Effective January 1, 2002,
the Company adopted SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. Under this pronouncement the Company no longer amortizes goodwill but instead performs an impairment test at least annually. The Companys most recent
impairment test was performed during the fourth quarter of 2003 and did not result in an impairment charge.



49



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Net loss and related loss per share for the year ended December 31, 2001, adjusted to exclude
goodwill amortization expense, is as follows, net of tax (in thousands, except per share information):



|                      |  |                                      |          |   |                  |            |       |   |  |   |       |  
|--------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | -------- | - | ---------------- | ---------- | ----- | - |  | - | ----- | -
|                      |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2001 |          |   | Income Per Share |           
|                      |  |                                      | Basic(A) |   |                  | Diluted(A) |      
|Reported net loss     |  | $                                    | (14,602  | ) |                  | $          | (0.52 | ) |  | $ | (0.52 | )
|Goodwill amortization |  |                                      | 2,996    |   |                  |            | 0.11  |   |  |   | 0.11  |  
|                      |  |                                      |          |   |                  |            |       |   |  |   |       |  
|Adjusted net loss     |  | $                                    | (11,606  | ) |                  | $          | (0.42 | ) |  | $ | (0.42 | )
|                      |  |                                      |          |   |                  |            |       |   |  |   |       |  

---

|(A) | Column does not sum due to rounding.
|--- | ------------------------------------



The following is a summary of the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 (in thousands):



|                                |  |            |        |                             |   |                                     |  |       |        |  |   |        
|------------------------------- |  | ---------- | ------ | --------------------------- | - | ----------------------------------- |  | ----- | ------ |  | - | -------
|                                |  | Paperboard |        | Carton and Custom Packaging |   | Tube, Core and Composite Containers |  | Total
|Balance as of December 31, 2001 |  | $          | 77,648 |                             | $ | 43,170                              |  | $     | 25,647 |  | $ | 146,465
|Goodwill acquired               |  |            | 5,040  |                             |   | 170                                 |  |       | 28,870 |  |   | 34,080 
|                                |  |            |        |                             |   |                                     |  |       |        |  |   |        
|Balance as of December 31, 2002 |  |            | 82,688 |                             |   | 43,340                              |  |       | 54,517 |  |   | 180,545
|Goodwill acquired               |  |            |       |                             |   |                                    |  |       | 2,585  |  |   | 2,585  
|                                |  |            |        |                             |   |                                     |  |       |        |  |   |        
|Balance as of December 31, 2003 |  | $          | 82,688 |                             | $ | 43,340                              |  | $     | 57,102 |  | $ | 183,130
|                                |  |            |        |                             |   |                                     |  |       |        |  |   |        



Intangible Assets



As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Company had an
intangible asset of $7.8 million, net of $858 thousand of accumulated amortization, and $8.3 million, net of $290 thousand of accumulated amortization, respectively, which is classified with other assets. Amortization expense for the year ended
December 31, 2003 and 2002 was $568 thousand and $290 thousand, respectively. The intangible asset is associated with the acquisition of certain assets of the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group and is attributable to the acquired customer
relationships. This intangible asset is being amortized over 15 years. Scheduled amortization of the intangible asset for the next five years is as follows (in thousands):



|                |  |   |      
|--------------- |  | - | -----
|2004            |  | $ | 568  
|2005            |  |   | 568  
|2006            |  |   | 568  
|2007            |  |   | 568  
|2008            |  |   | 568  
|                |  |   |      
|Five year total |  | $ | 2,840
|                |  |   |      



5. Equity Interest in
Unconsolidated Affiliates



The Company owns a 50% interest
in a limited liability company, Standard Gypsum, L.P. Standard Gypsum owns two gypsum wallboard manufacturing facilities. One facility is located in McQueeney, Texas and the other is in Cumberland City, Tennessee. Standard Gypsum is operated as a
joint venture and is managed by Temple-Inland, Inc., which also owns 50% of the joint venture. The Company accounts for its interest in Standard



50



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Gypsum under the equity method of accounting. The Companys equity interest in the earnings or loss of Standard Gypsum for the years ended December 31,
2003, 2002 and 2001 was earnings of $6.8 million, earnings of $8.2 million, and a loss of $946 thousand, respectively. The Company received distributions based on its equity interest in Standard Gypsum of $6.2 million, $10.7 million, and $1.0
million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.



During 1999,
Standard Gypsum received financing from two industrial revenue bond issuances by Stewart County, Tennessee, totaling $56.2 million, in order to complete the financing for the construction of the Cumberland City, Tennessee facility. Standard Gypsum
is the obligor under reimbursement agreements pursuant to which direct-pay letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $56.2 million were originally issued for its account in support of the outstanding industrial revenue bond
obligations. Standard Gypsum replaced these letters of credit in October 2003 with new direct-pay letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $57.4 million, issued by a replacement lender. The Company is severally obligated for 50% of Standard
Gypsums obligations for reimbursement of letter of credit drawings, interest, fees, and other amounts. The other Standard Gypsum partner, Temple-Inland, has guaranteed 50% of Standard Gypsums obligations. As of December 31, 2003 and
2002, the outstanding letters of credit totaled approximately $57.4 million and $56.2 million, respectively, for one-half of which the Company is obligated (approximately $28.7 million and $28.1 million, respectively). If either joint venture
partner had defaulted under its support arrangements, the Companys total obligation would have been $28.7 million at December 31, 2003.



As of December 31, 2003, the Companys obligation with respect to these letters of credit is supported by a letter of credit in the face amount of
$28.7 million, issued in favor of the Standard Gypsum lender. This letter of credit was issued under the Companys senior credit facility and expires on October 24, 2004. The letter of credit may be drawn in the event of a default under the
Standard Gypsum reimbursement agreement, and such a default would be triggered by, among other things, the Companys failure to renew or extend this letter of credit. In the event the Company is unable to renew, extend or otherwise replace this
letter of credit, the lender under the Standard Gypsum facility would be entitled to draw under the letter of credit to satisfy the Companys support obligations, and the Company would then be obligated to reimburse its senior lenders for the
amount of such drawing.



In March 2003, the Company completed
an amendment to its former senior credit facility. Prior to this amendment, the Companys obligation related to Standard Gypsums letter of credit was supported by a guarantee agreement and the guarantee agreement contained financial
maintenance covenants that were identical to those contained in the Companys former senior credit facility. However, the lenders to Standard Gypsum were unwilling to agree to the modification that the Company made under the amendment to the
former senior credit facility. In order to avoid an event of default under that guarantee, the Company obtained a letter of credit under its former senior credit facility in the face amount of $28.4 million. This letter of credit replaced the
Companys guarantee obligations. In exchange for this letter of credit, the Standard Gypsum lenders terminated the Companys guarantee agreement and released its security interest in the Companys accounts receivable and inventory. In
June 2003, the letter of credit issued under the Companys former senior credit facility was replaced with a letter of credit issued under the Companys current senior credit facility.



51



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Summarized financial information for Standard Gypsum at January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002 and for
the fiscal years ended January 3, 2004, December 28, 2002 and December 29, 2001, respectively, is as follows (in thousands):



|                      |  |      |        |      |   |       
|--------------------- |  | ---- | ------ | ---- | - | ------
|                      |  | 2003 |        | 2002
|Current assets        |  | $    | 15,834 |      | $ | 13,680
|Noncurrent assets     |  |      | 64,189 |      |   | 67,098
|Current liabilities   |  |      | 7,394  |      |   | 6,434 
|Long-term debt        |  |      | 56,200 |      |   | 56,200
|Long-term liabilities |  |      | 7      |      |   | 20    
|Net assets            |  |      | 16,422 |      |   | 18,124



|                  |  |      |         |      |   |        |  |   |        |  
|----------------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------ |  | - | ------ | -
|                  |  | 2003 |         | 2002 |   | 2001   | 
|Sales             |  | $    | 103,850 |      | $ | 98,558 |  | $ | 71,297 |  
|Gross profit      |  |      | 23,669  |      |   | 26,103 |  |   | 5,886  |  
|Operating income  |  |      | 15,946  |      |   | 18,881 |  |   | 292    |  
|Net income (loss) |  |      | 13,598  |      |   | 16,364 |  |   | (1,892 | )



Note that Standard
Gypsums fiscal year-end is the Saturday closest to December 31.



During 1999, the Company formed a joint venture with Temple-Inland to own and operate a containerboard mill located in Newport, Indiana. Under the joint venture agreement, the Company contributed $50.0 million to the joint venture, Premier
Boxboard Limited, LLC, and Temple-Inland contributed the net assets of the mill valued at approximately $98.0 million, and received $50.0 million in notes issued by Premier Boxboard. Upon formation, Premier Boxboard undertook an $82.0 million
project to modify the mill to enable it to produce a new lightweight gypsum facing paper along with other containerboard grades. Premier Boxboard is operated as a joint venture managed by the Company. The modified mill began operations on June 27,
2000. The Company and Temple-Inland each have a 50% interest in the joint venture, which is being accounted for under the equity method of accounting. There have been no cash distributions to the joint venture partners since formation of the joint
venture. The Companys equity interest in the earnings or loss of Premier Boxboard for 2003, 2002 and 2001 were approximately $2.1 million in earnings, a $4.6 million loss and a $1.9 million loss, respectively.



Premier Boxboard is the borrower under a credit facility, the aggregate
principal amount of which was reduced from $30.0 million to $20.2 million pursuant to an amendment completed on March 28, 2003. Pursuant to this amendment, the maturity date of the facility was shortened from June 29, 2005 to January 5, 2004. On
December 22, 2003, an additional amendment was completed that extended the maturity date of the facility to January 5, 2005. The Company is severally obligated for 50% of Premier Boxboards obligations for reimbursement of letter of credit
drawings, interest, fees and other amounts. Temple-Inland has guaranteed 50% of Premier Boxboards obligations. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding principal amount of borrowings under the facility was approximately $10.6 million
(including a $632 thousand undrawn letter of credit), for one-half of which the Company is obligated (approximately $5.3 million). If either joint venture partner had defaulted under its support arrangements, the Companys total obligation
would have been $5.3 million at December 31, 2003. The Companys obligation is supported by a letter of credit in the face amount of $5.3 million, issued in favor of the Premier Boxboard lenders. This letter of credit was issued in June 2003
under the Companys new senior credit facility in replacement of a guarantee agreement, and expires in January 2005.



Any reductions of outstanding loans under the Premier Boxboard credit facility may not be reborrowed and will permanently reduce the commitments. The
reduction of the commitments under this credit facility eliminates availability for borrowings unless the Company is able to reduce outstandings under the facility, and effectively requires the Company to fund Premier Boxboards operations from
its internal cash flow and from any cash contributions that the Company and its joint venture partner are permitted to make. If the Company is not able to



52



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



fund Premier Boxboards operations in this manner, Premier Boxboards performance could be adversely affected. Further, if the Company is unable to
refinance this facility prior to January 5, 2005, the entire facility will become immediately due and payable and the lenders under the Premier Boxboard facility will be entitled to draw under the letter of credit to satisfy the Companys
support obligations.



In the event that the Company is called
upon to reimburse drawings under either or both of its joint venture letter of credit support obligations, the Company believes that it would be able to satisfy such obligations by having the Companys senior lenders treat these reimbursement
obligations as revolving credit loans under its senior credit agreement. The full $34.0 million of these letter of credit obligations and other letter of credit obligations outstanding as of December 31, 2003 has already been included in determining
the $21.0 million in borrowing availability under the Companys senior credit facility as of December 31, 2003. The Companys cash on hand is also a potential source of repayment of some or all of these reimbursement obligations. Any
resulting acceleration and default in repayment of these support obligations could cause defaults and acceleration under the Companys 97/8% senior subordinated notes, the 71/4% senior notes and the
73/8% senior notes.



In addition to the general default risks discussed above with respect to the joint ventures, a substantial portion of the
assets of Premier Boxboard are pledged as security for $50.0 million in outstanding principal amount of senior notes under which Premier Boxboard is the obligor. These notes are guaranteed by Temple-Inland, but are not guaranteed by the Company. A
default under the Premier Boxboard credit facility would also constitute an event of default under these notes. In the event of default under these notes, the holders would also have recourse to the assets of Premier Boxboard that are pledged to
secure these notes. Thus, any resulting default under these notes could result in the assets of Premier Boxboard being utilized to satisfy creditor claims, which would have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and operations of
Premier Boxboard and, accordingly, the Companys interest in Premier Boxboard. Further, in such an event of default, these assets would not be available to satisfy obligations owing to unsecured creditors of Premier Boxboard, including the
lenders under the credit facility, which might make it more likely that the Companys guarantee of the Premier Boxboard credit facility would be the primary source of repayment under the facility in the event Premier Boxboard cannot pay.



Summarized financial information for Premier Boxboard at
December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, is as follows (in thousands):



|                      |  |      |         |      |   |        
|--------------------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | -------
|                      |  | 2003 |         | 2002
|Current assets        |  | $    | 18,021  |      | $ | 12,983 
|Noncurrent assets     |  |      | 144,655 |      |   | 149,640
|Current liabilities   |  |      | 11,723  |      |   | 6,074  
|Long-term liabilities |  |      | 624     |      |   | 228    
|Long-term debt        |  |      | 60,000  |      |   | 70,000 
|Net assets            |  |      | 90,329  |      |   | 86,321 



|                        |  |      |        |      |   |        |      |  |   |        |  
|----------------------- |  | ---- | ------ | ---- | - | ------ | ---- |  | - | ------ | -
|                        |  | 2003 |        | 2002 |   |        | 2001 | 
|Sales                   |  | $    | 89,818 |      | $ | 74,649 |      |  | $ | 75,171 |  
|Gross profit            |  |      | 23,161 |      |   | 7,923  |      |  |   | 16,463 |  
|Operating income (loss) |  |      | 9,016  |      |   | (4,555 | )    |  |   | 1,640  |  
|Net income (loss)       |  |      | 4,125  |      |   | (9,335 | )    |  |   | (3,784 | )



Additional
contingencies relating to the Companys joint ventures that could affect the Companys liquidity include possible additional capital contributions and buy-sell triggers which, under certain circumstances, give



53



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



the Company and its joint venture partner either the right, or the obligation, to purchase the others interest or to sell an interest to the other. In
the case of both Standard Gypsum and Premier Boxboard, neither joint venture partner is obligated or required to make additional capital contributions without the consent of the other. With regard to buy-sell rights, under the Standard Gypsum joint
venture, in general, either party may purchase the others interest upon the occurrence of certain purported unauthorized transfers or involuntary transfer events (such as bankruptcy). In addition, under the Standard Gypsum joint venture,
either (i) in the event of an unresolved deadlock over a material matter or (ii) at any time either party may initiate a Russian roulette buyout procedure by which it names a price at which the other party must agree either to sell its
interest to the initiating party or to purchase the initiating partys interest. Under the Premier Boxboard joint venture, in general, mutual buy-sell rights are triggered upon the occurrence of certain purported unauthorized or involuntary
transfers, but in the event of certain change of control or deadlock events, the buy-sell rights are structured such that the Company is always the party entitled, or obligated, as the case may be, to purchase.



The Company had an additional joint venture with an unrelated entity during
2001 and 2002. In January 2003, the Company acquired its venture partners 50% equity interest. Prior to acquiring the 50% interest, the Company accounted for the joint venture using the equity method of accounting.



6. Senior Credit Facility and Long-Term Debt



At December 31, 2003 and 2002, total long-term debt consisted of the
following (in thousands):



|                                                      |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|----------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | -
|                                                      |  | 2003 |         |   | 2002 |  
|Senior credit facility                                |  | $    |        |   |      | $ |        |  
|97/8%
senior subordinated notes                       |  |      | 285,000 |   |      |   | 285,000 |  
|73/8%
senior notes                                    |  |      | 193,250 |   |      |   | 193,250 |  
|71/4%
senior notes                                    |  |      | 29,000  |   |      |   | 29,000  |  
|Other notes payable                                   |  |      | 9,895   |   |      |   | 9,880   |  
|Mark-to-market value of interest rate swap agreements |  |      | (1,145  | ) |      |   | 15,153  |  
|Realized interest rate swap gains (1)                 |  |      | 15,107  |   |      |   | 502     |  
|                                                      |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Total debt                                            |  |      | 531,107 |   |      |   | 532,785 |  
|Less current maturities                               |  |      | (106    | ) |      |   | (70     | )
|                                                      |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Total long-term debt                                  |  | $    | 531,001 |   |      | $ | 532,715 |  
|                                                      |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  

---

|(1) | Net of original issuance discounts and accumulated discount amortization. As described below under Interest Rate Swap Agreements, realized gains resulting from unwinding
interest rate swaps are recorded as a component of debt and will be accreted as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the debt.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The carrying value of total debt outstanding at December 31, 2003 maturing during the next five years and thereafter is as
follows (in thousands):



|           |  |   |        
|---------- |  | - | -------
|2004       |  | $ | 106    
|2005       |  |   | 127    
|2006       |  |   | 92     
|2007       |  |   | 95     
|2008       |  |   | 100    
|Thereafter |  |   | 530,587
|           |  |   |        
|Total debt |  | $ | 531,107
|           |  |   |        



54



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Senior Credit Facility



Effective June 24, 2003, the Company completed a refinancing of its senior credit facility. The new facility provides for a
revolving line of credit of $75.0 million and is secured primarily by a first priority security interest in the Companys accounts receivable and inventory. The facility matures in June 2006. Borrowing availability is subject to borrowing base
requirements established by eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The facility includes a subfacility of $50.0 million for letters of credit, usage of which reduces availability under the facility. As of December 31, 2003, no borrowings were
outstanding under the facility; however, an aggregate of $44.0 million in letter of credit obligations were outstanding. Availability under the facility at December 31, 2003 was limited to $21.0 million after taking into consideration outstanding
letter of credit obligations and minimum borrowing availability requirements.



Borrowings under the facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Companys option, either (1) the base rate (which is the prime rate most recently announced by Bank of America, N.A., the administrative
agent under the facility plus a margin of 0.50% or (2) the adjusted Eurodollar Interbank Offered Rate plus a margin of 2.50%. The undrawn portion of the facility is subject to a facility fee at an annual rate of 0.50%. Outstanding letters of credit
are subject to an annual fee equal to the applicable margin for Eurodollar-based loans.



The facility contains covenants that restrict, among other things, the Companys ability and its subsidiaries ability to create liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, incur indebtedness and
guarantees, pay dividends, repurchase or redeem capital stock and indebtedness, make certain investments or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make capital expenditures in excess of $30.0 million per year or change the
nature of the Companys business. The facility also contains a fixed charge coverage ratio covenant, which applies only in the event borrowing availability falls below $10.0 million or suppressed availability falls below $20.0 million.
Suppressed availability is defined as the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory (less reserves and aggregate credit outstandings) in excess of $75.0 million or the amount of eligible inventory (less reserves and aggregate credit
outstandings) in excess of $37.5 million. The fixed charge ratio covenant did not require measurement at December 31, 2003.



The facility contains events of default including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, violation of covenants, incorrectness of
representations and warranties, cross-default to other indebtedness, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, material judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation and certain changes of control of the Company.



In conjunction with refinancing the senior credit facility in
June 2003, a letter of credit of approximately $10.1 million was issued under the new facility in favor of the lenders to the Companys 50% owned Premier Boxboard joint venture. In exchange for this letter of credit, the lenders terminated the
Companys former Premier Boxboard guarantee agreement and released their security interest in certain assets of the Company and its subsidiaries that were pledged to secure such guarantee. The Company is required to maintain this letter of
credit in place during the term of the Premier Boxboard credit facility. Premier Boxboard paid off a portion of the outstanding borrowings during the third and fourth quarters of 2003, and the letter of credit was lowered to $5.3 million as of
December 31, 2003.



Former Senior Credit Facility



The Companys former senior credit facility provided for a revolving
line of credit of $75.0 million, subject to borrowing base requirements established by eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The facility included subfacilities of $10.0 million for swingline loans and $15.0 million for letters of credit,
usage of which reduced



55



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



availability under the facility. No borrowings were outstanding under the facility at December 31, 2002. The Companys obligations under the facility
were unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of its existing and subsequently acquired wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and were secured by a first priority security interest in the accounts receivable and inventory of the
Company and all of its existing and subsequently acquired wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries (see discussion below of amendments to the senior credit facility).



Borrowings under the former facility were subject to interest at a rate equal, at the Companys option, to either (1) the base rate (which is
equal to the greater of the prime rate most recently announced by Bank of America, N.A., the administrative agent under the facility, or the federal funds rate plus one-half of 1%) or (2) the adjusted Eurodollar Interbank Offered Rate, in each case
plus an applicable margin of 3.00% for Eurodollar rate loans and 1.50% for base rate loans. Additionally, the undrawn portion of the facility was subject to a facility fee at an annual rate that is set at 0.55%.



The former facility contained covenants that restricted, among other things,
the Companys ability and its subsidiaries ability to create liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, incur indebtedness and guarantees, pay dividends, repurchase or redeem capital stock and indebtedness, make certain investments
or acquisitions, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, make capital expenditures or change the nature of its business. The former facility also contained several financial maintenance covenants, including covenants establishing a maximum
leverage ratio, minimum tangible net worth and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.



The former facility contained events of default including, but not limited to, nonpayment of principal or interest, violation of covenants, incorrectness of representations and warranties, cross-default to other
indebtedness, bankruptcy and other insolvency events, material judgments, certain ERISA events, actual or asserted invalidity of loan documentation and certain changes of control of the Company.



During 2001 and 2002, the Company completed five amendments to its former
senior credit facility agreement. The first amendment, dated September 10, 2001, allowed the Company to acquire up to $30.0 million of its senior subordinated notes so long as no default or event of default exists on the date of the transaction, or
will result from the transaction.



The second amendment, dated
November 30, 2001, provided for the issuance of letters of credit under the former senior credit facility having an original expiration date more than one year from the date of issuance, if required under related industrial revenue bond documents
and agreed to by the issuing lender.



The third amendment was
completed on January 22, 2002 with an effective date of September 30, 2001. The Company obtained this amendment in order to avoid the occurrence of an event of default under its former senior credit facility agreement resulting from a violation of
the interest coverage ratio covenant contained in the agreement. This amendment modified the definitions of Interest Expense, Premier Boxboard Interest Expense and Standard Gypsum Interest Expense to include
interest income and the benefit or expense derived from interest rate swap agreements or other interest hedge agreements. Additionally, the amendment lowered the minimum allowable interest coverage ratio for the fourth quarter of 2001 from 2.5:1.0
to 2.25:1.0, for the first quarter of 2002 from 2.75:1.0 to 2.25:1.0, and for the second quarter of 2002 from 2.75:1.0 to 2.50:1.0.



In connection with the Companys acquisition of the Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group, the Company entered into a fourth amendment to its former
senior credit facility in September 2002. The purpose of this amendment was to obtain the required lender consent for the consummation of the acquisition (and the incurrence of up to $60.0 million in subordinated debt financing to refinance
borrowings under the former credit facility and restore cash used to fund a portion of the acquisition price), to lower the minimum allowable tangible



56



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



net worth for all periods after the effective date of the amendment, and to increase the maximum permitted leverage ratio covenant to 70.0% for the fiscal
quarters ending December 31, 2002, March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, and 67.5% for the fiscal quarter ending September 30, 2003. Additionally, the minimum interest coverage ratio covenant was replaced with a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio
covenant beginning with the third quarter of 2002. These modifications, in addition to increasing the Companys flexibility to finance the acquisition, were necessary to enable the Company to avoid violations of the leverage ratio and interest
coverage ratio covenants for the third quarter of 2002 and violations of the leverage ratio covenant in future periods.



In exchange for these modifications, the Companys lenders required an increase in the applicable margin component of the interest rates applicable
to borrowings under the facility and the facility fee rate applicable to the undrawn portion of the facility. The amendment provided for a margin pricing increase of 0.25% effective November 15, 2002, if the Company had not issued at least $50.0
million in senior subordinated notes by that date, and an increase of 0.25% every three months after that date until the first date on which the Companys balance of cash and cash equivalents was at least $50.0 million and the Company had no
loans outstanding under the facility (subject to a maximum interest margin of 3.75% for Eurodollar rate loans and 2.50% for base rate loans). In addition, under the terms of the fourth amendment, the Company was required to enter into a security
agreement under which the Company and its subsidiary guarantors under the senior credit facility granted a first priority security interest in their respective accounts receivable and inventory to secure their obligations under the credit facility
and the Companys obligations under its 50% guarantees of the credit facilities of Standard Gypsum and Premier Boxboard.



On December 27, 2002, the Company completed a fifth amendment to its former senior credit facility. This amendment modified the calculation of net worth
for purposes of the Companys leverage ratio and tangible net worth financial maintenance covenants to exclude adjustments to other comprehensive loss related to the Companys defined benefit pension plan. This amendment also allowed the
Company to exclude from these financial maintenance covenant calculations any restructuring costs recorded in the fourth quarter of 2002 and first quarter of 2003 as long as the aggregate of these restructuring costs did not exceed $16.0 million, on
an after-tax basis.



During the first quarter of 2003, the
Company completed a sixth amendment to its former senior credit facility. This amendment increased the Companys maximum permitted leverage ratio to 70.0% for the fiscal quarters ending September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003 and 67.5% for
each succeeding fiscal quarter, lowered the Companys minimum fixed charge coverage ratio from 1.50:1.0 for all fiscal quarters to 0.95:1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2003, 0.85:1.0 for the fiscal quarters ending June 30, 2003 and
September 30, 2003 and 1.05:1.0 for the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2003, lowered the Companys minimum tangible net worth covenant for all periods on and after the effective date of the amendment, and lowered the Companys maximum
permitted capital expenditures to $30.0 million per fiscal year. For purposes of calculating compliance with the leverage ratio and net worth covenants, this amendment also established a maximum of $30.0 million for aggregate adjustments to other
comprehensive loss related to the Companys defined benefit pension plan. This amendment also increased to $43.0 million the Companys subfacility for the issuance of letters of credit under the facility, in order to permit the Company to
obtain a letter of credit to replace its Standard Gypsum joint venture guarantee as described above. This amendment fixed the Companys maximum interest margins at 3.25% for LIBOR loans and 2.00% for base rate loans. The financial covenant
modifications were necessary to enable the Company to avoid possible violations of its leverage ratio covenant for the third and fourth quarters of 2003, its fixed charge coverage ratio covenant for all quarters during 2003 and its net worth
covenant for the second quarter of 2003.



In exchange for these
modifications, the Companys lenders required it to permanently reduce the aggregate commitments under the facility from $75.0 million to $47.0 million, to shorten the maturity of the facility from



57



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



March 29, 2005 to April 1, 2004. The Companys lenders also required the establishment of a borrowing base that restricted availability under the
facility based on monthly computations of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, reduced by the Companys net hedging obligations owed to lenders under the facility and by the amount of the Companys guarantee obligations under its
joint venture guarantees that were not secured or replaced by letters of credit.



In connection with this amendment, the Company was also required to amend its security agreement to provide for a springing lien on its machinery and equipment that was to become effective on July 1, 2003.



The former senior credit facility was replaced with the current senior
credit facility on June 24, 2003 as described above. All obligations under the former senior credit facility were extinguished upon replacement with the new senior credit facility.



Senior and Senior Subordinated Notes



On March 29, 2001, the Company issued $285.0 million of 97/8% senior subordinated notes due April 1, 2011 and $29.0 million of 71/4% senior notes due May 1, 2010. These senior subordinated notes and senior notes were issued at a discount to yield effective interest rates of 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. After taking into account realized gains from unwinding
various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated
notes is 9.2%. See  Interest Rate Swap Agreements below regarding transactions that lowered the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes. These publicly traded senior subordinated and senior notes are unsecured, but are guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of the Companys domestic
subsidiaries, other than two that are not wholly-owned.



On June 1, 1999, the Company issued $200.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 73/8% senior notes due June 1, 2009. The 73/8% senior notes were issued at a discount to yield an
effective interest rate of 7.47% and pay interest semiannually. After taking into account realized gains from unwinding various interest rate swap agreements, the current effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior notes is 6.4%. See  Interest Rate Swap Agreements below regarding transactions that lowered the effective interest rate of the
73/8% senior notes. The 73/8% senior notes are unsecured obligations of the Company. In February 2002, the Company purchased $6.75 million of these notes in the open market.



Interest Rate Swap Agreements



During 2001, the Company entered into four interest
rate swap agreements in notional amounts totaling $285.0 million. The agreements, which had payment and expiration dates that corresponded to the terms of the note obligations they covered, effectively converted $185.0 million of the Companys
fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes and $100.0 million of the Companys fixed rate 73/8% senior notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates were based on the three-month LIBOR plus a fixed
margin.



In October 2001, the Company unwound its
$185.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes and received $9.1
million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously, the Company executed a new swap agreement with a fixed spread that was 85 basis points higher than the original swap agreement. The new swap agreement was the same notional amount, had the same
terms and covered the same notes as the original agreement. The $9.1 million gain, which was classified as a component of debt, will be accreted to interest expense over the life of the notes and will partially offset the increase in interest
expense. The $9.1 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by
approximately 50 basis points.



58



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



In August 2002, the Company unwound its $185.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the
97/8% senior subordinated notes and received $5.5 million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously, the
Company executed a new swap agreement with a fixed spread that was 17 basis points higher than the original swap agreement. The new swap agreement was the same notional amount, had the same terms and covered the same notes as the original agreement.
In September 2002, the Company repaid the $5.5 million and entered into a new swap agreement that lowered the fixed spread by 7.5 basis points from the August 2002 swap.



In November 2002, the Company unwound $50.0 million of its $185.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes, and received approximately $2.8 million from the bank counter-party. Simultaneously,
the Company unwound $50.0 million of one of its interest rate swap agreements related to the 73/8% senior notes,
and received approximately $3.4 million. The $6.2 million gain, which was classified as a component of debt, will be accreted to interest expense over the life of the notes and will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The $2.8 million
gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 20 basis
points. The $3.4 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior subordinated notes by
approximately 30 basis points.



In
January 2003, the Company effectively unwound $85.0 million of its $135.0 million interest rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by assigning the Companys rights and obligations under the swap to one of the Companys lenders under the senior credit facility. In exchange, the Company received approximately $4.3
million. The $4.3 million gain, which was classified as a component of debt, will be accreted to interest expense over the life of the notes and will partially offset the increase in interest expense. The gain lowered the effective interest rate of
the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 30 basis points.



In May 2003, the Company unwound the remaining $50.0 million of its interest
rate swap agreement related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes, and received approximately $4.6 million from
the bank counter-party. Simultaneously, the Company unwound $50.0 million of its remaining interest rate swap agreement related to the 73/8% senior notes, and received approximately $7.1 million. The $11.7 million gain, which was classified as a component of debt, will be accreted to interest expense over the life of the notes and will
partially offset the increase in interest expense. The $4.6 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 97/8% senior subordinated notes by approximately 30 basis points. The $7.1 million gain lowered the effective interest rate of the 73/8% senior notes by approximately 80 basis points.



In July 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in the notional amount of $50.0 million. This agreement, which has payment and
expiration dates that correspond to the terms of the note obligations it covers, effectively converted $50.0 million of the Companys fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates are based on six-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin.



In December 2003, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement in the notional amount of $50.0 million. This
agreement, which has payment and expiration dates that correspond to the terms of the note obligation it covers, effectively converted $50.0 million of the Companys fixed rate 97/8% senior subordinated notes into variable rate obligations. The variable rates are based on six-month LIBOR plus a fixed margin.



See Note 18 Subsequent Events regarding the unwind of the $50.0
million interest rate swap in March 2004.



59



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



The following table identifies the debt instrument hedged, the notional amount, the fixed rate and
the variable rate in effect at December 31, 2003 for each of the Companys interest rate swaps.



|                                |  |                         |        |            |       |   |                   |       |   |                     |       |  
|------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ------ | ---------- | ----- | - | ----------------- | ----- | - | ------------------- | ----- | -
|Debt Instrument                 |  | Notional Amount (000s) |        | Fixed Rate |       |   | Variable Rate (1) |       |   | Total Variable Rate |      
|97/8%
senior subordinated notes |  | $                       | 50,000 |            | 5.700 | % |                   | 1.180 | % |                     | 6.880 | %
|97/8%
senior subordinated notes |  |                         | 50,000 |            | 5.505 |   |                   | 1.206 |   |                     | 6.711 |  

---

|(1) | The variable rate is the six-month LIBOR and is the rate in effect at inception of the swap. The variable rate resets every six months.
|--- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Under the provisions of SFAS No. 133, the Company has designated and
accounted for its interest rate swap agreements as fair value hedges. The Company has assumed no ineffectiveness with regard to these agreements as they qualified for the short-cut method of accounting for fair value hedges of debt obligations, as
prescribed by SFAS No. 133. The December 31, 2003 aggregate estimated liability related to the swaps was $1.1 million and is classified as a component of other long-term liabilities, with a corresponding adjustment to long-term debt in the
accompanying balance sheet. The December 31, 2002 aggregate fair value of the swaps was $15.2 million and is classified as a component of other long-term assets, with a corresponding adjustment to long-term debt in the accompanying balance sheet.



7. Commitments and Contingencies



Leases



The Company leases certain buildings, machinery, and transportation equipment under operating lease agreements expiring at
various dates through 2022. Certain rental payments for transportation equipment are based on a fixed rate plus an additional contingent amount for mileage. Rental expense on operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 is
as follows (in thousands):



|                   |  |      |        |      |   |        |  |   |       
|------------------ |  | ---- | ------ | ---- | - | ------ |  | - | ------
|                   |  | 2003 |        | 2002 |   | 2001  
|Minimum rentals    |  | $    | 21,363 |      | $ | 16,993 |  | $ | 14,312
|Contingent rentals |  |      | 463    |      |   | 322    |  |   | 507   
|                   |  |      |        |      |   |        |  |   |       
|Total              |  | $    | 21,826 |      | $ | 17,315 |  | $ | 14,819
|                   |  |      |        |      |   |        |  |   |       



The following is a
schedule of future minimum rental payments required under leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2003 (in thousands):



|           |  |   |       
|---------- |  | - | ------
|2004       |  | $ | 20,323
|2005       |  |   | 15,805
|2006       |  |   | 12,467
|2007       |  |   | 11,558
|2008       |  |   | 8,331 
|Thereafter |  |   | 13,944
|           |  |   |       
|Total      |  | $ | 82,428
|           |  |   |       



Litigation



The Company is involved in certain litigation arising in the ordinary
course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Companys financial condition or results of operations or cash flows.



60



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



8. Loss Per Share



The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted loss per share computations for net loss (in thousands,
except per share information):



|                                                     |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | -------------------------------- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                     |  | For the Years Ended December 31, |        
|                                                     |  | 2003                             |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|Calculation of Basic Loss Per Share:                 |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net loss                                             |  | $                                | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602 | )
|Weighted average number of common shares outstanding |  |                                  | 27,993  |   |      |   | 27,871  |      |  |   | 27,845  |  
|                                                     |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Basic loss per share                                 |  | $                                | (0.97   | ) |      | $ | (0.64   | )    |  | $ | (0.52   | )
|                                                     |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Calculation of Diluted Loss Per Share:               |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Net loss                                             |  | $                                | (27,035 | ) |      | $ | (17,920 | )    |  | $ | (14,602 | )
|Weighted average number of shares outstanding        |  |                                  | 27,993  |   |      |   | 27,871  |      |  |   | 27,845  |  
|                                                     |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Diluted loss per share                               |  | $                                | (0.97   | ) |      | $ | (0.64   | )    |  | $ | (0.52   | )
|                                                     |  |                                  |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  



Since 2003, 2002 and
2001 were net losses, the impact of the dilutive effect of stock options, if any, were not added to the weighted average shares.



9. Stock Option and Deferred Compensation Plans



Director Equity Plan



During 1996, the Companys board of directors and shareholders approved a director equity plan. Under the plan, directors who are not employees or
former employees of the Company (Eligible Directors) are paid a portion of their fees in the Companys common stock. Additionally, each Eligible Director is granted options each year to purchase 1,000 shares of the Companys
common stock at an option price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant. These options are immediately exercisable and expire ten years following the grant. A maximum of 100 thousand shares of common stock may be granted under this plan.
During 2003, 2002 and 2001, 11 thousand, 9 thousand and 8 thousand shares, respectively, of common stock were issued under this plan. Options to purchase 7 thousand, 6 thousand and 6 thousand shares of common stock were issued under this plan in
2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.



Incentive Stock Option and Bonus
Plans



During 1992, the Companys board of
directors and shareholders approved a qualified incentive stock option and bonus plan (the 1993 Plan), which became effective January 1, 1993 and terminated December 31, 1997. Under the provisions of the 1993 Plan, selected members of
management received one share of common stock (bonus share) for each two shares purchased at market value. In addition, the 1993 Plan provided for the issuance of options at prices not less than market value at the date of grant. The
options and bonus shares awarded under the 1993 Plan are subject to four-year and five-year respective vesting periods. The options expire after eight years. The Companys board of directors authorized 1.4 million common shares for grant under
the 1993 Plan. No compensation expense was recorded in 2003 related to this plan. Compensation expense of approximately $62 thousand and $186 thousand related to bonus shares was recorded in 2002 and 2001, respectively.



61



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



During 1998, the Companys board of directors and shareholders approved a qualified incentive
stock option and bonus plan (the 1998 Plan), which became effective March 10, 1998. Under the provisions of the 1998 Plan, selected members of management may receive the right to acquire one share of restricted stock contingent upon the
direct purchase of two shares of unrestricted common stock at market value. In addition, the 1998 Plan provides for the issuance of both traditional and performance stock options at market price and 120% of market price, respectively. Restricted
stock and options awarded under the 1998 Plan are subject to five-year vesting periods and the options expire after ten years. The Companys board of directors authorized 3.8 million common shares for grant under the 1998 Plan. No options were
issued during 2003 under this plan. The Company issued 588 thousand and 108 thousand options during 2002 and 2001, respectively, under the 1998 Plan. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, the Company issued 1 thousand, 2 thousand and 1 thousand shares,
respectively, of restricted stock. The Company recorded approximately $69 thousand, $78 thousand and $82 thousand of compensation expense related to the issuance of restricted stock during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.



Long-term Equity Incentive Plan



In May 2003, the Companys board of directors and shareholders approved
a long-term equity incentive plan, which became effective May 7, 2003. Under the provisions of the plan, participating key employees are rewarded, in the form of common share purchase options, restricted common shares, or a combination of both, for
improving the Companys financial performance in a manner that is consistent with the creation of increased shareholder value. All options awarded under the plan will have an exercise price not less than 100% of the fair market value of a share
of common stock on the date of grant. Options will have a vesting schedule of up to five years and expire after ten years. The Companys board of directors authorized and shareholders approved, an aggregate of 4.0 million common shares for
issuance under this plan. As of December 31, 2003, 233 thousand stock options and 230 thousand restricted shares have been granted under this plan. The Company recorded compensation expense of $89 thousand related to the issuance of restricted stock
in 2003.



The following is a summary of stock option activity
for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001:



|                                 |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|-------------------------------- |  | --------- | - |  | ------------------------------- | -----
|                                 |  | Shares    |   |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price
|Outstanding at December 31, 2000 |  | 1,876,493 |   |  | $                               | 22.57
|Granted                          |  | 114,323   |   |  |                                 | 10.00
|Forfeited                        |  | (196,575  | ) |  |                                 | 21.39
|Exercised                        |  |          |   |  |                                 |     
|                                 |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|Outstanding at December 31, 2001 |  | 1,794,241 |   |  |                                 | 21.89
|Granted                          |  | 588,150   |   |  |                                 | 7.49 
|Forfeited                        |  | (187,364  | ) |  |                                 | 20.84
|Exercised                        |  | (3,239    | ) |  |                                 | 9.36 
|                                 |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|Outstanding at December 31, 2002 |  | 2,191,788 |   |  |                                 | 18.14
|Granted                          |  | 239,600   |   |  |                                 | 8.13 
|Forfeited                        |  | (255,747  | ) |  |                                 | 20.02
|Exercised                        |  | (76,426   | ) |  |                                 | 7.78 
|                                 |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|Outstanding at December 31, 2003 |  | 2,099,215 |   |  | $                               | 17.14
|                                 |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|Options exercisable at:          |  |           |   |  |                                 |      
|December 31, 2003                |  | 1,173,649 |   |  | $                               | 21.75
|December 31, 2002                |  | 1,076,420 |   |  |                                 | 22.66
|December 31, 2001                |  | 989,897   |   |  |                                 | 22.22



62



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



The following table is a summary of information about the Companys stock options outstanding at
December 31, 2003:



|                        |  |                                  |  |                                            |  |                                 |       |                                  |           |                                 |   |      
|----------------------- |  | -------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------------ |  | ------------------------------- | ----- | -------------------------------- | --------- | ------------------------------- | - | -----
|Range of Exercise Price |  | Outstanding at December 31, 2003 |  | Weighted Average Remaining Life (In Years) |  | Weighted Average Exercise Price |       | Exercisable at December 31, 2003 |           | Weighted Average Exercise Price
|$  6.94    $16.88      |  | 995,906                          |  | 8.2                                        |  | $                               | 8.30  |                                  | 301,092   |                                 | $ | 9.04 
|17.94      23.75       |  | 529,208                          |  | 5.2                                        |  |                                 | 19.57 |                                  | 351,280   |                                 |   | 19.58
|24.44      29.75       |  | 216,432                          |  | 4.8                                        |  |                                 | 25.84 |                                  | 178,646   |                                 |   | 25.86
|30.13      40.80       |  | 357,669                          |  | 3.3                                        |  |                                 | 32.92 |                                  | 342,631   |                                 |   | 33.01
|                        |  |                                  |  |                                            |  |                                 |       |                                  |           |                                 |   |      
|$  6.94    $40.80      |  | 2,099,215                        |  | 6.3                                        |  | $                               | 17.14 |                                  | 1,173,649 |                                 | $ | 21.75



Deferred Compensation Plans



The Parent Company and certain of its subsidiaries
have deferred compensation plans for several of their present and former officers and key employees. These plans provide for retirement, involuntary termination, and death benefits. The involuntary termination and retirement benefits are accrued
over the period of active employment from the execution dates of the plans to the normal retirement dates (age 65) of the employees covered. Deferred compensation expense applicable to the plans was approximately $190 thousand, $223 thousand and
$226 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Accruals of approximately $1.5 million related to these plans are included in deferred compensation in the accompanying balance sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002.



The Company also provides a voluntary nonqualified deferred
compensation plan for key employees and the Companys Board of Directors. The plan is funded by the participants. The plan allows employees to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis via contributions to a grantor trust. The plan provides the
participants with six investment options to invest on a tax deferred basis.



10. Pension Plan and Other Postretirement Benefits



Pension Plan and Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan



Substantially all of the Companys employees participate in a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the Pension Plan). The Pension Plan calls for benefits to be paid to all eligible employees
at retirement based primarily on years of service with the Company and compensation rates in effect near retirement. The Pension Plans assets consist of shares held in collective investment funds and group annuity contracts. The Companys
policy is to fund benefits attributed to employees service to date as well as service expected to be earned in the future. Contributions to the Pension Plan totaled approximately $11.7 million, $7.1 million and $8.3 million in 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively. Based on estimates at December 31, 2003 no contributions will be required for the year ended December 31, 2004.



During 1996, the Company adopted a supplemental executive retirement plan (SERP), which provides benefits to participants based on average
compensation. The SERP covers certain executives of the Company commencing upon retirement. The SERP is unfunded at December 31, 2003.



Pension expense for the Pension Plan and the SERP includes the following components for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):



|                                              |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |        |  
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------ | -
|                                              |  | 2003 |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|Service cost of benefits earned               |  | $    | 5,266   |   |      | $ | 4,179   |      |  | $ | 4,016  |  
|Interest cost on projected benefit obligation |  |      | 5,600   |   |      |   | 5,070   |      |  |   | 4,632  |  
|Actual (return) loss on plan assets           |  |      | (13,594 | ) |      |   | 11,340  |      |  |   | 310    |  
|Net amortization and deferral                 |  |      | 12,718  |   |      |   | (15,789 | )    |  |   | (5,234 | )
|                                              |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |        |  
|Net pension expense                           |  | $    | 9,990   |   |      | $ | 4,800   |      |  | $ | 3,724  |  
|                                              |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |        |  



63



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Net pension expense for 2004 is estimated to be $8.7 million.



The table below presents various obligation, plan asset and financial
statement information for the SERP and the Pension Plan as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in thousands):



|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------ | - | ------------ | - | ------ | ---- |  | - | ------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                                     |  | SERP |        |   | Pension Plan |  
|                                                                     |  | 2003 |        |   | 2002         |   |        | 2003 |  |   | 2002    |  
|Change in benefit obligation:                                        |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Projected benefit obligation at end of prior year                    |  | $    | 4,736  |   |              | $ | 3,790  |      |  | $ | 77,840  |   |  | $ | 63,657  |  
|Service cost                                                         |  |      | 238    |   |              |   | 148    |      |  |   | 5,027   |   |  |   | 4,031   |  
|Interest cost                                                        |  |      | 359    |   |              |   | 271    |      |  |   | 5,241   |   |  |   | 4,798   |  
|Actuarial loss                                                       |  |      | 786    |   |              |   | 650    |      |  |   | 7,299   |   |  |   | 8,708   |  
|Plan amendments                                                      |  |      |       |   |              |   | (123   | )    |  |   | 466     |   |  |   | 583     |  
|Benefits paid                                                        |  |      |       |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | (4,289  | ) |  |   | (3,937  | )
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Projected benefit obligation at end of year                          |  | $    | 6,119  |   |              | $ | 4,736  |      |  | $ | 91,584  |   |  | $ | 77,840  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Change in plan assets:                                               |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Fair value of plan assets at end of prior year                       |  | $    |       |   |              | $ |       |      |  | $ | 52,285  |   |  | $ | 60,495  |  
|Actual return (loss) on plan assets                                  |  |      |       |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | 13,594  |   |  |   | (11,340 | )
|Employer contributions                                               |  |      |       |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | 11,732  |   |  |   | 7,068   |  
|Benefits paid                                                        |  |      |       |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | (4,289  | ) |  |   | (3,938  | )
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Fair value of plan assets at end of year                             |  | $    |       |   |              | $ |       |      |  | $ | 73,322  |   |  | $ | 52,285  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Funded status of the plans:                                          |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Ending funded status                                                 |  | $    | (6,119 | ) |              | $ | (4,736 | )    |  | $ | (18,262 | ) |  | $ | (25,555 | )
|Unrecognized transition obligation                                   |  |      | 911    |   |              |   | 1,024  |      |  |   |        |   |  |   |        |  
|Unrecognized prior service cost                                      |  |      | 16     |   |              |   | 18     |      |  |   | 1,458   |   |  |   | 1,270   |  
|Unrecognized net loss                                                |  |      | 1,678  |   |              |   | 989    |      |  |   | 35,039  |   |  |   | 39,970  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Net amount recognized                                                |  | $    | (3,514 | ) |              | $ | (2,705 | )    |  | $ | 18,235  |   |  | $ | 15,685  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:                             |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Accrued benefit liability                                            |  | $    | (5,016 | ) |              | $ | (3,358 | )    |  | $ | (13,616 | ) |  | $ | (21,493 | )
|Intangible asset                                                     |  |      | 927    |   |              |   | 653    |      |  |   | 1,458   |   |  |   | 1,270   |  
|Deferred tax asset                                                   |  |      | 218    |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | 11,506  |   |  |   | 13,595  |  
|Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                 |  |      | 357    |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | 18,887  |   |  |   | 22,313  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Net amount recognized                                                |  | $    | (3,514 | ) |              | $ | (2,705 | )    |  | $ | 18,235  |   |  | $ | 15,685  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets: |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Projected benefit obligation                                         |  | $    | 6,119  |   |              | $ | 4,736  |      |  | $ | 91,585  |   |  | $ | 77,841  |  
|Accumulated benefit obligation                                       |  |      | 5,016  |   |              |   | 3,358  |      |  |   | 86,938  |   |  |   | 73,780  |  
|Plan assets                                                          |  | $    |       |   |              | $ |       |      |  | $ | 73,322  |   |  | $ | 52,285  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |  
|Other comprehensive income (loss):                                   |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|(Increase) decrease in additional minimum liability                  |  | $    | (849   | ) |              | $ | 22     |      |  | $ | 5,327   |   |  | $ | (37,178 | )
|Increase (decrease) in intangible asset                              |  |      | 274    |   |              |   | (22    | )    |  |   | 188     |   |  |   | 1,270   |  
|(Increase) decrease in deferred tax liability                        |  |      | 218    |   |              |   |       |      |  |   | (2,089  | ) |  |   | 13,595  |  
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Other comprehensive income (loss)                                    |  | $    | (357   | ) |              | $ |       |      |  | $ | 3,426   |   |  | $ | (22,313 | )
|                                                                     |  |      |        |   |              |   |        |      |  |   |         |   |  |   |         |  



64



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



In accordance with SFAS No. 87, the Company has recorded an additional minimum pension liability
related to its Pension Plan and SERP plan representing the excess of unfunded accumulated benefit obligations over previously recorded pension liabilities. The Companys additional minimum liability for its Pension Plan was $31.9 million and
$37.2 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The December 31, 2003 and 2002 additional minimum liability was offset by an intangible asset of $1.5 million and $1.3 million, respectively, which represents unrecognized prior service
cost. The cumulative additional minimum liability for the SERP totaled $1.5 million and $653 thousand at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, and has been offset by intangible assets of $927 thousand and $653 thousand in 2003 and 2002,
respectively.



The determination of the Companys pension
expense and benefit obligation is dependent on its selection of certain assumptions used by actuaries in calculating such amounts. Those assumptions include, among others, the weighted average discount rate, the weighted average expected rate of
return on plan assets and the weighted average rate of compensation increase. The following table is a summary of the significant assumptions used to determine the projected benefit obligations as of:



|                                               |  |              |   |  |      |  
|---------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | - |  | ---- | -
|                                               |  | December 31, |  
|                                               |  | 2003         |   |  | 2002 |  
|Weighted average discount rate                 |  | 6.25         | % |  | 6.75 | %
|Weighted average rate of compensation increase |  | 3.00         | % |  | 3.00 | %



The following table is
a summary of the significant assumptions to determine net periodic pension expense for the years ended:



|                                                        |  |              |   |  |      |   |  |      |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------ | - |  | ---- | - |  | ---- | -
|                                                        |  | December 31, |  
|                                                        |  | 2003         |   |  | 2002 |   |  | 2001 |  
|Weighted average discount rate                          |  | 6.75         | % |  | 7.50 | % |  | 7.75 | %
|Weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets |  | 9.00         | % |  | 9.50 | % |  | 9.50 | %
|Weighted average rate of compensation increase          |  | 3.00         | % |  | 3.00 | % |  | 3.00 | %



In developing the
weighted average discount rate, the Company evaluated input from its actuaries, including estimated timing of obligation payments and yields for long-term bonds that received one of the two highest ratings given by a recognized rating agency. The
discount rate, determined on this basis, was lowered from 6.75% at December 31, 2002 to 6.25% at December 31, 2003. Based on analysis of the rating and maturity of the long-term bonds, the timing of payment obligations and the input from the
Companys actuaries, the Company concluded that a discount rate of 6.25% is appropriate and reflects the yield of a portfolio of high-quality bonds that has the same duration as the plan obligations. Future actual pension expense and benefit
obligations will depend on future investment performance, changes in future discount rates and various other factors related to populations participating in the Companys pension plans. A 0.25% change in the discount rate would result in a
change in the December 31, 2003, projected benefit obligation of approximately $3.3 million and estimated 2004 net pension expense of approximately $540 thousand.



In developing the Companys weighted average expected rate of return on plan assets, the Company evaluated such
criteria as return expectations by asset class, historical returns by asset class and long-term inflation assumptions. The Companys expected weighted average rate of return is based on an asset allocation assumption of 70% equity and 30% fixed
income. The Company regularly reviews its asset allocation and periodically rebalances its investments to its targeted allocation when considered appropriate. As a result of this analysis, the Company concluded that the expected weighted average
rate of return of 9.0% for December 31, 2003 is appropriate. A 0.25% change in the weighted average expected rate of return would change estimated 2004 net pension expense $186 thousand.



65



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



The Companys pension plan weighted-average asset allocations as of December 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively, were as follows:



|                                            |  |      |  |     
|------------------------------------------- |  | ---- |  | ----
|                                            |  | 2003 |  | 2002
|Large capitalization U.S. equity            |  | 46%  |  | 51% 
|Small-capitalization U.S. equity            |  | 15%  |  | 15% 
|Mid-capitalization U.S. equity              |  | 14%  |  | 10% 
|International equity                        |  |     |  | 4%  
|                                            |  |      |  |     
|Total equity                                |  | 75%  |  | 80% 
|                                            |  |     
|Short term fixed                            |  | 6%   |  | 5%  
|Fixed income (intermediate-term maturities) |  | 19%  |  | 15% 
|                                            |  |      |  |     
|Total fixed income                          |  | 25%  |  | 20% 



The Companys
investment policy includes the following objectives:



| |  | Provide a long-term investment return greater than the actuarial assumptions.
| | - | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Maximize investment return commensurate with appropriate levels of risk.
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | Comply with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) by investing the funds in a manner consistent with ERISAs fiduciary standards.
| | - | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



The Companys policy for 2004 is to
allocate pension plan funds based on percentages for each major asset category as follows:



|                                            |  |    
|------------------------------------------- |  | ---
|Large capitalization U.S. equity            |  | 44%
|Small-capitalization U.S. equity            |  | 13%
|Mid-capitalization U.S. equity              |  | 13%
|                                            |  |    
|Total equity                                |  | 70%
|                                            | 
|Short term fixed                            |  | 5% 
|Fixed income (intermediate-term maturities) |  | 25%
|                                            |  |    
|Total fixed income                          |  | 30%



The Companys
actual investment allocation at December 31, 2003 was not consistent with the policy above because the Company was in the process of shifting its allocation from the former 80% equity and 20% fixed income allocation to the current allocation policy.



Other Postretirement Benefits



The Company provides postretirement medical benefits to retired employees of
certain of its subsidiaries. The Company accounts for these postretirement medical benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 106, Employers Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions.



66



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Net periodic postretirement benefit cost for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001
included the following components (in thousands):



|                                                               |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  |   |    
|-------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ---- | - | ---- | - | ---- |  | - | ---
|                                                               |  | 2003 |      |   | 2002 |   | 2001
|Service cost of benefits earned                                |  | $    | 80   |   |      | $ | 89   |  | $ | 103
|Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit obligation |  |      | 405  |   |      |   | 459  |  |   | 404
|Amortization                                                   |  |      | (290 | ) |      |   | 45   |  |   |   
|                                                               |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  |   |    
|Net periodic postretirement benefit cost                       |  | $    | 195  |   |      | $ | 593  |  | $ | 507
|                                                               |  |      |      |   |      |   |      |  |   |    



Postretirement
benefits totaling $541 thousand, $695 thousand and $650 thousand were paid during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Benefit payments of $595 thousand are estimated for 2004.



The accrued postretirement benefit cost as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 consists of the following (in thousands):



|                                                  |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  
|------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------ | - | ---- | - | ------ | -
|                                                  |  | 2003 |        |   | 2002 |  
|Change in benefit obligation:                     |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  
|Projected benefit obligation at end of prior year |  | $    | 6,880  |   |      | $ | 6,248  |  
|Service cost                                      |  |      | 80     |   |      |   | 89     |  
|Interest cost                                     |  |      | 405    |   |      |   | 459    |  
|Actuarial (gain) loss                             |  |      | (133   | ) |      |   | 779    |  
|Plan curtailment gains                            |  |      | (1,149 | ) |      |   |       |  
|Benefits paid                                     |  |      | (541   | ) |      |   | (695   | )
|                                                  |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  
|Projected benefit obligation at end of year       |  | $    | 5,542  |   |      | $ | 6,880  |  
|                                                  |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  
|Funded status                                     |  | $    | (5,542 | ) |      | $ | (6,880 | )
|Unrecognized net loss                             |  |      | 2,561  |   |      |   | 2,688  |  
|                                                  |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  
|Net amount recognized                             |  | $    | (2,981 | ) |      | $ | (4,192 | )
|                                                  |  |      |        |   |      |   |        |  



The curtailment gain
was the result of eliminating postretirement medical benefits pursuant to two collective bargaining agreements which were amended during 2003.



The accumulated postretirement benefit obligations at December 31, 2003 and 2002 were determined using a weighted average discount rate of 6.25% and
6.75%, respectively. The rate of increase in the costs of covered health care benefits is assumed to be 8.0% in 2003, decreasing 0.5% each year to 4.5% by the year 2010. Increasing the assumed health care costs trend rate by one percentage point
would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2003 by approximately $672 thousand and would increase net periodic postretirement benefit cost by approximately $66 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2003.



Retirement Savings Plan (401(k) Plan)



The Company sponsors and maintains a 401(k) retirement savings plan that
permits participants to make contributions by salary reductions pursuant to Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company matches 50% of contributions up to a maximum of 6% of compensation as defined by the 401(k) Plan. During the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, the Company recorded matching expense of approximately $4.0 million, $3.9 million, and $3.5 million, respectively, related to the 401(k) Plan.



67



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



11. Income Taxes



The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires the use of the liability
method of accounting for deferred income taxes.



The (benefit)
provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 consisted of the following (in thousands):



|         |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|-------- |  | ---- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | ---- |  | - | ------- | -
|         |  | 2003 |         |   | 2002 |   |         | 2001 | 
|Current: |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|Federal  |  | $    | (6,248  | ) |      | $ | (16,379 | )    |  | $ | (24,418 | )
|State    |  |      | 780     |   |      |   | 780     |      |  |   | 1,094   |  
|         |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|         |  |      | (5,468  | ) |      |   | (15,599 | )    |  |   | (23,324 | )
|Deferred |  |      | (9,631  | ) |      |   | 5,976   |      |  |   | 15,811  |  
|         |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  
|         |  | $    | (15,099 | ) |      | $ | (9,623  | )    |  | $ | (7,513  | )
|         |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |      |  |   |         |  



The principal
differences between the federal statutory tax rate and the provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2001 and 2000 are as follows:



|                                        |  |       |    |  |       |    |  |       |   
|--------------------------------------- |  | ----- | -- |  | ----- | -- |  | ----- | --
|                                        |  | 2003  |    |  | 2002  |    |  | 2001  |   
|Federal statutory tax rate              |  | (35.0 | )% |  | (35.0 | )% |  | (35.0 | )%
|State taxes, net of federal tax benefit |  | (2.9  | )  |  | (2.9  | )  |  | (2.4  | ) 
|Other                                   |  | 2.2   |    |  | 3.3   |    |  | 3.7   |   
|                                        |  |       |    |  |       |    |  |       |   
|Effective tax rate                      |  | (35.7 | )% |  | (34.6 | )% |  | (33.7 | )%
|                                        |  |       |    |  |       |    |  |       |   



Significant components
of the Companys deferred income tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 are summarized as follows (in thousands):



|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------ |  | ---- | ------- | - | ---- | - | ------- | -
|                                           |  | 2003 |         |   | 2002 |  
|Deferred income tax assets:                |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Deferred employee benefits                 |  | $    | 283     |   |      | $ | 169     |  
|Postretirement benefits other than pension |  |      | 2,065   |   |      |   | 659     |  
|Postemployment benefits                    |  |      | 6,523   |   |      |   | 9,181   |  
|Accounts receivable                        |  |      | 861     |   |      |   | 1,180   |  
|Insurance                                  |  |      | 1,619   |   |      |   | 1,545   |  
|Tax loss carryforwards and credits         |  |      | 37,387  |   |      |   | 13,792  |  
|Inventories                                |  |      | 2,495   |   |      |   | 2,377   |  
|Other                                      |  |      | 2,301   |   |      |   | 4,499   |  
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Total deferred income tax assets           |  |      | 53,534  |   |      |   | 33,402  |  
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Deferred income tax liabilities:           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Depreciation and amortization              |  |      | (90,407 | ) |      |   | (78,171 | )
|Asset revaluation                          |  |      | (3,846  | ) |      |   | (3,846  | )
|Losses on contractual sales commitments    |  |      | (4,446  | ) |      |   | (4,446  | )
|Other                                      |  |      |        |   |      |   | (781    | )
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Total deferred income tax liabilities      |  |      | (98,699 | ) |      |   | (87,244 | )
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|Valuation allowance                        |  |      | (6,298  | ) |      |   | (5,543  | )
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  
|                                           |  | $    | (51,463 | ) |      | $ | (59,385 | )
|                                           |  |      |         |   |      |   |         |  



68



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



At December 31, 2003, the tax effect of the Companys federal net operating losses was $21.2
million. The federal loss carryforwards will expire in 2023. The tax effect of the Companys state net operating losses was $13.3 million and $11.0 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which will expire in varying amounts
between 2004 and 2023. The Company has a valuation allowance of $4.0 million at December 31, 2003 which increased $700 thousand from $3.3 million at December 31, 2002, for estimated future impairment related to the state net operating losses.
The Company also has state tax credit carryforwards of approximately $2.9 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, which will expire in varying amounts between 2004 and 2018. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of
$2.3 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002 for estimated future impairment related to the state tax credit carryforwards.



12. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)



The following table sets forth certain quarterly financial data for the periods indicated (in thousands, except per share data):



|                                       |  |               |         |   |                |   |         |               |  |   |                |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------- |  | ------------- | ------- | - | -------------- | - | ------- | ------------- |  | - | -------------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                       |  | First Quarter |         |   | Second Quarter |   |         | Third Quarter |  |   | Fourth Quarter |  
|2003:                                  |  |               |         |   |                |   |         |               |  |   |                |   |  |   |         |  
|Sales                                  |  | $             | 252,902 |   |                | $ | 246,843 |               |  | $ | 253,013        |   |  | $ | 239,462 |  
|Gross profit                           |  |               | 46,556  |   |                |   | 42,771  |               |  |   | 44,621         |   |  |   | 38,923  |  
|Net loss                               |  |               | (7,128  | ) |                |   | (9,835  | )             |  |   | (1,147         | ) |  |   | (8,925  | )
|Diluted loss per common share          |  | $             | (0.26   | ) |                | $ | (0.35   | )             |  | $ | (0.04          | ) |  | $ | (0.32   | )
|2002:                                  |  |               |         |   |                |   |         |               |  |   |                |   |  |   |         |  
|Sales                                  |  | $             | 218,902 |   |                | $ | 229,122 |               |  | $ | 236,729        |   |  | $ | 252,026 |  
|Gross profit                           |  |               | 43,409  |   |                |   | 44,236  |               |  |   | 38,204         |   |  |   | 42,975  |  
|Net income (loss)                      |  |               | 499     |   |                |   | (581    | )             |  |   | (4,489         | ) |  |   | (13,349 | )
|Diluted income (loss) per common share |  | $             | 0.02    |   |                | $ | (0.02   | )             |  | $ | (0.16          | ) |  | $ | (0.48   | )



13. Guarantor Condensed
Consolidating Financial Statements



These condensed
consolidating financial statements reflect Caraustar Industries, Inc. and its Subsidiary Guarantors, which consist of all of the Companys wholly-owned subsidiaries other than foreign subsidiaries and two domestic subsidiaries that are not
wholly-owned. These nonguarantor subsidiaries are herein referred to as Nonguarantor Subsidiaries. Separate financial statements of the Subsidiary Guarantors are not presented because the subsidiary guarantees are joint and several and
full and unconditional and the Company believes that the condensed consolidating financial statements presented are more meaningful in understanding the financial position of the Subsidiary Guarantors.



69



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)



|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | -------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - |  | ------------ | -------- | - |  | - | -------- | -
|                                              |  | As of December 31, 2003 |        
|                                              |  | Parent                  |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |          | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   |  | Consolidated |         
|ASSETS                                        | 
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                       
|CURRENT ASSETS:                               |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Cash and cash equivalents                     |  | $                       | 84,303  |   |                        | $ |         |                           |  | $ | 1,248        |   |  | $            |         |   |  | $ | 85,551   |  
|Intercompany funding                          |  |                         | (15,638 | ) |                        |   | 26,415   |                           |  |   | (10,777      | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Receivables, net of allowances                |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 88,937   |                           |  |   | 4,955        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 93,892   |  
|Intercompany accounts receivable              |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 77       |                           |  |   | 212          |   |  |              | (289     | ) |  |   |         |  
|Inventories                                   |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 83,941   |                           |  |   | 3,667        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 87,608   |  
|Refundable income taxes                       |  |                         | 250     |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 250      |  
|Current deferred tax asset                    |  |                         | 7,457   |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 7,457    |  
|Other current assets                          |  |                         | 3,942   |   |                        |   | 8,034    |                           |  |   | 485          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 12,461   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Total current assets                          |  |                         | 80,314  |   |                        |   | 207,404  |                           |  |   | (210         | ) |  |              | (289     | ) |  |   | 287,219  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT                |  |                         | 12,101  |   |                        |   | 752,601  |                           |  |   | 21,444       |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 786,146  |  
|Less accumulated depreciation                 |  |                         | (7,601  | ) |                        |   | (358,851 | )                         |  |   | (8,922       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (375,374 | )
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Property, plant, and equipment, net           |  |                         | 4,500   |   |                        |   | 393,750  |                           |  |   | 12,522       |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 410,772  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|INVESTMENT IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDARIES        |  |                         | 572,865 |   |                        |   | 131,108  |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | (703,973 | ) |  |   |         |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|GOODWILL                                      |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 179,628  |                           |  |   | 3,502        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 183,130  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES       |  |                         | 54,623  |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 54,623   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER ASSETS                                  |  |                         | 14,429  |   |                        |   | 10,332   |                           |  |   | 40           |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 24,801   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  | $                       | 726,731 |   |                        | $ | 922,222  |                           |  | $ | 15,854       |   |  | $            | (704,262 | ) |  | $ | 960,545  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY          | 
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                       
|CURRENT LIABILITIES:                          |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Current maturities of debt                    |  | $                       | 75      |   |                        | $ | 31       |                           |  | $ |             |   |  | $            |         |   |  | $ | 106      |  
|Accounts payable                              |  |                         | 15,820  |   |                        |   | 54,890   |                           |  |   | 4,303        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 75,013   |  
|Intercompany accounts payable                 |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 212      |                           |  |   | 77           |   |  |              | (289     | ) |  |   |         |  
|Accrued interest                              |  |                         | 8,758   |   |                        |   | 74       |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 8,832    |  
|Accrued compensation                          |  |                         | 738     |   |                        |   | 8,870    |                           |  |   | 192          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 9,800    |  
|Accrued pension                               |  |                         |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Other accrued liabilities                     |  |                         | 10,551  |   |                        |   | 19,756   |                           |  |   | 1,000        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 31,307   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Total current liabilities                     |  |                         | 35,942  |   |                        |   | 83,833   |                           |  |   | 5,572        |   |  |              | (289     | ) |  |   | 125,058  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY                        |  |                         |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   |         |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities |  |                         | 522,747 |   |                        |   | 8,254    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 531,001  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                         |  |                         | 45,229  |   |                        |   | 12,242   |                           |  |   | 1,449        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 58,920   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|PENSION LIABILITY                             |  |                         | 1,366   |   |                        |   | 17,266   |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 18,632   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|DEFERRED COMPENSATION                         |  |                         | 1,469   |   |                        |   | 53       |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 1,522    |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER LIABILITIES                             |  |                         | 1,222   |   |                        |   | 3,809    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 5,031    |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|MINORITY INTEREST                             |  |                         |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | 504      |   |  |   | 504      |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY                          |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Common stock                                  |  |                         | 2,708   |   |                        |   | 772      |                           |  |   | 523          |   |  |              | (1,181   | ) |  |   | 2,822    |  
|Additional paid-in capital                    |  |                         | 189,676 |   |                        |   | 601,239  |                           |  |   | 7,922        |   |  |              | (613,806 | ) |  |   | 185,031  |  
|Unearned compensation                         |  |                         | (1,865  | ) |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (1,865   | )
|Retained (deficit) earnings                   |  |                         | (52,519 | ) |                        |   | 194,754  |                           |  |   | (214         | ) |  |              | (89,490  | ) |  |   | 52,531   |  
|Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income |  |                         | (19,244 | ) |                        |   |         |                           |  |   | 602          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (18,642  | )
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  |                         | 118,756 |   |                        |   | 796,765  |                           |  |   | 8,833        |   |  |              | (704,477 | ) |  |   | 219,877  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  | $                       | 726,731 |   |                        | $ | 922,222  |                           |  | $ | 15,854       |   |  | $            | (704,262 | ) |  | $ | 960,545  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  



70



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)



|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|--------------------------------------------- |  | ----------------------- | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | -------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - |  | ------------ | -------- | - |  | - | -------- | -
|                                              |  | As of December 31, 2002 |        
|                                              |  | Parent                  |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |          | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   |  | Consolidated |         
|ASSETS                                        | 
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                       
|CURRENT ASSETS:                               |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Cash and cash equivalents                     |  | $                       | 33,544  |   |                        | $ |         |                           |  | $ | 770          |   |  | $            |         |   |  | $ | 34,314   |  
|Intercompany funding                          |  |                         | 80,974  |   |                        |   | (71,550  | )                         |  |   | (9,424       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   |         |  
|Receivables, net of allowances                |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 100,011  |                           |  |   | 5,658        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 105,669  |  
|Intercompany accounts receivable              |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 459      |                           |  |   | 135          |   |  |              | (594     | ) |  |   |         |  
|Inventories                                   |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 102,698  |                           |  |   | 4,946        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 107,644  |  
|Refundable income taxes                       |  |                         | 13,333  |   |                        |   | 149      |                           |  |   | 199          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 13,681   |  
|Current deferred tax asset                    |  |                         | 6,364   |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 6,364    |  
|Other current assets                          |  |                         | 2,414   |   |                        |   | 5,497    |                           |  |   | 1,067        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 8,978    |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Total current assets                          |  |                         | 136,629 |   |                        |   | 137,264  |                           |  |   | 3,351        |   |  |              | (594     | ) |  |   | 276,650  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT                |  |                         | 11,660  |   |                        |   | 782,734  |                           |  |   | 29,265       |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 823,659  |  
|Less accumulated depreciation                 |  |                         | (6,220  | ) |                        |   | (357,259 | )                         |  |   | (16,785      | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (380,264 | )
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Property, plant, and equipment, net           |  |                         | 5,440   |   |                        |   | 425,475  |                           |  |   | 12,480       |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 443,395  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|INVESTMENT IN CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDARIES        |  |                         | 594,464 |   |                        |   | 129,849  |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | (724,313 | ) |  |   |         |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|GOODWILL                                      |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 177,578  |                           |  |   | 2,967        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 180,545  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES       |  |                         | 52,130  |   |                        |   | 700      |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 52,830   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER ASSETS                                  |  |                         | 27,479  |   |                        |   | 9,294    |                           |  |   | 140          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 36,913   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  | $                       | 816,142 |   |                        | $ | 880,160  |                           |  | $ | 18,938       |   |  | $            | (724,907 | ) |  | $ | 990,333  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY          | 
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                       
|CURRENT LIABILITIES:                          |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Current maturities of debt                    |  | $                       | 70      |   |                        | $ |         |                           |  | $ |             |   |  | $            |         |   |  | $ | 70       |  
|Accounts payable                              |  |                         | 20,162  |   |                        |   | 36,320   |                           |  |   | 3,545        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 60,027   |  
|Intercompany accounts payable                 |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 135      |                           |  |   | 459          |   |  |              | (594     | ) |  |   |         |  
|Accrued interest                              |  |                         | 8,677   |   |                        |   | 72       |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 8,749    |  
|Accrued compensation                          |  |                         | 652     |   |                        |   | 11,919   |                           |  |   | 270          |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 12,841   |  
|Accrued pension                               |  |                         | 7,279   |   |                        |   | 4,000    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 11,279   |  
|Other accrued liabilities                     |  |                         | 6,855   |   |                        |   | 27,345   |                           |  |   | 2,666        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 36,866   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Total current liabilities                     |  |                         | 43,695  |   |                        |   | 79,791   |                           |  |   | 6,940        |   |  |              | (594     | ) |  |   | 129,832  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|SENIOR CREDIT FACILITY                        |  |                         |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   |         |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities |  |                         | 524,515 |   |                        |   | 8,200    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 532,715  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                         |  |                         | 52,113  |   |                        |   | 12,243   |                           |  |   | 1,393        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 65,749   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|PENSION LIABILITY                             |  |                         | 13,572  |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 13,572   |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|DEFERRED COMPENSATION                         |  |                         | 1,447   |   |                        |   | 53       |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 1,500    |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|OTHER LIABILITIES                             |  |                         |        |   |                        |   | 4,584    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 4,584    |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|MINORITY INTEREST                             |  |                         |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | 700      |   |  |   | 700      |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY                          |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|Common stock                                  |  |                         | 2,730   |   |                        |   | 897      |                           |  |   | 523          |   |  |              | (1,359   | ) |  |   | 2,791    |  
|Additional paid-in capital                    |  |                         | 208,036 |   |                        |   | 600,379  |                           |  |   | 7,922        |   |  |              | (633,968 | ) |  |   | 182,369  |  
|Unearned compensation                         |  |                         | (145    | ) |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (145     | )
|Retained (deficit) earnings                   |  |                         | (7,508  | ) |                        |   | 174,013  |                           |  |   | 2,747        |   |  |              | (89,686  | ) |  |   | 79,566   |  
|Accumulated other comprehensive loss          |  |                         | (22,313 | ) |                        |   |         |                           |  |   | (587         | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (22,900  | )
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  |                         | 180,800 |   |                        |   | 775,289  |                           |  |   | 10,605       |   |  |              | (725,013 | ) |  |   | 241,681  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  
|                                              |  | $                       | 816,142 |   |                        | $ | 880,160  |                           |  | $ | 18,938       |   |  | $            | (724,907 | ) |  | $ | 990,333  |  
|                                              |  |                         |         |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |          |  



71



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)



|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | --------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - |  | ------------ | -------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                         |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 |        
|                                                         |  | Parent                               |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |           | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   |  | Consolidated |         
|SALES                                                    |  | $                                    |        |   |                        | $ | 1,170,003 |                           |  | $ | 36,871       |   |  | $            | (214,654 | ) |  | $ | 992,220 |  
|COST OF SALES                                            |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 1,000,039 |                           |  |   | 33,964       |   |  |              | (214,654 | ) |  |   | 819,349 |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                             |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 169,964   |                           |  |   | 2,907        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 172,871 |  
|SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES             |  |                                      | 24,517  |   |                        |   | 134,054   |                           |  |   | 5,359        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 163,930 |  
|RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS                       |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 15,142    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 15,142  |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|(Loss) income from operations                            |  |                                      | (24,517 | ) |                        |   | 20,768    |                           |  |   | (2,452       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (6,201  | )
|OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:                                  |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Interest expense                                         |  |                                      | (43,581 | ) |                        |   | (311      | )                         |  |   | (422         | ) |  |              | 409      |   |  |   | (43,905 | )
|Interest income                                          |  |                                      | 1,436   |   |                        |   | (2        | )                         |  |   | 1            |   |  |              | (409     | ) |  |   | 1,026   |  
|Write-off of deferred debt costs                         |  |                                      | (1,812  | ) |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (1,812  | )
|Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates            |  |                                      | 8,354   |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 8,354   |  
|Other, net                                               |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 286       |                           |  |   | (78          | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | 208     |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|                                                         |  |                                      | (35,603 | ) |                        |   | (27       | )                         |  |   | (499         | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (36,129 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND INCOME TAXES |  |                                      | (60,120 | ) |                        |   | 20,741    |                           |  |   | (2,951       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (42,330 | )
|MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES                              |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | 196      |   |  |   | 196     |  
|(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES                     |  |                                      | (15,109 | ) |                        |   |          |                           |  |   | 10           |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (15,099 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|NET (LOSS) INCOME                                        |  | $                                    | (45,011 | ) |                        | $ | 20,741    |                           |  | $ | (2,961       | ) |  | $            | 196      |   |  | $ | (27,035 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  



72



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)



|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | --------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - |  | ------------ | -------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                         |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2002 |        
|                                                         |  | Parent                               |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |           | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   |  | Consolidated |         
|SALES                                                    |  | $                                    |        |   |                        | $ | 1,091,360 |                           |  | $ | 26,289       |   |  | $            | (180,870 | ) |  | $ | 936,779 |  
|COST OF SALES                                            |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 926,566   |                           |  |   | 22,259       |   |  |              | (180,870 | ) |  |   | 767,955 |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                             |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 164,794   |                           |  |   | 4,030        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 168,824 |  
|SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES             |  |                                      | 19,105  |   |                        |   | 125,557   |                           |  |   | 5,382        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 150,044 |  
|RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS                       |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 12,713    |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 12,713  |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|(Loss) income from operations                            |  |                                      | (19,105 | ) |                        |   | 26,524    |                           |  |   | (1,352       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | 6,067   |  
|OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:                                  |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Interest expense                                         |  |                                      | (37,772 | ) |                        |   | (326      | )                         |  |   | (401         | ) |  |              | 384      |   |  |   | (38,115 | )
|Interest income                                          |  |                                      | 2,024   |   |                        |   | 7         |                           |  |   | 5            |   |  |              | (384     | ) |  |   | 1,652   |  
|Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates     |  |                                      | 2,652   |   |                        |   | (164      | )                         |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 2,488   |  
|Other, net                                               |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 258       |                           |  |   | (128         | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | 130     |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|                                                         |  |                                      | (33,096 | ) |                        |   | (225      | )                         |  |   | (524         | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (33,845 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND INCOME TAXES |  |                                      | (52,201 | ) |                        |   | 26,299    |                           |  |   | (1,876       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (27,778 | )
|MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES                              |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | 235      |   |  |   | 235     |  
|BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES                                 |  |                                      | (9,623  | ) |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (9,623  | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|NET (LOSS) INCOME                                        |  | $                                    | (42,578 | ) |                        | $ | 26,299    |                           |  | $ | (1,876       | ) |  | $            | 235      |   |  | $ | (17,920 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  



73



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)



|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | --------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - |  | ------------ | -------- | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                         |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2001 |        
|                                                         |  | Parent                               |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |           | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   |  | Consolidated |         
|SALES                                                    |  | $                                    |        |   |                        | $ | 1,031,012 |                           |  | $ | 22,453       |   |  | $            | (153,209 | ) |  | $ | 900,256 |  
|COST OF SALES                                            |  |                                      | (7,308  | ) |                        |   | 862,066   |                           |  |   | 18,469       |   |  |              | (153,209 | ) |  |   | 720,018 |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Gross profit                                             |  |                                      | 7,308   |   |                        |   | 168,946   |                           |  |   | 3,984        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 180,238 |  
|SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES             |  |                                      | 14,386  |   |                        |   | 126,910   |                           |  |   | 5,638        |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 146,934 |  
|RESTRUCTURING AND IMPAIRMENT COSTS                       |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 7,083     |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | 7,083   |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Operating (loss) income                                  |  |                                      | (7,078  | ) |                        |   | 34,953    |                           |  |   | (1,654       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | 26,221  |  
|OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME                                   |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|Interest expense                                         |  |                                      | (40,773 | ) |                        |   | (857      | )                         |  |   | (370         | ) |  |              | 847      |   |  |   | (41,153 | )
|Interest income                                          |  |                                      | 1,773   |   |                        |   | 42        |                           |  |   | 18           |   |  |              | (847     | ) |  |   | 986     |  
|Loss on extinguishment of debt                           |  |                                      | (4,305  | ) |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (4,305  | )
|Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates              |  |                                      | (2,525  | ) |                        |   | (85       | )                         |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (2,610  | )
|Other, net                                               |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | (1,366    | )                         |  |   | (68          | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (1,434  | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|                                                         |  |                                      | (45,830 | ) |                        |   | (2,266    | )                         |  |   | (420         | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (48,516 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|(LOSS) INCOME BEFORE MINORITY INTERESTS AND INCOME TAXES |  |                                      | (52,908 | ) |                        |   | 32,687    |                           |  |   | (2,074       | ) |  |              |         |   |  |   | (22,295 | )
|MINORITY INTEREST IN LOSSES                              |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              | 180      |   |  |   | 180     |  
|BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES                                 |  |                                      | (7,513  | ) |                        |   |          |                           |  |   |             |   |  |              |         |   |  |   | (7,513  | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  
|NET (LOSS) INCOME                                        |  | $                                    | (45,395 | ) |                        | $ | 32,687    |                           |  | $ | (2,074       | ) |  | $            | 180      |   |  | $ | (14,602 | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |           |                           |  |   |              |   |  |              |          |   |  |   |         |  



74



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------ | - | ---------------------- | - | ------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - | ------------ | - | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                        |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2003 |       
|                                                        |  | Parent                               |        |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |         | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   | Consolidated |  
|Net cash provided by operating activities               |  | $                                    | 38,223 |   |                        | $ | 15,615  |                           |  | $ | 1,544        |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 55,382  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Investing activities:                                   |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Purchases of property, plant and equipment              |  |                                      | (1,724 | ) |                        |   | (17,009 | )                         |  |   | (1,273       | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (20,006 | )
|Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired        |  |                                      |       |   |                        |   | (695    | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (695    | )
|Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |  |                                      |       |   |                        |   | 2,114   |                           |  |   | 207          |   |              |   |  |  |   | 2,321   |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net cash used in investing activities                   |  |                                      | (1,724 | ) |                        |   | (15,590 | )                         |  |   | (1,066       | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (18,380 | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Financing activities:                                   |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Repayments of short and long-term debt                  |  |                                      | (70    | ) |                        |   | (25     | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (95     | )
|Proceeds from swap agreement unwind                     |  |                                      | 15,950 |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 15,950  |  
|Issuances of stock, net of forfeitures                  |  |                                      | 594    |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 594     |  
|Deferred debt costs                                     |  |                                      | (2,214 | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (2,214  | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     |  |                                      | 14,260 |   |                        |   | (25     | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 14,235  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net increase in cash and cash equivalents               |  |                                      | 50,759 |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   | 478          |   |              |   |  |  |   | 51,237  |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period        |  |                                      | 33,544 |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   | 770          |   |              |   |  |  |   | 34,314  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              |  | $                                    | 84,303 |   |                        | $ |        |                           |  | $ | 1,248        |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 85,551  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  



75



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | ------- | - | ---------------------- | - | ------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - | ------------ | - | - |  | - | ------- | -
|                                                        |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2002 |        
|                                                        |  | Parent                               |         |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |         | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   | Consolidated |  
|Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     |  | $                                    | (24,519 | ) |                        | $ | 86,505  |                           |  | $ | 1,214        |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 63,200  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Investing activities:                                   |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Purchases of property, plant and equipment              |  |                                      | (1,687  | ) |                        |   | (20,177 | )                         |  |   | (678         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (22,542 | )
|Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired        |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | (69,432 | )                         |  |   | (115         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (69,547 | )
|Proceeds from disposal of property, plant and equipment |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | 2,145   |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 2,145   |  
|Investment in unconsolidated affiliates                 |  |                                      |        |   |                        |   | (200    | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (200    | )
|Other, net                                              |  |                                      | (819    | ) |                        |   | 775     |                           |  |   | (186         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (230    | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net cash used in investing activities                   |  |                                      | (2,506  | ) |                        |   | (86,889 | )                         |  |   | (979         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (90,374 | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Financing activities:                                   |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Proceeds from senior credit facility                    |  |                                      | 38,000  |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 38,000  |  
|Repayments of senior credit facility                    |  |                                      | (38,000 | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (38,000 | )
|Repayments of short and long-term debt                  |  |                                      | (6,645  | ) |                        |   | (48     | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (6,693  | )
|Proceeds from swap agreement unwind                     |  |                                      | 6,163   |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 6,163   |  
|Dividends paid                                          |  |                                      | (833    | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (833    | )
|Issuances of stock, net of forfeitures                  |  |                                      | 135     |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 135     |  
|Deferred debt costs                                     |  |                                      | (1,528  | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (1,528  | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net cash used in financing activities                   |  |                                      | (2,708  | ) |                        |   | (48     | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (2,756  | )
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents    |  |                                      | (29,733 | ) |                        |   | (432    | )                         |  |   | 235          |   |              |   |  |  |   | (29,930 | )
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period        |  |                                      | 63,277  |   |                        |   | 432     |                           |  |   | 535          |   |              |   |  |  |   | 64,244  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of period              |  | $                                    | 33,544  |   |                        | $ |        |                           |  | $ | 770          |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 34,314  |  
|                                                        |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |         |  



76



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)



|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|-------------------------------------------------------- |  | ------------------------------------ | -------- | - | ---------------------- | - | ------- | ------------------------- |  | - | ------------ | - | ------------ | - | - |  | - | -------- | -
|                                                         |  | For the Year Ended December 31, 2001 |         
|                                                         |  | Parent                               |          |   | Guarantor Subsidiaries |   |         | Nonguarantor Subsidiaries |  |   | Eliminations |   | Consolidated |  
|Net cash provided by operating activities                |  | $                                    | 30,841   |   |                        | $ | 25,977  |                           |  | $ | 385          |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 57,203   |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Investing activities:                                    |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Purchases of property, plant and equipment               |  |                                      | (1,471   | ) |                        |   | (25,399 | )                         |  |   | (1,189       | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (28,059  | )
|Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired         |  |                                      | (34      | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (34      | )
|Proceeds from disposal of property, plant, and equipment |  |                                      |         |   |                        |   | 267     |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 267      |  
|Other, net                                               |  |                                      | 74       |   |                        |   | 49      |                           |  |   | 313          |   |              |   |  |  |   | 436      |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Net cash used in investing activities                    |  |                                      | (1,431   | ) |                        |   | (25,083 | )                         |  |   | (876         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | (27,390  | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Financing activities:                                    |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Proceeds from note issuance                              |  |                                      | 291,200  |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 291,200  |  
|Proceeds from senior credit facility                     |  |                                      | 18,000   |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 18,000   |  
|Repayments of senior credit facility                     |  |                                      | (212,000 | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (212,000 | )
|Repayments of other short and longterm debt             |  |                                      | (66,277  | ) |                        |   | (833    | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (67,110  | )
|Proceeds from swap agreement unwind                      |  |                                      | 9,093    |   |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 9,093    |  
|7.74% senior notes prepayment penalty                    |  |                                      | (3,565   | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (3,565   | )
|Dividends paid                                           |  |                                      | (8,870   | ) |                        |   |        |                           |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (8,870   | )
|Deferred debt costs                                      |  |                                      | (1,052   | ) |                        |   | (165    | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | (1,217   | )
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities      |  |                                      | 26,529   |   |                        |   | (998    | )                         |  |   |             |   |              |   |  |  |   | 25,531   |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents     |  |                                      | 55,939   |   |                        |   | (104    | )                         |  |   | (491         | ) |              |   |  |  |   | 55,344   |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period         |  |                                      | 7,338    |   |                        |   | 536     |                           |  |   | 1,026        |   |              |   |  |  |   | 8,900    |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  
|Cash and cash equivalents at end of period               |  | $                                    | 63,277   |   |                        | $ | 432     |                           |  | $ | 535          |   |              | $ |  |  | $ | 64,244   |  
|                                                         |  |                                      |          |   |                        |   |         |                           |  |   |              |   |              |   |   |  |   |          |  



77



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



14. Segment Information



The Company operates principally in three business segments organized by products. The paperboard segment consists of
facilities that manufacture 100% recycled uncoated and clay-coated paperboard and facilities that collect recycled paper and broker recycled paper and other paper rolls. The tube, core, and composite container segment is principally made up of
facilities that produce spiral and convolute-wound tubes, cores, and composite cans. The carton and custom packaging segment consists of facilities that produce printed and unprinted folding cartons and set-up boxes and facilities that provide
contract manufacturing and contract packaging services. Intersegment sales are recorded at prices which approximate market prices. Sales to external customers located in foreign countries accounted for approximately 5.6%, 6.6% and 7.3% of the
Companys sales for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.



Operating results include all costs and expenses directly related to the segment involved. Corporate expenses include corporate, general, administrative and unallocated information systems expenses.



Identifiable assets are accumulated by facility within each business segment.
Corporate assets consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents; deferred tax assets; property, plant and equipment; and investments in unconsolidated affiliates.



78



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



The following table presents certain business segment information as of and for the years ended
December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):



|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|---------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | --------- | - | ---- | - | --------- | ---- |  | - | --------- | -
|                                                     |  | 2003 |           |   | 2002 |   |           | 2001 | 
|Sales (aggregate):                                   |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Paperboard                                           |  | $    | 499,525   |   |      | $ | 471,780   |      |  | $ | 448,896   |  
|Tube, core, and composite container                  |  |      | 384,572   |   |      |   | 297,564   |      |  |   | 265,985   |  
|Carton and custom packaging                          |  |      | 291,151   |   |      |   | 321,386   |      |  |   | 325,743   |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Total                                                |  | $    | 1,175,248 |   |      | $ | 1,090,730 |      |  | $ | 1,040,624 |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Sales (intersegment):                                |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Paperboard                                           |  | $    | 177,538   |   |      | $ | 148,763   |      |  | $ | 135,854   |  
|Tube, core, and composite container                  |  |      | 4,428     |   |      |   | 4,347     |      |  |   | 3,921     |  
|Carton and custom packaging                          |  |      | 1,062     |   |      |   | 841       |      |  |   | 593       |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Total                                                |  | $    | 183,028   |   |      | $ | 153,951   |      |  | $ | 140,368   |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Sales (external customers):                          |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Paperboard                                           |  | $    | 321,987   |   |      | $ | 323,017   |      |  | $ | 313,042   |  
|Tube, core, and composite container                  |  |      | 380,144   |   |      |   | 293,217   |      |  |   | 262,064   |  
|Carton and custom packaging                          |  |      | 290,089   |   |      |   | 320,545   |      |  |   | 325,150   |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Total                                                |  | $    | 992,220   |   |      | $ | 936,779   |      |  | $ | 900,256   |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Income (loss) from operations:                       |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Paperboard (A)                                       |  | $    | 20,013    |   |      | $ | 12,268    |      |  | $ | 31,365    |  
|Tube, core, and composite container (B)              |  |      | 8,688     |   |      |   | 11,383    |      |  |   | 7,016     |  
|Carton and custom packaging (C)                      |  |      | (12,758   | ) |      |   | 973       |      |  |   | 2,324     |  
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|                                                     |  |      | 15,943    |   |      |   | 24,624    |      |  |   | 40,705    |  
|Corporate expense                                    |  |      | (22,144   | ) |      |   | (18,557   | )    |  |   | (14,484   | )
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|(Loss) income from operations                        |  |      | (6,201    | ) |      |   | 6,067     |      |  |   | 26,221    |  
|Interest expense                                     |  |      | (43,905   | ) |      |   | (38,115   | )    |  |   | (41,153   | )
|Interest income                                      |  |      | 1,026     |   |      |   | 1,652     |      |  |   | 986       |  
|Write-off of deferred debt costs                     |  |      | (1,812    | ) |      |   |          |      |  |   |          |  
|Loss on extinguishment of debt                       |  |      |          |   |      |   |          |      |  |   | (4,305    | )
|Equity in income (loss) of unconsolidated affiliates |  |      | 8,354     |   |      |   | 2,488     |      |  |   | (2,610    | )
|Other, net                                           |  |      | 208       |   |      |   | 130       |      |  |   | (1,434    | )
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Loss before income taxes and minority interest       |  |      | (42,330   | ) |      |   | (27,778   | )    |  |   | (22,295   | )
|Minority interest in losses                          |  |      | 196       |   |      |   | 235       |      |  |   | 180       |  
|Benefit for income taxes                             |  |      | (15,099   | ) |      |   | (9,623    | )    |  |   | (7,513    | )
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  
|Net loss                                             |  | $    | (27,035   | ) |      | $ | (17,920   | )    |  | $ | (14,602   | )
|                                                     |  |      |           |   |      |   |           |      |  |   |           |  

---

|(A) | Results for 2003, 2002 and 2001 include charges to operations for restructuring and impairment costs of $7.2 million, $10.4 million and $4.4 million, respectively, related to
closing and consolidating operations within the paperboard segment. Results for 2001 also include a $7.1 million reduction in reserves related to expiring unfavorable supply contracts at the Sprague paperboard mill.
|--- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(B) | Results for 2003 include charges to operations for asset and impairment costs of $1.2 million related to the decline in value of land and buildings that were permanently closed in
conjunction with the Companys restructuring activities within the tube, core and composite container segment.
|--- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|(C) | Results for 2003, 2002 and 2001 include charges to operations for restructuring and impairment costs of $6.7 million, $2.4 million and $2.6 million, respectively, related to closing
and consolidating operation within the carton and custom packaging segment.
|--- | -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





79



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |  | ---- | ------- | ---- | - | ------- |  | - | -------
|                                                                                  |  | 2003 |         | 2002 |   | 2001   
|Identifiable assets:                                                              |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Paperboard                                                                        |  | $    | 376,444 |      | $ | 410,534 |  | $ | 400,035
|Tube, core, and composite container                                               |  |      | 204,124 |      |   | 202,441 |  |   | 134,462
|Carton and custom packaging                                                       |  |      | 212,035 |      |   | 236,796 |  |   | 252,207
|Corporate                                                                         |  |      | 167,942 |      |   | 140,562 |  |   | 174,277
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Total                                                                             |  | $    | 960,545 |      | $ | 990,333 |  | $ | 960,981
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Depreciation and amortization:                                                    |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Paperboard                                                                        |  | $    | 16,079  |      | $ | 29,272  |  | $ | 35,916 
|Tube, core, and composite container                                               |  |      | 5,184   |      |   | 6,723   |  |   | 7,537  
|Carton and custom packaging                                                       |  |      | 6,821   |      |   | 13,456  |  |   | 16,827 
|Corporate                                                                         |  |      | 2,907   |      |   | 4,795   |  |   | 4,060  
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Total                                                                             |  | $    | 30,991  |      | $ | 54,246  |  | $ | 64,340 
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Purchases of property, plant and equipment, excluding acquisitions of businesses: |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Paperboard                                                                        |  | $    | 10,621  |      | $ | 13,992  |  | $ | 15,334 
|Tube, core, and composite container                                               |  |      | 3,698   |      |   | 2,347   |  |   | 6,536  
|Carton and custom packaging                                                       |  |      | 3,963   |      |   | 4,516   |  |   | 4,718  
|Corporate                                                                         |  |      | 1,724   |      |   | 1,687   |  |   | 1,471  
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        
|Total                                                                             |  | $    | 20,006  |      | $ | 22,542  |  | $ | 28,059 
|                                                                                  |  |      |         |      |   |         |  |   |        



15. Restructuring and Impairment
Costs



2003 Restructuring Initiatives



In March 2003, the Company announced the permanent closure of its Buffalo
Paperboard mill located in Lockport, New York. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $4.4 million in connection with this closure. The $4.4 million charge included a $3.2 million impairment charge for assets, a $670 thousand accrual for
severance and other termination benefits, and a $607 thousand accrual for other exit costs. During 2003, $670 thousand of the original accrual was paid for severance and other termination benefits, $604 thousand was paid for other exit costs and an
accrual of $3 thousand remained at December 31, 2003 for other exit costs. As of December 31, 2003 there were no employees remaining at the mill. The Company is currently marketing the property for sale.



In June 2003, the Company initiated a plan to permanently close its Ashland,
Ohio carton facility. As mentioned below, the Company downsized this facility in December 2002; however, due to severe margin pressure and excess industry capacity, the Company decided to close the facility. During 2003, the Company recorded a
charge of approximately $6.7 million, which includes a $4.1 million impairment charge for assets, a $1.2 million accrual for severance and other termination benefits and an accrual of $1.4 million for other exit costs. During 2003, $937 thousand of
the accrual had been paid for severance and other termination benefits and almost all the other exit costs had been paid leaving an accrual of $302 thousand for severance and other termination benefits and $8 thousand for other exit costs.
Substantially all of the Ashland carton sales will be transferred to the Companys other carton manufacturing facilities.



In December 2003, the Company recorded a $986 thousand asset impairment charge related to closing the Hendersonville tube and core facility located in
Hendersonville, North Carolina and a $223 thousand asset impairment charge related to closing the Jacksonville tube and core facility located in Jacksonville, Florida. The facilities were acquired as a part of the Smurfit Industrial Packaging
Division. The Company previously announced the closure of these facilities. These impairment charges represent the decline in estimated fair value of the real estate held for sale subsequent to the acquisition.



80



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



In December 2003, the Company recorded a $609 thousand asset impairment charge related to the closure
of the Halifax Recycling plant located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. This facility was closed along with the Halifax paperboard mill in December 2002, but there were no significant restructuring or impairment charges related to this closure
until December 2003.



For restructuring activities initiated
during 2003, the paperboard segment recorded $5.0 million of restructuring and impairment costs. The estimated total restructuring and impairment costs related to these initiatives is $5.1 million. The carton and custom packaging segment recorded
$6.7 million of restructuring and impairment costs. The estimated total restructuring and impairment costs related to these initiatives is $7.6 million.



2002 Restructuring Initiatives



In June 2002, the Company recorded a $985 thousand noncash, pretax restructuring charge related to the permanent closure of the Companys Camden and
Chicago paperboard mills, which were shut down in 2000 and 2001, respectively. The $985 thousand charge represents a revised estimate of fixed asset disposals at these mills. The Chicago mill recorded a $1.5 million additional provision, while the
Camden mill overestimated the fixed asset write-off and recorded a credit of $500 thousand. During 2003, $197 thousand of other exit costs were paid at the Chicago paperboard mill and an additional $82 thousand was accrued for asset impairments at
Camden.



In December 2002, the Company initiated a plan to
permanently close its Halifax paperboard mill located in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. This mill was idled in June 2001 and the Company planned to restart it when industry demand improved. The Company made the decision to permanently close and
dismantle the mill based on the foreseeable conditions of paperboard demand. In connection with this plan, the Company recorded a 2002 pretax charge to operations of approximately $3.4 million. The $3.4 million charge included a $3.0 million
impairment charge and a $370 thousand accrual for other exit costs. During 2003, $322 thousand of the accrual was paid for other exit costs and an accrual of $47 thousand remained. In addition, $72 thousand was expensed and paid for severance and
other termination benefits incurred and a reduction of expense of $581 thousand was recorded as a result of a revised estimate of impaired assets. As of December 31, 2003, there were no employees remaining at the mill. The remaining other exit costs
are expected to be paid by June 30, 2004. The Company is currently marketing the property for sale.



In December 2002, the Company initiated a plan to consolidate its Carolina Converting, Inc. facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina into its Carolina
Component Concepts facility located in Mooresville, North Carolina and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $6.0 million. The decision to consolidate these facilities was initiated by the loss of a significant customer, combined
with a significant decline in demand in other specialty converted products. The $6.0 million charge included a $2.4 million impairment charge for assets and a $3.6 million accrual for other exit costs. A substantial portion of the other exit costs
is related to a real estate lease for which no future economic benefit will be derived. During 2003, the Company recorded a pretax charge to operations of $2.2 million. The $2.2 million charge included a $914 thousand impairment charge for assets, a
$113 thousand charge for severance and other termination benefits and a $1.1 million accrual for other exit costs. As of December 31, 2003 the $113 thousand accrual had been paid for severance and other termination benefits and $1.0 million had been
paid for other exit costs leaving an accrual of $3.7 million related to other exit costs. The Carolina Converting, Inc. facility ceased operations in the first quarter of 2003. As of December 31, 2003, two employees remained to wind down the
business, dismantle the machinery and equipment and clean the facility. The other exit costs will be paid through December 2006, the end of the real estate lease. The Company will complete the exit plan upon fulfilling its obligations under the real
estate lease.



Also in December 2002, the Company initiated a
plan to restructure its carton plant in Ashland, Ohio to serve a smaller, more focused carton market and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $2.4 million. The $2.4 million charge included an impairment charge of $1.2 million for
assets, a $494 thousand



81



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



accrual for severance and other termination benefits for 18 hourly and 8 salaried employees terminated in connection with this plan, as well as a $688
thousand accrual for other exit costs. During 2003, all costs were paid related to severance and other termination benefits and a $35 thousand remaining over accrual for other exit costs was reclassified to other exit costs related to the 2003
Ashland closure. As of December 31, 2003, there was no liability remaining related to the 2002 restructuring of the Ashland carton plant.



2001 Restructuring Initiatives



In January 2001, the Company initiated a plan to close its paperboard mill located in Chicago, Illinois and recorded a pretax charge to operations of
approximately $4.4 million. The $4.4 million charge included a $2.2 million noncash asset impairment write-down of fixed assets to estimated net realizable value and a $1.2 million accrual for severance and termination benefits for 16 salaried and
59 hourly employees terminated in connection with this plan as well as a $989 thousand accrual for other exit costs. No employees remained at the mill at the end of the year. During 2003 and additional $477 thousand was accrued for other exit costs
at the Chicago paperboard mill. The remaining other exit costs are expected to be paid by September 30, 2004. The Company has completed the exit plan with the exception of the sale of the property. The property is being actively marketed for sale at
a price that is reasonable in relation to its fair value. The mill closure did not have a material impact on the Companys operating performance.



In March 2001, the Company initiated a plan to consolidate the operations of the Salt Lake City, Utah carton plant into the Denver, Colorado carton plant
and recorded a pretax charge to operations of approximately $2.6 million. The $2.6 million charge included a $1.8 million noncash asset impairment write-down of fixed assets to estimated net realizable value and a $464 thousand accrual for severance
and termination benefits for 5 salaried and 31 hourly employees terminated in connection with this plan as well as a $422 thousand accrual for other exit costs. All exit costs were paid as of December 31, 2001, and the exit plan was
completed.



The following is a summary of restructuring
and other costs and the restructuring liability for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 (in thousands):



|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|------------------------------------ |  | ---------------- | ----- | ---------------------------------------- | - | ------ | ---------------- |  | - | ----------------------- | - |  | ----------------------------------------- | ------ | - |  | - | ------
|                                     |  | Asset Impairment |       | Severance and Other Termination Benefits |   |        | Other Exit Costs |  |   | Restructuring Liability |   |  | Total Restructuring and Impairment Charge
|Liability balance, December 31, 2000 |  |                  |       |                                          | $ | 178    |                  |  | $ | 622                     |   |  | $                                         | 800    |   |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|2001 charges                         |  | $                | 3,987 |                                          |   | 1,685  |                  |  |   | 1,411                   |   |  |                                           | 3,096  |   |  | $ | 7,083 
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Expenditures                         |  |                  |       |                                          |   | (1,863 | )                |  |   | (1,567                  | ) |  |                                           | (3,430 | ) |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Liability balance, December 31, 2001 |  |                  |       |                                          |   |       |                  |  |   | 466                     |   |  |                                           | 466    |   |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|2002 charges                         |  | $                | 7,591 |                                          |   | 494    |                  |  |   | 4,628                   |   |  |                                           | 5,122  |   |  | $ | 12,713
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Expenditures                         |  |                  |       |                                          |   |       |                  |  |   | (289                    | ) |  |                                           | (289   | ) |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Liability balance, December 31, 2002 |  |                  |       |                                          |   | 494    |                  |  |   | 4,805                   |   |  |                                           | 5,299  |   |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|2003 charges                         |  | $                | 9,498 |                                          |   | 2,094  |                  |  |   | 3,550                   |   |  |                                           | 5,644  |   |  | $ | 15,142
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Expenditures and adjustment          |  |                  |       |                                          |   | (2,286 | )                |  |   | (4,125                  | ) |  |                                           | (6,411 | ) |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       
|Liability balance, December 31, 2003 |  |                  |       |                                          | $ | 302    |                  |  | $ | 4,230                   |   |  | $                                         | 4,532  |   |  |   |       
|                                     |  |                  |       |                                          |   |        |                  |  |   |                         |   |  |                                           |        |   |  |   |       



16. Disclosures About Fair Value of
Financial Instruments



The following table sets forth the
fair values and carrying amounts of the Companys significant financial instruments where the carrying amount differs from the fair value. The carrying amount of cash and cash



82



---

CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(Continued)

December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



equivalents, short-term debt and long-term variable-rate debt approximates fair value. The fair value of long-term debt is based on quoted market prices (in
thousands).



|                                |  |            |         |                    |   |        
|------------------------------- |  | ---------- | ------- | ------------------ | - | -------
|                                |  | Fair Value |         | Carrying Amount(1)
|97/8%
senior subordinated notes |  | $          | 306,731 |                    | $ | 294,510
|71/4%
senior notes              |  |            | 28,420  |                    |   | 26,068 
|73/8%
senior notes              |  |            | 202,188 |                    |   | 201,779
|                                |  |            |         |                    |   |        
|                                |  | $          | 537,339 |                    | $ | 522,357
|                                |  |            |         |                    |   |        

---

|(1) | The carrying amount excludes the $1.1 million adjustment for the fair value of the interest rate swap agreements discussed in Note 6.
|--- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



17. Related Party



A director and former Chairman of the Board of Directors is a shareholder in the firm of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson,
P.A., the Companys principal outside legal counsel which performed services for the company during the last three years. The amount of fees paid were $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001, respectively.



The Company sold $18.4 million, $16.0
million and $14.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, to Standard Gypsum, a 50% owned joint venture. There was no account receivable due from Standard Gypsum as of December 31, 2003. Accounts receivable due
from Standard Gypsum were $45 thousand as of December 31, 2002.



The Company sold $7.8 million, $3.2 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, to Premier Boxboard, a 50% owned joint venture. Accounts receivable due from Premier Boxboard were $750
thousand and $183 thousand as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The Company purchased paperboard totaling $3.8 million, $3.0 million and $2.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, from Premier
Boxboard. Payables due to Premier Boxboard were $437 thousand and $176 thousand as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.



The Company performs certain treasury functions on behalf of Premier Boxboard. As a result, the Company had a receivable due from Premier Boxboard of $500
thousand as of December 31, 2003 and a payable due to Premier Boxboard of $4.7 million as of December 31, 2002.



18. Subsequent Events



On January 13, 2004, the Company announced the closure of the Cedartown paperboard mill located in Cedartown, Georgia. All of the paperboard produced at
this facility had been consumed internally by the Companys converting operations. The paperboard production will be transitioned to the Companys other paperboard mills. This closure is not expected to have a significant impact on the
Companys operations and is expected to improve operating results and capacity utilization.



In March 2004, the Company unwound one of its two $50.0 million interest rate swap agreements related to the 97/8% senior subordinated notes and received approximately $400 thousand from the bank counter-party. The $400 thousand
gain will be recorded as a component of debt and will be accreted to interest expense over the remaining life of the notes.



83



---

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Caraustar Industries, Inc.

Austell, Georgia



We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Caraustar Industries, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15.
These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits. We did not audit the 2003 and 2002 financial
statements of Standard Gypsum LP, the Companys investment in which is accounted for by use of the equity method. The Companys equity of $9,557,000 and $9,605,000 in Standard Gypsums net assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002,
respectively and in $6,799,000 and $8,182,000 in that companys net income for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The financial statements of Standard
Gypsum were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for such company is based solely on the report of such other auditors.



We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of the other auditors, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Caraustar Industries, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.



As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed its method of accounting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 (SFAS 146) Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal
Activities, which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2003.



As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill and other intangible assets to conform to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142
(SFAS 142) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, which was adopted by the Company as of January 1, 2002.



/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP



Atlanta, Georgia

March 11, 2004



84



---

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



The Partners

Standard Gypsum LP



We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Standard Gypsum LP (Standard)
as of January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002, and the related statements of operations, partners equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of Standards management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. The financial statements of Standard as of December 29, 2001, and for the year then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations and whose report dated
February 1, 2002 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements before the reclassification adjustments described in Note 2.



We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of Standard Gypsum LP as of January 3, 2004 and December 28, 2002 and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States.



As discussed above, the financial statements of Standard as of
December 29, 2001, and for the year then ended were audited by other auditors who have ceased operations. As described in Note 2, these financial statements have been revised. We audited the reclassification adjustments described in Note 2 that were
applied to revise the 2001 financial statements. In our opinion, such reclassification adjustments are appropriate and have been properly applied. However, we were not engaged to audit, review, or apply any procedures to the 2001 financial
statements of Standard other than with respect to such reclassification adjustments and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2001 financial statements taken as a whole.



/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Austin, Texas

February 6, 2004



85



---

ITEM 9: CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE.



Not applicable.



ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES



As of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, we
evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (disclosure controls). Included with the exhibits to this annual report are certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, that are required to be furnished by SEC rules adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The information discussed in this section of our annual report relates to the evaluations of disclosure
controls and internal control over financial reporting referenced in these certifications and should be read in conjunction with these certifications.



Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls will timely and accurately
alert us to matters that we must disclose, or that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the reality of resource constraints; accordingly the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.



Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of
controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and possible omissions or misstatements due to fraud or error, if any, within our company have been detected. Among the inherent limitations in controls are the potential for erroneous
judgments and decisions or simple errors or mistakes in the chain of recording, processing, summarizing or reporting information. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the intentional acts of individuals or multiple persons acting in
concert, or by management override. The design of any system of controls also is based in part on assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and we can give no assurance that our controls, as designed, will succeed in achieving their stated
goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.



In conjunction with its 2002 audit of our financial statements, our
independent accountants, Deloitte & Touche LLP, identified certain items they described as reportable conditions, relating primarily to the decentralized nature of our Company and the inconsistent application of certain written
policies. In 2003, the Company undertook a process of implementing improvements to its policies and engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to do an extensive evaluation of the Companys internal controls, both to prepare our Company to comply with
the new annual internal controls certification that will be required as of December 31, 2004 pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and related SEC rulemaking, as well as to assist the Company in conforming to certain
best practices recommendations with respect to internal controls generally. Our efforts to implement improvements in these areas continue, and further improvements will be necessary, in order for our Company to comply with the upcoming
internal controls certification requirement mandated by Section 404. See Risk FactorsOur business is subject to changing regulation of corporate governance and public disclosure that has increased both our costs and the risk of
noncompliance.



Based on the evaluation discussed above,
and subject to the disclosures and limitations noted above, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls, are effective to provide reasonable assurance that management, including the Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is timely alerted to material information relating to Caraustar and its consolidated subsidiaries required to be included in the Companys reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



Subject to the disclosures and limitations noted above, there
has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth quarter of our most recent fiscal year that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



86



---

PART III



ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT



Information contained under the captions Election of Directors and Section 16(A) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance in the
Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 10. The information in response to this Item 10 regarding the executive officers of the Company is contained in Item 1, Part I hereof under the caption Executive
Officers.



The Board of Directors has determined that two
members of the Audit Committee, Daniel P. Casey and Robert J. Clanin, are audit committee financial experts, as that term is defined in SEC regulations. Specifically, the Board determined that both Mr. Casey, by virtue of his background
and experience as the retired chief financial officer of Gaylord Container Corporation, and Mr. Clanin, by virtue of his background and experience as the retired chief financial officer of United Parcel Service, have the following attributes:



| |  | an understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and financial statements;
| | - | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | the ability to assess the general application of such principles in connection with the accounting for estimates, accruals and reserves;
| | - | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | experience in preparing, auditing, analyzing or evaluating financial statements that present a breadth and level of complexity of accounting issues that are generally comparable to
the breadth and complexity of issues that can reasonably be expected to be raised by the Companys financial statements, or experience actively supervising persons engaged in such activities;
| | - | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | an understanding of internal controls and procedures for financial reporting; and
| | - | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------



| |  | an understanding of audit committee functions.
| | - | ----------------------------------------------



The Board of Directors has also determined that both Mr. Casey and Mr. Clanin are independent directors within the meaning of existing Nasdaq
rules and new Nasdaq rules that will take effect as of the Companys upcoming annual meeting.



The Company has a code of ethics that governs the conduct of the Companys directors and all salaried employees, including the Chief Executive
Officer, Chief Financial Officer and principal accounting officer. This code, which we call Standards of Business Conduct, is posted on our corporate website at www.caraustar.com, and we intend to post on our website any
substantive changes to the code and any waivers granted under it to the specified officers. The Company also has a code of ethics, called Standards of Business Conduct, that governs the conduct of the Companys hourly employees. The
Standards of Business Conduct for hourly employees are similar to those for salaried employees, with modifications that we believe appropriately reflect the hourly employees different employment circumstances. These Standards are also posted
on our website.



ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION



Information contained under the caption Executive Compensation
in the Proxy Statement, except the item captioned Compensation Committee Report, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 11.



ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT



Information contained under the captions Equity Compensation Plan Information and Share Ownership in the Proxy Statement is
incorporated by reference herein in response to this Item 12.



ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS



Russell M.
Robinson, II, a member of the Board of Directors and former Chairman of the Board of Directors, is a shareholder in the firm of Robinson, Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., the Companys principal outside legal counsel, which performed services for
the Company during the last fiscal year and during the current fiscal year. Certain members of such firm beneficially owned approximately 129,254 shares of the Companys common stock as of March 4, 2004.



87



---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES



Information appearing under the caption Approval of Independent Public Accountants in the Proxy Statement is
incorporated herein in response to this Item 14.



ITEM 15. EXHIBITS,
FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K



a.
Documents filed as part of the Report



(1) The
following financial statements of the Company and Report of Independent Public Accountants are included in Part II, Item 8 above.



Consolidated Financial Statements:



Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2003 and 2002



Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001



Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2003,
2002 and 2001



Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



Report of Independent Public Accountants



Schedule II  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves



All other schedules for which provision is made in the
applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable, or the required information is included elsewhere in the financial statements.



(3) Exhibits:



The Exhibits to this report on Form 10-K are listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index.



b. Reports on Form 8-K.



We furnished three current reports during the quarter ended
December 31, 2003.



The first report,
furnished on October 8, 2003, included excerpts from a management presentation.



The second report, furnished on November 4, 2003, included the contents of our press release announcing our financial results for the
third quarter of 2003.



The third report,
furnished on November 19, 2003, included excerpts from a management presentation.



88



---

SCHEDULE II



CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC.



VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

For the Years Ended December 31, 2001, 2002 and 2003

(In Thousands)



|      |  |                                                                    |  |                              |       |                               |   |             |  |   |                        |   |  |   |      
|----- |  | ------------------------------------------------------------------ |  | ---------------------------- | ----- | ----------------------------- | - | ----------- |  | - | ---------------------- | - |  | - | -----
|      |  |                                                                    |  | Balance at Beginning of Year |       | Charged to Costs and Expenses |   | Deductions* |  |   | Balance at End of Year
|2001: |  | Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, returns and discounts |  | $                            | 3,332 |                               | $ | 9,091       |  | $ | (8,173                 | ) |  | $ | 4,250
|2002: |  | Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, returns and discounts |  | $                            | 4,250 |                               | $ | 10,082      |  | $ | (8,946                 | ) |  | $ | 5,386
|2003: |  | Allowances for doubtful accounts receivable, returns and discounts |  | $                            | 5,386 |                               | $ | 11,038      |  | $ | (11,122                | ) |  | $ | 5,302

---

|* | Principally charges for which reserves were provided, net of recoveries.
|- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------



89



---

SIGNATURES



Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.



CARAUSTAR INDUSTRIES, INC.By:

/s/    RONALD J.
DOMANICORonald J. DomanicoVice President and Chief Financial OfficerDate:  March 12, 2004




Pursuant to the
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated on.



|                                                                                                     
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Signature                                                                                            
|/s/    THOMAS V.
BROWN                                                                               
|Thomas V. Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer);
Director       
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    MICHAEL J.
KEOUGH                                                                             
|Michael J. Keough, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Principal Operating Officer);
Director
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    RONALD J.
DOMANICO                                                                            
|Ronald J. Domanico, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)         
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    WILLIAM A. NIX,
III                                                                           
|William A. Nix, III, Vice President, Treasurer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)         
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    James E. Rogers                                                                               
|James E. Rogers, Chairman of the Board                                                               
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    DANIEL P.
CASEY                                                                               
|Daniel P. Casey, Director                                                                            
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    ROBERT J.
CLANIN                                                                              
|Robert J. Clanin, Director                                                                           
|                                                                                                     
|/s/    RALPH M.
HOLT                                                                                 
|Ralph M. Holt, Jr., Director                                                                         



90



---

EXHIBIT INDEX



|            |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|----------- |  | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit No. |  |   |  | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
|            |  |  
|3.01        |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 3.01 to Annual Report for 1992 on Form 10-K [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                    
|            |  |  
|3.02        |  |  |  | Third Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 3.02 to Annual Report for 2001 on Form 10-K [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                 
|            |  |  
|4.01        |  |  |  | Specimen Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 4.01 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 [SEC File No. 33-50582])                                                                                                                                                                                
|            |  |  
|4.02        |  |  |  | Articles 3 and 4 of the Companys Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (included in Exhibit 3.01)                                                                                                                                                                                                               
|            |  |  
|4.03        |  |  |  | Article II of the Companys Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (included in Exhibit 3.02)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|            |  |  
|4.04        |  |  |  | Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of May 24, 1999, between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and The Bank of New York as Rights Agent (Incorporated by reference Exhibit 10.1 to current
report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 1999 [SEC File No. 020646])                                                              
|            |  |  
|4.05        |  |  |  | Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1999, between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, regarding The Companys 73/8% Notes due 2009 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 4.05 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 [SEC File No.
0-20646])                                   
|            |  |  
|4.06        |  |  |  | First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 1, 1999, between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 4.06 to report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1999 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                              
|            |  |  
|4.07        |  |  |  | Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 29, 2001, between the Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, regarding the Companys 73/8% Notes due 2009 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 4.07 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2000 [SEC File No. 0-20646])
|            |  |  
|10.01       |  |  |  | Indenture, dated as of March 29, 2001, between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, regarding the Companys 71/4% Senior Notes due 2010 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.01 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 [SEC File No.
0-20646])                       
|            |  |  
|10.02       |  |  |  | Indenture, dated as of March 29, 2001, between the Company, the Guarantors and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, regarding the Companys 97/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2011 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.02 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 [SEC File
No. 0-20646])          
|            |  |  
|10.03*      |  |  |  | Employment Agreement, dated December 31, 1990, between the Company and Thomas V. Brown (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.06 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 [SEC File No.
33-50582])                                                                                                                          
|            |  |  
|10.04*      |  |  |  | Employment Agreement, dated February 13, 2002, between the Company and Michael J. Keough (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.26 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
30, 2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                               
|            |  |  
|10.05*      |  |  |  | Employment Agreement, dated October 1, 2002, between the Company and Ronald J. Domanico (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.27 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                
|            |  |  
|10.06#*     |  |  |  | Change in Control Severance Agreement, dated October 1, 2002, between the Company and Ronald J. Domanico (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.30 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                               



91



---

|            |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
|----------- |  | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit No. |  |   |  | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|            |  |  
|10.07*      |  |  |  | Deferred Compensation Plan, together with copies of existing individual deferred compensation agreements (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.08 to Registration Statement on Form S-1
[SEC File No. 33-50582])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|10.08*      |  |  |  | 1993 Key Employees Share Ownership Plan (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.10 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 [SEC File No. 33-50582])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|10.09*      |  |  |  | Incentive Bonus Plan of the Company (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.10 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|10.10*      |  |  |  | 1996 Director Equity Plan of the Company (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.12 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 1996 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
|            |  |  
|10.11*      |  |  |  | Amendment No. 1 to the Companys 1996 Director Equity Plan, dated July 16, 1998 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.2 to current report on Form 8-K dated June 1, 1999 [SEC File No.
0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|10.12*      |  |  |  | Second Amended and Restated 1998 Key Employee Incentive Compensation Plan (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.13 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001 [SEC File
No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
|            |  |  
|10.13*      |  |   |  | 2003 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan of the Company (Incorporated by reference Appendix A to definitive schedule 14-A for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed April 7, 2003 [SEC
File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
|            |  |  
|10.14       |  |  |  | Partnership Agreement of Standard Gypsum L.P. (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.21 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  
|            |  |  
|10.15       |  |  |  | Operating Agreement of Premier Boxboard Limited LLC (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.22 to report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001 [SEC File No.
0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|10.16       |  |   |  | Asset Purchase Agreement between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, dated as of July 22, 2002 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 2 to current report on
Form 8-K dated October 15, 2002)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
|            |  |  
|10.17       |  |   |  | First Amendment to Asset Purchase Agreement between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, dated as of September 9, 2002 (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit
10.25 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                                                      
|            |  |  
|10.18       |  |  |  | Master Lease Agreement, with Riders Nos. 1 through 3 and Equipment Schedules Nos. 1 through 4, dated September 30, 2002, between Caraustar Industries, Inc. and Banc of America Leasing &
Capital, LLC (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.29 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                     
|            |  |  
|10.19       |  |  |  | Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2003, by and among the Company and certain subsidiaries identified therein, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company identified as guarantors
listed therein, and Bank of America, N.A. as the Administrative Agent regarding the Companys $75.0 million senior credit facility (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.01 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 [SEC
File No. 0-20646]).
|            |  |  
|10.20       |  |  |  | Security Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2003, by and among the Company and certain subsidiaries identified therein, as guarantors, and Bank of America, N.A, as Administrative Agent
(Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.02 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                                                                                                                           
|            |  |  
|10.21       |  |  |  | First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of July 8, 2003, by and among the Company and certain subsidiaries identified therein, as borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Company identified
as guarantors listed therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference  Exhibit 10.03 to report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2003 [SEC File No. 0-20646])                                               



92



---

|            |  |   |  |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
|----------- |  | - |  | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Exhibit No. |  |   |  | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
|            |  |  
|10.22*     |  |  |  | Insurance Security Option Plan                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|12.01      |  |  |  | Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
|            |  |  
|21.01      |  |  |  | Subsidiaries of the Registrant                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
|            |  |  
|23.01      |  |  |  | Consent of Ernst & Young LLP                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
|            |  |  
|23.02      |  |   |  | Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          
|            |  |  
|31.01      |  |  |  | Certification of CEO  Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                                                                                                                                                                         
|            |  |  
|31.02      |  |  |  | Certification of CFO  Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                                                                                                                                                                         
|            |  |  
|32.01      |  |  |  | Certification of CEO  Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                                                                                                                                                                           
|            |  |  
|32.02      |  |  |  | Certification of CFO  Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002                                                                                                                                                                                           
|            |  |  
|99.03       |  |  |  | Entire contents of Items 2 and 7 of Form 8-K/A filed December 16, 2002 (financial statements and related information with respect to Smurfit Industrial Packaging Group (a business unit of
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.)). (Incorporated by reference  Form 8-K/A filed December 16, 2002 [SEC File No. 0-20646])

---

| | Filed herewith
|- | --------------

|* | Management contract or compensatory plan required to be filed under Item 15(c) of Form 10-K and Item 601 of Regulation S-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
|- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

|# | This Exhibit is substantially identical to Change in Control Severance Agreements for the following individuals: Thomas V. Brown, Michael J. Keough, James L. Walden, Jimmy A.
Russell, John R. Foster and William A. Nix, III, except the agreement is dated March 1, 2002, for these individuals.
|- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



93