EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1597672
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1597672_10-K_2022_0001597672-22-000011.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
We are a global leader of cellulose-based technologies, which comprise a broad offering of high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer commonly used in the production of specialty chemicals and polymers for use in producing liquid crystal displays, filters, textiles and performance additives for pharmaceutical, food and other industrial applications. Starting from a tree and building upon more than 95 years of experience in cellulose chemistry, we provide high quality high-purity cellulose pulp products that make up the essential building blocks for our customers’ products while providing exceptional service and value. We also produce unique, lightweight paperboard and a bulky, high-yield pulp for use in consumer products.
Additionally, we have made strategic investments in projects with sustainability benefits, including renewable energy projects at our Temiscaming facility in Quebec, Canada and our Tartas, France facility; TemSilk™, a high-purity product that helps our customers produce a more environmentally friendly product known as Lyocell; and Anomera, Inc., a company that manufactures carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), a patented, biodegradable product for use as an ingredient in cosmetics and various industrial materials . We have also recently launched a project at our Tartas facility to produce second-generation (“2G”) bioethanol to help meet the demand for Europe’s fast-growing biofuels market. With production expected to begin mid-2023, we expect to be among the first in France to produce wood-based 2G bioethanol fuel. Our 2G bioethanol product is expected to help petrochemical companies improve the climate profile of their energy offerings in the European market.
Prior to June 27, 2014, we consisted of Rayonier Inc.’s (“Rayonier’s”) wholly-owned performance fibers business which was engaged primarily in the production of cellulose specialties. On that date, we separated from Rayonier and started our business as an independent, publicly traded company. In November 2017, we completed the acquisition of Tembec Inc. (the “Acquisition”) which manufactured cellulose specialties, as well as lumber, paperboard, newsprint and high-yield pulp.
In November 2019, we sold the Matane pulp mill (the “Matane Mill”), which was acquired in the Acquisition. As a result of the sale, the Matane Mill’s operating results and assets and liabilities for prior periods are shown as discontinued operations. In August 2021, we sold the lumber and newsprint assets in Ontario and Québec Canada, that we had acquired in the Acquisition. As a result of the sale, the lumber and newsprint operating results as well as the assets and liabilities included in the sale are shown as discontinued operations for prior periods. See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Following the sales of the Matane Mill and the lumber and newsprint operations, we report the following business segments and all prior period disclosures have been conformed to this segment structure:
•High Purity Cellulose
•Paperboard
•High-Yield Pulp
See Note 20 - Segment and Geographical Information of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
High Purity Cellulose
The High Purity Cellulose segment, and in particular the cellulose specialties product line, is the primary driver of our profitability. Cellulose specialties are natural polymers, used as raw materials to manufacture a broad range of consumer-oriented products such as liquid crystal displays, impact-resistant plastics, thickeners for food products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, cigarette filters, high-tenacity rayon yarn for tires and industrial hoses, food casings, paints and lacquers. We manufacture products tailored to the precise and demanding chemical and physical specifications of our customers, achieving industry-leading purity and product functionality. Our ability to consistently manufacture high-quality cellulose specialties products is the result of our proprietary production processes, intellectual property, and over 95 years of technical expertise and knowledge of cellulosic chemistry.
In addition to cellulose specialties, a significant portion of our production capacity is dedicated to manufacturing high-purity commodity products for viscose and absorbent materials applications. Commodity viscose pulp is a raw material required for the manufacture of viscose staple fibers which are used in woven applications such as rayon textiles for clothing and other fabrics, and in non-woven applications such as baby wipes, cosmetic and personal wipes, industrial wipes and mattress ticking. Absorbent materials, typically referred to as fluff fibers, are used as an absorbent medium in products such as disposable baby diapers, feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads, convalescent bed pads, industrial towels and wipes and non-woven fabrics. Cellulose specialties typically contain over 95 percent cellulose, while commodity products typically contain less than 95 percent cellulose.
Our specialized assets, capable of creating the world’s leading high purity cellulose products, are also ideally suited for generating biofuels, bioelectricity and other biomaterials such as lignin and tall oils. For example, we have recently launched a 2G bioethanol project in our Tartas, France facility to serve Europe’s fast-growing biofuels market. This project will capture residual sugars from our existing pulp process and improve the sustainability of our operating model. Commercial sales of this 2G bioethanol are targeted to begin in mid-2023, under a long-term offtake agreement with a large international petrochemicals company.
Products
Cellulose Specialties
Cellulose specialties are a natural polymer primarily derived from either wood or cotton and are used as a principal raw material to manufacture a broad range of products. Cellulose specialties generally command a price premium and earn higher margins relative to other commodity wood pulp products. Cellulose specialties are a dissolving wood pulp product which target a combination of high purity and high viscosity. Unlike other wood pulps used for their physical properties, cellulose specialties are sought after for the unique chemical properties and reactivity they impart to downstream products.
Derived from wood, our cellulose specialties require high levels of purity, consistency and process knowledge. Our products play a significant role in our customers’ manufacturing processes, which require cellulose specialties of high purity and uniformity for efficient production. Therefore, our customers demand products of the highest quality. As a result, our products are custom-engineered and manufactured to each customer’s unique specifications and require a stringent qualification process, and our quality and consistency allow our customers to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively.
One of our key competitive advantages is our unique ability to leverage our global manufacturing asset base to provide our customers greater supply chain security for cellulose specialties fibers. With our four facilities and five manufacturing lines capable of producing cellulose specialties, we are the only cellulose specialties producer in the world with flexibility to use both hardwood and softwood fibers, kraft and sulfite cooking processes, and a variety of proprietary chemical treatments to provide customized product functionality. Additionally, we possess significant process knowledge: the understanding of wood fiber properties and their modification under a sequence of chemical processes, accumulated and developed over 95 years of practical application to satisfy a variety of customer needs. This process knowledge, combined with our manufacturing scale and flexibility and knowledge of customers’ applications and specifications, makes us the industry’s most adaptable modifier of cellulose fibers.
Commodity Products
We can shift our High Purity Cellulose segment manufacturing assets between commodity viscose pulp and absorbent materials production. Historically we have opted to participate in both markets and fluctuate production to take advantage of market conditions and generate the most attractive margins.
Commodity viscose pulp is primarily sold to producers of viscose staple fibers which in turn are used to manufacture rayon fibers which are widely used in the clothing and textile industries. Shifts in fashion styles and textile fiber blending have
increased demand for viscose staple fibers. Additionally, variability in cotton linter supply and increasing environmental concerns about cotton production have resulted in viscose staple producers shifting volume away from cotton linter pulp to wood-based dissolving pulp.
Absorbent materials, or fluff fibers, are typically used in consumer products such as baby diapers. These fibers provide a medium for fluid acquisition, distribution and retention in the products in which they are incorporated. Pricing for commodity products is typically referenced to published indexes or based on publicly available spot market prices.
Competition
Cellulose Specialties
Significant intellectual property, capital investment and technical expertise are needed to design and manufacture customized cellulose specialties fibers to exacting customer specifications. The product must be formulated to achieve the desired characteristics including parameters for purity, viscosity, brightness, reactivity and other physical properties. Product qualification time can be lengthy, extending six to twenty-four months. Customer relationships are typically long-term and based on an understanding of the customer’s production processes and on technical expertise, which we utilize to help us solve our customers’ production challenges and support new product development. Establishing a production line and obtaining the necessary production technologies requires substantial capital and ongoing maintenance expenditures.
Product performance and customization, technical service and price are principal methods of competition in cellulose specialties. Product performance is primarily determined by the chemical attributes of the pulp, including purity, viscosity and uniformity of the cellulose specialties. Our processes, which are a key element of our intellectual property, are capable of generating cellulose specialties purity levels in excess of 98 percent as well as the highest levels of viscosity derived from wood pulp. Typically, product pricing is set annually in the fourth quarter for the following year based on discussions with customers and the terms of contractual arrangements.
We compete with both domestic and foreign producers in cellulose specialties. Our competitors include GP Cellulose, Borregaard, Bracell, Sappi, Nippon, Cosmo Specialty Fibers and Aditya Birla Group. Some competitors use both wood and cotton linter fibers, as a source of cellulose fibers. Our multiple manufacturing lines, processes and intellectual property allow us to compete in more segments of the cellulose specialties market than any of our competitors.
Commodity Products
The principal method of competition in commodity products is price, as purity and uniformity are less critical differentiators. We compete with both domestic and foreign producers of commodity products.
For commodity viscose pulp, many competitors derive their commodity viscose pulp from either wood or cotton. Although cellulose specialties can generally be sold to meet commodity viscose demand, the reverse is not typically true. However, in recent years commodity viscose pulp has continued to supplant cotton as the preferred raw material input for viscose staple fiber production. For commodity viscose pulp, our major competitors include Sappi, Austrocell and Bracell.
For absorbent materials, our major competitors include GP Cellulose, Domtar, International Paper and Klabin.
Paperboard
We manufacture paperboard in the Temiscaming plant in Quebec, Canada. Paperboard is used for printing documents, brochures, promotional materials, packaging, paperback book or catalog covers, file folders, tags, and tickets. Pricing for paperboard is typically referenced to published indices and marketed through our internal sales team. Our production facility has the capacity to annually produce 180,000 metric tons of paperboard.
Products
Products in the Paperboard business include packaging, printing documents, brochures, promotional materials, paperback book or catalog covers, file folders, tags and tickets.
Competition
The principal method of competition in our Paperboard segment is price and product performance. Price is impacted by the balance between supply and demand as affected by global economic conditions, changes in consumption and capacity, the level of customer and producer inventories, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. Product performance is determined based on the physical attributes of the products in a customer’s manufacturing processes. To a lesser extent, quality and service are also
considered competitive determinants.
For our Paperboard segment, our significant competitors include WestRock, Metsa Group, Clearwater Paper, and Sappi.
High-Yield Pulp
We manufacture and market high-yield pulp produced in our Temiscaming plant in Quebec, Canada. High-yield pulp, is used by paper manufacturers to produce paperboard, packaging, printing and writing papers and a variety of other paper products.
Pricing for high-yield pulp is typically referenced to published indices marketed through our internal sales team. Our Temiscaming plant has the capacity to annually produce 290,000 metric tons of high-yield pulp.
Products
We produce high-yield pulp in our Temiscaming plant, primarily from hardwood aspen and maple species. These pulps are used by paper manufacturers to produce paperboard products, printing and writing papers and a variety of other paper products. Annually, approximately 65,000 metric tons are used internally for production of Paperboard.
Competition
The principal method of competition in the High-Yield Pulp segment is price. Price is impacted by the balance between supply and demand as affected by global economic conditions, changes in consumption and capacity, the level of customer and producer inventories, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. To a lesser extent, quality and service are also considered competitive determinants.
Significant High-Yield Pulp competitors include Millar Western, West Fraser, Paper Excellence, Estonia Cell, Sappi and Winstone.
Raw Materials and Input Costs
All our manufacturing operations require significant amounts of wood fiber, in the form of logs or wood chips, as a raw material and energy to produce our products. Additionally, our High Purity Cellulose and High-Yield Pulp segments’ manufacturing processes require significant amounts of chemicals. These raw materials and input costs are subject to significant changes in prices as a result of weather conditions, supply and demand. To control cost, we continually pursue reductions in usage and costs of key supplies, services and raw materials.
Wood
We procure wood chips for our High Purity Cellulose and High-Yield Pulp plants through the purchase of chips from lumber producers or the production for chips from roundwood at our own wood chipping facilities. Prices for wood are impacted by various factors including supply and demand, weather events, transportation costs for delivery and overall economic conditions.
Chemicals
Chemicals, which include caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), sulfuric acid, ammonia, sodium chlorate and various specialty chemicals, are purchased under negotiated supply agreements with third parties. The prices for these products are impacted by various factors including supply and demand, environmental regulation, energy prices and overall economic conditions.
Energy
Our energy is primarily produced through the burning of lignin and other residual biomass in recovery and power boilers located at our plants. However, our manufacturing facilities still utilize significant amounts of fuel oil, natural gas and purchased electricity to supplement their energy requirements. Our energy costs are also impacted by emission allowances purchased or sold at market prices during any given period. In addition, energy prices impact our transportation costs for delivery of raw materials to our manufacturing facilities and delivery of our finished products to customers.
Intellectual Property
Substantially all of our intellectual property relates to our High Purity Cellulose segment. We own patents, trademarks and trade secrets, and have developed significant know-how, particularly in the production of high purity cellulose, but also in the
production of paperboard, which we deem important to our operations. We intend to protect our intellectual property, including, when appropriate, filing patent applications for inventions that we deem important to our business and operations. Our U.S. patents generally have a duration of 20 years from the date of filing. We also require key employees to enter into non-compete agreements as appropriate.
Seasonality
Our operating results may be materially affected by seasonal changes and the related impact on energy prices.
Customers
No single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of our consolidated net sales during the year ended December 31, 2021.
Research and Development
Our research and development capabilities and activities are primarily focused on our High Purity Cellulose segment. The quality and consistency of our cellulose specialties and research and development capabilities create a material competitive advantage; they are important factors in achieving an optimal value for our cellulose specialties products. Our research and development efforts are directed at further developing products and technologies, improving the quality of cellulose fiber grades, improving manufacturing efficiency and environmental controls and reducing fossil fuel consumption. We continue to focus our research and development activities to develop and market additional new products and applications.
We spent $7 million, $7 million and $6 million on research and development for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Environmental Matters
Our manufacturing operations are subject to significant federal, state, provincial and local environmental regulations. For a more detailed discussion, see Item 1A - Risk Factors, Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Environmental Regulation. Additionally, see Note 10 - Environmental Liabilities and Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Human Capital
Employees
We have production facilities in the U.S., Canada, and France and sales offices in the U.S., Canada, France, United Kingdom, Japan, and China. Of our approximately 2,500 employees, 72 percent belong to labor unions, as all of our manufacturing sites are represented by various local and national unions. We believe our relationships with the union employee representatives are strong and open. See Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Safety
The safety of our employees is our most important priority. We are committed to our vision of every employee coming to work and going home injury-free every day, and we continue to make progress each year. While no injury is acceptable, our 2021 company-wide injury rate decreased 12 percent versus 2020. We drive towards our vision of injury-free operations by focusing on five leading safety metrics: housekeeping, leadership engagement, corrective action closure, gas emissions and life safety programs. We continuously track and measure our progress against these leading safety metrics. Safety subcommittees, composed of leaders from across the Company, are accountable for each of the respective leading metrics and report to an overall safety steering team chaired by our CEO.
Employee Engagement
Attracting, retaining and developing employees is vital to our success. We strive to ensure that all of our employees have the mentorship, training and support they need to develop lasting and rewarding careers, because we believe that engaged employees are happier, safer, and more productive. As an example, our Early Career Development (“ECD”) program provides recent graduates and new hires with structured onboarding, on-the-job training and leadership experiences to support the ongoing development of the technical and leadership skills required to support and sustain our manufacturing operations. Additionally, we partner with colleges and universities to develop a robust pipeline of prospective employees and provide
scholarships and internships to students whose academic pursuits align with career opportunities in chemical, electrical, mechanical and process control engineering. We also provide our employees with training and education opportunities such as financial services and retirement planning workshops.
Code of Conduct
Within the framework of our core values of Integrity, Accountability, Quality, and People, the Rayonier Advanced Materials Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct is our guide to the lawful and ethical performance of our duties. Adherence to the Code is intended to ensure that we:
· Fulfill our obligation to observe the law both in letter and spirit in all countries in which we do business; and
· Deal fairly with our shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, regulators and communities.
We publish and communicate these expectations and values for all new hires and for all other employees several times throughout each year, including through various trainings.
Diversity and Inclusion
Fostering a diverse and inclusive culture is integral to our success as a company and also an important component of our commitment to people as outlined in our Code of Conduct, Company Values and Human Rights Policy. We have taken several important steps to strengthen our approach to diversity and inclusion. Our Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group (DIAG), led by our Director of Diversity and Inclusion, has the mandate to help foster meaningful, lasting progress and to position the Company as a leader in diversity and inclusion. The DIAG provides regular reports to senior leadership and our Board on our progress in various focus areas, including recruiting, retention, mentoring and community engagement.
Availability of Reports and Other Information
Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Sections 13(a) or 14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are made available to the public free of charge in the Investor Relations section of our website www.rayonieram.com, shortly after we electronically file such material with, or furnish them to, the SEC. All reports we file with or furnish to the SEC are also available free of charge on the SEC’s website, https://www.sec.gov. Our corporate governance guidelines and charters of all committees of our board of directors are also available on our website.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and equity are subject to a number of risks and potential material adverse events including, but not limited to, those listed below. When considering an investment in our securities, you should carefully read and consider these risks, together with all other information in this Report and our other filings and submissions to the SEC. If any of the events described in the following risk factors actually occur, our business, financial condition or operating results, as well as the market price of our securities, could be materially adversely affected.
Epidemic and Pandemic Risks
We are subject to risks associated with epidemics and pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic and related impacts. The nature and extent of ongoing and future impacts of the pandemic are highly uncertain and unpredictable.
Our global operations expose us to risks associated with public health crises, including epidemics and pandemics, such as the COVID-19 pandemic which has generated, and may continue to generate, significant volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption across the globe including in many markets in which we or our customers do business. Over the past two years, COVID-19 has adversely impacted our business and financial condition in various ways, including impacts associated with preventive and precautionary measures that we, other businesses, governments and individual consumers have taken and are continuing to take to limit the spread of the virus, including mandatory closures, “shelter-in-place” orders, vaccine programs and mandates and travel and quarantine restrictions. Examples of such impacts have included: increased operating costs due to social distancing and other strict health and safety protocols implemented at our facilities to protect employees and contractors; reductions and/or unpredictable fluctuations in demand; and reduced supply chain reliability due to international shipping congestion associated with global demand surges and fluctuations and empty container imbalances. Impacts could be magnified if the pandemic severity increases or duration persists over an extended period of time. While the full extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s ongoing and future impacts on our business cannot currently be predicted with certainty, we continue to promote the health and safety of our employees, contractors, suppliers and customers and to closely monitor the pandemic’s impacts on our liquidity, access to capital markets, reliability, customers and suppliers, and the macroeconomic conditions relevant to our business, including general economic uncertainty, unemployment rates and recessionary pressures.
Specific risks associated with COVID-19 include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Significant and unpredictable reductions and other fluctuations in demand for certain of our products due to pandemic-driven factors such as end-market weakness and customer security-of-supply concerns.
•Adverse effects on our suppliers, vendors and other global supply chain partners which have impaired and could continue to impair our ability to timely and efficiently move our products through the various steps in the global supply chain process to our end customers.
•Possible workforce disruption to the extent our operational, management or other personnel are impacted in significant numbers by COVID-19 or fail to comply with applicable vaccination mandates or programs and are not available to perform their duties and tasks, which could create reductions or suspensions of our manufacturing operations and other support functions.
•Restricted access to capital, increased financing costs and/or adverse effects on our liquidity and perceptions of our creditworthiness due to the ongoing adverse impacts of COVID-19 on the global economy and capital markets worldwide.
•Possible heightening of other risks described in the “Risk Factors” section in this Report to the extent that COVID-19 continues to adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Macroeconomic and Industry Risks
The businesses we operate are highly competitive and many of them are cyclical, which may result in fluctuations in pricing and volume that can materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Competition, demand fluctuations and cyclicality are the most significant drivers of sales volumes and pricing for our products. We face significant competition from domestic and foreign producers in virtually all of our businesses. For example, in our cellulose specialties product line, increased cellulose specialties production capacity from our competitors, some of whom have lower raw material, wood and production costs than us, combined with demand weakness, have collectively contributed to substantially lower cellulose specialties sales prices over the past several years. Likewise, volumes have declined meaningfully in recent years due to these factors. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these dynamics and may continue to do so. Our high-purity commodity products for viscose and absorbent materials applications are also highly cyclical, and in 2019 and 2020 were at extremely low pricing levels. While these levels began to slowly rebound during the latter part of 2020 and continued to increase throughout 2021, there can be no assurance as to the extent of such rebound or that elevated levels will be sustained over a significant period of time.
With respect to demand for cellulose specialties, and in particular our acetate grades, the majority of these acetate grades are used to manufacture acetate tow, which is used to make the filter component of a cigarette. Significant increases in cigarette costs and potential actions taken by the United States and other countries to discourage smoking, such as tax increases on tobacco products, policy changes and future legislation, may have a material adverse effect on the demand for tobacco products. Additionally, increased use of e-cigarettes, electronically heated tobacco products and smokeless tobacco products, by way of example, may affect demand for traditional cigarettes.
In addition, some of the industries in which our end-use customers participate, such as publishing, packaging, automotive and textiles, are cyclical in nature, thus posing risks to us which are beyond our control. These industries are highly competitive and may experience overcapacity and reductions in end-use demand, each of which may affect demand for and pricing of our products. The consequences of this could include the reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders.
Our paperboard and high yield pulp businesses are highly cyclical and influenced by a variety of factors. These include periods of excess product supply due to industry capacity increases, periods of decreased demand due to reduced economic activity or market conditions, inventory de-stocking by customers and fluctuations in currency exchange rates. These factors may cause significant price changes over a short period, such as fluctuations experienced over the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. To address these factors, we have in the past, and may in the future, elect to schedule production curtailments and shutdowns to address, for example, unfavorable economic conditions, reduced demand for our products or the end products of our customers, lack of economically viable fiber in Canada, reduced market prices and other factors. In particular, our high yield pulp business has been the subject of temporary curtailments at given points over the past two years in reaction to market conditions.
Given broader inflation in the economy, we are monitoring the risk inflation presents to active and future contracts. To date we have seen broad based increases in costs from inflation that are material to our business as a whole; however, if we experience greater than expected supply chain and labor inflation, our profits and margins under our contracts could be materially adversely affected.
In sum, continued competitive pressures and demand weakness, as well as the cyclicality of our commodity businesses, may have a material adverse impact on our future sales prices and volumes and, therefore, our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in raw material and energy availability and prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Raw material and energy costs, such as chemicals, oil and natural gas and electricity are a significant operating expense. The cost of these inputs can be volatile and are susceptible to rapid and substantial increases due to factors beyond our control, such as lack of availability, changing economic and weather conditions, political, civil or other unrest or instability in energy-producing nations, and supply and demand considerations. For example, caustic soda, a key manufacturing input in our high purity cellulose business, has historically had significant price volatility. Similarly, the price of oil and natural gas (including its pipeline transportation element) is subject to fluctuations based on market demand and other factors. Additionally, we experienced significant price volatility in various chemicals during 2021 driven by weather events in the southeastern United States which substantially impacted supply. In contracts for certain of our products, pricing is set annually or otherwise not subject to change for a contractually-agreed period of time; so in some cases we may have limited ability to pass along fluctuations in these input costs once the contract price for the relevant
period has been established. In addition, industrial and other policies of the governments and governmental agencies having jurisdiction over suppliers of raw materials to our facilities may change, due to changes in political leadership or otherwise, which also could adversely impact the cost of energy and its transportation. While we often use various strategies to mitigate the potential impact of this pricing volatility, such as long term contracting and the purchase of derivative commodity contracts, the impact of raw material and energy pricing increases could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to material risks associated with doing business outside of the United States.
We have large manufacturing operations in Canada and France, and a significant portion of our sales are to customers and customer locations outside of the United States, including China, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Canada and other international markets. Sales to customers outside of the United States made up approximately 66 percent of our revenue in 2021. The manufacture and sale of our products in non-U.S. markets results in risks that are inherent in conducting business under international laws, regulations and customs. We expect international sales will continue to contribute significantly to our results of operations, financial condition and future growth. The risks associated with our business outside the United States include:
•maintaining and governing international subsidiaries and managing international operations;
•complying with changes in and reinterpretations of the laws, regulations and enforcement priorities of the countries in which we manufacture and sell our products;
•complying with anti-bribery laws such as the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar anti-bribery laws in other jurisdictions;
•trade protection laws, policies and measures and other regulatory requirements affecting trade and investment, including loss or modification of exemptions for taxes and tariffs, imposition of new tariffs and duties and import and export licensing requirements, as discussed below in more detail;
•complying with data privacy laws such as the European Union’s General Data Privacy Regulation (GDPR);
•repatriating cash from foreign countries to the United States;
•changes in tax laws and their interpretations in the countries in which we do business, including the potential impact on the value of recorded or future deferred tax assets and liabilities;
•product damage or losses incurred during shipping;
•political instability and actual or anticipated military or political conflicts;
•economic instability, inflation, recessions and interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations, as discussed below in more detail;
•uncertainties regarding non-U.S. judicial systems, rules and procedures; and
•minimal or limited protection of intellectual property in some countries.
These and other risks of doing business outside of the United States could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Currency fluctuations may have a material negative impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada and France. We also sell our products all over the world, in either U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars or Euros. As a result, we are exposed to movements in foreign currency exchange rates, and our earnings are affected by increases or decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar and in the value of the Canadian dollar and Euro relative to the U.S. dollar. For example, a strengthening U.S. dollar or a weakening home currency of the countries in which certain of our international competitors manufacture products can adversely impact our competitive position versus these competitors. In addition to ordinary course currency fluctuations, specific events have had, and could in the future have, an impact on currency valuation. Our risk management policy allows management, with oversight from the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, to hedge a significant portion of its exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, though no hedges are currently in place. To accomplish this, we have used, and may in the future continue to use, derivative instruments, such as currency options and foreign exchange forward contracts, to mitigate our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, but there can be no assurance that we will be
protected against substantial foreign currency fluctuations or that such fluctuations will not have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restrictions on trade through tariffs, countervailing and anti-dumping duties, quotas and other trade barriers, in the United States and internationally, could materially adversely affect our ability to access certain markets.
We manufacture our products in the United States, Canada and France, and sell them into more than 40 countries. Our financial results are highly dependent on our ability to sell our products globally. Trade barriers such as tariffs, countervailing and anti-dumping duties, quotas and similar restrictions on trade have in the past, and could in the future, result in materially reduced revenues and profitability. Examples of the effects of such restrictions on trade and tariffs on our business in China and Canada are set forth below.
China
In 2021, we had total sales of $296 million of products shipped to customers in China and, of this amount, $217 million were of products manufactured in the United States. Trade tensions and trade-related actions, such as tariffs and duties, between China and the U.S. have impacted our business and our customers’ businesses and could do so in the future. Failure of the U.S. and Chinese governments to reach acceptable agreements regarding trade, as well as continued trade volatility and additional trade-related actions by the Chinese government, could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Canada
Until August 2021, we operated six softwood lumber mills in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and for several years sold softwood lumber into the United States from Canada. The United States and Canada have a history dating to the early 1980s of trade disputes relating to the export of softwood lumber from Canada into the United States. Each dispute has been resolved via agreement or litigation, which generally involved some combination of duties and/or quotas as well as a return of all or most of the duties previously paid by Canadian softwood lumber producers. In October 2015, a ten-year Softwood Lumber Agreement (the “SLA”) between the United States and Canada, which resolved the 2001-2006 lumber dispute between the countries, expired. No agreement was reached to extend or renew it, and as a result, after a one-year cooling-off period the United States commenced a dumping investigation of lumber exports from Canada into the U.S. In 2017, anti-dumping and countervailing duties were assessed by the United States Department of Commerce (“USDOC”) on lumber exported into the United States, we were assigned an anti-dumping duty rate of six percent and a countervailing duty rate of 14 percent. These duties are being legally challenged by Canada under both the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”) and World Trade Organization (“WTO”) dispute resolution processes. In December 2020, following its administrative review of the period of April 28, 2017 through December 31, 2018, the USDOC determined revised rates for antidumping and countervailing duties, and we are now subject to an anti-dumping duty rate of 1.57 percent and a countervailing duty rate of 7.42 percent. Canada has filed an appeal under Chapter 10 of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement on Trade (USMCA) to contest these revised duties. As part of the sale of our lumber assets in August 2021, we retain all rights and obligations to softwood lumber duties, generated or incurred through the closing date of the transaction. We paid approximately $112 million in lumber duties through the date of the sale of our lumber assets and we expect to eventually receive a refund for most of these duties in the event of a favorable ruling under the NAFTA or WTO process or a settlement of the dispute. No assurances can be given that the duties will be overturned or repaid through the legal process or a negotiated settlement, or that lumber pricing will be sufficient to substantially offset their impact.
Business and Operational Risks
Our ten largest customers represent approximately 36 percent of our 2021 revenue, and the loss of all or a substantial portion of our revenue from these large customers could have a material adverse effect on our business.
While we are not dependent on any single customer or group of customers, our ten largest customers accounted for approximately 36 percent of revenue in 2021. Due to the highly competitive nature of our businesses, we regularly bid for new business and to retain/renew existing business and, as such, we are subject to the potential for meaningful revenue and volume gains and losses.
We are also subject to credit risk associated with these customers. If one or more of our ten largest customers were to become bankrupt, insolvent or otherwise were unable to pay for our products, we may incur significant write-offs of accounts that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we continue to strive to broaden and diversify our customer base, a significant portion of our revenue is derived from these ten customers, and the loss of all or a substantial portion of sales to any of these customers, or significant, unfavorable changes to pricing or terms contained in contracts with them, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. See Note 20 - Segment and Geographical Information of our consolidated financial statements for more information on our major customers.
A material disruption at one of our major manufacturing facilities could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales and profitability, increase our cost of production and capital needs, or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operation.
Any of our major manufacturing facilities, or a significant portion of any of these facilities, could cease operations unexpectedly or suffer a material disruption to all or a portion of its operations due to a number of material adverse events, including:
•unscheduled outages or downtime due to the need for unexpected maintenance or equipment failure, such as for portions of our facilities that produce steam and electricity (such as boilers and turbines), pollution control equipment and equipment directly used to manufacture our products, such as reliability issues during the first quarter of 2019 at the Temiscaming, Quebec plant and during the third quarter of 2021 at the Jesup, Georgia plant;
•prolonged power interruptions or failures;
•explosion of boilers or other pressure vessels;
•interruptions in the supply of raw materials, including chemicals and wood fiber;
•disruptions to or failures of the transportation infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels, as well as lack of availability of rail, trucking and ocean shipping equipment and service from third party transportation providers;
•interruption or material reduction of water supply;
•a chemical spill or release or other event causing impacts to the environment or human health and safety;
•information technology system failures and cybersecurity incidents causing systems to be inaccessible or unusable;
•natural disasters (including those as a result of climate change), including fires, floods, windstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes or other similar catastrophes, such as the hurricanes which impacted our Jesup, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida plants in 2017;
•labor interruptions, such as strikes and short duration walk-outs such as the walk-outs in 2019 and 2021 at our plant in Tartas, France;
•terrorism or threats of terrorism; and
•other operational problems resulting from these and other risks.
Some of these matters are discussed in more detail in other sections of this Item 1A - Risk Factors in this Report. Depending on the nature, extent and length of any operational interruption, the event could materially affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, we could incur significant costs to improve the climate-related resiliency of our infrastructure and supply chain and otherwise prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The availability of, and prices for, wood fiber may have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Wood fiber is the single largest raw material in the manufacturing process for virtually all of our products. Many factors can impact its availability and pricing. Fiber for our U.S. and French facilities is primarily harvested from privately-held lands, while fiber for our Canadian facilities is primarily harvested from lands owned or controlled by the governments of the provinces of Ontario and Quebec, referred to as “Crown lands”. In August 2021, we transferred agreements with provincial authorities, which granted timber “tenures” for terms varying from five to 20 years, to a third party in connection with the sale of the lumber and newsprint assets. Concurrently with the transaction, we entered into a
20-year wood chip and residual fiber supply agreement with the buyer of those assets, securing supply for our operations at the Temiscaming plant. There can be no assurance that, upon termination of this wood chip and residual fiber supply agreement (for any reason whether due to its natural expiration or otherwise), this agreement will be renewed, extended or replaced in the future on acceptable terms, or at all.
Regulatory developments and environmental litigation also have caused, and may cause in the future, significant reductions in the amount of timber available for commercial harvest from non-Crown lands in Canada and privately-owned lands in the U.S. and France, thereby increasing prices for these sources of wood fiber. In Canada, for example, future legislation and policy changes, litigation advanced by environmental groups and Indigenous communities concerning rights and limitations on harvesting and use of timberlands, the protection of endangered species, the promotion of forest diversity, control over insect and disease infestations, and the response to and prevention of wildfires could also affect wood fiber supply, pricing and availability.
In addition, much of the wood fiber we use is sourced by or from third party contractors who harvest, chip and/or transport the fiber to our manufacturing facilities, either as logs for lumber and chipping or as chips. Another key factor in fiber supply and pricing is the availability of experienced logging and fiber transportation contractors in the areas in which our manufacturing facilities are located. Sourcing fiber from greater distances from our facilities due to unavailability of more proximally located fiber sources could also impact pricing due to additional transportation cost. Significant reduction in the availability of contractors experienced in harvesting and transporting logs could also impact wood fiber supply, pricing and availability.
Finally, natural conditions, such as weather, timber growth cycles and restrictions on access to timberlands for harvesting (for example, due to prolonged wet or cold conditions) may also limit the availability, and increase the price, of wood, as may other factors, including damage by fire, insect infestation, disease, prolonged drought and natural disasters (including those as a result of climate change) such as wind storms and hurricanes. Additionally, we experienced significant price volatility in various chemicals during 2021 driven by weather events in the southeastern United States which substantially impacted supply. It is unclear whether these conditions will persist into the future.
In sum, any sustained decrease in harvestable lands or wood supply, or increase in fiber prices, whether sourced from Crown lands in Canada or from private parties in Canada, the U.S. or France, changes in the logging and transportation supply base, or significant changes to historically customary natural conditions, could materially increase our costs and thereby materially adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations require substantial capital.
We operate capital intensive businesses and require substantial capital for ongoing maintenance, repair and replacement of existing facilities and equipment. Although we endeavor to maintain our production equipment with regular scheduled maintenance, key pieces of equipment and systems, some of which are large in scale, may need to be repaired or replaced periodically. The costs of repairing or replacing such equipment and the associated downtime of the affected production line could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, new or existing environmental regulations at times require additional capital expenditures for compliance. We believe our capital resources are currently adequate to meet our current projected operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements. However, if for any reason we are unable to provide for our operating needs, capital expenditures and other cash requirements on reasonable economic terms, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on third parties for transportation services and increases in costs and the availability of transportation could materially adversely affect our business.
Our business depends on transportation services provided by third parties, both domestically and internationally. We rely on these providers for transportation of the products we manufacture as well as delivery of raw materials to our manufacturing facilities. A significant portion of the products we manufacture and raw materials we use are transported by railroad or trucks, and by ship.
If any of our transportation providers fail to deliver the goods we manufacture in a timely manner, or damage them during transport, we may be unable to sell those products at full value, or at all. Similarly, if any of these providers fail to deliver raw materials to us in a timely manner, we may be unable to timely manufacture our products in response to
customer demand. In addition, the cost of energy, and specifically fuel, may adversely impact the cost of transporting our products. Finally, if any of the ports we commonly use for international shipping, or the port system generally, suffer work stoppages, slowdowns or strikes, our business could be materially adversely impacted.
Our failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
As of December 31, 2021, approximately 72 percent of our global work force is unionized. As a result, we are required to negotiate the wages, benefits and other terms of employment with these employees collectively. Our financial results could be materially adversely affected if labor negotiations result in substantially higher compensation costs or materially restrict how we run our operations. In addition, our inability to negotiate acceptable contracts with any of these labor unions as existing agreements expire could result in strikes or work stoppages by the affected workers. While we do not expect any labor interruptions of significant duration, if our unionized employees were to engage in a strike or other work stoppage (such as the short-duration walk-outs in 2019 and 2021 at our plant in Tartas, France) at one or more of our major facilities, we could experience a significant disruption of our operations, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent upon attracting and retaining key personnel, the loss of whom could materially adversely affect our business.
We believe our success depends, to a significant extent, upon our ability to attract and retain key senior management and operations management personnel. Changing demographics and labor work force trends may result in the loss of knowledge and skills as experienced workers retire. Furthermore, some of our facilities are in relatively remote locations, which can adversely impact our ability to recruit and retain employees. To the extent that the demand for qualified personnel exceeds supply, as has been the case from time to time in recent years and has recently intensified further due to industry trends, we could experience higher labor, recruiting or training costs in order to attract and retain such employees, or could experience difficulties in performing under our contracts if our needs for such employees were unmet. Our failure to develop and retain key personnel and recruit and develop qualified replacements for retiring or other departing employees could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations and could adversely affect our ability to succeed in our human capital goals and priorities.
Failure to develop new products or discover new applications for our existing products, or our inability to protect the intellectual property underlying such new products or applications, could have a material negative impact on our business.
We have an active research and development program to develop new products and new applications for our existing products. However, there can be no assurance this program will be successful, either from a product development or commercialization perspective, or that any particular invention, product or development, or the program as a whole, will lead to significant revenue or profit generation. Moreover, some of our new products and new applications may not contain intellectual property that can be protected under intellectual property laws. Failure to generate meaningful revenue and profit from our research and product development efforts could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations in the future.
The risk of loss of the Company’s intellectual property and sensitive data, or disruption of its manufacturing operations, in each case due to cyberattacks or cybersecurity breaches, could materially adversely impact the Company.
Like most companies, we have been, and expect in the future to continue to be, subject to attempted cyberattacks. Such attacks could include, for example, the increasingly prevalent practice of cyber extortion through the deployment of ransomware. Cyberattacks or cybersecurity breaches could compromise our intellectual property and confidential business information, cause a disruption to our operations, or harm our reputation. Moreover, the recent pandemic-driven increase in remote working and virtual interactions has only served to expand our “attack surface”. Our information technology systems, some of which are dependent on services provided by third parties, serve an important role in the efficient operation of our business. This role includes ordering and managing equipment, parts and raw materials from suppliers, managing inventory, managing the processes we use to produce finished products, facilitating order entry and fulfillment and processing of transactions, summarizing and reporting financial results, facilitating internal and external communications, administering human resources functions, retaining certain personal information and providing other processes necessary to manage our business. While we have implemented and maintain what we believe to be appropriate
cybersecurity policies, programs, controls and systems, there can be no assurance a cyberattack would not be successful, or that such a cybersecurity breach will not occur. Such an event could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Regulatory Risks
Our business is subject to extensive environmental laws, regulations and permits that may materially restrict or adversely affect how we conduct business and our financial results.
Our plants are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permits that may require significant capital to enable our compliance, or which could limit our operations and production. Many of our operations are subject to environmental laws, regulations and permits that contain stringent conditions governing how we operate our facilities, including how much and, in some cases, what types of products, we can produce. These laws, regulations and permits, now and in the future, may materially adversely restrict our current production, limit our ability to increase production and impose significant costs on our operations with respect to environmental compliance. It is expected that, overall, compliance-related capital and operating costs will likely increase over time as environmental laws, regulations and permit conditions become stricter, and as the expectations of the communities in which we operate become more demanding.
Environmental laws, regulations and permits are constantly changing and are generally becoming more restrictive. Laws, regulations, permits and related judicial decisions and administrative interpretations affecting our business are subject to change, and new laws and regulations are frequently enacted. These laws and regulations may limit, prohibit or affect, among other things, air emissions, wastewater discharges, receiving water quality, water withdrawal, remedial standards for contaminated property and groundwater, and the type of chemicals we use in our manufacturing processes. Over time, the complexity and restrictions imposed by these laws and regulations have increased and regulatory enforcement efforts have intensified. Environmental regulatory authorities have pursued a number of initiatives which, if implemented, could impose additional operational and pollution control obligations on industrial facilities like ours, especially in the area of air emissions, wastewater and storm water control. See Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Environmental Regulation of this Report for further information. Environmental laws and regulations will likely continue to become more restrictive and over time could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental groups, Indigenous communities (in Canada) and interested individuals may seek to delay or prevent a variety of our operations. We expect that environmental groups, Indigenous communities and interested individuals will intervene with increasing frequency in the regulatory processes in areas where we operate plants. Generally, environmental permitting programs in all areas where we operate include provisions for public and stakeholder engagement for both renewal of existing permits and approvals for expansions or modifications of our manufacturing operations. In Canada, direct consultation with Indigenous communities may also be required. Delays, restrictions and increased costs caused by the intervention of these groups or interested individuals could adversely affect our operating results. In addition to intervention in permit proceedings, interested groups and individuals may file or threaten to file lawsuits that seek to prevent us from obtaining permits, implementing capital improvements or pursuing operating plans. For example, in March 2014, litigation was commenced in federal court by the Altamaha Riverkeeper (“ARK”) alleging violations of federal and state environmental laws relating to permitted wastewater discharges from our plant in Jesup, Georgia (although it was dismissed by the court on summary judgment in 2015), and in January of 2016 the same group brought an action in the Georgia Office of Administrative Hearings against the Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Natural Resources (the “EPD”) in opposition to the issuance by the EPD of a renewed wastewater treatment permit for our Jesup plant. While these proceedings have, to date, been decided largely in our favor, we would expect similar attempts at legal intervention to be made in the future.
We currently own or may acquire properties that require environmental remediation or otherwise are subject to environmental and other liabilities. We currently own, or may acquire in the future, properties which are subject to environmental liabilities, such as remediation of soil, sediment and groundwater contamination and other liabilities, and we may have such liabilities at properties, such as formerly operated manufacturing facilities, that we do not currently own. The cost of assessment and remediation of contaminated properties could be substantial and materially adversely affect our financial results. These costs could include, without limitation, costs of investigation and assessment, corrective measures, installation of pollution control equipment and other remediation and closure costs, as well as resolution of third-party
claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of alleged violations of, or liabilities arising out of, environmental laws and regulations. Although we believe we currently have adequate liabilities recorded, legal requirements relating to assessment and remediation of contaminated properties continue to become more stringent and there can be no assurance that actual expenditures will not exceed current liabilities and forecasts, or that other presently unknown liabilities will not be discovered in the future. See Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Environmental Regulation of this Report and Note 10 - Environmental Liabilities of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
The potential longer-term impacts of climate-related risks remain uncertain at this time.
Climate change and its impacts on people and our planet continues to be a topic of significant focus and attention to our customers, investors and various other stakeholders. Based on currently available information, we do not expect climate-related issues or associated expenditures to have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations in fiscal 2022 or over the next several years, but we can give no assurance that expenditures will not exceed current expectations, and such expenditures may increase in future years. Additional information regarding climate change and the Company is available in our 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report (“ESG Report”) which can be found on our website at www.rayonieram.com. The ESG Report includes, among other things, assessments, metrics and targets aligned to the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) reporting frameworks. The information contained in our ESG Report is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report that we file with or furnish to the SEC. Any targets or goals with respect to matters discussed herein or in our ESG Report are forward-looking statements and may be aspirational. These targets or goals are not guarantees of future results and involve assumptions and known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control.
The Company considers and evaluates climate-related risks in three general categories: Regulatory; Transition to a low-carbon economy; and Physical risks related to climate-change.
Regulatory. There are numerous international, federal and state-level initiatives and proposals to address domestic and global climate issues. Within the United States, Canada and France, where we have operations, most of these initiatives and proposals would, or currently do, regulate and/or tax, in one fashion or another, the production of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) to facilitate the reduction of carbon compound emissions into the atmosphere and provide tax and other incentives to produce and use more “clean energy.” Initiatives that materially impact purchased electricity prices could increase our manufacturing costs, especially in our Canadian operations, because our operations in Canada use more purchased electricity (on a percentage basis) than our U.S. facilities. In addition, the federal government of Canada has indicated its intent to regulate priority air pollutants and GHGs under the Clean Air Act and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. Under the proposed regulatory targets, our Canadian pulp and paper mills may be required to reduce air pollutants, such as particulate matter (“PM”), sulphur oxides (“SOx”) emissions, nitrogen oxides (“NOx”) and GHGs. While industry consultations are ongoing with the federal government, the cost of making any such reductions is currently unknown; however, the requirements associated with PM, SOx and NOx are not expected to be material to us given our current operations and pollution control systems.
The federal government of Canada has adopted the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act which implements the federal carbon pollution pricing system. Under the provisions of the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, the provinces, who have implemented their own carbon pollution price, or a “cap-and-trade” system, will not be subject to the federal program provided their program meets the minimum federal pricing and emissions reduction targets. Quebec implemented a “cap-and-trade” program for GHGs which meets the minimum criteria. Our Temiscaming plant in Québec was a net purchaser of credits under these programs in 2021. To date, the cost of GHG credits under cap-and-trade programs purchased by our business and incorporated into the overall cost of our purchased wood fiber has not been material, though no assurances can be given that they will not substantially increase in the future because the future state of the law and the cost of GHG credits in applicable jurisdictions is currently not known.
Transition. The transition to a low carbon economy, as predicted by many investors and other stakeholders, poses both risks and opportunities for us that are, as yet, not quantified. Similar to other manufacturers in our industry, we use biomass, natural gas, liquid fossil fuels and purchased electricity to power our plants. Changes in policy, regulation or technology related to fuels that we, or our electricity providers, use could materially increase our costs. Additionally, customers continue to express a desire for certified material and improvements in sustainable performance.
At the same time, our main product lines (cellulose specialties and viscose grade commodity dissolving wood pulps) as well as all of our other products, are made from wood as their primary raw material, which is a renewable, natural raw material. In addition, our cellulose specialty products are natural polymers that potentially can be used as an effective, more climate-friendly substitute for certain applications which currently use fossil fuel-based products. However, these opportunities, as well as their attendant risks, including for our new 2G bioethanol project in Tartas, France, are not fully known or understood at this time.
Physical. The potential impacts of extreme weather which could result from the impacts of climate change, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and heavy rain, are factored into our enterprise risk assessment process and the mitigation measures we currently take to protect our assets and business. It is not clear whether increased frequency of these or similar events would materially change our risk profile, analyses or mitigation measures, but there can be no assurance that they would not require additional expenditures which could be material.
In sum, additional business and regulatory initiatives may be implemented to address GHG emissions and other climate-change-related concerns. If such initiatives are implemented, we may be required to incur additional capital expenditures, increased operating costs for wood fiber or raw materials, and/or mitigating expenses, such as carbon taxes or other charges, to address and comply with any such initiatives. No assurance can be given that the increased costs associated with compliance of future GHG-related requirements will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Financial Risks
We may need to make significant additional cash contributions to our retirement benefit plans if investment returns on pension assets are lower than expected or interest rates decline, and/or due to changes to regulatory, accounting and actuarial requirements.
We have a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan, which covers many of our salaried and hourly employees in the United States. The Federal Pension Protection Act of 2006 requires certain capitalization levels be maintained in each of these benefit plans. Our non-U.S. pension plans, while currently adequately funded, will also require periodic contributions to ensure that applicable legal requirements are met. Because it is unknown what the investment return on pension assets will be in future years or what interest rates may be at any point in time, no assurances can be given that applicable law will not require us to make future material plan contributions. In addition, it is possible new or additional accounting rules and changes to actuarial requirements (for example, if life expectancy assumptions for participants are increased) may also result in the need for additional contributions to the plans. Any such contributions could materially adversely affect our financial condition. See Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates of this Report for additional information about these plans, including funding status.
We have debt obligations that could materially adversely affect our business and our ability to meet our obligations.
As of December 31, 2021, our total combined indebtedness was approximately $0.9 billion. This significant amount of debt could have material adverse consequences to us and our investors, including:
•requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to be used for interest payments on this debt;
•making it more difficult to satisfy debt service and other obligations;
•increasing the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of our debt, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing;
•increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
•reducing the cash flows available to fund capital expenditures and other corporate purposes and to grow our business;
•limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, market or other changes in our businesses and industry;
•placing us at a competitive disadvantage to our competitors that may not be as highly leveraged with debt;
•limiting our ability to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock; and
•limiting access to liquidity, including through our variable interest asset-based revolving credit facility.
To the extent we incur additional indebtedness, the risks described above could increase. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flows from operations may not be sufficient to repay all of the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to refinance our debt. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases in our consolidated financial statements for further information regarding our debt obligations.
The phase-out of LIBOR as an interest rate benchmark in 2023 may impact our borrowing costs.
The reporting of financial information used to determine LIBOR is scheduled to be phased out beginning in 2023. As of December 31, 2021, we had no indebtedness outstanding with interest payment terms based on LIBOR. However, under the terms of our asset-based revolving credit facility, loans are subject to LIBOR or a comparable or successor widely-published alternative rate designated by the administrative agent. We have not yet been advised by the administrative agent of its selected alternative rate, and although the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is expected to be the alternative rate that replaces LIBOR, we cannot predict what margin adjustments and related terms would be negotiated with our loan counterparties. As a result, our interest expense could increase. While we do not believe that a change from LIBOR to an alternative rate will have a material adverse impact on our borrowing costs or ability to access capital, no assurances relating to the potential impact can be provided at this time.
Challenges in the commercial and credit environments may materially adversely affect our future access to capital.
Our ability to issue debt or equity or enter into other financing arrangements on acceptable terms could be materially adversely affected if there continues to be a material decline in the pricing or sales volume for our products, or if significantly unfavorable changes in economic conditions occur. Volatility in the world financial markets could increase borrowing or other costs of capital or affect our ability to gain access to the capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We may need additional financing in the future to meet our capital needs or to make acquisitions, and such financing may not be available on favorable terms, if at all, and may be dilutive to existing stockholders.
We may need to seek additional financing for general corporate purposes. For example, we may need to increase our investment in research and development activities, make strategic investments in our facilities or require funding to invest in joint ventures or make acquisitions. We may be unable to obtain desired additional financing on terms favorable to us, if at all. For example, during periods of volatile credit markets, there is a risk that lenders, even those with strong balance sheets and sound lending practices, could fail or refuse to honor their credit commitments and obligations, including but not limited to extending credit up to the maximum permitted by a credit facility and otherwise accessing capital and/or honoring loan commitments. If our lenders are unable to fund borrowings under their loan commitments or we are unable to borrow, it could be difficult to replace such loan commitments on similar terms or at all. If adequate funds are not available on acceptable terms, we may be unable to fund growth opportunities, successfully develop or enhance products or respond to competitive pressures, any of which could negatively affect our business. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity securities, our stockholders will experience dilution of their ownership interest. If we raise additional funds by issuing debt, the terms of such debt may subject us to limitations on our operations and ability to pay dividends due to restrictive covenants in addition to those that are expected to be in place pursuant to our existing indebtedness.
Company’s Common Stock and Certain Corporate Matters Risks
Your percentage of ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.
In the future, your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or other corporate purposes, including equity awards we will grant to our directors, officers and employees. Our employees have options to purchase shares of our common stock, and we anticipate our compensation committee will grant additional stock options or other stock-based awards to our employees. Such awards will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. From time to time, we will issue additional options or other stock-based awards to our employees under our employee benefits plans.
Certain provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, and of Delaware law, could prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the price of our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the approval of our stockholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our Board of Directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common stock. For example, we could issue preferred stock and grant the holders thereof the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.
Merger and Acquisition Risks
We closed on the sale of the lumber and newsprint facilities and related assets to GreenFirst on August 28, 2021; Fifteen percent (15%) of the purchase price for the GreenFirst transaction was paid in the common shares of the capital of GreenFirst (to be held by us for a minimum of six (6) months following the transaction closing) and our ability to ultimately realize the benefit of this consideration is subject to market conditions and GreenFirst’s future performance.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
The following table details the material properties we owned or leased at December 31, 2021:
Segment/Location Annual Production Capacity (a) Owned/Leased
High Purity Cellulose Facilities:
Jesup, Georgia, United States 330,000 metric tons of cellulose specialties or commodity products
245,000 metric tons of commodity products Owned
Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States 155,000 metric tons of cellulose specialties or commodity products Owned
Temiscaming, Quebec, Canada 150,000 metric tons of cellulose specialties or commodity products Owned
Tartas, France 140,000 metric tons of cellulose specialties or commodity products Owned
Paperboard Facilities:
Temiscaming, Quebec, Canada 180,000 metric tons of paperboard Owned
High-Yield Pulp Facilities:
Temiscaming, Quebec, Canada 290,000 metric tons of high-yield pulp Owned
Corporate and Other:
Jacksonville, Florida, United States Corporate Headquarters Leased
(a) Capacity of our manufacturing facilities is based on historic average production and is not adjusted for potential market related downtime and/or reliability issues.
Our manufacturing facilities are maintained through ongoing capital investments, regular maintenance and equipment upgrades. As a result, production capacities may vary from the amounts listed above. The facilities, warehouses, machinery and equipment in use as of December 31, 2021 are in good operating condition and in regular use.

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
As disclosed in Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements, we are engaged in certain legal proceedings, and the disclosure set forth in Note 21 relating to legal proceedings is incorporated herein by reference.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Part II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the trading symbol “RYAM”.
Holders
The number of record holders of our common stock at February 24, 2022 was 3801.
Dividends
On September 6, 2019, our Board of Directors suspended our quarterly common stock dividend. The declaration and payment of future common stock dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors the Board of Directors deem relevant. In addition, our debt facilities place limitations on the declaration and payment of future dividends. No dividends were declared in 2020 or 2021.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table provides information regarding our purchases of Rayonier Advanced Materials common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2021:
Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (a)
September 26 to October 30 - $ - - $ 60,294,000
October 31 to November 27 - $ - - $ 60,294,000
November 28 to December 31 - $ - - $ 60,294,000
Total - -
(a) On January 29, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized a share buyback program pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, purchase shares of its common stock with an aggregate purchase price of up to $100 million. As of December 31, 2021, the remaining unused authorization under our share buyback program was approximately $60 million. See Note 13 - Incentive Stock Plans for additional information.
Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans
See Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters of this Report for information relating to our equity compensation plans.
Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the performance of our common stock (assuming reinvestment of dividends) with a broad-based market index, Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) Small Cap 600, and an industry-specific index, the S&P 500 Materials Index. The table and related information shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC, nor shall such information be incorporated by reference into any future filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into such filing.
The following graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each index (with the reinvestment of all dividends) from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2021.
The data in the following table was used to create the previous graph:
12/31/2016 12/31/2017 12/31/2018 12/31/2019 12/31/2020 12/31/2021
Rayonier Advanced Materials $ 100 $ 135 $ 71 $ 26 $ 45 $ 39
S&P Small Cap 600 $ 100 $ 113 $ 104 $ 127 $ 141 $ 179
S&P 500 Materials Index $ 100 $ 124 $ 106 $ 132 $ 158 $ 202
Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities
During 2021, we did not issue or sell any unregistered equity securities.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. [Reserved]

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Overview
We are a diversified global leader of cellulose-based technologies that operates in the following business segments:
•High Purity Cellulose
•Paperboard
•High-Yield Pulp
Our High Purity Cellulose business has leading positions in the cellulose specialties markets. In addition, our other business segments provide a more diversified earnings stream.
The following significant events occurred in 2021, 2020 and 2019:
•Our businesses were impacted by the coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic in 2021 and 2020. However, due to the role we play in producing critical raw materials for pharmaceutical, food, cleaning and other products, our manufacturing facilities in the U.S., Canada and France have operated continuously throughout the pandemic. In order to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on our financial results and operations, we implemented and have maintained protocols to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 in our operating facilities and work spaces.
•In December 2021, we settled certain U.S. pension liabilities through the purchase of annuity contracts with an insurance company who assumed responsibility for related future pension benefits. The settlement resulted in the recognition of approximately $6 million in settlement expenses which were recognized in the Other components of net periodic benefit income (expense) line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. See Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
•In October 2021, pursuant to a notice previously provided to the trustee under the indenture governing our 7.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026 (the “Secured Notes”), we redeemed $25 million of the Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103 percent. In connection with the redemption, we recorded a $1 million loss. The loss is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
•During the third quarter of 2021, we repurchased approximately $127 million of our 5.50% Senior Notes due 2024 (the “Unsecured Notes”) through several open-market transactions and retired such Unsecured Notes for approximately $124 million in cash. In connection with the repurchases, we recorded a net gain of $2 million, net of the write-off of $1 million of deferred financing costs associated with the Unsecured Notes. The net gain is recorded in Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment in the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.
•On August 28, 2021, we completed the sale of our lumber and newsprint facilities and certain related assets (the “Purchased Assets”) located in Ontario and Québec Canada to GreenFirst Forest Products, Inc. (“GreenFirst”). As a result of the sale, the lumber and newsprint assets and operations have been presented as discontinued operations and we have reclassified certain prior year amounts to conform to this presentation. Unless otherwise stated, information in this Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“this MD&A”) relates to our continuing operations. We present businesses that represent components as discontinued operations when they meet the criteria for held for sale or are sold, and their disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on our operations and financial results. See Note 3 -Discontinued Operations for additional information.
•In December 2020, we issued $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.625 percent senior secured notes due 2026 (the “Senior Secured Notes”), at an offering price of 100 percent of the principal amount thereof. We also entered into a five-year senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility with an initial committed amount of $200 million (the “ABL Revolving Credit Facility”). In connection with these transactions, we terminated all commitments and repaid all outstanding obligations under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities and recorded a loss on debt extinguishment of $8 million. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
•In December 2020, the USDOC reduced from 20 percent to 9 percent the duties we paid in 2017 and 2018 for the importation of softwood lumber into the U.S. from Canada.
•In November 2019, we completed the sale of the Matane Mill for $175 million and used $100 million of the net proceeds to repay borrowings under our prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities. As a result of the sale, the Matane
Mill’s operating results have been classified as discontinued operations in our consolidated financial statements and we reorganized our operating and reportable segments to align with our new management reporting structure. Included in discontinued operations is allocated interest expense, due to the required loan payments, and professional fees incurred to sell the operation. See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
•In October 2019, we settled certain Canadian pension liabilities through the purchase of annuity contracts with an insurance company. The settlement resulted in the recognition of approximately $9 million in settlement expenses which were recognized in “Other components of net periodic benefit costs” in our financial statements. See Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
•In September 2019, and again in June 2020, we amended our Senior Secured Credit Facilities. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
•In September 2019, we announced our Board of Directors determined to suspend the quarterly common stock dividend to improve cash flow.
High Purity Cellulose
We manufacture and market high purity cellulose, which is sold as either cellulose specialties or commodity products. We are the leading global producer of cellulose specialties, which are primarily used in dissolving chemical applications that require a highly purified form of cellulose. Pricing for our cellulose specialties products is typically set by contract for a duration of at least one year based on discussions with customers. Our commodity products primarily consist of commodity viscose and absorbent materials. Commodity viscose is a raw material required for the manufacture of viscose staple fibers which are used in woven and non-woven applications. Absorbent materials, typically referred to as fluff fibers, are used as an absorbent medium in consumer products. Pricing for commodity products is typically referenced to published indexes or based on publicly available spot market prices. Sales of chemicals and energy, a majority of which are by-products, are included in the high purity cellulose segment.
Our four production facilities, located in the U.S., Canada and France, have a combined annual production capacity of approximately 775,000 metric tons of cellulose specialties or commodity products. Additionally, we have dedicated approximately 245,000 metric tons of annual production to commodity products.
Wood fiber, chemicals, and energy represent approximately 27 percent, 15 percent and 6 percent, respectively, of our per metric ton cost of sales. Labor, manufacturing and maintenance supplies, depreciation, manufacturing overhead and transportation costs represent our remaining cost of sales.
Paperboard
We manufacture and market paperboard that is used for printing documents, brochures, promotional materials, packaging, paperback book or catalog covers, file folders, tags, and tickets.
Pricing for paperboard is typically referenced to published indices and marketed through our internal sales team. Our production facility located in Canada has the capacity to annually produce 180,000 metric tons of paperboard. Wood pulp, chemicals, and energy represent approximately 67 percent, 15 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of our per metric ton cost of sales. Labor, manufacturing and maintenance supplies, depreciation, manufacturing overhead and transportation costs represent our remaining cost of sales.
High-Yield Pulp
We manufacture and market high-yield pulp which is used by paper manufacturers to produce paperboard, packaging, printing and writing papers and a variety of other paper products. Pricing for high-yield pulp is typically referenced to published indexes marketed through our internal sales team. Our production facility located in Canada has the capacity to annually produce 290,000 metric tons of high-yield pulp.
Wood fiber, chemicals, and energy represent approximately 20 percent, 11 percent and 11 percent, respectively, of our per metric ton cost of sales. Labor, manufacturing and maintenance supplies, depreciation, manufacturing overhead and transportation costs represent our remaining cost of sales.
Market Assessment
This market assessment represents our best current estimate of each of our business segments in this environment.
High Purity Cellulose
Amid strong demand for cellulose specialties, sales prices are expected to increase double digit percent for 2022, while sales volumes are also expected to increase. Demand for commodity products also remains solid. Commodity prices in the first quarter of 2022 are expected to be slightly higher than fourth quarter levels as fluff price increases are expected to offset slight declines in viscose pulp prices. Total sales volumes will be dependent on managing ongoing supply-chain constraints and production reliability, including extensive planned outages in all four facilities in 2022. We also remain committed to investing in our core business to improve reliability and foster innovation for growth. Overall, we expect to drive incremental Adjusted EBITDA for the segment compared to 2021. However, we expect a slow start to the year as we execute extensive maintenance outages in our Jesup, Fernandina Beach and Temiscaming facilities to addresses reliability on major pieces of equipment within the production process in the first half of 2022. We are also managing production reliability ahead of the outages, along with supply chain disruptions and higher raw material and energy costs.
Paperboard
Paperboard prices continue to increase driven by strong demand in both commercial printing and packaging segments. Demand for renewable packaging continues to grow as consumers and governments drive more sustainable solutions. Our unique Kallima® brand paperboard provides a solution with its greater surface area to weight properties and we continue to look for opportunities to expand the product offerings to meet the rising demand for sustainable packaging. Raw material costs are expected to rise in the first quarter as North American pulp prices remain high driven by industry capacity reductions.
High-Yield Pulp
While High-yield pulp markets have rebounded recently, we expect to realize lower prices in the first quarter of 2022 driven by lower selling prices contracted in the fourth quarter. Supply-chain constraints may also continue to impact sales volumes, while the costs are expected to increase driven by chemical and transportation costs.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and to disclose contingent assets and liabilities in our consolidated financial statements. We base these estimates and assumptions on historical data and trends, current fact patterns, expectations and other sources of information we believe are reasonable. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements of our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements that may affect our financial results and disclosures in future periods.
Accounting Policies:
Revenue Recognition and Measurement
Revenue is recognized when performance obligations under the terms of a contract with a customer are satisfied. The majority of our contracts have a single performance obligation to transfer products. Accordingly, we recognize revenue when control has been transferred to the customer. Generally, control transfers upon delivery to a location in accordance with terms and conditions of the sale. Changes in customer contract terms and conditions, as well as the timing of orders and shipments, may have an impact on the timing of revenue recognition.
Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for transferring our products and is generally based upon contractual arrangements with customers or published indices. We sell our products both directly to customers and through distributors and agents typically under agreements with payment terms less than 90 days.
The nature of our contracts may give rise to variable consideration, which may be constrained, including sales volume-based rebates to customers. We estimate the level of volumes based on anticipated purchases at the beginning of the period and record a rebate accrual for each purchase toward the requisite rebate volume. These estimated rebates are included in the transaction price as a reduction to net sales.
These methodologies are consistent with the manner in which we have historically accounted for the recognition of revenue.
Property, Plant & Equipment
Depreciation expense is computed using the units-of-production method for our High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard, High-Yield Pulp plant and equipment and the straight-line method for all other property, plant and equipment over the useful economic lives of the assets involved. The total units of production used to calculate depreciation expense is determined by factoring annual production days, based on normal production conditions, by the economic useful life of the asset involved. The physical life of equipment, however, may be shortened by economic obsolescence caused by environmental regulation, competition or other causes. We depreciate our non-production assets, including office, lab, and transportation equipment, using the straight-line depreciation method over 3 to 25 years. Buildings and land improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method over 15 to 35 years and 5 to 30 years, respectively. We believe these depreciation methods are appropriate for us, versus other generally accepted accounting methods, because they most closely match our revenues with expenses.
Gains and losses on the retirement of assets are included in operating income. Long-lived assets are reviewed annually for impairment or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets that are held and used is measured by net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. Property, plant and equipment are grouped for purposes of evaluating recoverability at the combined plant level, the lowest level for which independent cash flows are identifiable. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.
Accounting Estimates:
Environmental liabilities
At December 31, 2021, we had $171 million of accrued liabilities for environmental costs relating to disposed operations. Numerous price, quantity, cost and probability assumptions are used in estimating these obligations. Factors affecting these estimates include changes in the nature or extent of contamination, changes in the content or volume of the material discharged or treated in connection with one or more impacted sites, requirements to perform additional or different assessment or remediation, changes in technology that may lead to additional or different environmental remediation strategies, approaches and work-plans, discovery of additional or unanticipated contaminated soil, groundwater or sediment on or off-site, changes in remedy selection, changes in law or interpretation of existing law and the outcome of negotiations with governmental agencies or non-governmental parties. We periodically review our environmental liabilities and also engage third-party consultants to assess our ongoing remediation of contaminated sites. Quarterly, we review our environmental liabilities related to assessment activities and remediation costs and adjust them as necessary. Liabilities for financial assurance, monitoring and maintenance activities and other activities are assessed annually. A significant change in any of these estimates could have a material effect on our results of operations. See Note 10 - Environmental Liabilities of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Determining the adequacy of pension and other postretirement benefit assets and liabilities
Our defined benefit pension and postretirement plans for employees in the U.S. and Canada require numerous estimates and assumptions to determine the proper amount of pension and postretirement liabilities and annual expense to record in our financial statements. The key assumptions include discount rate, return on assets, salary increases, health care cost trends, mortality rates, longevity and service lives of employees. Although authoritative guidance on how to select most of these assumptions exists, we exercise some degree of judgment when selecting these assumptions based on input from our actuary and other advisors. Different assumptions, as well as actual versus expected results, would change the periodic benefit cost and funded status of the benefit plans recognized in the financial statements.
Our long-term return plan assets assumption was established based on historical long-term rates of return on broad equity and bond indices, discussions with our actuary and investment advisors and consideration of the actual historical annualized rate of returns. In determining future pension obligations, we select a discount rate based on information supplied by our actuary. The actuarial rates are developed by models which incorporate high-quality (AA rated), long-term corporate bond rates into their calculations. The weighted average discount rate increased from 2.48 percent at December 31, 2020 to 2.82 percent at December 31, 2021.
Our defined pension plans were underfunded by $126 million at December 31, 2021. The underfunded status decreased by $78 million in 2021, primarily due to the settlements of certain Canadian and US pension plans. In 2022, pension expense is expected to decrease due to an decrease in service cost and lower amortization of actuarial losses partly offset by higher interest
cost and lower expected return on assets. Future pension expense will be impacted by many factors including actual investment performance, changes in discount rates, timing of contributions and other employee related matters. See Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
As required under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 715 Compensation-Retirement Benefits, we have recorded the impact of settlements and de-recognition of projected benefit obligations in connection with the wind up of certain plans and the purchase of annuity contracts from third party insurance companies who have assumed responsibility for related future pension benefits. In 2021, we purchased annuity contracts from a third-party insurance company who assumed responsibility for future pension benefits for certain participants in our U.S. defined benefit plan and recorded a loss of $6 million on the settlement and de-recognition of the projected benefit obligation. Additionally, during 2021 and 2020, we started the process of winding up certain Canadian pension plans and as a result recorded a settlement loss of $2 million and a gain of $2 million, respectively. In 2019, we purchased annuity contracts from a third-party insurance company who assumed responsibility for future pension benefits for certain participants in our Canadian defined benefit plans and recorded a loss of $9 million on the settlement and de-recognition of the projected benefit obligation.
In 2021, we made mandatory contributions and benefit payments to plan participants of approximately $9 million. During 2022, we expect to make mandatory and discretionary benefit payments to plan participants of approximately $9 million. Future mandatory contribution requirements will vary depending on actual investment performance, changes in valuation assumptions, interest rates and legal requirements to maintain a certain funding status.
The sensitivity of pension expense and projected benefit obligation related to our pension plans to changes in economic assumptions is highlighted below:
Impact on (in millions):
Effect on 2022 Pension Expense Effect on December 31, 2021 Projected Benefit Obligation
Change in Assumption (Decrease)/Increase Increase (Decrease)
50 bp decrease in discount rate $3 $52
50 bp increase in discount rate $(2) $(46)
50 bp decrease in long-term return on assets $3
50 bp increase in long-term return on assets $(3)
Realizability of both recorded and unrecorded tax assets and tax liabilities
We have recorded certain deferred tax assets we believe will be realized in future periods. The recognition of these tax assets is based on our analysis of both positive and negative evidence about the future realization of the tax benefit of each existing deductible temporary difference or carryforward. Future realization is based on the existence of sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character, within the appropriate taxing jurisdiction (for example country, state or province), and within the carryback and carryforward periods available under the applicable tax laws. The strongest form of positive evidence is the evaluation of historical earnings, which should be considered with future earnings projections within the applicable carryforward periods. This evidence supports the realizability of most recorded deferred tax assets. Tax assets are reviewed periodically for realizability. This review requires management to make assumptions and estimates about future profitability affecting the realization of these tax assets. If the review indicates the realizability may be less than likely, a valuation allowance is recorded.
Our income tax returns are subject to examination by U.S. federal and state taxing authorities as well as foreign jurisdictions, including Canada and France. In evaluating the tax benefits associated with various tax filing positions, we record a tax benefit for an uncertain tax position if it is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon ultimate settlement of the issue. We record a liability for an uncertain tax position that does not meet this criterion. The liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits are adjusted in the period in which it is determined the issue is settled with the taxing authorities, the statute of limitations expires for the relevant taxing authority to examine the tax position or when new facts or information become available. See Note 19 - Income Taxes of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Results of Operations
Summary of our results of operations for each of the following years ended December 31:
Financial Information (in millions, except percentages)
2021 2020 2019
Net Sales $ 1,408 $ 1,344 $ 1,431
Cost of Sales (1,333) (1,280) (1,377)
Gross Margin 75 64 54
Selling, general and administrative expenses (76) (78) (81)
Other operating expense, net (9) (16) (25)
Operating Income (Loss) (10) (30) (52)
Interest expense (66) (56) (52)
Interest income and other, net - (7) -
Other components of net periodic benefit (expense) (4) 3 -
Unrealized loss on GreenFirst equity securities (4) - -
Gain (loss) on debt extinguishment 1 (8) -
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes (83) (98) (104)
Income Tax Benefit 35 61 20
Equity loss of equity method investments (2) (1) -
Loss from Continuing Operations $ (50) $ (38) $ (84)
Income from discontinued operations, net of taxes 116 39 61
Net Income (Loss) $ 66 $ 1 $ (23)
Gross Margin % 5.3 % 4.8 % 3.8 %
Operating Margin % (0.7) % (2.2) % (3.6) %
Effective Tax Rate % 41.9 % 62.0 % 19.5 %
Results of Operations, Year Ended December 31, 2021 versus December 31, 2020
Net sales by segment were as follows:
2021 2020
Net Sales (in millions)
High Purity Cellulose $ 1,091 $ 1,051
Paperboard 208 190
High-Yield Pulp 136 125
Eliminations (27) (22)
Total Net Sales $ 1,408 $ 1,344
Net sales increased $64 million or 5 percent, in 2021 compared to 2020, driven by higher sales prices across all three of our segments. For a further assessment of changes in net sales, see the discussion of “Operating Results by Segment” for 2021 compared to 2020 discussion below in this MD&A.
Operating income by segment was as follows:
2021 2020
Operating income (loss) (in millions)
High Purity Cellulose $ 20 $ 7
Paperboard 13 18
High-Yield Pulp 7 -
Corporate (50) (55)
Total Operating Income (Loss) $ (10) $ (30)
Operating loss for 2021 improved by $20 million when compared to the prior year. The improvement was primarily driven by higher High Purity Cellulose commodity prices and cellulose specialties sales volumes, as well as higher High-Yield Pulp and Paperboard sales prices, partly offset by higher input costs, shipping constraints and equipment reliability issues resulting in lower production. For a further assessment of changes of operating income, see the “Operating Results by Segment” for 2021 compared to 2020 discussion below in this MD&A.
Non-operating Expenses
Interest expense for 2021 increased $10 million, primarily driven by the higher interest rate and additional amortization of debt issuance costs related to the December 23, 2020 refinancing of our prior Senior Secured Credit Facilities.
In 2021, we repurchased approximately $127 million of our Unsecured Notes and redeemed $25 million of the Secured Notes. In connection with these transactions, we recorded a net gain on extinguishment of long-term debt of $1 million. During 2020, the refinancing of the Senior Secured Notes resulted a loss from extinguishment of long-term debt of $8 million, primarily from writing off unamortized deferred financing fees. For additional information, see Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases.
Included in 2021 is a $4 million unrealized loss associated with shares of GreenFirst received in connection with the sale of lumber and newsprint assets. See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations.
Other components of net periodic benefit (expense) changed by $7 million to a $4 million expense primarily as a result of $8 million related to pension settlement losses recorded during 2021. See Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for 2021 was a benefit of 42 percent. The 2021 effective tax rate differs from the statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to a tax benefit recognized by remeasuring the Canadian deferred tax assets at a higher blended statutory tax rate in Canada. The statutory tax rate is higher as a result of changing the allocation of income between the Canadian provinces due to the sale of lumber and newsprint assets. The 2020 effective tax rate from continuing operations was a benefit of 62 percent. See Note 19 - Income Taxes of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Discontinued Operations
Sale of lumber and newsprint assets
On August 28, 2021, we completed the sale of our lumber and newsprint facilities and certain related assets (the “Purchased Assets”) located in Ontario and Québec, Canada to GreenFirst for $232 million. At closing, we received $193 million in cash, 28.7 million shares of GreenFirst’s common stock with a deemed fair value of $42 million and a credit note issued to us by GreenFirst in the amount of CAD $8 million (approximately USD $5 million after present value discount). The credit note may be offset against amounts owed to GreenFirst in the future for wood chip purchases, equally over the next 5 years. The GreenFirst shares will be held for a minimum of six months. The cash received at closing was preliminary and subject to final purchase price adjustments. Driven primarily by lower inventory balances, we previously estimated the cash portion of the purchase price to be reduced by $8 million, to $185 million. Further, after inclusion of other adjustments resulting from events related to the sale, we estimated to ultimately incur a total net cash outflow of approximately $3 to $4 million. Pursuant to the terms of the asset purchase agreement, together with GreenFirst, we have engaged a third party to assist in finalizing certain adjustments related to the inventory valuation, in the amount of $6 million, which remain unresolved. In connection with the sale, we recorded a preliminary gain on sale of $4 million, net of tax, inclusive of currently estimated purchase price adjustments. The preliminary net gain is included in the results of discontinued operations.
The Purchased Assets excluded accounts receivable, accounts payable, certain retained inventory and rights and obligations to softwood lumber duties, generated or incurred through the closing date. Since 2017, we have paid a total of $112 million in duties. We expect a cash tax impact of $1 million as a result of this transaction.
In connection with the transaction, we entered into a 20 year wood chip and residual fiber supply agreement with GreenFirst as well as a transition services agreement. The transition services agreement is expected to end in the second quarter of 2022.
See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Operating Results by Segment
High Purity Cellulose
(dollars in millions, except average sales prices) 2021 2020
Net Sales $ 1,091 $ 1,051
Operating Income $ 20 $ 7
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric ton): $ 1,122 $ 992
Sales Volumes (thousands of metric tons): 884 976
Changes in High Purity Cellulose net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2020 Changes Attributable to: 2021
Price Volume/Mix
Cellulose Specialties $ 685 $ (20) $ 47 $ 712
Commodity Products and Other 283 76 (80) 279
Other Sales (a) 83 - 17 100
Total Net Sales $ 1,051 $ 56 $ (16) $ 1,091
(a) Other sales include sales of electricity, lignin and other by-products to third parties.
Total net sales increased $40 million, or 4%, in 2021. Sales prices for cellulose specialties decreased 3 percent during the year ended December 31, 2021 whereas commodity prices increased 37 percent. Cellulose specialties sale volumes increased 7 percent while commodity sales volumes declined 28 percent for the full year compared to 2020, driven by increased demand in cellulose specialties. However, overall sales volumes were impacted by shipping constraints and reliability issues, including a kiln reliability disruption at the Jesup, GA facility which negatively impacted commodity production by approximately 10,000 metric tons in the third quarter of 2021.
Changes in High Purity Cellulose operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2020 Price Volume/
Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2021
Operating Income $ 7 $ 56 $ 10 $ (56) $ 3 $ 20
Operating Margin % 0.7 % 5.0 % 1.0 % (5.1) % 0.2 % 1.8 %
(a) Volume/Sales Mix computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income increased by $13 million in 2021 when compared to the prior year primarily due to higher commodity prices, partially offset by increased costs driven by inflation on key material inputs, and higher maintenance and logistics expenses. Offsetting energy costs in 2021 is a $12 million favorable impact related to sales of emission allowances associated with our operations in Tartas, France. Included in SG&A and other costs is our share of the loss of the lignin joint venture of $2 million and $4 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Paperboard
(dollars in millions, except average sales prices) 2021 2020
Net Sales $ 208 $ 190
Operating income $ 13 $ 18
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric tons) (a):
Paperboard $ 1,165 $ 1,076
Sales Volumes (in thousands of metric tons) (a):
Paperboard 179 176
Changes in Paperboard net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2020 Changes Attributable to: 2021
Price Volume/Mix
Paperboard $ 190 $ 16 $ 2 $ 208
Total net sales increased $18 million, or 9 percent in 2021. Paperboard sales prices increased 8 percent and sales volumes increased 2 percent in 2021. The increased volumes and prices were driven by improved market demand.
Changes in Paperboard operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2020 Price Volume/
Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2021
Operating Income $ 18 $ 16 $ 1 $ (22) $ - $ 13
Operating Margin % 9.5 % 7.0 % 0.3 % (10.5) % - % 6.3 %
(a) Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income declined $5 million in 2021 due to increased costs from higher raw material pulp input prices partially offset by the increase in sales prices.
High-Yield Pulp
(dollars in millions, except average sales prices) 2021 2020
Net Sales $ 136 $ 125
Operating income $ 7 $ -
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric ton):
High-Yield Pulp (a) $ 546 $ 470
Sales Volumes (in metric tons):
High-Yield Pulp (a) 197 217
(a) Average sales prices and volumes for external sales only. For the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the High-Yield Pulp segment sold 68,000 metric tons and 66,000 metric tons of high-yield pulp for $28 million and $23 million, respectively, to the Paperboard segment.
Changes in High-Yield Pulp net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2020 Changes Attributable to: 2021
Price Volume/Mix
High-Yield Pulp Net Sales $ 125 $ 19 $ (8) $ 136
Total net sales increased $11 million, or 9 percent, in 2021. Average pulp sales prices increased 16 percent, driven by market demand improvements. Pulp sales volumes decreased 9 percent impacted by shipping constraints.
Changes in High-Yield Pulp operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2020 Price Volume/
Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2021
Operating Income $ - $ 19 $ (4) $ (8) $ - $ 7
Operating Margin % - % 13.2 % (2.2) % (5.9) % - % 5.1 %
(a) Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income for High Yield Pulp increased $7 million in 2021, driven by higher sales prices, partially offset by lower sales volumes, driven by logistics constraints, and higher operational costs.
Corporate
(in millions) 2021 2020
Operating loss $ (50) $ (55)
The operating loss for Corporate decreased by $5 million to $50 million in 2021, when compared to 2020, primarily due to favorable foreign currency impacts.
Results of Operations, Year Ended December 31, 2020 versus December 31, 2019
2020 2019
Net Sales (in millions)
High Purity Cellulose $ 1,051 $ 1,127
Paperboard 190 200
High-Yield Pulp 125 128
Eliminations (22) (24)
Total Net Sales $ 1,344 $ 1,431
Net sales decreased $87 million, or 6 percent, in 2020 compared to 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by lower high purity cellulose sales prices. For further assessment of changes in net sales, see “Operating Results by Segment” for 2020 compared to 2019 discussion below in this MD&A.
Operating income by segment was as follows:
2020 2019
Operating Income (in millions)
High Purity Cellulose $ 7 $ 7
Paperboard 18 4
High Yield Pulp - 3
Corporate (55) (66)
Total Operating Income $ (30) $ (52)
Operating income for 2020 improved $22 million when compared to the prior year. The increase was primarily due to lower costs driven by improved operating reliability.
Non-operating Expenses
Interest expense for 2020 increased $4 million driven by the higher interest rate margin from the amendments to our credit facilities held during most of 2020, as well as increased amortization of debt issuance costs. In December 2020, in connection with the early repayment of the Senior Secured Credit Facility, we recorded a loss from extinguishment of long-term debt of $8 million, primarily from writing off unamortized deferred financing fees. For additional information, see Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases.
Other components of net periodic benefit (expense) changed by $3 million to a $3 million benefit during 2020 as a result of a $2 million pension settlement and curtailment gain recorded during the fourth quarter of 2020. See Note 17 - Employee Benefit Plans.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 62 percent. The 2020 effective tax rate benefit differs from the federal statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to benefits from the CARES Act, the release of certain valuation allowances related to nondeductible interest expense, tax return to accrual adjustments, and tax credits, partially offset by increases to uncertain tax position reserves, nondeductible executive compensation, and lower tax deductions on vested stock compensation. The 2019 effective tax rate from continuing operations was a benefit of 20 percent. See Note 19 - Income Taxes of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Discontinued Operations
We have presented the operating results for our lumber and newsprint assets sold August 2021, and our Matane operations sold in November 2019, as discontinued operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.
Included in discontinued operations for the sale of the above operations is allocated interest expense for debt that was required or expected to be repaid upon completion of the transactions. In addition, legal and administrative costs to sell the operations are included in discontinued operations. Income from discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2020 included a $1 million benefit resulting from the final working capital adjustment as required by the Matane sale agreement. See Note 3 - Discontinued Operations of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Operating Results by Segment
High Purity Cellulose
(dollars in millions, except for average sales prices) 2020 2019
Net Sales $ 1,051 $ 1,127
Operating Income $ 7 $ 7
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric ton): $ 992 $ 1,083
Sales Volumes (thousands of metric tons): 976 964
Changes in High Purity Cellulose net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2019 Changes Attributable to: 2020
Price Volume/Mix
Cellulose specialties $ 765 $ 11 $ (91) $ 685
Commodity products and other 280 (44) 47 283
Other sales (a) 82 - 1 83
Total Net Sales $ 1,127 $ (33) $ (43) $ 1,051
(a) Other sales include sales of electricity, resins, lignin and other by-products to third parties.
Total net sales decreased $76 million, or 7 percent, in 2020. Sales prices for cellulose specialties increased 2 percent during the year ended December 31, 2020 whereas commodity prices declined 17 percent, primarily driven by impacts on demand on the larger commodity pulp and textile markets related to COVID-19 and a China trade dispute. Cellulose specialties sale volumes declined 12 percent primarily due to the impact on demand, driven by COVID-19. Commodity sales volumes increased 21 percent for the full year compared to 2019, driven by the recovery of the textile markets in the second half of 2020.
Changes in High Purity Cellulose operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2019 Price Volume/ Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2020
Operating Income $ 7 $ (33) $ (37) $ 68 $ 2 $ 7
Operating Margin % 0.6 % (3.0) % (3.6) % 6.5 % 0.2 % 0.7 %
(a) Volume/Sales Mix computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income remained essentially flat in 2020 when compared to the prior year. Lower wood and chemical costs, improved reliability and higher commodity volumes were offset by the impact of lower cellulose specialty volumes and commodity sale price declines during 2020. Included in SG&A and other costs is our share of the loss of the lignin joint venture of $4 million and $5 million during 2020 and 2019, respectively.
Paperboard
(dollars in millions, except average sales prices) 2020 2019
Net Sales $ 190 $ 200
Operating income $ 18 $ 4
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric tons) (a):
Paperboard $ 1,076 $ 1,103
Sales Volumes (in thousands of metric tons) (a):
Paperboard 176 181
Changes in Paperboard net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2019 Changes Attributable to: 2020
Price Volume/Mix
Paperboard $ 200 $ (5) $ (5) $ 190
Total net sales declined $10 million, or 5 percent, in 2020. Paperboard sales prices declined 2 percent due to increased competition. Paperboard sales volumes decreased 3 percent.
Changes in Paperboard operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2019 Price Volume/
Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2020
Operating Income $ 4 $ (5) $ (2) $ 21 $ - $ 18
Operating Margin % 2.0 % (2.5) % (1.1) % 11.1 % - % 9.5 %
(a) Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income increased $14 million in 2020 due to decreased costs from lower pulp raw material prices as well as lower transportation costs.
High-Yield Pulp
(dollars in millions, except for average sales prices) 2020 2019
Net Sales $ 125 $ 128
Operating income $ - $ 3
Average Sales Prices ($ per metric ton):
High-Yield Pulp (a) $ 470 $ 499
Sales Volumes (in metric tons):
High-Yield Pulp (a) 217 207
(a) Average sales prices and volumes for external sales only. For the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the High-Yield Pulp segment sold 66,000 metric tons and 66,000 metric tons of high-yield pulp for $23 million and $25 million, respectively, to the Paperboard segment.
Changes in High-Yield Pulp net sales are as follows:
Net Sales (in millions) 2019 Changes Attributable to: 2020
Price Volume/Mix
High-Yield Pulp $ 128 $ (8) $ 5 $ 125
Total net sales declined $3 million, or 2 percent, in 2020. Average pulp sales prices declined 6 percent due to weak market conditions during 2020. Pulp sales volumes increased 5 percent.
Changes in High-Yield Pulp operating income are as follows:
Operating Income (in millions) Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
2019 Price Volume/
Sales Mix (a) Cost SG&A and other 2020
Operating Income $ 3 $ (8) $ 2 $ 3 $ - $ -
Operating Margin % 2.3 % (6.5) % 1.8 % 2.4 % - % - %
(a) Sales volume computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income for High-Yield Pulp decreased $3 million during 2020, driven by lower pulp prices, partly offset by higher pulp sales volumes. Costs improved primarily from lower transportation expenses, partially offset by higher energy costs.
Corporate
(in millions) 2020 2019
Operating loss $ (55) $ (66)
The operating loss for Corporate decreased by $11 million to $55 million in 2020, when compared to 2019, primarily due to lower environmental reserves charges and reduced spending, partially offset by higher non-cash amortization of technology costs and unfavorable currency impacts in 2021 and the impact of an insurance recovery in 2020.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash flows from operations, primarily driven by operating results, have historically been our primary source of liquidity and capital resources. However, our operating cash flows have been volatile in recent years due to decreases in market prices for our commodity products as well as impacts driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, we have maintained a key focus on cash, managing working capital closely and optimizing the timing and level of our capital expenditures.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2021, we repurchased approximately $127 million of our Unsecured Notes through open-market transactions and retired such Unsecured Notes for approximately $124 million in cash. In October 2021 pursuant to a notice previously provided to the trustee under the indenture governing our Secured Notes, we redeemed $25 million of the Secured Notes at a redemption price of 103 percent.
We amended our prior Senior Secured Credit Facility in 2019 and again in 2020 to provide us with financial flexibility. In December 2020, we terminated our prior Senior Secured Credit Facility, entered into an ABL Credit Facility and completed the refinancing of certain debt. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
As of December 31, 2021, we are in compliance with all financial and other customary covenants. We continue to believe our future cash flows from operations and availability under our ABL Credit Facility, as well as our ability to access the capital markets, if necessary or desirable, will be adequate to fund our operations and anticipated long-term funding requirements, including capital expenditures, defined benefit plan contributions, and repayment of debt maturities, although no assurances can be given.
Our non-guarantor subsidiaries had assets of $745 million, year-to-date revenue of $228 million, covenant EBITDA for the last twelve months of $9 million and liabilities of $252 million as of December 31, 2021. For a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income, see the “Performance and Liquidity Indicators” discussion below in this MD&A.
On September 6, 2019, our Board of Directors suspended our quarterly common stock dividend. The declaration and payment of future common stock dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors the Board of Directors deem relevant. In addition, our ABL Credit Facility places limitations on the declaration and payment of future dividends. No dividends were declared in 2020 or 2021.
On January 29, 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million common stock share buyback program. As of December 31, 2021, the remaining unused authorization under our share buyback program was approximately $60 million. For
the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we did not repurchase any common shares under this buyback program. We do not expect to utilize any further authorization in the near future.
Material Cash Requirements
Our principal contractual commitments include standby letters of credit, surety bonds, guarantees, purchase obligations and leases. We utilize arrangements such as standby letters of credit and surety bonds to provide credit support for certain suppliers and vendors in case of their default on critical obligations, collateral for certain of our self-insurance programs and guarantees for the completion of our remediation of environmental liabilities. As part of our ongoing operations, we also periodically issue guarantees to third parties. Information regarding letters of credit, surety bonds and other guarantees as of December 31, 2021 is hereby incorporated by reference to Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements.
Our purchase obligations payments are expected to be made on natural gas, steam energy and wood chips purchase contracts. As of December 31, 2021, the value of our non-cancellable unconditional purchase obligations was $771 million. See Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our purchase obligations. We lease certain buildings, machinery and equipment under various operating leases. As of December 31, 2021, future payments to be made under these operating leases are $24 million. See Note 4 -Leases for additional information.
A summary of liquidity and capital resources is shown below (in millions of dollars):
As of December 31,
2021 2020 2019
Cash and cash equivalents (a) $ 253 $ 94 $ 64
Availability under the ABL Credit Facility (b) 103 102 -
Availability under the Revolving Credit Facility (c) - - 87
Total debt (d) 929 1,084 1,082
Stockholders’ equity 814 695 683
Total capitalization (total debt plus equity) 1,743 1,779 1,765
Debt to capital ratio 53 % 61 % 61 %
(a) Cash and cash equivalents consisted of cash, money market deposits and time deposits with original maturities of 90 days or less.
(b) Amounts available under the ABL Credit Facility fluctuate based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory levels. At December 31, 2021, we had $143 million of gross availability and net available borrowings of $103 million after taking into account standby letters of credit of approximately $40 million. In addition to the availability under the ABL Credit Facility, we have $14 million available under an accounts receivable factoring line of credit in France. See Note 21 - Commitments and Contingencies of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
(c) In December 2020, all outstanding liabilities under the Senior Secured Credit Facility were paid in full and the related Revolving Credit Facility was terminated.
(d) See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases of our consolidated financial statements for more information.
Cash Flows (in millions of dollars)
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities for each of the following years ended December 31:
Cash Provided by (Used for): 2021 2020 2019
Operating activities-continuing operations $ 74 $ 54 $ 58
Operating activities- discontinued operations $ 159 $ 70 $ (17)
Investing activities-continuing operations $ (97) $ (66) $ (88)
Investing activities-discontinued operations $ 183 $ (12) $ 140
Financing activities $ (157) $ (19) $ (138)
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Cash flows provided by operating activities of continuing operations increased $20 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $74 million, compared to the same prior year period. The increase was driven by higher sales prices across all three of our segments, partially offset by higher costs, the impact of shipping constraints and lower production. In addition, during 2021 we received $35 million in net tax cash refunds and $20 million of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (“CEWS”) claims. The year ended December 31, 2020 included a $33 million increase to the U.S. income tax receivable from the passage of the CARES Act in March of 2020.
Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations during the year ended 2021 improved by $89 million when compared to the same prior year period, primarily driven by the increase in lumber sales prices.
Cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations decreased $4 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, to $54 million, compared to the same prior year. The decrease was primarily due to lower high purity cellulose sales primarily driven by the impacts of COVID-19. The decrease was partly offset by an increase in income tax receivables later refunded during 2021.
Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations during the year ended 2020 improved by $87 million, compared to the same prior year period, primarily driven by higher lumber prices and lower costs from improved reliability
Cash Provided by (Used for) Investing Activities
Cash used for investing activities of continuing operations increased $31 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, compared to the same prior year period primarily from increased custodial capital expenditures. The increase also includes our $4 million investment in Anomera, Inc.
Cash provided by investing activities of discontinued operations increased $195 million, to $183 million, during the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to cash used for investing activities of $12 million in the same prior year period ended. The increase was driven by net cash received in connection with the sale of the lumber and newsprint assets which was completed on August 28, 2021, partially offset by capital expenditures of $9 million in 2021.
Cash used for investing activities of continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased $22 million to $66 million compared to the same prior year period. Capital expenditures from continuing operations decreased $27 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the same prior year period. The current year included proceeds of $1 million from the sale of assets and $4 million of contributions for our investment in Anomera. See Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and New Accounting Pronouncements for additional information on the investment.
Cash used in investing activities for discontinued operations during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $12 million compared to cash provided by investing activities of $140 million during the same prior year period. Included in investing activities for December 30, 2019 was proceeds from discontinued operations of $158 million that were received from the November 2019 sale of the Matane mill and $3 million of discontinued operations capital spending.
Cash Provided by (Used for) Financing Activities
Cash used for financing activities increased by $138 million during the year ended December 31, 2021, to $157 million, when compared to the same prior year period. The increase was primarily driven by the open-market purchases of a portion of our Unsecured Notes during the third quarter of 2021, as well as the redemption of $25 million of Secured Notes during the fourth quarter of 2021. Additionally, cash used to repurchase common stock in lieu of income taxes from the vesting of incentive stock grants was $1 million higher during the 2021 period. The year ended December 31, 2020 had $23 million of higher debt issuance costs when compared to the 2021 period. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases and Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity, to our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
Cash used for financing activities decreased $119 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily due a decrease of $109 million in our net long-term debt payments during 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. In addition, the year ended December 31, 2020 included $5 million of short term borrowings from the France factoring line. Common stock dividends paid decreased by $9 million due to the suspension of the quarterly $0.07 dividend starting in the third quarter of 2019. In addition, the preferred stock dividend payments declined by $10 million in 2020 as the preferred stock automatically converted to common stock in August 2019. During 2020, we incurred $24 million of debt issuance costs primarily from the Senior Secured Notes due 2026 that were issued in December 2020. Common shares repurchased decreased by $6 million during 2020 when compared to the same prior year period due to fewer shares repurchased in lieu of payment of income taxes. See Note 9 - Debt and Finance Leases and Note 13 - Stockholders' Equity for additional information.
Performance and Liquidity Indicators
The discussion below is presented to enhance the reader’s understanding of our operating performance, liquidity, ability to generate cash and satisfy rating agency and creditor requirements. This information includes the following measures of financial results: EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flows. These measures are not defined by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) and the discussion of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flows is not intended to conflict with or change any of the GAAP disclosures described above. Our management uses these non-GAAP measures to compare our performance to that of prior periods for trend analyses, purposes of determining management incentive compensation and budgeting, forecasting and planning purposes. Our management considers these measures, in addition to operating income, to be important to estimate the enterprise and stockholder values of the Company, and for making strategic and operating decisions. In addition, analysts, investors and creditors use these measures when analyzing our operating performance, financial condition and cash generating ability. Our management uses EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as performance measures and adjusted free cash flows as a liquidity measure. See “Note about Non-GAAP Financial Measures” on page 2 for limitations associated with non-GAAP measures.
EBITDA is defined by SEC rules as earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined by us as EBITDA before pension settlement gain/loss, insurance recoveries, loan amendment costs, non-recurring expenses related to our review of its commodity asset portfolio, severance expense, gain on bargain purchase and loss on debt extinguishment. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are not necessarily indicative of results that may be generated in future periods.
Below is a reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for each of the years ended December 31 (in millions of dollars):
Reconciliation of Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA 2021 2020 2019
Income (loss) from continuing operations $ (50) $ (38) $ (84)
Depreciation and amortization 139 137 142
Interest expense, net 66 56 52
Income tax expense (benefit) (35) (61) (20)
EBITDA 120 94 90
Pension settlement (gain) loss 8 (2) 9
Insurance recovery - - (4)
Loan amendment costs - - 4
Non-recurring expense (a) - - 1
Severance expense - - 1
Loss on debt extinguishment - 8 -
Adjusted EBITDA $ 128 $ 100 $ 101
(a) Non-recurring expenses are related to the review of our commodity asset portfolio.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for 2021 increased compared to 2020, primarily due to higher sales prices across the segments, partially offset by higher costs, the impact of shipping constraints and lower production. EBITDA increased for 2020 compared to 2019, due to lower costs, primarily driven by improved reliability and lower environmental and pension costs, partially offset by the loss on debt extinguishment. Adjusted EBITDA decreased slightly for 2020 compared to 2019. For additional information regarding operating results see “Results of Operations” for 2021 compared to 2020 and for 2020 compared to 2019 discussions above in this MD&A.
Adjusted free cash flows is defined as cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations adjusted for capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale of assets, excluding strategic capital expenditures. Adjusted free cash flows, as defined by us, is a non-GAAP measure of cash generated during a period which is available for debt reduction, strategic capital expenditures, acquisitions and repurchase of our common stock. Adjusted free cash flows is not necessarily indicative of the adjusted free cash flows that may be generated in future periods.
Below is a reconciliation of cash flows from operations to adjusted free cash flows for each of the following years ended December 31 (in millions of dollars):
Reconciliation of Cash Flows from Operations to Adjusted Free Cash Flows 2021 2020 2019
Cash provided by operating activities - continuing operations $ 74 $ 54 $ 58
Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale of assets (a) (76) (45) (68)
Adjusted free cash flows - continuing operations $ (2) $ 9 $ (10)
(a) Capital expenditures, net of proceeds from sale of assets, excludes strategic capital expenditures which we deem discretionary. Strategic capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 were $16 million, $17 million, and $20 million, respectively.
Adjusted free cash flows from continuing operations in 2021 decreased compared to 2020, primarily due to higher costs, the impact of shipping constraints and lower production as well as higher capital expenditures.
Adjusted free cash flows from continuing operations in 2020 increased compared to 2019, primarily due to lower costs driven by improved reliability and lower capital expenditures.
Environmental Regulation
We are subject to stringent environmental laws and regulations concerning air emissions, wastewater discharges, waste handling and disposal, and assessment and remediation of environmental contamination, which impact both our current ongoing operations and about 20 former operating facilities or third party-owned sites classified as disposed operations. These include
the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 and similar state laws and regulations impacting U.S. facilities, as well as requirements relating to ancillary matters such as financial assurance of our legal obligations for facility closure and post-closure care. Similar laws and legal requirements also impact current and former operating sites in Canada and France, respectively. Management closely monitors our environmental responsibilities and believes we are in material compliance with current requirements. In addition to ongoing compliance with laws and regulations, our facilities operate in accordance with various permits, which are issued by state and federal environmental agencies. Many of these permits impose operating conditions on us which require significant expenditures to ensure compliance. Upon renewal and renegotiation of these permits, the issuing agencies often seek to impose new or additional conditions in response to new environmental laws and regulations, or more stringent interpretations of existing laws and regulations. In addition, under many federal environmental laws, private citizens and organizations, such as environmental advocacy groups, have the right to legally challenge permitting and other decisions made by regulatory agencies.
Our operations are subject to constantly changing environmental requirements, and interpretations of existing requirements, which are often impacted by new policy initiatives, new and amended legislation and regulation, negotiations involving state and federal governmental agencies and various other stakeholders, as well as, at times, litigation. For additional information, see Item 1A - Risk Factors for a discussion of the potential impact of environmental risks on our business, and Item 3 - Legal Proceedings, for a discussion of any environmental-related litigation.
Our future spending requirements in the area of environmental compliance could change significantly based on the passage of new environmental laws and regulations.
Environmental Liabilities
For information and details relating to our estimated environmental liabilities, see Item 1A - Risk Factors and Note 10 - Environmental Liabilities of our consolidated financial statements for more information.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market and Other Economic Risks
We are exposed to various market risks, primarily changes in interest rates, currency and commodity prices. Our objective is to minimize the economic impact of these market risks. We may use derivatives in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. Derivatives are managed by a senior executive committee whose responsibilities include initiating, managing and monitoring resulting exposures. See Note 11 - Derivative Instruments for additional information.
We manage our foreign currency exposures by balancing certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. We may also use foreign currency forward contracts to manage these exposures. The principal objective of such contracts is to minimize the potential volatility and financial impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
The prices, sales volumes and margins of the commodity products of our High Purity Cellulose segment and all the products of the High-Yield Pulp segment have historically been cyclically affected by economic and market shifts, fluctuations in capacity, and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. In general, these products are commodities that are widely available from other producers; because these products have few distinguishing qualities from producer to producer, competition is based primarily on price, which is determined by supply relative to demand. The overall levels of demand for the products we manufacture, and consequently our sales and profitability, reflect fluctuations in end user demand. Our cellulose specialties product prices are impacted by market supply and demand, raw material and processing costs, changes in global currencies and other factors. While these prices are not directly correlated to commodity dissolving wood pulp and paper pulp prices, changes in commodity dissolving wood pulp and paper pulp prices may impact competitors' actions which can lead to an impact in prices for cellulose specialties products. In addition, slightly over half of our cellulose specialties contracted volumes are under multi-year contracts that expire between 2022 and 2024.
As of December 31, 2021, we had $7 million of variable rate debt which is subject to interest rate risk. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical one-percentage point increase/decrease in interest rates would result in an immaterial increase/decrease in interest payments and expense over a 12-month period.
The fair market value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is also subject to interest rate risk. However, we intend to hold most of our debt until maturity. The estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt at December 31, 2021 was $964 million compared to the $928 million principal amount. We use quoted market prices to estimate the fair value of our fixed-rate debt. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
We may periodically enter into commodity forward contracts to fix some of our energy costs that are subject to price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. Such forward contracts partially mitigate the risk of changes to our gross margins resulting from an increase or decrease in these costs. Forward contracts which are derivative instruments are reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values, unless they qualify for the normal purchase normal sale ("NPNS") exception and such exception has been elected. If the NPNS exception is elected, the fair values of such contracts are not recognized on the balance sheet.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Our consolidated financial statements and related financial statement schedule, together with the report of independent registered accounting firm, appear at pages through of this Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 8.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Rayonier Advanced Materials management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this annual report on Form 10-K, is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported
within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no control evaluation can provide absolute assurance all control exceptions and instances of fraud have been prevented or detected on a timely basis. Even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance their objectives are achieved.
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this annual report on Form 10-K, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
With regard to our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f), our Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting on page, and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on page, included in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this annual report on Form 10-K, are incorporated by reference into this Item 9A.
For the quarter ended December 31, 2021, based upon the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d), there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that would materially affect or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 9B. Other Information
None.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10.
Information about our Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item with respect to directors, executive officers and corporate governance is incorporated by reference from the sections entitled “Commitment to Best Practices in Corporate Governance,” and “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” and the subsections entitled “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Information-Executive Officers” and “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “Proposal 5: Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and subsection entitled “Audit Committee Financial Experts” in the Proxy Statement. The information required by this Item with respect to disclosure of any known late filing or failure by an insider to file a report required by Section 16 of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in the Proxy Statement.
Our Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct, which is applicable to our principal executive officer and financial and accounting officers, is available on our website, www.rayonieram.com at the “Investors” tab under “Corporate Governance”. Any amendments to or waivers of the Standard of Ethics and Code of Corporate Conduct will also be disclosed on our website. No material changes have been made to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the board of directors.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11.
Executive Compensation
The information called for by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled “Compensation Discussion & Analysis,” “Report of the Compensation and Management Development Committee” and “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Information,” and the subsection entitled “Commitment to Best Practices in Corporate Governance-Director Compensation,” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information called for by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference from the subsections entitled “Executive Compensation Tables and Related Information-Stock Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers”, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information called for by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” and the subsections entitled “Commitment to Best Practices in Corporate Governance-Corporate Governance Principles”, “Director Independence” and “Related Person Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14.
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
The information called for by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled “Proposal 5: Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm-Information Regarding Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.
Part IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
(a) 1. Consolidated Financial Statements.
For a list of the consolidated financial information included herein, see page of this Report.
2. Financial Statement Schedules.
All other schedules have been omitted as the required information is not applicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto under Item 8 herein. The following consolidated financial statement schedule is included in Item 8:
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
3. Exhibits.
(b) Exhibits.
See Item 15(a)(3).
(c) Financial Statement Schedule.
See Item 15(a)(2).
Exhibit No. Description Location
2.1
Separation and Distribution Agreement between Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Rayonier Inc., dated as of May 28, 2014
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on May 29, 2014
2.2
Arrangement Agreement by and between Tembec Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. dated as of May 24, 2017*
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on May 25, 2017
2.3
Amending Agreement, dated as of July 23, 2017, to the Arrangement Agreement by and between Tembec Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. dated as of May 24, 2017
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on July 24, 2017
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
3.2
Certificate of Designations of 8.00% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective August 10, 2016
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 10, 2016
3.3
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
4.1
Indenture among Rayonier A.M. Products Inc., the guarantors party thereto from time to time and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee, dated as of May 22, 2014
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 4 to Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on May 29, 2014
4.2
Description of Common Stock
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2020
Exhibit No. Description Location
4.3
Indenture, dated as of December 23, 2020, by and among Rayonier A.M. Products Inc., the Guarantors party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as trustee and as notes collateral agent
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2020
4.4
Form of 7.625% Senior Secured Notes due 2026, included as Exhibit A to the Indenture
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2020
Pursuant to Regulation S-K, Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A), Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. by this filing agrees, upon request, to furnish to the SEC a copy of other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
10.1
Transition Services Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
10.2
Tax Matters Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2014, by and among Rayonier Inc., Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., Rayonier TRS Holdings Inc. and Rayonier A.M. Products Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
10.3
Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
10.4
Intellectual Property Agreement, dated as of June 27, 2014, by and between Rayonier Inc. and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on June 30, 2014
10.5
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incentive Stock Plan, as amended effective May 23, 2016**
Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix C to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on April 8, 2016
10.6
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2017 Incentive Stock Plan, effective May 22, 2017**
Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on April 7, 2017
10.7
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2017 Incentive Stock Plan (as amended effective December 15, 2017)** Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on April 6, 2018
10.8
First Amendment to the Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2017 Incentive Stock Plan, effective May 22, 2017** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2019
10.9
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2021 Incentive Stock Plan effective May 17, 2021
**
Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on April 2, 2021
10.10
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2021 Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement** Incorporated hereby by referenced to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2020
10.11
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2021 Performance Share Unit Award Agreement** Incorporated hereby by referenced to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2020
10.12
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2021 Performance Cash Unit Award Agreement** Incorporated hereby by referenced to Exhibit 10.13 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2020
10.13
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incentive Stock Plan Supplemental Terms Applicable to the 2020 Equity Award Grant** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2020
Exhibit No. Description Location
10.14
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incentive Stock Plan Supplemental Terms Applicable to the 2021 Equity Award Grant**
Incorporated hereby by referenced to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2021
10.15
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Incentive Stock Plan Supplemental Terms Applicable to the 2022 Equity Award Grant**
Filed herewith
10.16
Description of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2020 Performance Share Award Program**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2020
10.17
Description of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. 2021 Performance Share Award Program** # Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 5, 2021
10.18
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Non-Equity Incentive Plan, as amended effective May 23, 2016** Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement filed on April 8, 2016
10.19
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Executive Severance Pay Plan, Amended and Restated effective October 21, 2019** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2019
10.20
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Non Change In Control Executive Severance Plan**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2016
10.21
First Amendment to the Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Non Change In Control Executive Severance Plan**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2019
10.22
Trust Agreement for Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Legal Resources Trust, dated June 28, 2014, by and between Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q/A filed on September 4, 2014
10.23
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Excess Benefit Plan, effective June 27, 2014**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q/A filed on September 4, 2014
10.24
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan, effective June 28, 2014**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q/A filed on September 4, 2014
10.25
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Excess Savings and Deferred Compensation Plan Agreements, effective June 28, 2014**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 27, 2015
10.26
Retirement Plan for Salaried Employees of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., effective June 27, 2014 and Amended and Restated as of October 21, 2019** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 7, 2019
10.27
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective January 1, 2015**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
10.28
Amendment to Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective January 1, 2015**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
10.29
Amendment to Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective January 1, 2016**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
10.30
Amendment to Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective January 1, 2016**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
Exhibit No. Description Location
10.31
Amendment to Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective October 1, 2016**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
10.32
Amendment to Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Investment and Savings Plan for Salaried Employees, effective February 13, 2017**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2017
10.33
Form of Indemnification Agreement between Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and individual directors or officers**
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 4 to the Registration Statement on Form 10 filed on May 29, 2014
10.34
Form of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. Outside Directors Compensation Program/Cash Deferral Option Agreement, effective January 1, 2020** Incorporated hereby by referenced to Exhibit 10.35 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2020
10.35
Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2020, among Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., Rayonier A.M. Products Inc., the other subsidiaries of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. party thereto, the lenders party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2020
10.36
Asset Purchase Agreement by and between 9437-6001 Quebec Inc., as purchaser and GreenFirst Forest Products Inc., as Purchaser guarantor, and Rayonier A.M. Canada G.P. and Rayonier A.M. Canada Industries Inc., collectively the Seller, dated as of April 10, 2021# Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on May 6, 2021
10.37
Employment Letter between Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. and Vito J. Consiglio, dated as of December 5, 2021** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on December 6, 2021
10.38
Separation and Release Agreement dated January 19, 2022 between Paul G. Boynton and Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.** Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on January 20, 2022
Subsidiaries of the registrant
Filed herewith
23.1
Consent of Grant Thornton LLP
Filed herewith
Powers of attorney
Filed herewith
31.1
Chief Executive Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
31.2
Chief Financial Officer’s Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14-(a) and pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Filed herewith
Certification of Periodic Financial Reports Under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
Furnished herewith
101 The following financial information from our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (“XBRL”), includes: (i) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019; (ii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019; and (iv) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements Filed herewith
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File - formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
* The exhibits to the Arrangement Agreement have been omitted from this filing pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of any such schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon request.
** Management contract or compensatory plan.
#Certain confidential portions of this exhibit were omitted by means of marking such portions with asterisks because the identified confidential portions (i) are not material and (ii) would be competitively harmful if publicly disclosed.