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United States
Securities and Exchange CommissionWashington, D.C. 20549



Form 10-K

ý

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008oro

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934For the transition period from            to


Commission file number 0-23876

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware(State of incorporation or organization)

43-1531401(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)150 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, Illinois(Address of principal executive offices)

60601(Zip Code)


Registrant's
Telephone Number:(312) 346-6600



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

NoneSecurities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value7% Series A Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock, $0.01 Par Value


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

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

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

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. ý

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

Large accelerated filer ý

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company o


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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently
completed second fiscal quarter was approximately $1.0 billion, based on the closing sales price of $4.07 per share of such stock on The NASDAQ Global Select Market on June 30, 2008.

The
number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of February 27, 2009: 256,178,274.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Document

Part of Form 10-K Into Which
Document Is IncorporatedNone




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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
December 31, 2008

TABLE OF CONTENTS



Page No.PART IItem 1.

Business

3Item 1A.

Risk Factors

12Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

17Item 2.

Properties

17Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

18Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

19PART IIItem 5.

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

19Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

21Item 7.

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

23Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

43Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

45Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure

99Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

99Item 9B.

Other Information

99PART IIIItem 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

99Item 11.

Executive Compensation

101Item 12.

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

125Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence

128Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

129PART IVItem 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

130


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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
December 31, 2008

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Except for the historical information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, certain matters discussed herein
contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although we believe that, in making any such statements, our
expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statements may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those contained in such
forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "intends" and similar expressions as they relate to Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, its
operations or its management are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. There are important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, certain of which are beyond our control. These factors, risks and uncertainties are discussed in
Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

Our
actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, we can give no assurances
that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what impact they will have on our results of operations or financial condition.
We expressly decline any obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements that have been made to reflect the occurrence of events after the date hereof.

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PART I

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS

Unless the context otherwise requires, "we," "us," "our," "Company" and "Smurfit-Stone" refer to the business of Smurfit-Stone
Container Corporation and its subsidiaries.

GENERAL

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, incorporated in Delaware in 1989, is one of the industry's leading integrated manufacturers of
paperboard and paper-based packaging in North America, including containerboard and corrugated containers, and is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. We have a complete line of graphics
capabilities for packaging. For the year ended December 31, 2008, our net sales were $7,042 million and our net loss attributable to common stockholders was $2,830 million.

Smurfit-Stone
is a holding company with no business operations of its own. Smurfit-Stone conducts its business operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Smurfit-Stone Container
Enterprises, Inc. (SSCE), a Delaware corporation.

BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings

On January 26, 2009, we and our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition (the Chapter 11 Petition) for
relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the Bankruptcy Code) in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware (the U.S. Court). On the same day, our Canadian
subsidiaries also filed to reorganize (the Canadian Petition) under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act (CCAA) in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada (the Canadian Court). Our
operations in Mexico and Asia were not included in the filing and will continue to operate outside of the Chapter 11 process.

Effective
as of the opening of business on February 4, 2009, our common stock and our 7% Series A Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock (Preferred
Stock) were delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the trading of these securities was suspended. Our common stock and Preferred Stock are now quoted on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation
Service (Pink Sheets) under the ticker symbols "SSCCQ.PK" and "SSCJP.PK" respectively.

The
filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our debt obligations, and those debt obligations became automatically and
immediately due and payable, although any actions to enforce such payment obligations are stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition. As a result, the
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 includes a reclassification of $3,032 million to current maturities of long-term debt from
long-term debt.

We
and our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are currently operating as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court and Canadian Court (the Bankruptcy Courts) and in
accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA. In general, our subsidiaries are authorized to continue to operate as ongoing businesses, but may not engage in
transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Bankruptcy Courts.

Debtor-In-Possession (DIP) Financing

In connection with filing the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition, on January 26, 2009, we and certain of our
affiliates filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Courts seeking approval to enter into a Post-Petition Credit Agreement (the DIP Credit Agreement). On January 27, 2009, the

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Bankruptcy
Courts granted interim approval of the DIP Credit Agreement. Based on such interim approval, on January 28, 2009, we entered into the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to final approval
of the Bankruptcy Courts. Final approval of the DIP Credit Agreement was granted by the U.S. Court on February 23, 2009 and by the Canadian Court on February 24, 2009. Amendments to the
DIP Credit Agreement were entered into on February 25 and 27, 2009.

The
DIP Credit Agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings up to an aggregate amount of $750 million, consisting of a $400 million U.S. term loan for borrowings by SSCE;
a $35 million Canadian term loan for borrowings by Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc. (SSC Canada); a $250 million U.S. revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada;
and a $65 million Canadian revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada.

The
outstanding principal amount of the loans under the DIP Credit Agreement, plus interest accrued and unpaid, will be due and payable in full at maturity, which is January 28,
2010 (subject to an earlier maturity date under certain circumstances); provided, that the maturity date may be extended through April 28, 2010 and subsequently through July 28, 2010,
upon the satisfaction of certain conditions (including the payment of specified fees).

For
additional information on the DIP Credit Agreement, as amended, see Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
OperationsLiquidity and Capital ResourcesLiquidity after Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings."

Reorganization Process

The Bankruptcy Courts have approved payment of certain of our pre-petition obligations, including employee wages, salaries
and benefits, and the payment of vendors and other providers in the ordinary course for goods and services received after the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition and other
business-related payments necessary to maintain the operation of the Company's business. We have retained legal and financial professionals to advise us on the bankruptcy proceedings. From time to
time, we may seek the U.S. Court's approval for the retention of additional professionals.

Immediately
after filing the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition, we began notifying all known current or potential creditors of the bankruptcy filings. Subject to certain
exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA, our bankruptcy filings automatically enjoined, or stayed, the continuation of any judicial or administrative proceedings or other actions against the
Company or our property to recover, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition. Thus, for example, most creditor actions to obtain
possession of property from us, or to create, perfect or enforce any lien against our property, or to collect on monies owed or otherwise exercise rights or remedies with respect to a
pre-petition claim are enjoined unless and until the Bankruptcy Courts lift the automatic stay.

As
required by the Bankruptcy Code, the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors (the Creditors' Committee). The
Creditors' Committee and its legal representatives have a right to be heard on all matters that come before the U.S. Court with respect to us. A monitor has been appointed by the Canadian Court with
respect to proceedings before the Canadian Court.

Under
Section 365 and other relevant sections of the Bankruptcy Code, we may assume, assume and assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases, including
leases of real property and equipment, subject to the approval of the U.S. Court and certain other conditions. Any description of an executory contract or unexpired lease in this report, including,
where applicable, our express termination rights or a quantification of our obligations, must be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by, any overriding rejection rights we have under
Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

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In
order to successfully exit Chapter 11, we will need to propose and obtain confirmation by the Bankruptcy Courts of a plan of reorganization that satisfies the requirements of
the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA. A plan of reorganization would resolve our pre-petition obligations, set forth the revised capital structure of the newly reorganized entity and provide
for corporate governance subsequent to our exit from bankruptcy.

We
have the exclusive right for 120 days after the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition to file a plan of reorganization. We will likely file one
or more motions to request extensions of this exclusivity period, which are routinely granted up to 18 months in bankruptcy cases of this size and complexity. If our exclusivity period lapsed,
any party in interest would be able to file a plan of reorganization. In addition to being voted on by holders of impaired claims and equity interests, a plan of reorganization must satisfy
certain requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA and must be approved, or confirmed, by the Bankruptcy Courts in order to become effective.

The
timing of filing a plan of reorganization by us will depend on the timing and outcome of numerous other ongoing matters in the Chapter 11 proceedings. There can be no
assurance at this time that a plan of reorganization will be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Courts or that any such plan will be implemented successfully.

Under
the priority scheme established by the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA, unless creditors agree otherwise, pre-petition liabilities and post-petition
liabilities must be satisfied in full before stockholders are entitled to receive any distribution or retain any property under a plan of reorganization. The ultimate recovery to creditors and/or
stockholders, if any, will not be determined until confirmation of a plan or plans of reorganization. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed to each of these
constituencies or what types or amounts of distributions, if any, they would receive. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of our liabilities and/or securities, including our common stock,
receiving no distribution on account of their interests and cancellation of their holdings. Because of such possibilities, the value of our liabilities and securities, including our common stock, is
highly speculative. Appropriate caution should be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of our liabilities and/or securities. At this time there is no assurance we will be
able to restructure as a going concern or successfully propose or implement a plan of reorganization.

For
periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, we will apply the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position (SOP) 90-7, "Financial
Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" (SOP 90-7), in preparing the consolidated financial statements. SOP 90-7 requires that the financial statements distinguish
transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly,
certain revenues, expenses (including professional fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the bankruptcy proceedings will be recorded in
reorganization items on the consolidated statements of operations. In addition, pre-petition obligations that may be impacted by the bankruptcy reorganization process will be classified on the
consolidated balance sheet in liabilities subject to compromise. These liabilities are reported at the amounts expected to be allowed by the Courts, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.

Going Concern Matters

The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, although
our Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the
recoverability and classification of recorded assets or to the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going
concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on market

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conditions
and our ability to improve profitability, obtain alternative financing to replace the DIP Credit Agreement and prepetition Credit Agreement and restructure our obligations in a manner that
allows us to obtain confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court.

In
order to improve profitability, management is taking actions to further reduce corporate and operational expenses and is continuing to align converting capacity to meet market demands
and standardize manufacturing processes throughout all operations. These actions will result in the closure of additional converting facilities and further headcount reductions during 2009.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On June 30, 2006, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of our Consumer Packaging division for
$1.04 billion. Reflecting final working capital adjustments and sales transaction costs, net cash proceeds were $897 million, which excluded $130 million of accounts receivable
previously sold to Stone Receivables Corporation (SRC) under our accounts receivable securitization program. We recorded a pretax gain of $171 million, offset by a $174 million income
tax provision, resulting in a net loss on sale of discontinued operations of $3 million. The after-tax loss was the result of a provision for income taxes that was higher than the
statutory income tax rate due to non-deductible goodwill of $273 million.

The
Consumer Packaging division was a reportable segment comprised of four coated recycled boxboard mills and 39 consumer packaging operations in the United States, including folding
carton, multiwall and specialty bag, flexible packaging, label, contract packaging and lamination businesses and one consumer packaging plant in Brampton, Ontario. Net sales for these operations were
$787 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. These facilities employed approximately 6,600 hourly and salaried employees. The results of operations of the Consumer
Packaging segment have been reclassified as discontinued operations for all periods presented.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION CONCERNING INDUSTRY SEGMENTS

We operate as one segment. For financial information for the last three fiscal years, including our net sales to external customers by
country of origin and total long-lived assets by country, see the information set forth in Note 26 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

PRODUCTS

Our operations include 14 paper mills (12 located in the United States and two in Canada), 119 container plants (99 located in the
United States, 15 in Canada, three in Mexico, one in China and one in Puerto Rico), 26 reclamation plants, one paper tube and core plant and one wood products plant located in the United States and
one lamination plant located in Canada. In addition, we have equity ownership in two corrugated container plants in Asia (one in China and one in Thailand). Also, we own approximately one million
acres of timberland in Canada and operate wood harvesting facilities in Canada and the United States. Our primary products include:



We
produce a full range of high quality corrugated containers designed to protect, ship, store and display products made to our customers' merchandising and distribution specifications.
Corrugated

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containers
are sold to a broad range of manufacturers of consumer goods. Corrugated containers are used to transport such diverse products as home appliances, electric motors, small machinery, grocery
products, produce, books and furniture. We provide customers with innovative packaging solutions to advertise and sell their products. In addition, we manufacture and sell a variety of retail ready,
point of purchase displays and a full line of specialty products, including pizza boxes, corrugated clamshells for the food industry, Cordeck® recyclable pallets and custom
die-cut boxes to display packaged merchandise on the sales floor. We also provide custom, proprietary and standard automated packaging machines, offering customers turn-key
installation, automation, line integration and packaging solutions. Our container plants serve local customers and large national accounts. Net sales of corrugated containers for 2008, 2007 and 2006
represented 63%, 60% and 64%, respectively, of the Company's total net sales.

Our
containerboard mills produce a full line of containerboard, which is used primarily in the production of corrugated packaging. We produced 3,716,000 tons of unbleached kraft
linerboard, 743,000 tons of white top linerboard and 2,394,000 tons of medium in 2008. Our containerboard mills and corrugated container operations are highly integrated, with the majority of our
containerboard used internally by our corrugated container operations. In 2008, our corrugated container plants consumed 4,691,000 tons of containerboard. Net sales of containerboard to third parties
for 2008, 2007 and 2006 represented 20%, 21% and 19%, respectively, of the Company's total net sales.

Our
paper mills also produce market pulp, kraft paper, solid bleached liner (SBL) and other specialty products. We produce southern hardwood pulp, bleached southern softwood pulp and
fluff pulp, which are sold to manufacturers of paper products, including specialty papers, as well as the printing and writing sectors. Kraft paper is used in numerous products, including consumer and
industrial bags, grocery and shopping bags, counter rolls, handle stock and refuse bags.

Our
reclamation operations procure fiber resources for our paper mills as well as other producers. We operate 26 reclamation facilities in the United States that collect, sort, grade and
bale recovered paper.
We also collect aluminum and plastics for resale to manufacturers of these products. In addition, we operate a nationwide brokerage system whereby we purchase and resell recovered paper to our
recycled paper mills and other producers on a regional and national contract basis. Our waste reduction services extract additional recyclables from the waste stream by partnering with customers to
reduce their waste expenses and increase efficiencies. Brokerage contracts provide bulk purchasing, often resulting in lower prices and cleaner recovered paper. Many of our reclamation facilities are
located close to our recycled paper mills, ensuring availability of supply with minimal shipping costs. In 2008, our paper mills consumed 2,653,000 tons of the fiber reclaimed and brokered by our
reclamation operations, representing an integration level of approximately 41%.

Production
for our paper mills, sales volume for our corrugated container facilities and fiber reclaimed and brokered for the last three years were:

(In thousands of tons, except as noted)

2008

2007

2006Mill ProductionContainerboard


6,853


7,336


7,402Solid bleached sulfate (SBS/SBL)


125


269


313Kraft paper


145


177


199Market pulp


470


574


564Corrugated containers sold (in billion square feet)


71.5


74.8


80.0Fiber reclaimed and brokered


6,462


6,842


6,614


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RAW MATERIALS

Wood fiber and reclaimed fiber are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our paper products. We satisfy the majority
of our need for wood fiber through purchases on the open market or under supply agreements. We satisfy essentially all of our need for reclaimed fiber through our reclamation facilities and nationwide
brokerage system.

MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION

Our marketing strategy is to sell a broad range of paper-based packaging products to manufacturers of industrial and consumer products.
We seek to meet the quality and service needs of the customers of our converting plants at the most efficient cost, while balancing those needs against the demands of our open market paperboard
customers. Our converting plants focus on supplying both specialized packaging with high value graphics that enhance a product's market appeal and high-volume commodity products.

We
serve a broad customer base. We serve thousands of accounts from our plants and sell packaging and other products directly to end users and converters, as well as through resellers.
Our corrugated container sales organization is centralized with sales responsibilities for all converting plants. This allows us to better focus on revenue growth and assign the appropriate resources
to the best opportunities. Marketing of containerboard and pulp to third parties is centralized in our board sales group. Total tons of containerboard and market pulp sold in 2008, 2007 and 2006 were
3,024,000; 3,381,000; and 3,093,000, respectively.

Our
business is not dependent upon a single customer or upon a small number of major customers. We do not believe the loss of any one customer would have a material adverse effect on our
business.

COMPETITION

The markets in which we sell our principal products are highly competitive and comprised of many participants. Although no single
company is dominant, we do face significant competitors, including large vertically integrated companies as well as numerous smaller companies. The markets in which we compete have historically been
sensitive to price fluctuations brought about by shifts in industry capacity and other cyclical industry conditions. While we compete primarily on the basis of price in many of our product lines,
other competitive factors include design, quality and service, with varying emphasis depending on product line.

BACKLOG

Demand for our major product lines is relatively constant throughout the year, and seasonal fluctuations in marketing, production,
shipments and inventories are not significant.
Backlog orders are not a significant factor in the industry. We do not have a significant backlog of orders as most orders are placed for delivery within 30 days.

RESEARCH AND NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

The majority of our research and development activities are performed at our facility located in Carol Stream, Illinois. We use
advanced technology to assist all levels of the manufacturing and sales processes, from raw material supply through finished packaging performance. Research programs have provided improvements in
coatings and barriers, stiffeners, inks and printing. Our technical staff conducts basic, applied and diagnostic research, develops processes and products and provides a wide range of other technical
services. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, we spent approximately $3 million, $3 million and $4 million, respectively, on research and new product development activities.

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INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

We actively pursue applications for patents on new technologies and designs and attempt to protect our patents against infringement.
Nevertheless, we believe our success and growth are more dependent on the quality of our products and our relationships with customers than on the extent of our patent protection. We hold or are
licensed to use certain patents, licenses, trademarks and trade names on our products, but do not consider the successful continuation of any material aspect of our business to be dependent upon such
intellectual property.

EMPLOYEES

We had approximately 21,300 employees at December 31, 2008, of which approximately 17,400 were employees of U.S. operations.
Approximately 10,100 (58%) of our U.S. employees are represented by collective bargaining units. The expiration dates of union contracts for our major paper mill facilities are as
follows:



Labor
agreements covering approximately 400 employees at our Panama City, Florida paper mill expired in March 2008 and negotiations to reach new agreements have been unsuccessful. While
we consider relations with these employees to be good and we do not expect a work stoppage to occur, the outcome of the negotiations regarding the expired labor agreements are not entirely within our
control and, therefore, we can provide no assurance regarding the outcome or the timing of the negotiations or their effect on our results of operations.

We
believe our employee relations are generally good. While the terms of our collective bargaining agreements may vary, we believe the material terms of the agreements are customary for
the industry, the type of facility, the classification of the employees and the geographic location covered thereby.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

Our operations are subject to extensive environmental regulation by federal, state, local and foreign authorities. In the past, we have
made significant capital expenditures to comply with water, air, solid and hazardous waste and other environmental laws and regulations. We expect to make significant expenditures in the future for
environmental compliance. Because various environmental standards are subject to change, it is difficult to predict with certainty the amount of capital expenditures that will ultimately be required
to comply with future standards.

In
2004, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promulgated a Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) regulation to limit hazardous air pollutant emissions from
certain industrial boilers (Boiler MACT). Several of our mills were required to install new pollution control equipment in order to meet the compliance deadline of September 13, 2007. The
Boiler MACT

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rule
was challenged by third parties in litigation, and the United States District Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit issued a decision vacating Boiler MACT and remanding the rule to the EPA. All
projects required to bring us into compliance with the now vacated Boiler MACT requirements were completed. We spent approximately $78 million on Boiler MACT projects through 2007 and
$2 million in 2008. It is presently unclear whether future rulemaking will require us to install additional pollution control equipment on industrial boilers at our facilities.

Excluding
the spending on Boiler MACT projects described above and other one-time compliance costs, for the past three years we have spent an average of approximately
$6 million annually on capital expenditures for environmental purposes and anticipate additional capital expenditures related to environmental compliance in the future. Since our principal
competitors are
subject to comparable environmental standards, including Boiler MACT, it is our opinion, based on current information, that compliance with environmental standards should not adversely affect our
competitive position or operating results. However, we could incur significant expenditures due to changes in law or the discovery of new information, which could have a material adverse effect on our
operating results. See Part I, Item 3, "Legal Proceedings, Environmental Matters."

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Mathew Blanchard,born September 9, 1959, was appointed Senior Vice President
and General ManagerBoard Sales Division in March 2008, and prior to that had been Vice President and General ManagerBoard Sales Division since July 2000.

Ronald D. Hackney,born November 9, 1946, was appointed Senior Vice PresidentHuman Resources on February 23,
2005, and prior to that had been Vice PresidentHuman Resources since July 2003. He was Division Human Resource Manager for the Containerboard Mill and Forest Resources Division from April
1995 to July 2003.

Charles A. Hinrichs, born December 3, 1953, was appointed Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer on February 23,
2005, and prior to that had been Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2002. He was Vice President and Treasurer from November 1998 to January 2002.

Craig A. Hunt, born May 31, 1961, was appointed Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel on February 23, 2005,
and prior to that had been Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since November 1998.

Mack C. Jackson, born May 18, 1955, was appointed Senior Vice President and General ManagerContainerboard Mill and
Forest Resources Division on February 23, 2005, and prior to that had been Vice President and General ManagerContainerboard Mill and Forest Resources Division since January 2005.
He was Vice President of Mill Operations from August 2002 to January 2005. Prior to that, he was General Manager of two of our containerboard mills since 1994.

Paul K. Kaufmann, born May 11, 1954, was appointed Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller on February 23, 2005, and
prior to that had been Vice President and Corporate Controller since November 1998.

Steven J. Klinger, born March 5, 1959, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer on May 11, 2006. He was appointed
to the board of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation on December 11, 2008 and is a director of Navistar International Corporation. Prior to joining Smurfit-Stone, Mr. Klinger was employed
by Georgia Pacific Corporation for 23 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Packaging from February 2003 to May 2006 and President, Packaging and Containerboard Sales/Logistics from
August 2001 to January 2003.

John L. Knudsen, born August 29, 1957, was appointed Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy in November 2008. He had been
Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for the Container

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Division
since October 2005. He was Vice President of Strategic Planning for the Container Division from April 2005 to October 2005. Prior to that, he was Vice President and Regional Manager for the
Container Division from August 2000 to April 2005.

Patrick J. Moore, born September 7, 1954, has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since May 2006. He had been Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2003, and prior to that he was President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2002, when he was also elected as a Director. He was Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer from November 1998 until January 2002. Mr. Moore is a director of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

Susan M. Neumann, born February 5, 1954, was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications on November 15, 2006.
Prior to joining Smurfit-Stone, Ms. Neumann was employed by Albertsons, Inc. most recently as Senior Vice President, Education, Communications and Public Affairs from November 2003 to
November 2006, Group Vice President, Communications and Education from January 2002 to November 2003 and Vice President, Communications from January 1996 to January 2002.

Mark R. O'Bryan, born January 15, 1963, was appointed Senior Vice PresidentStrategic Initiatives and Chief Information
Officer in April 2007. He had been Senior Vice PresidentStrategic Initiatives since July 2005 and prior to that had been Vice PresidentOperational Improvement for the
Consumer Packaging Division from April 2004 to July 2005. He was Vice PresidentProcurement from October 1999 to April 2004.

Michael R. Oswald, born October 29, 1956, was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Reclamation Division in
August 2005. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Operations for the Reclamation Division from January 1997 to August 2005.

Steven C. Strickland, born July 12, 1952, was appointed Senior Vice President of Container Operations in November 2008. He had been
Senior Vice President of Sales for the Container Division since October 27, 2006. Prior to joining Smurfit-Stone, Mr. Strickland was employed by Unisource most recently as Senior Vice
President of Packaging and Supply from September 2006 to October 2006, Senior Vice President of Packaging from March 2004 to August 2006, Senior Vice President of OperationsEast from
March 2003 to March 2004 and Vice President of National Sales from September 1999 to March 2003.

On
January 26, 2009, we and our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed the Chapter 11 Petition for relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Court. On
the same day, our Canadian subsidiaries also filed the Canadian Petition under the CCAA in the Canadian Court. On the day of the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition,
each of the executive officers listed above served as an executive officer of the Company.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

We make available free of charge our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished as required by Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
Exchange Act), through our Internet Website (www.smurfit-stone.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC). You may access these SEC filings via the hyperlink that we provide on our Website to a third-party SEC filings Website.

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ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

We are subject to certain risks and events that, if one or more of them occur, could adversely affect our business, our financial
condition and results of operations. You should consider the following risk factors, in addition to the other information presented in this report, as well as the other reports and registration
statements we file from time to time with the SEC, in evaluating
us, our business and an investment in our securities. The risks below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may adversely
impact our business.

We filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and our Canadian subsidiaries filed to reorganize under the CCCA on January 26, 2009.

Actions and decisions of our creditors and other third parties with interest in our bankruptcy proceedings may be inconsistent with our
plans. During our bankruptcy proceedings, our operations, including our ability to execute our business plan, are subject to the risks and uncertainties associated with bankruptcy. Risks and
uncertainties associated with our bankruptcy proceedings include the following:



These
risks and uncertainties could affect our business and operations in various ways. For example, negative events or publicity associated with our bankruptcy proceedings could
adversely affect our sales and relationships with our customers, as well as with vendors and employees, which in turn could adversely affect our operations and financial condition, particularly if the
bankruptcy proceedings are protracted. Also, transactions outside the ordinary course of business are subject to the prior approval of the Court, which may limit our ability to respond timely to
certain events or take advantage of certain opportunities.

Because
of the risks and uncertainties associated with our bankruptcy proceedings, the ultimate impact that events that occur during these proceedings will have on our business,
financial condition and results of operations cannot be accurately predicted or quantified. We cannot provide any assurance as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in our bankruptcy proceedings to
our various pre-petition liabilities, common stock and other securities. As a result of the bankruptcy proceedings, our currently outstanding common stock could have no value and may be
canceled under any plan of reorganization we might propose and, therefore, we believe that the value of our various pre-petition liabilities and other securities is highly speculative.
Accordingly, caution should be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these liabilities or securities.

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Our stock is no longer listed on a national securities exchange. It will likely be more difficult for stockholders and investors to sell our common stock or to obtain
accurate quotations of the share price of our common stock.

Effective February 4, 2009, the NASDAQ Global Select Market delisted our common stock from trading. Our stock is now traded over
the counter and is quoted on the Pink Sheets. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to re-list our common stock on a national securities exchange or that the stock will continue
being traded on the Pink Sheets. The trading of our common stock over the counter negatively impacts the trading price of our common stock. In addition, securities that trade on the Pink Sheets are
not eligible for margin loans and make our common stock subject to the provisions of Rule 15g-9 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, commonly referred to as the "penny stock
rule." In connection with the delisting of our stock, there may also be other negative implications, including the potential loss of confidence in our Company by suppliers, customers and employees and
the loss of institutional investor interest in our common stock.

Our liquidity position imposes significant risks to our operations.

Because of the public disclosure of our liquidity issues, and despite the liquidity provided by our DIP Credit Agreement, our ability
to maintain normal credit terms with our suppliers may become impaired. We may be required to pay cash in advance to certain vendors and may experience restrictions on the availability of trade
credit, which would further reduce our liquidity. If liquidity problems persist, our suppliers could refuse to provide key products and services in the future. In addition, due to public perception of
our financial condition and results of operations, in particular with regard to our potential failure to meet our debt obligations, some customers could become reluctant to enter into
long-term agreements with us.

The
DIP Credit Agreement provides for an aggregate commitment of up to $750 million, which permits borrowings on a revolving basis. There can be no assurance that the amounts of
cash from operations together with amounts available under our DIP Credit Agreement will be sufficient to fund operations. In the event that cash flows and available borrowings under the DIP Credit
Agreement are not sufficient to meet our liquidity requirements, we may be required to seek additional financing. There can be no assurance that such additional financing would be available or, if
available, offered on acceptable terms. Failure to secure any necessary additional financing would have a material adverse impact on our operations. For additional information on our liquidity, see
Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsLiquidity and Capital Resources."

Global economic conditions and credit tightening materially and adversely affect our business.

Our business has been materially and adversely affected by changes in regional, national and global economic conditions. Such changes
have included or may include reduced consumer spending, reduced availability of capital, inflation, deflation, adverse changes in interest rates, reduced energy availability and increased energy costs
and government initiatives to manage economic conditions. Continuing instability in financial markets and the deterioration of other national and global economic conditions may have further materially
adverse effects on our operations, financial results or liquidity, including the following:



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Uncertainty about current economic conditions may cause consumers of our products to postpone or refrain from spending in response to tighter credit, negative
financial news, declines in income or asset values, or other adverse economic events or conditions, which could materially reduce demand for our products and materially and adversely affect our
financial condition and operating results. Further deterioration of economic conditions would likely exacerbate these adverse effects, result in wide-ranging, adverse and prolonged effects
on general business conditions, and materially and adversely affect our operations, financial results and liquidity.

The Company may be required to record impairment on its long-lived assets.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, we may be required to record impairment on tangible assets such as
facilities and equipment, which would have a negative impact on our financial results.

We have a highly leveraged capital structure.

Our high leverage could have significant consequences for us, including the following:



In
addition, we are more highly leveraged than some of our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage.

The terms of our DIP Credit Agreement may severely limit our ability to plan for or respond to changes in our business.

Our ability to incur additional debt is significantly limited or restricted under the DIP Credit Agreement. These restrictions limit
our ability to:



Our
failure to comply with these covenants could result in an event of default that, if not cured or waived, could result in our being required to repay these borrowings before their due
date. If we were unable to make this repayment or otherwise refinance these borrowings, our lenders could foreclose on

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our
assets. If we were unable to refinance these borrowings on favorable terms, our costs of borrowing could increase significantly.

Our industry is cyclical and highly competitive.

Our operating results reflect the industry's general cyclical pattern. The majority of our products can be subject to extreme price
competition. Some segments of our industry have production overcapacity, which may require us to take downtime periodically to reduce inventory levels during periods of weak demand. In addition, the
industry is capital intensive, which leads to high fixed costs. These conditions have contributed to substantial price competition and volatility in the industry. Decreases in prices for our products,
coupled with our highly leveraged financial position, may adversely impact our ability to respond to competition and to other market conditions or to otherwise take advantage of business
opportunities.

The
paperboard and packaging products industries are highly competitive and are particularly sensitive to price fluctuations as well as other factors including innovation, design,
quality and service, with varying emphasis on these factors depending on the product line. To the extent that one or more of our competitors become more successful with respect to any key competitive
factor, our ability to attract and retain customers could be materially adversely affected. Many of our competitors are less leveraged, have financial and other resources greater than ours and are
more capable to withstand the adverse nature of the business cycle. In addition, our filing the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition and the associated risks and uncertainties may be
used by competitors in an attempt to divert our existing customers or may discourage future customers from purchasing our products under long-term arrangements. If our facilities are not
as cost efficient as those of our competitors, we may need to temporarily or permanently close such facilities and suffer a consequent reduction in our revenues.

Our pension plans are underfunded and will require additional cash contributions.

We have made substantial contributions to our pension plans in the past five years and may be required to make substantial
contributions in the coming years in order to ensure that our funding levels remain adequate in light of projected liabilities and to meet the requirements of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Future contributions to our pension and other postretirement plans will be dependent on future regulatory changes, future changes in discount rates, the earnings performance of our plan assets, which
was negative by a substantial amount in 2008, and the impact of the bankruptcy filings. These contributions reduce the amount of cash available for us to repay indebtedness or make capital
investments.

Price fluctuations in energy costs and raw materials could adversely affect our manufacturing costs.

The cost of producing and transporting our products is highly sensitive to the price of energy. Energy prices, in particular oil and
natural gas, have experienced significant volatility in recent years, with a corresponding effect on our production costs. Energy prices may continue to fluctuate and may rise to higher levels in
future years. This could adversely affect our production costs and results of operations. To manage the volatility related to these risks, we had historically entered into various derivative contracts
to hedge energy costs. On January 26, 2009, the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition effectively terminated all existing derivative instruments. As a result, fluctuating energy
costs could reduce our operating profit.

Wood
fiber and reclaimed fiber, the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our paper products, are purchased in highly competitive, price-sensitive markets, which have
historically exhibited price and demand cyclicality. Adverse weather, conservation regulations and the shutdown of a number of sawmills have caused, and will likely continue to cause, a decrease in
the supply of wood fiber and

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higher
wood fiber costs in some of the regions in which we procure wood fiber. Fluctuations in supply and demand for reclaimed fiber, particularly export demand from Asian producers, have occasionally
caused tight supplies of reclaimed fiber. At such times, we may experience an increase in the cost of fiber or may temporarily have difficulty obtaining adequate supplies of fiber.

Factors beyond our control could hinder our ability to service our debt and meet our operating requirements.

Our ability to meet our obligations and to comply with the financial covenants contained in our debt instruments will largely depend on
our future performance. Our performance will be subject to financial, business and other factors affecting us. Many of these factors are beyond our control, such as:



If
operating cash flows, net proceeds from borrowings, divestitures or other financing sources do not provide us with sufficient liquidity to meet our operating and debt service
requirements and to emerge from bankruptcy with a sustainable reorganization plan, we will be required to pursue other alternatives to repay debt and improve liquidity. Such alternatives may
include:



We
might not successfully complete any of these measures or they may not generate the liquidity we require to operate our business and service our obligations.

We are subject to environmental regulations and liabilities that could weaken our operating results and financial condition.

Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local environmental requirements, particularly those relating to air and water quality, are a
significant factor in our business. Maintaining compliance with existing environmental laws, as well as complying with requirements imposed by new or changed environmental laws, may require capital
expenditures for compliance. In addition, ongoing remediation costs and future remediation liability at sites where we may be a potentially responsible party (PRP) for cleanup activity under the
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and analogous state and other laws may materially adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

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Foreign currency risks and exchange rate fluctuations could hinder the results of our Canadian operations.

Our assets and liabilities outside the United States are primarily located in Canada. Our principal foreign exchange exposure is the
Canadian dollar. The functional currency for our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. Our net income could be reduced to the extent we have un-hedged positions, our hedging procedures
do not perform as planned or the Canadian dollar strengthens. Our financial performance is directly affected by exchange rates because:



ITEM 1B.    UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None

ITEM 2.    PROPERTIES

The manufacturing facilities of our consolidated subsidiaries are located primarily in North America. We believe that our facilities
are adequately insured, properly maintained and equipped with machinery suitable for our use. During the last three years, we have invested significant capital in our operations to upgrade or replace
corrugators and converting machines, while closing higher cost facilities. See Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,
Strategic Initiatives." Our manufacturing facilities as of December 31, 2008 are summarized below:

Number of FacilitiesState
Locations(a)Total

Owned

LeasedUnited StatesPaper mills


12


12





9Corrugated container plants


99


69


30


30Wood products plant


1


1





1Paper tube and core plant


1


1





1Reclamation plants


26


15


11


14Subtotal


139


98


41


36Canada and Other North AmericaPaper mills


2


2





N/ACorrugated container plants


19


15


4


N/ALaminating plant


1


1





N/ASubtotal


22


18


4ChinaCorrugated container plants


1


1





N/ATotal


162


117


45


N/A


---

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Our paper mills represent approximately 69% of our investment in property, plant and equipment. In addition to manufacturing facilities, we own approximately one
million acres of timberland in Canada and operate wood harvesting facilities in Canada and the United States. The approximate annual tons of productive capacity of our paper mills at
December 31, 2008 were:

Annual Capacity (in thousands)United States

Canada

TotalContainerboard


6,641


497


7,138SBL





131


131Kraft paper


119





119Market pulp


292





292Total


7,052


628


7,680


Substantially
all of our North American operating facilities have been pledged as collateral under our various credit agreements. See Part II, Item 7, "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Liquidity and Capital ResourcesNet Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities."

ITEM 3.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

LITIGATION

On January 26, 2009, we and our U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed the Chapter 11 Petition for relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Court. On the same day, our Canadian subsidiaries also filed the Canadian Petition under the CCAA in the Canadian Court. Our operations in Mexico
and Asia were not included in the filing and will continue to operate outside of the Chapter 11 process. See Item 1. "BusinessBankruptcy Proceedings."

We
settled two putative class action cases filed in California state court on behalf of current and former hourly employees at our California corrugated container facilities. These cases
alleged violations of the California on-duty meal break and rest period statutes. The court approved a settlement for a total of approximately $9 million for both cases on
January 21, 2009. The cases were automatically stayed due to the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition on January 26, 2009. We had established reserves of $9 million during
2008 related to these matters.

We
are a defendant in a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of our business. All litigation that arose or may arise out of pre-petition conduct or
acts is subject to the automatic stay provision of the bankruptcy laws. As a result, we believe that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Federal, state, local and foreign environmental requirements are a significant factor in our business. We employ processes in the
manufacture of pulp, paperboard and other products which result in various discharges, emissions and wastes. These processes are subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign environmental
laws and regulations, including reporting and disclosure obligations. We operate and expect to continue to operate under permits and similar authorizations from various governmental authorities that
regulate such discharges, emissions and wastes.

We
also face potential liability as a result of releases, or threatened releases, of hazardous substances into the environment from various sites owned and operated by third parties at
which Company-generated wastes have allegedly been deposited. Generators of hazardous substances sent to off-site disposal locations at which environmental problems exist, as well as the
owners of those sites and certain other classes of persons, all of whom are referred to as PRPs, are, in most instances,

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subject
to joint and several liability for response costs for the investigation and remediation of such sites under CERCLA and analogous state laws, regardless of fault or the lawfulness of the
original disposal. We have received notice that we are or may be a PRP at a number of federal and/or state sites where response action may be required and as a result may have joint and several
liability for cleanup costs at such sites. However, liability for CERCLA sites is typically shared with other PRPs and costs are commonly allocated according to relative amounts of waste deposited. In
estimating our reserves for environmental remediation and future costs, our estimated liability of $5 million reflects our expected share of costs after consideration for the relative
percentage of waste deposited at each site, the number of other PRPs, the identity and financial condition of such parties and experience regarding similar matters. In addition to participating in the
remediation of sites owned by third parties, we are conducting the investigation and/or remediation of certain of our owned properties.

Based
on current information, we believe the costs of the potential environmental enforcement matters discussed above, response costs under CERCLA and similar state laws, and the
remediation of owned property will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. As of December 31, 2008, we had approximately $18 million
reserved for environmental liabilities. We believe our liability for these matters was adequately reserved at December 31, 2008, and that the possibility is remote that we would incur any
material liabilities for which we have not recorded adequate reserves.

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders, through the solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter
ended December 31, 2008.

PART II

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

MARKET INFORMATION

During the period covered by this report, our common stock traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol "SSCC." Effective February 4,
2009, the NASDAQ delisted our
common stock as a result of our filing of the Chapter 11 Petition. Our common stock is now quoted on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service under the ticker symbol "SSCCQ.PK."

At
February 27, 2009, approximately 18,227 stockholders, including stockholders of record and employee participants in our voluntary savings plans, held our common stock. In
addition, there were approximately 159 nominee shareholders on such date representing the beneficial owners of 252,396,690 shares of our common stock. The high and low sales prices of our common stock
in 2008 and 2007 were:

2008

2007High

Low

High

LowFirst Quarter

$
10.66

$
7.49

$
14.08

$
9.85Second Quarter

$
7.91

$
4.07

$
13.54

$
11.25Third Quarter

$
6.80

$
3.89

$
14.08

$
8.85Fourth Quarter

$
4.19

$
0.24

$
13.56

$
9.45


DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK

During the period covered by this report, we have not paid cash dividends on our common stock. Under the terms of the DIP Credit
Agreement and applicable bankruptcy law, we may not pay dividends on our common stock while we are in bankruptcy.

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Table of Contents

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The information set forth under this caption shall not be deemed to be "filed" or incorporated by reference into any of our other
filings with the SEC.

The
graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on an investment in the Common Stock, the S&P 500 Index, and an index of a peer group of paper companies (the Peer
Group) for the five-year period ended December 31, 2008. The Peer Group is comprised of the following four medium- to large-sized companies whose primary business is the manufacture
and sale of paper products and packaging: International Paper Company, Weyerhaeuser Company, Packaging Corporation of America and Temple-Inland Inc. In August 2008, International Paper acquired
the containerboard, packaging and recycling business of Weyerhaeuser Company. The graph assumes the value of an investment in the Common Stock and each index was $100.00 at December 31, 2003
and that all dividends were reinvested.

GRAPHIC

INDEXED RETURNS

Company Name/Index

Base
Period
12/31/03

12/31/04

12/31/05

12/31/06

12/31/07

12/31/08Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation


100


100.59


76.31


56.87


56.87


1.37S&P 500 Index


100


110.88


116.33


134.70


142.10


89.53Peer Group


100


104.32


99.55


106.14


111.63


45.45


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Table of Contents

ITEM 6.    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA(In millions, except per share and statistical data)

2008(a)

2007

2006

2005

2004Summary of OperationsNet sales(b)

$
7,042

$
7,420

$
7,157

$
6,812

$
6,716Operating income (loss)(c)(d)(e)


(2,764
)

295


276


(253
)

172Loss from continuing operations


(2,818
)

(103
)

(70
)

(381
)

(109
)Discontinued operations, net of income tax provision








11


51


54Net loss attributable to common stockholders


(2,830
)

(115
)

(71
)

(342
)

(66
)Basic and diluted earnings per share of common stockLoss from continuing operations


(11.01
)

(.45
)

(.32
)

(1.54
)

(.47
)Discontinued operations








.04


.20


.21Net loss attributable to common stockholders


(11.01
)

(.45
)

(.28
)

(1.34
)

(.26
)Weighted average basic and diluted shares outstanding


257


256


255


255


253Other Financial DataNet cash provided by operating activities

$
198

$
243

$
265

$
221

$
273Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities


(385
)

68


706


(277
)

(200
)Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities


306


(313
)

(967
)

55


(79
)Depreciation, depletion and amortization


357


360


377


408


416Capital investments and acquisitions


394


384


274


285


232Working capital, net(f)


(3,798
)

13


(141
)

(4
)

148Net property, plant, equipment and timberland


3,541


3,486


3,774


4,289


4,682Total assets


4,594


7,387


7,777


9,114


9,583Total debt(f)(g)


3,718


3,359


3,634


4,571


4,498Redeemable preferred stock


101


97


93


89


85Stockholders' equity (deficit)


(1,405
)

1,855


1,779


1,854


2,234Statistical Data (tons in thousands)Containerboard production (tons)


6,853


7,336


7,402


7,215


7,438Kraft paper production (tons)


145


177


199


204


259Market pulp production (tons)


470


574


564


563


549SBS/SBL production (tons)


125


269


313


283


276Corrugated containers sold (billion square feet)


71.5


74.8


80.0


81.3


81.8Fiber reclaimed and brokered (tons)


6,462


6,842


6,614


6,501


6,542Number of employees(h)


21,300


22,700


25,200


33,500


35,300


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Notes to Selected Financial Data

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Table of Contents

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

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In the accompanying analysis of financial information, we use the financial measures "adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common
stockholders" and "adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to common stockholders," which are derived from our consolidated financial information but are not presented in our
financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). These measures are considered "non-GAAP financial measures" under the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission (SEC) rules. Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to common stockholders are
non-GAAP financial measures that exclude from net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders the effects of goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges, losses on early
extinguishment of debt, non-cash foreign currency exchange gains or losses, gains or losses on sale of assets, restructuring charges, litigation charges, losses on ineffective interest
rate swaps marked to market, and the resolution of certain tax matters. We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide investors, potential investors, security analysts and others
with useful information to evaluate the performance of our business because they exclude gains and losses and charges that management believes are not indicative of the ongoing operating results of
the business. In addition, these measures may differ from the adjusted net income (loss) calculations of other companies in our industry, limiting their usefulness as a comparative measure. For such
measures, we have provided the following reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

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Table of Contents

Reconciliation to GAAP Financial Measures(In millions, except per share data)

2008

2007

2006Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders (GAAP)

$
(2,830
)
$
(115
)
$
(71
)Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges, net of income taxes


2,757Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes





17


17Non-cash foreign currency exchange (gains) losses


(36
)

52


(1
)(Gain) loss on disposal of assets, net of income taxes


(1
)

97


(10
)Restructuring charges, net of income taxes


45


4


26Litigation charges, net of income taxes


5Loss on ineffective interest rate swaps marked-to-market, net of income taxes


7Pension curtailment, net of income taxes





(2
)Resolution of prior years' income tax matters


(84
)

(4
)Reduction in Canadian statutory income tax rates





(5
)Adjusted net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

$
(137
)
$
44

$
(39
)Net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to common stockholders (GAAP)

$
(11.01
)
$
(0.45
)
$
(0.28
)Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges, net of income taxes


10.73Loss on early extinguishment of debt, net of income taxes





0.07


0.07Non-cash foreign currency exchange (gains) losses


(0.14
)

0.20Loss on disposal of assets, net of income taxes





0.38


(0.04
)Restructuring charges, net of income taxes


0.17


0.02


0.10Litigation charges, net of income taxes


0.02Loss on ineffective interest rate swaps marked-to-market, net of income taxes


0.03Pension curtailment, net of income taxes





(0.01
)Resolution of income tax matters


(0.33
)

(0.02
)Reduction in Canadian statutory income tax rates





(0.02
)Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share attributable to common stockholders

$
(0.53
)
$
0.17

$
(0.15
)


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OVERVIEW

On January 26, 2009, Smurfit-Stone and its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed for relief under Chapter 11 of the
Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware. On the same day, our Canadian subsidiaries also filed to reorganize under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in the
Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada. Our operations in Mexico and Asia were not included in the filing and will continue to operate outside of the Chapter 11 process. See Part I,
Item 1, "Business, Bankruptcy Proceedings."

Smurfit-Stone
Container Corporation is an integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging. Our major products are containerboard, corrugated containers, market pulp,
recycled fiber and kraft paper. We operate in one reportable industry segment. Our mill operations supply paper to our corrugated container converting operations. The products of our converting
operations, as well as the mill and reclamation tonnage in excess of what is consumed internally, are the main products sold to third parties. Our operating facilities and customers are located
primarily in the United States and Canada.

Market
conditions and demand for our products are subject to cyclical changes in the economy and changes in industry capacity, both of which can significantly impact selling prices and
our profitability. In recent years, the continued loss of domestic manufacturing to offshore competition and the changing retail environment in the U.S. have played a key role in reducing growth in
domestic packaging demand. The influence of superstores and discount retailing giants, as well as the impacts from online shopping, has resulted in a shifting of demand to packaging which is more
condensed, lighter weight and less expensive. These factors have greatly influenced the corrugated industry.

In
2008, our operations were significantly impacted by higher key input costs and lower sales volume. While we were able to implement a price increase for containerboard and corrugated
containers in the second half of the year, we were unable to offset the impact of our higher costs and lower volumes and our profitability declined in 2008 as a result.

Throughout
most of 2008, we experienced higher costs for energy, freight, fiber and chemicals due to rising prices for those items. Due to the weakening U.S. economy and global
recession, sales volumes for domestic and export containerboard declined significantly in the fourth quarter of 2008 compared to the prior year and prior quarters. Sales volumes for corrugated
containers also declined. In response to the weakening market conditions in the fourth quarter of 2008, we took approximately 245,000 tons of containerboard market related downtime. In October of
2008, we permanently ceased operations of our containerboard machine at the Snowflake, Arizona mill. In addition, as a result of weakening market conditions, we permanently closed our Pontiac pulp
mill. In 2008, U.S. industry per day shipments of corrugated containers decreased 4.2%. Our North American per day shipments of corrugated containers decreased 4.7% compared to 2007 due primarily to
container plant closures, weaker market conditions and continued efforts to improve margins by exiting unprofitable business.

For
2008, we had a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2,830 million, or $11.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $115 million, or $0.45 per share, for
2007. The higher loss in 2008 compared to 2007 was due primarily to goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges of $2,761 million, or $10.74 per share, lower segment operating
profits, and higher restructuring charges. The 2008 results benefited $84 million, or $0.33 per share, from the resolution of Canadian income tax examination matters and from $36 million
of foreign currency exchange gains. The 2007 results were negatively impacted by an after-tax loss on the sale of our Brewton, Alabama mill of $97 million, or $0.38 per share, and
from $52 million of foreign currency exchange losses.

For
2008, we had adjusted net loss attributable to common stockholders of $137 million, or $0.53 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income attributable to common
stockholders of $44 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, for 2007. The results for 2008 were negatively impacted by

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lower
sales volume for containerboard and corrugated containers and higher costs for energy, fiber, freight and chemicals. These items were partially offset by higher average selling prices for
containerboard and corrugated containers and lower interest expense compared to last year.

In
2009, we anticipate our financial performance will be negatively impacted by weak economic conditions and a stronger U.S. dollar, which could adversely impact our containerboard
export sales. We expect our sales volume to decline compared to 2008 as a reduction in demand for our products experienced in the fourth quarter of 2008 continues into 2009. As a result of lower
demand, we expect continued pressure on our sales prices. We have incurred and will continue to incur significant costs associated with our bankruptcy proceedings, which could adversely affect our
results of operations.

Going Concern Matters

The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, although
our Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the
recoverability and classification of recorded assets or to the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going
concern. Our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on market conditions and our ability to improve profitability, obtain alternative financing to replace the DIP Credit Agreement and
prepetition Credit Agreement and restructure our obligations in a manner that allows us to obtain confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court.

In
order to improve profitability, management is taking actions to further reduce corporate and operational expenses and is continuing to align converting capacity to meet market demands
and standardize manufacturing processes throughout all operations. These actions will result in the closure of additional converting facilities and further headcount reductions during 2009.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS IMPAIRMENT CHARGES

As the result of the significant decline in value of our equity securities and our debt instruments and downward pressure placed on
earnings by the weakening U.S. economy, we evaluated the carrying amount of our goodwill and other intangible assets for potential impairment in the fourth quarter of 2008. We obtained third-party
valuation reports as of December 31, 2008 that indicated the carrying amounts of our goodwill and other intangible assets were fully impaired based on declines in current and projected
operating results and cash flows due to the current economic conditions. As a result, we recognized pretax impairment charges on goodwill and other intangible assets of $2,727 million and
$34 million, respectively, in the fourth quarter of 2008. The goodwill consisted primarily of amounts recorded in connection with our merger with Stone Container Corporation in November of
1998. See Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets."

STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

During 2005, we announced a three year strategic initiative plan to improve performance and better position us for
long-term growth. The plan focused on cost reduction and productivity initiatives, including reinvestment in our operations. Through December 31, 2008, we closed three medium mills,
one linerboard mill, one pulp mill and permanently ceased operations of two of our containerboard machines. In addition, we have closed 36 converting facilities and have announced the closure of two
additional converting facilities. The majority of the net sales related to these closures were transferred to other operating facilities. Through December 31, 2008, as a result of plant
closures and other initiatives, we reduced our headcount by approximately 6,580 employees.

We
expected to achieve $525 million in savings and productivity improvements, net of transition costs, from our strategic initiatives, compared to levels prior to the start of our
plan as adjusted for the

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impact
of inflation. Through the third quarter of 2008, we were on target to achieve the $525 million in savings and productivity improvements. However, due to the weakening of the U.S.
economy, we took market related downtime of 245,000 tons of containerboard in the fourth quarter of 2008 in order to balance supply with available demand. This unplanned market related downtime
negatively impacted our earnings and, as a result, we did not fully achieve the $525 million target.

During
2006, we closed 14 converting facilities and permanently shutdown four corrugators, resulting in the termination of approximately 1,400 employees. In addition, another 700
employees were terminated as part of the strategic initiative plan. We recorded restructuring charges of $43 million, net of gains of $18 million from the sale of three shutdown
facilities and the No. 2 paper machine at the Fernandina Beach, Florida linerboard mill. Restructuring charges include non-cash charges of $23 million related to the
write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to estimated net realizable values and the acceleration of depreciation for equipment expected to be abandoned or taken out
of service. The remaining charges of $38 million were primarily for severance and benefits, including pension settlement costs of $6 million. The net sales of these facilities in 2006
prior to closure were $169 million.

In
2007, we closed 12 converting facilities and the Carthage, Indiana and Los Angeles, California medium mills and reduced our headcount by approximately 1,750 employees. We recorded
restructuring charges of $16 million, net of gains of $69 million from the sale of properties related to previously closed facilities. Restructuring charges include non-cash
charges of $48 million related to the write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to estimated net realizable values and the acceleration of depreciation for
equipment expected to be abandoned or
taken out of service. The remaining charges of $37 million were primarily for severance and benefits. The net sales of the closed converting facilities in 2007 prior to closure and for the year
ended December 31, 2006 were $65 million and $192 million, respectively. The production of the two medium mills, which had combined annual capacity of 200,000 tons, was partially
offset by restarting the previously idled machine at the Jacksonville, Florida mill with annual capacity to produce 170,000 tons of medium.

In
2008, we closed eight converting facilities, announced the closure of two additional converting facilities and permanently ceased operations of our containerboard machine at the
Snowflake, Arizona mill and production at the Pontiac pulp mill located in Portage-du-Fort, Quebec. As a result of these closures and other ongoing strategic initiatives, the
Company reduced its headcount by approximately 1,230 employees. We recorded restructuring charges of $67 million, net of a gain of $2 million from the sale of a previously closed
facility. Restructuring charges included non-cash charges of $23 million related to the write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to estimated net
realizable values and the acceleration of depreciation for mill and converting equipment expected to be abandoned or taken out of service. The remaining charges of $46 million were primarily
for severance and benefits. The net sales of the announced and closed converting facilities in 2008 prior to closure and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were $264 million,
$393 million and $397 million, respectively. The majority of these net sales are expected to be transferred to other operating facilities. The Snowflake, Arizona containerboard machine
had the capacity to produce 135,000 tons of medium annually. The Pontiac pulp mill had annual production capacity of 253,000 tons of northern bleached hardwood kraft paper-grade pulp, which was
non-core to our primary business. Additional charges of up to $8 million are expected to be recorded in future periods for severance and benefits related to the closure of these
facilities.

SALE OF ASSETS

In September 2007, we completed the sale of the Brewton, Alabama, mill assets for $355 million. We received cash proceeds of
$338 million, which excluded $16 million of accounts receivable previously sold to Stone Receivables Corporation under the accounts receivable securitization program and was net of
$1 million of other closing adjustments. The Brewton mill had annual production

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capacity
of approximately 300,000 tons of white top linerboard and 190,000 tons of solid bleached sulfate (SBS). We continue to produce white top linerboard at two of our mills. Substantially all of
the proceeds were applied directly to debt reduction. We recorded a pretax loss of $65 million, and a $32 million income tax provision, resulting in a net loss of $97 million. The
after-tax loss was the result of a provision for income taxes that was higher than the statutory income tax rate due to non-deductible goodwill of $146 million.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Discontinued Operations

Our Consumer Packaging segment, which was sold on June 30, 2006, has been classified as discontinued operations and is excluded
from the segment results for all periods presented. See Part I, Item 1, "Business, Discontinued Operations."

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements" (SFAS No. 157) for
financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements (See Note 23 of
the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements). SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and, accordingly, SFAS
No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements.

Financial Data

2008

2007

2006(In millions)

Net
Sales

Profit/
(Loss)

Net
Sales

Profit/
(Loss)

Net
Sales

Profit/
(Loss)Containerboard, corrugated containers and reclamation operations

$
7,042

$
317

$
7,420

$
604

$
7,157

$
522Goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges





(2,761
)Restructuring charges





(67
)




(16
)




(43
)Gain (loss) on sale of assets





5





(62
)




24Interest expense, net





(262
)




(285
)




(341
)Loss on early extinguishment of debt











(29
)




(28
)Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)





36





(52
)




1Litigation charges and settlements, net





(8
)Corporate expenses and other (Note 1)





(255
)




(236
)




(245
)Loss from continuing operations before income taxes




$
(2,995
)



$
(76
)



$
(110
)


---

Note 1:    Corporate
expenses and other include corporate expenses and other expenses not allocated to operations.

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2008 COMPARED TO 2007

We had a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $2,830 million, or $11.01 per diluted share, for 2008 compared to a net
loss of $115 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for 2007. The higher loss in 2008 compared to 2007 was due primarily to the goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges of
$2,761 million, lower segment operating profits of $287 million and higher restructuring charges of $51 million. The 2008 results benefited $84 million from the resolution
of certain Canadian income tax examination matters and from $36 million of foreign currency exchange gains. The 2007 results were negatively impacted by an after-tax loss on the
sale of our Brewton, Alabama mill of $97 million and from $52 million of foreign currency exchange losses.

Net
sales decreased 5.1% in 2008 compared to last year. Net sales were negatively impacted by $623 million in 2008 as a result of the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill in
September of 2007, lower corrugated container sales volume and lower third-party sales of containerboard. Net sales were favorably impacted by higher average selling prices ($245 million) for
corrugated containers and containerboard. Average domestic linerboard prices for 2008 were 7.1% higher compared to 2007. Our average North American selling price for corrugated containers increased by
3.6% compared to 2007. Our average sales prices for market pulp, SBS/SBL and kraft paper increased 2.4%, 1.8% and 6.2%, respectively, compared to last year. The average price for old corrugated
containers (OCC) decreased
approximately $10 per ton compared to last year. Third party shipments of containerboard decreased 8.8% compared to last year. North American shipments of corrugated containers on a total and a per
day basis were 4.3% and 4.7% lower, respectively, compared to last year due primarily to container plant closures, actions to improve margins by exiting unprofitable accounts and weaker market
conditions.

Our
containerboard mills operated at 95.5% of capacity in 2008, while containerboard production was 6.6% lower compared to last year due primarily to the sale of the Brewton, Alabama
mill, other mill closures and the market related downtime taken by our mills in the fourth quarter of 2008. In the fourth quarter of 2008, our containerboard mill operating rate declined to 83.6% due
to lower demand. Production of market pulp decreased by 18.1% compared to last year due primarily to the closure of the Pontiac pulp mill in October 2008 and market related downtime taken in the
fourth quarter of 2008. Production of kraft paper decreased 18.1% compared to last year. Production of SBS/SBL decreased by 53.5% compared to last year due primarily to the sale of the Brewton,
Alabama mill. Total tons of fiber reclaimed and brokered decreased 5.6% compared to last year due to weakening export market conditions.

Cost
of goods sold as a percent of net sales in 2008 was 90.0%, compared to 86.3% last year. The increase was due primarily to higher costs for our major inputs and the negative impact
of lower sales volume and market related downtime. Cost of goods sold decreased from $6,404 million in 2007 to $6,338 million in 2008 due primarily to cost reductions resulting from the
sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill and the market related downtime taken at our mills in the fourth quarter of 2008, and lower costs of reclaimed material ($26 million), which was offset by
higher costs of energy ($142 million), freight ($63 million), wood fiber ($77 million), and chemicals ($41 million).

Selling
and administrative expense increased $2 million in 2008 compared to 2007. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of net sales increased from 8.7% in 2007 to 9.2%
in 2008 due primarily to the lower sales volume.

Interest
expense, net was $262 million in 2008. The $23 million decrease compared to 2007 was positively impacted by lower average borrowings ($7 million) and lower
average interest rates ($28 million). The lower average borrowings were primarily due to debt reduction from the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill. Our overall average effective interest rate
in 2008 was lower than 2007 by 0.85%. Our Tranche B and Tranche C term loans are expected to be refinanced prior to their current maturity. As a result, a portion of our interest rate
swap contracts were deemed to be ineffective and

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were
marked-to-market, resulting in $12 million of additional interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2008.

In
2007, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $29 million including $23 million for tender premiums and $6 million for the non-cash
write-off of deferred debt issuance cost.

In
2008, we recorded non-cash foreign currency exchange gains of $36 million compared to losses of $52 million for the same period in 2007.

The
benefit from income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2008 differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to loss before income
taxes due primarily to the non-deductibility of goodwill and other intangible assets impairment charges, the $84 million benefit related to the favorable resolution of the Canadian
income tax examination matters, non-cash foreign currency exchange gains, state income taxes, lower effective tax rates in certain foreign jurisdictions and the effect of other permanent
differences.

2007 COMPARED TO 2006

We had a net loss attributable to common stockholders of $115 million, or $0.45 per diluted share, for 2007 compared to a net
loss of $71 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for 2006. The higher loss in 2007 compared to 2006 was due primarily to the after-tax loss on the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill
and higher non-cash foreign currency exchange losses. In 2007, the containerboard, corrugated containers and reclamation operating profit of $604 million was $82 million
higher compared to 2006 due primarily to higher average selling prices for our products and benefits from our strategic initiatives. Operating profits in 2007 were negatively impacted by higher costs
for fiber and freight compared to 2006.

Net
sales increased 3.7% in 2007 compared to 2006 due primarily to higher average selling prices ($476 million) for containerboard, corrugated containers, market pulp and
reclaimed fiber. Net sales were negatively impacted by $161 million in 2007 as a result of the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill on September 28, 2007 and a change in the mix of our
sales. As a result of lower corrugated container sales volume, more of our containerboard tons were sold directly to third parties. In addition, net sales were reduced as a result of the adoption of
EITF No. 04-13 ($52 million). Average domestic linerboard prices for 2007 were 4.9% higher compared to 2006. Our average North American selling price for corrugated
containers increased 3.5% compared to 2006. Third party shipments of containerboard increased 11.9% compared to the same period in 2006. Shipments of corrugated containers on a total and per day basis
were lower 6.5% and 7.2%, respectively, compared to 2006 due primarily to container plant closure efforts, actions to improve the profitability of marginal accounts and market conditions. Our average
sales prices for market pulp, SBS/SBL and kraft paper increased 13.8%, 2.4% and 5.5%, respectively, compared to 2006. The average price for old corrugated containers (OCC) increased approximately $45
per ton compared to 2006.

Our
containerboard mills operated at 99.2% of capacity in 2007, while containerboard production was 0.9% lower compared to 2006. The lower containerboard production was primarily due to
the impact of the mill closures and the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill, which were partially offset by the restarting of the previously idled machine at the Jacksonville, Florida mill. Production
of SBS decreased by 14.1% compared to 2006 due to the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill. Production of market pulp increased 1.8%, while kraft paper decreased 11.1%. Total tons of fiber reclaimed and
brokered increased 3.4%.

Cost
of goods sold increased from $6,185 million in 2006 to $6,404 million in 2007 due primarily to higher costs of reclaimed material purchased by our reclamation
operations ($275 million), wood fiber ($17 million), freight ($37 million) and other materials ($81 million). Cost of goods sold in 2007 was

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favorably
impacted by the adoption of EITF No. 04-13 ($52 million) and lower sales volume ($139 million). Cost of goods sold as a percent of net sales in 2007 was
86.3%, comparable to 2006.

Selling
and administrative expense decreased $34 million in 2007 compared to 2006 due primarily to lower employee benefits cost and savings achieved from our strategic initiatives
plan. Selling and administrative expense as a percent of net sales decreased from 9.5% in 2006 to 8.7% in 2007 due primarily to the lower employee benefits costs and the higher average sales prices.

We
recorded a pretax loss of $65 million in the third quarter of 2007 related to the sale of our Brewton, AL mill. We recorded a gain on sale of assets of $23 million in
2006 related to the divestiture of our Port St. Joe, Florida joint venture interest and related real estate.

Interest
expense, net was $285 million in 2007. The $56 million decrease compared to 2006 was the result of lower average borrowings ($46 million) and lower average
interest rates ($10 million). The lower average borrowings were primarily due to debt reduction from the sales of the Consumer Packaging division and the Brewton, Alabama mill. Our overall
average effective interest rate in 2007 was lower than 2006 by approximately 0.27%.

In
2007, we recorded a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $29 million, including $23 million for tender premiums and a $6 million non-cash
write-off of deferred debt issuance cost.

We
recorded non-cash foreign currency exchange losses of $52 million in 2007 compared to gains of $1 million in 2006 due to the strengthening of the Canadian
dollar.

The
provision for income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to loss before income taxes due primarily to the
non-deductibility of goodwill on the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill and non-cash foreign currency translation losses, state income taxes and the effect of other permanent
differences.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows for the years ended December 31:

(In millions)

2008

2007

2006Net cash provided by (used for):Operating activities

$
198

$
243

$
265Investing activities


(385
)

68


706Financing activities


306


(313
)

(967
)Net increase (decrease) in cash

$
119

$
(2
)
$
4


Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Operating Activities

The net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was lower then 2007 due primarily to lower
segment profits. The impact of the lower segment profits was partially offset by lower working capital requirements.

Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Investing Activities

Net cash used for investing activities was $385 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Expenditures for property,
plant and equipment were $394 million for 2008, compared to $384 million for 2007. The amount expended for property, plant and equipment in 2008 included $386 million for projects
related to upgrades, cost reductions and strategic initiatives and $8 million for environmental projects. For 2008, we received proceeds of $9 million from the sale of properties
primarily related to previously closed facilities. For 2007, we received proceeds of $452 million from property disposals and

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sale
of businesses including $338 million from the sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill and $114 million from properties at previously closed facilities.

Net Cash Provided By (Used For) Financing Activities

Net cash provided by financing activities for 2008 of $306 million included a net increase of debt of $314 million. The
net increase in debt primarily funded our capital investments. In December 2008, we drew down substantially all the remaining availability on our revolving credit facility and invested the proceeds in
commercial paper with a daily maturity and a variable interest rate. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining balance invested in commercial paper, which is included in cash and cash equivalents,
was $101 million at a variable interest rate of 0.1%. Preferred dividends paid were $8 million for 2008. We are prohibited from paying future dividends under the DIP Credit Agreement.

We
as guarantor, and SSCE and its subsidiary, Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc. (SSC Canada), as borrowers, entered into a credit agreement, as amended (the Credit Agreement) on
November 1, 2004. The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a revolving credit facility of $600 million to SSCE, of which $461 million was borrowed as of December 31,
2008 and (ii) a revolving credit facility of $200 million to SSCE and SSC Canada, of which $172 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2008. The revolving credit
facilities include sub-limits for the issuance of letters of credit and swingline loans. Each of these revolving credit facilities matures on November 1, 2009. As of
December 31, 2008, subject to the above limitations, we have unused borrowing capacity under SSCE's revolving credit facilities of $1 million, after giving consideration to outstanding
letters of credit. The Credit Agreement provided for a Tranche B term loan to SSCE in the aggregate principal amount of $975 million, with an outstanding balance of $137 million
at December 31, 2008. The Credit Agreement also provided to SSC Canada a Tranche C term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $300 million and a Trance C-1
term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $90 million, with outstanding balances of $258 million and $78 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008. The term loans
are payable in quarterly installments ending on November 1, 2011. In addition, the Credit Agreement provides for a deposit funded letter of credit facility to us, related to our variable rate
industrial revenue bonds, for approximately $122 million that matures on November 1, 2010. See "Future Cash FlowsContingent Obligations."

We
have the option to borrow at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.00% or alternate base rate (ABR) plus 1.00% for the term loan facilities and LIBOR plus 2.25% or ABR plus 1.25% for the
revolving credit facilities (the Applicable Rate). The Applicable Rate will increase by 0.25% if at any time the Company's senior secured indebtedness is rated lower than BB- by
Standard & Poor's and Ba3 by Moody's Investors Service. On January 15, 2009 our credit ratings were lowered, increasing the Applicable Rate by 0.25%.

In
June 2006, we, as guarantor, and SSCE and its subsidiary, SSC Canada, as borrowers, entered into an amendment to the senior credit facility with our lending group permitting us to use
a portion of the net cash proceeds to be received from the sale of our Consumer Packaging division and additional borrowings, if necessary, to prepay certain unsecured debt. In addition, the amendment
provided for the release of the lien on the assets of the Consumer Packaging division. The amendment (i) required the use of $240 million of the proceeds to prepay Tranche B term
loans, (ii) permitted the use of up to
$400 million of the proceeds to prepay the unsecured senior notes and (iii) permitted the reinvestment of up to $250 million of the balance of the proceeds in the business of the
Company and its subsidiaries.

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The obligations of SSCE under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by us and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE. The obligations of SSC Canada
under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by us, SSCE, the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE and the material Canadian subsidiaries of SSC Canada. The obligations of SSCE under the
Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of our assets and properties, and those of SSCE and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE, by a pledge of all of the capital
stock of SSCE and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE and by a pledge of 65% of the capital stock of SSC Canada that is directly owned by SSCE. The security interests securing SSCE's obligation
under the Credit Agreement exclude cash, cash equivalents, certain trade receivables, three paper mills and the land and buildings of certain corrugated container facilities. The obligations of SSC
Canada under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets and properties of SSC Canada and the material Canadian subsidiaries of SSC Canada, by a pledge
of all of the capital stock of the material Canadian subsidiaries of SSC Canada and by the same U.S. assets, properties and capital stock that secure SSCE's obligations under the Credit Agreement. The
security interests securing SSC Canada's obligation under the Credit Agreement exclude three mills and property related thereto and certain other real property located in New Brunswick and Quebec.

The
Credit Agreement contains various covenants and restrictions including (i) limitations on dividends, redemptions and repurchases of capital stock, (ii) limitations on
the incurrence of indebtedness, liens, leases and sale-leaseback transactions, (iii) limitations on capital expenditures and (iv) maintenance of certain financial covenants.
The Credit Agreement also requires prepayments if we have excess cash flows, as defined therein, or receive proceeds from certain asset sales, insurance or incurrence of certain indebtedness. The
filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our Credit Agreement, and the debt obligations became
automatically and immediately due and payable, although any actions to enforce such payment obligations are stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian
Petition. See "Liquidity after Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings" for a discussion of the impact of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition filings on the Credit Agreement.

Calpine Corrugated Transaction

In July 2008, we acquired a 90 percent ownership interest in Calpine Corrugated. In conjunction with the acquisition, we
guaranteed approximately $45 million of Calpine Corrugated's third party outstanding debt. There was no cash consideration paid. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase business
combination and results of operations of Calpine Corrugated are included in the consolidated statements of operations beginning July 29, 2008. The purchase price allocation completed in the
fourth quarter of 2008 resulted in assets and liabilities of approximately $50 million, including approximately $45 million of debt. No goodwill was recorded for the transaction. The
acquisition of Calpine Corrugated's operations enabled us to accelerate the optimization of our Northern California business unit and improve its position in the agricultural market segment.

Liquidity after Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings

The filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our debt obligations, and
those debt obligations became automatically and immediately due and payable, although any actions to enforce such payment obligations are stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11
Petition and the Canadian Petition. As a result, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008 includes a reclassification of $3,032 million to current maturities
of long-term debt from long-term debt.

In
connection with filing the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition, on January 26, 2009 we and certain of our affiliates filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Courts
seeking approval to enter into a DIP Credit Agreement. On January 27, 2009, the Bankruptcy Courts granted interim approval of

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the
DIP Credit Agreement. Based on such interim approval, on January 28, 2009 we entered into the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to final approval of the Bankruptcy Courts. Final approval of the
DIP Credit Agreement was granted by the U.S. Court on February 23, 2009 and by the Canadian Court on February 24, 2009. Amendments to the DIP Credit Agreement were entered into on
February 25 and 27, 2009.

The
DIP Credit Agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings up to an aggregate committed amount of $750 million, consisting of a $400 million U.S. term loan for
borrowings by SSCE; a $35 million Canadian term loan for borrowings by SSC Canada; a $250 million U.S. revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada; and a $65 million
Canadian revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada.

The
use of proceeds under the DIP Credit Agreement is limited to (i) working capital, letters of credit and capital expenditures; (ii) other general corporate purposes of
ours and certain of our subsidiaries (including certain intercompany loans); (iii) the refinancing in full of indebtedness outstanding under our receivables securitization programs;
(iv) payment of any related transaction costs, fees and expenses; and (v) the costs of administration of the cases arising out of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian
Petition.

In
accordance with the terms of the DIP Credit Agreement, on January 28, 2009, we used U.S. term loan proceeds of $360 million, net of lenders fees of $40 million,
and Canadian term loan proceeds of $30 million, net of lenders fees of $5 million, to terminate the receivables securitization programs and repay all indebtedness outstanding of
$385 million and to pay other expenses of $1 million. The remaining proceeds of $4 million were deposited into our primary cash operating account.

We
have the option to borrow under the DIP Credit Agreement at a rate of: (i) Alternate Base Rate (ABR) Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable margin
(Applicable Margin) plus the ABR; (ii) Eurodollar loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Adjusted LIBO Rate; (iii) Canadian prime rate loans bear
interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Canadian prime rate; and (iv) discount rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin plus the
discount rate. The DIP Credit Agreement provides that the Applicable Margin adjusts upon extensions of the maturity date. As of February 28, 2009, the weighted average interest rate on
outstanding borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement was 10%.

Under
the DIP Credit Agreement, interest and fees are payable in arrears on each interest payment date as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement. If we default on our obligations under the
DIP Credit Agreement, the default rate of interest in most cases will be the rate otherwise in effect plus 2.0% per annum. In addition to interest, a commitment fee of 1.0% per annum is required in
respect of the unutilized commitments under the DIP Credit Agreement. The DIP Credit Agreement also imposes letter of credit fees.

The
outstanding principal amount of the loans under the DIP Credit Agreement, plus interest accrued and unpaid, will be due and payable in full at maturity, which is January 28,
2010 (subject to an earlier maturity date under certain circumstances); provided, that the maturity date may be extended through April 28, 2010 and subsequently through July 28, 2010,
upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent (including the payment of specified fees).

U.S.
and Canadian borrowings are each subject to a borrowing base derived from a formula based on certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory, and an amount attributable to real
property and equipment, less certain reserves. As of February 28, 2009, the applicable borrowing base was $729 million and the amount available for borrowings under the DIP Credit
Agreement was $289 million. In addition, as of February 28, 2009, we had cash and cash equivalents of $210 million.

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Borrowings
under the DIP Credit Agreement are guaranteed by us and certain of our affiliates, and are secured by first priority liens in the collateral accounts and all presently owned
and hereafter acquired assets of ours and each of our subsidiaries party to the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to certain permitted prior liens. Subject to certain exceptions, the DIP Credit Agreement
requires certain mandatory prepayments of borrowings from the net proceeds of certain asset dispositions, and casualty or condemnation payments. The only Canadian entity that guarantees U.S.
obligations is SSC Canada.

The
DIP Credit Agreement includes affirmative, negative and financial covenants that impose substantial restrictions on our financial and business operations and those of certain of our
subsidiaries, including their ability to incur or secure debt, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends or make acquisitions. The DIP Credit Agreement contains events of default customary for
debtor-in-possession financings of this type.

FUTURE CASH FLOWS

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

In addition to our debt commitments at December 31, 2008, we had other commitments and contractual obligations that require us
to make specified payments in the future. The filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our debt obligations, and those debt obligations
became automatically and immediately due and payable, subject to an automatic stay of any action to collect, assert, or recover a claim against us and the application of applicable bankruptcy law. The
following table summarizes the total amounts due as of December 31,
2008 under all debt agreements, commitments and other contractual obligations. We are in the process of evaluating our executory contracts in order to determine which contracts will be assumed in our
bankruptcy proceedings. Therefore, obligations as currently quantified in the table below and in the footnotes to the table are expected to change. The table indicates the years in which payments are
due under the contractual obligations.

Amounts Payable During(In millions)

Total

2009

2010-11

2012-13

2014 &
BeyondLong-term debt, including capital leases(1)

$
3,718

$
3,718

$


$


$Operating leases


385


75


95


59


156Purchase obligations(2)


874


287


381


111


95Commitments for capital expenditures(3)


176


129


47Net unrecognized tax benefits(4)Other long-term liabilities(5)


57


24


13


4


16Total contractual obligations

$
5,210

$
4,233

$
536

$
174

$
267


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Contingent Obligations

We issue standby letters of credit primarily for performance bonds and for self-insurance. Letters of credit are issued
under SSCE's revolving credit facilities, generally have a one-year maturity and are renewed annually. As of December 31, 2008, SSCE had $166 million of letters of credit
outstanding. As of the date of this filing, we had $68 million, inclusive of $18 million below, drawn on these outstanding letters of credit, which increased borrowings under our Credit
Agreement by $68 million. In addition, we had a deposit funded letter of credit facility, related to our variable rate industrial revenue bonds, for approximately $122 million that
matures on November 1, 2010. In February 2009, due to an event of default under the bond indentures, this credit facility was drawn on to fully repay the industrial revenue bonds in the
principal amount of $120 million.

We
have certain woodchip processing contracts, which provide for guarantees of third party contractors' debt outstanding, with a security interest in the chipping equipment. Guarantee
payments would be triggered in the event of a loan default by any of the contractors. The maximum potential amount of future payments related to all of such arrangements as of December 31, 2008
was $28 million. Cash proceeds received from liquidation of the chipping equipment would be based on market conditions at the time of sale, and we may not recover in full the guarantee payments
made.

At
December 31, 2008, we were contingently liable for $18 million under a one year letter of credit which expires in April 2009 to support borrowings of one of our
non-consolidated affiliates. On March 4, 2009, this letter of credit was drawn on, which increased borrowings under our Credit Agreement by $18 million.

Pension Obligations

As of December 31, 2008, our pension benefit obligations exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets by
$1,006 million, up from $407 million at the end of 2007. The majority of the increase was due to losses of $625 million on plan assets during 2008.

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In
August 2007, we announced the freeze of our defined benefit pension plans for salaried employees. As a result, effective January 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian salaried employees
no longer accrue additional years of service and U.S. salaried employees no longer recognize future increases in compensation under the existing defined benefit pension plans for benefit purposes. In
accordance with SFAS No. 88, "Employers Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," we accounted for this freeze as a plan
curtailment, remeasured our assets and obligation as of August 31, 2007 and recognized a curtailment gain of approximately $3 million during the third quarter of 2007. See the
information set forth in Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Exit Liabilities

We recorded restructuring charges of $67 million in 2008, net of gains of $2 million from sale of properties related to
previously closed facilities. Restructuring charges include $46 million for exit liabilities, which were principally for severance and benefits. In 2008, we incurred cash expenditures of
$29 million for these exit liabilities.

We
had $29 million of exit liabilities as of December 31, 2007, related to the restructuring of our operations. During 2008, we incurred cash expenditures of
$12 million for these exit liabilities. The exit liabilities remaining as of December 31, 2008, including the 2008 restructuring activities, totaled $33 million. In addition, we
have a remaining exit liability of $1 million related to mergers and acquisitions. Future cash outlays, principally for severance and benefits cost and long-term lease commitments
and facility closure cost, are expected to be $24 million in 2009, $6 million in 2010 and $4 million thereafter. We intend to continue funding exit liabilities through operations
as originally planned.

Environmental Matters

As discussed in Part I, Item 1, "Business, Environmental Compliance," we completed all projects required to bring us into
compliance with the now vacated Boiler MACT. However, we could incur significant expenditures due to changes in law or discovery of new information. Excluding the spending on the Boiler MACT projects
and other one-time compliance costs, we have spent an average of approximately $6 million in each of the last three years on capital expenditures for environmental purposes. We
anticipate that environmental capital expenditures will be approximately $6 million in 2009.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At December 31, 2008, we had three off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

SSCE
had a $475 million accounts receivable securitization program whereby it sold, without recourse, on an ongoing basis, certain of its accounts receivable to SRC. SRC is a
wholly-owned non-consolidated subsidiary of SSCE and a qualified special-purpose entity under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." Accordingly, accounts receivable sold to SRC for which we do not retain an interest are not included in our consolidated balance sheets. SRC transfers the
receivables to a non-consolidated subsidiary, a limited liability company, which has issued notes to third-party investors. At December 31, 2008, $465 million of accounts
receivable had been sold under the program, of which $97 million was retained by SSCE as a subordinated interest and recorded in retained interest in receivables sold in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet. We recognized a loss on sales of receivables to SRC of $14 million and $25 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in other, net in the
consolidated statements of operations. The off-balance sheet SRC debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007

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was
$365 million and $379 million, respectively. The investors and the limited liability company have no recourse to SSCE for failure of debtors to pay when due.

On
January 28, 2009, the accounts receivable securitization program was terminated and all accounts receivable in the program were repurchased with proceeds of $353 million
from borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement.

SSCE,
through Smurfit-MBI, had a $70 million Canadian (approximately $57 million U.S.) accounts receivable securitization program whereby it sold, without
recourse, on an ongoing basis, certain of its Canadian accounts receivable to a trust in which SSCE holds a variable interest, but is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, under Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," accounts receivable sold to the trust, for which SSCE is not the primary beneficiary, are
not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2008, $58 million of accounts receivable had been sold under the program, of which $23 million was
retained by SSCE as a subordinated interest and recorded in retained interest in receivables sold in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. We recognized a loss on sales of receivables to the
trust of $3 million and $2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in other, net in the consolidated statements of operations. The amount funded to us at
December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $33 million and $43 million, respectively. The investors and the securitization trust have no recourse to SSCE for failure of debtors to pay when
due.

On
January 28, 2009, the Canadian accounts receivable securitization program was terminated and all accounts receivable in the program were repurchased with proceeds of
$32 million from borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement.

We
sold 980,000 acres of owned and leased timberland in October 1999. The final purchase price, after adjustments, was $710 million. We received $225 million in cash and
$485 million in the form of installment notes. Under our program to monetize the installment notes receivable, the notes were sold, without recourse, to Timber Note Holdings LLC (TNH), a
qualified special purpose entity under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, for $430 million in cash proceeds and a residual interest in the notes. The residual interest included in other
assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet was $34 million at December 31, 2008. TNH and its creditors have no recourse to us in the event of a default on the installment
notes.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

Increases in costs for fiber, energy, freight and other materials including corn starch and ink have had an adverse impact on our
operating results during the past three years. Fiber, energy and freight cost increases are strongly influenced by supply and demand factors including competition in global markets and from hurricanes
or other natural disasters in certain regions of the United States, and when supplies become tight, we have experienced increases in the cost of these items. We continue to seek ways to mitigate the
impact of such cost increases and, to the extent permitted by competition, pass the increased cost on to customers by increasing sales prices over time.

We
used the last-in, first-out method of accounting for approximately 42% of our inventories at December 31, 2008. Under this method, the cost of goods
sold reported in the financial statements approximates current cost and thus provides a closer matching of revenue and expenses in periods of increasing costs.

Replacement
of existing fixed assets in future years will be at higher costs, but this will take place over many years. New assets will result in higher depreciation charges; but, in
many cases, due to technological improvements, there may be operating cost savings as well.

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CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND USE OF ESTIMATES

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The
preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial
statements and accompanying notes. Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical experiences and changes in the business environment. However, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management's most subjective judgments.
Our most critical accounting policies and use of estimates are described below.

Going Concern

The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, although
our Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related to the
recoverability and classification of recorded assets or to the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should we be unable to continue as a going
concern.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142 "Accounting for Goodwill and
Other Intangible Assets" annually or at other times when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of this asset may no longer be fully recoverable. In the fourth quarter of 2008, as the
result of the significant decline in value of our equity securities and debt instruments and the downward pressure placed on earnings by the weakening U.S. economy, we determined that goodwill and
other intangible assets were potentially impaired.

We
engaged a third-party to assist with our impairment review. As outlined in SFAS 142, the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any, is measured by comparing the implied fair
value of goodwill to its book value, or carrying amount. The third-party valuation report as of December 31, 2008, indicated that the carrying amount of goodwill was fully impaired based on
declines in current and projected operating results and cash flows due to the current economic conditions. At December 31, 2008, we recognized an impairment charge of $2,723 million, net
of an income tax benefit of $4 million, which eliminated all goodwill. The goodwill consisted primarily of amounts recorded in connection with our merger with Stone Container Corporation in
November of 1998.

In
addition, we also determined that the carrying value of our other intangible assets was fully impaired. The other intangible assets at December 31, 2008 consisted of definite
life customer relationships of $22 million and $12 million of an indefinite life trade name, which were primarily recorded in connection with our acquisition of the remaining 50%
ownership in Smurfit-MBI in 2003. As a result, we recognized a pretax impairment charge on other intangible assets of $34 million in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Long-Lived Assets Excluding Goodwill

We conduct impairment reviews of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets." Based upon our review as of December 31, 2008, we determined that there was no impairment of long-lived assets. Such reviews require us
to make estimates of future cash flows and fair values. Our cash flow projections include significant assumptions about economic conditions, demand and pricing for our products and costs. Our
estimates of fair value are determined using a variety of valuation techniques, including cash flows. While significant judgment is required, we believe that our estimates of future cash flows and
fair value are reasonable. However, should our assumptions change in future years, our fair value models could indicate lower fair values for long-lived assets, which could materially
affect the carrying value of property, plant and equipment and results of operations.

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Restructurings

In recent years, we have closed a number of operating facilities and exited non-core businesses. Identifying and
calculating the cost to exit these businesses requires certain assumptions to be made, the most significant of which are anticipated future liabilities, including leases and other contractual
obligations, and the adjustment of property, plant and equipment to net realizable value. We believe our estimates are reasonable, considering our knowledge of the paper industry, previous experience
in exiting activities and valuations received from independent third parties in the calculation of such estimates. Although our estimates have been reasonably accurate in the past, significant
judgment is required, and these estimates and assumptions may change as additional information becomes available and facts or circumstances change.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We evaluate the collectibility of accounts receivable on a case-by-case basis and make adjustments to the bad
debt reserve for
expected losses. We also estimate reserves for bad debts based on historical experience and past due status of the accounts. We perform credit evaluations and adjust credit limits based upon each
customer's payment history and credit worthiness. While credit losses have historically been within our expectations and the provisions established, actual bad debt write-offs may differ
from our estimates, resulting in higher or lower charges in the future for our allowance for doubtful accounts.

Pension and Postretirement Benefits

We have significant long-term liabilities related to our defined benefit pension and postretirement benefit plans.

The
determination of pension obligations and expense is dependent upon our selection of certain assumptions, the most significant of which are the expected long-term rate of
return on plan assets and the discount rates applied to plan liabilities. Consulting actuaries assist us in determining these assumptions, which are described in Note 14 of the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. In 2008, the expected long-term rates of return on our U.S. plan assets and foreign plan assets were 8.50% and 7.50%, respectively, which were consistent
with 2007. The weighted average discount rates used to determine the benefit obligations for the U.S. and foreign retirement plans at December 31, 2008 were 6.25% and 7.45%, respectively. The
assumed rate for the long-term return on plan assets was determined based upon target asset allocations and expected long-term rates of return by asset class. For determination
of the discount rate, the present value of the cash flows as of the measurement date is determined using the spot rates from the Mercer Yield Curve, and based on the present values, a single
equivalent discount rate is developed. This rate is the single uniform discount rate that, when applied to the same cash flows, results in the same present value of the cash flows as of the
measurement date. A decrease in the assumed rate of return of 0.50% would increase pension expense by approximately $14 million. A decrease in the discount rate of 0.50% would increase our
pension expense by approximately $17 million and our pension benefit obligations by approximately $162 million.

Related
to our postretirement benefit plans, we make assumptions for future trends for medical care costs. The effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would
increase our accumulated postretirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2008 by $10 million and would increase the annual net periodic postretirement benefits cost by
$1 million for 2008.

Income Taxes

FIN No. 48 creates a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income
taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position

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is
required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Upon adoption of FIN No. 48, we elected to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in our
income tax provision, consistent with our previous accounting policy (See Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements).

At
December 31, 2008, we had $38 million of net unrecognized tax benefits. All net unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate. The
primary differences between gross unrecognized tax benefits and net unrecognized tax benefits are associated with offsetting benefits in other jurisdictions related to transfer pricing and the U.S.
federal tax benefit from state tax deductions. See Note 14 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of 2008 activity.

For
the year ended December 31, 2008, $6 million of interest was recorded related to tax positions taken during the current and prior years. During 2008, $12 million
of interest was released due to settlements with taxing authorities. The interest was computed on the difference between the tax position recognized in accordance with FIN No. 48 and the amount
previously taken or expected to be taken in our tax returns, adjusted to reflect the impact of net operating loss and other tax carryforward items. During 2008, $3 million of penalties were
recorded related to current and prior year tax positions. At December 31, 2008, $22 million of interest and penalties are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. All net
unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized, would affect our effective tax rate.

Deferred
tax assets and liabilities reflect our assessment of future taxes to be paid in the jurisdictions in which we operate. These assessments involve temporary differences resulting
from differing treatment of items for tax and accounting purposes. In addition, unrecognized tax benefits under the provisions of FIN No. 48 reflect estimates of our current tax exposures.
Based on our evaluation of our tax positions, we believe we were adequately reserved for these matters at December 31, 2008.

At
December 31, 2008, we had deferred tax assets related to net operating loss, alternative minimum tax and other tax credit carryforwards in the amount of $479 million. A
valuation allowance of $42 million has been established for a portion of these deferred tax assets based on the expected timing of deferred tax liability reversals and the expiration dates of
these carryforwards. See Note 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. We expect our deferred tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, will be fully realized through the
reversal of net taxable temporary differences at December 31, 2008.

As
previously disclosed, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is examining our income tax returns for tax years 1999 through 2005. In connection with the examination, the CRA was considering
certain significant adjustments related principally to taxable income related to our acquisition of a Canadian company and to transfer prices of inventory sold by our Canadian subsidiaries to our U.S.
subsidiaries. During 2008, we were informed by the CRA that certain matters related to our acquisition of a Canadian company had been resolved in our favor. Primarily as a result of this favorable
ruling, we reduced our liability for unrecognized tax benefits and recorded an income tax benefit of approximately $84 million during 2008.

With
respect to the transfer price issue, the CRA has issued assessments of additional income taxes, interest and penalties related to transfer prices of inventory sold by our Canadian
subsidiaries to our U.S. subsidiaries. We have appealed the assessments. In order to appeal the assessments, we made payments of $25 million to the CRA in 2008. As a result of these payments,
future interest charges will be reduced.

The
remaining matters may be resolved at the examination level or subsequently upon appeal within the next twelve months. While the final outcome of the remaining CRA examination
matters, including an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible changes to unrecognized tax benefits, is

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not
yet determinable, we believe that the examination or subsequent appeals will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

We
have settled the Internal Revenue Service examinations of our income tax returns for tax years through 2003. The federal statute of limitations is closed through 2003, except for any
potential correlative adjustments for the years 1999 through 2003 relating to the CRA examinations noted above. There are currently no federal examinations in progress. In addition, we file tax
returns in numerous states. The states' statutes of limitations are generally open for the same years as the federal statute of limitations.

Federal
income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries during 2006 through 2008, as we intend to indefinitely reinvest such earnings into its
foreign subsidiaries.

Legal and Environmental Contingencies

Accruals for legal and environmental matters are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss
can be reasonably estimated. Such liabilities are developed based on currently available information and require judgments as to probable outcomes. Assumptions are based on historical experience and
recommendations of legal counsel. Environmental estimates include assumptions and judgments about particular sites, remediation alternatives and environmental regulations. We believe our accruals are
adequate. However, due to uncertainties associated with these assumptions and judgments, as well as potential changes to governmental regulations and environmental technologies, and the impact of our
bankruptcy on these matters, actual costs could differ materially from the estimated amounts.

Self-Insurance

We self-insure a majority of our workers' compensation costs. Other workers' compensation and general liability costs are
subject to specific retention levels for certain policies and coverage. Losses above these retention levels are transferred to insurance companies. In addition, we self-insure the majority
of our group health care costs. All of the workers' compensation, general liability and group health care claims are handled by third-party administrators. Consulting actuaries and administrators
assist us in determining our liability for self-insured claims. Losses are accrued based upon the aggregate self-insured claims determined by the third-party administrators,
actuarial assumptions and our historical experience. 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, general liability and group health care costs.

PROSPECTIVE ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations" (SFAS No. 141(R)), effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141(R) expands the definition of a business and changes the accounting for business combinations, including how an acquirer
recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the cost of the acquisition, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS
No. 141(R) will be applicable to future business combinations and will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements prior to such acquisitions.

In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial StatementsAn Amendment of ARB No. 51" (SFAS
No. 160), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 changes the accounting for non-controlling (minority) interests in consolidated
financial statements, requires non-controlling interests to be reported as part of equity and changes the income statement presentation of income or losses

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attributable
to non-controlling interests. We do not expect SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In
March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging ActivitiesAn Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" (SFAS
No. 161), effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how
derivative instruments are accounted for and how derivative instruments affect an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. We expect SFAS No. 161 to expand our
derivative instrument disclosures in our financial statements.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to various market risks, including commodity price risk, foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. To manage the
volatility related to these risks, we have historically entered into various derivative contracts. The majority of these contracts are settled in cash. However, such settlements have not had a
significant effect on our liquidity in the past, nor are they expected to be significant in the future. We do not use derivatives for speculative or trading purposes. On January 26, 2009, the
Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition effectively terminated all existing derivative instruments.

Commodity Price Risk

We use financial derivative instruments, including fixed price swaps and options, to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from
commodity price risk in the procurement of natural gas and other commodities including fuel and heating oil. Our objective is to fix the price of a portion of the purchases of these commodities used
in the manufacturing process. The changes in the
market value of such derivative instruments have historically been, and are expected to continue to be, highly effective at offsetting changes in price of the hedged item. The fair value of the
Company's commodity derivative instruments at December 31, 2008 was a $55 million liability, included in other current liabilities. Excluding the impact of derivative instruments, the
potential change in our expected 2009 and 2008 natural gas cost, based upon our expected annual usage and unit cost, resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse price change, would be approximately
$9 million and $13 million, respectively. The changes in energy cost discussed in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
include the impact of the natural gas derivative instruments. See Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Foreign Currency Risk

Our principal foreign exchange exposure is the Canadian dollar. Assets and liabilities outside the United States are primarily located
in Canada. The functional currency for our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. The Canadian dollar had strengthened against the U.S. dollar in each of the last two years, but weakened
significantly in 2008. In 2008, 2007 and 2006, the average exchange rates for the Canadian dollar (weakened) strengthened against the U.S. dollar by (1.0)%, 5.2% and 6.4%, respectively. Our
investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar are not hedged.

We
have historically used financial derivative instruments, including forward contracts and options, primarily to protect against Canadian currency exchange risk associated with expected
future cash flows. These instruments typically have maturities of twelve months or less. The fair value of the Company's foreign currency derivative instruments at December 31, 2008 was a
$10 million liability, included in other current liabilities.

We
performed a sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 that measures the change in the book value of our net monetary Canadian liability arising from a hypothetical
10% adverse

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movement
in the exchange rate of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar with all other variables held constant. Excluding the impact of derivative instruments, the potential change in fair
value resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the Canadian dollar exchange rate at December 31, 2008 and 2007, would be $10 million and $30 million, respectively.
Fluctuations in Canadian dollar monetary assets and liabilities result in gains or losses, which are credited or charged to income.

Interest Rate Risk

Our earnings and cash flow are significantly affected by the amount of interest on our indebtedness. Our financing arrangements include
both fixed and variable rate debt in which changes in interest rates will impact the fixed and variable rate debt differently. A change in the interest rate of fixed rate debt will impact the fair
value of the debt, whereas a change in the interest rate on the variable rate debt will impact interest expense and cash flows. Our objective is to mitigate interest rate volatility and reduce or cap
interest expense within acceptable levels of market risk. We periodically enter into interest rate swaps, caps or options to hedge interest rate exposure and manage risk within Company policy. Any
derivative would be specific to the debt instrument, contract or transaction, which would determine the specifics of the hedge.

We
have interest rate swap contracts effectively fixing the interest rate at 4.3% for $300 million of the Tranche B and Tranche C variable rate term loans. These
contracts extended until 2011, consistent with the maturity on our Tranche B and Tranche C term loans. Our Tranche B and Tranche C term loans are expected to be refinanced
prior to their current maturity. As a result, a portion of the interest rate swap contracts were deemed to be ineffective and were marked-to-market, resulting in
$12 million of additional interest expense for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

We
performed a sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 that measures the change in interest expense on our variable rate debt arising from a hypothetical 100 basis
point adverse movement in interest rates. Based on our outstanding variable rate debt as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, a hypothetical 100 basis point adverse change in interest rates would
increase interest expense by approximately $10 million and $6 million, respectively.

The
filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our debt obligations, and those debt obligations became automatically and
immediately due and payable, subject to an automatic stay of any action to collect, assert, or recover a claim against us and the application of applicable bankruptcy law. The table below presents
principal amounts for our debt obligations and related average interest rates based on the weighted average interest rates at the end of the period. Variable interest rates disclosed do not attempt to
project future interest rates and do not reflect the impact of our interest rate swap contracts. This information should be read in conjunction with Note 9 of the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements.

Current Maturities of Debt

Outstanding as of December 31, 2008 (in millions)



Fair ValueBank term loans and revolver 3.6% average interest rate (variable)

$
1,106

$
954U.S. senior notes 8.0% average interest rate (fixed)


2,275


387U.S. industrial revenue bonds 6.4% average interest rate (fixed)


164


164U.S. industrial revenue bonds 3.4% average interest rate (variable)


120


120Other U.S


53


53Total debt

$
3,718

$
1,678


44

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Table of Contents

ITEM 8.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Index
to Financial Statements:

Page No.Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

46Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

47Consolidated Balance SheetsDecember 31, 2008 and 2007

49For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:Consolidated Statements of Operations

50Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

51Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

52Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

53


The
following consolidated financial statement schedule is included in Item 15(a):

II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

98


All
other schedules specified under Regulation S-X have been omitted because they are not applicable, because they are not required or because the information required
is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

45

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Table of Contents

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting for Smurfit-Stone
Container Corporation, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. As required by Rule 13a-15(c) under the Exchange Act, we carried out an
evaluation, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of the end of the latest
fiscal year. The framework on which such evaluation was based is contained in the report entitled "Internal ControlIntegrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness
of controls and a conclusion on this evaluation. Although there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any system of internal control over financial reporting, based on our evaluation, we
have concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2008.

The
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, our independent registered public
accounting firm. Their report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, is included herein.

/s/ PATRICK J. MOORE Patrick J. Moore Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)/s/ CHARLES A. HINRICHS Charles A. Hinrichs Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)/s/ PAUL K. KAUFMANN Paul K. Kaufmann Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)


46

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation

We
have audited Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's (the Company's) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated
Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).
The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit.

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

A
company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures
that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide
reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and that receipts and
expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future
periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In
our opinion, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the
COSO criteria.

We
also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2008
and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows of the Company for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our
report dated March 13, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon and included an explanatory paragraph related to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Ernst & Young LLP


St. Louis,
Missouri
March 13, 2009

47

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Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The
Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation

We
have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (the Company) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule
listed in the Index at Item 15(a). 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
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In
our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation at
December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with U.S.
generally accepted accounting principles. Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

The
accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation will continue as a going concern. As more fully described in
Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and Companies' Creditors
Arrangement Act in Canada on January 26, 2009, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a
going concern. Management's plans in regard to this matter are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments to reflect the possible future
effects on the recoverability and classification of assets or the amounts and classification of the liabilities that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

We
have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated March 13, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP Ernst & Young LLP


St. Louis,
Missouri
March 13, 2009

48

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

December 31, (In millions, except share data)

2008

2007AssetsCurrent assetsCash and cash equivalents

$
126

$
7Receivables, less allowances of $7 in 2008 and 2007


96


170Retained interest in receivables sold


120


249InventoriesWork-in-process and finished goods


112


145Materials and supplies


400


395512


540Prepaid expenses and other current assets


27


36Total current assets


881


1,002Net property, plant and equipment


3,509


3,454Timberland, less timber depletion


32


32Goodwill





2,727Deferred income taxes


55Other assets


117


172$
4,594

$
7,387Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)Current liabilitiesCurrent maturities of long-term debt

$
3,718

$
11Accounts payable


506


582Accrued compensation and payroll taxes


164


193Interest payable


66


66Income taxes payable


9


10Current deferred income taxes


21


21Other current liabilities


195


106Total current liabilities


4,679


989Long-term debt, less current maturities





3,348Other long-term liabilities


1,320


834Deferred income taxes





361Stockholders' equityPreferred stock, aggregate liquidation preference of $116; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 4,599,300 issued and outstanding


101


97Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 257,087,296 and 256,201,779 issued and outstanding in 2008 and 2007,
respectively


3


3Additional paid-in capital


4,073


4,066Retained earnings (deficit)


(4,888
)

(2,058
)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)


(694
)

(253
)Total stockholders' equity (deficit)


(1,405
)

1,855$
4,594

$
7,387


See
notes to consolidated financial statements.

49

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, (In millions, except per share data)

2008

2007

2006Net sales

$
7,042

$
7,420

$
7,157Costs and expensesCost of goods sold


6,338


6,404


6,185Selling and administrative expenses


645


643


677Restructuring expense


67


16


43Goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges


2,761(Gain) loss on disposal of assets


(5
)

62


(24
)Operating income (loss)


(2,764
)

295


276Other income (expense)Interest expense, net


(262
)

(285
)

(341
)Loss on early extinguishment of debt





(29
)

(28
)Foreign currency exchange gains (losses)


36


(52
)

1Other, net


(5
)

(5
)

(18
)Loss from continuing operations before income taxes


(2,995
)

(76
)

(110
)(Provision for) benefit from income taxes


177


(27
)

40Loss from continuing operations


(2,818
)

(103
)

(70
)Discontinued operationsIncome from discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $9








14Loss on disposition of discontinued operations, net of income tax provision of $174








(3
)Net loss


(2,818
)

(103
)

(59
)Preferred stock dividends and accretion


(12
)

(12
)

(12
)Net loss attributable to common stockholders

$
(2,830
)
$
(115
)
$
(71
)Basic and diluted earnings per common shareLoss from continuing operations

$
(11.01
)
$
(.45
)
$
(.32
)Income from discontinued operations








.05Loss on disposition of discontinued operations








(.01
)Net loss attributable to common stockholders

$
(11.01
)
$
(.45
)
$
(.28
)Weighted average shares outstanding


257


256


255


See
notes to consolidated financial statements.

50

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Common Stock

Preferred StockAccumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)(In millions, except share data)

Number
of
Shares

Par
Value,
$.01

Number
of
Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)

TotalBalance at January 1, 2006


254,652,321

$
3


4,599,300

$
89

$
4,009

$
(1,874
)
$
(373
)
$
1,854Comprehensive income (loss)Net loss

















(59
)




(59
)Other comprehensive income (loss)Deferred hedge adjustments, net of tax benefit of $20




















(31
)

(31
)Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax expense of $64




















107


107Comprehensive income























17Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158, net of tax benefit of $66




















(115
)

(115
)Issuance of common stock under stock option and restricted stock plans


648,583











31








31Preferred stock dividends and accretion











4





(12
)




(8
)Balance at December 31, 2006


255,300,904


3


4,599,300


93


4,040


(1,945
)

(412
)

1,779Comprehensive income (loss)Net loss

















(103
)




(103
)Other comprehensive income (loss)Deferred hedge adjustments, net of tax expense of $3




















5


5Employee benefit plan liability adjustments, net of tax expense of $99




















154


154Comprehensive income























56Adjustment to initially apply FIN No. 48

















2





2Issuance of common stock under stock option and restricted stock plans


900,875











26








26Preferred stock dividends and accretion











4





(12
)




(8
)Balance at December 31, 2007


256,201,779


3


4,599,300


97


4,066


(2,058
)

(253
)

1,855Comprehensive income (loss)Net loss

















(2,818
)




(2,818
)Other comprehensive income (loss)Deferred hedge adjustments, net of tax benefit of $22




















(34
)

(34
)Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $4




















(6
)

(6
)Employee benefit plan liability adjustments, net of tax benefit of $241




















(401
)

(401
)Comprehensive income (loss)























(3,259
)Issuance of common stock under stock option and restricted stock plans


885,517











7








7Preferred stock dividends and accretion











4





(12
)




(8
)Balance at December 31, 2008


257,087,296

$
3


4,599,300

$
101

$
4,073

$
(4,888
)
$
(694
)
$
(1,405
)


See notes to consolidated financial statements.

51

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Year Ended December 31, (In millions)

2008

2007

2006Cash flows from operating activitiesNet loss

$
(2,818
)
$
(103
)
$
(59
)Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activitiesNon-cash goodwill and intangible asset impairment charges


2,761Gain on disposition of discontinued operations








(171
)Loss on early extinguishment of debt





29


28Depreciation, depletion and amortization


357


360


377Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs


7


8


9Deferred income taxes


(221
)

11


108Pension and postretirement benefits


(30
)

(59
)

(14
)(Gain) loss on disposal of assets


(5
)

62


(24
)Non-cash restructuring (income) expense


21


(21
)

5Non-cash stock-based compensation


3


21


25Non-cash foreign currency exchange (gains) losses


(36
)

52


(1
)Change in current assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions and dispositionsReceivables and retained interest in receivables sold


199


(71
)

11Inventories


3


(6
)

46Prepaid expenses and other current assets


3


7


15Accounts payable and accrued liabilities


(78
)

(39
)

(90
)Interest payable


1


(13
)

(17
)Other, net


31


5


17Net cash provided by operating activities


198


243


265Cash flows from investing activitiesExpenditures for property, plant and equipment


(394
)

(384
)

(274
)Proceeds from property disposals and sale of businesses


9


452


980Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities


(385
)

68


706Cash flows from financing activitiesProceeds from long-term debt





675Net borrowings (repayments) of long-term debt


314


(952
)

(937
)Debt repurchase premiums





(23
)

(24
)Preferred dividends paid


(8
)

(8
)

(8
)Proceeds from exercise of stock options





2


2Deferred debt issuance costs





(7
)Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities


306


(313
)

(967
)Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents


119


(2
)

4Cash and cash equivalentsBeginning of year


7


9


5End of year

$
126

$
7

$
9


See
notes to consolidated financial statements.

52

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

1. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings

On January 26, 2009, Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation ("SSCC" or the "Company") and its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries filed a voluntary petition (the "Chapter 11
Petition") for relief under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Bankruptcy Code") in the United States Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware (the "U.S. Court"). On the same
day, the Company's Canadian subsidiaries also filed to reorganize (the "Canadian Petition") under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act ("CCAA") in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Canada
(the "Canadian Court"). The Company's operations in Mexico and Asia were not included in the filing and will continue to operate outside of the Chapter 11 process.

Effective
as of the opening of business on February 4, 2009, the Company's common stock and its 7% Series A Cumulative Exchangeable Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
("Preferred Stock") were delisted from the NASDAQ Global Select Market and the trading of these securities was suspended. The Company's common stock and Preferred Stock are now quoted on the Pink
Sheets Electronic Quotation Service ("Pink Sheets") under the ticker symbols "SSCCQ.PK" and "SSCJP.PK" respectively.

The
filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under the Company's debt obligations, and those debt obligations became
automatically and immediately due and payable, although any actions to enforce such payment obligations are stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian
Petition. As a result, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 includes a reclassification of $3,032 million to current maturities of long-term
debt from long-term debt.

The
Company and its U.S. and Canadian subsidiaries are currently operating as "debtors in possession" under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court and Canadian Court (the "Bankruptcy
Courts") and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA. In general, the Company's subsidiaries are authorized to continue to operate as ongoing businesses, but
may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Bankruptcy Courts.

Debtor-In-Possession ("DIP") Financing

In connection with filing the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition, on January 26, 2009, the Company and certain
of its affiliates filed a motion with the Bankruptcy Courts seeking approval to enter into a Post-Petition Credit Agreement (the "DIP Credit Agreement").

On
January 27, 2009, the Bankruptcy Courts granted interim approval of the DIP Credit Agreement. Based on such interim approval, on January 28, 2009, the Company entered
into the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to final approval of the Bankruptcy Courts. Final approval of the DIP Credit Agreement was granted by the U.S. Court on February 23, 2009 and by the
Canadian Court on February 24, 2009. Amendments to the DIP Credit Agreement were entered into on February 25 and 27, 2009.

The
DIP Credit Agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings up to an aggregate committed amount of $750 million, consisting of a $400 million U.S. term loan for
borrowings by Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc ("SSCE"); a $35 million Canadian term loan for borrowings by Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc. ("SSC Canada"); a
$250 million U.S. revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada; and a $65 million Canadian revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada.

53

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

1. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings (Continued)

The
outstanding principal amount of the loans under the DIP Credit Agreement, plus interest accrued and unpaid, will be due and payable in full at maturity, which is January 28,
2010 (subject to an earlier maturity date under certain circumstances); provided, that the maturity date may be extended through April 28, 2010 and subsequently through July 28, 2010,
upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent (including the payment of specified fees).

For
additional information on the DIP Credit Agreement, see the Long-Term Debt footnote (Note 9).

Reorganization Process

The Bankruptcy Courts have approved payment of certain of the Company's pre-petition obligations, including employee wages,
salaries and benefits, and the payment of vendors and other providers in the ordinary course for goods and services received after the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition
and other business-related payments necessary to maintain the operation of the Company's business. The Company has retained legal and financial professionals to advise it on the bankruptcy
proceedings. From time to time, the Company may seek the U.S. Court's approval for the retention of additional professionals.

Immediately
after filing the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition, the Company began notifying all known current or potential creditors of the bankruptcy filings. Subject to
certain exceptions under the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA, the Company's bankruptcy filings automatically enjoined, or stayed, the continuation of any judicial or administrative proceedings or other
actions against the Company or our property to recover, collect or secure a claim arising prior to the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition. Thus, for example, most creditor
actions to obtain possession of property from the Company, or to create, perfect or enforce any lien against its property, or to collect on monies owed or otherwise exercise rights or remedies with
respect to a pre-petition claim are enjoined unless and until the Bankruptcy Courts lift the automatic stay.

As
required by the Bankruptcy Code, the United States Trustee for the District of Delaware appointed an official committee of unsecured creditors (the "Creditors' Committee"). The
Creditors' Committee and its legal representatives have a right to be heard on all matters that come before the U.S. Court with respect to the Company. A monitor has been appointed by the Canadian
Court with respect to proceedings before the Canadian Court.

Under
Section 365 and other relevant sections of the Bankruptcy Code, the Company may assume, assume and assign, or reject certain executory contracts and unexpired leases,
including leases of real property and equipment, subject to the approval of the U.S. Court and certain other conditions. Any description of an executory contract or unexpired lease in this report,
including where applicable our express termination rights or a quantification of our obligations, must be read in conjunction with, and is qualified by, any overriding rejection rights we have under
Section 365 of the Bankruptcy Code.

In
order to successfully exit Chapter 11, the Company will need to propose and obtain confirmation by the Bankruptcy Courts of a plan of reorganization that satisfies the
requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA. A plan of reorganization would resolve the Company's pre-petition obligations, set forth the revised capital structure of the newly
reorganized entity and provide for corporate governance subsequent to the Company's exit from bankruptcy.

54

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

1. Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings (Continued)

The
Company has the exclusive right for 120 days after the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and Canadian Petition to file a plan of reorganization. The Company
will likely file one or more motions to request extensions of this exclusivity period, which are routinely granted up to 18 months in bankruptcy cases of this size and complexity. If the
Company's exclusivity period lapsed, any party in interest would be able to file a plan of reorganization. In addition to being voted on by holders of impaired claims and equity interests, a
plan of reorganization must satisfy certain requirements of the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA and must be approved, or confirmed, by the Bankruptcy Courts in order to become effective.

The
timing of filing a plan of reorganization by the Company will depend on the timing and outcome of numerous other ongoing matters in the Chapter 11 proceedings. There can be no
assurance at this time that a plan of reorganization will be confirmed by the Bankruptcy Courts or that any such plan will be implemented successfully.

Under
the priority scheme established by the Bankruptcy Code and the CCAA, unless creditors agree otherwise, pre-petition liabilities and post-petition
liabilities must be satisfied in full before stockholders are entitled to receive any distribution or retain any property under a plan of reorganization. The ultimate recovery to creditors and/or
stockholders, if any, will not be determined until confirmation of a plan or plans of reorganization. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed to each of these
constituencies or what types or amounts of distributions, if any, they would receive. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of the Company's liabilities and/or securities, including its
common stock, receiving no distribution on account of their interests and cancellation of their holdings. Because of such possibilities, the value of the Company's liabilities and securities,
including its common stock, is highly speculative. Appropriate caution should be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of the Company's liabilities and/or securities. At
this time there is no assurance the Company will be able to restructure as a going concern or successfully propose or implement a plan of reorganization.

For
periods subsequent to the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, the Company will apply the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Statement of Position ("SOP") 90-7,
"Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code" ("SOP 90-7"), in preparing the consolidated financial statements. SOP 90-7 requires that the financial statements
distinguish transactions and events that are directly associated with the reorganization from the ongoing operations of the business. Accordingly, certain revenues, expenses (including professional
fees), realized gains and losses and provisions for losses that are realized or incurred in the bankruptcy proceedings will be recorded in reorganization items on the consolidated statements of
operations. In addition, pre-petition obligations that may be impacted by the bankruptcy reorganization process will be classified on the consolidated balance sheet in liabilities subject to
compromise. These liabilities are reported at the amounts expected to be allowed by the Courts, even if they may be settled for lesser amounts.

Going Concern Matters

The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern,
although its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings raise substantial doubt about its ability to continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments related
to the recoverability and classification of recorded assets or to the amounts and classification of liabilities or any other adjustments that might be necessary should the Company be unable to
continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on market conditions and its ability to improve profitability, obtain alternative financing to replace
the DIP Credit Agreement and prepetition Credit Agreement and restructure its obligations in a manner that allows it to obtain confirmation of a plan of reorganization by the Bankruptcy Court.

In
order to improve profitability, management is taking actions to further reduce corporate and operational expenses and is continuing to align converting capacity to meet market demands
and standardize manufacturing processes throughout all operations. These actions will result in the closure of additional converting facilities and reductions in headcount during 2009.

55

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation:The Company is a holding company that owns 100% of the equity interest in SSCE. The Company has no operations
other than its
investment in SSCE. SSC Canada is a wholly owned subsidiary of SSCE.

Nature of Operations:The Company's major operations are containerboard, corrugated containers and reclamation. The Company's
paperboard mills
procure virgin and reclaimed fiber and produce paperboard for conversion into corrugated containers at Company-owned facilities and third-party converting operations. Paper product customers represent
a diverse range of industries including paperboard packaging and a broad range of manufacturers of consumer goods. Recycling operations collect or broker wastepaper for sale to Company-owned and
third-party paper mills. Customers and operations are located principally in North America.

Principles of Consolidation:The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and majority-owned and
controlled
subsidiaries. Investments in non-majority owned affiliates are accounted for using the equity method. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be
cash
equivalents.

Revenue Recognition:The Company recognizes revenue at the time persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, price is fixed and
determinable, title
passes to external customers and collectibility is reasonably assured. Shipping and handling costs are included in cost of goods sold.

The
Company records certain inventory buy/sell transactions between counterparties within the same line of business as a single exchange transaction on a net basis in the consolidated
statement of operations.

Receivables, Less Allowances:Credit is extended to customers based on an evaluation of their financial condition. The Company
evaluates the
collectibility of accounts receivable on a case-by-case basis and makes adjustments to the bad debt reserve for expected losses, considering such things as ability to pay,
bankruptcy, credit ratings and payment history. The Company also estimates reserves for bad debts based on historical experience and past due status of the accounts.

Inventories:Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market under the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, except for
$296 million in 2008 and $320 million in 2007, which are valued at the lower of average cost or market. First-in, first-out ("FIFO") costs (which approximate
replacement costs) exceed the LIFO value by $120 million and $105 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Net Property, Plant and Equipment:Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost. The costs of additions, improvements and major
replacements are
capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Provisions for depreciation and amortization are made using straight-line rates over the estimated useful lives of the
related assets and the shorter of useful lives or terms of the applicable leases for leasehold improvements. Papermill machines have been assigned a useful life of 18 to 23 years, while major
converting equipment has been assigned a useful life ranging from 12 to 20 years (See Note 7).

56

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Timberland, Less Timber Depletion:Timberland is stated at cost less accumulated cost of timber harvested. The portion of the costs of
timberland
attributed to standing timber is charged against income as timber is cut, at rates determined annually, based on the relationship of unamortized timber costs to the estimated volume of recoverable
timber. The costs of seedlings and reforestation of timberland are capitalized.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are
reviewed annually or more frequently, if impairment indicators arise. For purposes of measuring goodwill impairment, the Company operates as one segment and was evaluated in total as one reporting
unit. Other intangible assets represent the fair value of identifiable intangible assets acquired in purchase business combinations. Other intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful
life, unless the assets are deemed to have an indefinite life. Other intangible assets are included in other assets in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2007 (See
Note 21).

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs and Losses From Extinguishment of Debt:Deferred debt issuance costs included in other assets are
amortized over the
terms of the respective debt obligations using the interest method. The Company records losses due to early extinguishment of debt as a component of income (loss) from continuing operations.

Long-Lived Assets:Long-lived assets held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in
circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the
asset; significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors; accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the
asset; current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset; and current expectation that the asset
will more likely than not be sold or disposed of significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.

Recoverability
is assessed based on the carrying amount of the asset compared to the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the
asset, as well as specific appraisal in certain instances. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value.

Once
the Company commits to a plan to abandon or take out of service a long-lived asset before the end of its previously estimated useful life, depreciation estimates are
revised to reflect the use of the asset over its shortened useful life (See Note 4).

A
component of the Company is classified as a discontinued operation if the operations and cash flows of the component will be (or have been) eliminated from the ongoing operations of
the Company (See Note 3).

Income Taxes:The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with the liability method of
accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred assets and liabilities are recognized based upon anticipated future tax consequences attributable to differences between financial
statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Effective
January 1, 2007, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, "Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes" ("FIN No. 48"), an interpretation of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109"). FIN No. 48 creates
a single model to address accounting for uncertainty in tax positions and clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet
before being recognized in the financial statements. Upon adoption of FIN No. 48, the Company elected to classify interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in the Company's
income tax provision, consistent with the Company's previous accounting policy (See Note 14).

Foreign Currency:The functional currency for Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. Fluctuations in Canadian dollar monetary assets
and liabilities
result in gains or losses which are credited or charged to income. Foreign currency transactional gains or losses are also credited or charged to income.

The
Company's remaining foreign operations' functional currency is the applicable local currency. Assets and liabilities for these foreign operations are translated at the exchange rate
in effect at the balance sheet date, and income and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the year. Translation gains or losses are included within stockholders' equity
as part of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI") (See Note 19).

Derivatives and Hedging Activities:The Company recognizes all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives not
qualifying for hedge
accounting are adjusted to fair value through income. Derivatives qualifying for cash flow hedge accounting are recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Hedges related to
anticipated transactions are designated and documented at hedge inception as cash flow hedges and evaluated for hedge effectiveness quarterly (See Note 10).

Transfers of Financial Assets:Certain financial assets were transferred to qualifying special-purpose
entities and variable interest entities where the Company is not the primary beneficiary. The assets and liabilities of such entities are not reflected in the consolidated financial statements of the
Company. Gains or losses on sale of financial assets depend in part on the previous carrying amount of the financial assets involved in the transfer, allocated between the assets sold and the retained
interests based on their relative fair value at the date of transfer. Quoted market prices are not available for retained interests, so the Company estimates fair value based on the present value of
expected cash flows estimated by using management's best estimates of key assumptions (See Note 8).

Stock-Based Compensation:The Company has stock-based employee compensation plans, including stock options and restricted stock units
("RSUs"), which
are recognized in the financial statements based on the fair values as of the grant date (See Note 17).

Environmental Matters:The Company expenses environmental expenditures related to existing conditions resulting from past or current
operations from
which no current or future benefit is discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property or mitigate or prevent future environmental contamination are capitalized. The Company
records a liability at the time when it is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Such liabilities are not discounted or reduced for potential recoveries from insurance carriers.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Asset Retirement Obligations:The Company accounts for asset retirement obligations in accordance with SFAS No. 143, "Accounting
for Asset
Retirement Obligations," and FASB Interpretation 47, "Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligationsan interpretation of FASB Statement No. 143", which established
accounting standards for the recognition and measurement of an asset retirement obligation and its associated asset retirement cost. It also provides accounting guidance for legal obligations
associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets. Asset retirement obligations recorded consist primarily of landfill capping and closure and post-closure
maintenance on the landfills. The Company has other asset retirement obligations upon closure of facilities, principally costs for the closure of wastewater treatment ponds and the removal of asbestos
and chemicals, for which retirement obligations are not recorded because the fair value of the liability could not be reliably measured due to the uncertainty and timing of facility closures or
demolition. These asset retirement obligations have indeterminate settlement dates because the period over which the Company may settle these obligations is unknown and cannot be estimated. The
Company will recognize a liability when sufficient information is available to reasonably estimate its fair value (See Note 13).

Restructuring:Costs associated with exit or disposal activities are generally recognized when they are incurred rather than at the
date of a
commitment to an exit or disposal plan (See Note 4).

Guarantees:The Company accounts for guarantees in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 45, "Guarantor's Accounting and
Disclosure
Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others" ("FIN No. 45"), which clarifies and expands disclosure requirements for all guarantees and requires the
Company to recognize a liability for the fair value of its obligations under guarantees issued after December 31, 2002, the implementation date of FIN No. 45 (See Note 12).

Employee Benefit Plans:At December 31, 2006, the Company adopted SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit
Pension and
Other Postretirement Plans" ("SFAS No. 158"), which requires the funded status of the Company's defined benefit pension plans and postretirement plans, measured as the difference between plan
assets at fair value and the benefit obligations, be recorded as an asset or liability with the after-tax impact recorded to OCI based on an actuarial valuation as of the balance sheet
date. Subsequent changes in the funded status of the plans are recognized in OCI in the year in which the changes occur (See Note 15).

Use of Estimates:The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires
management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported
amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications:Certain reclassifications of prior year presentations have been made to conform to the 2008 presentation.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards:Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157, "Fair
Value
Measurements" ("SFAS No. 157") for financial assets and liabilities. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

2. Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

expands
disclosures about fair value measurements (See Note 23). SFAS No. 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements and,
accordingly, SFAS No. 157 does not require any new fair value measurements.

Prospective Accounting Pronouncements:In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), "Business Combinations"
("SFAS
No. 141(R)"), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 141(R) expands the definition of a business and changes the accounting for business
combinations, including how an acquirer recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the cost of the acquisition, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and
the goodwill acquired. SFAS No. 141(R) will be applicable to future business combinations and will not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements prior to such
acquisitions.

In
December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, "Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial StatementsAn Amendment of ARB No. 51" ("SFAS
No. 160"), effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. SFAS No. 160 changes the accounting for non-controlling (minority) interests in consolidated
financial statements, requires non-controlling interests to be reported as part of equity and changes the income statement presentation of income or losses attributable to
non-controlling interests. The Company does not expect SFAS No. 160 to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

In
March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, "Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging ActivitiesAn Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133" ("SFAS
No. 161"), effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. SFAS No. 161 requires enhanced disclosures about how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how
derivative instruments are accounted for and how derivative instruments affect an entity's financial position, financial performance and cash flows. The Company expects SFAS No. 161 to expand
its derivative instrument disclosures in its financial statements.

3. Discontinued Operations

On June 30, 2006, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its Consumer Packaging division for $1.04 billion. Reflecting final working capital
adjustments and sales transaction costs, net cash proceeds were $897 million, which excluded $130 million of accounts receivable previously sold to Stone Receivables Corporation ("SRC")
under the accounts receivable securitization program. The Company recorded a pretax gain of $171 million, offset by a $174 million income tax provision, resulting in a net loss on
disposition of discontinued operations of $3 million. The after-tax loss was the result of a provision for income taxes that was higher than the statutory income tax rate due to
non-deductible goodwill of $273 million.

The
Consumer Packaging division was a reportable segment of the Company comprised of four coated recycled boxboard mills, 39 consumer packaging operations in the United States, including
folding carton, multiwall and specialty bag, flexible packaging, label, contract packaging and lamination businesses and one consumer packaging plant in Brampton, Ontario. Net sales for these
operations were $787 million for the six months ended June 30, 2006. These facilities employed approximately 6,600 hourly and salaried employees. The results of operations from
the Consumer Packaging segment have been reclassified as discontinued operations for 2006.

60

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

3. Discontinued Operations (Continued)

Prior to the sale, the Company sold kraft paper, bleached linerboard, corrugated boxes and recycled fiber to the Consumer Packaging division. These intercompany sales, which have been
eliminated in the Company's consolidated financial statements, were $108 million in 2006.

The
Company entered into supply agreements with the purchaser of the Consumer Packaging division to continue to sell these products to the divested business for up to a two year period.
Pursuant to these agreements, the Company sold $160 million in 2007 and $81 million in the second half of 2006.

4. Strategic Initiatives and Restructuring Activities

During 2005, the Company announced a three year strategic initiative plan to improve performance and better position the Company for long-term growth. The plan focused on
cost reduction and productivity initiatives, including reinvestment in the Company's operations. Through December 31, 2008, the Company closed three medium mills, one linerboard mill, one pulp
mill and permanently ceased operations on two of its containerboard machines. In addition, the Company has closed 36 converting facilities and announced the closure of two additional converting
facilities. The majority of the net sales related to these closures were transferred to other operating facilities. Through December 31, 2008, as a result of plant closures and other
initiatives, the Company reduced its headcount by approximately 6,580 employees.

In
2006, the Company closed fourteen converting facilities and permanently shutdown four corrugators, resulting in the termination of approximately 1,400 employees. In addition, another
700 employees were terminated as part of the strategic initiative plan. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $43 million, net of gains of $18 million from the sale of three
shutdown facilities and the No. 2 paper machine at the Fernandina Beach, Florida linerboard mill. Restructuring charges include non-cash charges of $23 million related to the
write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to estimated net realizable values and the acceleration of depreciation for equipment expected to be abandoned or taken out
of service. The remaining charges
of $38 million were primarily for severance and benefits, including pension settlement costs of $6 million. The net sales of these facilities in 2006 prior to closure were
$169 million.

In
2007, the Company closed twelve converting facilities and the Carthage, Indiana and Los Angeles, California medium mills and reduced its headcount by approximately 1,750 employees.
The Company recorded restructuring charges of $16 million, net of gains of $69 million from the sale of properties related to previously closed facilities. Restructuring charges include
non-cash charges of $48 million related to the write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to estimated net realizable values and the acceleration of
depreciation for equipment expected to be abandoned or taken out of service. The remaining charges of $37 million were primarily for severance and benefits. The net sales of the closed
converting facilities in 2007 prior to closure and for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $65 million and $192 million, respectively. The production of the two medium mills,
which had combined annual capacity of 200,000 tons, was partially offset by restarting the previously idled machine at the Jacksonville, Florida mill with annual capacity to produce 170,000 tons of
medium.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

4. Strategic Initiatives and Restructuring Activities (Continued)

In
2008, the Company closed eight converting facilities, announced the closure of two additional converting facilities and permanently ceased operations of its containerboard machine at
the Snowflake, Arizona mill and production at the Pontiac pulp mill located in Portage-du-Fort, Quebec. As a result of these closures and other ongoing strategic initiatives,
the Company reduced its headcount by approximately 1,230 employees. The Company recorded restructuring charges of $67 million, net of a gain of $2 million from the sale of a previously
closed facility. Restructuring charges included non-cash charges of $23 million related to the write-down of assets, primarily property, plant and equipment, to
estimated net realizable values and the acceleration of depreciation for mill and converting equipment expected to be abandoned or taken out of service. The remaining charges of $46 million
were primarily for severance and benefits. The net sales of the announced and closed converting facilities in 2008 prior to closure and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were
$264 million, $393 million and $397 million, respectively. The majority of these net sales are expected to be transferred to other operating facilities. The Snowflake, Arizona
containerboard machine had the capacity to produce 135,000 tons of medium annually. The Pontiac pulp mill had annual production capacity of 253,000 tons of northern bleached hardwood kraft paper-grade
pulp, which was non-core to the Company's primary business. Additional charges of up to $8 million are expected to be recorded in future periods for severance and benefits related
to the closure of these facilities.

The
following is a summary of the restructuring liabilities recorded as part of the rationalization of the Company's mill and converting operations, including the termination of
employees and liabilities for environmental and lease commitments at the closed facilities.

Write-down of
Property,
Equipment and
Inventory to
Net Realizable
Value

Severance and
Benefits

Lease
Commit-
ments

Facility
Closure
Costs

Other

TotalBalance at January 1, 2006

$


$
15

$
15

$
21

$


$
51(Income) expense


23


38


4


(4
)

(18
)

43Payments





(34
)

(2
)

(8
)




(44
)Non-cash reduction


(23
)













(23
)Net gain on sale of assets














18


18Balance at December 31, 2006





19


17


9





45(Income) expense


48


30





7


(69
)

16Payments





(43
)

(6
)

(5
)




(54
)Non-cash reduction


(48
)













(48
)Net gain on sale of assets














69


69Balance at December 31, 2007





6


11


11





28(Income) expense


23


34


2


10


(2
)

67Payments





(25
)

(5
)

(11
)




(41
)Non-cash reduction


(23
)













(23
)Net gain on sale of assets














2


2Balance at December 31, 2008

$


$
15

$
8

$
10

$


$
33


62

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

4. Strategic Initiatives and Restructuring Activities (Continued)

The
$4 million adjustment to facility closure costs in 2006 was due primarily to revising environmental exit liabilities, based on current information and experience.

Cash Requirements

Future cash outlays under the restructuring of operations are anticipated to be $24 million in 2009, $6 million in 2010,
$2 million in 2011 and $1 million thereafter.

5. (Gain) Loss on Disposal of Assets

On September 28, 2007, the Company completed the sale of its Brewton, Alabama, mill assets for $355 million. The Company received cash proceeds of $338 million,
which excluded $16 million of accounts receivable previously sold to SRC under the accounts receivable securitization program and was net of $1 million of other closing adjustments.
Current liabilities of $22 million were retained and were paid by the Company. The Brewton mill had annual production capacity of approximately 300,000 tons of white top linerboard and 190,000
tons of solid bleached sulfate. The Company continues to produce white top linerboard at two of its mills. Substantially all of the proceeds from the sale were applied directly to debt reduction (See
Note 9). The Company recorded a pretax loss of $65 million, and a $32 million income tax provision, resulting in a net loss of $97 million. The after-tax loss
was the result of a provision for income taxes that was higher than the statutory income tax rate due to non-deductible goodwill of $146 million.

6. Calpine Corrugated LLC

In the first quarter of 2008, the Company recorded a charge of $22 million to fully reserve all amounts due from Calpine Corrugated LLC ("Calpine Corrugated"). Calpine
Corrugated, an independent corrugated container producer in Fresno, California for which the Company was the primary containerboard supplier, experienced start-up losses since it began
operations in 2006.

On
July 29, 2008, the Company acquired a 90 percent ownership interest in Calpine Corrugated. In conjunction with the acquisition, the Company guaranteed approximately
$45 million of Calpine Corrugated's third party outstanding debt. There was no cash consideration paid. The transaction was accounted for as a purchase business combination and the results of
operations of Calpine Corrugated are included in the consolidated statements of operations beginning July 29, 2008. The purchase price allocation completed in the fourth quarter of 2008
resulted in assets and liabilities of approximately $50 million, including approximately $45 million of debt. No goodwill was recorded for the transaction. The acquisition of Calpine
Corrugated's operations enables the Company to accelerate the optimization of its Northern California business unit and improve its position in the agricultural market segment.

In
2007, the Company recorded charges of $10 million to reserve for amounts due from Calpine Corrugated.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

7. Net Property, Plant and Equipment

Net property, plant and equipment at December 31 consist of:

2008

2007Land and land improvements

$
151

$
147Buildings and leasehold improvements


598


567Machinery, fixtures and equipment


5,598


5,282Construction in progress


169


2056,516


6,201Less accumulated depreciation


(3,007
)

(2,747
)Net property, plant and equipment

$
3,509

$
3,454


Depreciation
expense was $351 million, $355 million and $352 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, excluding depreciation expense related to discontinued
operations of $20 million in 2006. Property, plant and equipment include capitalized leases of $20 million and $21 million and related accumulated amortization of
$16 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007.

8. Transfers of Financial Assets

At December 31, 2008, the Company had three off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Receivables Securitization Program

The Company had a $475 million accounts receivable securitization program whereby the Company sold, without recourse, on an
ongoing basis, certain of its accounts receivable to SRC a wholly-owned non-consolidated subsidiary of the Company.

SRC
transferred the receivables to a non-consolidated subsidiary, a limited liability company which had issued notes to third-party investors. The Company had retained
servicing responsibilities and a subordinated interest in the limited liability company. The Company received annual servicing fees of 1% of the unpaid balance of the receivables and rights to future
cash flows arising after the investors in the securitization limited liability company had received the return for which they had contracted.

SRC
was a qualified special-purpose entity under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities"
("SFAS No. 140").
Accordingly, accounts receivable sold to SRC, for which the Company did not retain an interest, were not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

At
December 31, 2008 and 2007, $465 million and $585 million, respectively, of accounts receivable had been sold to SRC, of which $97 million and
$223 million, respectively, were retained by the Company as a subordinated interest. The off-balance sheet SRC debt at December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $365 million and
$379 million, respectively. The Company's retained interest was carried at fair value and is included in retained interest in receivables sold in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
The Company recognized a loss on sales of receivables to SRC of $14 million and $25 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in other, net in the consolidated statements
of operations.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

8. Transfers of Financial Assets (Continued)

Key
economic assumptions used in measuring the retained interest are as follows:

Year Ended
December 31,
2008

December 31,
2008

Year Ended
December 31,
2007

December 31,
2007Residual cash flows discounted at

8.00%


8.00
%
8.00%


8.00
%Expected loss and dilution rate

2.62%-5.38%


3.63
%
2.40%-4.82%


4.82
%Variable return to investors

LIBOR plus 23 to
135 basis points


1.54
%
LIBOR plus 23 to
135 basis points


5.38
%


At
December 31, 2008, the sensitivity of the current fair value of residual cash flows to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes in the expected loss and dilution rate was
$2 million and $3 million, respectively. The effects of the sensitivity analysis on the residual cash flow discount rate and the variable return to investors were insignificant.

The
table below summarizes certain cash flows received from SRC:

2008

2007Cash proceeds from sales of receivables

$
5,881

$
5,917Servicing fees received


6


6Other cash flows received on retained interest


77Interest income received


4


5


On
January 28, 2009, in conjunction with the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition, the accounts receivable securitization program was terminated and all outstanding
receivables previously sold to SRC were repurchased with proceeds from borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement.

Canadian Securitization Program

At December 31, 2008, the Company had a $70 million Canadian (approximately $57 million U.S. as of
December 31, 2008) accounts receivable securitization program whereby the Company sold, without recourse, on an ongoing basis, certain of its Canadian accounts receivable to a trust in which
the Company held a variable interest, but was not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, under FASB Interpretation No. 46, "Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities," accounts receivable sold
to the trust, for which the Company was not the primary beneficiary, were not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company had retained servicing responsibilities and a
subordinated interest in future cash flows from the receivables. The Company received rights to future cash flows arising after the investors in the securitization trust had received the return for
which they had contracted.

The
amount available to the Company under the receivables program fluctuated based on the amount of eligible receivables available and by the performance of the receivables portfolio.
The Company's residual interest in the securitization program was recorded at fair value and was based upon the total outstanding receivables sold, adjusted for dilution and loss reserves of
approximately 4.0% and 3.6%, at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, less the amount funded to the Company.

At
December 31, 2008 and 2007, $58 million and $71 million, respectively, of accounts receivable had been sold under the program, of which $23 million and
$26 million, respectively, were retained by

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

8. Transfers of Financial Assets (Continued)

the
Company as a subordinated interest. The amount funded to the Company at December 31, 2008 and 2007, was $33 million and $43 million, respectively. The Company's retained
interest is included in retained interest in receivables sold in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized a loss on sales of receivables to the trust of $3 million
and $2 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, which is included in other, net in the consolidated statements of operations.

On
January 28, 2009, in conjunction with the filing of the Canadian Petition, the Canadian accounts receivable securitization program was terminated and all outstanding
receivables previously sold under the program were repurchased with proceeds from borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement.

Timberland Sale and Note Monetization

The Company sold approximately 980,000 acres of owned and leased timberland in Florida, Georgia and Alabama in October 1999. The final
purchase price, after adjustments, was $710 million. The Company received $225 million in cash, with the balance of $485 million in the form of installment notes.

The
Company entered into a program to monetize the installment notes receivable. The notes were sold without recourse to Timber Note Holdings LLC ("TNH"), a qualified
special-purpose entity under the provisions of SFAS No. 140, for $430 million cash proceeds and a residual interest in the notes. The transaction was accounted for as a sale under SFAS
No. 140. The cash proceeds from the sale and monetization transactions were used to prepay borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement. The residual interest was $34 million and
$44 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is included in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows received on the Company's retained
interest in TNH were $13 million and $8 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. The key economic assumption used in measuring the residual interest at the date of monetization was the
rate at which the residual cash flows were discounted (9%). At December 31, 2008, the sensitivity on the current fair value of the residual cash flows to immediate 10% and 20% adverse changes
in the
assumed rate at which the residual cash flows were discounted (9%) was $1 million and $2 million, respectively.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt as of December 31 is as follows:

2008

2007Bank Credit FacilitiesTranche B Term Loan (4.0% weighted average variable rate), due in various installments through November 1, 2011

$
137

$
137Tranche C Term Loan (4.1% weighted average variable rate), due in various installments through November 1, 2011


258


261Tranche C-1 Term Loan (3.4% weighted average variable rate), due in various installments through November 1, 2011


78


79SSCE revolving credit facility (3.3% weighted average variable rate), due November 1, 2009


461


310SSC Canada revolving credit facility (3.3% weighted average variable rate), due November 1, 2009


1721,106


787Senior Notes9.25% unsecured senior notes, due February 1, 2008





28.375% unsecured senior notes, due July 1, 2012


400


4008.25% unsecured senior notes, due October 1, 2012


700


7007.50% unsecured senior notes, due June 1, 2013


300


3007.375% unsecured senior notes, due July 15, 2014


200


2008.00% unsecured senior notes, due March 15, 2017


675


6752,275


2,277Other DebtFixed rate utility systems and pollution control revenue bonds (fixed rates ranging from 5.1% to 7.5%), payable in varying annual payments through
2027


164


164Variable rate industrial revenue bonds (3.4% weighted average variable rate), payable in varying annual payments through 2035


120


120Other (including obligations under capitalized leases of $5 and $7)


53


11337


295Total debt


3,718


3,359Less current maturities


(3,718
)

(11
)Total long-term debt

$


$
3,348


67

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

Bank Credit Facilities

The Company, as guarantor, and SSCE and its subsidiary, SSC Canada, as borrowers, entered into a credit agreement, as amended (the
"Credit Agreement") on November 1, 2004. The Credit Agreement provided for (i) a revolving credit facility of $600 million to SSCE, of which $461 million was borrowed as of
December 31, 2008 and (ii) a revolving credit facility of $200 million to SSCE and SSC Canada, of which $172 million was borrowed as of December 31, 2008. The
revolving credit facilities include sub-limits for the issuance of letters of credit and swingline loans. The Company pays a 0.5% commitment fee on the unused portions of its revolving
credit facilities. Each of these revolving credit facilities mature on November 1, 2009. The Credit Agreement provided for a Tranche B term loan to SSCE in the aggregate principal amount
of $975 million, with an outstanding balance of $137 million at December 31, 2008. The Credit Agreement also provided to SSC Canada a Tranche C term loan in the aggregate
principal amount of $300 million and a Trance C-1 term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $90 million, with outstanding balances of $258 million and
$78 million, respectively, at December 31, 2008. The term loans are payable in quarterly installments and mature on November 1, 2011. In addition, the Credit Agreement provides
for a deposit funded letter of credit facility, related to the variable rate industrial revenue bonds, for approximately $122 million that matures on November 1, 2010. In February 2009,
due to an event of default under the bond indentures, this credit facility was drawn on to fully repay the industrial revenue bonds in the principal amount of $120 million.

The
Company has the option to borrow at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.00% or alternate base rate ("ABR") plus 1.00% for the term loan facilities and LIBOR plus 2.25% or ABR plus 1.25% for
the revolving credit facilities (the "Applicable Rate"). The Applicable Rate will increase by 0.25% if at any time the Company's senior secured indebtedness is rated lower than BB- by
Standard & Poor's and Ba3 by Moody's Investors Service. On January 15, 2009 the Company's credit ratings were lowered, increasing the Applicable Rate by 0.25%.

The
obligations of SSCE under the Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE. The obligations of SSC Canada under the
Credit Agreement are unconditionally guaranteed by the Company, SSCE, the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE and the material Canadian subsidiaries of SSC Canada. The obligations of SSCE under the
Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets and properties of the Company, SSCE (except for three paper mills) and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE, by
a pledge of all of the capital stock of SSCE and the material U.S. subsidiaries of SSCE and by a pledge of 65% of the capital stock of SSC Canada that is directly owned by SSCE. The security interests
securing SSCE's obligation under the Credit Agreement exclude cash, cash equivalents, certain trade receivables, three paper mills and the land and buildings of certain corrugated container
facilities. The obligations of SSC Canada under the Credit Agreement are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets and properties of SSC Canada (except three paper mills) and
the material Canadian subsidiaries of SSC Canada, by a pledge of all of the capital stock of the material Canadian
subsidiaries of SSC Canada and by the same U.S. assets, properties and capital stock that secure SSCE's obligations under the Credit Agreement. The security interests securing SSC Canada's obligation
under the Credit Agreement exclude three mills and property related thereto and certain other real property located in New Brunswick and Quebec.

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

The
Credit Agreement contains various covenants and restrictions including (i) limitations on dividends, redemptions and repurchases of capital stock, (ii) limitations on
the incurrence of indebtedness, liens, leases and sale-leaseback transactions, (iii) limitations on capital expenditures and (iv) maintenance of certain financial covenants.
The Credit Agreement also requires prepayments if the Company has excess cash flows, as defined, or receives proceeds from certain asset sales, insurance or incurrence of certain indebtedness.

In
December 2008, the Company drew down substantially all the remaining availability on its revolving credit facility and invested the proceeds in commercial paper with a daily maturity
and a variable interest rate. As of December 31, 2008, the remaining balance invested in commercial paper, which is included in cash or cash equivalents, was $101 million at a variable
interest rate of 0.1%. As of December 31, 2008, subject to the above limitations, the Company had unused borrowing capacity under SSCE's revolving credit facilities of $1 million, after
giving consideration to outstanding letters of credit.

At
December 31, 2008, the Company had interest rate swap contracts effectively fixing the interest rate at 4.3% for $300 million of the Tranche B and
Tranche C variable rate term loans (See Note 10).

Senior Notes

The 9.25% unsecured senior notes aggregating $2 million were repaid February 1, 2008.

The
8.375% unsecured senior notes of $400 million are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of SSCE at a price of 102.792% plus accrued interest. The redemption price will
decline each year after 2008 and beginning on July 1, 2010 will be 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

The
8.25% unsecured senior notes of $700 million are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of SSCE at a price of 102.750% plus accrued interest. The redemption price will
decline each year after 2008 and beginning on October 1, 2010 will be 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

The
7.50% unsecured senior notes of $300 million are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of SSCE at a price of 103.75% plus accrued interest. The redemption price will
decline each year after 2008 and beginning on June 1, 2011 will be 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

The
7.375% unsecured senior notes of $200 million are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of SSCE beginning on July 15, 2009 at a price of 103.688% plus accrued
interest. The redemption price will decline each year after 2009 and beginning on July 15, 2012 will be 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

The
8.00% unsecured senior notes of $675 million are redeemable in whole or in part at the option of SSCE beginning on March 15, 2012 at a price of 104.0% plus accrued
interest. The redemption price will decline each year after 2012 and beginning on March 15, 2015 will be 100% of the principal amount, plus accrued interest.

69

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

The
senior notes contain business and financial covenants which are less restrictive than those contained in the Credit Agreement. Due to the bankruptcy proceedings, the Company does not
expect to pay interest beginning after January 26, 2009, the date of the bankruptcy filings, on our unsecured senior notes and certain other unsecured debt.

Other Debt

In conjunction with the acquisition of Calpine Corrugated in July 2008 (See Note 5), the Company guaranteed approximately
$45 million of Calpine Corrugated's third party outstanding debt. The balance at December 31, 2008 consisted of a $37 million term loan (4.46% weighted average variable rate), due
on June 30, 2009 and a revolving credit facility (2.75% weighted average variable rate) with an outstanding balance of $9 million due on June 30, 2009.

2007 Transactions

In March 2007, SSCE completed an offering of $675 million of 8.00% unsecured senior notes due March 15, 2017. The Company
used the proceeds of this issuance to repay $546 million of the 9.75% unsecured senior notes due 2011, which were purchased in connection with a cash tender offer, pay related tender premiums
and accrued interest of $19 million and $8 million, respectively, and repay $95 million of the SSCE revolving credit facility. In addition, the Company used the proceeds to pay
fees and expenses of $7 million related to this transaction. A loss on early extinguishment of debt of $23 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2007, including $19 million
for tender premiums and a $4 million write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs.

In
May 2007, the Company redeemed the remaining $102 million of the 9.75% Senior Notes at a redemption price of 103.25% plus accrued interest. Borrowings under the SSCE revolving
credit facility were used to redeem the notes and pay related call premiums and accrued interest. A loss on early extinguishment of debt of $5 million was recorded in the second quarter of
2007, including $4 million for tender premiums and a $1 million write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs.

For
the year ended December 31, 2007, SSCE used $114 million of net proceeds received from the sale of properties principally related to previously closed facilities to
prepay $45 million of its Tranche B term loan, $30 million of its Tranche C term loan, $9 million of its Tranche C-1 term loan and pay down
$30 million of its revolving credit facility.

2006 Transaction

In 2006, the Company completed the sale of its Consumer Packaging division and used the net proceeds of $897 million to repay
debt of $873 million and pay tender premiums and fees of $24 million. A loss on early extinguishment of debt of $28 million was recorded, including $24 million for tender
premiums and fees for the unsecured senior notes called and a $4 million write-off of unamortized deferred debt issuance costs.

Other

Interest costs capitalized on construction projects in 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $17 million, $10 million and
$8 million, respectively. Interest payments on all debt instruments for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $259 million, $302 million and $360 million, respectively.

70

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

Long-term Debt after Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Filings

The filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition constituted an event of default under our debt obligations, and
those debt obligations became automatically and immediately due and payable. Any efforts to enforce such payment obligations are stayed as a result of the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition and
the Canadian Petition. As a result, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2008 includes an adjustment of $3,032 million to reclassify long-term debt
to current maturities of long-term debt.

In
connection with filing the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition, on January 26, 2009 the Company and certain of its affiliates filed a motion with the
Bankruptcy Courts seeking approval to enter into a DIP Credit Agreement. On January 27, 2009, the Bankruptcy Courts granted interim approval of the DIP Credit Agreement. Based on such interim
approval, on January 28, 2009 the Company entered into the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to final approval of the Bankruptcy Courts. Final approval of the DIP Credit Agreement was granted by
the U.S. Court on February 23, 2009 and by the Canadian Court on February 24, 2009. Amendments to the DIP Credit Agreement were entered into on February 25 and 27, 2009.

The
DIP Credit Agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings up to an aggregate committed amount of $750 million, consisting of a $400 million U.S. term loan for
borrowings by SSCE; a $35 million Canadian term loan for borrowings by SSC Canada; a $250 million U.S. revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada; and a $65 million
Canadian revolving loan for borrowings by SSCE and/or SSC Canada.

The
use of proceeds under the DIP Credit Agreement is limited to (i) working capital, letters of credit and capital expenditures; (ii) other general corporate purposes of
the Company and certain of its
subsidiaries (including certain intercompany loans); (iii) the refinancing in full of indebtedness outstanding under the receivables securitization programs; (iv) payment of any related
transaction costs, fees and expenses; and (v) the costs of administration of the cases arising out of the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition.

In
accordance with the terms of the DIP Credit Agreement, on January 28, 2009, the Company used U.S. term loan proceeds of $360 million, net of lenders fees of
$40 million, and Canadian term loan proceeds of $30 million, net of lenders fees of $5 million, to terminate the receivables securitization programs and repay all indebtedness
outstanding of $385 million and to pay other expenses of $1 million. The remaining proceeds of $4 million were deposited into the Company's primary cash operating account.

The
Company has the option to borrow under the DIP Credit Agreement at a rate of: (i) Alternate Base Rate ("ABR") Loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the applicable
margin ("Applicable Margin") plus the ABR; (ii) Eurodollar loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Adjusted LIBO Rate; (iii) Canadian prime rate
loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable Margin plus the Canadian prime rate; and (iv) discount rate loans bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Applicable
Margin plus the discount rate. The DIP Credit Agreement provides that the Applicable Margin adjusts upon extensions of the maturity date. As of February 28, 2009, the weighted average interest
rate on outstanding borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement was 10%.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

9. Long-Term Debt (Continued)

Under
the DIP Credit Agreement, interest and fees are payable in arrears on each interest payment date as defined in the DIP Credit Agreement. If the Company defaults on its obligations
under the DIP Credit Agreement, the default rate of interest in most cases will be the rate otherwise in effect plus 2.0% per annum. In addition to interest, a commitment fee of 1.0% per annum is
required in respect of the unutilized commitments under the DIP Credit Agreement. The DIP Credit Agreement also imposes letter of credit fees.

The
outstanding principal amount of the loans under the DIP Credit Agreement, plus interest accrued and unpaid, will be due and payable in full at maturity, which is January 28,
2010 (subject to an earlier maturity date under certain circumstances); provided, that the maturity date may be extended by the Company through April 28, 2010 and subsequently through
July 28, 2010, upon the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent (including the payment of specified fees) by the Company.

U.S.
and Canadian borrowings are each subject to a borrowing base derived from a formula based on certain eligible accounts receivable and inventory, and an amount attributable to real
property and
equipment, less certain reserves. As of February 28, 2009, the applicable borrowing base was $729 million and the amount available for borrowings under the DIP Credit Agreement was
$289 million.

Borrowings
under the DIP Credit Agreement are guaranteed by the Company and certain of its affiliates, and are secured by first priority liens in the collateral accounts and all
presently owned and hereafter acquired assets of the Company and each of its subsidiaries party to the DIP Credit Agreement, subject to certain permitted prior liens. Subject to certain exceptions,
the DIP Credit Agreement requires certain mandatory prepayments of borrowings from the net proceeds of certain asset dispositions, and casualty or condemnation payments. The only Canadian entity that
guarantees U.S. obligations is SSC Canada.

The
DIP Credit Agreement includes affirmative, negative and financial covenants that impose substantial restrictions on the financial and business operations of the Company and those of
certain of its subsidiaries, including their ability to incur or secure debt, make investments, sell assets, pay dividends or make acquisitions. The DIP Credit Agreement contains events of default
customary for debtor-in-possession financings of this type.

10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company's derivative instruments used for its hedging activities are designed as cash flow hedges and relate to minimizing exposures to fluctuations in the price of commodities used
in its operations, the movement in foreign currency exchange rates and the fluctuations in the interest rate on variable rate debt. All cash flows associated with the Company's derivative instruments
are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows. On January 26, 2009, the Chapter 11 Petition and the Canadian Petition effectively terminated all
existing derivative instruments.

Commodity Derivative Instruments

The Company uses derivative instruments, including fixed price swaps, to manage fluctuations in cash flows resulting from commodity
price risk in the procurement of natural gas and other commodities, including fuel oil and diesel fuel. The objective is to fix the price of a portion of the Company's purchases of these commodities
used in the manufacturing process. The changes in the

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)

market
value of such derivative instruments have historically offset, and are expected to continue to offset, the changes in the price of the hedged item. As of December 31, 2008, the maximum
length of time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with the commodities' forecasted transactions was one year.

For
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company reclassified an $8 million loss (net of tax) and a $10 million loss (net of tax), respectively, from OCI
to cost of goods sold when the hedged items were recognized. The fair value of the Company's commodity derivative instruments at December 31, 2008 was a $55 million liability, included
in other current liabilities. The fair value of the Company's commodity derivative instruments at December 31, 2007 was a $7 million liability, included in other current liabilities.

For
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded an $8 million loss (net of tax) and a $4 million gain (net of tax), respectively, in cost of
goods sold related to the change in fair value of certain commodity derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting.

For
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company recorded a $9 million loss (net of tax) and a $6 million loss (net of tax), respectively, in cost of
goods sold on settled commodity derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting.

Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments

The Company's principal foreign exchange exposure is the Canadian dollar. The Company uses foreign currency derivative instruments,
including forward contracts and options, primarily to protect against Canadian currency exchange risk associated with expected future cash flows. As of December 31, 2008, the maximum length of
time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows associated with foreign currency was one year. For
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company reclassified a $2 million gain (net of tax) and a $2 million gain (net of tax), respectively, from OCI to cost of goods
sold related to the recognition of the foreign currency derivative instruments. The change in fair value of these derivative instruments is recorded in OCI until the underlying transaction is
recorded. The fair value of the Company's foreign currency derivative instruments at December 31, 2008 was a $10 million liability, included in other current liabilities. The fair value
of the Company's foreign currency derivative instruments at December 31, 2007 was a $7 million asset, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Interest Rate Swap Contracts

The Company uses interest rate swap contracts to manage interest rate exposure on $300 million of the current Tranche B
and Tranche C floating rate bank term debt, effectively fixing the interest rate at 4.3%. These contracts extend until 2011, consistent with the maturity of the Company's Tranche B and
Tranche C term loans. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swap contracts are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the fluctuations in the floating interest rate and are
recorded in OCI until the underlying transaction is recorded or the underlying transaction is not expected to occur. The accounting for the cash flow impact of the swap contracts is recorded as an
adjustment to interest expense each period. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company reclassified a $2 million loss (net of tax) and a $3 million gain (net of
tax), respectively, from OCI when the hedged items were recognized.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

10. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Continued)

The Company's Tranche B and Tranche C term loans are expected to be refinanced prior to their current maturity. As a result, a portion of the interest rate swap contracts
were deemed to be ineffective and were marked-to-market, resulting in $12 million of additional interest expense for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008.

The
fair value of the Company's interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2008 was a $22 million liability, included in the other current liabilities. The fair value of
the Company's interest rate swap contracts at December 31, 2007 was a $3 million liability, included in other long-term liabilities.

Deferred Hedge Gain (Loss)

The cumulative deferred hedge loss in OCI on all derivative instruments was $37 million (net of tax) at December 31,
2008, including a $26 million loss (net of tax) on commodity derivative instruments, a $6 million loss (net of tax) on foreign currency derivative instruments and a $5 million
loss (net of tax) on interest rate swap contracts. The cumulative deferred hedge loss on all derivative instruments was $3 million (net of tax) at December 31, 2007, including a
$5 million loss (net of tax) on commodity derivative instruments, a $4 million gain (net of tax) on foreign currency derivative instruments and a $2 million loss (net of tax) on
interest rate swap contracts. The Company expects to reclassify a $37 million loss (net of tax) into cost of goods sold during 2009 related to the commodity and foreign currency derivative
instruments.

11. Leases

The Company leases certain facilities and equipment for production, selling and administrative
purposes under operating leases. Certain leases contain renewal options for varying periods, and others include options to purchase the leased property during or at the end of the lease term. Future
minimum rental commitments (exclusive of real estate taxes and other expenses) under operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable terms in excess of one year, excluding lease commitments
on closed facilities, are reflected below:

2009

$
752010


572011


382012


312013


28Thereafter


156Total minimum lease payments

$
385


Net
rental expense for operating leases, including leases having a duration of less than one year, was approximately $132 million, $132 million and $150 million for
2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, excluding rental expense related to discontinued operations of $16 million in 2006. Under the Bankruptcy Code, the Company may assume, assume and assign, or
reject certain unexpired leases, including, without limitation, leases of real property and equipment, subject to the approval of the Court and certain other conditions.

74

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

12. Guarantees and Commitments

The Company has certain wood chip processing contracts extending from 2012 through 2018 with minimum purchase commitments. As part of the agreements, the Company guarantees the third
party contractor's debt outstanding and has a security interest in the chipping equipment. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the maximum potential amount of future payments related to these
guarantees was approximately $28 million and $31 million, respectively, and decreases ratably over the life of the contracts. In the event the guarantees on these contracts were called,
proceeds from the liquidation of the chipping equipment would be based on current market conditions and the Company may not recover in full the guarantee payments made.

The
Company was contingently liable for $18 million under a one year letter of credit which expires in April 2009 to support borrowings of one of the Company's
non-consolidated affiliates. On March 4, 2009, this letter of credit was drawn on, which increased borrowings under the Company's Credit Agreement by $18 million.

13. Asset Retirement Obligations

The following table provides a reconciliation of the asset retirement obligations:

Balance at January 1, 2006

$
14Accretion expense


1Adjustments


(1
)Balance at December 31, 2006


14Accretion expense


1Adjustments


(2
)Payments


(2
)Balance at December 31, 2007


11Accretion expense


1Balance at December 31, 2008

$
12


The
2006 adjustments relate to revising the estimated life for certain asset retirement obligations. The 2007 adjustments relate to the reclassification of the Brewton, Alabama, mill
asset retirement obligations to a liability related to the Brewton sale agreement.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

14. Income Taxes

Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are as follows:

2008

2007Deferred tax liabilitiesProperty, plant and equipment and timberland

$
(821
)
$
(928
)Inventory


(37
)

(40
)Timber installment sale


(91
)

(91
)Other


(42
)

(75
)Total deferred tax liabilities


(991
)

(1,134
)Deferred tax assetsEmployee benefit plans


466


208Net operating loss, alternative minimum tax and tax credit carryforwards


479


471Purchase accounting liabilities and restructuring


21


25Other


101


79Total deferred tax assets


1,067


783Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets


(42
)

(31
)Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance


1,025


752Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

$
34

$
(382
)


At
December 31, 2008, the Company had $616 million of net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes that expire from 2023
through 2028, with a tax value of $216 million. The Company had NOL carryforwards for state purposes which expire from 2009 to 2028 with a tax value of $61 million and state tax credits
that expire from 2009 to 2038, with a tax value of $4 million. Further, the Company had $304 million of NOL carryforwards for Canadian tax purposes that expire from 2016 to 2028, with a
tax value of $92 million, and Canadian investment tax credits that expire from 2014 to 2017, with a tax value of $10 million. The Company had $92 million of alternative minimum
tax credit carryforwards for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which are available indefinitely. In addition, the Company had other tax carryforwards of $4 million at December 31, 2008,
which can be carried forward indefinitely. Deferred income taxes related to NOL carryforwards have been classified as noncurrent to reflect the expected utilization of the carryforwards.

At
December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had a valuation allowance of $42 million and $31 million, respectively, for a portion of the deferred tax assets. The
valuation allowance increased $11 million during 2008, primarily due to the valuation allowance provided in 2008 for the changes in the Company's obligations of its defined benefit plans and
postretirement plans.

Federal
income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of the Company's foreign subsidiaries during 2006 through 2008, as the Company intends to indefinitely reinvest such
earnings into its foreign subsidiaries.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

14. Income Taxes (Continued)

The
sale of the Brewton, Alabama mill assets during the third quarter of 2007 (See Note 5) generated a taxable gain for U.S. income tax purposes that was substantially offset by
available NOL carryforwards. Due to the utilization of state NOL carryforwards, the related valuation allowance was reduced by $5 million in 2007.

(Provision
for) benefit from income taxes on loss from continuing operations before income taxes is as follows:

2008

2007

2006CurrentFederal

$


$
(6
)
$
(14
)State and local


(6
)

(1
)

(1
)Foreign


(5
)

(5
)

(6
)Total current provision for income taxes


(11
)

(12
)

(21
)DeferredFederal


63


(2
)

38State and local


21


(7
)

4Foreign


104


(6
)

19Total deferred (provision for) benefit from income taxes


188


(15
)

61Total (provision for) benefit from income taxes

$
177

$
(27
)
$
40


The
Company's (provision for) benefit from income taxes differed from the amount computed by applying the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate to loss from continuing operations before
income taxes as follows:

2008

2007

2006U.S. federal income tax benefit at federal statutory rate

$
1,048

$
$26

$
39Permanent differences and other items


(2
)

23


(3
)State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect


9


(5
)

3Foreign taxes


(37
)

(2
)

1Non-deductibility of goodwill and other intangible assets impairment


(934
)Release of unrecognized tax benefits


82Non-deductibility of goodwill on the sale of Brewton, Alabama mill





(51
)Non-cash foreign currency exchange income (loss)


11


(18
)Total (provision for) benefit from income taxes

$
177

$
(27
)
$
40


The
components of the loss from continuing operations before income taxes are as follows:

2008

2007

2006United States

$
(2,421
)
$
(31
)
$
(70
)Foreign


(574
)

(45
)

(40
)Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

$
(2,995
)
$
(76
)
$
(110
)


77

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

14. Income Taxes (Continued)

At
December 31, 2008 and 2007, the Company had $38 million and $139 million, respectively, of net unrecognized tax benefits. The primary differences between gross
unrecognized tax benefits and net unrecognized tax benefits are associated with offsetting benefits in other jurisdictions related to transfer pricing and the U.S. federal tax benefit from state tax
deductions.

A
reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

Balance at January 1, 2007

$
169Additions based on tax positions taken in prior years


1Additions for tax positions taken in current year


5Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities


(2
)Reductions relating to lapses of applicable statute of limitations


(7
)Foreign currency exchange loss on Canadian tax positions


19Balance at December 31, 2007


185Additions based on tax positions taken in prior years


12Additions for tax positions taken in current year


1Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities


(84
)Reductions relating to lapses of applicable statute of limitations


(8
)Foreign currency exchange gain on Canadian tax positions


(18
)Balance at December 31, 2008

$
88


For
the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, $6 million and $11 million, respectively, of interest was recorded related to tax positions taken during the current
and prior years. During 2008, $12 million of interest was released due to settlements with taxing authorities. The interest was computed on the difference between the tax position recognized in
accordance with FIN No. 48 and the amount previously taken or expected to be taken in the Company's tax returns, adjusted to reflect the impact of net operating loss and other tax carryforward
items. During 2008, $3 million of penalties were recorded related to current and prior year tax positions. No penalties were recorded during 2007 related to these tax positions. At
December 31, 2008 and 2007, $22 million and $25 million, respectively, of interest and penalties are recognized in the consolidated balance sheet. All net unrecognized tax
benefits, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate.

As
previously disclosed, the Canada Revenue Agency ("CRA") is examining the Company's income tax returns for tax years 1999 through 2005. In connection with the examination, the CRA was
considering certain significant adjustments related principally to taxable income related to the Company's acquisition of a Canadian company and to transfer prices of inventory sold by the Company's
Canadian subsidiaries to its U.S. subsidiaries. During 2008, the Company was informed by the CRA that certain matters related to the Company's acquisition of a Canadian company had been resolved in
the Company's favor. Primarily as a result of this favorable ruling, the Company reduced its liability for unrecognized tax benefits and recorded an income tax benefit of approximately
$84 million during 2008.

With
respect to the transfer price issue, the CRA has issued assessments of additional income taxes, interest and penalties related to transfer prices of inventory sold by the Company's
Canadian

78

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

14. Income Taxes (Continued)

subsidiaries
to its U.S. subsidiaries. The Company has appealed the assessments. In order to appeal the assessment, the Company made payments of $25 million to the CRA in 2008. As a result of
these payments, future interest charges will be reduced.

The
remaining matters may be resolved at the examination level or subsequently upon appeal within the next twelve months. While the final outcome of the remaining CRA examination
matters, including an estimate of the range of the reasonably possible changes to unrecognized tax benefits, is not yet determinable, the Company believes that the examination or subsequent appeals
will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

The
Company has settled the Internal Revenue Service examinations of the Company's income tax returns for tax years through 2003. The federal statute of limitations is closed through
2003, except for any potential correlative adjustments for the years 1999 through 2003 relating to the CRA examinations noted above. There are currently no federal examinations in progress. In
addition, the Company files tax returns in numerous states. The states' statutes of limitations are generally open for the same years as the federal statute of limitations.

The
Company made income tax payments of $55 million, $17 million and $37 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

15. Employee Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plans

The Company sponsors noncontributory defined benefit pension plans for its U.S. employees and also sponsors noncontributory and
contributory defined benefit pension plans for its Canadian employees. The Company's defined benefit pension plans cover substantially all hourly employees, as well as salaried employees hired prior
to January 1, 2006.

On
August 31, 2007, the Company announced the freeze of its defined benefit pension plans for salaried employees. Effective January 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian salaried
employees will no longer accrue additional years of service and U.S. salaried employees will no longer recognize future increases in compensation under the existing defined benefit pension plans for
benefit purposes. In accordance with SFAS No. 88, "Employers Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits," the Company accounted
for this freeze as a plan curtailment, remeasured its assets and obligation as of August 31, 2007 and recognized a curtailment gain of $3 million during the third quarter of 2007. Upon
remeasurement, the Company reduced its benefit obligation in other long-term liabilities by $106 million, decreased accumulated other comprehensive loss by $64 million and
increased deferred income tax liability by $42 million.

79

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The
Company's pension plans' weighted-average asset allocations at December 31 by asset category are as follows:

U.S. Plans

Canadian Plans2008

2007

2008

2007Cash equivalents


3
%

2
%

1
%

1
%Debt securities


49
%

38
%

50
%

47
%Equity securities


46
%

59
%

45
%

50
%Real estate








4
%

2
%Other


2
%

1
%Total


100
%

100
%

100
%

100
%


Equity
securities for the U.S. plans at December 31, 2008 and 2007 include 2.7 million shares of SSCC common stock with a market value of $1 million and
$28 million, respectively, (less than 1% of total U.S. plan assets).

The
primary objective of the Company's investment policy is to provide eligible employees with scheduled pension benefits. The basic strategy of this investment policy is to earn the
highest risk adjusted rate of return on assets consistent with prudent investor standards identified in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for the U.S. plans and the Quebec
Supplemental Pension Plans Act and other applicable legislation in Canada for the Canadian plans. In identifying the target asset allocation that would best meet the above policy, consideration is
given to a number of factors including the various pension plans' demographic characteristics, the long-term nature of the liabilities, the sensitivity of the liabilities to interest rates
and inflation, the long-term return expectations and risks associated with key asset classes as well as their return correlation with each other, diversification among asset classes and
other practical considerations for investing in certain asset classes.

The
target asset allocation for the pension plans during a complete market cycle is as follows:

U.S. Plans

Canadian PlansEquity securities


53
%

49
%Debt securities


40
%

46
%Alternative asset classes


7
%

5
%


Postretirement Health Care and Life Insurance Benefits

The Company provides certain health care and life insurance benefits for all retired salaried and certain retired hourly employees, and
for salaried and certain hourly employees who have reached the age of 60 with ten years of service as of January 1, 2007.

80

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The
assumed health care cost trend rates used in measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") at December 31 are as follows:

2008

2007U.S. PlansHealth care cost trend rate assumed for next year


8.00
%

8.00
%Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)


5.00
%

5.00
%Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate


2015


2011Foreign PlansHealth care cost trend rate assumed for next year


7.90-8.60
%

7.90-8.60
%Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)


4.80-4.90
%

4.80-4.90
%Year the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate


2015


2014


The
effect of a 1% change in the assumed health care cost trend rate would increase and decrease the APBO as of December 31, 2008 by $10 million and $9 million,
respectively, and would increase and decrease the annual net periodic postretirement benefit cost for 2008 by $1 million and $1 million, respectively.

The
Consumer Packaging division employees participated in the Company's defined benefit pension and postretirement plans through June 30, 2006 (See Note 3). The associated
defined benefit pension and postretirement plan liabilities are included in the Company's total benefit obligations.

81

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The
following provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of the plans:

Defined Benefit
Plans

Postretirement
Plans2008

2007

2008

2007Change in benefit obligation:Benefit obligation at January 1

$
3,526

$
3,541

$
189

$
233Service cost


44


53


3


3Interest cost


201


198


10


11Amendments


7


(43
)

(1
)

(7
)Settlements


(10
)

(10
)Curtailments


(8
)

(4
)

(1
)

(1
)Actuarial gain


(170
)

(170
)

(13
)

(48
)Plan participants' contributions


4


5


8


12Benefits paid and expected expenses


(220
)

(208
)

(23
)

(23
)Foreign currency rate changes


(180
)

164


(9
)

9Benefit obligation at December 31

$
3,194

$
3,526

$
163

$
189Change in plan assets:Fair value of plan assets at January 1

$
3,119

$
2,908

$


$Actual return on plan assets


(625
)

156Settlements


(10
)

(10
)Employer contributions


69


129


15


12Plan participants' contributions


4


5


8


11Benefits paid and expenses


(216
)

(203
)

(23
)

(23
)Foreign currency rate changes


(153
)

134Fair value of plan assets at December 31

$
2,188

$
3,119

$


$Over (under) funded status:

$
(1,006
)
$
(407
)
$
(163
)
$
(189
)


82

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

Defined Benefit Plans

Postretirement Plans2008

2007

2008

2007Amounts recognized in the balance sheet:Current liabilities

$
(9
)
$
(9
)
$
(15
)
$
(16
)Non-current liabilities


(997
)

(398
)

(148
)

(173
)Net liability recognized in balance sheet

$
(1,006
)
$
(407
)
$
(163
)
$
(189
)Reconciliation of amounts recognized in accumulated OCI to net liability recognized in balance sheet:Prior service credit (cost)

$
(12
)
$
(11
)
$
24

$
30Net actuarial gain (loss)


(1,078
)

(431
)

29


17Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)


(1,090
)

(442
)

53


47Prepaid (unfunded accrued) benefit cost


99


95


(214
)

(235
)Foreign currency remeasurement


(15
)

(60
)

(2
)

(1
)Net liability recognized in balance sheet

$
(1,006
)
$
(407
)
$
(163
)
$
(189
)Change in accumulated OCI:Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at January 1

$
(442
)
$
(644
)
$
47

$
(4
)Prior service (cost) credit arising during the period


(6
)

43


1


8Net (loss) gain arising during the period


(688
)

96


12


49Amortization of prior service (credit) cost


3


6


(4
)

(4
)Amortization of net (gain) loss


43


57


(3
)

(2
)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31


(1,090
)

(442
)

53


47Deferred income taxes


405


163


(19
)

(18
)Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax

$
(685
)
$
(279
)
$
34

$
29Estimated amounts to be amortized from accumulated OCI over the next fiscal year:Prior service credit (cost)

$
(3
)
$
(3
)
$
3

$
1Net actuarial gain (loss)


(79
)

(40
)

3


3Total

$
(82
)
$
(43
)
$
6

$
4


The
accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $3,161 million and $3,452 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The
projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with accumulated benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were
$3,103 million, $3,076 million and $2,100 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $3,389 million, $3,329 million, and $2,992 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

The
projected benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for the pension plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of plan assets were $3,190 million and
$2,183 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008 and $3,525 million and $3,117 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2007.

83

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The
components of net pension expense for the defined benefit plans and the components of the postretirement benefit costs are as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Postretirement Plans2008

2007

2006

2008

2007

2006Service cost

$
44

$
53

$
68

$
3

$
3

$
5Interest cost


201


198


196


10


11


13Expected return on plan assets


(245
)

(238
)

(224
)Amortization of prior service cost (benefit)


3


6


9


(3
)

(3
)

(3
)Amortization of net (gain) loss


41


54


71


(3
)

(1
)

3Curtailment (gain) loss


1





16


(1
)

(3
)

(5
)Settlement (gain) loss


2


2


7








(1
)Multi-employer plans


7


4


4Net periodic benefit cost

$
54

$
79

$
147

$
6

$
7

$
12


The
2006 curtailment (gains) losses are related to the sale of the Consumer Packaging division and are included in the net loss on disposition of discontinued operations (See
Note 3).

In
2007, closed facilities resulted in a $3 million curtailment loss related to the defined benefit plans and a $3 million curtailment gain related to the postretirement
plans. The salaried defined benefit plan freeze, resulting in a $3 million gain, offset the impact of the closed facilities.

The
2008 curtailment (gains) losses are related to closed facilities and are included as part of restructuring charges (See Note 4).

The
settlement (gains) losses in each year are related to closed facilities and are included as part of restructuring charges (See Note 4).

The
weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations at December 31 are as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Postretirement Plans2008

2007

2008

2007U.S. PlansDiscount rate


6.25
%

6.19
%

6.25
%

6.19
%Rate of compensation increase


3.04
%

3.08
%

N/A


N/AForeign PlansDiscount rate


7.45
%

5.50
%

7.45
%

5.50
%Rate of compensation increase


3.20
%

3.20
%

N/A


N/A


84

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

The
weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost for the years ended December 31 are as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Postretirement Plans2008

2007

2008

2007U.S. PlansDiscount rate


6.19
%
5.84-6.22%

6.19%


5.84
%Expected long-term return on plan assets


8.50
%
8.50%

N/A


N/ARate of compensation increase


3.08
%
3.11%

N/A


N/AForeign PlansDiscount rate


5.50
%
5.10%

5.50%


5.10
%Expected long-term return on plan assets


7.50
%
7.50%

N/A


N/ARate of compensation increase


3.20
%
3.40%

N/A


N/A


As
a result of the salaried defined benefit plan freeze on August 31, 2007, the Company completed a remeasurement of the salaried defined benefit plans resulting
in the discount rate being changed from 5.84% to 6.22%. The impact of the discount rate change reduced defined benefit pension expense by approximately $6 million for the remainder of 2007.

As
a result of the Consumer Packaging division sale on June 30, 2006, the Company completed a remeasurement for the U.S. defined benefit pension and postretirement plans resulting
in the discount rate being changed from 5.61% to 6.36%. The impact of the discount rate change reduced defined benefit pension and postretirement plan expense by approximately $13 million in
the second half of 2006.

The
expected long-term rate of return using the current target asset allocation for U.S. and foreign pension plans is 8.50% and 7.50%, respectively. The fundamental
assumptions behind the expected rate of return are the cumulative effect of several estimates, including the anticipated yield on high quality debt securities, the equity risk premium earned by
investing in equity securities over a long-term time horizon and active investment management.

The
Company expects to contribute approximately $15 million to its defined benefit plans and $15 million to its postretirement plans in 2009.

Expected Future Benefit Plan Payments

Expected future benefit plan payments to participants, which reflect expected future service, are as follows:

Defined Benefit Plans

Postretirement Plans2009

$
247

$
152010


228


152011


231


152012


236


152013


241


162014-2018


1,280


77


85

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

15. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

Savings Plans

The Company sponsors savings plans covering substantially all salaried and certain hourly employees. The Company match is invested
according to the employees' selected investment allocation. Effective January 1, 2009 for the salaried plan, the Company will contribute an additional amount equal to 1% of each eligible
employee's salary. In addition, effective January 1, 2009, the matching formula for the salaried plan was changed from 70% of the first 6% of an employee's deferral to 100% of the first 6% of
an employee's deferral. The Company's expense for the savings plans totaled $17 million, $18 million and $21 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

16. Preferred Stock

The holders of the Company's preferred stock are entitled to cumulative dividends of $0.4375 per quarter, payable in cash except in certain circumstances. SSCC had approximately
4.6 million shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2007. Preferred stock dividends of $8 million were paid during 2008, 2007 and 2006.
Preferred stock accretion of $4 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was charged to stockholders' equity. The holders of preferred stock are not entitled to voting rights on matters submitted to the
Company's stockholders. The preferred stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of SSCC common stock at a conversion price of $34.28 (equivalent to a conversion rate of 0.729
shares of SSCC common stock for each share of preferred stock), subject to adjustment based on certain events. The preferred stock may alternatively be exchanged, at the option of the Company, for new
7% Convertible Subordinated Exchange Debentures due February 15, 2012. The preferred stock is redeemable at the Company's option until February 15, 2012, at which time the preferred
stock must be redeemed. The preferred stock may be redeemed, at the Company's option, with cash or SSCC common stock with an equivalent fair value. The redemption price is 100% of the liquidation
preference. The liquidation preference is $25 per share plus dividends accrued and unpaid. The Company is prohibited from paying future dividends under the DIP Credit Agreement.

17. Stock-Based Compensation

The
Company has stock options and RSUs outstanding under several long-term incentive plans. The 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "1998 Plan") and the 2004
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2004 Plan") have reserved 16.5 million and 12.5 million shares, respectively, of Company common stock for non-qualified stock
options, RSUs and performance-based stock options to officers, key employees and non-employee directors of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price equal to the fair
market value of the Company's stock on the date of grant. The vesting schedule and other terms and conditions of options granted under each plan are established separately for each grant. The options
expire no later than seven to ten years from the date of grant.

Certain
grants under the 1998 Plan and the 2004 Plan contain change in control provisions which provide for immediate vesting and exercisability in the event that specific ownership
conditions are met. Grants issued before December 31, 2005 allowed for immediate vesting and exercisability in the event of retirement. For grants issued after December 31, 2005,
unvested awards do not vest upon retirement. Vested options remain exercisable until the earlier of five years from retirement or ten years from the initial grant date.

86

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

17. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

The
Company records stock compensation expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), "Share Based Payment" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"). The Company uses a lattice option pricing
model to estimate the fair value of stock options as it more fully reflects the substantive characteristics of the Company's stock-based compensation. The lattice option pricing model considers a
range of assumptions related to volatility, risk-free interest rate and historical employee behavior. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility on the Company's common stock
and current implied volatilities from traded options on the Company's common stock. The risk-free interest rate was based on U.S. Treasury security yields at the time of grant. The
dividend yield on the Company's common stock is assumed to be zero since the Company has not paid dividends and has no current plans to do so in the future. The expected life was determined from the
lattice option pricing model. The lattice option pricing model incorporates exercise and post-vesting forfeiture assumptions based on analysis of historical data.

The
following table provides the assumptions used in determining the fair value of the stock-based awards using a lattice option pricing model in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

2008

2007

2006Weighted-average volatility


36.84
%

34.40
%

35.65
%Weighted-average risk-free interest rate


3.36
%

4.72
%

4.59
%Weighted-average dividend yield


0.00
%

0.00
%

0.00
%Weighted-average expected life in years


6


6


5


Total
pretax stock-based compensation costs recognized in selling and administrative expense in the consolidated statements of operations for 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $3 million,
$21 million and $23 million, respectively, excluding stock-based compensation costs related to discontinued operations of $2 million for 2006. The related tax benefit for 2008,
2007 and 2006 was $1 million, $8 million and $9 million, respectively, excluding the tax benefit related to discontinued operations of $1 million for 2006.

During
2008, the Company reversed stock compensation expense of $13 million related to performance-based stock options granted in 2006 and 2007 as the vesting requirements were no
longer attainable.

At
December 31, 2008, the total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized was approximately $16 million to be recognized through
December 31, 2011, with a weighted-average expense period of approximately 2 years.

Stock Options

Grants issued subsequent to June 2004 vest and become exercisable on the third anniversary of the award date. The stock options granted
prior to January 2006 are fully vested and exercisable.

87

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

17. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Additional
information relating to stock options is as follows:

Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(in years)Outstanding at January 1, 2006


14,457,126

$
14.55Granted


5,469,775


12.74Exercised


(140,761
)

12.78Cancelled


(2,197,181
)

13.99Outstanding at December 31, 2006


17,588,959


14.08Granted


1,331,190


12.74Exercised


(167,046
)

12.03Cancelled


(1,691,978
)

14.02Outstanding at December 31, 2007


17,061,125


14.00Granted


2,406,500


6.36ExercisedCancelled


(4,086,431
)

13.03Outstanding at December 31, 2008


15,381,194


13.06


5.10Exercisable at December 31, 2008


8,102,127

$
15.18


3.48


The
weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options granted during 2008, 2007 and 2006 was $2.24, $4.69 and $4.62, respectively.

The
total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was an immaterial amount in 2008, 2007 and 2006.

The
aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercisable at December 31, 2008 was an immaterial amount. The aggregate intrinsic value represents the total pretax intrinsic
value, based on options with an exercise price less than the Company's closing stock price as of December 31, 2008, which would have been received by the option holders had those option holders
exercised their options as of that date.

RSUs

Through December 31, 2008, the Company issued RSUs to pay a portion of employee bonuses under its annual management incentive
plan. These RSUs vest immediately, but will not be distributed to active employees until the third anniversary of the award date. Through December 31, 2008, the Company paid a premium on the
employee bonuses in the form of RSUs ("Premium RSUs") to certain employees. The Company also issued non-vested RSUs under the 2004 Plan to certain employees. Non-employee
directors were also annually awarded non-vested RSUs as part of their director compensation. These non-vested RSUs and Premium RSUs vest at the earlier of a change in control,
death, disability or three years after the award date. The RSUs are non-transferable and do not have voting rights.

88

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

17. Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Additional
information relating to RSUs is as follows:

RSUs

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair ValueVested RSUsOutstanding vested RSUs at January 1, 2006


732,838

$
15.07Granted


180,759


12.96Converted


(663,626
)

14.33Transfer from non-vested


326,607


14.68Outstanding vested RSUs at December 31, 2006


576,578


15.04Granted


348,040


10.89Converted


(589,661
)

16.60Transfer from non-vested


381,668


17.15Outstanding vested RSUs at December 31, 2007


716,625


12.84Granted


426,777


7.92Converted


(680,906
)

13.34Transfer from non-vested


452,780


13.10Outstanding vested RSUs at December 31, 2008


915,276


10.31Non-Vested RSUsOutstanding non-vested RSUs at January 1, 2006


1,267,866


14.76Granted


817,973


12.03Forfeited


(157,231
)

12.51Transfer to vested


(326,607
)

14.68Outstanding non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2006


1,602,001


13.60Granted


810,577


12.63Forfeited


(132,688
)

12.51Transfer to vested


(381,668
)

17.15Outstanding non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2007


1,898,222


12.55Granted


581,826


7.98Forfeited


(116,974
)

11.48Transfer to vested


(452,780
)

13.10Outstanding non-vested RSUs at December 31, 2008


1,910,294


11.10Total outstanding RSUs at December 31, 2008


2,825,570

$
10.84


89

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

18. Stockholder Rights Plan

In September 2002, the Company adopted a stockholder rights plan under which the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one preferred stock purchase right ("Right") for each
outstanding share of the Company's common stock held of record as of the close of business on September 17, 2002. Each Right entitles the holder to purchase one one-thousandth of a
share of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock"). The Rights become exercisable following a public announcement that an acquiring person ("Acquiring Person"), as
determined by the Board of Directors, has obtained beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock or commenced a tender or exchange offer that would result
in such ownership threshold being attained. Each Right, if and when it becomes exercisable, will entitle holders of the Rights (other than an Acquiring Person), upon payment of the exercise price, to
the number of shares of Preferred Stock having a fair value equal to approximately two times the exercise price. In addition, if after a person or group becomes an Acquiring Person and the Company was
acquired in a merger or other business combination, each holder of Rights (other than an Acquiring Person) will have the right to acquire, upon payment of the exercise price, that number of shares of
common stock of the acquiring company having a fair value equal to approximately two times the exercise price. The Rights expire on September 9, 2012 unless earlier redeemed or exchanged by the
Company.

19. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax is as follows:

Foreign
Currency
Translation
Adjustments

Employee
Benefit Plans
Liability
Adjustments

Deferred
Hedge
Adjustments

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)Balance at January 1, 2006

$


$
(396
)
$
23

$
(373
)Net changes in fair value of hedging transactions








(30
)

(30
)Net gain reclassified into earnings








(1
)

(1
)Current period change





107





107Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158





(115
)




(115
)Balance at December 31, 2006





(404
)

(8
)

(412
)Net loss reclassified into earnings








5


5Current period change





55





55Net impact of defined benefit plan remeasurement(See Note 15)





64





64Net deferred employee benefit plan expense reclassified into earnings





35





35Balance at December 31, 2007





(250
)

(3
)

(253
)Net changes in fair value of hedging transactions








(42
)

(42
)Net loss reclassified into earnings








8


8Current period change


(6
)

(426
)




(432
)Net deferred employee benefit plan expense reclassified into earnings





25





25Balance at December 31, 2008

$
(6
)
$
(651
)
$
(37
)
$
(694
)


90

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

20. Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

2008

2007

2006Numerator:Loss from continuing operations

$
(2,818
)
$
(103
)
$
(70
)Preferred stock dividends and accretion


(12
)

(12
)

(12
)Net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders

$
(2,830
)
$
(115
)
$
(82
)Denominator:Denominator for basic and diluted earnings per shareweighted average shares and assumed conversions


257


256


255Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations

$
(11.01
)
$
$(.45
)
$
(.32
)


Convertible
preferred stock to acquire three million shares of common stock with an effect of $12 million on net loss from continuing operations available to common stockholders
for each of 2008, 2007 and 2006, is excluded from the diluted earnings per share computation because they are antidilutive for all years presented. Employee stock options and non-vested
RSUs are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for 2008, 2007 and 2006 because they are antidilutive.

21. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company evaluates goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 142 "Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS
No. 142"), annually or at other times when events and circumstances indicate the carrying value of this asset may no longer be fully recoverable. In the fourth quarter of 2008, as the result of
the significant decline in value of the Company's equity securities and debt instruments and the downward pressure placed on earnings by the weakening U.S. economy, the Company determined that
goodwill and other intangible assets were potentially impaired.

The
Company engaged a third-party to assist with its impairment review. As outlined in SFAS No. 142, the amount of the goodwill impairment, if any, is measured by comparing the
implied fair value of goodwill to its book value, or carrying amount. The third-party valuation report as of December 31,
2008, indicated that the carrying amount of goodwill was fully impaired based on declines in current and projected operating results and cash flows due the current economic conditions. At
December 31, 2008, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $2,723 million, net of an income tax benefit of $4 million, which eliminated all goodwill. The goodwill consisted
primarily of amounts recorded in connection with the Company's merger with Stone Container Corporation in November of 1998.

In
addition, the Company also determined that the carrying values of its other intangible assets were fully impaired. The other intangible assets at December 31, 2008 consisted of
definite life customer relationships of $22 million and $12 million of an indefinite life trade name, which were primarily recorded in connection with the Company's acquisition of the
remaining 50% ownership in Smurfit-MBI in 2003. As a result, the Company recognized a pretax impairment charge on other intangible assets of $34 million in the fourth quarter of
2008.

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

21. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Continued)

Goodwill

The following table provides a reconciliation of goodwill:

Balance at January 1, 2007

$
2,873Goodwill included in loss on sale of Brewton, Alabama mill(See Note 5)


(146
)Balance at December 31, 2007


2,727Goodwill impairment charge


(2,727
)Balance at December 31, 2008

$


Other Intangible Assets

The following table provides a reconciliation of other intangible assets:

Definite
Life

Indefinite
Life

TotalBalance at January 1, 2007

$
26

$
12

$
38Amortization


(1
)




(1
)Balance at December 31, 2007


25


12


37Amortization


(3
)




(3
)Other intangible asset impairment charge


(22
)

(12
)

(34
)Balance at December 31, 2008

$


$


$


22. Related Party Transactions

Transactions with Non-consolidated Affiliates

The Company sold paperboard, market pulp and fiber to and purchased containerboard and kraft paper from various
non-consolidated affiliates on terms generally similar to those prevailing with unrelated parties. The following table summarizes the Company's related party transactions with its
non-consolidated affiliates for each year presented:

2008

2007

2006Product sales

$
85

$
78

$
91Product and raw material purchases


57


50


55Trade receivables at December 31


7


9


9Notes receivable at December 31





1


4Trade payables at December 31


7


3


4


Other Transactions

Thomas A. Reynolds, III, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, is a member of the Executive Committee of the law firm of
Winston & Strawn LLP, which has provided, and continues to provide, legal services to the Company and its subsidiaries.

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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

22. Related Party Transactions (Continued)

William
D. Smithburg, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, is a member of the Board of Directors of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc. ("Barry-Wehmiller") and the Board of
Directors of Abbott Laboratories, ("Abbott"). Barry-Wehmiller sold the Company equipment for $28 million, $15 million and $15 million during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The
Company sold products to Abbott for $5 million in each of 2008, 2007 and 2006. All such sales were made on an arm's-length basis.

James
J. O'Connor, a member of the Company's Board of Directors, is a member of the Board of Directors of Armstrong World Industries, Inc, ("Armstrong"). The Company sold products to
Armstrong for $4 million and $3 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. All such sales were made on an arm's-length basis.

Patrick
J. Moore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Company's Board of Directors, is a member of the Board of Directors of Archer Daniels Midland Company ("ADM").
ADM sold the Company $16 million, $13 million and $10 million of supplies used in mill operations in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company sold products to ADM of
$5 million, $7 million and $15 million in 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. All such sales were made on an arm's-length basis.

23. Fair Value Measurements

Certain financial assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, including the Company's retained interest in receivables sold to the accounts receivable
programs (See Note 8), the Company's residual interest in the TNH investment (See Note 8), and derivative assets and liabilities (See Note 10).

Fair
value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.
In determining fair value, the Company uses various valuation approaches, including market, income and/or cost approaches. SFAS No. 157 establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair
value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that
market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect the Company's
assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy for inputs is
broken down into three levels based on their reliability as follows:



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SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

23. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)



Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are categorized in the table below based upon the level of input to
the valuations.

December 31, 2008Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

TotalRetained interest in receivables sold

$


$


$
120

$
120Residual interest in TNH investment








34


34Derivative instruments








(87
)

(87
)$


$


$
67

$
67


The
following table presents the changes in Level 3 assets (liabilities) measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the year ended December 31, 2008:

Retained
Interest in
Receivables
Sold

Residual
Interest in
TNH
Investment

Derivative
Instruments

TotalBalance at January 1, 2008

$
249

$
44

$
(3
)
$
290Net payments, sales and settlements


(94
)

(13
)

27


(80
)Realized gains/(losses)


(35
)

3





(32
)Unrealized gains/(losses)








(111
)

(111
)Balance at December 31, 2008

$
120

$
34

$
(87
)
$
67


Realized
gains (losses) associated with the retained interest in receivables sold principally relate to the charge to reserve for the Calpine Corrugated receivables previously sold to
the Company's accounts receivable program, which is included in selling and administrative expenses (See Note 6). Unrealized gains (losses) associated with derivative instruments represent the
change in fair value included in OCI for derivative instruments qualifying for hedge accounting and cost of goods sold for derivative instruments not qualifying for hedge accounting (See
Note 10).

94

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

23. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

Financial Instruments Not Measured At Fair Value

Some of the Company's financial instruments are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are recorded at amounts that
approximate fair value due to their liquid or short-term nature. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The
carrying amount of cost method investments approximates fair value. The fair values of notes receivable are based on discounted future cash flows or the applicable quoted market price.

The
Company's borrowings are recorded at historical amounts. The fair value of the Company's debt is estimated based on the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the
current rates offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities. At December 31, 2008, the carrying value and fair value of the Company's borrowings were $3,718 million
and $1,678 million, respectively. At December 31, 2007, the carrying value and fair value of the Company's borrowings were $3,359 million and $3,281 million, respectively.

24. Other, Net

The significant components of other, net in the Company's consolidated statements of operations are as follows:

2008

2007

2006Loss on sales of receivables

$
(17
)
$
(27
)
$
(25
)Gain on sale of emission credits and water rights





15Other


12


7


7Total other, net

$
(5
)
$
(5
)
$
(18
)


25. Contingencies

The Company's past and present operations include activities which are subject to federal, state and local environmental requirements, particularly relating to air and water quality. The
Company faces potential environmental liability as a result of violations of these environmental requirements, environmental permit terms and similar authorizations that have occurred from time to
time at its facilities. In addition, the Company faces potential liability for remediation at certain owned and formerly owned facilities, as well as response costs at various sites for which it has
received notice as being a potentially responsible party ("PRP") concerning hazardous substance contamination. In estimating its reserves for environmental remediation and future costs, the Company's
estimated liability of $5 million reflects the Company's expected share of costs after consideration for the relative percentage of waste deposited at each site, the number of other PRPs, the
identity and financial condition of such parties and experience regarding similar matters. As of December 31, 2008, the Company had approximately $18 million reserved for environmental
liabilities included primarily in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company believes the liability for these matters was adequately reserved at
December 31, 2008.

If
all or most of the other PRPs are unable to satisfy their portion of the clean-up costs at one or more of the significant sites in which the Company is involved or the
Company's expected share

95

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

25. Contingencies (Continued)

increases,
the resulting liability could have a material adverse effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

The
Company settled two putative class action cases filed in California state court on behalf of current and former hourly employees at the Company's California corrugated container
facilities. These cases alleged violations of the California on-duty meal break and rest period statutes. The court approved a settlement for a total of $9 million for both cases on
January 21, 2009. The cases were automatically stayed due to the filing of the Chapter 11 Petition on January 26, 2009 (See Note 1). The Company established reserves of
$9 million during 2008 related to these matters, which was included in selling and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

The
Company is a defendant in a number of other lawsuits and claims arising out of the conduct of its business. All litigation that arose or may arise out of pre-petition
conduct or acts is subject to the automatic stay provision of the bankruptcy laws. As a result, the Company believes that these matters will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

26. Business Segment Information

The Company's Consumer Packaging segment, which was sold as of June 30, 2006 (See Note 3), has been classified as discontinued operations and is excluded from the segment
results.

The
following table presents net sales to external customers by country of origin:

2008

2007

2006United States

$
6,170

$
6,518

$
6,314Canada


664


694


704Other


208


208


139Total net sales

$
7,042

$
7,420

$
7,157


The
following table presents long-lived assets by country:

2008

2007

2006United States

$
3,012

$
2,931

$
3,185Canada


513


537


571Other


16


18


183,541


3,486


3,774Goodwill





2,727


2,873Total long-lived assets

$
3,541

$
6,213

$
6,647


The
Company's export sales from the United States were approximately $768 million for 2008, $814 million for 2007 and $650 million for 2006.

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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)

(Tabular amounts in millions, except share data)

27. Quarterly Results (Unaudited)

The following table is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations:

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter2008Net sales

$
1,795

$
1,835

$
1,879

$
1,533Gross profit


212


176


183


133Income (loss) from continuing operations(a)


(13
)

(37
)

65


(2,833
)Net income (loss)


(13
)

(37
)

65


(2,833
)Preferred stock dividends and accretion


(3
)

(3
)

(3
)

(3
)Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders


(16
)

(40
)

62


(2,836
)Basic and diluted earnings per share:Income (loss) from continuing operations

$
(.06
)
$
(.16
)
$
.24

$
(11.04
)Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders

$
(.06
)
$
(.16
)
$
.24

$
(11.04
)2007Net sales

$
1,824

$
1,870

$
1,885

$
1,841Gross profit


214


261


289


252Income (loss) from continuing operations(b)


(52
)

(2
)

(93
)

44Net income (loss)


(52
)

(2
)

(93
)

44Preferred stock dividends and accretion


(3
)

(3
)

(3
)

(3
)Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders


(55
)

(5
)

(96
)

41Basic and diluted earnings per share:Income (loss) from continuing operations

$
(.21
)
$
(.02
)
$
(.38
)
$
.16Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

$
(.21
)
$
(.02
)
$
(.38
)
$
.16


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Table of Contents

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION

SCHEDULE IIVALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

(In millions)

27. Quarterly Results (Unaudited) (Continued)

Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Column E

Column FDescription

Balance at
Beginning of
Period

Additions
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses

Other
Describe

Deductions
Describe

Balance at
End of
PeriodAllowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns and allowances:Year ended December 31, 2008

$
7

$
5

$


$
5
(a)
$
7Year ended December 31, 2007

$
7

$
3

$


$
3
(a)
$
7Year ended December 31, 2006

$
10

$
5

$
(5
)(b)(c)
$
3
(a)
$
7Restructuring:Year ended December 31, 2008

$
28

$
67
(d)
$
2
(d)
$
64
(e)
$
33Year ended December 31, 2007

$
45

$
16
(d)
$
69
(d)
$
102
(e)
$
28Year ended December 31, 2006

$
51

$
43
(d)
$
18
(d)
$
67
(e)
$
45


---

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Table of Contents

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

None.

ITEM 9A.    CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer, evaluated the
effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report and
have concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective.

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL

There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the most recent quarter that have materially
affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

The
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the Act) imposed many requirements regarding corporate governance and financial reporting. One requirement under Section 404 of the Act, beginning
with our 2004 Annual Report, was for management to report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and the Report of
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Item 8, "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.

PART III

ITEM 10.    DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

DIRECTORS

Set forth below is certain information concerning Smurfit-Stone's directors.

James R. Boris,born October 25, 1944, is the retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EVEREN Capital Corporation and its
primary subsidiary, EVEREN Securities, Inc. He is also the former non-executive Chairman of the Board of Integrys Energy Group, Inc., and is the lead director of the Chicago
Board Options Exchange.

Connie K. Duckworth, born November 3, 1954, has been President and Chairman of Arzu, Inc. since August 2003. She was a
partner of Circle Financial Group, LLC from January 2003 to December 2004. Ms. Duckworth retired from Goldman Sachs & Co. as Advisory Director in 2001. Ms. Duckworth
is a director of Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co., Russell Investment Group and DNP Select Income Fund.

Steven J. Klinger,born March 5, 1959, was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer on May 11, 2006. He was appointed
to the board of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation on December 11, 2008 and is a director of Navistar International Corporation. Prior to joining Smurfit-Stone, Mr. Klinger was employed
by Georgia Pacific Corporation for 23 years, most recently as Executive Vice President, Packaging from February 2003 to May 2006 and President, Packaging and Containerboard Sales / Logistics
from August 2001 to January 2003.

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Table of Contents

William T. Lynch, Jr.,born December 3, 1942, has been President and Chief Executive Officer of Liam Holdings, LLC since
April 1997. He is the retired President and Chief Executive Officer of Leo Burnett Company. Mr. Lynch is a director of Pella Corporation.

Patrick J. Moore, born September 7, 1954, has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since May 2006. He had been Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer since May 2003, and prior to that he was President and Chief Executive Officer since January 2002, when he was also elected as a Director. He was Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer from November 1998 until January 2002. Mr. Moore is a director of Archer Daniels Midland Company.

James J. O'Connor, born March 15, 1937, is the former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Unicom Corporation and its
subsidiary, Commonwealth Edison Company. Mr. O'Connor is a director of Armstrong World Industries, Inc., Corning Incorporated and UAL Corporation.

Jerry K. Pearlman, born March 27, 1939, is the retired Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Electronics
Corporation. Mr. Pearlman is a director of Nanophase Technologies Corporation and, from 1984 to 1998, served as director of Stone Container, a predecessor of Smurfit-Stone. He has previously
served on the boards of four other public companies.

Thomas A. Reynolds, III, born May 12, 1952, has been a partner of Winston & Strawn LLP, a law firm that regularly
represents Smurfit-Stone on numerous matters, since 1984. Mr. Reynolds is a member of Winston & Strawn LLP's executive committee.

William D. Smithburg,born July 9, 1938, is the retired Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Quaker Oats Company.
Mr. Smithburg is a director of Abbott Laboratories, Northern Trust Corporation and Corning Incorporated.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Certain information concerning the executive officers of Smurfit-Stone is contained in Part I, Item 1, of this annual
report on Form 10-K under the caption "Executive Officers Of The Registrant" and is incorporated by reference herein.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

We have a separately designated standing Audit Committee established in accordance with Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Exchange Act.
The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Pearlman (Chairman), Mr. Boris and Mr. O'Connor.

AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

Our Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Pearlman is an audit committee expert as defined by Item 407(d)(5)(ii) of
Regulation S-K of the Exchange Act and is independent, as such term is defined in the listing standards of the NASDAQ Stock Market.

CODE OF ETHICS

We have adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (including our Principal Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer,
Principal Accounting Officer and Controller). The Code of Ethics is available on our Internet Website(www.smurfit-stone.com). We intend to satisfy our
disclosure requirements under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or a waiver from, a provision of our code of ethics that applies to our Senior Financial
Officers and that relates to any element of the code of ethics definition enumerated in Item 406(b) of Regulation S-K by posting such information on our Website.

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SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires the Executive Officers and Directors, and persons who beneficially
own more than ten percent of the Common Stock, to file initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC. Executive Officers, Directors and greater than ten percent
beneficial owners are required by SEC regulations to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on a review of the copies of such forms furnished to the
Company and written representations from the Executive Officers and Directors, the Company believes that during the period from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008, its Executive
Officers, Directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them.

RECOMMENDATION OF DIRECTOR NOMINEES BY STOCKHOLDERS

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend director nominees to our Board of Directors
since the filing of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008.

ITEM 11.    EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

The Executive Officers of the Company are employees of SSCE. They are not separately compensated for their services as Executive
Officers of SSCE and the Company, and there is no intercompany allocation with regard to any services provided by the Executive Officers to the Company.

Compensation Committee Procedures

Structure.The Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Committee") consists of Mr. Smithburg (Chairman), Ms. Duckworth,
Mr. Lynch, and Mr. Pearlman. Each member of the Committee is an Independent Director and has significant experience in addressing compensation-related matters of senior executives,
either as the former chief executive officer of a large company (in the case of Messrs. Smithburg, Lynch and Pearlman) or as a former senior officer of a large investment banking firm (in the
case of Ms. Duckworth).

Responsibilities.The primary responsibilities of the Committee are to annually appraise performance and establish the annual salaries,
incentive
plan participation levels, long-term incentive awards, and other compensation plans and programs for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the President and Chief Operating Officer,
the Senior Vice Presidents and any other officers of the Company considered by the Company to be "executive officers" under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Executive
Officers"); administer stock-based compensation plans and grant awards under such plans; recommend and submit to the Board for approval new executive compensation or stock-based plans; and review and
approve employment, severance and compensation agreements with Executive Officers.

Meetings.The Committee holds meetings as necessary to fulfill its responsibilities. The Committee normally requires that the Chairman
and Chief
Executive Officer, the Senior Vice PresidentHuman Resources, and the Senior Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Company attend meetings of the Committee, and from time to
time requests that such executives provide information and reports to the Committee. The Committee also requires that a representative of its outside compensation consultant attend any meeting at
which its research and analysis are discussed. In the event that the Committee wishes to discuss any aspect of compensation of any of the Executive Officers who are in attendance at a meeting, the
Executive Officers are excused from the meeting and the

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Committee
meets in executive session. The Chairman periodically reports to the Board on the actions of the Committee.

The
Committee typically holds at least one meeting in the fourth quarter of each year to review information prepared by its consultant and management relevant to the establishment of the
elements of compensation for Executive Officers for the following year. The Committee then holds meetings in the first quarter of each year to review all of the elements of compensation of the
Executive Officers, individually and in comparison to each other, as well as benefits and perquisites, benefits accrued under retirement plans, and compensation and benefits payable following the
termination of employment under the employment and severance agreements. The Committee then approves changes in all elements of compensation for the Executive Officers at one time. The Committee held
three meetings in 2008 and has held two meetings in 2009.

Use of Consultants and Benchmarking.The Committee has the authority to retain, terminate and compensate consultants to provide
information and
counsel to the Committee. The Committee has engaged Hewitt Associates, LLC ("Hewitt") to provide such services since 2003. Hewitt provides the Committee with research and analysis on
competitive data and guidance on overall compensation trends and strategies. Hewitt collects and analyzes executive compensation data from both a peer group of nine companies that the Committee
believes are the most relevant direct competitors of the Company, which have median annual sales of $4.0 billion (Boise Cascade LLC, Graphic Packaging Corporation, International Paper
Company, MeadWestvaco Corporation, Packaging Corporation of America, Pactiv Corporation, Sonoco Products Company, Temple Inland Inc., and Weyerhaeuser Company) (the "Peer Group"), and a broader
group of 83 industrial companies of similar size and complexity to the Company, which have median annual sales of approximately $8.0 billion (the "General Group"). Hewitt annually conducts this
analysis for the Committee in the categories of base salaries, annual incentive targets and awards, long-term incentives, total compensation, and target total compensation, and measures
the compensation of each of the Executive Officers against the median of their counterparts of the Peer Group and the General Group. The Committee uses this analysis as the basis for comparing the
Company's compensation against general market trends in light of the performance of the Company, the paper packaging industry, and industrial companies in general. Hewitt does not make specific
recommendations as to the level of any element of compensation of any Executive Officer.

Role of Management.The Committee seeks the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as to adjustments in the amount
of base salary
and the amount of long-term incentive awards for each of the other Executive Officers. The Committee also seeks the recommendation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and the
Senior Vice PresidentHuman Resources as to the annual target levels and the design and weighting of performance objectives for the annual incentives of the Executive Officers (other than
the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer). The Committee periodically approves levels of long-term incentive awards and authorizes the Senior Vice PresidentHuman Resources to
grant such awards to non-Executive Officers, including non-Executive Officers hired between the dates of meetings of the Committee or the Board to the extent necessary to
induce such employees to join the Company.

Philosophy and Objectives of Compensation Programs

The Company's compensation philosophy is to provide total compensation packages for Executive Officers that attract, retain and
motivate qualified executives with outstanding abilities for the benefit of the Company and its stockholders. In accordance with this philosophy, the Company's compensation programs have followed the
objectives listed below.



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The
significant impact of the economic downturn on the Company in 2008 and the Company's bankruptcy filing in January 2009 has caused the loss of substantially all of the value of the
Company's common stock, and has made it impractical to continue the equity-based component of the annual and long-term incentive awards.

Elements and Design of Compensation

General.The Committee has designed each element of compensation for Executive Officers to further the philosophy and objectives set
forth above and
to support and enhance the business strategy of the Company. In designing each element of compensation for Executive Officers, the Committee has taken into account the factors described below.

Base Salary.It is the intent of the Committee to maintain base salary levels of Executive Officers at or near the median levels of
comparable
companies, as represented by the Peer Group. The Committee believes that the Peer Group is a relevant comparison group to the Company because most of the companies in that group are facing the same
market conditions as the Company and some are attempting to execute similar strategies in response to such market conditions. The Committee uses the General Group data as a reference for broader
market trends in compensation. The Committee makes adjustments in base salary once per year, to be effective on April 1, except in case of promotions or other exceptional circumstances that
justify adjustments outside of the annual review process. Adjustments in base salary are based on the performance of the Executive Officer and the relationship of his or her salary with the median of
the Peer Group; however, it has been the practice of the Committee to make gradual adjustments in base salaries over a multi-year period to address market-based differences, rather than
large one-year adjustments. In light of the economic downturn that has impacted the Company and its peer group, the Committee determined not to increase salaries of any of the Named
Executive Officers in 2009.

Annual Incentives.Annual incentives were paid pursuant to the Management Incentive Plan (the "MIP"). The MIP was designed to ensure
that annual
incentive awards are based on corporate, division and individual performance. In response to the need for the Company to significantly improve operating performance, the Committee structured the
annual incentives under the MIP to align with the Company's three-year strategic initiative program announced in November 2005 and the achievement of significant earnings improvement as
measured by earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as adjusted to exclude certain extraordinary items ("EBITDA").

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Under the MIP, the Committee approved a target award level and performance objectives for each Executive Officer. The award level under the MIP for the Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer, the President and Chief Operating Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer was based 65% on the attainment of the corporate objectives and 35% at
the discretion of the Committee. The Committee believed that the discretionary component is important to provide the Committee with the flexibility to recognize other leadership contributions by the
senior leaders of the Company. Objectives for Executive Officers in the Container Division were predominantly weighted toward divisional profit improvement in order to provide a further incentive for
dramatic and rapid improvement in this key business.

Corporate
objectives for Executive Officers were based either predominantly or exclusively on attaining the targeted amounts of strategic initiative benefits and EBITDA. The Company used
EBITDA as a basis for measuring and evaluating overall operating performance. For 2008, the targeted amount of strategic initiative benefits from inception of the program in 2005 through the end of
2008 was $525 million in benefits. The EBITDA performance target was 100% of budgeted EBITDA for the year. Fifty percent of the EBITDA objective was earned if a threshold of 90% of the target
amount was obtained. Corporate objectives were structured so that if the targeted amount of strategic initiative benefits was achieved, Executive Officers had the potential to earn an award in excess
of the target level to the extent that EBITDA exceeded the budgeted amount (up to a maximum of 200% of the target level if EBITDA of 140% of the budgeted amount was achieved). The objectives were
designed in this fashion to ensure that Executive Officers would not receive a significant award if the targeted amount of strategic initiative benefits was not attained, but give them a strong
incentive to deliver EBITDA results above expectations, which the Board believed was critical to increasing the equity value of the Company. Aggregate awards to all participants could not exceed 7.5%
of EBITDA in any
year. The 2008 EBITDA targets were set aggressively in order to reward our Executive Officers for success in implementing the Company's strategic initiatives and substantially improving on
prior-year earnings performance.

The
MIP performance objectives for fiscal 2008 were based on a number of responsibility-specific business area goals for each Named Executive Officer as defined under "Executive
Compensation" below. Goals for Messrs. Moore, Klinger and Hinrichs were based on meeting or exceeding the 2008 budgeted EBITDA and the accomplishment of specific strategic cost reduction and
profit initiatives (65%). The remaining thirty-five percent (35%) of the target for Messrs. Moore, Klinger and Hinrichs was based on the discretion of the Committee and was
dependent on overall Company performance, not tied to specific criteria. MIP goals for 2008 for Mr. Hunt were based on meeting or exceeding the 2008 budgeted EBITDA (50%) and the accomplishment
of specific corporate strategic cost reduction and profit initiatives (50%). MIP goals for 2008 for Mr. Strickland were based on meeting or exceeding the 2008 budgeted EBITDA (50%) and
Container Division profitability (50%).

Neither
the target ($852 Million) nor threshold ($767 Million) level of EBITDA for the 2008 MIP award was achieved, and no payout was made to any of the Executive Officers
with respect to this performance objective. The target level ($87 Million) for the strategic initiatives program was not met, but the Committee exercised its discretion to pay MIP bonus awards
with respect to this performance objective. The Committee determined that the target for fiscal 2008 would have been achieved but for the significant market-related mill downtime taken in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2008 in response to the extraordinary economic circumstances facing the Company and the U.S. economy generally. The Committee exercised its discretion to adjust the amount of the MIP
awards for executive officers accordingly to recognize the significant accomplishments of management in substantially completing the strategic initiative program. The 2008 MIP Awards, expressed as a
percentage of base salary, to each of the Named Executive Officers were as follows: $553,500 (50%) for Mr. Moore, $397,500 (50%) for Mr. Klinger, $130,000 (31.1%) for
Mr. Hinrichs, $204,250 (50%) for Mr. Hunt, and $129,000 (36.1%) for Mr. Strickland.

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The
awards under the MIP to Executive Officers prior to 2008 were structured to be paid 50% in cash and 50% in RSUs that will be distributed in shares of Common Stock three years after
being earned. If the Executive Officer remained employed for the three-year period, additional shares of Common Stock equal to 20% of the original number of RSUs would be distributed to
the Executive Officer, which was intended to promote long-term equity ownership and provide an incentive for the Executive Officer to remain employed with the Company. Due to the
substantial loss in value of the Company's common stock (Common Stock) and because there was an insufficient number of shares available under the LTIP to pay a portion of the awards in RSUs, the MIP
was amended to provide for the all-cash payout, and awards for 2008 were paid 100% in cash. The amendment also eliminated the Company premium that had previously been awarded in the form
of RSUs representing 20% of the portion of the executive's MIP award which, prior to the amendment, would have been required to be deferred into RSUs. Due to the substantial loss in the
value of the Common Stock, all of the RSU awards under the MIP have lost substantially all of their value, and the Executive Officers renounced their right to receive the Common Stock attributable to
MIP RSU awards and Company premium RSUs with respect to the 2006 MIP.

No
annual incentive program has yet been established for 2009 in light of the Company's bankruptcy filing.

Long-Term Incentives.Long-term incentives in the form of stock options and RSUs were designed to align the interest of
Executive Officers with those of the stockholders of the Company. Long-term incentives also include multi-year vesting requirements that encourage Executive Officers to remain
employed with the Company. It has been the practice of the Committee to approve an annual grant of long-term incentive awards to the Executive Officers under the Company's 2004
Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "LTIP") which was adopted by the Board and approved by the Company's shareholders. The Committee took into consideration the value of the
long-term incentives and the impact of long-term incentives on total compensation of the Executive Officers relative to the Peer Group, and has increased the levels of awards
over a multi-year period to reach a level approximately equal to the median level of the Peer Group.

The
Committee historically granted long-term incentive awards to Executive Officers in the form of a combination of stock options and RSUs with 50% of the value of the grant
represented by stock options and 50% by RSUs, which resulted in a practice of granting three stock options for each RSU. Stock options were granted with cliff vesting at the end of three years, and
have a ten year term. RSUs are distributed in the form of Common Stock on the third anniversary of the grant date, unless the Named Executive Officer makes an election under the plan to further defer
receipt of the Common Stock. The long-term incentive awards were historically granted on the date of a meeting of the Committee held in the first quarter, scheduled in advance and held
several weeks following the announcement of the Company's earnings for the fourth quarter. Under the terms of the LTIP, the exercise price of all stock options was the closing price of the Company's
common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the grant date. Due to the substantial loss in the value of the Common Stock, all of the outstanding long-term incentives have lost
all or substantially all of their value, and all Executive Officers renounced their right to receive the shares of the Company's Common Stock attributable to RSUs granted in 2006.

In
2006, in order to provide an additional incentive for the Executive Officers and other senior managers of the Company to achieve the strategic initiative benefits outlined in the
Company's plan announced in November 2005, the Committee approved a special grant of stock options under the LTIP ("Outperformance Options") to approximately 125 officers and employees, including the
Executive Officers, and has approved the grant of similar options to selected senior managers hired since the original date of this grant. The terms of these stock options varied from the typical
stock options in that they would vest in 2009 provided that the Company attained a cumulative positive level of earnings before taxes for the period from 2006-2008 and the cumulative
three-year targeted amount

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of
initiative benefits is attained (with 50% of these options vesting if at least two-thirds of the targeted amount of initiatives benefits was attained). These options had a term of seven
years from the date of grant. These options did not vest because the three-year targets were not achieved, and have been cancelled.

No
long-term incentives have yet been established for 2009 and beyond in light of the Company's bankruptcy filing.

Other Benefits and Perquisites.The Company provides customary benefits to Executive Officers such as group insurance and
company-sponsored savings
plans that are generally available to all other salaried employees. The Company provides very few perquisites to Executive Officers not available to salaried employees generally, which in most cases
is limited to an additional level of group term life insurance, executive physicals, supplemental disability benefits and reimbursement for financial, tax planning and certain legal services for
Messrs. Moore and Klinger. At the beginning of 2008, the Committee eliminated the reimbursement of country club dues as a perquisite for the Executive Officers. The perquisites provided to
Named Executive Officers are more fully described in footnote (f) to the Summary Compensation Table under "Executive Compensation." The Committee had also established a policy as described
below to allow the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to use the Company aircraft for personal use for up to 30 hours per year and to receive a gross-up payment in connection with
the taxable income attributed to him as the result of receiving this benefit. This policy was intended to accommodate personal travel that may be adjunct to business travel, in which the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer utilizes the Company aircraft for security and convenience. This policy was eliminated in 2009 when the Company elected not to retain its Company aircraft.

Post-Termination Benefits.All of the Executive Officers hired by the Company prior to January 1, 2006 participate in the
Company's qualified and non-qualified pension plans for salaried employees. Executive Officers or other salaried employees hired after January 1, 2006 are not eligible to
participate in such pension plans. The various benefit accrual formulas under the Company's qualified pension plan were changed to one common formula for all participants in such plan for service
earned after January 1, 2007, the result of which is a reduction in the level of future
qualified pension benefits that may be accrued by many participants in such plans, including Executive Officers. In 2007, the Company froze its pension plans effective January 1, 2009 to
address the ongoing cost of the pension plans to the Company, and implemented an enhanced 401(k) savings plan benefit as of January 1, 2009. Three Executive Officers who were officers of
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation prior to the 1998 merger with Stone Container Corporation (the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and the Senior
Vice President and Corporate Controller) are also participants in the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Supplemental Income Plan II, which is a non-qualified, unfunded supplemental pension
plan that provides participants with substantial pension benefits in addition to their qualified pension benefit. The benefit accrual formula under this plan was reduced for service earned after
January 1, 2007 commensurate with the change in the formula under the qualified pension plan applicable to salaried employees generally. The three Executive Officers will continue to accrue
benefits under this plan. It is not contemplated that any other Executive Officers will be named as participants in this plan, nor is it contemplated that any other Executive Officers would be
provided with supplemental retirement benefits. The Company entered into an Executive Retirement Agreement with the President and Chief Operating Officer at the time of his employment in 2006 that
provides substantial non-qualified pension benefits equivalent to what he had in place with his prior employer, offset by the benefits actually received from his prior employer. See
"Pension Plans." Absent a court order to the contrary, it is anticipated that all of the non-qualified post-termination benefits will be considered pre-petition
unsecured claims in the Company's bankruptcy proceedings.

Employment and Severance Agreements.The Board has approved Employment Agreements for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the
President and
Chief Operating Officer, and the Senior Vice

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President
and Chief Financial Officer. See "Employment Agreements and Post-Termination Payments." The Committee and the Board believe that retention of these three Executive Officers is
critical to the success of the Company, and that these Employment Agreements are beneficial to the Company by providing strong incentives on the part of these Executive Officers to remain employed
with the Company. The Committee further believes that the terms of the Employment Agreements are customary for the three top executives at a company of the size and complexity of the Company. The
Board or the Committee has also approved Employment Security Agreements for each of the other Senior Vice Presidents of the Company which, among other things, provide for payments under certain
circumstances following a "change of control" of the Company. See "Employment Agreements and Post-Termination Payments." The Committee believes that these agreements are beneficial to the
Company by providing for the continuity of service by these Executive Officers in the critical period surrounding a change of control transaction. Certain of the benefits provided by the Employment
Agreements and the Employment Security Agreements are limited as a result of the bankruptcy filing, and the treatment of these contracts in the course of our bankruptcy proceeding is uncertain.

2008 Compensation

At the end of 2007, the Committee reviewed Hewitt's annual Peer Group analysis in preparation for the establishment of compensation
packages for 2008. Hewitt's analysis indicated that the level of base salary, annual incentives and target total compensation for the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer remained slightly above the
median for the Peer Group, while the annual incentive paid in 2007 (for the 2006 plan year) continued to be significantly below the median of the Peer Group, resulting in total compensation slightly
below the median for the Peer Group.

For
the 2008 compensation adjustments, the Committee considered individual performance, the Company's overall financial performance, Hewitt's research and market analysis, the value of
outstanding stock awards and a total compensation summary for each of the Named Executive Officers, including base salary, annual incentive, long-term incentives, benefits and perquisites.
The Committee conducted a balanced appraisal of the Company's performance in 2007, which included significant improvement in certain financial targets and above threshold level EBITDA. The Committee
made adjustments in the base salaries of certain Executive Officers, including an increase in Mr. Moore's base salary to $1,107,000 (the first increase since 2005), and an increase to
Mr. Klinger's base salary to $795,000. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have 35% of their target bonus determined by
the discretion of the Committee. In 2008, after consideration of individual and company performance and the relevant internal and external compensation data, the Committee approved a 2007 MIP award
for Mr. Moore of $875,000, which included a discretionary amount of approximately $360,000; for Mr. Klinger of $635,000, which included a discretionary award of approximately $260,000;
and for Mr. Hinrichs of $171,622, which included a discretionary amount of $50,000. The Committee approved LTIP awards to the Executive Officers, including 300,000 stock options and 100,000
restricted stock units to Mr. Moore and 75% of that amount to Mr. Klinger.

2009 Compensation

As a result of the Company's financial situation, the Committee determined not to change the base salaries of any of the Named
Executive Officers in 2009. MIP awards for the Named Executive Officers were paid to the Named Executive Officers as set forth under Elements and Design of CompensationAnnual Incentives.
As a result of the Company's bankruptcy filing, no annual incentive program has been established for 2009 and no long-term incentives have yet been awarded in 2009.

Policies Related to Compensation

In addition to the actions taken by the Committee in accordance with the philosophy and objectives described above, the Company has in
place some specific policies relating to compensation

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matters
that have been adopted as warranted in order to institute and document controls over certain aspects of the compensation process. Policies that impact the compensation of Executive Officers
are adopted and amended by the Board or the Committee, and policies applicable to all salaried employees generally are adopted and amended by management, at the direction of either the Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer or the Senior Vice PresidentHuman Resources. Policies that impact the Company's retirement and savings plans are approved by the Administrative Committee of such
plans, which is comprised of members of management.

Compensation-related
policies approved by the Board or the Committee include:



Tax and Accounting Implications

The Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue
Code, which provides that the Company may not deduct compensation of more than $1 million to certain persons. The Company believes that payments under the MIP are fully
tax-deductible. The Committee considers accounting treatment in the process of making decisions regarding executive compensation, but makes executive compensation decisions based on the
philosophy and objectives set forth above, and not primarily on the basis of tax or accounting treatment.

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Conclusion

The Committee believes that the total compensation of each of the Executive Officers, including the Named Executive Officers discussed
in the tabular presentations in this annual report on Form 10-K, is reasonable and not excessive.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

No member of the Committee currently is or was during the year ended December 31, 2008, an officer, former officer or employee
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries. During the year ended December 31, 2008, no Executive Officer of the Company served as a member of (i) the compensation committee of another
entity in which one of the executive officers of such entity served on the Company's Compensation Committee, (ii) the board of directors of another entity in which one of the executive officers
of such entity served on the Committee, or (iii) the compensation committee of another entity in which one of the executive officers of such entity served as a member of the Board. During the
year ended December 31, 2008, no member of the Committee had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Company under any paragraph of Item 404 of Regulation S-K.

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Committee has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis with management and, based on such review and
discussions, the Committee recommended to the Company's Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2008.

Submitted
by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors.

Compensation CommitteeWilliam D. Smithburg, ChairmanConnie K. DuckworthWilliam T. Lynch, Jr.Jerry K. Pearlman


Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the cash and non-cash compensation awarded to or earned by each of the Company's principal
executive officer, principal financial officer, and the three other most highly compensated executive officers who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2008 (collectively, the
"Named Executive Officers"), for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008. The three primary elements of compensation (base salary, annual incentives and long-term incentives), as
well as other benefits and perquisites, are
discussed in detail under "Compensation Discussion and Analysis." Pension benefits payable to the Named Executive Officers are discussed in detail under "Pension Plans," and detailed information
regarding compensation of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to their employment agreements or severance agreements is set forth under "Employment Agreements and Post-Termination
Payments."

The
Committee established MIP target awards for fiscal 2008 at 100% for Messrs. Moore and Klinger, and 60% for Messrs. Hinrichs, Hunt and Strickland. Actual MIP awards
payable for fiscal 2008, approved on January 13, 2009, were made at the discretion of the Committee. MIP awards earned by the Named Executive Officers for the year ended December 31,
2008 were $553,500 for Mr. Moore; $397,500 for Mr. Klinger; $130,000 for Mr. Hinrichs; $204,250 for Mr. Hunt and $129,000 for Mr. Strickland. These awards were paid
entirely in cash for 2008 and are disclosed in the Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table.

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NAME & PRINCIPAL POSITION

YEAR

SALARY
($)

BONUS
($)(a)

STOCK
AWARDS
($)(b)

OPTION
AWARDS
($)(c)

NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE
PLAN
COMPENSATION
($)(d)

CHANGE IN
PENSION VALUE
& NON-QUALIFIED
DEFERRED
COMPENSATION
EARNINGS
($)(e)

ALL OTHER
COMPENSATION
($)(f)

TOTAL
($)Patrick J. Moore


2008


1,089,000


0


1,032,284


(349,067
)

553,500


63,285


93,527


2,482,529Chairman and Chief


2007


1,035,000


0


1,574,052


2,471,741


437,505


47,235


127,726


5,693,260Executive Officer


2006


1,035,000


0


1,531,062


2,769,728


600,007


1,470,016


85,173


7,490,987Charles A. Hinrichs


2008


415,875


0


129,914


(78,053
)

130,000


75,410


11,840


684,986Senior Vice President


2007


409,500


0


249,308


355,470


85,816


82,594


20,758


1,203,447and Chief


2006


409,500


110,000


244,839


441,220


108,937


305,650


27,485


1,647,631Financial OfficerSteven J. Klinger


2008


783,750


0


1,035,643


(90,447
)

397,500


108,966


11,022


2,246,434President and Chief


2007


750,000


0


1,103,415


972,000


317,504


92,990


17,684


3,253,593Operating Officer


2006


477,404


750,000


671,158


510,725


300,009


1,289


17,423


2,728,008Craig A. Hunt


2008


403,875


0


111,094


(31,223
)

204,250


70,660


11,403


770,059Senior Vice President,


2007


386,250


50,000


177,267


263,482


81,123


21,032


17,923


997,077General Counsel


2006


370,592


85,000


163,644


283,982


99,750


51,620


16,824


1,071,411and SecretarySteven C. Strickland


2008


349,000


65,000


199,963


(41,490
)

129,000


0


7,750


709,223Senior Vice PresidentContainer Operations


---

(1) Value of RSUs Awarded
in 2006, 2007 and 20082006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
253,750

$
283,333

$
248,333Mr. Hinrichs

$
39,270

$
28,333

$
24,833Mr. Klinger

$
371,166

$
212,500

$
186,250Mr. Hunt

$
23,563

$
28,333

$
32,283Mr. Strickland







$
39,733




(2) Value of RSUs Awarded Prior
to 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively2006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
677,319

$
853,224

$
783,951Mr. Hinrichs

$
96,652

$
135,169

$
105,081Mr. Klinger

$


$
573,419

$
849,393Mr. Hunt

$
40,337

$
67,817

$
78,810Mr. Strickland







$
160,230




(3) Equity Portion of
Earned MIP2006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
599,993

$
437,495

$
0Mr. Hinrichs

$
108,917

$
85,806

$
0Mr. Klinger

$
299,991

$
317,496

$
0Mr. Hunt

$
99,744

$
81,117

$
0Mr. Strickland







$
0




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Company-Matching RSUs2006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
120,000

$
87,500

$
0Mr. Hinrichs

$
21,785

$
17,162

$
0Mr. Klinger

$
60,000

$
63,500

$
0Mr. Hunt

$
19,950

$
16,224

$
0Mr. Strickland







$
0


(1) Value of Stock Options Awarded
in 2006, 2007 and 20082006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
296,111

$
311,333

$
250,000Mr. Hinrichs

$
48,118

$
31,133

$
25,000Mr. Klinger

$
179,667

$
233,500

$
187,500Mr. Hunt

$
28,871

$
31,133

$
32,500Mr. Strickland







$
40,000




(2) Value of
Outperformance
Options
Awarded in 20062006Mr. Moore

$
641,667Mr. Hinrichs

$
96,250Mr. Klinger

$
331,059Mr. Hunt

$
64,167Mr. Strickland







(3) Value of Stock Options Awarded
Prior to 2006, 2007 and 2008,
respectively2006

2007

2008Mr. Moore

$
1,831,950

$
2,160,408

$
(599,067
)Mr. Hinrichs

$
296,852

$
324,337

$
(103,053
)Mr. Klinger

$


$
738,500

$
(277,947
)Mr. Hunt

$
190,944

$
232,349

$
(63,723
)Mr. Strickland







$
(81,490
)


Club Dues

Tax Gross-UpsMr. Moore

$
10,562

$
5,156Mr. Hinrichs

$
2,865

$
1,225Mr. Klinger

$
1,704

$
285Mr. Hunt

$
3,060

$
593Mr. Strickland

$
0

$
0


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Table of Contents

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table

The following table sets forth additional information about plan-based awards granted in the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2008, or in the case of MIP awards, attributable to 2008.

ESTIMATED FUTURE PAYOUTS
UNDER NON-EQUITY
INCENTIVE PLAN AWARDS(a)

ALL OTHER
STOCK AWARDS:
NO. OF SHARES
OF STOCK
OR UNITS
(#)(b)

ALL OTHER
OPTION AWARDS:
NO. OF SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
OPTIONS
(#)(c)EXERCISE OR
BASE PRICE OF
OPTION
AWARDS
($/SHARE)

GRANT DATE
FAIR VALUE
OF STOCK AND
OPTION AWARDS
($)(d)NAME

GRANT
DATE

THRESHOLD
($)

TARGET
($)

MAXIMUM
($)Mr. Moore


01/13/09

$
359,775

$
553,500

$
2,214,00002/27/08











100,000







$
894,00002/27/08














300,000

$
8.94

$
900,000Mr. Hinrichs


01/13/09

$
81,510

$
130,000

$
501,60002/27/08











10,000







$
89,40002/27/08














30,000

$
8.94

$
90,000Mr. Klinger


01/13/09

$
258,375

$
397,500

$
1,590,00002/27/08











75,000







$
670,50002/27/08














225,000

$
8.94

$
675,000Mr. Hunt


01/13/09

$
122,550

$
204,250

$
490,20002/27/08











13,000







$
116,22002/27/08














39,000

$
8.94

$
117,000Mr. Strickland


01/13/09

$
107,100

$
129,000

$
428,40002/27/08











16,000







$
143,04002/27/08














48,000

$
8.94

$
144,000


---

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Table of Contents

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table

The following table discloses information regarding outstanding awards under the LTIP and the 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan
as of December 31, 2008.

OPTION AWARDS(a)

STOCK AWARDSNAME

NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS
(#)
EXERCISABLE

NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
OPTIONS
(#)
UNEXERCISABLE

EQUITY
INCENTIVE
PLAN AWARDS:
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
UNEXERCISED
UNEARNED
OPTIONS
(#)

OPTION
EXERCISE
PRICE
($)

OPTION
EXPIRATION
DATE

NUMBER OF
SHARES
OR UNITS
THAT HAVE
NOT VESTED
(#)(b)

MARKET VALUE
OF SHARES
OR UNITS
THAT HAVE
NOT VESTED
($)(c)Mr. Moore

















272,801

$
70,928200,000


0


0

$
13.13


05/01/09200,000


0


0

$
14.25


03/14/1050,000


0


0

$
14.42


06/15/11200,000


0


0

$
15.38


02/12/12300,000


0


0

$
13.53


02/20/13180,000


0


0

$
18.78


07/22/14200,000


0


0

$
16.37


02/23/150


0


500,000

$
13.05


03/02/130


200,000


0

$
13.05


03/02/160


240,000


0

$
12.75


02/26/170


300,000


0

$
8.94


02/27/181,330,000


740,000


500,000Mr. Hinrichs

















33,100

$
8,60620,000


0


0

$
13.13


05/01/0910,000


0


0

$
14.25


03/14/1015,000


0


0

$
14.42


06/15/1150,000


0


0

$
14.98


01/18/1220,000


0


0

$
17.03


05/10/1250,000


0


0

$
13.53


02/20/1330,000


0


0

$
18.78


07/22/1432,500


0


0

$
16.37


02/23/150


0


75,000

$
13.05


03/02/130


32,500


0

$
13.05


03/02/160


24,000


0

$
12.75


02/26/170


30,000


0

$
8.94


02/27/18227,500


86,500


75,000Mr. Klinger

















274,989

$
71,4970


0


300,000

$
13.10


03/02/130


150,000


0

$
13.10


05/11/160


180,000


0

$
12.75


02/26/170


225,000


0

$
8.94


02/27/180


555,000


300,000Mr. Hunt

















31,386

$
8,16060,000


0


0

$
14.25


03/14/1015,000


0


0

$
14.42


06/15/1112,000


0


0

$
17.03


05/10/1212,000


0


0

$
14.38


05/08/1312,000


0


0

$
18.78


07/22/1413,000


0


0

$
16.37


02/23/150


0


50,000

$
13.05


03/02/130


19,500


0

$
13.05


03/02/160


24,000


0

$
12.75


02/26/170


39,000


0

$
8.94


02/27/18124,000


82,500


50,000Mr. Strickland

















59,633

$
15,5050


0


75,000

$
10.48


03/02/130


35,000


0

$
10.48


03/02/160


24,000


0

$
12.75


02/26/170


48,000


0

$
8.94


02/27/180


107,000


75,000


---

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Table of Contents

Option Exercises and Stock Vested Table

The following table summarizes information regarding the exercise of options and the vesting of stock awards during the fiscal year
ended December 31, 2008.

OPTION AWARDS

STOCK AWARDSNAME

NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
EXERCISE
(#)

VALUE
REALIZED ON
EXERCISE
($)

NUMBER OF
SHARES
ACQUIRED ON
VESTING
(#)

VALUE
REALIZED ON
VESTING
($)Mr. Moore


0


0


85,237

$
723,781Mr. Hinrichs


0


0


13,912

$
118,038Mr. Klinger


0


0


0

$
0Mr. Hunt


0


0


6,257

$
53,002Mr. Strickland


0


0


0

$
0


PAYMENTS ON TERMINATION AND CHANGE IN CONTROL

Pension Benefits Table

The Company provides retirement benefits to each of the Named Executive Officers (other than Messrs. Klinger and Strickland)
under a tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan (the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Pension Plan for Salaried Employees (the "Pension Plan", or the "JSC Pension Plan", "Stone
Pension Plan" or "Universal Pension Plan", as defined below)) and one of three non-qualified defined benefit pension plans (the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Supplemental Income Pension
Plan II ("SIPP II"), the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Supplemental Income Pension Plan III/Stone Top-Hat Plan/St. Laurent Paperboard Executive Supplemental Retirement Plan ("SIPP
III"), or the plan established pursuant to the Executive Retirement Agreement with Mr. Klinger (the "Klinger Retirement Agreement")). Benefits provided under the Pension Plan are based on one
of two sets of plan provisions for service prior to January 1, 2007. Benefits for employees of the former Jefferson Smurfit Corporation are determined under the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation
Pension Plan (the "JSC Pension Plan"). For service after December 31, 2006, benefits are based on the provisions of the Universal Pension Plan. All benefit accruals in the Pension Plan ceased
as of December 31, 2008. The following table discloses information regarding the present value of the current accrued pension benefits of the Named Executive Officers computed as of
December 31, 2008. There were no payments made to the Named Executive Officers pursuant to these plans during the last fiscal year. See "Compensation Discussion and
AnalysisPost-Termination Benefits" for additional information regarding the Company's pension plans.

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Table of Contents

NAME

PLAN NAME(a)

NUMBER OF
YEARS
CREDITED
SERVICE
(#)

PRESENT
VALUE OF
ACCUMULATED
BENEFIT
($)(b)Mr. Moore

Tax-Qualified Pension Plan


22

$
437,277SIPP II


22

$
6,495,700Total




$
6,932,977Mr. Hinrichs

Tax-Qualified Pension Plan


14

$
281,385SIPP II


14

$
1,055,922Total




$
1,337,307Mr. Klinger

Executive Retirement Agreement


2

$
203,245Total




$
203,245Mr. Hunt

Tax-Qualified Pension Plan


18

$
239,769SIPP III


18

$
212,834Total




$
452,603Mr. Strickland

N/A


N/A

$
0Total




$
0


---

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Table of Contents

PENSION PLANS

Tax-Qualified Pension Plan

Salaried employees hired before January 1, 2006 are eligible to participate in this plan. The plan provisions that apply for
benefit accruals before January 1, 2007 are based on the company with which the employee originally became employed. For accruals after December 31, 2006, the Universal Pension Plan
provisions apply. All benefit accruals ceased as of December 31, 2008. The normal form of payment is a single life annuity with survivor options provided on an actuarially equivalent basis.

Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Pension Plan

Participants earn service for the period of employment prior to January 1, 2007. The benefit formula is 1.5% of final average
earnings minus 1.2% of the primary insurance amount, all multiplied by years of service. Earnings include total compensation except for payments under annual incentive plans, and any
long-term incentive program or employment contract, up to the applicable tax-qualified plan compensation limit ($230,000 in 2008). Final average earnings are the average of the
highest five consecutive years of earnings out of the last 10 years prior to December 31, 2008. Participants vest in their benefits after completing five years of service with the
Company. The normal retirement age is age 65, but participants who complete 25 years of service or are age 55 with five years of service may elect to retire early. Benefits are reduced by 5%
per year from age 65 if the participant has less than 10 years of service at termination and from age 62 if the participant has at least 10 years of service.

Universal Pension Plan

Participants earn service for the period of employment with the Company for the period after December 31, 2006 and prior to
January 1, 2009. The benefit formula is 0.9% of final average earnings plus 0.4% of final average earnings in excess of covered compensation, all multiplied by years of service up to
30 years (or 30 years less service earned prior to January 1, 2007 under the predecessor plan). Earnings include total compensation except for payments under the MIP, certain
other annual incentive plans and any long-term incentive program or employment agreement, up to the applicable tax-qualified plan compensation limit ($230,000 in 2008). Final
average earnings are the average of the highest five consecutive years of earnings out of the last 10 years prior to the earlier of termination or December 31, 2008. Participants vest in
their benefits after completing five years of service with the Company. The normal retirement age is age 65, but participants who are age 55 with 10 years of service may elect to retire early.
Benefits are reduced by 6% per year from age 65.

SIPP II

SIPP II was designed to provide a benefit to certain participants selected by the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Board of Directors. The
Company has not admitted new participants into this plan since 1998, and only three currently active officers of the Company are participants, including Messrs. Moore and Hinrichs. Participants
earn service for the period of employment with the Company. The benefit formula is 2.5% of final average earnings multiplied by service limited to 20 years plus 1.0% of final average earnings
multiplied by service in excess of 20 years minus 1.2% of the primary insurance amount multiplied by service and less the benefit earned under the tax-qualified pension plan. The
portion of the benefit earned for service after December 31, 2006 (before the tax-qualified offset) is adjusted by a fraction, the numerator of which is the portion of the Universal
tax-qualified benefit that would have been earned for service after December 31, 2006 if benefit accruals had not ceased under the Universal Plan and the denominator of which is the
tax-qualified benefit that would have been earned for service after December 31, 2006 if the JSC Pension Plan provisions had not been amended. Earnings are base pay plus amounts
earned under the MIP. Final average earnings are the average of the highest five consecutive years of earnings out of the last 10 years prior to termination. All of the current participants in
this plan are vested in their benefits. The normal retirement age is age 65, but participants who are age 55 with five years of service may elect to retire early. The benefit is reduced

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Table of Contents

by
5% per year from age 65 if the participant has less than 10 years of service at termination and from age 62 if the participant has at least 10 years of service. For the portion of the
benefit earned for service after December 31, 2006, the early commencement factors are applied to the respective benefits before the fractional adjustment described above is made. The normal
form of payment is a single-life annuity. Participants were required to elect to receive their benefits in the form of a lump-sum distribution or another optional form, which
is actuarially equivalent, by making a written election by December 31, 2008. Both Mr. Moore and Mr. Hinrichs elected the lump sum-distribution.

SIPP III

SIPP III restores benefits to participants whose compensation exceeds the applicable tax-qualified plan compensation limits
($230,000 in 2008). The provisions of SIPP III are the same as the relevant portion of the Pension Plan described above, except earnings above the applicable tax-qualified plan
compensation limit are used. This SIPP III benefit is then offset by the Pension Plan benefit. All benefit accruals ceased as of December 31, 2008.

Executive Retirement Agreement with Mr. Klinger

The Klinger Retirement Agreement was designed to provide a target benefit to Mr. Klinger. Service is earned while he is employed
by the Company. The benefit formula is 50% of final average earnings, less $30,678 and benefits earned under any Company sponsored retirement plans, excluding accruals attributable to salary deferrals
and matching employer contributions. Earnings include basic salary and annual incentive bonuses, but exclude compensation under long-term incentive plans and any other bonus or incentive
compensation. Final average earnings are the average of the highest four consecutive years of earnings out of the last 10 years prior to termination. Mr. Klinger is immediately vested in
his benefit. Prior to completing 15 years of service with the Company, the benefit will be prorated by the ratio of service at termination to 15. Mr. Klinger is entitled to a full
retirement benefit after completion of 15 years of service. Benefits commence on the first day of the seventh month following termination, if he has completed at least 15 years of
service, or on the later of age 62 or the first day of the seventh month following termination if he has not completed 15 years of service. The normal form of payment is a
single-life annuity. The value of the single-life annuity benefit is converted and paid in five equal annual installments.

The
impact of the Company's bankruptcy filing on the Pension Plan, SIPP II, SIPP III and the Klinger Retirement Agreement is unknown at this time.

Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Table

The following table discloses contributions, earnings and balances under the Company's non-qualified deferred compensation
plan for Mr. Moore as of December 31, 2008. This non-qualified deferred compensation plan is no longer offered by the Company, and Mr. Moore is the only Named
Executive Officer participating in the plan. He is no longer eligible to make executive contributions to the plan, and the Company makes no registrant contributions to the plan. The only contributions
made to this plan were employee contributions of deferred bonus payments from 1991. Earnings in Mr. Moore's account accrue on the basis of a fixed rate of interest tied to Moody's Corporate
Bond Yield Index plus 2%. The earnings represent an unfunded liability of the Company. Subject to the

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Table of Contents

impact
of our bankruptcy filing, Mr. Moore will be entitled to receive the payout under this plan only upon retirement or other termination of employment with the Company.

NAME

REGISTRANT
CONTRIBUTIONS
IN LAST
FISCAL YEAR
($)

AGGREGATE
EARNINGS
IN LAST
FISCAL YEAR
($)(a)

AGGREGATE
WITHDRAWALS/
DISTRIBUTIONS
($)

AGGREGATE
BALANCE AT
LAST FISCAL
YEAR END
($)(a)Mr. Moore

$
0

$
34,774

$
0

$
449,779


---

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Each Independent Director is entitled to receive an annual fee of $120,000 as compensation for serving on the Board. Independent
Directors also receive a fee of $1,500 per Board and committee meeting attended, plus travel expenses. The Chairman of the Audit Committee receives an additional fee of $10,000 annually, and the
Chairmen of the Compensation Committee, the Nominating and Governance Committee and the Strategy and Finance Committee receive an additional fee of $7,500 annually. Mr. O'Connor, as Lead
Independent Director, also receives a fee of $20,000 annually for his service in that capacity. The Company also maintains a matching gift program for charitable donations of up to $7,500 per year
made by Independent Directors. Messrs. Moore and Klinger do not receive any additional compensation by reason of their membership on, or attendance at meetings of, the Board. In 2008, the
annual fee of $120,000 was payable $50,000 in cash and $70,000 in restricted stock units ("RSUs"), which were valued on the date of the 2008 annual meeting of stockholders. In light of the significant
deterioration of the equity value of the Company's common stock, the Nominating and Governance Committee determined that the annual fee and all Committee and meeting fees would be paid entirely in
cash in 2009.

Compensation
for members of the Board has been established and is reviewed annually by the Nominating and Governance Committee. The Nominating and Governance Committee may not delegate
its authority regarding Director compensation. The Nominating and Governance Committee considers the time spent on Board matters, which has dramatically increased in recent years, as well as the need
to attract and retain high quality directors, as the key factors in determining such compensation. In particular, in 2008 the Nominating and Governance Committee approved additional compensation for
Committee Chairmen and the Lead Independent Director to recognize the significant commitment of time required by these positions. In determining the form and amount of director compensation, the
Nominating and Governance Committee periodically solicits analysis from Hewitt Associates, LLP, the consultant retained by the Compensation Committee, regarding the level and form of director
compensation at companies of similar size and complexity to the Company. No Executive Officer has a role in determining or recommending Director compensation. The Board previously adopted a policy to
require Independent Directors to hold at least $100,000 worth of Common Stock at all times, but has indefinitely suspended such policy due to the significant deterioration in the value of the
Company's common stock.

Director Compensation Table

The following table discloses compensation paid for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 to the Independent Directors for
serving as members of the Board. For information relating to

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Table of Contents

compensation
of Messrs. Moore and Klinger, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President and Chief Operating Officer, respectively, see "Executive Compensation."

NAME

FEES
EARNED OR
PAID IN CASH
($)

STOCK
AWARDS
($)(a)

OPTION
AWARDS
($)(b)

ALL
OTHER
COMPENSATION
($)(c)

TOTAL
($)James R. Boris(d)(e)

$
16,000

$
132,897

$
0

$
0

$
148,897Connie K. Duckworth(d)(e)

$
17,500

$
116,397

$
0

$
0

$
133,897Alan E. Goldberg(e)(f)

$
0

$
53,897

$
0

$
0

$
53,897William T. Lynch, Jr.(e)

$
87,500

$
53,897

$
0

$
7,500

$
148,897James J. O'Connor(e)

$
113,500

$
53,897

$
1,466

$
7,500

$
176,363Jerry K. Pearlman(e)(g)(h)

$
96,000

$
53,897

$
1,466

$
69,582

$
220,945Thomas A. Reynolds, III(e)

$
78,500

$
53,897

$
1,466

$
0

$
133,863Eugene C. Sit(e)(i)

$
33,500

$
53,897

$
0

$
12,067

$
99,464William D. Smithburg(d)(e)

$
17,500

$
125,397

$
0

$
0

$
142,897


---

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Table of Contents

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS AND POST-TERMINATION PAYMENTS

The Company has entered into agreements (the "Employment Agreements") with Messrs. Moore, Klinger and Hinrichs. The Employment
Agreements require the executives to devote substantially all of their business time to the Company's operations through the term of each executive's respective Employment Agreement, unless sooner
terminated by either party in accordance with the provisions of such Employment Agreement. The Employment Agreements provide that the executives shall be eligible to participate in any annual
performance bonus plans, long-term incentive plans, and/or equity-based compensation plans established or maintained by the Company for its senior executive officers, including the MIP and
the LTIP.

The
Employment Agreements provide that if the Company terminates the executive's employment "without cause" or the executive terminates his employment with "good reason", the Company
will: (i) pay the executive the full amount of base salary and annual bonus that the Company would have paid under the Employment Agreement had the executive's employment continued to the end
of the employment term; (ii) continue the executive's coverage under the Company's medical, dental, life, disability, pension, profit-sharing and other executive benefit plans through the end
of the employment term; (iii) provide the executive with certain perquisites until the end of the employment term, provided that these Company-provided perquisites will be reduced to the extent
the executive receives comparable perquisites without cost during a period of 36 months for Mr. Moore, and 24 months for Messrs. Klinger and Hinrichs following each
executive's employment termination (the "Post Termination Period"); (iv) continue to count the period through the end of the employment term for purposes of determining the executive's age and
service with the Company with respect to (A) eligibility, vesting and the amount of benefits under the Company's executive benefit plans, and (B) the vesting of any outstanding stock
options, restricted stock or other equity-based compensation awards; and (v) provide outplacement services.

The
Employment Agreements also provide that if, within 24 months following a "change of control" of the Company, the Company terminates the executive's employment "without cause"
or the executive terminates his employment with "good reason", the Company will: (i) pay the executive a multiple of three times for Mr. Moore, and two times for Messrs. Klinger
and Hinrichs the executive's base salary, as in effect on the date of his termination; (ii) a multiple of three times for Mr. Moore, and two times for Messrs. Klinger and Hinrichs
the highest of (A) the average annual bonus paid for a prescribed period immediately preceding the executive's employment termination, (B) the target bonus for the fiscal year in which
such termination of employment occurs, or (C) the actual bonus attained for the fiscal year in which such termination occurs; (iii) continue the executive's coverage under the Company's
medical, dental, life, disability, and other executive benefit plans for the Post Termination Period; (iv) pay the value of continued coverage during the Post Termination Period under any
pension, profit-sharing or other retirement plan maintained by the Company; (v) continue to provide the executive with certain perquisites, provided that these Company-provided perquisites will
be reduced to the extent the executive receives comparable perquisites without cost during the Post Termination

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Period;
(vi) immediately vest all stock options, restricted stock and other equity-based awards; and (vii) pay for certain outplacement services to the executive. The Company generally
must make the payments described above within 10 days of the executive's employment termination. Furthermore, the Employment Agreements provide that if the payments and benefits described above
would be "excess parachute payments" as defined in Code Section 280G, with the effect that the executive is liable for the payment of an excise tax, then the Company will pay the executive an
additional amount to "gross up" the executive for such excise tax.

In
general, each of the following transactions is considered a change in control under the Employment Agreements: (a) a third party's acquisition of 20% or more of the Common
Stock; (b) an unapproved change in the majority of the Board; (c) completing certain reorganization, merger or consolidation transactions or a sale of all or substantially all of the
Company's assets; or (d) the complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

The
Employment Agreements also prohibit the executives from: (i) disclosing the Company's confidential information, inventions or developments; (ii) diverting any business
opportunities or prospects from the Company; and (iii) during their employment and for a period of up to two years following termination of their employment, competing with any business
conducted by the Company or any of its affiliates, or soliciting any employees, customers or suppliers of the Company within the United States.

Several
other executives (including Messrs. Strickland and Hunt) are parties to Employment Security Agreements (collectively, the "Severance Agreements") with the Company. The
Severance Agreements provide for a lump sum payment based on a specified multiple of salary and bonus plus the payment of certain fringe benefits under certain circumstances within two years after a
"change of control" (as such term is defined in the Severance Agreements).

The
tables set forth below reflect the incremental cost to the Company of providing payments and benefits, which are generally not available on a non-discriminatory basis, in
connection
with a change of control of the Company or, with respect to Messrs. Moore, Hinrichs and Klinger, any termination, including involuntary termination without cause and voluntary termination with
good reason, death, and disability. No amounts are payable to any of the Named Executive Officers in the event that their employment is involuntarily terminated for cause. Messrs. Moore, Klinger and
Hinrichs would be entitled to payment of MIP awards under their respective Employment Agreements in the event they voluntarily terminate their employment without good reason. The incremental cost to
the Company for vesting stock options is reported as zero since the exercise prices of the Named Executive Officers' outstanding stock options were greater than the Company's stock price on
December 31, 2008. The computation of health and welfare benefits is based on the assumptions applied under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 106,Employer's Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. The amounts shown in the tables assume that such terminations
occurred on December 31, 2008, and thus only include amounts earned through such time. The actual amounts that would be paid out under each circumstance can only be determined at the time of
separation. Certain of the benefits provided by the Employment Agreements and the Employment Security Agreements are limited as a result of the bankruptcy filing, and the treatment of these contracts
in the course of our bankruptcy proceeding is uncertain.

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Mr. Moore

Type of Payment

Involuntary
Termination
without Cause
or Voluntary
Termination
with Good
Reason
($)

Voluntary
Termination of
Employment for
Other Than
Good Reason
($)

Death
($)

Disability
($)

Change In
Control Only
($)

Change In
Control and
Termination
without Cause
or with Good
Reason
($)Cash CompensationCash Severance

$
6,642,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
6,642,0002008 Management Incentive Plan

$
553,500

$
1,107,000

$
1,107,000

$
1,107,000

$
0

$
553,500Long-Term IncentivesStock OptionsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Restricted Stock UnitsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
70,928

$
0

$
70,928

$
70,928

$
70,928

$
70,928Retirement BenefitsPension Plan

$
769,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
769,000Qualified 401(k) Plan

$
51,450

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
51,450Deferred Compensation Plan

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0BenefitsContinuation of Health & Welfare Benefits

$
91,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
91,000Life Insurance and Death Benefit Payout

$
0

$
0

$
1,107,000

$
0

$
0

$
0Disability Payments

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
510,000

$
0

$
0Perquisites and Tax PaymentsPerquisites

$
52,235

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
52,235Outplacement

$
50,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Excise Tax & Gross-Up

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
3,309,338Total

$
8,280,113

$
1,107,000

$
2,284,928

$
1,687,928

$
70,928

$
11,589,451


Mr. Klinger

Type of Payment

Involuntary
Termination
without Cause
or Voluntary
Termination
with Good
Reason
($)

Voluntary
Termination of
Employment for
Other Than
Good Reason
($)

Death
($)

Disability
($)

Change In
Control Only
($)

Change In
Control and
Termination
without Cause
or with Good
Reason
($)Cash CompensationCash Severance

$
3,180,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
3,180,0002008 Management Incentive Plan

$
397,500

$
795,000

$
795,000

$
795,000

$
0

$
397,500Long-Term IncentivesStock OptionsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Restricted Stock UnitsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
50,191

$
0

$
71,497

$
71,497

$
71,497

$
71,497Retirement BenefitsPension Plan

$
356,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
356,000Qualified 401(k) Plan

$
34,300

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
34,300Deferred Compensation Plan

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0BenefitsContinuation of Health & Welfare Benefits

$
36,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
36,000Life Insurance and Death Benefit Payout

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Disability Payments

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
614,000

$
0

$
0Perquisites and Tax PaymentsPerquisites

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Outplacement

$
50,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Excise Tax & Gross-Up

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
1,481,032Total

$
4,103,991

$
795,000

$
866,497

$
1,480,497

$
71,497

$
5,606,329


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Table of Contents

Mr. Hinrichs

Type of Payment

Involuntary
Termination
without Cause
or Voluntary
Termination
with Good
Reason
($)

Voluntary
Termination of
Employment for
Other Than
Good Reason
($)

Death
($)

Disability
($)

Change In
Control Only
($)

Change In
Control and
Termination
without Cause
or with Good
Reason
($)Cash CompensationCash Severance

$
1,337,600

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
1,337,6002008 Management Incentive Plan

$
130,000

$
250,800

$
250,800

$
250,800

$
0

$
130,000Long-Term IncentivesStock OptionsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Restricted Stock UnitsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
5,518

$
0

$
8,606

$
8,606

$
8,606

$
8,606Retirement BenefitsPension Plan

$
323,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
323,000Qualified 401(k) Plan

$
34,300

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
34,300Deferred Compensation Plan

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0BenefitsContinuation of Health & Welfare Benefits

$
50,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Life Insurance and Death Benefit Payout

$
0




$
418,000

$
0

$
0

$
0Disability Payments

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
489,000

$
0

$
0Perquisites and Tax PaymentsPerquisites

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Outplacement

$
50,000

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Excise Tax & Gross-Up

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
706,575Total

$
1,930,418

$
250,800

$
677,406

$
748,406

$
8,606

$
2,640,081


Mr. Hunt

Type of Payment

Involuntary
Termination
without Cause
or Voluntary
Termination
with Good
Reason
($)



Death
($)

Disability
($)

Change In
Control Only
($)

Change In
Control and
Termination
without Cause
or with Good
Reason
($)Cash CompensationCash Severance

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
1,116,0532008 Management Incentive Plan

$
204,250




$
204,250

$
204,250

$
0

$
204,250Long-Term IncentivesStock OptionsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Restricted Stock UnitsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0




$
8,160

$
8,160

$
8,160

$
8,160Retirement BenefitsPension Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Qualified 401(k) Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Deferred Compensation Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0BenefitsContinuation of Health & Welfare Benefits

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
30,000Life Insurance and Death Benefit Payout

$
0




$
408,500

$
0

$
0

$
0Disability Payments

$
0




$
0

$
651,000

$
0

$
0Perquisites and Tax PaymentsPerquisites

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Outplacement

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Excise Tax & Gross-Up

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Total

$
204,250




$
620,910

$
863,410

$
8,160

$
1,408,463


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Table of Contents

Mr. Strickland

Type of Payment

Involuntary
Termination
without Cause
or Voluntary
Termination
with Good
Reason
($)



Death
($)

Disability
($)

Change In
Control Only
($)

Change In
Control and
Termination
without Cause
or with Good
Reason
($)Cash CompensationCash Severance

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
964,0002008 Management Incentive Plan

$
129,000




$
129,000

$
129,000

$
0

$
129,000Long-Term IncentivesStock OptionsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Restricted Stock UnitsUnvested and Accelerated Awards

$
0




$
15,505

$
15,505

$
15,505

$
15,505Retirement BenefitsPension Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Qualified 401(k) Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Deferred Compensation Plan

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0BenefitsContinuation of Health & Welfare Benefits

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
48,000Life Insurance and Death Benefit Payout

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Disability Payments

$
0




$
0

$
444,000

$
0

$
0Perquisites and Tax PaymentsPerquisites

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Outplacement

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
50,000Excise Tax & Gross-Up

$
0




$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0Total

$
129,000




$
144,505

$
588,505

$
15,505

$
1,206,505


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Table of Contents

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

EXISTING EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The table below shows information with respect to all of our equity compensation plans as of February 28, 2009. As of
February 28, 2009, there were 23,680,301 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under all of the stock- based incentive plans of the Company.

Plan Category

Number of Securities to
be Issued Upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights(a)

Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options,
Warrants and
Rights
($ per share)

Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities Reflected
in Column at Left)(#)Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

11,991,151

13.13

9,164,124Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

0

N/A

0Total

11,991,151

13.13

9,164,124


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Table of Contents

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of Common Stock by each person who is known to the
Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock as of February 28, 2009. Except as noted below, the stockholders named below have sole voting and investment power with
respect to all shares of Common Stock shown as being beneficially owned by them.

Name and Address of
Beneficial Owner

Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership(a)

Percent of
Common
StockWellington Management Company, LLP


29,113,422


11.37
%75 State Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109Fiduciary Counselors Inc.


21,832,774


8.96
%700 12th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20005Platinum Investment Management Limited


14,666,837


5.7
%c/o Platinum Investment Management
Level 8
7 Macquarie Place
Sydney, Australia 2000


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Table of Contents

Security Ownership of Management

The table below sets forth certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock as of February 28,
2009 for (i) each Director, (ii) each of the Named Executive Officers (as defined below) and (iii) all Directors and Executive Officers (as defined below) of the Company as a
group.

SHARES OF COMMON STOCKNAME

AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
BENEFICIAL
OWNERSHIP(a)(b)

PERCENT OF
COMMON
STOCK(c)Patrick J. Moore


1,779,491

0.7%Steven J. Klinger


66,492

*Charles A. Hinrichs


314,529

0.1%Craig A. Hunt


170,292

*Steven C. Strickland


8,158

*James R. Boris


67,026

*Connie K. Duckworth


37,901

*William T. Lynch Jr.


27,134

*James J. O'Connor


38,908

*Jerry K. Pearlman


40,852

*Thomas A. Reynolds III


90,933

*William D. Smithburg


65,956

*All directors and executive officers as a group (20 Persons)


3,543,883

1.4%


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Table of Contents

In
addition to the shares of Common Stock and RSUs beneficially owned set forth above, Directors and Executive Officers held the number of unvested RSUs set forth opposite their
respective names as of February 28, 2009.

NAME

Total Number of
RSUs heldPatrick J. Moore


280,888Steven J. Klinger


274,989Charles A. Hinrichs


21,890Craig A. Hunt


24,619Steven C. Strickland


59,633James R. Boris


19,681Connie K. Duckworth


19,681William T. Lynch Jr.


19,681James J. O'Connor


19,681Jerry K. Pearlman


19,681Thomas A. Reynolds III


19,681William D. Smithburg


19,681All Directors and Executive Officers as a group (20 Persons)


1,020,037


ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

It is the responsibility of the Company's Audit Committee to review and approve all material related party transactions pursuant to its
Charter. The Audit Committee's current practice with respect to the review and approval of related party transactions is to apply standards consistent with the director independence standards of
Nasdaq and the disclosure requirements of the SEC for such transactions.

Each
of the Directors other than Mr. Moore and Mr. Klinger satisfies the definition of an independent director set forth in the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines
and Principles, and is referred to as an "Independent Director". In reaching its determination that Mr. Smithburg is an Independent Director, the Board considered the fact that
Mr. Smithburg is a member of the board of directors of Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., which sold the Company equipment for $28 million, $15 million and $15 million
during 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively, and a member of the board of directors of Abbott Laboratories, to which the Company sold products for $5 million in 2008. Such sales were made on an
arm's-length basis, and Mr. Smithburg received no direct or indirect benefit from such transactions merely as a result of his serving on such companies' boards of directors. In reaching its
determination that Mr. O'Connor is an Independent Director, the Board considered the fact that Mr. O'Connor has since February 2007 been a member of the board of directors of Armstrong World
Industries, Inc., to which the Company sold products for $4 million and $3 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Such sales were made on an arms-length basis, and Mr. O'Conor received
no direct or indirect benefit from such transactions merely as a result of his serving on such Company's board of directors. In reaching its determination that Mr. Reynolds is an Independent
Director, the Board considered the fact that the fees paid to Mr. Reynolds' law firm in 2008 were a minor percentage of the firm's revenues.

The
Bylaws of the Company provide that the Independent Directors shall hold regularly scheduled meetings ("Executive Sessions") where only Independent Directors are present, and shall
elect one director to act as the Lead Independent Director to preside at all Executive Sessions. Mr. O'Connor currently serves as Lead Independent Director. The Board held 13 meetings in 2008,
and the Independent Directors held Executive Sessions at six meetings. The Board maintains four standing

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Table of Contents

committees:
an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Governance Committee and a Strategy and Finance Committee.

ITEM 14.    PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm for the Company since July 1982, has been appointed by
the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors as the independent registered public accounting firm for the Company for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009.

The
following table shows fees for professional services rendered by Ernst & Young LLP for 2007 and 2008:

2007

2008Audit Fees

$
2,602,200

$
2,724,650Audit-Related Fees


247,500


353,410Tax Fees


392,056


247,467All Other Fees


0


0Total

$
3,241,756

$
3,325,527


Audit
fees include services for the audit of the consolidated financial statements, attesting to the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, the review
of the quarterly financial statements, filings of registration statements with the SEC, comfort letters for underwriters, consultation concerning financial accounting and reporting standards and
international statutory audits. Audit-related fees include audits of employee benefit plans, attest services related to financial reporting that are not required by statute or regulation and audits of
disposed businesses. Tax fees include services for federal, state and foreign tax compliance and tax research assistance.

All
audit, tax and other services to be performed by Ernst & Young LLP for us must be pre-approved by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee reviews the
description of the services and an estimate of the anticipated costs of performing those services. Services not previously approved cannot commence until such approval has been granted.
Pre-approval is granted usually at regularly scheduled meetings. If unanticipated items arise between meetings of the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee has delegated approval authority
to the Chairman of the Audit Committee, in which case the Chairman communicates such pre-approvals to the full Committee at its next meeting. During 2007 and 2008, all services performed
by Ernst & Young LLP were pre-approved by the Audit Committee in accordance with this policy. The Audit Committee reviews all relationships with Ernst &
Young LLP,
including the provision of non-audit services, which may relate to the independent registered public accounting firm's independence. The Audit Committee considered the effect of
Ernst & Young LLP's non-audit services in assessing the independence of such independent registered public accounting firm and concluded that the provision of such services
by Ernst & Young LLP was compatible with the maintenance of that firm's independence in the conduct of its auditing functions.

The
Audit Committee in its discretion may select a different registered public accounting firm at any time during the year if it determines that such a change would be in the best
interests of the Company and our stockholders.

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PART IV

ITEM 15.    EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

2.1
(a)
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated May 11, 2006, by and among Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc.("SSCE"), Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc. and Bluegrass Container Company, LLC (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's ("SSCC") Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2006 (File No. 0-23876)).2.1
(b)
Amendment No. 1 to Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 30, 2006, by and among Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc., Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc. and Bluegrass Container Company, LLC
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 6, 2006 (File No. 0-23876)).2.2

Asset Purchase Agreement, dated August 8, 2007, by and among SSCE, Georgia-Pacific Brewton LLC and Georgia-Pacific LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to SSCC's Current Report on
Form 8-K filed August 10, 2007 (File No. 0-23876)).3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of SSCC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).3.2
(a)
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 (File
No. 0-23876)).3.2
(b)
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of SSCC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 2, 2007 (File No. 0-23876)).3.2
(c)
Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of SSCC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 4, 2008 (File No. 0-23876)).4.1

Certificate for Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Common Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-57085)).4.2

Form of Certificate of Designation establishing the terms of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to SSCC's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 (File No. 333-43656)).4.3

Certificate for Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's Series A Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-43656)).4.4

Certificate of Designation of Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
(File No. 0-23876)).4.5

Rights Agreement dated as of September 9, 2002 by and between SSCC and Mellon Investor Services, as Rights Agent. The Rights Agreement includes as Exhibit B the form of Rights Certificate and as Exhibit C
the form of Certificate of Designations (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 10, 2002 (File No. 0-23876)).


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Indentures
and other debt instruments with respect to long-term debt that do not exceed 10% of the total assets of SSCC and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis are not filed herewith.
The Registrant agrees to furnish a copy of such documents to the Commission upon request.

4.6
(a)
Master Indenture dated as of November 23, 2004 between SSCE Funding, LLC, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to SSCE Current
Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).4.6
(b)
Series 2004-1 Indenture Supplement to Master Indenture dated as of November 23, 2004 between SSCE Funding, LLC, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to SSCE's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).4.6
(c)
Series 2004-2 Indenture Supplement to Master Indenture dated as of November 23, 2004 between SSCE Funding, LLC, as Issuer, and Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Indenture Trustee (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to SSCE's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).4.7
(a)
Form of 8.000% Senior Notes due 2017 of Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to SSCE's Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration Number 333-141630
(the "SSCE Form S-4").4.7
(b)
Indenture dated as of March 26, 2007, between Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc. and The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, relating to SSCE's 8.000% Senior Notes due 2017
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the SSCE Form S-4).4.7
(c)
Form of 8.25% Senior Notes due 2012 of Jefferson Smurfit Corporation (U.S.)(JSC(U.S.)). (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to JSCE, Inc.'s (JSE) Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration Number 333-101419
(the "JSCE Form S-4").4.7
(d)
Indenture dated as of September 26, 2002, among JSC(U.S.), JSCE and the Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to JSC(U.S.)'s 8.25% Senior Notes due 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to JSCE's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 20, 2002 (File No. 0-11951)).10.1
(a)
Credit Agreement, dated November 1, 2004, by and among SSCC, as guarantor, SSCE and Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc., as borrowers, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Senior Agent, Deposit Account Agent and
Deposit Funded Facility Facing Agent, Deutsche Bank and Trust Company Americas, as Senior Agent, Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Revolving Facility Facing Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, as Canadian Administrative Agent and
Revolving (Canadian) Facility Facing Agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto, as lenders (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 1, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.1
(b)
Amendment No. 1, dated as of September 30, 2005, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2004, among SSCC, as Guarantor, SSCE and Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc., as Borrowers, the Lenders
party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Senior Agent, Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Revolving Facility Facing Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Revolving (Canadian)
Facility Facing Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Senior Agent, Deposit Account Agent and Deposit Funded Facility Facing Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 5, 2005
(File No. 0-23876)).


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10.1
(c)
Incremental Term Loan Assumption and Amendment No. 2, dated as of December 20, 2005, related to the Credit Agreement, dated as of November 1, 2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of
September 30, 2005, among SSCC, as Guarantor, SSCE and Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc., as Borrowers, the Lenders party thereto, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Senior Agent, Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline
Lender and Revolving Facility Facing Agent, Deutsche Bank AG, as Canadian Administrative Agent and Revolving (Canadian) Facility Facing Agent, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Senior Agent, Deposit Account Agent and Deposit Funded Facility
Facing Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2005 (File No. 0-23876)).10.1
(d)
Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 9, 2006, to the Credit Agreement dated as of November 1, 2004, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of September 30, 2005, and Incremental Term Loan Assumption
Agreement and Amendment No. 2 dated as of December 20, 2005, among Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, as Guarantor; Smurfit-Stone Container Enterprises, Inc. and Smurfit-Stone Container Canada Inc., as Borrowers; the Lenders
from time to time party thereto; Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as Senior Agent, Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swingline Lender and Revolving Facility Facing Agent; Deutsche Bank AG, as Canadian Administrative Agent and
Revolving (Canadian) Facility Facing Agent; and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Senior Agent, Deposit Account Agent and Deposit Funded Facility Facing Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
June 13, 2006 (File No. 0-23876)).10.2

Sale Agreement dated as of November 23, 2004 by and between SSCE, as Seller, and Stone Receivables Corporation ("SRC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCE's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.3

Transfer and Servicing Agreement dated as of November 23, 2004 by and among SRC, SSCE Funding, LLC and SSCE, as Servicer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCE's Current Report on Form 8-K
dated November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.4

Variable Funding Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 23, 2004 by and among SSCE Funding, LLC, as issuer, Barton Capital LLC, as conduit purchaser, certain financial institutions, as committed
purchasers, and Societe Generale, as agent for the purchasers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCE's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 24, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.5

Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated March 30, 2004, among MBI Limited/Limitee, in its capacity as General Partner of Smurfit-MBI, an Ontario Limited Partnership and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in its
capacity as Trustee of King Street Funding Trust and Scotia Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(a) to Stone Container's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.6

Support Agreement, dated March 30, 2004, between Stone Container Corporation ("Stone Container") and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, in its capacity as Trustee of King Street Funding Trust, by its
Administrator, Scotia Capital Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2(b) to Stone Container's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.7

Amended and Restated Guaranty dated as of July 28, 2008, made by SSCE in favor of The CIT Group/Equipment Financing, Inc., as the initial lender and as Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Lenders
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 1-3439)).


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10.8

Continuing Guaranty, dated as of July 28, 2008, made by and between SSCE and Union Bank of California, N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCE's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 1-3439)).10.9
(a)*
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan, dated as of May 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1997 (File No. 0-23876)).10.9
(b)*
Amendment of the Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 1999 (File No. 0-23876)).10.10
*
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.11
*
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 (File No. 0-23876)).10.12
(a)*
Stone Container Corporation 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to Stone Container's Proxy Statement dated as of April 7, 1995 (File No. 0-23876)).10.12
(b)*
Amendment of the 1995 Long-Term Incentive Plan of Stone Container Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Stone Container's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
 1999 (File No. 0-23876)).10.13
(a)*
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.13
(b)*
First Amendment of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
 1999 (File No. 0-23876)).10.13
(c)*
Second Amendment of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2001 (File No. 0-23876)).10.13
(d)*
Third Amendment of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 1998 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
 2001 (File No. 0-23876)).10.14
(a)*
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix I to SSCC's Proxy Statement dated April 5, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.14
(b)*
First Amendment of the Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.15
*
Jefferson Smurfit Corporation Supplemental Income Pension Plan II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.16
*
Form of Employment Security Agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(h) to SSCC's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-65431)).10.17
(a)*
Employment Agreement for Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 (File No. 0-23876)).


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10.17
(b)*
First Amendment of Employment Agreement of Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.17
(c)*
Second Amendment of Employment Agreement of Patrick J. Moore effective as of July 25, 2006, between SSCC and Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (File No. 0-23876)).10.17
(d)*
Third Amendment to Employment Agreement of Patrick J. Moore entered into December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 2008
(File No. 0-23876)).10.18
(a)*
Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2002 by and between SSCC and Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter
ended September 30, 2002 (File No. 0-23876)).10.18
(b)*
Amendment, dated June 1, 2004, of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2002 by and between SSCC and Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.18
(c)*
Amendment No. 2, dated December 31, 2004, of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement dated as of January 4, 2002 by and between SSCC and Patrick J. Moore (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20(c) to
SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File No. 0-23876)).10.19
(a)*
Offer Letter dated as of May 11, 2006 between the Company and Steven J. Klinger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.19
(b)*
Employment Agreement dated as of May 11, 2006 between the Company and Steven J. Klinger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 12, 2006 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.19
(c)*
First Amendment of Employment Agreement of Steven J. Klinger, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.19
(d)*
Amendment to Employment Agreement of Steven J. Klinger, entered into December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31, 2008 (File
No. 0-23876)).10.19
(e)*
Executive Retirement Agreement, dated as of October 2, 2006, between SSCC and Steven J. Klinger (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 5,
2006 (File No. 0-23876)).10.19
(f)*
Amendment to Executive Retirement Agreement of Steven J. Klinger, entered into December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31,
2008 (File No. 0-23876)).10.20
(a)*
Employment Agreement of Charles A. Hinrichs (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 0-23876)).10.20
(b)*
First Amendment of Employment Agreement of Charles A. Hinrichs effective as of July 25, 2006, between Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation and Charles A. Hinrichs (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (File No. 0-23876)).


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10.20
(c)*
Second Amendment to Employment Agreement of Charles A. Hinrichs, entered into December 31, 2008 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to SSCC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 31,
2008 (File No. 0-23876)).10.21
*
Employment Security Agreement, dated November 4, 2008, between SSCC and Craig A. Hunt (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2008 (File No. 0-23876)).10.22
*
Employment Security Agreement, dated November 4, 2008, between SSCC and Mack C. Jackson (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to SSCC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2008 (File No. 0-23876)).10.23
*
Employment Security Agreement, dated November 16, 2006, between SSCC and Steven C. Strickland.10.24
*
Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to SSCC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 (File
No. 0-23876)).21.1

Subsidiaries of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation.23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.24.1

Powers of Attorney.31.1

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.31.2

Certification Pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.32.1

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.32.2

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of 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.

DATE March 17, 2009

SMURFIT-STONE CONTAINER CORPORATION
(Registrant)By:

/s/ CHARLES A. HINRICHS Charles A. Hinrichs Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


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

SIGNATURE

TITLE

DATE/s/ PATRICK J. MOORE Patrick J. Moore

Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 17, 2009/s/ CHARLES A. HINRICHS  Charles A. Hinrichs

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)

March 17, 2009/s/ PAUL K. KAUFMANN Paul K. Kaufmann

Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

March 17, 2009* James R. Boris

Director* Connie K. Duckworth

Director*  Steven J. Klinger

Director*  William T. Lynch, Jr.

Director


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SIGNATURE

TITLE

DATE*  James J. O'Connor

Director* Jerry K. Pearlman

Director* Thomas A. Reynolds, III

Director* William D. Smithburg

Director*By:

/s/ CHARLES A. HINRICHS Charles A. Hinrichs

Pursuant to Powers of Attorney filed
as part of Form 10-K.

March 17, 2009


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