EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1296435
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 1296435_10-K_2021_0001296435-21-000038.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Item 1. Business
Overview
Neenah is a specialty materials company organized into two primary businesses: a performance-based technical products business and a premium fine paper and packaging business.
Our technical products business is a leading international producer of transportation, water and other filter media and durable, saturated and coated substrates for a variety of end markets. We focus on categories where we believe we are, or can be, a market leader. These categories include filtration media for transportation, water and other end use applications, backings for specialty tapes and abrasives, performance labels, digital transfer papers, and other custom engineered materials. Our products are typically used in high performance applications where our customers require specific standards and qualifications. Our dedicated technical products manufacturing facilities are located in Weidach and Bruckmühl, Germany, Eerbeek, Netherlands, Bolton, England, Munising, Michigan, Appleton, Wisconsin, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Our fine paper and packaging business is a leading supplier of premium printing, packaging, and other high-end specialty papers predominantly in North America. Our products include some of the most recognized and preferred brands in North America, where we enjoy leading market positions in many of our product categories. Often these papers are characterized by distinctive finishing, colors, textures and coating. We sell our products primarily to authorized paper distributors, as well as through converters, major national retailers and specialty businesses. Our dedicated fine paper and packaging manufacturing facilities are located in Whiting and Neenah, Wisconsin, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
In addition, certain products of both businesses are manufactured in shared facilities located in Brownville and Lowville, New York, and Quakertown, Pennsylvania. For a description of our facilities, see Item 2, "Properties."
History of the Businesses
Neenah was incorporated in April 2004 in contemplation of the spin-off by Kimberly-Clark Corporation ("Kimberly-Clark") of its technical products and fine paper businesses in the United States and its Canadian pulp business (collectively, the "Pulp and Paper Business"). We had no material assets or activities until Kimberly-Clark's transfer to us of the Pulp and Paper business on November 30, 2004. On that date, Kimberly-Clark completed the distribution of all of the shares of our common stock to the stockholders of Kimberly-Clark.
Former Pulp Operations. Our former pulp operations consisted of mills located in Terrace Bay, Ontario and Pictou, Nova Scotia and approximately 975,000 acres of related woodlands. We disposed of these mills and woodlands in a series of transactions from 2006 through 2010.
Technical Products. The Munising, Michigan mill was purchased by Kimberly-Clark in 1952. Subsequent to the purchase, the mill was converted to produce durable, saturated and coated papers for sale and use in a variety of industrial applications for our technical products business.
In October 2006, we purchased the outstanding interests of FiberMark Services GmbH & Co. KG and the outstanding interests of FiberMark Beteiligungs GmbH (collectively "Neenah Germany"). At acquisition, the Neenah Germany assets consisted of three mills located in Weidach, Bruckmühl and Lahnstein, Germany. These mills produce a wide range of products, including transportation filter media, nonwoven wall coverings, masking and other tapes, abrasive backings, and specialized printing and coating substrates. In October 2015, we sold the Lahnstein mill to the Kajo Neukirchen Group. The Lahnstein mill had been manufacturing nonwoven wallcoverings and various other specialty papers.
In July 2014, we purchased all of the outstanding equity of Crane Technical Materials, Inc. from Crane & Co., Inc. The acquired business provides performance-oriented wet laid nonwoven media for water filtration end markets as well as environmental, energy and industrial uses. The business has two manufacturing facilities in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
In November 2017, we purchased all of the outstanding equity of Neenah Coldenhove B.V. ("Neenah Coldenhove"). The acquired business is a specialty materials manufacturer with a leading position in digital transfer media and other technical products. The business has one manufacturing facility in Eerbeek, Netherlands.
Fine Paper and Packaging. The fine paper and packaging business was incorporated in 1885 as Neenah Paper Company, which initially operated a single paper mill in Neenah, Wisconsin. Kimberly-Clark acquired the mill in 1956. In 1981, Kimberly-Clark purchased an additional mill located in Whiting, Wisconsin and in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the capacity of the fine paper and packaging business was expanded by building two new paper machines at the Whiting mill and completing a major expansion of the Neenah facility with the installation of a new paper machine, finishing center, customer service center and an expanded distribution center.
In the first of the series of consolidating acquisitions, in March 2007, we acquired the assets and brands of Neenah Paper FR, LLC ("Fox River") (including our mill located in Appleton, Wisconsin). In January 2012, we purchased certain premium fine paper brands and other assets from Wausau Paper Mills, LLC, a subsidiary of Wausau Paper Corp. ("Wausau") and in January 2013, we purchased certain premium business paper brands from the Southworth Company ("Southworth").
In August 2017, we purchased a laminating asset in Great Barrington, Massachusetts to support continued growth in our premium packaging business.
Shared Facilities. In August 2015, we purchased all of the outstanding equity of ASP FiberMark, LLC ("FiberMark"). We added specialty coating and finishing capabilities with this acquisition, particularly in luxury packaging and technical products. The results of operations and assets related to FiberMark are reflected in each of our business segments. These mills are located in Brownville and Lowville, New York, Quakertown, Pennsylvania and Bolton, England. On December 31, 2018, the Company completed the sale of certain equipment, inventory, real property and other specified assets relating to the Company’s premium fine paper and office products manufacturing facility located in Brattleboro, Vermont. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Asset Restructuring and Impairment Costs."
One of the two fine paper machines included in the Fox River acquisition and located in Appleton, Wisconsin (noted above) was converted to produce filtration products. This business, Neenah Filtration Appleton, began operations in 2017 and produces transportation and other filtration media.
Business Strategy
We have a long history, which is rooted in a proud heritage of manufacturing expertise. For over 100 years, we have grown and evolved our technology and methodologies along with the materials we use and what we make. Enabled by our culture and capabilities, we are laser-focused on increasing our organic growth trajectory and leading the markets we serve. Our growth platforms include filtration media, specialty coatings, custom engineered solutions, image products and packaging. We believe that achieving and maintaining a leadership position requires prompt and proactive responses to our customers' needs. We know that prudent capital and cost management coupled with relentless risk-mitigation allow us to manufacture growth, for our customers, end-users, shareholders and employees. We are committed to driving meaningful value for our stakeholders. We will continue to operate with financial discipline, maintain a prudent capital structure and deploy cash flows in ways that can provide value, including direct cash returns to shareholders through a meaningful dividend.
Products
Technical Products. Our technical products business is a leading international producer of fiber-formed, durable, coated and/or saturated specialized media that delivers high performance benefits to customers, such as filtration media for transportation, water and other filtration markets, and saturated and coated performance materials used for specialty tapes, abrasives, performance labels, digital transfer papers, and a variety of other end markets. Typically, our technical products are sold to other manufacturers as key components for their finished products. Many of our key market segments served, including filtration and specialty backings for tape and abrasives, are global in scope. JET-PRO®SofStretchTM, KIMDURA®, PREVAILTM, NEENAH®, and GESSNER® are some of the brands of our technical products business.
The following is a description of certain key products and markets:
Filtration media for transportation, including induction air, fuel, oil, cabin air and other applications. Transportation filtration media are sold to filter manufacturers who in turn supply automotive and other companies with filters used as original equipment on new cars and trucks as well as to the aftermarket, which is a recurring sale and represents the large majority of our sales. In 2020, we introduced high performance face mask media in Europe.
Filtration media for water and other industrial end markets. Primary applications include reverse osmosis, catalytic conversion, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration, pervaporation and vapor permeation, as well as other applications for specialty markets.
Specialty backings. Products in this market segment include (a) saturated and unsaturated crepe and flat paper tapes sold to manufacturers to produce finished pressure sensitive products for sale in automotive, transportation, manufacturing, building construction, and industrial general purpose applications, including sales in the consumer do-it-yourself retail channel and (b) coated lightweight abrasive paper used in the automotive, construction, metal and woodworking industries for both dry and wet sanding applications.
Digital transfer media. Products in this market are used to transfer digital images onto clothing, sportswear, and other materials. A fiber-based sheet undergoes various coatings to impart required performance. Digital transfer papers are also used to digitally print images from paper to clothing, hats, coffee mugs, and other surfaces.
Label and tag products. Products in this market are made from both saturated base label stock and synthetic base label stock, with coatings applied to allow for high quality digital printing. Label and tag stock is sold to pressure sensitive coaters, who in turn sell the coated label and tag stock to the label printing community.
Other latex saturated and coated papers for use by a wide variety of manufacturers. Premask paper is used as a protective over wrap for products during the manufacturing process and for applying signs, labeling and other finished products. Medical packaging paper is typically a polymer impregnated base sheet providing a breathable sterilization barrier that provides unique properties.
Publishing and security papers. Products in this market are used to produce book covers, stationery, and passports. Other specialty products include clean room papers, release papers and furniture backers.
Fine Paper and Packaging. Our fine paper and packaging business manufactures and sells world-class branded premium writing, text, cover and specialty papers and envelopes used in high-end commercial printing services, corporate identity packages and advertising collateral. In addition, we produce premium packaging, high end beverage labels and other forms of packaging, as well as wide format applications used for display graphics and indoor/outdoor signage. Often these papers are characterized by finishing, colors, textures and distinctive coating.
The following is a description of certain key products and markets:
Commercial printing papers, including premium writing, text and cover papers and envelopes. Uses include advertising collateral, stationery, corporate identity packages and brochures, pocket folders, annual reports, advertising inserts, direct mail, business cards, scrapbooks, and a variety of other uses where colors, texture, coating, unique finishes or heavier weight papers are desired. Our market leading brands in this category include CLASSIC®, CLASSIC CREST®, ENVIRONMENT®, ROYAL SUNDANCE®, SOUTHWORTH®, and TOUCHE® trademarks. Our fine paper and packaging business has an exclusive agreement to market and distribute Gruppo Cordenons SpA's SO...SILK®, PLIKE® and STARDREAM® branded fine papers in the U.S. and Canada. The fine paper and packaging business also sells private watermarked paper and other specialty writing, text, and cover papers. Additionally, the fine paper and packaging business provides leading solutions in the wide format arena, led by its Neenah Wide Format® and CONVERD® brands.
Bright papers. Products in this market are used in applications such as direct mail, advertising inserts, scrapbooks and marketing collateral. Our brands in this category include ASTROBRIGHTS®. Additionally, business papers for professionals and small businesses are sold under our Southworth® brand through major retailers.
Consumer products. Products such as bright papers, cardstock, stationary paper, envelopes, journals and planners are sold to national retailers like Staples, Office Depot, Walmart and Amazon. Our brands in this category include ASTROBRIGHTS®, SOUTHWORTH®, and Neenah® Bright White.
Premium packaging. Products produced for this market are used for wine, spirits and beer labels, folding cartons, box wrap, bags, hang tags, and stored value cards servicing high-end retail, cosmetics, spirits, and electronics end-use markets. Our market leading brands in these categories include NEENAH® Folding Board, ESTATE LABEL®, Neenah® Box Wrap, and IMAGEMAX® Paper Card.
Other. The fine paper and packaging business also produces and sells other specialty papers such as translucent papers, art papers, papers for optical scanning and other specialized applications.
There were no significant government contracts to disclose in either segment.
Markets and Customers
Technical Products. The technical products business sells its products globally to other manufacturers who convert our product for sale into product categories generally used as base materials in the following applications: filtration, component backing materials for manufactured products such as tape and abrasives, and other specialized product uses such as graphics and identification. Customers typically convert and transform base papers and film into finished rolls and sheets by adding adhesives, coatings, and finishes. These transformed products are then sold to end-users.
Our products are generally used in markets that are directly affected by economic business cycles. Certain market segments such as digital transfer papers used in small/home office and consumer applications are relatively stable. Most products are performance-based and require extended qualification by customers; however, certain categories may also be subject to price competition and the substitution of lower cost substrates for some less demanding applications.
The technical products business relies on a team of direct sales representatives and customer service representatives to market and sell a large majority of its sales volume directly to customers and converters.
The technical products business has more than 1,000 customers worldwide. The distribution of sales in 2020 was approximately 44 percent in North America, 39 percent in Europe, and 17 percent in Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Fine Paper and Packaging. We believe our fine paper and packaging business is a leading supplier of premium printing, packaging, and other high-end specialty papers predominantly in North America. These products are used in high-end commercial printing services, corporate identity packages, and advertising collateral. Our premium packaging business includes products such as food and beverage labels and high-end packaging materials such as folding cartons and box wrap used for luxury retail goods. In addition, we produce wide format applications used for display graphics and indoor/outdoor signage. Bright papers are generally used by consumers for flyers, direct mail and packaging.
The fine paper and packaging business has over 450 customers worldwide. The fine paper and packaging business sells its products in a variety of channels including authorized paper distributors, converters, major national retailers, specialty business converters, and direct to end-users. Sales to distributors account for approximately 50 percent of net sales in the fine paper and packaging business. During 2020, approximately 7 percent of the net sales of our fine paper and packaging business were exported to markets outside North America.
Concentration. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, sales to the technical products business' largest customer represented approximately 9 percent and 8 percent of consolidated net sales, respectively, and approximately 15 percent and 14 percent of net sales for the technical products segment, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2018, there were no customers to which sales constituted over 10 percent of segment net sales for technical products. For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, sales to the largest customer of fine paper and packaging business represented approximately 6 percent and 8 percent of consolidated net sales, respectively, and approximately 18 percent of net sales of the fine paper and packaging business for each of such years. For the year ended December 31, 2018, sales to the two largest customers of fine paper and packaging business represented approximately 7 percent and 5 percent, respectively, of consolidated net sales and approximately 16 percent and 12 percent, respectively, of net sales of the fine paper and packaging business. We practice limited sales distribution to improve our ability to control the marketing of our products. Although a complete loss of these customers would cause a temporary decline in the respective business' sales volume, we believe the decline could be partially offset by expanding sales to existing customers, and further offset over a several month period with the addition of new customers.
Competition
Technical Products. Our technical products business competes in global markets with a number of large multinational competitors, including Ahlstrom-Munksjö, ArjoWiggins SAS and Hollingsworth & Vose Company. It also competes in some, but not all, of these segments with smaller regional manufacturers, such as Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. and Potsdam Specialty Paper, Inc. We believe the bases of competition in most of these categories are the ability to design and develop customized product features to meet customer performance specifications while maintaining quality, customer service and a competitive price. We believe our research and development program gives us an advantage in customizing base papers and developing advanced filter media to meet customer needs.
Fine Paper and Packaging. Our fine paper and packaging business is a leading supplier of premium printing and other high-end specialty papers in North America. Our fine paper and packaging business also competes in the premium segment of the uncoated free sheet market. The fine paper and packaging business competes directly in North America with Mohawk Fine Paper Inc. We believe the primary bases of competition for premium fine papers are product quality, customer service, product availability, promotional support, color and texture variety, and brand recognition. Price also can be a factor particularly for lower quality printing needs that may compete with opaque and offset papers. We have and will continue to invest in advertising and other programs aimed at graphic designers, printers and corporate end-users in order to maintain a high level of brand awareness and to communicate the advantages of using our products.
Our premium packaging business is focused on high-end packaging needs in end market verticals like beauty products, spirits and retail. Like our premium fine paper business, the primary bases of competition are similarly product quality, customer service, product availability, color and texture variety, and brand recognition. Premium packaging is primarily a North American business, but we also sell to customers in Asia and other markets outside the U.S. We believe the premium packaging market to be highly fragmented, with multiple competitors, many of which produce premium packaging products as a small subset of larger packaging operations.
The following graphs present further information about net sales by business, geographic area and product line (dollars in millions):
Net Sales by Geographic Region
(in Millions)
2020 Net Sales by Product Line
Net sales are attributed to geographic areas based on the physical location of the Neenah selling entity. See Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Business Segment and Geographic Information", for information with respect to net sales, operating income and long-lived assets by business segment and location.
Seasonality
Technical Products. In general, sales and operating income for the technical products business have historically been relatively stronger in the first half of the year with reductions in the third quarter due to reduced customer converting schedules and in the fourth quarter due to a reduction in year-end inventory levels by our customers. The order flow for the technical products business is subject to seasonal peaks for several of its products, such as the larger volume grades of specialty tape, abrasives, premask, and label stock used primarily in the downstream finished goods manufacturing process. To assure timely shipments during these seasonal peaks, the technical products business provides certain customers with finished goods inventory on consignment. The technical products business periodically experiences periods where order entry levels surge, and order backlogs can increase substantially. Raw materials are purchased and manufacturing schedules are planned based on customer forecasts, current market conditions and individual orders for custom products.
Fine Paper and Packaging. The fine paper and packaging business has historically not experienced seasonality. Orders for stock products are typically shipped within two days, while custom orders are shipped within two to three weeks of receipt. Raw material purchases and manufacturing schedules are planned based on a combination of historical trends, customer forecasts and current market conditions.
The operating results for both of our businesses are influenced by the timing of our annual maintenance downs, which are generally scheduled in the third quarter.
Resources
Raw Materials
Technical Products. Softwood pulp, specialty pulps and fibers, and latex are the primary raw materials consumed by our technical products business that are purchased from various external suppliers. We believe that all of the raw materials for our technical products operations, except for certain specialty latex grades and specialty pulps, are readily available from several sources and that the loss of a single supplier would not cause a shutdown of our manufacturing operations.
Our technical products business acquires all of its specialized pulp requirements from two global suppliers and certain critical specialty latex grades from four suppliers. In general, these supply arrangements are covered by formal contracts, and represent multi-year business relationships that have historically been sufficient to meet our needs. We expect these relationships to continue to operate in a satisfactory manner in the future. In the event of an interruption of production at any one supplier, we believe that each of these suppliers individually would be able to satisfy our short-term requirements for specialized pulp or specialty latex. In the event of a long-term disruption in our supply of specialized pulp or specialty latex, we believe we would be able to substitute other pulp grades or other latex grades that would allow us to meet required product performance characteristics and incur only a limited disruption in our production. As a result, we do not believe that the substitution of such alternative pulp or latex grades would have a material effect on our operations.
Fine Paper and Packaging. Hardwood pulp is the primary raw material used to produce products of the fine paper and packaging business. Other significant raw material inputs in the production of fine paper and packaging products include softwood pulp, recycled fiber, cotton fiber, dyes and fillers. The fine paper and packaging business purchases all of its raw materials externally. We believe that all of the raw materials for our fine paper and packaging operations are readily available from several sources and that the loss of a single supplier would not cause a shutdown of our manufacturing operations.
Working Capital
Technical Products. The technical products business maintains approximately 25 to 30 days of raw materials and supplies inventories to support its manufacturing operations and approximately 30 to 35 days of finished goods inventory to support customer orders for its products. Sales terms in the technical products business vary depending on the type of product sold and customer category. Extended credit terms of up to 120 days are offered to customers located in certain international markets. In general, sales are collected in approximately 45 to 55 days and supplier invoices are paid within 20 to 25 days.
Fine Paper and Packaging. The fine paper and packaging business maintains approximately 15 to 20 days of raw material inventories to support its paper making operations and about 60 to 65 days of finished goods inventory to fill customer orders. Fine paper and packaging sales terms range between 20 and 30 days with discounts of up to 2 percent for customer
payments, with discounts of 1 percent and 20-day terms used most often. Extended credit terms are offered to customers located in certain international markets. Supplier invoices are typically paid within 60 days.
Energy and Water
The equipment used to manufacture the products of our technical products and fine paper and packaging businesses uses significant amounts of energy, primarily electricity, natural gas, oil and coal. We have the ability to generate substantially all of our electrical energy at the Munising mill and approximately 25 percent of the electrical energy at our mills in Appleton, Wisconsin and Bruckmühl, Germany. We also purchase electrical energy from external sources, including electricity generated from renewable sources.
Availability of energy is not expected to be a problem in the foreseeable future, but the purchase price of such energy can and likely will fluctuate significantly based on changes in demand and other factors.
An adequate supply of water is needed to manufacture our products. We believe that there is an adequate supply of water for this purpose at each of our manufacturing locations.
Research and Development
Our technical products business maintains research and development laboratories in Feldkirchen-Westerham, Germany, Eerbeek, Netherlands, Munising, Michigan, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts to support its strategy of developing new products and technologies, and to support growth in its existing product lines and other strategically important markets. We also have a research and development laboratory in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts that supports both our technical products and fine paper and packaging businesses. We have continually invested in product research and development with spending of $7.6 million in 2020, $8.7 million in 2019, and $9.2 million in 2018.
Intellectual Property
We own more than 100 granted patents and have multiple pending patent applications in the United States, Canada, Europe and certain other countries covering digital transfer paper, abrasives and medical packaging, and other paper application and media processing. We also own more than 150 trademarks with registrations in approximately 80 countries. Our digital transfer patents have contributed to establishing the technical products business as a leading global supplier of digital transfer papers through our highly recognized JET-PRO®, JET-OPAQUE®, TECHNI-PRINT®, LASER-1-OPAQUE® and IMAGE CLIP® brands. We add even more depth and strength to our technical products portfolio with the well-recognized dye-sublimation JETCOL® brand, as well as our TEXCOLTM brand, which enables industrial transfer on natural substrates, supported by a pending patent, and our new FACECOL™ face mask media products. The KIMDURA® and MUNISING LP® trademarks have also made a significant contribution to the marketing of synthetic film and clean room papers for our technical products business.
For more than 100 years, Neenah’s fine paper and packaging business has built its market leading reputation on creating and manufacturing trademarked brands for premium writing, text, cover, digital, packaging, and specialty needs. The Neenah signature portfolio includes innovative, market leading brands such as CLASSIC® (including CLASSIC CREST®, CLASSIC® Linen, CLASSIC® Laid, CLASSIC COLUMNS®, CLASSIC® Stipple, CLASSIC® Woodgrain, and CLASSIC® Techweave), ASTROBRIGHTS®, ENVIRONMENT®, ROYAL SUNDANCE®, SOUTHWORTH® and many more. Our fine paper and packaging business provides unique and sustainable packaging papers, as well as custom solutions for premium packaging needs. With brands that stand for quality and consistency, such as NEENAH® Folding Board, NEENAH® Box Wrap, ESTATE LABEL®, and NEENAH IMAGEMAX® Paper Card, our fine paper and packaging business enables leading brands to deliver on their promise. The business accordingly maintains a well-rounded and respected portfolio of brands that position Neenah as an industry leader, setting standards for quality, consistency, and dependability.
Neenah also has significant trademarks recognized in both the publishing and packaging markets, including SKIVERTEX® and KIVAR®.
The GESSNER® trademark similarly plays an important role in the marketing of Neenah’s filtration product lines.
Human Capital
Our vision is to be a company known for manufacturing growth, for our customers, end-users, shareholders, and employees. Our talent strategy focuses on accelerating growth for our global employees by fostering a culture of possibility and cultivating the right people in the right roles with the right skills at the right time. We're doing this by continually evolving how we attract, engage, grow and reward our people.
As of December 31, 2020, we had approximately 2,239 regular full-time employees of whom 906 hourly and 476 salaried employees were located in the United States and 509 hourly and 348 salaried employees were located in Europe.
Certain employees of Neenah Germany are eligible to be represented by the Mining, Chemicals and Energy Trade Union, Industriegewerkschaft Bergbau, Chemie and Energie (the "IG BCE"). The IG BCE and a national trade association representing all employers in the industry signed a collective bargaining agreement covering union employees of Neenah Germany that expires in September 2022. Under German law union membership is voluntary and does not need to be disclosed to the Company. As a result, the number of employees covered by a collective bargaining agreement cannot be determined. In Netherlands, most of our employees are eligible to be represented by the Christelijke Nationale Vakbond ("CNV") and the Federatie Nederlandse Vakvereniging ("FNV"). Under Netherlands law, union membership is voluntary and does not need to be disclosed to the Company.
As of December 31, 2020, 85 employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements that expire in the next 12 months, not including the employees covered by the collective bargaining arrangements with the CNV and FNV.
We believe we have satisfactory relations with our employees covered by collective bargaining agreements and do not expect the negotiation of new collective bargaining agreements to have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows. See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Commitments, Contingencies, and Legal Matters - Employees and Labor Relations."
Safety
"Safety Above All" is not just one of our company values, it is one of our strategic drivers. Our goal is to create a 100% safe work environment for our employees, and we are working towards this by focusing on three areas. First, we are deploying critical leadership behaviors and holding our leaders accountable to drive safety as a value. Second, we are expanding our risk assessment efforts to reduce injuries. Third, we are establishing global safety standards, by aligning our practices and procedures to ensure we are managing our efforts in a unified and consistent way.
COVID-19
Our commitment to safety was evident throughout 2020. We developed our protocols and action plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help support our employees around the globe who were deemed essential. Some of the key actions taken included the following:
•Providing all hourly employees with additional paid sick days;
•Encouraging and providing employees with the flexibility to work from home;
•Adjusting attendance and sick leave policies to encourage those who are symptomatic, sick or who have been exposed to others with COVID-19 or COVID-19 symptoms to stay home;
•Increasing sanitization and cleaning protocols across all locations;
•Conducting regular meetings to review the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including ongoing updates to our health and safety protocols and procedures to address actual and suspected COVID-19 cases and potential exposures;
•Implementing temperature screening of employees and visitors at our manufacturing facilities;
•Establishing social distancing procedures for employees who need to be onsite;
•Providing additional cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment;
•Requiring employees to wear masks in all locations deemed necessary in accordance with local laws; and
•Prohibiting all domestic and international non-essential travel for all employees.
All our facilities manufacture products deemed essential to the critical infrastructure. As a result, during 2020 and currently, our production sites continue to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are committed to building and developing a diverse workforce and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from veterans, minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. We take pride in our policies that provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status or genetic information.
Neenah is also proud to establish Employee Resource Groups ("ERGs") to connect employees through shared identity or affinity. These groups are designed to provide networking opportunities for employees and create direct lines of communication between ERGs and leadership to address concerns, mitigate risks and solve problems.
Training and Development
Growing is at the heart of everything we do. Our company cannot grow if our people are not growing. That is why we recently launched a refreshed, consistent and simplified approach to talent management. The platform is called grow@Neenah. It is a framework that helps us set objectives, create a culture of ongoing feedback, differentiate and reward individual performance and create global learning and development opportunities.
We also believe in recognizing our progress and celebrating success throughout our journey. We look for opportunities to identify our company values in action, reinforcing the behaviors we want people to display. When it comes to financial growth, we have harmonized our pay to be equitable based on each person's role in the organization. We are also migrating to an incentive model that allows for more meaningful reward opportunities based on individual contributions and company performance.
Total Rewards
We aspire to be a different company, one that moves faster, thinks differently, and innovates in new ways. We know that our ideas contribute to a larger purpose. Through our efforts, distinctive user experiences are created across multiple categories and sectors. To create these possibilities and growth opportunities for our customers, end-users, and shareholders, we know that we must care for our employees' growth and well-being. To that end, we offer comprehensive benefits and well-being programs that support our employees' physical, financial, and emotional health and wellness. Our tools and resources include preventative services, fitness activities, counseling and educational resources, financial support as well as comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage. We are committed to helping each employee feel their best so they can be their best.
Environmental, Health and Safety Matters
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to various environmental, health and safety matters. We believe our operations are in compliance with, or we are taking actions designed to ensure compliance with, these laws, regulations and ordinances. However, the nature of our operations exposes us to the risk of claims concerning non-compliance with environmental, health and safety laws or standards, and there can be no assurance that material costs or liabilities will not be incurred in connection with those claims. Except for certain orders issued by environmental, health and safety regulatory agencies with which we believe we are in compliance and which we believe are immaterial to our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, we are not currently named as a party in any judicial or administrative proceeding relating to environmental, health and safety matters.
Greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions have increasingly become the subject of political and regulatory focus. Concern over potential climate change, including global warming, has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting GHG emissions. In addition to certain federal proposals in the United States to regulate GHG emissions, Germany, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) and all the states in which we operate are currently considering GHG legislation or regulations, either individually and/or as part of regional initiatives. While not all such proposals will become law, it is likely that additional climate change related mandates will be forthcoming, and it is expected that they may adversely impact our costs by increasing energy costs and raw material prices, requiring operational or equipment modifications to reduce emissions and creating costs to comply with regulations or to mitigate the financial consequences of such compliance.
As a company, we work to minimize the amount of fresh water we use at our manufacturing facilities, and to recycle water within a facility as much as practically possible, all while maintaining stringent quality requirements. Due to the high quality achieved through efficient water treatment systems, our mills have the unique opportunity of being able to recycle and reuse fully treated effluent back into our process to minimize fresh water draws. Furthermore, our processes are designed to return the water used in manufacturing at a quality level that does not negatively impact the receiving environment.
While we have incurred in the past several years, and will continue to incur, capital and operating expenditures in order to comply with environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and ordinances, we believe that our future cost of compliance with environmental, health and safety laws, regulations and ordinances, and our exposure to liability for environmental, health and safety claims will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. However, future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations, new legislation to limit GHG emissions or contamination of sites owned, operated or used for waste disposal by us (including currently unknown contamination and contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or other waste generators) may give rise to additional costs which could have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Our anticipated capital expenditures for environmental projects are not expected to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Company Structure
Our corporate structure consists of Neenah, Inc. and the following direct wholly-owned subsidiaries.
Neenah, Inc. is a Delaware corporation that holds our trademarks and patents related to all of our U.S. businesses (except Neenah Paper FVC, LLC), all of our U.S. fine paper and packaging inventory, the real estate, mills and manufacturing assets associated with our fine paper and packaging operations in Neenah and Whiting, Wisconsin and all of the equity in our subsidiaries listed below.
Neenah Paper Michigan, Inc. is a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns the real estate, mill and manufacturing assets associated with our U.S. technical products business in Munising, Michigan.
Neenah Paper FVC, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of Neenah Paper FR, LLC ("Neenah Paper FR"). Neenah Paper FR is a Delaware limited liability company that owns the real estate, mill and certain manufacturing assets associated with our filtration operation in Appleton, Wisconsin and leases the real estate and owns the manufacturing assets associated with our fine paper and packaging operations in Great Barrington, Massachusetts.
Neenah Paper International Holding Company, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of Neenah Paper International, LLC ("NP International"). NP International is a Delaware limited liability company that owns all of the equity of Neenah Germany GmbH and in conjunction with Neenah Germany GmbH all of the equity of Neenah Services GmbH & Co. KG.
NPCC Holding Company LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of Neenah Paper Company of Canada ("Neenah Canada"). Neenah Canada is a Nova Scotia unlimited liability corporation that holds certain post-employment liabilities of our former Canadian operations.
Neenah Filtration, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of Neenah Technical Materials, Inc. ("NTM") and Neenah Filtration Appleton, LLC ("NFA"). NTM is a Massachusetts corporation that owns all of the real estate, mills and manufacturing assets associated with our technical materials business in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. NFA is a Delaware limited liability company that owns certain assets associated with our filtration business in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Neenah FMK Holdings, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of ASP FiberMark, LLC ("ASP FiberMark"). ASP FiberMark is a Delaware limited liability company that owns all of the equity of Neenah Northeast, LLC ("NNE") and Neenah International UK Limited ("Neenah UK"). NNE is a Delaware limited liability company that owns certain real estate, mills and manufacturing assets associated with our fine paper and packaging business and technical products business located in Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and Brownville and Lowville, New York. Neenah UK is a United Kingdom limited company that owns all of the equity of Neenah Red Bridge International Limited ("Neenah Red Bridge"). Neenah Red Bridge is a United Kingdom corporation
that owns all of the real estate, manufacturing assets and inventory associated with our technical products business in Bolton, England.
Neenah Global Holdings B.V. is a private company with limited liability organized under the laws of the Netherlands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. that owns all of the equity of Neenah Coldenhove Holding B.V. ("Coldenhove Holding") . Coldenhove Holding is a private company with limited liability organized under the laws of the Netherlands that owns all of the equity of Neenah Coldenhove B.V. ("Neenah Coldenhove") and Coldenhove Know How B.V. ("Coldenhove Know How"). Neenah Coldenhove is a private company with limited liability organized under the laws of the Netherlands that owns substantially all of the real estate, manufacturing assets and inventory associated with our technical products business in Eerbeek, Netherlands. Coldenhove Know How is a private company with limited liability organized under the laws of the Netherlands that owns substantially all of the intellectual property associated with our technical products business in Eerbeek, Netherlands.
Neenah Hong Kong Limited ("Neenah Hong Kong") is a limited liability company organized under the laws of Hong Kong and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. Neenah Hong Kong provides certain sales and marketing services to Neenah, Inc. and its affiliated entities and facilitates the financing of our international operations.
Neenah Paper International Finance Company B.V. ("Finco") is a private company with limited liability organized under the laws of the Netherlands and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Neenah, Inc. Finco does not currently have any operations or own any assets.
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
We are subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As such, we file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Our SEC filings are available to the public on the SEC's web site at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy any document we file at the SEC's Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the Public Reference Room. Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "NP". You may inspect the reports, proxy statements and other information concerning us at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
Our web site is www.neenah.com. Information on our web site is not incorporated by reference in this document. Our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, as well as amendments to those reports, are and will be available free of charge on our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish such reports with the SEC. In addition, you may request a copy of any of these reports (excluding exhibits) at no cost upon written request to us at: Investor Relations, Neenah, Inc., 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Item 1A. Risk Factors
You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all of the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Some of the risks described below relate principally to our business and the industry in which we operate, while others relate principally to our indebtedness. The remaining risks relate principally to the securities markets generally and ownership of our common stock.
Our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially affected by any of these risks, and, as a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
Our financial condition and results of operations have been and are expected to continue to be adversely affected by the recent coronavirus pandemic.
A novel strain of coronavirus, COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019, and subsequently declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The pandemic and measures taken to contain or mitigate the pandemic have caused, and are continuing to cause, business slowdown or shutdown in affected areas and significant disruption in the financial markets both globally and in the U.S., which has led to a decline in discretionary spending by consumers, which in turn has adversely impacted our business, sales, financial condition and results of operations beginning in the second quarter of 2020. We cannot predict the degree to, or the time period over, which our sales and operations will continue to be affected by this pandemic and preventive measures.
COVID-19 and measures to prevent its spread, including imposition of quarantines and prolonged closures of manufacturing facilities and retail stores, may impact our business in a number of ways. These impacts are expected to include an adverse effect from significantly reduced global economic activity and resulting demand for our products and our customers’ products and, therefore, the products we manufacture. They could also adversely affect our ability to operate our business, including potential disruptions to our supply chain and workforce.
COVID-19 may continue to have a material adverse impact on our business operations and our financial results, including our net sales, earnings and cash flows in the upcoming quarters. We expect the ultimate significance of the impact of these disruptions, including the extent of their adverse impact on our financial results, will be determined by the length of time that such disruptions continue, which will, in turn, depend on the duration of COVID-19 and the impact of governmental regulations or guidelines in response to the pandemic. Although all of our global manufacturing facilities are currently operational and have been designated by governmental authorities as an "essential business", in the future they may be required to curtail or cease production in response to the spread of COVID-19, either in response to changing governmental orders or labor availability. In addition, our customers, distribution partners, service providers or suppliers may experience operational challenges, financial distress, file for bankruptcy protection, go out of business or suffer disruptions in their business due to COVID-19 which would have a material negative impact on our business.
The spread of COVID-19 and the requirements to take action to help limit the spread of the illness, have impacted our ability to carry out our business as usual and materially adversely impacted global economic conditions, our business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. Even in those regions where we are beginning to experience business recovery, should those regions fail to fully contain COVID-19 or suffer a COVID-19 relapse, those markets may not recover as quickly or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
To the extent COVID-19 adversely affects our business, results of operations and financial condition, it may also have the effect of heightening many of the other risks described in this section.
Our business will suffer if we are unable to effectively respond to decreased demand for some of our products due to conditions in the global economy, secular pressures in some markets or consumer preferences.
We have experienced and may experience in the future decreased demand for some of our products due to slowing or negative global economic growth, uncertainty in credit markets, declining consumer and business confidence or preferences, fluctuating commodity prices, increased unemployment and other challenges affecting the global economy. Parts of our fine paper and packaging business are subject to electronic substitution and, for fine paper products in particular, are in secular decline. Our efforts to offset these declines with new fine paper and packaging products and growth in existing fine paper and office products categories are not certain to fully offset the market declines, and an evaluation of the scope of our manufacturing footprint may be required in the future. In addition, our customers may experience deterioration of their businesses, cash flow shortages, and difficulty obtaining financing. If we are unable to implement business strategies to effectively respond to decreased demand for our products, our financial position, cash flows and results of operations would be adversely affected.
Changes in international geopolitical and macro economic conditions generally, and particularly in Germany, could adversely affect our business and results of operations. Fluctuations in the prices of and the demand for products could result in reduced profits and sales.
Our operating results and business prospects could be adversely affected by risks related to the countries outside the United States in which we have manufacturing facilities or sell our products, including Germany, the Eurozone and the U.K. Downturns in economic activity, adverse tax consequences, fluctuations in the value of local currency versus the U.S. dollar, or any change in social, political, macro economic or labor conditions in any of these countries or regions could negatively affect our financial results.
Historically, economic and market shifts, and fluctuations in capacity have created cyclical changes in prices, sales volume and gross profits for products in the paper, packaging and related industries. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time and by product, but generally reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions and levels of industry capacity. The overall levels of demand for many of our products reflect fluctuations in levels of end-user demand, which depend in large part on general macroeconomic conditions in North America and regional economic conditions in our markets (including Europe, Asia, and Central and South America), as well as foreign currency exchange rates. The foregoing factors could materially and adversely impact our sales, cash flows, profitability and results of operations.
Additionally, changes to the United States’ participation in, withdrawal out of, renegotiation of certain international trade agreements or other major trade related issues including the non-renewal of expiring favorable tariffs granted to developing countries, tariff quotas, and retaliatory tariffs (including, but not limited to, the current United States' tariffs on China and China's retaliatory tariffs on certain products from the United States), trade sanctions, new or onerous trade restrictions, embargoes and other stringent government controls could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The availability of and prices for raw materials, energy and transportation services will significantly impact our business.
We purchase a substantial portion of the raw materials, energy, transportation and distribution services (primarily over-the-road freight) and other inputs necessary to produce our products on the open market, and, as a result, the price and other terms of those purchases are subject to change based on factors such as worldwide supply and demand and government regulation. We do not have significant influence over our raw material, energy or transportation prices and our ability to pass increases in those costs along to our customers through selling price increases may be challenged. We have experienced and may experience in the future significant raw material, energy, transportation and other input cost increases and we may not be able to fully recover these incremental costs through selling price increases or our pricing actions may lag behind due to contractual quarterly adjusters or annual renewals. In addition, we may not be able to recoup other cost increases we may experience, such as those resulting from inflation or from increases in wages or salaries, health care, pension or other employee benefits costs, insurance costs and other costs.
Our technical products business acquires certain of its specialized pulp requirements from two global suppliers and certain critical specialty latex grades from a limited number of suppliers. In general, these supply arrangements are covered by formal contracts and represent multi-year business relationships that have historically been sufficient to meet our needs. We expect these relationships to continue to operate in a satisfactory manner in the future. In the event of an interruption of production at any one supplier, we believe that each of these suppliers individually would be able to satisfy our short-term requirements for specialized pulp or specialty latex. In the event of a long-term disruption in our supply of specialized pulp or specialty latex, we believe we would be able to substitute other pulp grades or other latex grades that would allow us to meet required product performance characteristics and incur only a limited disruption in our production.
Our fine paper and packaging business acquires a substantial majority of the cotton fiber used in the production of certain branded bond paper products pursuant to annual agreements with two North American producers. The balance of our cotton fiber requirements are acquired through spot market purchases from a variety of other producers. We believe that a partial or total disruption in the production of cotton fibers at our two primary suppliers would increase our reliance on spot market purchases with a likely corresponding increase in cost.
Our operating results are likely to fluctuate.
Our operating results are subject to substantial quarterly and annual fluctuations due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. Operating results could be adversely affected by general economic conditions causing a downturn in the market for paper products. Additional factors that could affect our results include, among others, changes in the market price of pulp, other raw materials and distribution/transportation services, the effects of competitive pricing pressures, production capacity levels and manufacturing yields, availability and cost of products from our suppliers, the gain or loss of significant customers, our ability to develop, introduce and market new products and technologies on a
timely basis, changes in the mix of products produced and sold, seasonal customer demand, the relative strength of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar, increasing interest rates and environmental costs. The timing and effect of the foregoing factors are difficult to predict, and these or other factors could materially adversely affect our quarterly or annual operating results.
We face many competitors, several of which have greater financial and other resources.
We face competition in each of our business segments from companies that produce the same type of products that we produce or that produce lower priced alternative products that customers may use instead of our products. Some of our competitors have greater financial, sales and marketing, or research and development resources than we do. Greater financial resources and product development capabilities may also allow our competitors to respond more quickly to new opportunities or changes in customer requirements.
Our businesses are significantly dependent on sales to their largest customers.
Sales to the largest customer of the fine paper and packaging business represented approximately 18 percent of its total sales in 2020. Sales to the technical products business's largest customer represented approximately 15 percent of total sales for the segment in 2020. A significant loss of business from any of our major fine paper and packaging or technical products customers could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity. We are also subject to credit risk associated with our customer concentration. If one or more of our largest fine paper and packaging or technical products customers were to become bankrupt, insolvent or otherwise were unable to pay for services provided, we may incur significant write-offs of accounts receivable.
We cannot be certain that our tax planning strategies will be effective and that our research and development tax credits and net operating losses will continue to be available.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $28.2 million of U.S. federal and $7.4 million of U.S. state research and development tax credits ("R&D Credits") which, if not used, will expire between 2028 and 2040 for the U.S. federal R&D Credits and between 2021 and 2035 for the state R&D Credits. The availability of state net operating losses (NOLs) and federal or state tax credits to offset taxable income and income tax, respectively, could also be substantially reduced if we were to undergo an "ownership change" as defined within certain federal and state tax codes.
We are continuously undergoing examination by the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") as well as taxing authorities in various state and foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. The IRS and other taxing authorities routinely challenge certain deductions and credits reported on our income tax returns. On December 1, 2020, we received notice from the IRS that they will conduct an audit of tax year 2018 in the upcoming year.
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 740, Income Taxes ("ASC Topic 740"), as of December 31, 2020, we have recorded a liability of $8.0 million for uncertain tax positions where we believe it is "more likely than not" that the tax benefit reported on our income tax returns will not be realized. There can be no assurance, however, that the actual amount of unrealized deductions will not exceed the amounts we have recognized for uncertain tax positions.
We have significant obligations for pension and other postretirement benefits.
We have significant obligations for pension and other postretirement benefits which could require future funding beyond that which we have funded in the past or which we currently anticipate. At December 31, 2020, our projected pension benefit obligations were $531.5 million and exceeded the fair value of pension plan assets by $67.1 million. In 2020, we made total contributions to qualified pension trusts of $4.2 million. In addition, during 2020 we paid pension benefits for unfunded qualified, insurance backed and supplemental retirement plans of $2.6 million. At December 31, 2020, our projected other postretirement benefit obligations were $39.8 million. No assets have been set aside to satisfy our other postretirement benefit obligations. In 2020, we made payments for postretirement benefits other than pensions of $4.7 million. A material increase in funding requirements or benefit payments could have a material effect on our cash flows.
We may be required to pay material amounts under multiemployer pension plans.
Historically, we have contributed to the PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund (the “PIUMPF"), a multiemployer pension plan. The amount of our annual contributions to the PIUMPF was negotiated with the plan and the bargaining unit representing our employees covered by the plan. The PIUMPF was certified to be in "critical status" for the plan year beginning January 1, 2010, and continued to be in critical status for the plan year beginning January 1, 2018.
Effective July 1, 2018, the Company and representatives of the United Steelworkers Union (the "USW") of the Lowville mill initiated actions to withdraw from the PIUMPF. As a result, the Company recorded an estimated withdrawal liability of $1.0 million, which assumed payment of $0.1 million per year over 20 years, discounted at a credit adjusted risk-free rate of 5.7%. In October 2019, the Company received a billing from PIUMPF for the withdrawal liability, which confirmed the $1.0 million liability, and the Company began making monthly payments. Further withdrawals by other contributing employers could cause a "mass withdrawal" from, or effectively a termination of, the PIUMPF which could increase the Company's withdrawal liability. See Note 7, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" for further discussion.
Labor interruptions would adversely affect our business.
Except for our Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Brownville, New York and Quakertown, Pennsylvania manufacturing facilities which are non-union, substantially all of our hourly employees are unionized. In addition, some key customers and suppliers are also unionized. Strikes, lockouts or other work stoppages or slowdowns involving our unionized employees, and/or those of our suppliers and customers, could have a material effect on us.
If we are unable to continue to implement our business strategies, our financial condition and operating results could be materially affected.
Our future operating results will depend, in part, on the extent to which we can successfully implement our business strategies, including expansion and growth of our technical products (filtration and performance materials) and packaging businesses in a cost effective manner. Additionally, a slower than anticipated ramp-up of our filtration asset in Appleton, Wisconsin due to the pace of certification of products by our customers could cause our results to be lower than expected in the future. Our strategies are subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. If we are unable to successfully implement our business strategies, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected.
We may not successfully integrate acquisitions and may be unable to achieve anticipated cost savings or other synergies.
The integration of the operations of acquired companies involves a number of risks and presents financial, managerial, legal and operational challenges. We may have difficulty, and may incur unanticipated expenses related to, integrating information systems, financial reporting activities, and integrating and retaining management and personnel from acquired companies. We may not be able to achieve anticipated cost savings or commercial or growth synergies, for a number of reasons, including contractual constraints and obligations or an inability to take advantage of expected commercial opportunities, increased operating efficiencies or commercial expansion of key technologies. Failure to successfully integrate acquired companies may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and proprietary rights, which could harm our future success and competitive position.
Our future success and competitive position also depends, in part, upon our ability to obtain and maintain protection for our intellectual property and proprietary rights. Failure to protect our existing intellectual property rights may result in the loss of valuable technologies or may require us to license other companies' intellectual property rights. It is possible that any of our patents may be invalidated, rendered unenforceable, circumvented, challenged or licensed to others or any of our pending or future patent applications may not be issued within the scope of the claims sought by us, if at all. Further, others may develop technologies that are similar or superior to our technologies, duplicate our technologies or design around our patents, and steps taken by us to protect our technologies may not prevent misappropriation of such technologies.
Future dividends on our common stock may be restricted or eliminated.
Dividends are declared at the discretion of our Board of Directors, and future dividends will depend on our future earnings, cash flow, financial requirements and other factors. Our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock is limited under the terms of our credit agreements. Under the most restrictive terms of our credit agreements, our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock is limited, as described under "Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness." There can be no assurance that we will continue to pay dividends in the future.
We may be required to record a charge to our earnings if our goodwill or intangible assets become impaired.
As of December 31, 2020, we had goodwill of $87.4 million and other intangible assets of $62.6 million. Goodwill and other intangible assets are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. In accordance with applicable accounting
guidance, we review goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets at least annually for impairment, and long-lived intangible assets when facts and circumstances warrant an impairment review. Impairment may result from, among other things, deterioration in performance, adverse market conditions, acceleration of the secular decline in fine paper and office products or a lack of success in our efforts to offset these declines with new fine paper and packaging products, which could lead to a reduction in the size of our manufacturing footprint, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations, and a variety of other factors. The amount of any non-cash impairment would be recognized immediately through our consolidated statement of operations. Any future goodwill or other intangible asset impairment could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial position.
If we have a catastrophic loss or unforeseen or recurring operational problems at any of our facilities, we could suffer significant lost production and/or cost increases.
Our technical products and fine paper and packaging businesses may suffer catastrophic loss due to fire, flood, terrorism, mechanical failure, or other natural or man-made events. If any of our facilities were to experience a catastrophic loss, it could disrupt our operations, delay production, delay or reduce shipments, reduce revenue, and result in significant expenses to repair or replace the facility. These expenses and losses may not be adequately covered by property or business interruption insurance. Even if covered by insurance, our inability to deliver our products to customers, even on a short-term basis, may cause us to lose market share on a more permanent basis.
Fluctuations in currency exchange rates could adversely affect our results.
Our German and Dutch technical products business incurs most of its costs and sells most of its production in Europe and, therefore, its operations and cash flows are not materially affected by changes in the exchange rate of the Euro relative to the U.S. dollar. Changes in the Euro exchange rate relative to the U.S. dollar will, however, have an effect on our balance sheet and reported results of operations. See Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Foreign Currency Risk."
In addition, because we transact business in other foreign countries, some of our revenues and expenses are denominated in a currency other than the local currency of our operations. As a result, changes in exchange rates between the currency in which the transaction is denominated and the local currency of our operations into which the transaction is being recorded can impact the amount of local currency recorded for such transaction. This can result in more or less local currency revenues or costs related to such transaction, and thus have an effect on our reported sales and income before income taxes.
Our activities are subject to extensive government regulation, which could increase our costs, cause us to incur liabilities and adversely affect the manufacturing and marketing of our products.
Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances in the United States, the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands and elsewhere in the world relating to various environmental, health and safety matters. The nature of our operations requires that we invest capital and incur operating costs to comply with those laws, regulations and ordinances and exposes us to the risk of claims concerning non-compliance with environmental, health and safety laws or standards. There is no assurance that significant additional expenditures will not be required to maintain compliance with, or satisfy potential claims arising from, such laws, regulations and ordinances. Future events, such as changes in existing laws and regulations or contamination of sites owned, operated or used for waste disposal by us (including currently unknown contamination and contamination caused by prior owners and operators of such sites or other waste generators) may give rise to additional costs that could require significantly higher capital expenditures and operating costs, which would reduce the funds otherwise available for operations, capital expenditures, future business opportunities or other purposes.
Additionally, in the U.S., portions of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (“MAP-21”, primarily, the electronic logging device (ELD) rules under MAP-21) have reduced levels of capacity in the over-the-road freight sector which continue to have an adverse impact on our business. The current operating environment in the over-the-road freight and transportation sector resulting from fluctuating fuel costs, industry-specific regulations (such as hours-of-service and ELD rules), a shortage of qualified drivers, and other economic factors are causing a tightening of capacity and an increase in prices charged to shippers, such as us, in the over-the-road transportation and distribution sector generally, and in our carrier networks specifically, which continue to have an adverse impact on our business.
We are subject to risks associated with possible climate change legislation and various cost and manufacturing issues associated with such legislation.
GHG emissions have increasingly become the subject of political and regulatory focus. Concern over potential climate change, including global warming, has led to legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting GHG emissions. In addition to certain proposals to regulate GHG emissions in the United States, Germany, the U.K. and all the states in which we operate are currently considering GHG legislation or regulations, either individually and/or as part of regional initiatives. While not all are likely to become law, additional climate change related mandates will likely be forthcoming, and it is expected that they may adversely impact our costs by increasing energy costs and raw material prices, requiring operational or equipment modifications to reduce emissions and creating costs to comply with regulations or to mitigate the financial consequences of compliance.
Any failure to comply with applicable environmental laws, regulations or permit requirements may result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions. These may include regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing operations or requiring corrective measures, installing pollution control equipment or remedial actions, any of which could involve significant expenditures. Future development of such laws and regulations may require capital expenditures to ensure compliance. We may discover currently unknown environmental problems or conditions in relation to our past or present operations, or we may face unforeseen environmental liabilities in the future. These conditions and liabilities may require site remediation or other costs to maintain compliance or correct violations of environmental laws and regulations; or result in governmental or private claims for damage to person, property or the environment, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness
We may not be able to fund our future capital requirements internally or obtain third-party financing.
We may be required or choose to obtain additional debt or equity financing to meet our future working capital requirements, as well as to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions. To the extent we must obtain financing from external sources to fund our capital requirements, we cannot guarantee financing will be available on favorable terms, 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 meet our future working capital requirements or fund capital expenditures and acquisitions, any of which could negatively affect our business. As of December 31, 2020, we have required debt payments of $4.9 million during the year ending December 31, 2021.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt obligations.
Our ability to make scheduled payments or to refinance our debt and other liabilities will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt obligations and other liabilities, we could face substantial liquidity problems and may be forced to reduce or delay scheduled expansions and capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. There can be no assurance that our operating performance, cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient to repay our debt in the future. In the event that we are required to dispose of material assets or operations or restructure our debt to meet our debt and other obligations, there can be no assurances as to the terms or timing of any such transaction.
If we cannot make scheduled payments on our debt, we will be in default and, as a result:
•our debt holders could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable;
•our senior secured lenders could terminate their commitments and commence foreclosure proceedings against our assets; and
•we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.
If our operating performance declines in the future or we breach our covenants under our credit agreements, we may need to obtain waivers from the lenders to avoid being in default. We may not be able to obtain these waivers. If this occurs, we would be in default under our credit agreements.
We have significant indebtedness which subjects us to restrictive covenants relating to the operation of our business.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $199 million of debt under our Term B Facility, no revolving credit borrowings and $5 million of project financing outstanding. In addition, availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility was approximately $139 million. Our leverage could have important consequences. For example, it could:
•make it difficult for us to satisfy our financial obligations, including making scheduled principal and interest payments on the Term Loan B and our other indebtedness;
•place us at a disadvantage to our competitors;
•require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to service payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing funds available for other purposes;
•increase our vulnerability to a downturn in general economic conditions or the industry in which we operate;
•limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate and other purposes; and
•limit our ability to plan for and react to changes in our business and the industry in which we operate.
The terms of our indebtedness, contain covenants restricting our ability to, among other things, incur certain additional debt, incur or create certain liens, make specified restricted payments, pay dividends, authorize or issue capital stock, enter into transactions with our affiliates, consolidate or merge with or acquire another business, sell certain of our assets or liquidate, dissolve or wind-up our Company. Under the terms of our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we are permitted to pay cash dividends on or repurchase shares of our common stock, and to make voluntary prepayments or redemptions of certain indebtedness, without limitation, as long as the sum of the aggregate revolving credit availability under our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement as then in effect, plus (subject to certain limitations) any excess of our aggregate borrowing base over our aggregate revolving credit facility commitment, or our “specified excess availability” (on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such dividend, repurchase or voluntary prepayment/redemption), equals or exceeds the greater of (i) $20 million and (ii) 12.5 percent of the maximum aggregate commitments under our Global Revolving Credit Facility as then in effect. If our specified excess availability, on a pro forma basis, is less than the applicable threshold, then such cash dividends are limited to no more than $45 million in any 12 consecutive months, such share repurchases are limited to no more than $25 million in any fiscal year, and voluntary prepayments or redemptions of such indebtedness are prohibited. Refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" for the current limitations on our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase shares of our common stock.
In addition, if the specified excess availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility is less than the greater of (i) $20 million and (ii) 12.5 percent of the maximum aggregate commitments under our Global Revolving Credit Facility as then in effect, we will be subject to increased reporting obligations and controls until such time as availability is more than the greater of (a) $25 million and (b) 17.5 percent of the maximum aggregate commitments under our Global Revolving Credit Facility as then in effect for at least 60 consecutive days and no default or event of default has occurred or is continuing during such 60-day period.
If specified excess availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility is less than the greater of (i) $15 million and (ii) 10 percent of the maximum aggregate commitments under our Global Revolving Credit Facility as then in effect, we are required to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in our bank credit agreement) of not less than 1.1 to 1.0 for the preceding four-quarter period, tested as of the end of each quarter. Such compliance, once required, would no longer be necessary once (x) specified excess availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility exceeds the greater of (i) 17.5 percent of the aggregate commitment for our Global Revolving Credit Facility as then in effect and (ii) $25 million for 60 consecutive days and (y) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing during such 60-day period. As of December 31, 2020, specified excess availability under our revolving credit facility exceeded the minimum required amount, and we are not required to comply with such fixed charge coverage ratio.
Subject to certain exceptions, our Term Loan Credit Agreement contains provisions requiring mandatory prepayment of the term loan obligations from (a) net cash proceeds from non-ordinary course sales or other dispositions of assets, (b) net cash proceeds from the issuances of debt by the Company and its subsidiaries, and (c) the Excess Cash Flow of the Company and its subsidiaries. Under the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, mandatory prepayments of the Term B Facility may not be reborrowed, thereby reducing funds available for other purposes. For more information on our liquidity, see Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources."
Changes in interest rates or the phaseout of LIBOR may significantly increase our borrowing costs.
Our Global Revolving Credit Facility and Term B Facility accrue interest at variable rates. As of December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under our Global Revolving Credit Facility which matures on December 10, 2023 and $199 million of term loan borrowings which mature on June 30, 2027. We may reduce our exposure to rising interest rates by entering into interest rate hedging arrangements, although those arrangements may result in us incurring higher interest expenses than we would incur without the arrangements. If interest rates increase in the absence of such arrangements, we will need to dedicate more of our cash flow from operations to make payments on our debt. In addition, the variable interest rates on our Global Revolving Credit Facility and Term B Loan are based on LIBOR as a benchmark. LIBOR is the subject of national, international and other regulatory guidance and proposals for reform. In 2017, the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority the "FCA"), which regulates LIBOR, announced that it intends to phase out LIBOR. On November 30, 2020 the administrator of LIBOR, with the support of the United States Federal Reserve and the FCA, announced plans to consult on ceasing publication of LIBOR on December 31, 2021 for only the one week and two month LIBOR tenors, and on June 30, 2023 for all other LIBOR tenors. While this announcement extends the transition period to June 2023, the United States Federal Reserve concurrently issued a statement advising banks to stop new LIBOR issuances by the end of 2021. In light of these recent announcements, the future of LIBOR at this time is uncertain and any changes in the methods by which LIBOR is determined or regulatory activity related to LIBOR’s phaseout could cause LIBOR to perform differently than in the past or cease to exist. The consequences of these developments cannot be entirely predicted, but could include an increase in the cost of our variable rate borrowings.
Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our Credit Agreements could result in an event of default that could cause acceleration of our indebtedness.
Our failure to comply with the covenants and other requirements contained in the credit agreements or our other debt instruments could cause an event of default under the relevant debt instrument. The occurrence of an event of default could trigger a default under our other debt instruments, prohibit us from accessing additional borrowings and permit the holders of the defaulted debt to declare amounts outstanding with respect to that debt to be immediately due and payable. Our assets or cash flows may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments, and we may be unable to refinance or restructure the payments on indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all.
Despite our indebtedness levels, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more indebtedness, which may increase the risks created by our substantial indebtedness.
Because the terms of our credit agreements do not fully prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future, some of which may be secured. If we or any of our subsidiaries incur additional indebtedness, the related risks that we and they face may intensify.
Our credit agreements are secured by a majority of our assets.
Our principal credit agreements are secured by a majority of our assets. Availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility will fluctuate over time depending on the value of our inventory, receivables and various capital assets. An extended work stoppage or decline in sales volumes would result in a decrease in the value of the assets securing the Global Revolving Credit Facility. A reduction in availability under the Global Revolving Credit Facility could have a material effect on our liquidity.
Changes in credit ratings issued by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations could adversely affect our cost of financing and have an adverse effect on the market price of our securities.
There can be no assurance that any rating assigned by the rating agencies will remain in effect for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency's judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital, which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on our subsidiaries to generate cash flow to meet our debt service obligations.
We conduct a substantial portion of our business through our subsidiaries. Consequently, our cash flow and ability to service our debt obligations depend upon the earnings of our subsidiaries and the distribution of those earnings to us, or upon loans, advances or other payments made by these entities to us. The ability of these entities to pay dividends or make
other payments or advances to us will be subject to applicable laws and contractual restrictions contained in the instruments governing their debt, including our credit agreements. These limitations are also subject to important exceptions and qualifications.
The ability of our subsidiaries to generate sufficient cash flow from operations to allow us to make scheduled payments on our debt will depend upon their future financial performance, which will be affected by a range of economic, competitive and business factors, many of which are outside of our control as well as their ability to repatriate cash to us. If our subsidiaries do not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to help us satisfy our debt obligations, or if they are unable to distribute sufficient cash flow to us, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt, selling assets, reducing or delaying capital expenditures or seeking to raise additional capital. Refinancing may not be possible, and any assets may not be saleable, or, if sold, we may not realize sufficient amounts from those sales. Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all, or we may be prohibited from incurring it, if available, under the terms of our various debt instruments then in effect. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations or to refinance our obligations on commercially reasonable terms would have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
General Risk Factors
The outcome of legal actions and claims may adversely affect us.
We are involved in legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of our business. The outcome of such legal actions and claims against us cannot be predicted with certainty. Legal actions and claims against us could have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.
We are subject to cybersecurity risks related to breaches of security pertaining to sensitive company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as breaches in the technology that manages operations and other business processes.
We use information technologies to securely manage operations and various business functions. We rely on various technologies to process, store and report on our business and interact with customers, vendors and employees. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security design and controls, and those of our third party providers, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to cyber attacks by hackers or breaches due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could result in operational disruptions or the misappropriation of sensitive data that could subject us to civil and criminal penalties, litigation or have a negative impact on our reputation. There can be no assurance that such disruptions or misappropriations and the resulting repercussions will not negatively impact our cash flows and materially affect our results of operations or financial condition. The U.S. Congress is considering cybersecurity legislation that, if enacted, could impose additional obligations on us and could expand our potential liability in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
Additionally, we collect, process, store, use and transmit personal data for use in our business, most of which relates to our global employees. Personal data is increasingly subject to legal and regulatory protections around the world, which vary widely in approach and which possibly conflict with one another. As discussed above, in recent years, U.S. legislators and regulatory agencies, such as the Federal Trade Commission, as well as U.S. states, have increased their focus on protecting personal data by law and regulation, and have increased enforcement actions for violations of privacy and data protection requirements. The General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR"), which became effective in the European Union in May 2018 intended to protect the privacy and security of personal data, including credit card information that is collected, processed and transmitted in or from the relevant jurisdiction. Implementation of and compliance with these laws and regulations may be more costly or take longer than we anticipate, or could otherwise adversely affect our business operations, which could negatively impact our financial position or cash flows. Additionally, media coverage of data breaches has escalated, in part because of the increased number of enforcement actions, investigations and lawsuits. As this focus and attention on privacy and data protection increases, we also risk exposure to potential liabilities and costs resulting from the compliance with, or any failure to comply with applicable legal requirements, conflicts among these legal requirements or differences in approaches to privacy and security of data. Our business could be materially adversely affected by our inability, or the inability of our vendors who receive personal data from us, to comply with legal obligations regarding the use of personal data, new data handling requirements that conflict with or negatively impact our business practices.
Our business may suffer if we do not retain our senior management.
We depend on our senior management. The loss of services of members of our senior management team could adversely affect our business until suitable replacements can be found. There may be a limited number of candidates with the requisite skills to serve in these positions and we may be unable to locate or employ qualified personnel on acceptable terms. In addition, our future success requires us to continue to attract and retain competent personnel.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute "forward-looking" statements as defined under the federal securities laws. Statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Any such forward-looking statements reflect our beliefs and assumptions and are based on information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These cautionary statements are being made with the intention of obtaining the benefits of the "safe harbor" provisions for forward-looking statements under the federal securities laws. We caution investors that any forward-looking statements we make are not guarantees or indicative of future performance. For additional information regarding factors that may cause our results of operations to differ materially from those presented herein, please see "Risk Factors" contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and as are detailed from time to time in other reports we file with the SEC.
You can identify forward-looking statements as those that are not historical in nature, particularly those that use terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "anticipate," "contemplate," "estimate," "believe," "plan," "project," "predict," "potential" or "continue," or the negative of these, or similar terms. In evaluating these forward-looking statements, you should consider the following factors, as well as others contained in our public filings from time to time, which may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement:
•changes in market demand for our products due to global economic and political conditions;
•the impact of competition, both domestic and international, changes in industry production capacity, including the construction of new mills or new machines, the closing of mills and incremental changes due to capital expenditures or productivity increases;
•the loss of current customers or the inability to obtain new customers;
•increases in commodity prices, (particularly for pulp, energy and latex);
•our ability to control costs, including transportation, and implement measures designed to enhance operating efficiencies;
•the availability of raw materials and energy;
•the enactment of adverse state, federal or foreign tax or other legislation or changes in government policy or regulation;
•the impact of increased trade protectionism and tariffs on our business, results of operations and financial condition;
•unanticipated expenditures related to the cost of compliance with environmental and other governmental regulations;
•fluctuations in (i) exchange rates (in particular changes in the U.S. dollar/Euro currency exchange rates) and (ii) interest rates;
•increases in the funding requirements for our pension and postretirement liabilities;
•our ability identify attractive acquisition targets and to successfully integrate acquired businesses into our existing operations;
•changes in asset valuations including write-downs of assets including property, plant and equipment; inventory, accounts receivable, deferred income tax assets or other assets for impairment or other reasons;
•loss of key personnel;
•strikes, labor stoppages and changes in our collective bargaining agreements and relations with our employees and unions;
•capital and credit market volatility and fluctuations in global equity and fixed-income markets;
•our existing and future indebtedness;
•our net operating losses may not be available to offset our tax liability and other tax planning strategies may not be effective;
•other risks that are detailed from time to time in reports we file with the SEC; and
•other factors described under "Risk Factors."
You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, when evaluating the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, even though our situation may change in the future.

---

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

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Item 2. Properties
Our principal executive offices are located in Alpharetta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia. We have 10 manufacturing facilities in the United States that produce printing and writing, text, cover, durable saturated and coated substrates, premium packaging, filtration and other specialty papers for a variety of end uses. We have two manufacturing facilities in Germany that produce transportation and other filter media, and durable and saturated substrates. We have one manufacturing facility in the Netherlands that produces digital transfer media and other technical products. We have one manufacturing facility in the U.K. that produces durable printing and specialty paper.
We believe that each of these facilities is adequately maintained and is suitable for conducting our operations and business. We manage machine operating schedules at our manufacturing locations to fulfill customer orders in a timely manner and control inventory levels.
As of December 31, 2020, the locations of our principal facilities and operating equipment and the products produced at each location are listed below:
Location Equipment/Resources Owned or Leased Products
Fine Paper and Packaging Segment
Neenah Mill
Neenah, Wisconsin Two paper machines; paper finishing equipment Owned Printing and writing, text, cover, packaging and other specialty papers
Whiting Mill
Whiting, Wisconsin Four paper machines; paper finishing equipment Owned Printing and writing, text, cover, packaging and other specialty papers
Converting Center
Neenah, Wisconsin Paper finishing equipment Owned Printing and writing, text, cover, packaging and other specialty papers
Great Barrington Mill
Great Barrington, Massachusetts Paper finishing equipment Owned; leased facility Laminated specialty papers and toll converting services
Technical Products Segment
Munising Mill
Munising, Michigan Two paper machines; two off line saturators; two off line coaters; specialty finishing equipment Owned Tapes, abrasives, premask, medical packaging and other durable, saturated and coated substrates
Appleton Mill
Appleton, Wisconsin Two paper machines; saturating equipment; paper finishing equipment Owned Transportation filtration, printing and writing, text, cover, packaging, and other specialty papers
Pittsfield Mill
Pittsfield, Massachusetts Three paper machines; paper finishing equipment Owned Reverse osmosis filtration and glass applications
Bruckmühl Mill
Bruckmühl, Germany One paper machine; two saturator/coaters; finishing equipment Owned Masking tape backings and abrasive backings
Weidach Mill
Feldkirchen-Westerham, Germany Two paper machines; three saturators; one laminator; three meltblown machines; specialty finishing equipment Owned Transportation filtration and other filter media
Bolton Mill
Bolton, England Saturating, coating, and finishing equipment Owned Durable printing, specialty paper, and coated substrates
Eerbeek Mill
Eerbeek, Netherlands Two paper machines; paper finishing equipment Owned Digital dye sublimation and digital transfer printing paper
Shared Facilities
Brownville Mill
Brownville, New York One paper machine; one off-line coater Owned Durable printing, packaging, and specialty paper
Lowville Mill
Lowville, New York Saturating, coating, embossing and finishing equipment Owned Durable printing, packaging, and specialty paper
Quakertown Mill
Quakertown, Pennsylvania Saturating, coating, embossing and finishing equipment Owned Durable printing, packaging, and specialty paper
See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt", for a description of the material encumbrances attached to the properties described in the table above.
As of December 31, 2020, the locations of our owned and leased office and laboratory space and the functions performed at each location are listed below.
Administrative Location Office/Other Space Function
Alpharetta, Georgia Leased Office Space Corporate Headquarters, Administration and Design Center
Neenah, Wisconsin Owned Office Space Administration
Munising, Michigan Owned Office and Laboratory Space Administration and Research and Development for our technical products businesses
Pittsfield, Massachusetts Owned Office and Laboratory Space Administration and Research and Development for our technical products businesses
East Longmeadow, Massachusetts Leased Office and Laboratory Space Administration and Research and Development for our technical products and fine paper and packaging businesses
Feldkirchen-Westerham, Germany Owned Office and Laboratory Space Administration and Research and Development for our technical product businesses
Eerbeek, Netherlands Owned Office and Laboratory Space Administration and Research and Development for our technical product businesses
Capacity Utilization
Paper machines in our manufacturing facilities generally operate on a combination of three-shift five- or seven-day schedules to meet demand. We are not constrained by input factors and the maximum operating capacity of our manufacturing facilities is calculated based on operating days to account for variations in mix and different units of measure between assets. Due to required maintenance downtime and contract holidays, the maximum number of operating days is defined as 350 days per year. We generally expect to utilize approximately 80 to 90 percent of our maximum operating capacity. The following table presents our percentage utilization of maximum operating capacity by segment:
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Technical Products 66 % 66 % 74 %
Fine Paper and Packaging 79 % 86 % 78 %

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
Litigation
We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the outcome of these legal actions and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the outcome of any such claim which is pending or threatened, either individually or on a combined basis, will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Income Taxes
We periodically undergo examination by the IRS as well as the taxing authorities of various state and foreign jurisdictions. The IRS and other taxing authorities routinely challenge certain deductions and credits we report on our income tax returns.

---

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

---

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
Neenah common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the ticker symbol "NP".
For the year ended December 31, 2020 we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.47 per common share or $31.9 million annually. For the year ended December 31, 2019, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.45 per common share or $30.5 million annually.
Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Board of Directors, and future dividends will depend on our future earnings, cash flow, financial requirements and other factors. Our ability to pay cash dividends on our common stock is limited under the terms of our credit agreements. Under the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we are permitted to pay cash dividends on, and repurchase shares of our common stock without limitation as long as our specified excess availability under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement exceeds the greater of (i) $20 million and (ii) 12.5 percent of the maximum aggregate commitments under our revolving credit facility as then in effect (approximately $22 million as of December 31, 2020), on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such dividend or stock repurchase (as the case may be). If our specified excess availability, on a pro forma basis, is below that amount, we are subject to certain restrictions on the amount of cash dividends we are permitted to declare and the amount of share repurchases we are permitted to execute. As of December 31, 2020, our availability exceeded the applicable threshold, so this restriction did not apply.
Under the most restrictive terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, we are permitted to pay cash dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $8.75 million per fiscal quarter. However, as long as the total leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the Term Loan Credit Agreement does not exceed 2.5 to 1.0, we can pay dividends or repurchase shares without limitation. In the event the total leverage ratio exceeds 2.5 to 1.0 but is less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0, we may still pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount in excess of $8.75 million per fiscal quarter by utilizing certain "restricted payment baskets" described in the Term Loan Credit Agreement. In addition, we would be permitted to pay cash dividends and repurchase shares of, our common stock in excess of $8.75 million per fiscal quarter if the aggregate amount of such payments, together with the amount of redemptions or prepayments of certain indebtedness, is less than or equal to the greater of (i) $65 million and (ii) 9% of our consolidated tangible assets. As of December 31, 2020, since our total leverage ratio was less than 2.5 to 1.0, none of these covenants restricted our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase shares of our common stock.
As of February 17, 2021, Neenah had approximately 1,029 holders of record of its common stock. The closing price of Neenah's common stock on February 17, 2021 was $56.97.
Purchases of Equity Securities:
The following table sets forth certain information regarding purchases of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2020.
Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs in 2020 (b)
Period Total Number
of Shares
Purchased (a) Average Price
Paid Per
Share Total Number of Shares
Purchased Approximate Dollar Value
of Shares that May Yet
Be Purchased
October 2020 89 $ - - $ 21,400,573
November 2020 - $ - - $ 21,400,573
December 2020 18,174 $ - - $ 21,400,573
_______________________
(a)Transactions include the purchase of vested restricted shares from employees to satisfy minimum tax withholding requirements upon vesting of stock-based awards. See Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Stock Compensation Plans."
(b)In November 2019, our Board of Directors authorized a program for the purchase of up to $25 million of outstanding common stock which was in effect till December 31, 2019. In November 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a program for the purchase of up to $25 million of outstanding common stock effective January 1, 2021. The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes information about outstanding options (in this report, unless the context requires otherwise, references to "options" are intended to include stock appreciation rights) and restricted stock units and shares reserved for future issuance under our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2020.
Plan Category (a)
Number of
securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options,
warrants, and
rights (b)
Weighted-
average
exercise price
of
outstanding
options,
warrants, and
rights (1) (c)
Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in
column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 157,391 (2)(3) $ 70.99 879,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - - -
Total 157,391 $ 70.99 879,000
_______________________
(1)The weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights does not take into account restricted stock units since they do not have an exercise price.
(2)Includes (i) 21,139 shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") for which the exercise price of outstanding options and SARs exceeds closing price of our common stock of $55.32, (ii) 54,048 shares issuable following the vesting and conversion of outstanding performance share unit awards, and (iii) 82,204 shares issuable upon the vesting and conversion of outstanding restricted stock units, all as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we had an aggregate of 380,844 stock options and SARs outstanding. The weighted average exercise price of the stock options and SARs was $70.99 per share and the remaining contractual life of such awards was 5.4 years.
(3)Includes 20,280 shares that would be issued upon the assumed exercise of 53,610 SARs at the $55.32 per share closing price of our common stock on December 31, 2020.

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
We have voluntary elected early compliance with the SEC’s recent amendments to Form 10-K eliminating the requirement to present selected financial data. The consolidated financial statements and the report of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on such financial statements are filed as part of this report beginning on page.

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis presents the factors that had a material effect on our results of operations during the year ended December 31, 2020. Also discussed is our financial position as of the end of this year. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the notes to those consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. See "Forward-Looking Statements" for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements. A detailed discussion of year ended December 31, 2019 can be found in Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 21, 2020.
Introduction
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition is intended to provide investors with an understanding of the historical performance of our business, its financial condition and its prospects. We will discuss and provide our analysis of the following:
•Overview of Business;
•Business Segments;
•Results of Operations and Related Information;
•Liquidity and Capital Resources;
•Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements; and
•Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates.
Overview of Business
We are a leading global producer of specialty materials for niche markets. We have two primary operations: our technical products business and our fine paper and packaging business.
Our mission is to create critical components that create possibilities for our customers and end-users. We expect to create value by growing in markets where product performance or image is valued and where we have competitive advantages. In managing our businesses, we believe that achieving and maintaining a leadership position in our markets, responding effectively to customer needs and competitive challenges, employing capital optimally, controlling costs and managing risks are important to long-term success. Changes in general economic conditions and timing of changes in input costs and selling prices can also impact our results. In this discussion and analysis, we will refer to these factors.
Business Segments
Our reportable operating segments consist of Technical Products and Fine Paper and Packaging.
Our technical products business is a leading international producer of transportation, water and other filter media and durable, saturated and coated substrates for a variety of end markets. We focus on categories where we believe we are, or can be, a market leader. These categories include filtration media for transportation, water and other end use applications, backings for specialty tapes and abrasives, performance labels, digital transfer papers, and other custom engineered materials. Our products are typically used in high performance applications where our customers require specific standards and qualifications. Our dedicated technical products manufacturing facilities are located in Weidach and Bruckmühl, Germany, Eerbeek, Netherlands, Bolton, England, Munising, Michigan, Appleton, Wisconsin, and Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Our fine paper and packaging business is a leading supplier of premium printing, packaging, and other high-end specialty papers predominantly in North America. Our products include some of the most recognized and preferred brands in North America, where we enjoy leading market positions in many of our product categories. Often these papers are characterized by distinctive finishing, colors, textures and coating. We sell our products primarily to authorized paper distributors, as well as through converters, major national retailers and specialty businesses. Our dedicated fine paper and packaging
manufacturing facilities are located in Whiting and Neenah, Wisconsin, and Great Barrington, Massachusetts. In addition, certain products of both segments are manufactured in shared facilities located in Brownville and Lowville, New York, and Quakertown, Pennsylvania.
Results of Operations and Related Information
In this section, we discuss and analyze our net sales, income before interest and income taxes (which we refer to as "operating income") and other information relevant to an understanding of our results of operations.
Impact of COVID-19 on Our Business
In 2020, we faced adverse impacts of the outbreak of COVID-19 which resulted in the decline in global economic activity and significantly reduced demand for our products and our customers’ products. While we experienced varying degrees of recovery in our markets, the pandemic had a material negative impact on our business operations and financial results, including net sales and earnings. Both of our business segments have continued to operate during the pandemic as essential suppliers of goods and services and we continue to take steps to ensure the safety of our employees, including frequent cleaning and disinfection of workspaces, property and equipment, instituting social distancing measures and providing remote working environments for administrative employees. We experienced a limited number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in our operations and quarantined those individuals and first level exposed employees in accordance with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the "CDC") guidelines. Such cases did not cause any significant disruption to operations, nor have we experienced material disruptions to our supply chain.
Management implemented a number of actions to preserve the safety of our employees (as discussed in Human Capital section of Item 1. "Business"), carefully control and reduce spending, and preserve liquidity by actively managing working capital. These actions included the following:
•reducing discretionary spending;
•minimizing capital expenditures and discretionary contributions to pension plans;
•suspending stock repurchases under our 2020 Stock Purchase Plan;
•utilizing government initiatives and subsidies such as deferring payroll taxes under the CARES Act, government employee retention subsidies in the U.S., Europe and the U.K., and net operating loss carrybacks;
•consolidating our manufacturing footprint; and
•reducing payroll costs through a freeze on wage increases and hiring, furloughs for all U.S. employees, and reductions in our salaried and hourly headcount.
Executive Summary
For the year ended December 31, 2020, consolidated net sales of $792.6 million decreased $145.9 million, or 16 percent, from $938.5 million in 2019. The decline in revenues resulted primarily from significant adverse volume impacts from COVID-19. Net sales declined 6% in Technical Products and 29% in Fine Paper and Packaging. In addition, net selling prices were modestly lower in 2020 due both to selling price and mix. The decline in net sales was more pronounced in the Fine Paper and Packaging segment due to reductions in end-use demand for commercial print papers used in advertising and marketing. While down versus prior year, third and fourth quarter 2020 consolidated net sales increased 18% and 8%, respectively, from each of the preceding quarters, as the global markets continued to recover.
Consolidated operating income decreased $84.4 million from the prior year to a loss of $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding adjusting items noted below, operating income decreased $18.7 million due primarily to lower sales and manufacturing cost inefficiencies related to COVID-19. The impact of lower volumes was only partly offset by spending reductions and lower input costs net of selling price reductions. As presented on the reconciliation table on page 35, we recorded $70.5 million of adjusting items in 2020 including non-cash asset restructuring and impairment costs for long-lived assets, other restructuring and non-routine costs, incremental costs of responding to COVID-19, loss on debt extinguishment, pension and SERP settlements and acquisition due diligence costs. Adjusting items of $4.8 million in 2019 included accelerated depreciation due to idling of a fine paper machine, restructuring and other non-routine costs and pension related gain.
Cash provided by operating activities of $93.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $4.2 million lower than cash provided by operating activities of $97.6 million in the prior year. Actions to improve working capital and to reduce spending largely offset the impact from lower earnings.
Capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $18.9 million compared to $21.4 million in the prior year. Lower capital spending in 2020 of $2.5 million was due to actions to minimize capital spending.
Analysis of Net Sales - Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
The following table presents net sales by segment and net sales expressed as a percentage of total net sales:
Year Ended December 31,
Net sales 2020 2020 2019 2019
Technical Products $ 508.9 64 % $ 541.6 58 %
Fine Paper and Packaging 283.7 36 % 396.9 42 %
Consolidated $ 792.6 100 % $ 938.5 100 %
Commentary:
Year 2020 versus 2019
Change in Net Sales Compared to the
Prior Year
For the Year
Ended
December 31, Change Due To
Total
Change Net Price
2020 2019 Volume Currency
Technical Products $ 508.9 $ 541.6 $ (32.7) $ (13.4) $ (24.5) $ 5.2
Fine Paper and Packaging 283.7 396.9 (113.2) (102.0) (11.2) -
Consolidated $ 792.6 $ 938.5 $ (145.9) $ (115.4) $ (35.7) $ 5.2
Consolidated net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $145.9 million (16%) lower than the prior year. The decline in revenues resulted primarily from significant adverse volume impacts from COVID-19. Net sales declined 6% in Technical Products and 29% in Fine Paper and Packaging. In addition, net selling prices were modestly lower in 2020 due both to selling price and mix. The decline in net sales was more pronounced in the Fine Paper and Packaging segment due to reductions in end-use demand for commercial print papers used in advertising and marketing. While down versus prior year, third and fourth quarter 2020 consolidated net sales increased 18% and 8%, respectively, from each of the preceding quarters, as the global markets continued to recover.
•Net sales in our technical products business decreased $32.7 million (6%) from the prior year. The revenue decrease resulted primarily from lower net selling prices partly as a result of declines in input costs as well as a lower value mix of products sold, and lower volumes reflecting adverse impacts of COVID-19. These factors were only partly offset by increased sales of filtration products, including media for face masks in Europe launched in 2020.
•Net sales in our fine paper and packaging business decreased $113.2 million (29%) from the prior year. The decline was primarily due to lower volumes, reflecting adverse impacts of COVID-19. Volume declines were more pronounced in commercial print as compared to premium packaging and consumer channel sales. Net selling prices were lower partly as a result of declines in input costs as well as a lower value mix of products sold.
Analysis of Operating Income - Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
The following table sets forth line items from our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated and is intended to provide a perspective of trends in our historical results:
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of products sold 80.7 % 80.5 %
Gross profit 19.3 % 19.5 %
Selling, general and administrative expenses 11.2 % 10.5 %
Asset restructuring and impairment costs 7.3 % 0.4 %
Other restructuring and non-routine costs 0.5 % 0.2 %
COVID-19 costs 0.4 % - %
Loss on debt extinguishment 0.2 % - %
Pension and SERP adjustments 0.2 % (0.1) %
Acquisition due diligence costs 0.2 % - %
Other expense, net 0.1 % 0.2 %
Operating income (loss) (0.8) % 8.3 %
Interest expense, net 1.6 % 1.2 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes (2.4) % 7.1 %
Provision (benefit) for income taxes (0.4) % 1.2 %
Income (loss) from continuing operations (2.0) % 5.9 %
Commentary:
Year 2020 versus 2019
Change in Operating Income (Loss) Compared to the Prior Year
For the Years Ended
December 31, Change Due To
2020 2019 Total
Change Volume Net Price (a) Input Costs (b) Currency Other (c)
Technical Products $ (4.8) $ 44.6 $ (49.4) $ (2.9) $ (10.2) $ 19.8 $ 1.0 $ (57.1)
Fine Paper and Packaging 23.3 53.2 (29.9) (29.0) (7.6) 11.4 - (4.7)
Unallocated corporate costs (24.6) (19.5) (5.1) - - - - (5.1)
Consolidated $ (6.1) $ 78.3 $ (84.4) $ (31.9) $ (17.8) $ 31.2 $ 1.0 $ (66.9)
_______________________
(a)Includes price changes, net of changes in product mix.
(b)Includes price changes for raw materials and energy.
(c)Includes other manufacturing costs, over (under) absorption of fixed costs, distribution and selling, general and administrative ("SG&A") expenses. In addition, in 2020, it included $57.1 million, $7.8 million, and $5.6 million of unfavorable adjustments in Technical Products, Fine Paper and Packaging, and Unallocated corporate costs, respectively. In 2019, it included non-routine costs of $6.2 million primarily related to the accelerated depreciation and other costs related to the consolidation of the fine paper manufacturing footprint with the idling of a paper machine, and $1.4 million of favorable adjustments primarily related to the curtailment gain for the Neenah Coldenhove pension plan. See the breakdown by segment and the reconciliation table on page 35 for further detail.
Consolidated operating income decreased $84.4 million from prior year to a loss of $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Excluding adjusting items noted below, operating income decreased $18.7 million due primarily to lower sales and manufacturing cost inefficiencies related to COVID-19. The impact of lower volumes was only partly offset by spending reductions and lower input costs net of selling price reductions. As presented on the reconciliation table on page 35, we recorded $70.5 million of adjusting items in 2020 including non-cash asset restructuring and impairment costs for long-lived assets, other restructuring and non-routine costs, incremental costs of responding to COVID-19, loss on debt extinguishment, pension and SERP settlements and acquisition due diligence costs. Adjusting items of $4.8 million in 2019 included accelerated depreciation due to idling of a fine paper machine, restructuring and other non-routine costs and pension related gain.
•Operating income for our technical products business decreased $49.4 million from prior year to a loss of 4.8 million. Excluding unfavorable adjusting items discussed above and shown on the reconciliation table on page 35, adjusted operating income increased $8.9 million (21%), primarily as a result of lower input costs net of selling price reductions, a more profitable mix of filtration products (including media for face masks) and reductions in SG&A and other spending. These were partly offset by lower sales and production volumes and related manufacturing cost inefficiencies.
•Operating income for our fine paper and packaging business decreased $29.9 million (56%) from the prior year period. Excluding unfavorable adjusting items discussed above and shown on the reconciliation table on page 35, adjusted operating income decreased $27.8 million (47%) from the prior year primarily as a result of lower sales and production volumes and related manufacturing cost inefficiencies. The impact of lower volumes was only partly offset by spending reductions and lower input costs net of selling price reductions.
•Unallocated corporate costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $24.6 million, or $5.1 million higher than the prior year. Excluding unfavorable adjusting items discussed above and shown on the reconciliation table on page 35, the unallocated corporate costs decreased $0.2 million from prior year.
The following table sets forth our operating income by segment, adjusted for the effects of certain costs, for the periods indicated:
YTD
2020 2019
Technical Products
GAAP Operating Income (Loss) $ (4.8) $ 44.6
Asset restructuring and impairment costs 54.1 -
Other restructuring and non-routine costs 0.7 0.3
COVID-19 costs 1.4 -
Loss on debt extinguishment 0.1 -
Pension and SERP adjustments 0.8 (1.5)
Adjusted operating income $ 52.3 $ 43.4
Fine Paper and Packaging
GAAP operating income $ 23.3 $ 53.2
Asset restructuring and impairment costs 3.7 4.7
Other restructuring and non-routine costs 2.2 1.0
COVID-19 costs 1.5 -
Pension and SERP adjustments 0.4 -
Adjusted operating income $ 31.1 $ 58.9
Other/Unallocated Corporate Costs
GAAP Operating Loss $ (24.6) $ (19.5)
Other restructuring and non-routine costs 1.3 0.2
COVID-19 costs 0.6 -
Loss on debt extinguishment 1.8 -
Pension and SERP adjustments 0.4 0.1
Acquisition due diligence costs 1.5 -
Adjusted operating loss $ (19.0) $ (19.2)
Consolidated
GAAP Operating Income (Loss) $ (6.1) $ 78.3
Asset restructuring and impairment costs 57.8 4.7
Other restructuring and non-routine costs 4.2 1.5
COVID-19 costs 3.5 -
Loss on debt extinguishment 1.9 -
Pension and SERP adjustments 1.6 (1.4)
Acquisition due diligence costs 1.5 -
Adjusted operating income $ 64.4 $ 83.1
In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("GAAP"), consolidated operating income includes the pre-tax effects of asset restructuring and impairment costs, other restructuring and non-routine costs, COVID-19 costs, loss on debt extinguishment, pension and SERP adjustments, and acquisition due diligence costs. We believe that by adjusting reported operating income to exclude the effects of such items, the resulting adjusted operating income is on a basis that reflects the results of our ongoing operations. In assessing COVID-19 impacts, we excluded only costs which were unusual, incremental and directly attributable to mitigating the effects COVID-19 on our operations. We believe that providing adjusted operating results will help investors gain an additional perspective of underlying business trends and results. Adjusted operating income is not a recognized term under GAAP and should not be considered in
isolation or as a substitute for operating income derived in accordance with GAAP. Other companies may use different methodologies for calculating their non-GAAP financial measures and, accordingly, our non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to their measures.
Additional Statement of Operations Commentary:
•SG&A expense of $88.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $10.6 million lower than 2019. Costs in 2020 were lower due to actions taken to reduce costs in areas including marketing, travel, and payroll-related spending, including impacts of furloughs, headcount reductions and wage and hiring freezes. SG&A expense as a percentage of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2020 of 11.2 percent remained comparable to 10.5 percent in 2019 despite lower sales.
•For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we incurred $12.6 million and $11.8 million of interest expense, respectively. In addition to higher debt in the second half of 2020, 2020 interest expense included an incremental $0.4 million due to an overlap in interest incurred in July on both our Senior Notes and Term Loan B, prior to the redemption of the 2021 Senior Notes on July 16, 2020.
•Income tax expense (benefit) represented (16) percent and 17 percent of income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In general, our effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate primarily due to impacts of changes in the mix of earnings in taxing jurisdictions with differing statutory rates, the impact of R&D and other tax credits, changes in tax laws and changes in corporate structure as a result of business acquisitions and dispositions.
•For the year ended December 31, 2020, our effective income tax (benefit) rate related to continuing operations of (16) percent was significantly impacted by the effects of the pre-tax loss in the U.S. resulting from the $52.3 million asset impairment loss of the U.S. transportation filtration asset (see Note 12, "Asset Restructuring and Impairment Costs" of Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2020. Also, as a result of the impacts of COVID-19 and other factors, we evaluated our ability to utilize our deferred tax assets, including research and development and other tax credits and NOLs, before they expire. During 2020, the effective income tax (benefit) rate was negatively impacted by a $4.6 million increase to the valuation allowance against our state tax credits and NOLs.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, our effective income tax rate related to continuing operations was 17 percent, primarily due to the tax benefit of R&D tax credits generated during the year.
•On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act"). The CARES Act included various income and payroll tax provisions designed to stimulate the economy and provide relief to businesses. Among its benefits was the ability to enhance the value of NOLs by allowing the carryback of NOLs to tax years in which the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate was 35%. During the three months ended December 31, 2020, we recorded an income tax benefit of $0.9 million and a corresponding tax receivable of $8.0 million for this tax refund to be received during 2021. In addition, we generated cash tax savings from the option to delay payment of $4.4 million of 2020 U.S. payroll taxes until December 31, 2021 and 2022. We also utilized the payroll tax provisions of the Employee Retention Credit of the CARES Act to partially offset qualified wages and benefits of employees impacted by COVID-19 travel and other work restrictions. We utilized similar COVID-19 relief measures in Germany, the Netherlands and the U.K. aimed at providing subsidies for employee retention and deferral of tax payments.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We believe that we have a strong financial position and the liquidity to withstand economic uncertainty during this volatile period, in consideration of the following:
•$37.1 million of cash and cash equivalents was on hand at December 31, 2020.
•we had no outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2020 under our Global Revolving Credit Facility; with a significant remaining availability of $138.6 million;
•we have no near-term debt maturities, as the Global Revolving Credit Facility matures in December 2023 and the Term Loan B facility matures in June 2027;
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019
Net cash flow provided by (used in):
Operating activities $ 93.4 $ 97.6
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures (18.9) (21.4)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 0.5 -
Other investing activities (1.1) (1.9)
Total investing activities (19.5) (23.3)
Financing activities (47.0) (75.2)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents 1.2 -
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $ 28.1 $ (0.9)
Operating Cash Flow Commentary
•Cash provided by operating activities of $93.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $4.2 million lower than cash provided by operating activities of $97.6 million in the prior year. Actions to improve working capital and to reduce spending largely offset the impact from lower earnings.
Investing Cash Flow Commentary:
•For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, cash used by investing activities was $19.5 million and $23.3 million, respectively. Capital spending was reduced in 2020 by $2.5 million to preserve liquidity.
•Going forward, we expect aggregate annual capital expenditures to return to a range of approximately 2 to 4 percent of net sales. We believe that this level of capital spending can be funded from cash provided from operating activities and allows us to maintain the efficiency and cost effectiveness of our assets while also investing in expanded capabilities to successfully pursue strategic initiatives and deliver attractive returns.
Financing Cash Flow Commentary:
Our liquidity requirements are provided by cash generated from operations and short- and long-term borrowings.
•On July 16, 2020, we completed the redemption in full of the $175 million of 2021 Senior Notes using the $200 million of proceeds from the Term Loan B which we entered into on June 30, 2020.
•For the year ended December 31, 2020, cash used by financing activities was $47.0 million compared to cash used by financing activities of $75.2 million for the prior year. The change was due to lower net debt repayments of $4.3 million in 2020 compared to $38.1 million in the prior year.
•For the year ended December 31, 2020, cash and cash equivalents increased $28.1 million to $37.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $9.0 million at December 31, 2019. Total debt decreased $6.4 million to $194.4 million at December 31, 2020 from $200.8 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease in total debt reflects repayment of all
amounts outstanding under the Global Revolving Credit Facility and scheduled repayments of the Term Loan B and other debt (described below), which exceeded the net incremental borrowing from the Term Loan B (compared to the extinguished 2021 Senior Notes). Net debt (total debt minus cash and cash equivalents) decreased by $34.5 million.
•We have the following credit facilities:
Global Revolving Credit Facility
On June 30, 2020, we amended our principal credit agreement (Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement) to among other things, (a) remove the applicable components of the Term Loan B Priority Collateral (as defined in Note 6 to our consolidated financial statement included herein) from the borrowing base calculation under the Global Revolving Credit Facility, (b) permit the pledging of the Collateral under the Term B Facility and subordinate liens of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement lenders on Term Loan B Priority Collateral to the first position liens on Term Loan B Priority Collateral under the Term B Facility, (c) reduce the U.S. revolving credit facility amount from $150 million to $125 million, (d) reduce the German revolving credit facility amount from $75 million to $50 million, and (e) adjust certain reporting and financial covenant activation and deactivation thresholds. The variable interest rates on our revolving credit facility are based on LIBOR as a benchmark, exposing us to possible changes in interest in the event that the method for determining LIBOR changes, LIBOR is replaced by an alternative reference rate or LIBOR is phased out altogether. The impact related to any changes cannot be predicted at this time. As of December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings outstanding under our Global Revolving Credit Facility. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt."
Term Loan B Facility
On July 16, 2020, we completed the redemption in full of the $175 million of 2021 Senior Notes using the $200 million of proceeds from the Term Loan B which we entered into on June 30, 2020. Under the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, and subject to certain conditions and adjustments, the Company may from time to time solicit the Term Loan B Lenders or new lenders to provide incremental term loan financings under the Term B Facility up to $125 million in the aggregate (each an "Incremental Term Facility"). Under the terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, borrowings under the Term B Facility will bear interest, as selected by the Company, at a per annum rate equal to either (a) the reserve-adjusted LIBOR rate for interest periods of one, two or three months, plus an applicable rate of 4.00% per annum, or (b) the Alternate Base Rate, plus an applicable rate of 2.00% per annum. “Alternate Base Rate” will be equal to the greatest of (1) the prime rate as quoted from time to time in The Wall Street Journal or published by the Federal Reserve Board, (2) the overnight bank funding rate established by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, plus 50 basis points, and (3) one-month reserve-adjusted LIBOR plus 100 basis points. The Alternate Base Rate is subject to a “floor” of 2.0%, and the adjusted LIBOR rate is subject to a “floor” of 1.0%. As of December 31, 2020, the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding Term Loan borrowings was 5.0% per annum. The Term Loan B is repayable in equal quarterly installments commencing on September 30, 2020 in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1% of the original principal amount of the Term B Facility (subject to certain reductions in connection with debt prepayments and debt buybacks). The entire unpaid principal balance of the Term Loan B, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, will be due and payable at maturity on June 30, 2027. See Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt."
Other Debt
In January 2013, Neenah Germany entered into a project financing agreement for the construction of a melt blown machine (the "Second German Loan Agreement"). The Second German Loan Agreement provides for €9.0 million of construction financing which is secured by the melt blown machine. The loan matures in September 2022 and principal is repaid in equal quarterly installments. At December 31, 2020, €2.0 million ($2.4 million, based on exchange rates at December 31, 2020) was outstanding under the Second German Loan Agreement.
In May 2018, Neenah Germany entered into a project financing agreement for construction of a regenerative thermal oxidizer (the "Third German Loan Agreement") to increase the capacity of the existing saturators and ensure compliance with new European air emission standards. The agreement provides for €5.0 million of financing and is secured by the asset. The loan matures in September 2022 and principal is repaid in 13 equal quarterly installments beginning in June 2019. The interest rate on amounts outstanding is 1.45 percent based on actual days elapsed in a 360-day year and is payable quarterly. In the fourth quarter 2018, we received a subsidy from the German government of $0.9 million due to completion of the regenerative thermal oxidizer project. At December 31, 2020, €2.1 million ($2.6 million, based on exchange rates at December 31, 2020) was outstanding under the Third German Loan Agreement.
•Availability under our Global Revolving Credit Facility varies over time depending on the value of our inventory, receivables and (in the case of the German Revolving Credit Facility) various capital assets. As of December 31, 2020, we had no borrowings, and $0.3 million of outstanding letters of credit, outstanding under our Global Revolving Credit Facility and $138.6 million of available credit (based on exchange rates at December 31, 2020).
•We have required debt payments through December 31, 2021 of $4.9 million on the Term Loan B and the Second and Third German Loan Agreements
•As of December 31, 2020, our cash balance of $37.1 million consists of $16.6 million in the U.S. and $20.5 million held at entities outside of the U.S. As of December 31, 2020, there were no restrictions regarding the repatriation of our non-U.S. cash.
Transactions with Shareholders
•For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.47 per common share or $31.9 million and $0.45 per common share or $30.5 million, respectively.
•In November 2020, our Board of Directors authorized a program for the purchase of up to $25 million of outstanding common stock effective January 1, 2021 ("Stock Purchase Plan"). The program does not require the Company to purchase any specific number of shares and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. Purchases under the Stock Purchase Plan will be made from time to time in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in accordance with the requirements of applicable law. The timing and amount of any purchases will depend on share price, market conditions and other factors. For the year ended December 31, 2020, we acquired approximately 59,577 shares of Common Stock at a cost of $3.6 million. For further details on our Stock Purchase Plans refer to Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Stockholders' Equity."
•For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, we acquired approximately 22,064 and 17,774 shares of Common Stock, respectively, at a cost of $1.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, for shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes due on vested restricted stock awards and stock appreciation rights exercised.
•Under the terms of the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, we are permitted to pay cash dividends on, and repurchase shares of, our common stock without limitation, as long as our specified excess availability under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement exceeds the greater of (i) $20 million and (ii) 12.5% of our aggregate commitments under the Global Revolving Credit Facility (approximately $22 million as of December 31, 2020), on a pro forma basis after giving effect to such dividend or stock repurchase (as the case may be). If our specified excess availability, on a pro forma basis, is less than the applicable threshold, we are subject to certain restrictions on the amount of cash dividends we are permitted to declare and the amount of share repurchases we are permitted to execute. As of December 31, 2020, our availability was $138.6 million, so this restriction did not apply. See our availability under the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement in Note 6 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Debt."
•Under the most restrictive terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, we are permitted to pay cash dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount not to exceed $8.75 million per fiscal quarter. However, as long as the total leverage ratio calculated in accordance with the Term Loan Credit Agreement does not exceed 2.5 to 1.0, we can pay dividends or repurchase shares without limitation. In the event the total leverage ratio exceeds 2.5 to 1.0, but is less than or equal to 3.5 to 1.0, we may still pay dividends or repurchase shares of our common stock in an aggregate amount in excess of $8.75 million per fiscal quarter by utilizing certain "restricted payment baskets" described in the Term Loan Credit Agreement. In addition, we would be permitted to pay cash dividends and repurchase shares of our common stock in excess of $8.75 million per fiscal quarter if the aggregate amount of such payments, together with the amount of redemptions or prepayments of certain indebtedness, is less than or equal to the greater of (i) $65 million and (ii) 9% of our consolidated tangible assets. As of December 31, 2020, since our total leverage ratio was less than 2.5 to 1.0, none of these covenants were restrictive to our ability to pay dividends on or repurchase shares of our common stock.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents the total contractual obligations for which cash flows are fixed or determinable as of December 31, 2020:
(In millions) 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Beyond
2025 Total
Long-term debt payments $ 4.9 $ 4.1 $ 2.0 $ 2.0 $ 2.0 $ 189.0 $ 204.0
Interest payments on long-term debt (a) 10.0 9.8 9.7 9.6 9.5 14.1 62.7
Open purchase orders (b) 83.0 - - - - - 83.0
Other post-employment benefits (c) 6.0 4.8 4.5 4.1 3.7 12.3 35.4
Contributions to pension trusts and other benefit obligations (d) 5.8 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 1.1 7.3
Minimum purchase commitments (e) 1.5 0.8 0.2 0.2 - - 2.7
Operating leases (f) 4.1 3.8 3.4 2.9 2.5 9.4 26.1
Total contractual obligations $ 115.3 $ 23.4 $ 19.9 $ 18.9 $ 17.8 $ 225.9 $ 421.2
_______________________
(a)Interest payments on long-term debt includes interest on variable rate debt at December 31, 2020 weighted average interest rates.
(b)The open purchase orders displayed in the table represent amounts we anticipate will become payable within the next 12 months for goods and services that we have negotiated for delivery.
(c)The above table includes future payments that we will make for postretirement benefits other than pensions. Those amounts are estimated using actuarial assumptions, including expected future service, to project the future obligations.
(d)We expect to make aggregate contributions to qualified and nonqualified defined benefit pension trusts and to pay pension benefits for unfunded pension of $5.8 million in 2021. The amount also includes estimated payments of $0.1 million per year over 20 years for the withdrawal liability from PIUMPF. See Note 7 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits."
(e)The minimum purchase commitments in 2020 are primarily for utilities and information technology contracts. Although we are primarily liable for payments on the above minimum purchase commitments, based on historic operating performance and forecasted future cash flows, we believe our exposure to losses, if any, under these arrangements is not material.
(f)We adopted the ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) accounting standard in 2019 by recognizing the present value of the lease payments above as right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. See Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Leases."
Other Items
•As of December 31, 2020, we had $28.2 million of U.S. federal and $7.4 million of U.S. state R&D Credits which, if not used, will expire between 2028 and 2040 for the U.S. federal R&D Credits and between 2021 and 2035 for the state R&D Credits. As of December 31, 2020, we had $71.8 million of state net operating losses (NOLs) which may be used to offset state taxable income. The NOLs are reflected in the consolidated financial statements as a deferred income tax asset of $4.4 million. If not used, substantially all of the NOLs will expire in various amounts between 2021 and 2040.
•Management believes that our ability to generate cash from operations and our borrowing capacity are adequate to fund working capital, capital spending and other cash needs for the next 12 months. Our ability to generate adequate cash from operations beyond 2020 will depend on, among other things, our ability to successfully implement our business strategies, control costs in line with market conditions and manage the impact of changes in input prices and currencies. We can give no assurance we will be able to successfully implement these items.
Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Accounting Standards" for a description of accounting standards adopted in the year ended December 31, 2020.
Critical Accounting Policies and Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP in the United States requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and related disclosures of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates, and changes in these estimates are recorded when known. The critical accounting policies used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are those that are important both to the presentation of financial condition and results of operations and require significant judgments with regard to estimates used. These critical judgments relate to the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of expenses.
The following summary provides further information about the critical accounting policies and should be read in conjunction with the notes to the consolidated financial statements. We believe that the consistent application of our policies provides readers of our financial statements with useful and reliable information about our operating results and financial condition.
We have discussed the application of these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.
Inventories
We value U.S. inventories at the lower of cost, using the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method, or market. German and Dutch inventories are valued at the lower of cost, using a weighted-average cost method, or net realizable value. The first-in, first-out ("FIFO") value of U.S. inventories valued on the LIFO method was $88.5 million and $102.2 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively and exceeded such LIFO value by $6.4 million and $8.9 million, respectively. Cost includes labor, materials and production overhead. Under the LIFO inventory valuation method, changes in the cost of raw materials and production activities are recognized in cost of sales in the current period even though these materials and other costs may have been incurred at significantly different values due to the length of time of our production cycle. Since we value most of our inventory utilizing the LIFO inventory costing methodology, rapid changes in raw material costs have an immediate impact on our operating results.
Income Taxes
Significant judgment is required in determining our global provision for income taxes and recording the related tax assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. Our effective income tax rates include the tax effects of certain special items, such as R&D Credits, foreign tax rate differences, tax effects of foreign financing structures, changes in statutory tax rates and excess tax benefits from stock compensation. While we believe that these judgments and estimates are appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimated amounts.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, our liability for uncertain income taxes positions was $8.0 million and $7.8 million, respectively. The determination of our provision for income taxes requires considerable judgment, the use of estimates, and the interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is also required in assessing the timing and amounts of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. Uncertain tax positions occur, and a resulting income tax liability is recorded when management concludes that an income tax position fails to achieve a more likely than not recognition threshold. When this occurs, the amount of tax benefits recognized may differ from the amount taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. These differences represent unrecognized tax benefits and
are reviewed at each reporting period based on facts, circumstances, available evidence and applicable laws. We recognize interest and penalties, if any, related to uncertain tax positions as a component of the provision for income taxes.
As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company had $5.3 million and $5.2 million of foreign tax credits, all of which the Company believes will expire unutilized. Therefore, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded a valuation allowance which was equal to the balance of the deferred income tax asset. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company also had a valuation allowance of $6.4 million and $0.7 million, respectively, against the gross value of its state tax credits and NOLs. Including the federal benefit of state taxes, the net valuation allowance reflected on the consolidated balance sheets was $5.1 million and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, the Company considers many factors, including specific taxing jurisdictions, sources of taxable income, income tax strategies and forecasted earnings for the entities in each jurisdiction. A valuation allowance is recognized if, based on the weight of available evidence, the Company concludes that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax asset will not be realized.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits
Consolidated pension expense related to continuing operations for defined benefit pension plans was $4.0 million, $3.7 million and $7.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 7, "Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits" for components of net periodic benefit cost. Accounting for defined benefit pension plans requires various assumptions, including, but not limited to, discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, future compensation growth rates and mortality rates. Accounting for our postretirement benefit plans also requires various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to, discount rates and annual rates of increase in the per capita costs of health care benefits.
The following chart summarizes the more significant assumptions used in the actuarial valuation of our defined benefit plans for each of the past three years:
2020 2019 2018
Pension plans
Weighted average discount rate for benefit expense
2.98 % 3.78 % 3.65 %
Weighted average discount rate for benefit obligation
2.28 % 2.98 % 3.94 %
Expected long-term rate on plan assets
5.42 % 5.91 % 5.78 %
Rate of compensation increase for benefit expense
2.05 % 2.33 % 2.44 %
Postretirement benefit plans
Weighted average discount rate for benefit expense
2.68 % 3.84 % 3.42 %
Weighted average discount rate for benefit obligation
1.67 % 2.68 % 3.84 %
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year
5.25 % 6.10 % 6.80 %
Ultimate cost trend rate
4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 %
Year that the ultimate cost trend rate is reached
2037 2037 2037
The discount (or settlement) rate that is utilized for determining the present value of future pension obligations in the U.S. is generally based on the yield for a theoretical basket of AA-rated corporate bonds currently available in the market place, whose duration matches the timing of expected pension benefit payments. The discount (or settlement) rate that is utilized for determining the present value of future pension obligations in Germany is generally based on the IBOXX index of AA-rated corporate bonds adjusted to match the timing of expected pension benefit payments.
The expected long-term rate of return on pension fund assets held by our pension trusts was determined based on several factors, including input from pension investment consultants and projected long-term returns of broad equity and bond indices. We also considered the plans' historical 10-year and 15-year compounded annual returns. We evaluate our investment strategy and long-term rate of return on pension asset assumptions at least annually.
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, consolidated postretirement health care and life insurance plan benefit expense was $2.9 million, $3.6 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The discount (or settlement) rate that is utilized for determining the present value of future postretirement health care and life insurance plan benefit obligations in the U.S. is generally based on the yield for a theoretical basket of AA-rated corporate bonds currently available in the market place, whose duration matches the timing of expected postretirement health care and life insurance benefit payments. The discount (or settlement) rate that is utilized for determining the present value of future postretirement health
care and life insurance obligations for our foreign benefit plans is generally based on an index of AA-rated corporate bonds adjusted to match the timing of expected benefit payments.
We evaluate these assumptions at least once each year or as facts and circumstances dictate and we make changes as conditions warrant. Changes to these assumptions will increase or decrease our reported net periodic benefit expense, which will result in changes to the recorded benefit plan assets and liabilities.
Useful Life and Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Property, Plant and Equipment
For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is principally computed on the straight-line method over estimated useful asset lives. The weighted average remaining useful lives for buildings, land improvements and machinery and equipment are approximately 17 years, 20 years and 9 years respectively. We also use units-of-production method of depreciation for the U.S. transportation filtration production assets with a gross book value of $29.4 million, which reflects the nature of the assets' utilization.
Property, plant and equipment are tested for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC Topic 360"), whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of such long-lived assets may not be recoverable from future net pre-tax cash flows. Impairment testing requires significant management judgment including estimating the future success of product lines, future sales volumes, growth rates for selling prices and costs, alternative uses for the assets and estimated proceeds from disposal of the assets. Impairment testing is conducted at the lowest level where cash flows can be measured and are independent of cash flows of other assets. An asset impairment would be indicated if the sum of the expected future net pre-tax cash flows from the use of the asset (undiscounted and without interest charges) is less than the carrying amount of the asset. An impairment loss would be measured based on the difference between the fair value of the asset and its carrying amount. We estimate fair value based on an expected present value technique using multiple cash flow scenarios that reflect a range of possible outcomes and a risk free rate.
The estimates and assumptions used in the impairment analysis are consistent with the business plans and estimates we use to manage our business operations. The use of different assumptions would increase or decrease the estimated fair value of the asset and would increase or decrease the impairment charge. Actual outcomes may differ from the estimates.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, due to the adverse impacts of COVID-19, the Company recorded asset restructuring and impairment costs of $55.3 million, of which $52.3 million related to a non-cash impairment loss for long-lived assets used primarily in the Technical Products segment. The other charge of $3.0 million arose from accelerated depreciation due to the idling of assets and related employee termination benefits for a workforce reduction in the Fine Paper and Packaging segment. See Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, "Asset Restructuring and Impairment Costs" for further discussion.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets with Indefinite Lives
We test goodwill for impairment at least annually in conjunction with preparation of Neenah's annual business plan, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate it might be impaired.
We tested goodwill for impairment as of November 30, 2020 under ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. In this quantitative assessment, the Company estimated the fair value of the reporting units using a market approach in combination with a discounted operating cash flow approach. Significant assumptions used in developing the discounted operating cash flow approach were revenue growth rates and pricing, costs for manufacturing inputs, levels of capital investment and estimated cost of capital for high, medium and low growth environments. Based on these assessments, the Company determined that the likelihood that a current fair value determination would be less than the current carrying amount of the reporting unit is not more likely than not. As of November 30, 2020, no impairment was indicated.
Other Intangible Assets
Certain trade names are estimated to have indefinite useful lives and as such are not amortized. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are annually reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350.
Acquired intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their respective estimated useful lives, and reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360. Intangible assets consist primarily of customer relationships, trade names and acquired intellectual property. Such intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of between 10 and 15 years.
During the second quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment loss for its indefinite-lived intangible assets (brand names) of $0.9 million and $0.4 million in the Fine Paper and Packaging and Technical Products segments, respectively, due to the adverse impacts of the pandemic. See Note 12, "Asset Restructuring and Impairment Costs." Our annual test of other intangible assets for impairment at November 30, 2020, 2019, and 2018 indicated that the carrying amount of such assets was recoverable.
Acquisition Accounting
We account for acquisitions under ASC Topic 805, which requires companies to record assets acquired and liabilities assumed at their respective fair market values at the date of acquisition. The accounting for acquisitions involves a considerable amount of judgment and estimates, including the fair value of certain forms of consideration; fair value of acquired intangible assets involving projections of future revenues and cash flows that are then either discounted at an estimated discount rate or measured at an estimated royalty rate; fair value of other acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including potential contingencies; and the useful lives of the acquired assets. The assumptions used are determined at the time of the acquisition in accordance with accepted valuation models. Projections are developed using internal forecasts, available industry and market data and estimates of long-term rates of growth for our business. The impact of prior or future acquisitions on our financial position or results of operations may be materially impacted by the change in or initial selection of assumptions and estimates.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
As a multinational enterprise, we are exposed to market risks such as changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates. A variety of practices are employed to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities.
Presented below is a description of our most significant market risks.
Commodity Risk
Pulp
We purchase the wood pulp used to produce our products on the open market, and, as a result, the price and other terms of those purchases are subject to change based on factors such as worldwide supply and demand and government regulation. We do not have significant influence over the price paid for our wood pulp purchases. Therefore, an increase in wood pulp prices could adversely affect earnings if prices for our products are not increased or if such increases significantly trail the increases in wood pulp prices.
Based on our current quantity of pulp purchases, a $100 per ton increase in the average market price for pulp would have increased our annual costs for pulp by approximately $22 million.
Other Manufacturing Inputs
We purchase a substantial portion of the other manufacturing inputs necessary to produce our products on the open market, and, as a result, the price and other terms of those purchases are subject to change based on factors such as worldwide supply and demand and government regulation. We do not have significant influence over our costs for such manufacturing inputs. Therefore, an increase in manufacturing inputs could adversely affect earnings if prices for our products are not increased or if such increases significantly trail the increases in manufacturing inputs.
Our technical products business acquires certain of its specialized pulp requirements from two global suppliers and certain critical specialty latex grades from a limited number of suppliers. In general, these supply arrangements are covered by formal contracts and represent multi-year business relationships that have historically been sufficient to meet our needs.
We expect these relationships to continue to operate in a satisfactory manner in the future. In the event of an interruption of production at any one supplier, we believe that each of these suppliers individually would be able to satisfy our short-term requirements for specialized pulp or specialty latex. In the event of a long-term disruption in our supply of specialized pulp or specialty latex, we believe we would be able to substitute other pulp grades or other latex grades that would allow us to meet required product performance characteristics and incur only a limited disruption in our production. As a result, we do not believe that the substitution of such alternative pulp or latex grades would have a material effect on our operations.
We have the ability to generate substantially all of the electrical energy used by our Munising mill and approximately 25 percent of the electrical energy at our Appleton and Bruckmühl mills. Availability of energy is not expected to be a problem in the foreseeable future, but the purchase price of such energy can and likely will fluctuate significantly based on fluctuations in demand and other factors. There is no assurance that that we will be able to obtain electricity or natural gas purchases on favorable terms in the future.
Except for certain specialty latex grades and specialty pulps used by our technical products business, we are not aware of any significant concentration of business transacted with a particular supplier.
Our transportation costs are affected by various market factors as previously discussed under Item 1A, "Risk Factors." We do not have significant influence over our transportation prices. Therefore, an increase in transportation costs could adversely affect earnings if prices for our products are not increased or if such increases significantly trail the increases in transportation costs.
Foreign Currency Risk
Our reported operating results are affected by changes in the exchange rates of the local currencies of our non-U.S. operations relative to the U.S. dollar. A hypothetical 10 percent strengthening of the U.S dollar relative to the local currencies of our non-U.S. operations would change our income before income taxes by approximately $3.9 million. We do not hedge our exposure to exchange risk on reported operating results.
The translation of the balance sheets of our non-U.S. operations from their local currencies into U.S. dollars is also sensitive to changes in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. Consequently, we perform a sensitivity test to determine if changes in the exchange rate would have a significant effect on the translation of the balance sheets of our non-U.S. operations into U.S. dollars. These translation gains or losses are recorded as unrealized translation adjustments, a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders' equity. The hypothetical change in unrealized translation adjustment is calculated by multiplying the net assets of our non-U.S. operations by a 10 percent change in the exchange rate of their local currencies compared to the U.S. dollar. As of December 31, 2020, the net assets of our non-U.S. operations exceeded their net liabilities by approximately $246 million. As of December 31, 2020, a 10 percent strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the local currencies of our non-U.S. operations would have changed our stockholders' equity by approximately $25 million.
Interest Rate Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk on our variable rate bank debt. At December 31, 2020, we had $199.0 million of variable rate borrowings outstanding. A 100 basis point increase in interest rates would increase our annual interest expense on outstanding variable rate borrowings by approximately $2 million.
We believe these risks can be managed and will not have a material effect on our business or our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
The information required in Item 8 is contained in and incorporated herein by reference from pages through of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

---

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

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020. The scope of management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting includes all of the Company's businesses for the year ended December 31, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013). Based upon its assessment, management believes that as of December 31, 2020, the Company's internal controls over financial reporting were effective.
The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who also audited our consolidated financial statements. Deloitte & Touche's attestation report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting is included herein. See Item 15, "Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule."
Neenah, Inc.
February 19, 2021
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There has been no significant change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2020 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

---

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

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
The information required to be set forth herein, except for the information included under Executive Officers of the Company below, relating to nominees for director of Neenah and compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is set forth under the captions "Election of Directors", "Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors", "Corporate Governance" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance", respectively, in the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("Annual Meeting") to be held on May 20, 2021. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. The definitive Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than 120 days after December 31, 2020.
Executive Officers of the Company
Set forth below is information concerning our executive officers.
Name Position
Julie A. Schertell President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Paul F. DeSantis Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Byron J. Racki Executive Vice President, Segment President, Technical Products
Kingsley E. Shannon Executive Vice President, Segment President, Fine Paper and Packaging
Jason T. Free Executive Vice President, Global Operations
Noah S. Benz Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Michael W. Rickheim Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
Larry N. Brownlee Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer
Julie A. Schertell, born in 1969, is President and Chief Executive Officer and serves as a Director. She has been in that role since May 2020. Prior to becoming President and Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Schertell served as our Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer since January 2020. Ms. Schertell joined Neenah in 2008 and served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Fine Paper division through December 2010, as a Senior Vice President and President, Fine Paper and Packaging through September 2018, and as a Senior Vice President and President, Technical Products through December 2019. Ms. Schertell was employed by Georgia-Pacific Corporation in the Consumer Products Retail division, where she served as Vice President of Sales Strategy from 2007-2008, and as Vice President of Customer Solutions from 2003 through 2007.
Paul F. DeSantis, born in 1964, is Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer and has been in that role since May 2020. Prior to joining Neenah, Mr. DeSantis served as Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer of OMNOVA Solutions Inc., a global producer of emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals, and decorative and functional surfaces. Mr. DeSantis has also served as Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Assistant Corporate Secretary of Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and as CFO of the A. Schulman Company. Mr. DeSantis also held a number of executive leadership roles with the Scotts-Miracle-Gro Company, culminating in his role as Vice President & Corporate Treasurer.
Byron J. Racki, born in 1977, is Executive Vice President, Segment President, Technical Products, and has been in that role since July 2020. Prior to this role, Mr. Racki served as our Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing since January 2020. Mr. Racki joined the Company in 2006 and has served in areas of increasing responsibility including Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fine Paper in 2012 and 2013, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Performance Materials (Specialty Products) from 2014 through 2016, Senior Vice President and President, Performance Materials in 2017 and 2018 and Senior Vice President and President, Fine Paper and Packaging through December 2019. Prior to joining Neenah, Mr. Racki was employed by Kimberly-Clark in the Family Care division in various finance positions.
Kingsley E. Shannon, born in 1974, is Executive Vice President, Segment President, Fine Paper and Packaging and has been in this role since July 2020. Prior to this role, Ms. Shannon served as our Vice President, Consumer Sales and Marketing & Global Marketing Services since December of 2017. Ms. Shannon joined Neenah in February 2014 and has held various roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of Marketing & Global Marketing Services in 2015 through 2017 and Director of Marketing in 2014 and 2015. Prior to joining Neenah, Ms. Shannon was employed by Newell Brands in various Marketing Leadership positions and Maytag Corporation (now Whirlpool Corporation) in various Sales and Marketing positions.
Jason T. Free, born in 1969, is Executive Vice President of Global Operations and has been in this role since
January 2021. Prior to this role, Mr. Free was the Vice President of Global Operations from August 2020 to December 2020, Vice President of North American Operations from February 2020 to August 2020, and Vice President Fine Paper & Packaging Supply Chain from January 2018 to February 2020. Mr. Free joined Neenah in 2006 and served in various operations leadership roles across multiple facilities in the Fine Paper & Packaging division through December 2017. Prior to joining Neenah, Mr. Free was employed by Stora Enso as a Global Customer Solutions Engineer and Wausau Paper as a Manufacturing Manager. Mr. Free earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
Noah S. Benz, born in 1973, is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and has been in that role since August 2018. Mr. Benz served as Neenah’s Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Assistant Secretary from 2010 through 2018 and Associate General Counsel from 2005 through 2010. Prior to his employment with Neenah, Mr. Benz served as Associate General Counsel for Mariner Health Care, Inc., a nursing home and long-term acute care hospital company. Mr. Benz engaged in the private practice of law with Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough and Chamberlain Hrdlicka from 1998 through 2003. Mr. Benz received his JD, with honors, from the Emory University School of Law in 1998.
Michael W. Rickheim, born in 1974, is Executive Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer & Chief Administrative Officer and has been in that role since April 2020. Prior to joining Neenah, Mr. Rickheim served as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Newell Brands, where he held various roles of increasing responsibility related to HR business partnership, talent acquisition, talent development, employee engagement, inclusion & diversity and communications.
Larry N. Brownlee, born in 1956, is Vice President, Controller and Principal Accounting Officer and has been in that role since July 2004. From 1990 to 2004, Mr. Brownlee served as Controller of several public companies in the electric utility, telephone and healthcare industries. From 1979 to 1990, Mr. Brownlee was with Arthur Andersen & Co. and provided audit services to clients primarily in the manufacturing, utility and healthcare industries. Mr. Brownlee is a Certified Public Accountant and received his Masters of Accountancy from the University of Georgia in 1979.
There are no family relationships among our directors or executive officers.
Code of Ethics
The Neenah, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, applies to all directors, officers and employees of Neenah. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics meets the requirements of a "code of ethics" as defined by Item 406 of Regulation S-K, and applies to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer) and Vice President, Controller (our principal accounting officer), as well as all other employees, as indicated above. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also meets the requirements of a code of conduct under New York Stock Exchange listing standards. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is posted on our web site at www.neenah.com under the links "Investor Relations - Corporate Governance - Code of Ethics" and print copies are available upon request without charge. You can request print copies by contacting our General Counsel in writing at Neenah, Inc., 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 or by telephone at 678-566-6500. We intend to disclose any amendments to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, as well as any waivers for executive officers or directors, on our web site at www.neenah.com. Information on our web site is not incorporated by reference in this document.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Item 11. Executive Compensation
Information relating to executive compensation and other matters is set forth under the captions "Compensation, Discussion and Analysis", "Additional Executive Compensation", "Director Compensation", and "Compensation
Committee Report" in the Proxy Statement referred to in Item 10 above. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
Information relating to ownership of common stock of Neenah by certain persons is set forth under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Proxy Statement referred to in Item 10 above. Such information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans of Neenah is set forth under the caption "Equity Compensation Plan Information" in the Proxy Statement referred to in Item 10 above. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Information relating to existing or proposed relationships or transactions between Neenah and any affiliate of Neenah is set forth under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Proxy Statement referred to in Item 10 above. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Information relating to Neenah's principal accounting fees and services is set forth under the caption "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Fees and Services" in the Proxy Statement referred to in Item 10 above. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule
(a) Documents filed as part of this report:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements
The following reports and financial statements are filed herewith on the pages indicated:
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2. Financial Statement schedule
The following schedule is filed herewith:
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
All other schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission are not required under the related instructions or are inapplicable and, therefore, have been omitted.
3. Exhibits
See (b) below
(b) Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed with or incorporated by reference in this report. Where such filing is made by incorporation by reference to a previously filed registration statement or report, such registration statement or report is identified in parentheses. We will furnish any exhibit at no cost upon written request to us at: Investor Relations, Neenah, Inc., 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005.
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
2.1 Interest Purchase Agreement by and among ASP FiberMark Holdings, LLC, ASP FiberMark, LLC, Neenah FMK Holdings, LLC and Neenah Paper, Inc. dated as of July 16, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended September 30, 2015, filed November 9, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference).
2.2 Asset Purchase Agreement, by and among Neenah Paper, Inc., Wausau Paper Corp. and Wausau Paper Mills, LLC, dated as of December 7, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference).
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
2.3 + Securities Purchase Agreement by and among Crane Technical Materials, Inc., Crane & Co., Inc., Neenah Paper, Inc. and Neenah Filtration, LLC dated as of June 2, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended June 30, 2014, filed August 7, 2014) (confidential treatment has been granted for certain portions of this exhibit pursuant to a Confidential Treatment Request filed with the Securities Exchange Commission).
3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Neenah Paper, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.2 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Neenah, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Neenah, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 3, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference).
4.1 Form of Notation of Subsidiary Guarantee (included as Exhibit E to Exhibit 4.1).
4.2 Description of the Company's Securities (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Neenah, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed February 21, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.1 Tax Sharing Agreement dated as of November 30, 2004 by and between Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Neenah Paper, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.3* Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed March 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.4* First Amendment to Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on March 4, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.5* Neenah Paper Amended and Restated Supplemental Retirement Contribution Plan, effective as of January 1, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed on February 24, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.6* Neenah Paper Executive Severance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed March 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.7* First Amendment to Neenah Paper Executive Severance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.33 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on March 4, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.8* Neenah Paper, Inc. Amended and Restated 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Annex A to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed April 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.9* Neenah Paper Deferred Compensation Plan approved on December 11, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed March 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.10* Neenah Paper Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan approved on December 11, 2006. (filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Neenah Paper, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, filed March 7, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference).
10.11* Amended and Restated Neenah Executive Severance Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Neenah, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 25, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.12* Neenah, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (filed as Appendix A to the Neenah, Inc. Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 13, 2018 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.13 Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and among Neenah, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.19 to the Neenah, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 22, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.14 First Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2019, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and among Neenah, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 3, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.15* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (retirement) (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Neenah, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed February 1, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.16* Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 7, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.17* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (A - standard award) (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 7, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
10.18* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (B - standard award) (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 7, 2019 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.19* Form of Performance Share Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 11, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.20* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 11, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.21* Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 11, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.22 Second Amendment, dated as of March 12, 2020, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and among Neenah, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 11, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.23 Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2020, by and among Neenah, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
10.24 Third Amendment, dated as of June 30, 2020, to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated December 10, 2018 by and among Neenah, Inc., certain of its subsidiaries, the lenders listed therein and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent for the Lenders (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Neenah, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed August 5, 2020 and incorporated herein by reference)
21 List of Subsidiaries of Neenah, Inc. (filed herewith).
23 Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP (filed herewith)
24 Power of Attorney (filed herewith)
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (filed herewith).
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act (filed herewith).
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (furnished herewith).
32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(b) or Rule 15d-14(b) of the Exchange Act and Section 1350 of Chapter 63 of Title 18 of the United States Code (furnished herewith).
101.INS XBRL Instance Document (filed herewith).
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (filed herewith).
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (filed herewith).
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and contained in Exhibit 101)
_______________________
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
+ Pursuant to a confidential treatment request portions of this exhibit have been furnished separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(c)Financial Statement Schedule
See Item 15(a) (2) above