june302012-10k.htm
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

SAnnual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012
or

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period From ____ to ____

Commission file number: 1-14030

Buckeye Technologies Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
62-1518973
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, Tennessee
 
38112
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (901) 320-8100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes No S
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes No S

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes S No *

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one).
Large accelerated filer T
Accelerated filer *
Non-accelerated filer *
Smaller Reporting Company *
 
Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  No S

As of December 30, 2011, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the closing price at which the common equity was last sold on the New York Stock Exchange, was approximately $1,255 million.

As of August 27, 2012, there were outstanding 39,948,312 Common Shares of the Registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s 2012 Annual Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission in connection with the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “2012 Proxy Statement”) are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 
1

 

INDEX
 
BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.


ITEM
 
PAGE
 
PART I
 
1.
Business
3
1A.
Risk Factors
9
1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
12
2.
Properties
12
3.
Legal Proceedings
13
4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
13
     
 
PART II
 
5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
15
6.
Selected Financial Data
18
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
7A.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
30
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
31
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
31
9A.
Controls and Procedures
31
9B.
Other Information
31
     
 
PART III
 
10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
31
11.
Executive Compensation
32
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
32
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
32
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
32
     
 
PART IV
 
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
32
 
Signatures
33
     
 
OTHER
 
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules
F-1
     




 
2

 

PART I
Item 1. Business
 
General
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc. (sometimes referred to in this report as “we”, “us”, the “Company” or “Buckeye”) is a leading producer of value-added cellulose-based specialty products, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee.  We believe that we have leading positions in many of the high-end niche markets in which we compete.  We utilize our expertise in polymer chemistry, leading research and development and advanced manufacturing facilities to develop and produce innovative and proprietary products for our customers.  We sell our products to a wide array of technically demanding niche markets in which we believe our proprietary products, manufacturing processes and commitment to customer technical service give us a competitive advantage.  We are the only manufacturer in the world offering cellulose-based specialty products made from both wood and cotton and utilizing wetlaid and airlaid technologies.  As a result, we believe we produce and market a broader range of cellulose-based specialty products than any of our competitors.  We produce precisely tailored products designed to meet individual customer requirements.  Our focus on specialty niche markets allows us to establish long-term supply positions with key customers.  We operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada and Germany.

Cellulose is a natural fiber derived from trees and other plants that is used in the manufacture of a wide array of products.  The total cellulose market generally can be divided into two categories: commodity and specialty.  Manufacturers use commodity cellulose to produce bulk paper and packaging materials, the markets for which are very large but highly cyclical.  Specialty cellulose is used to impart unique chemical or physical characteristics to a diverse range of highly engineered products.  Specialty cellulose generally commands higher prices, and demand for specialty cellulose is less cyclical than commodity cellulose.  We believe the more demanding performance requirements for products requiring specialty cellulose limit the number of participants in our niche markets.  Our focus on niche specialty cellulose markets has enabled us to maintain positive cash flows even during cyclical downturns in the commodity cellulose markets.
 
Company History
 
We and our predecessors have participated in the specialty cellulose market for over 85 years and have developed new uses for many cellulose-based products.  We began operations as an independent company in March 1993, when we acquired the cellulose manufacturing operations of the Procter & Gamble Company located in Memphis, Tennessee and Perry, Florida (the “Foley Plant”), with Procter & Gamble retaining a 50% limited partnership interest in the Foley Plant.  We became a public company in November 1995 and simultaneously acquired and redeemed Procter & Gamble’s remaining interest in the Foley Plant.
 
In May 1996, we acquired the specialty cellulose business of Peter Temming AG located in Glueckstadt, Germany.  That same year, we acquired Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc., a specialty cellulose producing facility located in Lumberton, North Carolina.  In May 1997, we acquired Merfin International Inc., a leading manufacturer of airlaid nonwovens with facilities located in Canada, Ireland and the United States.  In October 1999, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Walkisoft, UPM-Kymmene’s airlaid nonwovens business.  The acquisition of Walkisoft added manufacturing facilities in Steinfurt, Germany and Gaston County, North Carolina.  In March 2000, we acquired the intellectual property rights to the Stac-Pac® folding technology and the cotton cellulose business of Fibra, S.A. located in Americana, Brazil. In calendar 2001, we commenced operating the world’s largest airlaid nonwovens machine at our Gaston, North Carolina facility and started up a cosmetic cotton fiber line at our Lumberton, North Carolina facility.

Due to a decline in demand for cotton content paper, in August 2003 we closed the specialty cotton papers portion of our Lumberton, North Carolina facility.  Due to excess airlaid production capacity around the globe, we closed our single-line airlaid nonwovens facility in Cork, Ireland in July 2004.  In December 2005, we ceased production at our cotton linter pulp facility in Glueckstadt, Germany.  In conjunction with this closure, we upgraded the capability of our Americana, Brazil manufacturing facility, which was completed during fiscal year 2006.  On June 17, 2011, we announced plans to close our Delta, British Columbia, Canada airlaid nonwovens facility, which we expect will be completed by the end of calendar 2012.  Our decision was due to several factors including unfavorable site location relative to customers and raw material suppliers, a strong Canadian dollar and low capacity utilization.  On January 31, 2012, we completed the sale of Merfin Systems, our nonwoven materials converting business, to National Tissue Company.  Our decision was due to Merfin Systems being a non-core business and our desire to redeploy the proceeds into strategic operations.  On June 14, 2012, we completed the sale of our cotton specialty fibers plant located in Americana, Brazil to Vicunha Participacoes S. A.  Our decision was due to the facility’s uncompetitive cost position for the products it made, primarily driven by the high cost of its cotton linter raw material supply.

We are incorporated in Delaware and our executive offices are located at 1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, Tennessee.  Our telephone number is (901) 320-8100.
 

 
 
3

 
Products
 
Our product lines can be broadly grouped into four categories: chemical cellulose, customized fibers, fluff pulp and nonwoven materials.  We manage these products within two reporting segments: specialty fibers and nonwoven materials.  The chemical cellulose and customized fibers are derived from wood and cotton cellulose materials using wetlaid technologies.  Fluff pulps are derived from wood using wetlaid technology.  Wetlaid technologies encompass cellulose manufacturing processes in which fibers are deposited using water.  Airlaid nonwoven materials are derived from wood pulps, synthetic fibers and other materials using airlaid technology.  Airlaid technology utilizes air as a depositing medium for fibers, one benefit of which is an increased ability as compared to wetlaid processes to mix additional feature-enhancing substances into the material being produced.  A breakdown of our major product categories, percentage of sales, product attributes and applications is provided below.

 
Product Groups
% of Fiscal 2012 Sales
Value Added Attributes
Market for End Use Applications
Specialty Fibers
Chemical Cellulose
 
Food casings
 
Rayon industrial
cord
 
Rayon staple fiber
 
Cellulose ethers
 
 
Wood acetate   
 
Cotton acetate
 
40%
 
 
 
Purity and strength
 
Strength and heat stability
 
 
Uniform viscosity and dyeability
 
High viscosity, low viscosity, purity
and safety
 
Viscosity uniformity and purity 
 
Transparency/clarity, strength and
purity
 
 
 
Hot dog and sausage casings
 
High performance tires and hose reinforcement
 
 
Textiles
 
Personal care products, low fat dairy products, pharmaceuticals and construction materials
 
Cigarette filters
 
Liquid crystal display film for computers and television screens and plastic applications
Customized Fibers
 
Filters
  
Specialty cotton
papers
  
Cosmetic Cotton
 
Buckeye UltraFiber 500®
15%
 
 
High porosity and product life
 
Color permanence and tear resistance
 
 
Absorbency, strength and softness
 
Finishing and crack reduction
 
 
Automotive, laboratory and industrial filters
 
Personal stationery, premium letterhead and currency
 
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
 
Concrete
Fluff Pulp
 
Fluff pulp
18%
 
 
Absorbency and fluid transport
 
 
Disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence products
Nonwoven Materials
 
Airlaid nonwovens
 
 
27%
 
 
Absorbency, fluid management and
wet strength
 
 
 
Feminine hygiene products, specialty wipes and mops, tablecloths, napkins, placemats, incontinence products and food pads

See Note 20, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on products.


 
4

 

Raw Materials

Slash pine timber and cotton fibers are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our specialty fibers products.  These materials represent the largest components of our variable costs of production.  The region surrounding the Foley Plant has a high concentration of slash pine timber, which enables us to purchase adequate supplies of a species well suited to our products at an attractive cost.  In order to be better assured of a secure source of wood at reasonable prices, we have entered into timber purchase agreements which allow us to purchase a portion of our wood at market prices that are fixed annually or current market prices as stated in the agreements.  Additional information is included in Note 23, Commitments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We purchase cotton linter fiber either directly from cottonseed oil mills or indirectly through agents or brokers.  We purchase the majority of our requirements of cotton fiber for the Memphis and Lumberton plants domestically.

Fluff pulp is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of our nonwoven materials products.  Approximately 55% of our fluff pulp usage (in nonwovens) in 2012 was internally supplied.  The remainder is purchased from several other suppliers.  In addition to fluff pulp, our nonwovens products are comprised of synthetic fibers, latex polymers, absorbent powders and carrier tissue depending on grade specifications.  These raw materials are also purchased from multiple sources.

The cost and availability of slash pine timber, cotton linter fiber and fluff pulp are subject to market fluctuations caused by supply and demand factors.  We do not foresee material constraints from pricing or availability for slash pine timber and fluff pulp.  We continue to have raw material pricing and availability issues for our cotton linter fibers.  This raw material availability constraint will limit our growth and will continue to impact production costs.  North American cotton linter availability improved significantly after the first quarter of 2011 and we anticipate that it will remain constant at current levels through 2013.

Our manufacturing processes, especially for specialty fibers, require significant amounts of fuel oil and natural gas.  These manufacturing inputs are subject to significant changes in prices, which could adversely affect our operating results.
 
Sales and Customers

Our products are marketed and sold through a technically skilled sales force.  We maintain sales offices in the United States, Europe and China.  Our worldwide sales are diversified by geographic region as well as end-product application.  Our sales are distributed to customers in over 60 countries around the world.  Our fiscal 2012 sales reflect this geographic diversity, with 39% of sales in North America, 34% of sales in Europe, 21% of sales in Asia, and 6% in other regions.  Approximately 89% of our worldwide sales for fiscal 2012 were denominated in U.S. dollars.  Our products are shipped by rail, truck and ocean carrier.  Geographic segment data and product sales data are included in Note 20, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Net sales by geographical destination for the three years ended June 30, 2012 were as follows:

(in millions)
Net Sales by Destination
 
   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
United States
 
$
283
   
32
%
$
293
   
33
%
$
223
   
30
%
Germany
   
120
   
13
   
103
   
12
   
70
   
10
 
Japan
   
60
   
7
   
59
   
7
   
32
   
4
 
India
   
42
   
5
   
29
   
3
   
21
   
3
 
Italy
   
42
   
5
   
49
   
6
   
53
   
7
 
China
   
38
   
4
   
33
   
4
   
44
   
6
 
Mexico
   
39
   
4
   
28
   
3
   
34
   
5
 
France
   
26
   
3
   
28
   
3
   
25
   
4
 
Canada
   
24
   
3
   
33
   
4
   
33
   
4
 
All other
   
221
   
24
   
225
   
25
   
199
   
27
 
Total
 
$
895
   
100
%
$
880
   
100
%
$
734
   
100
%

The high-end, technically demanding specialty niche markets that we serve require a higher level of sales and technical service support than do commodity product sales.  Our sales, product development and customer service professionals work with customers in their plants to design products tailored precisely to their product needs and manufacturing processes.  In addition to a direct sales force, we also utilize outside sales agents in some parts of the world.
 
 
 
5

 
 
Research and Development

Our research and development activities focus on developing new products, improving existing products and enhancing process technologies to further reduce costs and respond to environmental needs.  We have research and development pilot plant facilities in Memphis and we employ engineers, scientists and technicians who are focused on advanced products and new applications to drive future growth.  Our pilot plant facilities allow us to produce, test and deliver breakthrough products to the market place on a more cost-effective basis while minimizing interruptions to the normal production cycles of our operating plants.

Research and development costs of $7.1 million, $7.1 million and $6.8 million were charged to expense as incurred for the years ended June 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
Competition
 
There are relatively few specialty fibers producers when compared with the much larger commodity paper pulp markets.  The technical demands and unique requirements of the high-purity chemical cellulose or customized fiber pulp user tend to differentiate suppliers on the basis of their ability to meet the customer’s particular set of needs, rather than focusing only on pricing.  The high-purity chemical cellulose and customized fiber markets are less subject to price variation than commodity paper pulp and low-end dissolving pulp for the rayon staple market.  Major competitors include Rayonier Inc., Borregaard, Sateri International Group (”Sateri”), Sappi Saiccor, Tembec Inc., Cosmos Specialty Fibers and Archer Daniels Midland Company.

We believe that the number of producers of high purity chemical cellulose and customized fiber pulp is unlikely to grow significantly due to the substantial investment and technical know-how required to enter this market.  We believe that the total market size for high purity chemical cellulose and customized fiber pulp is approximately 1.4 million tons per year and is growing at a rate of 3-4% per year.  Rayonier has announced that they will be converting their fluff pulp line to produce 190,000 tons per year of dissolving pulp in 2013. Buckeye is converting 42,000 tons of fluff production into high-end specialty markets with startup planned for April 2013.  Neucel and Domsjö Fabriker, two mills that formerly supplied both the low and mid-range of the dissolving pulp market, have been acquired by viscose staple fiber producers, reducing supply to the high purity cellulose market.   

Numerous announcements of companies planning to convert commodity paper grade mills to produce low-end dissolving pulps for viscose staple fiber have been announced.  We believe that it is unlikely that all of these conversions will occur due to high costs and technical difficulties associated with converting, and the vast majority of these conversions will not be capable of supplying product into the high purity cellulose and customized fiber segment of the market.  Demand from China, India and other fast-growing Asian markets for chemical cellulose to support the growing viscose rayon staple fiber market continues.  Dissolving pulp prices into the viscose rayon staple fiber market in China have fallen considerably due to increased dissolving pulp supply.  We do expect the long-term demand to continue consistent with the fast-growing middle class in these emerging economies.

Although global demand for fluff pulp is growing by 3% to 5% annually, we expect fluff pulp prices over the longer term to vary to a degree with commodity paper pulp prices because fluff pulp is often produced in mills that also produce commodity paper pulp.  In the past, fluff pulp prices have been higher than commodity pulp prices by $40 to $60 per air dry metric ton on average, but short term variances can be more significant.  We use 20,000 to 35,000 metric tons of fluff pulp annually from our Perry, Florida wood cellulose facility as a key raw material in our airlaid nonwovens business.  We believe that we currently produce approximately 4% of the world’s supply of fluff pulp.  Major competitors include AbitibiBowater Inc., International Paper Company, GP Cellulose, LLC, Rayonier, Weyerhaeuser Corp. and Domtar Corp.  We believe global fluff pulp capacity is approximately 5.9 million tons annually with International Paper’s 270,000 ton conversion in Franklin, Virginia and the conversion of Arauco’s Alto Parana mill in Argentina, which added up to 250,000 tons per year.

Worldwide demand for airlaid nonwovens products is estimated to increase by 3-5% per year, driven by growth in demand for airlaid material to be used in wipes and in feminine hygiene products.  Buckeye is a leading supplier of airlaid nonwoven materials worldwide.  The markets in which we compete also utilize nonwovens materials produced with technologies other than airlaid such as spunlace.  Major nonwovens competitors include Suominen, P.H. Glatfelter Company, Duni AB, GP Cellulose, LLC, Petropar, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Polymer Group, Inc.

The market for airlaid nonwovens products is a regional market due to the bulky nature of the product and resulting high transportation costs.  The large markets are North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, which are mostly supplied by producers in those regions.  While the North American industry is operating in an environment of excess supply, the European market has been more balanced.  In the Asian market, there are many small airlaid suppliers, particularly in China.


 
6

 


Intellectual Property
 
At June 30, 2012 and 2011, we had intellectual property assets recorded totaling $10.2 million and $11.8 million, respectively.  These assets include patents, licenses, trademarks and trade names, the majority of which were obtained in the acquisition of airlaid nonwovens businesses and Stac-Pac® technology.  We intend to protect our patents and file applications for any future inventions that are deemed to be important to our business operations.  Additional information is included in Note 1, Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Seasonality

Our overall business generally is not seasonal to a substantial extent, although we ship slightly lower specialty fiber volume in the July to September quarter and slightly lower nonwovens volume is shipped in the October to December quarter.

Employees
 
As of August 27, 2012, we employed approximately 1,270 employees, of whom approximately 77% are employed at our facilities in the United States.  Approximately 56% of the U.S. employees are represented by unions at two plants in Perry, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee.  Our Foley Plant’s labor agreement is in effect through December 1, 2012.  The agreement for the Memphis Plant is in effect through March 18, 2013.  On November 7, 2010, union employees at our Canadian facility ratified a new labor agreement.  The agreement has been extended to December 31, 2012 to coincide with the plant closure.  A works council provides employee representation for non-management workers at our nonwoven materials plant in Steinfurt, Germany.  Our plants in Gaston and Lumberton, North Carolina are not unionized.

None of our facilities has had labor disputes or work stoppages in recent history.  The Foley and Memphis Plants have not experienced any work stoppages due to labor disputes in over 30 years and 50 years, respectively.  We consider our relationships with our employees and their representative organizations to be good.  An extended interruption of operations at any of our facilities, however, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Environmental Regulations and Liabilities
 
Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, particularly those relating to air and water quality, waste disposal and the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations.  Such environmental laws and regulations at the federal level include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended, and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended.  These environmental regulatory programs are primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).  In addition, the individual states and foreign countries in which we operate have adopted and may adopt in the future equivalent or more stringent environmental laws and regulations or have enacted their own parallel environmental programs.  We closely monitor our environmental compliance with current environmental requirements and believe that we are in substantial compliance.

We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements, including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions, such as emissions of greenhouse gases, and general permitting requirements for our manufacturing facilities.  We also expect that we will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements.  Any failure on our part to comply with environmental laws or regulations could subject us to penalties or other sanctions that could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  We cannot currently assess, however, the impact that more stringent environmental requirements may have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements.  We do not anticipate that capital expenditures in connection with matters relating to environmental compliance will have a material effect on our earnings during fiscal year 2013.

Our Foley Plant discharges treated wastewater into the Fenholloway River.  Under the terms of an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”), approved by the EPA in 1995, we agreed to a comprehensive plan to attain Class III (“fishable/swimmable”) status for the Fenholloway River under applicable Florida law (the “Fenholloway Agreement”).  The Fenholloway Agreement established a schedule for the filing of necessary permit applications and approvals to implement the following activities, among others: (i) make process changes within the Foley Plant to reduce the coloration of its wastewater discharge, (ii) restore certain wetlands areas, (iii) install a pipeline to relocate the wastewater discharge point into the Fenholloway River to a point closer to the mouth of the river, and (iv) provide oxygen enrichment to the treated wastewater prior to discharge at the new location.  We have completed the process changes within the Foley Plant as required by the Fenholloway Agreement.  In making these in-plant process changes, we incurred significant capital expenditures.  Based on the anticipated permit conditions, we expect to incur significant additional capital expenditures once final permits are issued.  
 
 
 
7

 
In August 2005 FDEP drafted a proposed renewal of the Buckeye National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit. The FDEP completed the required public notice, review and comment process and issued the formal Notice of Intent to Issue Permit in November 2005.  The proposed permit was challenged by some members of the public.  In January 2008, the pending administrative hearing was dismissed due to anticipated revisions to the permit based on additional studies and development of a total maximum daily load (“TMDL”) for the Fenholloway River.  The development of the TMDL is necessary because the EPA and FDEP have listed the Fenholloway River as an impaired water (not meeting all water quality standards) under the Clean Water Act for certain pollutants.  The additional studies necessary to support revisions to the permit have been completed. As a result, we filed petitions with the FDEP for the establishment of several Site-Specific Alternative Water Quality Criteria (“SSAC”) for the Fenholloway River.  The Florida Environmental Regulation Commission adopted a rule establishing a SSAC for the Fenholloway River and the FDEP approved the other SSACs. SSACs require the approval of the EPA.  The FDEP forwarded the SSACs to EPA in September 2010 for their approval.  We are currently working with EPA to address their questions related to the SSACs.  The revised draft NPDES permit to be issued by FDEP will be based upon modeling performed in conjunction with the EPA and the FDEP, will address the TMDL established for the Fenholloway River by the EPA and will also contain Water Quality Based Effluent Limits based on the new SSACs.  In a recent development, EPA has requested additional data for one parameter.  Gathering that data may delay issuance of that SSAC and the NPDES permit by a year.  When the FDEP issues the revised draft permit it will be subject to public comment and opportunity for requesting a hearing.

We expect to incur additional capital expenditures related to our wastewater treatment and discharge of between $40 million and $60 million over at least five years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal year 2014.  The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors including when the final NPDES permit is issued and its final terms and conditions.

The Foley Plant is also subject to FDEP and EPA air emission standards.  In 2007, new EPA boiler air emission regulations [boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (“MACT”) standards] were vacated following a public legal challenge.  These regulations would apply to the bark boilers at the Foley Plant.  EPA re-proposed those regulations in April 2010 and issued final regulations in February 2011.  Due to significant feedback provided during the public comment period,  EPA has recognized that portions of the final boiler MACT regulations contain problematic provisions that will have to be resolved through the ‘reconsideration process’ allowed by the Clean Air Act.  These regulations may impact both bark boilers at the Foley Plant.  However, until the reconsideration process is completed, it will be difficult to predict the potential capital expenditures associated with these pending regulations.

Other Information

Our website is www.bkitech.com.  We make available, free of charge, through our website under the heading “Investors,” proxy materials, annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  The information on our website is not part of or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or any other report that we may file with the Commission.

These reports are also available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC.  The public may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549.  The public may obtain information about the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us, which are available at http://www.sec.gov.

Safe Harbor Provisions
 
This document contains both historical and forward-looking statements.  All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect management’s current expectations concerning future results and events.
 
These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will" or other similar words or phrases.  Similarly, statements that describe management’s objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by these statements.
 
 
 
8

 

 
The following important factors, among others, including those set forth below in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, could affect future results, causing these results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements: dependence on a single customer; the ability to obtain additional capital, maintain adequate cash flow to service debt as well as meet operating needs; maintaining satisfactory labor relations; an inability to predict the scope of future environmental compliance costs or liabilities; pricing fluctuations and worldwide economic conditions; competition; and fluctuations in the costs and availability of raw materials.

Any forward-looking statements included in this document are only made as of the date of this document and we do not intend nor undertake to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances except as we may be required by law to do so.
 
Item 1A. Risk Factors
 
Our operations are subject to a number of risks including those listed below and discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (particularly in Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations).  If any of the events described in the following risk factors actually occur, it could materially affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks related to our industry

We are subject to the cyclical changes caused by general global and industry conditions.

The demand and pricing of our products, particularly fluff pulp, are influenced by the much larger market for papermaking pulps which is highly cyclical.  The markets for most cellulose and absorbent products are sensitive to both changes in general global economic conditions and to changes in industry capacity. Both of these factors are beyond our control.  The price of these products can fluctuate significantly when supply and demand become imbalanced for any reason.  Our financial performance can be heavily influenced by these pricing fluctuations and the general cyclicality of the industries in which we compete.  Furthermore, a general economic downturn in a particular country or on an international scale could reduce the overall sales within our industry, thereby likely reducing our sales.  We cannot assure you that current prices will be maintained, that any price increases will be achieved, or that industry capacity utilization will reach favorable levels.  The demand, cost and prices for our products may fluctuate substantially in the future and downturns in market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Competition and surplus capacity could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

The markets for our products are all competitive.  Actions by competitors can affect our ability to sell our products and can affect the volatility of the prices at which our products are sold.  Other actions by competitors, such as reducing costs or adding low-cost capacity, may adversely affect our competitive position in the products we manufacture and, consequently, our sales, operating income and cash flows.  New competitors and the expansion of existing competitors could create a surplus capacity of the goods that we sell, which might cause us to either lose sales or lower the prices of our goods.  Actions by our competitors and any surplus capacity could cause our sales and profits to decline, affecting our operating results and financial condition.

Market fluctuations in the availability and cost of energy and raw materials are beyond our control and may adversely affect our business.
 
Energy, chemicals, and raw material costs, including fuel oil, natural gas, electricity, cotton linters, wood, and caustic and other chemicals are a significant operating expense.  The prices and availability of raw materials and energy can be volatile and are susceptible to rapid and substantial changes due to factors beyond our control such as changing economic conditions, currency fluctuations, weather conditions, political unrest and instability in energy-producing nations, and supply and demand considerations.  We have raw material pricing and availability issues at our Memphis specialty fiber plant.  We have the option to import cotton linters for our Memphis specialty cotton fiber production in order to minimize the impact of unexpected fluctuations in North American cotton fiber availability.  We have limited production at our Memphis specialty fibers facility because of raw material constraints.  This raw material availability constraint will limit growth and continue to impact our production costs.  Energy and chemical costs which had increased substantially in recent years, resulting in increased production costs for our products, have recently moderated.  Increases in production costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In addition to increased costs, it is possible that a disruption in supply of natural gas or other fossil fuels could limit our ability to operate our facilities.


 

 
 
9

 


Market fluctuations in the availability and cost of transportation are beyond our control and may adversely impact our business.

 Our business depends on the transportation of a large number of products, both domestically and internationally.  An increase in transportation rates or fuel surcharges and/or a reduction in transport availability in truck, rail and international shipping could negatively impact our ability to provide products to our customers in a timely manner.  An increase in international shipping rates or fuel surcharges or a reduction in the availability of vessels could negatively impact our costs and our ability to provide products to our international customers in a timely manner.  While we have had adequate transportation availability, there is no assurance that such availability can continue to be effectively managed in the future.

Risks related to our business

Exposure to commodity products creates volatility in pricing and profits.

If our research and development efforts do not result in the commercialization of new, proprietary products, we will continue to have significant exposure to fluff pulp, which could result in volatility in sales prices and profits.

A material disruption at one of our manufacturing facilities could prevent us from meeting customer demand, reduce our sales or negatively affect our results of operation and financial condition.
 
Any of our manufacturing facilities, or any of our machines within an otherwise operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including:
 
-      unscheduled maintenance outages;
 
-      prolonged power failures;
 
-      an equipment failure;
 
-      a chemical spill or release;
 
-      explosion of a boiler;
 
-      labor difficulties;
 
-      disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels;
 
-      fires, floods, windstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes or other catastrophes;
 
-      terrorism or threats of terrorism;
 
-      governmental regulations; and
 
-      other operational problems.
 
We may be required to pay significant export taxes or countervailing and anti-dumping duties for exported products.
 
We may experience reduced revenues and margins on some of our businesses as a result of export taxes or countervailing and anti-dumping duty applications. It is possible that countervailing duty and antidumping tariffs, or similar types of tariffs could be imposed on us in the future. These tariffs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial results and financial condition.
 
The impacts of climate-related initiatives, at the international, federal and state levels, remain uncertain at this time.
 
Currently, there are numerous international, federal and state-level initiatives and proposals addressing domestic and global climate issues.  Within the U.S., most of these proposals would regulate and/or tax, in one fashion or another, the production of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” to facilitate the reduction of carbon compound emissions to the atmosphere, and provide tax and other incentives to produce and use more “clean energy.”
 

 

 
 
10

 


We are dependent upon attracting and retaining key personnel.
 
We believe that our success depends, to a significant extent, upon our ability to attract and retain key senior management and operations management personnel.  Our failure to recruit and retain these key personnel could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
 
Our failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If our negotiations with the representatives of the unions, to which many of our employees belong, are not successful, our operations could be subject to interruptions at many of our facilities, which could materially and adversely affect our business.  As of August 27, 2012, we employed approximately 1,270 employees, of whom approximately 77% are employed at our facilities in the United States.  Approximately 56% of the U.S. employees are represented by unions at two plants in Perry, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee.  Our Foley Plant’s labor agreement is in effect through December 1, 2012.  The agreement for the Memphis Plant is in effect through March 18, 2013.  On November 7, 2010, union employees at our Canadian facility ratified a new labor agreement.  The agreement has been extended through December 31, 2012 to coincide with the plant closure.

Employee representation is provided by a works council at our nonwoven materials plant in Steinfurt, Germany.  Our plants in Gaston and Lumberton, North Carolina are not unionized.

The failure to renegotiate labor agreements in a timely manner could lead to a curtailment or stoppage of work at our factories.  If we negotiated a labor agreement on unfavorable terms, our production costs will increase.  A reduction in production or increasing the costs of production would lower our profits and harm our business.

Compliance with extensive general and industry specific environmental laws and regulations requires significant resources, and the significant associated costs may adversely affect our business.

Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, particularly those relating to air and water quality, waste disposal and the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations.  Such environmental laws and regulations at the federal level include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended, and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended.  These environmental regulatory programs are primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).  In addition, the individual states and foreign countries in which we operate have adopted and may adopt in the future equivalent or more stringent environmental laws and regulations or have enacted their own parallel environmental programs.  We closely monitor our environmental compliance with current environmental requirements and believe that we are in substantial compliance.

We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements, including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions, such as emissions of greenhouse gases, and general permitting requirements for our manufacturing facilities.  We also expect that we will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements.  Any failure on our part to comply with environmental laws or regulations could subject us to penalties or other sanctions that could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  We cannot currently assess, however, the impact that more stringent environmental requirements may have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements.  We do not anticipate that capital expenditures in connection with matters relating to environmental compliance will have a material effect on our earnings during fiscal year 2013.

Compliance with recently passed legislation may adversely affect our business.

In March 2010, Congress passed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act (collectively, the “Acts”).  Among other things, the Acts contain provisions that will affect employer-sponsored health care plans, impose excise taxes on certain plans, and reduce the tax benefits available to employers that receive the Medicare Part D subsidy.  We are currently reviewing provisions of the Acts and their impact on our company-sponsored plans.  We are currently unable to estimate costs associated with compliance with the Acts.
 
 
 
11

 
We are subject to the economic and political conditions of foreign nations.

We have manufacturing facilities in three countries and sell products in over 60 countries.  For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, sales of our products outside the United States represented approximately 68% of our sales.  The global economy and relative strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar can have a significant impact on our sales.  In addition, although approximately 89% of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, it is possible that as we expand globally, we will face increased risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including:

-             the risk that foreign currencies will be devalued or that currency exchange rates will fluctuate;

 
-  
the risk that limitations will be imposed on our ability to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars or on our foreign subsidiaries' ability to remit dividends and other payments to the United States;
 
 
-  
the risk that our foreign subsidiaries will be required to pay withholding or other taxes on remittances and other payments to the United States or that the amount of any such taxes will be increased;

-             the risk that certain foreign countries may experience hyperinflation; and

-             the risk that foreign governments may impose or increase investment or other restrictions affecting our business.

Any of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Risks related to ownership of our common stock
 
The price of our common stock may be volatile.
 
The market price of our common stock may be influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including those described above under “Risks related to our industry” and “Risks related to our business” and the following:
 
-      actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results or our competitors’ operating results;
 
 
-
announcements by us or our competitors of new products, capacity changes, significant contracts, acquisitions or strategic investments;
 
-      our growth rate and our competitors’ growth rates;
 
-      the financial market and general economic conditions;
 
 
-
changes in stock market analyst recommendations regarding us, our competitors or our industry generally, or lack of analyst coverage of our common stock;
 
 
-
sales of our common stock by our executive officers, directors and significant stockholders or sales of substantial amounts of common stock; and
 
-      changes in accounting principles.
 
In addition, there has been significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of securities of companies operating in our industry that often has been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies.
 
Some companies that have had volatile market prices for their securities have had securities litigation brought against them. If litigation of this type is brought against us, it could result in substantial costs and would divert management’s attention and resources.
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.

Item 2. Properties

Corporate Headquarters.  Our corporate headquarters, research and development laboratories, and pilot plants are located in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
Specialty Fiber Plants
 
Memphis Plant.  The Memphis Plant is located on approximately 75 acres adjacent to the headquarters complex and has a capacity of approximately 100,000 annual metric tons of cotton cellulose.  As of June 30, 2012, the Memphis Plant operated at about 55% of its capacity.
 
 
12

 
Foley Plant.  The Foley Plant is located at Perry, Florida, on a 2,900 acre site and has a capacity of approximately 465,000 annual metric tons of wood cellulose.  We also own approximately 21,000 acres of real property near the plant site of which approximately 4,900 is subject to a conservation easement.  As of June 30, 2012, the Foley Plant operated at approximately 100% of its capacity.
 
Lumberton Plant.  The Lumberton Plant is located in Lumberton, North Carolina on a 65-acre site and has a capacity of approximately 8,000 annual metric tons of cosmetic cotton fiber.  As of June 30, 2012, the Lumberton Plant operated at approximately 100% of its capacity.
 
Nonwovens Plants

The stated capacity of airlaid nonwovens machines is based upon an assumed mix of products.  The flexible nature of airlaid technology allows for a wide range of materials to be produced.  Machine production capability has typically been lower than the stated capacity, often by factors of 10-20%, when adjusted to reflect the actual product mix.  Based on current product mix, utilization of our airlaid machines worldwide, as of June 30, 2012, was approximately 75% of their capacity.

Delta Plant.  The Delta Plant is located in Delta, British Columbia on a 12-acre industrial park site and has a total capacity of approximately 30,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens (18,000 based on current production mix) from one production line.  In June 2012, we entered into an agreement of purchase and sale for our Delta facility’s land and buildings.  See Note 4 for further discussion.

Steinfurt Plant.  The Steinfurt Plant is located in Steinfurt, Germany on an 18-acre site and has a total capacity of approximately 30,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens from two production lines.

Gaston Plant.  The Gaston Plant is located in Gaston County near Mt. Holly, North Carolina on an 80-acre site and has a total capacity of approximately 60,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens (40,000 annual metric tons based on current production mix) from two production lines.

We own our corporate headquarters, the Memphis Plant, the Foley Plant, the Lumberton Plant, the Delta Plant, the Steinfurt Plant and the Gaston Plant.  We lease buildings that house the sales offices in Europe and China and distribution facilities in Savannah, Georgia.  All of the facilities located in the United States are pledged as collateral for certain debt agreements.

We believe that our specialty fibers and nonwoven materials manufacturing facilities and administrative buildings are adequate to meet current operating demands.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
We are involved from time to time in routine legal matters and other claims incidental to our business.  We review outstanding claims and proceedings internally and with external counsel as necessary to assess the probability and amount of potential loss.  These assessments are re-evaluated at each reporting period and as new information becomes available to determine whether a reserve should be established or if any existing reserve should be adjusted.  The actual cost of resolving a claim or proceeding ultimately may be substantially different than the amount of the recorded reserve.  In addition, because it is not permissible under GAAP to establish a litigation reserve until the loss is both probable and estimable, in some cases there may be insufficient time to establish a reserve prior to the actual incurrence of the loss (upon verdict and judgment at trial, for example, or in the case of a quickly negotiated settlement).  We believe the resolution of routine matters and other incidental claims, taking into account reserves and insurance, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results from operations.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.


 

 
 
13

 


Pursuant to Instruction 3 to Item 401(b) of Regulation S-K and General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K, the following information is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The names, ages and positions held by our executive officers on August 29, 2012 are:
 
Name
Age
Position
John B. Crowe
65
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Steven G. Dean
56
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Douglas L. Dowdell
54
Executive Vice President, Specialty Fibers
Charles S. Aiken
62
Sr. Vice President, Energy and Sustainability
Sheila Jordan Cunningham
60
Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Paul N. Horne
57
Sr. Vice President, Product and Market Development
Marko M. Rajamaa
51
Sr. Vice President, Nonwovens
Terrence M. Reed
52
Sr. Vice President, Human Resources

John B. Crowe
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Crowe has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2006.  He served as President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2003 to July 2006.  He was elected as a director of Buckeye in August 2004.  He served as Senior Vice President, Wood Cellulose from January 2001 to April 2003.  He served as Vice President, Wood Cellulose Manufacturing from January 1998 to January 2001.  Prior to joining us, he was Executive Vice President/General Manager of Alabama River Pulp and Alabama Pine Pulp Operations, a division of Parsons and Whittemore, Inc. and was Vice President and Site Manager of Flint River Operations, a subsidiary of Weyerhauser Company.  From 1979 to 1992, he was an employee of Procter & Gamble.

Steven G. Dean
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Dean has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 24, 2012.  He served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from July 2007 to July 2012.  He served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from July 2006 to July 2007.  He served as Vice President and Controller from February 2006 to July 2006. Mr. Dean served as Company Controller from December 2005 to February 2006.  Previously, he served as Controller for Buckeye's Specialty Fibers Division from December 2004 to November 2005 and Controller for Buckeye's Nonwovens Division from August 2001 to November 2004.  Prior to joining Buckeye in 1999, he held various financial management positions with Thomas & Betts and Hewlett-Packard.

Douglas L. Dowdell
Executive Vice President, Specialty Fibers
Mr. Dowdell has served as Executive Vice President, Specialty Fibers since July 24, 2012.  He served as Senior Vice President, Specialty Fibers from February 2006 to July 2012.  He served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens from February 2005 to February 2006.  He served as Vice President, Nonwovens from October 2003 to February 2005.  He served as Vice President, Absorbent Wood Fiber Sales from February 2002 to October 2003.  He served as Vice President, Nonwovens Business Development from February 2001 to February 2002.  He served as Vice President, Absorbent Products Business Development from August 2000 to February 2001. Prior to August 2000 he held several positions in the Company including: Manager, Absorbent Fiber Sales; Manager, Business Development; and Manager, Wood Procurement.  He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1988 to March 1993.

Charles S. Aiken
Senior Vice President, Energy and Sustainability
Mr. Aiken has served as Senior Vice President, Energy and Sustainability since January 1, 2010.  He served as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing from October 2003 to January 2010.  He served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens Manufacturing from April 2000 to October 2003.  He served as Vice President, Business Systems from April 1998 to April 2000 and as Vice President, Foley Plant from June 1995 to April 1998.  He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1977 to March 1993.

Sheila Jordan Cunningham
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Ms. Cunningham has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 2000.  She served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from April 1998 to April 2000.  She served as Assistant General Counsel from March 1997 to April 1998 and as Secretary from July 1997 to April 1998.  Prior to joining us, she was a partner in the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, & Berkowitz, P.C.


 

 
 
14

 


Paul N. Horne
Senior Vice President, Product and Market Development
Mr. Horne has served as Senior Vice President, Product and Market Development since February 1, 2006.  He served as Senior Vice President, Cotton Cellulose from January 2001 to February 2006.  He served as Senior Vice President, Commercial - Specialty Cellulose from July 1997 to January 2001 and as Vice President, North and South American Sales from October 1995 to July 1997.  He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1982 to March 1993.

Marko M. Rajamaa
Senior Vice President, Nonwovens
Mr. Rajamaa has served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens since October 26, 2006.  He served as Vice President, Nonwovens from February 2006 to October 2006 and as Vice President, Nonwovens Sales – Europe and Middle East from January 2002 to February 2006.  Previously, he served as Manager, Nonwoven Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa from 1999 to 2002.  Prior to joining Buckeye in 1999, he held various sales management positions with Walkisoft / UPM-Kymmene.

Terrence M. Reed
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Mr. Reed has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources since July 24, 2012.  He served as Vice President, Human Resources from March 2006 to July 2012.  Previously he served as Plant Manager, Foley Plant from January 2005 to March 2006 and prior to that he held various manufacturing roles in the Foley Plant.  Prior to joining Buckeye in 1995, he was an engineer for American Greetings Corporation from 1992 to 1995 and was an officer in the United States Army from 1983 to 1992.

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BKI.  There were approximately 11,500 shareholders on August 9, 2012, based on the number of record holders of our common stock and an estimate of the number of individual participants represented by security position listings.  The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock.
   
Year Ended June 30
 
   
2012
 
2011
 
   
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
First quarter (ended September 30)
 
$
29.24
 
$
23.80
 
$
14.99
 
$
9.32
 
Second quarter (ended December 31)
   
34.22
   
24.00
   
23.25
   
14.20
 
Third quarter (ended March 31)
   
37.40
   
32.60
   
28.50
   
19.94
 
Fourth quarter (ended June 30)
   
34.00
   
26.41
   
28.62
   
22.45
 

We made $10.8 million in dividend payments, $0.27 per share, during the year ended June 30, 2012.  We made $7.3 million in dividend payments, $0.18 per share, during the year ended June 30, 2011.  We did not make any dividend payments during the year ended June 30, 2010.  On August 7, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share of common stock.  The dividend is payable on September 14, 2012 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 14, 2012.  Each quarterly dividend payment is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors, and we evaluate our dividend payment amount on an annual basis at the end of each fiscal year.  The amount we distribute as dividends will depend on our financial results at the time of distribution.


 

 
 
15

 


Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Board of Directors has authorized total repurchases of 11.0 million shares of common stock.  During fiscal years 2012 and 2011 we repurchased 1.2 million and 0.4 million shares of our common stock, respectively, at a total cost of $32.9 million and $9.8 million, respectively.  We did not repurchase any shares during 2010.  At June 30, 2012, we have remaining approximately 4.0 million shares authorized by our Board of Directors to repurchase.  Repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes, including the funding of employee benefit and stock-related plans.  Below is a summary of our stock repurchases for the period ending June 30, 2012.

     
(a) Total number of shares purchased
   
(b) Average price paid per share
   
(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced  plans or programs
   
(d) Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under plans or programs
 
                           
April 1 – April 30, 2012
   
166,094
 
$
32.51
   
6,367,223
   
4,632,777
 
May 1 – May 31, 2012
   
383,906
   
29.99
   
6,751,129
   
4,248,871
 
June 1 – June 30, 2012
   
200,000
   
27.08
   
6,951,129
   
4,048,871
 
Total
   
750,000
 
$
29.77
   
6,951,129
   
4,048,871
 

See the table labeled ‘Equity Compensation Plan Information” to be contained in the 2012 Proxy Statement, incorporated by reference in Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Part III, Item 12 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by this reference.


 

 
 
16

 


Performance Graph

The line graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the Russell 2000 Index and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) Paper & Allied Products peer group for the five fiscal years ended June 30, 2012.  The graph and table assume that $100 was invested on June 30, 2007 in each of our common stock, the Russell 2000 Index, and the NYSE Paper & Allied Products peer group and that all dividends were reinvested.
 

   
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
               
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
100.00
54.69
29.02
64.32
176.03
187.58
Russell 2000
 
100.00
83.81
62.84
76.35
104.91
102.73
NYSE Paper & Allied Products – SIC Codes 2600-2699 (U.S. & Foreign Cos.) excluding KMB
100.00
66.93
54.37
75.81
103.35
97.59

 
 
17

 
 
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

Selected Financial Data
In thousands, except per share data
 
Year Ended June 30
 
   
2012(b)
 
2011(c)
 
2010(d)
 
2009 (e)
 
2008 (f)
 
Operating Data:
                     
                       
Net sales(a)
 
$
894,881
 
$
880,428
 
$
733,893
 
$
727,647
 
$
789,771
 
                                 
Operating income (loss) (a)
 
$
164,039
 
134,497
 
148,602
 
(6,675
101,702
 
                                 
Income from continuing operations (a)
 
$
118,915
 
$
128,806
 
$
116,476
 
$
(48,721
)
$
48,134
 
                                 
Net income (loss)
 
90,028
 
124,268
 
114,574
 
(65,388
47,102
 
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
                               
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
3.00
 
$
3.20
 
$
3.00
 
$
(1.26
)
$
1.24
 
  Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
2.26
 
$
3.09
 
$
2.95
 
$
(1.69
)
$
1.21
 
                                 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
                               
  Income (loss) from continuing operations
 
$
2.98
 
$
3.16
 
$
2.95
 
$
(1.26
)
$
1.23
 
  Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
2.24
 
$
3.05
 
$
2.90
 
$
(1.69
)
$
1.20
 
                                 
Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.18
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
                                 
Balance sheet data:
                               
Total assets
 
$
837,411
 
$
869,851
 
$
852,454
 
$
792,384
 
$
1,009,225
 
Total long-term debt and capital leases (including current portion)
 
$
58,578
 
$
96,921
 
$
237,332
 
$
327,465
 
$
394,268
 
                                 

 (a) 
Amounts exclude the impact of discontinued operations of the cotton specialty fibers plant in Americana, Brazil.  Additional information is included in Note 6, Discontinued Operations, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

(b)
Includes a pretax charge of $2,425 ($2,425 after tax) for goodwill impairment.  Includes a pretax charge of $2,094 ($1,356 after tax) for long-lived asset impairment.  Includes a pretax charge of $234 ($152 after tax) for restructuring expense.  Includes a pretax reversal of accrued interest of $2,285 ($1,459 after tax) that was recorded in prior periods related to a payable to the IRS for which the IRS subsequently concluded no interest was due.  See Note 26, Subsequent Events, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Includes an after-tax benefit of $9,040 related to CBC.

  (c)
Includes a pretax charge of $1,082 ($978 after tax) for restructuring costs.  Includes a pretax charge of $13,007 ($13,007 after tax) for asset impairment charges.  Includes a pretax charge of $3,649 ($2,372 after tax) for early extinguishment of debt.  Includes an after tax benefit of $51,458 related to CBC.  Includes a pretax charge of $2,452 ($1,565 after tax) for interest payable to the IRS for the use of funds from Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits (“AFMC”) refunds expected to be exchanges for CBC.

(d)
Includes a pretax charge of $3,353 ($2,095 after tax) for restructuring costs.  Includes a pretax benefit of $77,677 ($76,791 after tax) for AFMC.  Includes a pretax charge of $2,606 ($1,629 after tax) for early extinguishment of debt.  Includes an after tax benefit of $5,415 for investment tax credits on prior period energy project expenditures.

(e)
Includes a pretax charge of $138,008 ($127,598 after tax) for goodwill impairment.  Includes a pretax benefit of $54,232 ($39,644 after tax) for AFMC.  Includes a pretax benefit of $401 ($261 after tax) for early extinguishment of debt.

  (f)
Includes a pretax charge of $623 ($392 after tax) for early extinguishment of debt.


 

 
 
18

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition ("MD&A") summarizes the significant factors affecting our results of operations, liquidity, capital resources and contractual obligations, as well as discusses our critical accounting policies.  This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Our MD&A is composed of four major sections:  Executive Summary, Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates.  Unless otherwise indicated, references to a year (e.g., “2012”) refers to our fiscal year ended June 30 of that year.
 
Executive Summary
 
We manufacture and distribute value-added cellulose-based specialty products used in numerous applications, including disposable diapers, personal hygiene products, engine, air and oil filters, concrete reinforcing fibers, food casings, cigarette filters, rayon filaments, acetate plastics, thickeners and papers.  Our products are produced in the United States, Canada and Germany, and we sell these products in approximately 60 countries worldwide.  We generate revenues, operating income and cash flows from two reporting segments: specialty fibers and nonwoven materials.  Specialty fibers are derived from wood and cotton cellulose materials using wetlaid technologies.  Our nonwoven materials are derived from wood pulps, synthetic fibers and other materials using an airlaid process.

Our strategy is to continue to strengthen our position as a leading supplier of renewable cellulose-based specialty products.  The key focus areas for Buckeye over the next twelve months include maximizing cash flow, optimizing capacity utilization, successful execution of our high-end specialty wood pulp expansion project, identifying new profitable, sustainable growth opportunities, improving our return on invested capital for all assets and continuing our progress to a Lean Enterprise culture.  We plan to take a balanced approach in allocating capital between debt reduction, investment in high rate of return projects, and returning value to stockholders.

Net sales, excluding discontinued operations in Brazil, for 2012, were a record $895 million, up $15 million or 2% from $880 million in 2011, as higher specialty fibers selling prices more than offset the impact of lower airlaid nonwovens shipment volumes and the January sale of our Merfin Systems converting business to National Tissue.  Specialty fibers segment sales were up 6% and sales in the nonwoven materials segment (excluding the impact of the sale of our King converting business) were down 7%.  The sale of our King business accounted for an $11 million reduction in net sales compared to 2011.  Shipment volume, excluding the impact of plant closures and divestitures, was down 2% compared to the prior year, with specialty fibers shipments down 1% and nonwovens shipment volume down 6%.  For the total year, average selling prices were up by 18% on both our high-end wood and cotton specialty pulp, while average fluff pulp prices decreased by $77 per ton compared to the prior year.  Average nonwovens selling prices were up by about 1% year over year.

Operating income, excluding discontinued operations in Brazil, for 2012, was $164 million, an increase of $30 million compared to $134 million in 2011.  Gross margin improved by $15 million compared to the same period in 2011 as selling prices overall were up significantly in spite of lower average fluff pulp prices.   Higher prices were more than enough to offset the impact of increased cotton linter raw material costs.  Chemical and transportation costs were modestly higher, while energy costs and fixed overhead costs were modestly lower year over year.  The impact of the power and steam drum failure outages at Foley reduced gross margin by $6 million compared to the prior year.  Gross margin as a percentage of net sales improved from 22.9% in 2011 to 24.3% in 2012, the highest level in 12 years.  Restructuring and impairment losses for the year, excluding discontinued operations in Brazil, and relating to the sale of our Merfin Systems business, totaled $5 million in 2012.  This compares to $14 million in 2011 relating mostly to the announced closure of our Delta nonwovens facility planned for December 2012.

Net income for 2012 was $90 million, or $2.24 per diluted share, down $34 million or $0.81 per diluted share compared to 2011.  A reduction in the net benefit realized from the cellulosic biofuel credit, which impacts both income tax and interest expense, accounted for $40 million of this reduction in net income.  In addition, the loss from discontinued operations, net of tax, was $24 million greater year over year due to impairment and restructuring charges related to the closure and sale of our Americana, Brazil cotton linter pulp facility in 2012.  Other impairment and restructuring losses related to the sale of our Merfin Systems business and the announced closure of our Delta nonwovens plant were lower in 2012 compared to 2011, accounting for a $9 million improvement in net income.  An offsetting $20 million improvement in net income was mainly the result of increased sales and improved gross margin primarily driven by higher selling prices.  In addition, selling, research and administrative expenses and net interest expenses were lower compared to the prior year.

Net cash provided by operating activities in 2012 totaled $172 million, which was lower by $40 million compared to $212 million in 2011.  The cash tax benefit from the cellulosic biofuel credit was down $89 million compared to 2011, when we received tax refunds of $73 million, mostly relating to alternative fuel mixture credits and cellulosic biofuel credits.  In 2012, we received a tax benefit of $23 million relating to the closure and sale of our Brazilian cotton linter pulp operations.  An offsetting $26 million improvement in cash flow from operations was driven by increased sales revenue, improved gross margin, lower selling, research and administrative expenses, and lower cash interest costs.
 
 
19

 
Our capital spending for the year just completed was $85 million, up from $57 million in 2011.  This included $33 million in spending on the Florida Specialty Expansion Project, which is targeted for completion in the April-June quarter of 2013.  Of the $172 million in net cash provided by operating activities and the $12 million in proceeds from the two divestitures completed in 2012, $85 million was reinvested in the business in the form of capital expenditures, $38 million was applied to debt reduction, and $44 million was returned to shareholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.

Fourth quarter and full-year results, as previously reported in our earnings release dated August 7, 2012, were subsequently adjusted to reflect the reversal of accrued interest in the amount of $8.1 million ($5.7 million reduction in interest expense and $2.4 million reduction to income tax expense) and related deferred tax assets of $2.9 million as a result of a release from the Internal Revenue Service on August 22, 2012.  The net effect of these adjustments was an increase to net income of $5.2 million ($0.13 per diluted share).  See additional discussion in Note 26, Subsequent Events, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Results of Operations

Consolidated results
 
The following table compares the components of consolidated operating income for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2012.

 (dollars in millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
   
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
894.9
 
$
880.4
 
$
733.9
 
$
14.5
 
$
146.5
   
1.6
%
 
20.0
%
Cost of goods sold
   
677.4
   
678.2
   
610.4
   
(0.8
)
 
67.8
   
(0.1
)
 
11.1
 
Gross margin
   
217.5
   
202.2
   
123.5
   
15.3
   
78.7
   
7.6
   
63.7
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
   
46.7
   
51.7
   
48.1
   
(5.0
)
 
3.6
   
(9.7
)
 
7.5
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
   
2.0
   
2.0
   
1.9
   
-
   
0.1
   
-
   
5.3
 
Impairment and restructuring costs
   
4.8
   
14.1
   
3.4
   
(9.3
)
 
10.7
   
(66.0
)
 
314.7
 
Alternative fuel mixture credits
   
-
   
-
   
(77.7
)
 
-
   
77.7
   
-
   
100.0
 
Other operating income
   
-
   
(0.1
)
 
(0.8
)
 
0.1
   
0.7
   
100.0
   
87.5
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
164.0
 
$
134.5
 
$
148.6
 
$
29.5
 
$
(14.1
)
 
21.9
%
 
(9.5
)%

Net sales increased $14.5 million in 2012 versus 2011.  Higher selling prices, mainly in the specialty fibers segment accounted for an increase of $52.4 million.  Higher specialty wood fibers (up 18%) and cotton specialty prices (up 12%) more than offset lower fluff pulp prices of $78 per ton.  These higher selling prices were partially offset by lower volume in nonwoven materials as we sold Merfin Systems, our nonwoven materials converting business, ($11.3 million impact) and experienced lower demand in our North American markets.  We also experienced lower volume and unfavorable product mix in wood specialty products.

Gross margin in 2012 increased by $15.3 million versus 2011 and improved as a percentage of net sales from 23.0% in 2011 to 24.3% in 2012, primarily driven by the higher selling prices which were more than enough to offset the impact of increased cotton linter raw material costs, and higher chemical and transportation costs.  In June 2012, our Foley plant experienced a significant failure of a steam drum on the fluff pulp machine, causing damage to multiple drums and structural damage to the paper machine building and structure.  This had a negative impact on gross margin of $4.0 million in 2012, net of insurance proceeds.  In February 2012, we had a power failure at our Foley plant which resulted in lower operating income of $2.3 million, which is net of insurance proceeds.

Net sales in 2011 versus 2010 increased by $146.5 million or 20.0%, primarily due to higher selling prices in both segments, accounting for an increase of $131.3 million.  Both segments also experienced favorable product mix, which contributed an additional $23.8 million to the higher sales number, partially offset by lower volume and unfavorable exchange rates in Europe.

Our 2011 gross margin was $78.7 million better than 2010 and improved as a percentage of net sales from 16.8% in 2010 to 23.0% in 2011.  This improvement was due to the higher selling prices.  Raw material costs were up significantly for our cotton specialty fibers and nonwovens products compared to 2010, but wood costs were only modestly higher.  Chemical, freight and direct costs were up, while natural gas costs were slightly lower.  The final insurance settlement related to the June 2010 power outage at our Foley Plant added $3.2 million to our gross margin, representing a partial recovery of the $6.1 million in lost margin from business interruption and property damage.
 
 
20

 
Selling, research and administrative expenses decreased $5.0 million from 2011 to 2012 as the result of lower bonus expense.  Selling, research and administrative expenses increased $3.6 million in 2011 from 2010 as a result of higher bonus and stock compensation expense, due to improved profit, cash flow, safety and quality and a higher stock price.  As a percentage of net sales these costs decreased to 5.2% in 2012 versus 5.9% in 2011 and 6.6% in 2010.

On January 31, 2012 we completed the sale of Merfin Systems, our nonwovens materials converting business, in King, North Carolina.  It was a non-core business and we wanted to redeploy the proceeds into strategic operations.  This sale resulted in an asset impairment charge of $2.1 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million and restructuring expenses of $0.2 million.  We recorded proceeds of $5.5 million from the sale.

On June 17, 2011, we announced our decision to cease production at our Delta, B.C., Canada airlaid nonwovens facility by the end of calendar 2012.  We evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Delta facility and determined that these long-lived assets were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value resulting in an impairment charge of $13.0 million.

We recorded $77.7 million in AFMCs, which were net of expenses, in our consolidated statements of operations for the year 2010.

Segment results
 
Although nonwoven materials processes, customers, distribution methods and regulatory environment are very similar to specialty fibers, we believe it is appropriate for nonwoven materials to be disclosed as a separate reporting segment from specialty fibers.  The specialty fibers segment consists of our chemical cellulose, customized fibers and fluff pulp product lines which are cellulosic fibers based on both wood and cotton.  The nonwovens materials segment consists of our airlaid plants and our converting plant.  We make separate financial decisions and allocate resources based on the sales and operating income of each segment.  We allocate selling, research, and administrative expenses to each segment, and we use the resulting operating income to measure the performance of the two segments.  We exclude items that are not included in measuring business performance, such as restructuring costs, the impact of goodwill impairment loss, long-lived asset impairments, alternative fuel mixture credits, amortization of intangibles, and unallocated at-risk and stock-based compensation.

The following table compares net sales and operating income by segment for the three years ended June 30, 2012.  Each segment is discussed in further detail in the paragraphs below.

 
(dollars in millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
   
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
Net sales
                                           
  Specialty Fibers
 
$
686.7
 
$
648.5
 
$
515.0
 
$
38.2
 
$
133.5
   
5.9
%
 
25.9
%
  Nonwoven Material
   
239.0
   
264.9
   
246.8
   
(25.9
)
 
18.1
   
(10.0
)
 
7.3
 
  Corporate
   
(30.8
)
 
(33.0
)
 
(27.9
 
2.2
   
(5.1
)
 
6.7
   
(18.3
)
Total net sales
   
894.9
   
880.4
   
733.9
   
14.5
   
146.5
   
1.6
   
20.0
 
                                             
Operating income
                                           
  Specialty Fibers
   
165.4
   
147.5
   
67.3
   
17.9
   
80.2
   
12.1
   
119.2
 
  Nonwoven Material
   
11.7
   
13.8
   
16.8
   
(2.1
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(15.2
)
 
(17.9
)
  Corporate
   
(13.1
)
 
(26.8
)
 
64.5
   
13.7
   
(91.3
 
51.1
   
(141.6
)
Total operating income
 
$
164.0
 
$
134.5
 
$
148.6
 
$
29.5
 
$
(14.1
)
 
21.9
%
 
(9.5
)%
                                             

Specialty fibers
 
The following table compares specialty fibers net sales and operating income for the three years ended June 30, 2012.
 
(dollars in millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
   
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
686.7
 
 $
648.5
 
$
515.0
 
$
38.2
 
 $
133.5
   
5.9
%
 
25.9
%
Operating income
   
165.4
   
147.5
   
67.3
   
17.9
   
80.2
   
12.1
   
119.2
 
Operating margin percentage
   
24.1
%
 
22.7
%
 
13.1
%
                       
 
 
 
21

 

 
In 2012, net sales increased by $38.2 million versus 2011, primarily due to higher selling prices in our specialty wood fibers grades, up 18%, cotton specialty fibers grades, up 12%, partially offset by lower fluff pulp prices of 9% or $78 per ton.  We continue to have more than 90% of our Memphis plant’s specialty cotton fibers business committed to sales agreements that allow us to pass through the higher cost of cotton linters.  Partially offsetting the higher prices were specialty wood fibers lower shipment volume and unfavorable mix.

Operating income increased by $17.9 million in 2012 versus 2011, primarily due to the higher selling prices in our specialty grades.  Improved capacity utilization at our Memphis specialty cotton fibers plant contributed to higher gross margin as we continued to experience improvement in the availability of cotton linters relative to the year ago period.  Offsetting the higher selling prices were increased costs for raw materials, chemicals and transportation.  In June 2012, our Foley plant experienced a significant failure of a steam drum on the fluff pulp machine, causing damage to multiple drums and structural damage to the paper machine building and structure.  This had a negative impact on gross margin of $4.0 million in 2012, net of insurance proceeds.  In February 2012, we had a power failure at our Foley plant which resulted in lower operating income of $2.3 million, which is net of insurance proceeds.

Net sales were up substantially in 2011 versus 2010, primarily due to higher selling prices.  Average selling prices for high-end specialty wood fibers grades were up 18%, reflecting strong market conditions and improved mix.  Fluff pulp prices were up 27% in 2011 versus 2010 driven by a rapidly growing demand for absorbent products in emerging markets.  Prices for specialty cotton grades were up 35% as higher costs for cotton linters were passed through based on provisions included in our long-term sales agreements.  Adding to the sales improvement were favorable product mix and higher shipment volume from our Memphis plant.  As of June 30, 2011, more than 90% of our Memphis plant’s specialty cotton fibers business was committed to contracts that allowed us to commit to longer procurement agreements for cotton linters.  This provided improved control of cost and flow of products to our customers.

Operating income increased by $80.1 million in 2011 versus 2010 and improved as a percentage of net sales from 13.1% in 2010 to 22.7% in 2011.  This improvement was driven by the higher pricing and improved product sales mix.  The successful January 2011 start-up of Phase I of our energy project’s turbine generator at our specialty wood fibers mill contributed to our improved gross margin.  Improved capacity utilization at our Memphis specialty cotton fibers plant also contributed to the higher gross margin as we experienced some improvement in the availability of cotton linters.  Partially offsetting these items were higher raw material prices mainly due to the higher cost for cotton linters.  Direct costs increased due mainly to higher spending on maintenance and higher bonus accruals.  In addition we experienced higher chemical and transportation costs.

Nonwoven materials
 
The following table compares nonwoven materials net sales and operating income for the three years ended June 30, 2012.
 
(dollars in millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
   
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
239.0
 
 $
264.9
 
$
246.8
 
 $
(25.9
)
$
18.1
   
(10.0
)%
 
7.3
%
Operating income
   
11.7
   
13.8
   
16.8
   
(2.1
)
 
(3.0
)
 
(15.2
)
 
(17.9
)
Operating margin percentage
   
4.9
%
 
5.2
%
 
6.8
%
                       

Nonwoven materials sales decreased in 2012 versus 2011.   Lower shipment volume in North America was the main driver for the decrease.  The sale of Merfin Systems contributed $11.3 million to the sales decrease.

Operating income decreased slightly in 2012 versus 2011.  The sale of Merfin Systems had an impact of $2.0 million.

Nonwoven materials sales increased in 2011 versus 2010 by $18.1 million or 7.3%, primarily due to higher selling prices and higher shipment volume.  Selling prices were up approximately 5% and shipment volume was up approximately 2%.

Operating income decreased in 2011 versus 2010 as higher raw material costs, mainly due to the rapid rise in fluff pulp costs in 2011,  more than offset higher selling prices.

Corporate

Our intercompany net sales elimination represents intercompany sales from our Florida and Memphis specialty fiber facilities to our airlaid nonwovens plants.  The unallocated at-risk compensation and unallocated stock-based compensation represent compensation for executive officers and certain other employees.

 

 
 
22

 


The following tables compare corporate net sales and operating income (loss) for the three years ended June 30, 2012.
 
(dollars in millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
   
 
2012
 
 
2011
 
 
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
2012/
2011
 
2011/
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
(30.8
)
 $
(33.0
)
$
(27.9
 $
2.2
 
$
(5.1
 
6.7
%
 
(18.3
)%
Operating income (loss)
   
(13.1
)
 
(26.8
)
 
64.5
   
13.7
   
(91.3
 
51.1
   
(141.6
)

The operating income (loss) for the three years ended June 30 consists of:

       
(dollars in millions)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Unallocated at-risk compensation
 
(2.7
)
$
(5.7
)
$
(5.0
)
Unallocated stock-based compensation 
   
(4.2
)
 
(4.6
)
 
(2.7
)
Intellectual property amortization
   
(2.0
)
 
(2.0
)
 
(1.9
)
Restructuring expenses
   
(0.2
)
 
(1.1
)
 
(3.4
)
Asset impairment
   
(2.1
)
 
(13.0
)
 
-
 
Goodwill impairment
   
(2.4
)
 
-
   
-
 
Gross margin on intercompany sales
   
0.5
   
(0.4
)
 
(0.2
)
Alternative fuel mixture credits
   
-
   
-
   
77.7
 
   
$
(13.1
)
$
(26.8
)
$
64.5
 

Impairment and Restructuring activities
 
King, North Carolina facility

On January 31, 2012 we completed the sale of the nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business in King, North Carolina.  It was a non-core business and we wanted to redeploy the proceeds into strategic operations.  We evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the facility.  Based on this evaluation, and after reducing the value of certain other assets by $0.4 million, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which had a carrying value of $1.4 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $0.2 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.3 million. We also recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million. With the completion of the sale of Merfin Systems we recorded an additional $0.4 million of impairment based on the negotiated purchase price.  We recorded proceeds of $5.5 million from the sale.  In conjunction with the sale, four positions were eliminated and we recorded restructuring expense of $0.2 million.

Delta, B.C., Canada facility

On June 17, 2011, we announced our decision to close our Delta, B.C., Canada airlaid nonwovens facility by the end of calendar 2012.  Our decision was due to several factors including unfavorable site location relative to customers and raw material suppliers, a strong Canadian dollar, and low capacity utilization.   We plan to consolidate a portion of the Delta facility’s production at our two other airlaid nonwovens facilities.  We believe that this closure and consolidation of business will improve capacity utilization, profitability and return on invested capital for our Nonwovens business.

As a result of this decision, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Delta facility in 2011.  Based on this evaluation, we determined that these long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $38.4 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $25.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $13.0 million in 2011.

In 2011, we announced the consolidation of production at our Delta, British Columbia, Canada airlaid facility on the newer of the two machines at that site.  The cost of this consolidation was approximately $0.8 million, $0.1 million of which remains to be paid.

In June 2012, we entered into an agreement of purchase and sale for our Delta facility’s land and buildings.

Sales and Administration

During 2010, we implemented a restructuring program to sharpen our focus on key priorities which included restructuring our Ultra Fiber sales force, aligning capacity utilization with current market conditions at our Memphis Plant, and reducing selling, research and administrative expenses.  The total cost of this program was $3.6 million, $0.2 million of which remains to be paid.  As a result of this restructuring, 32 positions were eliminated and 8 employees were transferred from selling, research and administrative positions to management positions at our Florida facility.
 
 
23

 
Interest expense and amortization of debt costs

Interest expense and amortization of debt costs decreased $8.1 million for 2012 versus 2011 primarily as a result of reversing interest that had been accrued as payable to the IRS for the use of funds from AFMC refunds expected to be exchanged for CBC.  In a release dated August 22, 2012, the IRS concluded that no interest is due on the AFMC cash refunds in the CBC exchange.  Additionally, interest expense decreased due to debt reduction of $38.3 million and lower annual interest rates of approximately 156 basis points.

Interest expense and amortization of debt costs decreased $8.7 million for 2011 versus 2010.  Interest expense decreased due to debt reduction of $140.6 million and lower annual interest rates of approximately 243 basis points.  The decrease was slightly offset by $2.5 million of accrued interest payable to the IRS for the use of funds from AFMC refunds expected to be exchanged for CBC.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt costs

During 2011, we used borrowings under our credit facility to redeem the remaining $140 million of our 2013 notes.  As a result of this extinguishment, we recorded a $3.6 million loss which included a $2.0 million premium paid to the note holders and $1.7 million of unamortized deferred financing costs.

During 2010, we used borrowings under our credit facility to redeem the remaining $110 million of our 2010 notes.  As a result of this extinguishment, we recorded a $0.2 million non-cash gain which was the net of the deferred financing costs, offset by the remaining unamortized interest rate swap early termination fee.  We also used cash and borrowings to redeem $60 million of our 2013 notes.  As a result of this extinguishment, we recorded $2.8 million in losses which included redemption price premiums of $1.7 million and non-cash write-off of deferred financing costs of $1.1 million.

Foreign exchange and other

Foreign exchange and other in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $0.4 million, $(1.5) million and $(0.8) million, respectively.  In 2012, the U.S. dollar strengthened against the euro.  The loss in 2011 was primarily due to foreign currency losses as a result of the strengthening of the euro and Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.  The loss in 2010 was primarily due to foreign currency losses as a result of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar.

Income tax expense
 
Our effective tax rate on continuing operations for 2012 was approximately 27.5% versus (6.8)% in 2011 and 8.8% in 2010.  Our effective tax rate has differed from the U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate during these periods primarily as a result of tax benefits from investment tax credits, the domestic manufacturing deduction, and CBCs and AFMCs offset by state tax expense.

During 2012, 2011 and 2010, we recorded domestic manufacturing deductions of $4.9 million, $4.5 million and $0.7 million, respectively.  The large increase in this deduction in 2012 and 2011 was due to an increase in the applicable percentage from 6% to 9% and the increase in taxable income.

During 2012, we recorded tax benefits of $9.0 million for additional CBC benefits.  During 2011, we recorded tax benefits of $20.3 million for CBCs claimed on black liquor without diesel for the period January 1, 2009 through February 11, 2009, and $31.1 million for exchange of CBCs from AFMCs.  See Note 7, Alternative Fuel Mixture Credits / Cellulosic Biofuel Credits, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

During 2010, we claimed the AFMCs as cash refunds through the filing of periodic excise tax refund claims and as income tax credits on the federal income tax returns filed for the 2010 and 2009 tax years.  For purposes of calculating federal and state income taxes, we treat the credits claimed as cash refunds of excise tax as taxable income and the credits claimed on the federal income tax return as nontaxable income.  In 2010, we recorded tax benefits of $26.3 million due to the nontaxable nature of the AFMCs claimed on the federal income tax return.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 expanded the IRC Section 48 energy investment tax credit to include qualified property for facilities producing electricity using open-loop biomass.  During 2010, we recorded a tax benefit of $8.4 million relating to this tax credit, of which $5.4 million relates to expenditures prior to June 30, 2009 and $3.0 million relates to 2010 expenditures.  In 2011, we recorded an additional $3.9 million tax benefit relating to this tax credit.  We expect to realize continuing benefits from the energy investment tax credit which will reduce our effective tax rate over the next several years based on planned spending on energy projects at our Foley mill.

 

 
 
24

 


Financial Condition

Our financial condition continued to improve during 2012 with another $38.3 million in debt reduction.  We plan to take a balanced approach in allocating capital between debt reduction, investment in high rate of return projects, and returning cash to stockholders.

Liquidity and capitalization
 
On October 22, 2010, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“credit facility”) which increased our maximum committed borrowing capacity to $300.0 million and extended the maturity date of the facility to October 22, 2015.  We used the proceeds from the credit facility to pay the outstanding balance on the former credit facility plus fees and expenses.  The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the credit facility is the agent’s prime rate plus 0.75% to 1.75%, or a LIBOR-based rate ranging from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.75%, based on a grid related to our leverage ratio.  The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets located in the United States.  The costs for the issuance of this credit facility were $2.6 million and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the facility.

The credit facility contains covenants customary for financing of this type.  The financial covenants include: maximum total leverage ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  At June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit facility.

At June 30, 2012, we had $38.3 million of cash and $237.4 million borrowing capacity under the credit facility.  The commitment fee on the unused portion of the credit facility is 0.375% per annum.  Of the cash and cash equivalents held at June 30, 2012, $36.6 million was held by foreign subsidiaries.
 
 From June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012, total debt decreased by $38.3 million.  Our total debt decreased $140.6 million to $96.9 million at June 30, 2011 from $237.5 million at June 30, 2010.  Our total debt as a percentage of our total capitalization was 8.9% at June 30, 2012, as compared to 14.3% at June 30, 2011 and 35.2% at June 30, 2010.
 
While we can offer no assurances, we believe that our cash flow from operations, together with current domestic cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund necessary capital expenditures, meet operating expenses and service our debt obligations for the next 24 months.

Treasury stock
 
At June 30, 2012, a total of 7.0 million shares have been repurchased under authorizations by our Board of Directors to repurchase up to 11.0 million shares of our common stock.  Repurchased shares, if any, are held as treasury stock and are available for general corporate purposes, including the funding of employee benefit and stock-related plans.  During 2012 and 2011 we repurchased 1.2 million and 0.4 million shares, respectively.  We did not repurchase any shares during 2010.


 

 
 
25

 


Cash Flow

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $38.3 million at June 30, 2012, compared to $30.5 million at June 30, 2011 and $22.1 million at June 30, 2010.  The following table provides a summary of cash flows for the three years ended June 30, 2012.

(dollars in millions)
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Operating activities:
             
Net income
 
$
90.0
 
$
124.3
 
$
114.6
 
Noncash charges and credits, net
   
105.9
   
30.0
   
64.9
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
   
(24.1
)
 
57.7
   
(54.0
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
171.8
   
212.0
   
125.5
 
                     
Investing activities:
                   
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(84.9
)
 
(57.3
)
 
(47.5
)
Other investing activities
   
2.0
   
(0.5
)
 
6.9
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(82.9
)
 
(57.8
)
 
(40.6
)
                     
Financing activities: 
                   
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit
   
(38.3
)
 
(0.6
)
 
80.5
 
Payments on long-term debt
   
-
   
(140.0
)
 
(170.0
)
Other financing activities, net
   
(38.1
)
 
(16.3
)
 
2.3
 
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(76.4
)
 
(156.9
)
 
(87.2
)
                     
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash 
   
(4.7
)
 
11.1
   
2.3
 
                     
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
7.8
 
$
8.4
 
$
0.0
 

Cash provided by operating activities

Cash provided by operating activities in 2012 was $40.2 million less than in 2011.  Cash taxes in 2012 were $89.2 million higher compared to 2011 when we received federal tax refunds totaling $72.7 million, mostly relating to alternative fuel mixture credits and cellulosic biofuel credits.  In February of this year, we repaid $17.6 million in previously received alternative fuel mixture credits to the IRS in exchange for cellulosic biofuel credits.  Offsetting these decreases was a $31.4 million year over year increase in cash flow from operations driven by increased sales revenue, improved margins, and lower cash interest costs.
 
In 2011, cash provided by operating activities increased $86.5 million over 2010.  The majority of the increase was due to an increase of $72.7 million in tax refunds, most of which was attributed to the AFMCs and CBCs.  Gross margin was significantly higher in 2011 versus 2010 but was partially offset by higher accounts receivable, due to higher sales prices, and an increase in working capital as we rebuilt inventory to more sustainable levels.

Net cash used in investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment increased $27.6 million in 2012, due mainly to the Foley Specialty Expansion Project.  In October 2011, the Board of Directors approved this project, which will add approximately 42,000 tons annually of high-end specialty production while reducing an equal amount of fluff pulp production.  This project will cost approximately $85 million, of which $34.5 million ($33.4 million in capital and $1.1 million in expense) was spent in 2012.  The Foley Energy Project was basically completed in 2012 and added $3.7 million to the capital spent.  Through 2012 we have spent $48.0 million ($45.9 million in capital and $2.1 million in expense) of this three-year, $49 million project, which involves the installation of a steam turbine generator and upgrade of two recovery boilers, and is expected to save the equivalent of 200,000 barrels of oil per year and improve the energy self-sufficiency of our Foley Plant from about 85% to about 95%.  We expect our capital spending will be approximately $114 million in 2013, which will include approximately $42 million for the Foley Specialty Expansion Project.

On January 31, 2012, we completed the sale of Merfin Systems and recorded proceeds of $5.5 million from the sale.  On June 14, 2012, we completed the sale of Americana Ltda and recorded proceeds of $6.3 million from the sale.
 
        We expect to incur significant capital expenditures in the future to comply with environmental obligations at our Foley Plant specialty fibers facility.  The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors, including when the final NPDES permit is issued and its final terms and conditions.  For additional information on environmental matters, see Note 24, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
26

 
 
Net cash used in financing activities

During 2012, we used cash from operations and proceeds from stock option exercises to reduce our debt by $38.3 million, fund $32.9 million in share repurchases and pay out $10.8 million in cash dividends to our stockholders.

During 2011, we used cash from operations, proceeds from stock option exercises and tax refunds attributable to AFMC, CBC and energy investment tax credits to reduce our debt by $140.6 million, fund $9.8 million in share repurchases and pay out $7.3 million in cash dividends to our stockholders.

During 2010, we used cash from operations and proceeds from stock options exercises to reduce our debt by $89.9 million.

Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes our significant contractual cash obligations at June 30, 2012.  Certain of these contractual obligations are reflected in our balance sheet, while others are disclosed as future obligations under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
(millions)
 
Payments Due by Period (5)
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
 
1-3 years
 
 
3-5 years
 
Greater than
5 years
 
                       
Long-term obligations (1)
 
$
65
 
$
1
 
$
3
 
$
61
 
$
-
 
Operating lease obligations (2)
   
5
   
2
   
3
   
-
   
-
 
Timber commitments (3)
   
186
   
27
   
49
   
45
   
65
 
Other purchase commitments(4)
   
75
   
61
   
14
   
-
   
-
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
331
 
$
91
 
$
69
 
$
106
 
$
65
 

(1) Amounts include related interest payments.  Interest payments for variable debt of $59 million are based on the effective rate as of June 30, 2012 of 2.4%.  See Note 11, Long-Term Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on interest rates.

(2) See Note 12, Leases, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
(3) See Note 23, Commitments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

(4) The majority of other purchase commitments are take-or-pay contracts made in the ordinary course of business related to utilities and raw material purchases.

(5) Less than one year references 2013; 1-3 years references 2014 and 2015; 3-5 years references 2016 and 2017.

Note 1:
Additionally, the cash flow to fund postretirement benefit obligations for our U.S. plan has an expected net present value of $30.4 million.  The actuarially estimated annual benefit payments are as follows: 2013 - $1.7 million; 2014-2015 - $3.6 million; 2016 - 2017 - $3.7 million; and 2018 through 2022 - $9.9 million.  These obligations are not included in the table above as the total obligation is based on the present value of the payments and would not be consistent with the contractual cash obligations disclosures included in the table above.  See Note 19, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Note 2:
We also have a tax liability of $61.7 million ($11.9 million current and $49.8 million noncurrent) related to the repayment of AFMC refunds to the IRS in exchange for CBC.  This liability is not included in the table above.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2, Recent Accounting Pronouncements, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements and their impact.


 

 
 
27

 


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion and analysis is based upon our consolidated financial statements.  Our critical and significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1, Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  Some of our accounting policies require us to make significant estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes.  Future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty.  Therefore, the determination of estimates underlying our financial statements requires the exercise of management’s judgment.  Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements.  Our management exercises critical judgment in the application of our accounting policies in the following areas, which significantly affect our financial condition and results of operations.  Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and with our independent auditors.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We provide an allowance for receivables we believe we may not collect in full.  Management evaluates the collectability of accounts based on a combination of factors.  In circumstances in which we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (i.e., bankruptcy filings or substantial downgrading of credit ratings), we record a specific reserve.  For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts based on our historical collection experience.  If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced by a material amount.

Bad debt expense for 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

Deferred income taxes and other liabilities

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax law treatment of certain items.  Realization of certain components of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events.  We record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized.  These valuation allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income levels and are based on our judgment, estimates and assumptions regarding those future events.

We increased tax expense by $0.1 million in 2012, by $4.2 million in 2011 and by $0.7 million in 2010 for changes to our valuation allowance.

In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, we would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to income in the period that such determination is made. Conversely, if we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying amounts, we would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through an increase to income in the period that such determination is made.

We record our world-wide tax provision based on the tax rules and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate.  Significant managerial judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and evaluating our tax positions.  Where we believe that the deduction of an item is supportable for income tax purposes, the item is deducted in our income tax returns. 

We record our unrecognized tax benefits on the consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities.  Cumulative potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits are included as a component of income before income taxes.

Cellulosic Biofuel Credits

Cellulosic biofuel credits (“CBC”) are recognized based on our expected ability to utilize the CBC prior to expiration.  Estimating the amount of the benefit recognized requires us to make assumptions and estimates about future profitability affecting the realization of these tax benefits.  The key assumptions in estimating future profitability relate to future selling prices and volumes, operating reliability, raw material, energy, chemical and freight costs, and various other projected operating factors as reflected in our internal planning models including interest cost and the impact of currency exchange rates.  These models take into account recent sales and cost data as well as macroeconomic drivers including gross domestic product growth, customer demand and industry capacity. Other assumptions affecting estimates of future taxable income include; significant book-to-tax differences impacting future credit utilization, cost recovery of existing and future capital assets and the domestic manufacturing deduction.  Our current forecasts of these book-to-tax differences are based on expected capital acquisitions and operating results, respectively.  Significant changes to any of these key assumptions could have a material impact on the estimate of CBC utilization.  As key factors in these models change in future periods, we will update our projections and revise the estimate of the CBC benefit expected to be utilized.  Such changes to the estimate may be significant.
 
 
 
28

 

    For 2012, we recognized $9.0 million of income tax benefit in our consolidated statement of operations related to the expected incremental benefit from exchanging previously claimed AFMC for CBC.  As of June 30, 2012, we have estimated that we will not be able to utilize approximately $16.1 million of the additional benefit from the available CBC and have not recognized any benefit in our consolidated statement of operations related to this amount.  We will continue to evaluate our ability to utilize the remaining available CBC and will record any related changes in estimates when our expected utilization of the available CBCs change.

Depreciation

We provide for depreciation on our production machinery and equipment at our cotton cellulose and airlaid nonwovens plants using the units-of-production depreciation method which is based on the expected productive hours of the assets, subject to a minimum level of depreciation.  Under this method, we calculate depreciation based on the expected total productive hours of the assets subject to a minimum level of depreciation.  We review our estimate of total productive hours at least annually.  If the estimated productive hours of these assets change based on changes in utilization and useful life assumptions, we adjust depreciation expense per unit of production accordingly.  We use the straight-line method for determining depreciation on our other capital assets.

Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable.  For assets that are held and used, recoverability is evaluated based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the assets is determined to not be recoverable, we measure the potential impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets to their fair value.  If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value.  Estimated fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable.  Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

As a result of a significant reduction in demand from a key customer at our specialty fibers Ameriana, Brazil cotton linter facility, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at this facility in accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (ASC 360), as of December 31, 2011.  The results of this test indicated that the Americana assets were impaired as the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value.  The fair value was based on the discounted projected cash flows from the continued operation of the waste water treatment facility plus the estimated value in exchange of the remaining assets.  Based on this evaluation, and after writing-off recoverable assets of $11.9 million and inventory of $1.0 million, which had minimal future use, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which had a carrying value of $42.0 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their fair value of $5.9 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $49.0 million in the quarter ended December 31, 2011.  In June 2012, we completed the sale of this facility resulting in an additional impairment charge of $0.2 million.

As a result of a decision to pursue the sale of the nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business in King, North Carolina during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the King facility in accordance with ASC 360 as of December 31, 2011.  The results of the recoverability test indicated that the King facility’s assets were impaired as the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value.  The fair value was estimated based on the value in exchange for the facility.  Based on this evaluation, and after reducing the value of certain other assets by $0.4 million, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which had a carrying value of $1.4 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their fair value of $0.1 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.3 million in the second quarter of 2012. On January 31, 2012, we completed the sale of Merfin Systems resulting in an additional impairment charge of $0.4 million.  In addition, the goodwill associated with this facility was considered impaired and was written-off resulting in an impairment charge of $2.4 million.  At June 30, 2012, we have no remaining goodwill balance.  On January 31, 2012 we completed the sale of Merfin Systems, our nonwovens materials converting business, in King, North Carolina, resulting in an impairment charge of $2.1 million.  We also recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million.  At June 30, 2012, we have no remaining goodwill balance.

In 2011, we announced our decision to cease production at our Delta, B.C., Canada airlaid nonwovens facility by the end of calendar 2012.  We evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Delta facility in accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”.  The results of this test indicated that the Delta assets were impaired as the sum of the undiscounted cash flow analysis was less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets.  As such, the impairment test was performed to determine the estimated fair value of the long-lived assets compared to their carrying value.  We engaged an independent valuation firm to assist with this impairment testing and fair value determination.  The impairment was the amount that the carrying value exceeded the fair value of the assets estimated as the value in exchange of the underlying asset group using market and cost valuation approaches which exceeded the operating value of the asset group.  Based on this evaluation, we determined that these long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $38.4 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $25.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $13.0 million in 2011.

 
 
29

 
Item 7A. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, raw material costs and the price of certain commodities used in our production processes.  To reduce such risks, we selectively use financial instruments.  All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures.  Further, we do not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes.

The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analyses are forward-looking statements of market risk, assuming that certain adverse market conditions occur.  Actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected results due to actual developments in the global financial markets.  The analysis methods used to assess and mitigate risks discussed below should not be considered projections of future events or losses.

A discussion of our accounting policies for risk management is included in Note 1, Accounting Policies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rates

The fair value of the credit facility approximates its carrying value due to its variable interest rate.  The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt at June 30, 2012 were both $58.6 million and at June 30, 2011 were both $96.9.

We had $58.6 million of variable rate long-term debt outstanding on June 30, 2012.  At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have a $0.6 million unfavorable impact on our pre-tax earnings and cash flows.  The primary interest rate exposures on floating rate debt are with respect to LIBOR rates and U.S. prime rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Foreign currency exposures arise from transactions including firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency.  We and our subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies.  Our primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and costs and their translation into U.S. dollars.  The primary currencies to which we are exposed include the euro and Canadian dollar.  We do not have any hedges in place to protect against fluctuations in any of these currencies, but we do sometimes hedge this exposure.  Our euro exposure is internally hedged for the most part because a high percentage of both the sales and costs at our Steinfurt, Germany plant are denominated in euros.  We estimate that the negative pre-tax impact of a 5% strengthening of the USD versus the Euro (USD/Euro rate) on our operating income is about $1.1 million annually.  We estimate the positive pre-tax impact of a 5% strengthening of the USD versus the Canadian dollar (USD/CAD exchange rate) at about $1.1 million annually.  We are continuously evaluating our foreign currency exposure and our hedging policy is subject to change.

We generally view as long-term our investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar.  As a result, we do not generally hedge these net investments.  However, we use capital structuring techniques to manage our net investment in foreign currencies as considered necessary.  The net investment in foreign subsidiaries translated into dollars using the year-end exchange rates is $113.1 million and $194.9 million at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The potential foreign currency translation loss from investment in foreign subsidiaries resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to approximately $10.3 million at June 30, 2012.  This change would be reflected in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive loss.  The primary foreign currency exposures on our long-term investments are with the euro and Canadian dollar.

Commodities
 
We are dependent on commodities in our production process.  Natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, caustic and other chemicals are just some of the commodities that our processes rely upon.  Exposure to these commodities can have a significant impact on our operating performance.

In order to minimize market exposure, we may use forward contracts to reduce price fluctuations in a desired percentage of forecasted purchases of fossil fuels over a period of generally less than one year.  As of June 30, 2012, we had a commodity swap transaction in place for 195,000 MMBTUs of natural gas at a fixed price of $3.50 per MMBTU settling monthly through December 2013.  As of June 30, 2011, we had options in place to purchase 675,000 MMBTUs of natural gas at prices ranging from $6 to $7 per MMBTU through November 2011.  As of June 30, 2010, we had contracts in place to purchase 125,000 MMBTUs of natural gas at various fixed prices through December 2010.
 
 
30

 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Information required by this Item is set forth in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and supplementary data contained in this report beginning on page F-1.
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

 
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) as of June 30, 2012.  Based on that evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that, as of June 30, 2012, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 
Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is presented on page F-3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The report of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to internal control over financial reporting is presented on page F-4 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During our fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2012, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 Item 9B. Other Information
 
None.

PART III
 
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Directors and Executive Officers

The information required by this Item regarding our Board of Directors is incorporated by reference to the section entitled “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors” to be included in the 2012 Proxy Statement.  The information required by this Item regarding our executive officers is set forth in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Executive Officers of the Registrant”.

Corporate Governance and Code of Business Conduct & Ethics

The information required by this Item regarding our Code of Business Conduct & Ethics and Audit Committee (including the Audit Committee’s “audit committee financial expert”) is incorporated by reference to the section of the 2012 Proxy Statement entitled “Governance of the Company.”

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act

The information required by this Item relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the section of our 2012 Proxy Statement entitled “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”

 

 
 
31

 



Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information required by this Item with respect to director and executive officer compensation is incorporated by reference to the section of the 2012 Proxy Statement entitled “Executive Compensation.”

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the section of the 2012 Proxy Statement entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information required by this Item relating to certain relationships and related transactions, and director independence is incorporated by reference to the sections of the 2012 Proxy Statement entitled “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Governance of the Company.”

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
The information required by this Item regarding principal accountant fees and services is incorporated by reference to the 2012 Proxy Statement.
 

PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)
(1)
Financial Statements
   
- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1.
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
   
- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1. All other financial statement schedules are omitted as the information is not required or because the required information is presented in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
(3)
Listing of Exhibits. See Exhibit Index immediately following signature page to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.



 

 
 
32

 


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
By:
/s/ John B. Crowe
 
John B. Crowe, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
August 29, 2012

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

By:
/s/ John B. Crowe
 
John B. Crowe, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ Katherine Buckman Gibson
 
Katherine Buckman Gibson, Director
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ R. Howard Cannon
 
R. Howard Cannon, Director
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ Red Cavaney
 
Red Cavaney, Director
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ Lewis E. Holland
 
Lewis E. Holland, Director
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ Steven G. Dean
 
Steven G. Dean, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer)
Date:
August 29, 2012

By:
/s/ Elizabeth J. Welter
 
Elizabeth J. Welter, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer (principal accounting officer)
Date:
August 29, 2012


 

 
 
33

 

EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
 
Incorporation by Reference or
Numbers
Description
Filed Herewith
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 1997, filed on February 13, 1998
3.1(a)
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit 3.1(a) to Form S-4 file no. 333-59267, filed on July 16, 1998
3.2
Amended and Restated By-laws
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 16, 2009
4.1
First Amendment to the Rights Agreement
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended June 30, 1997, filed on September 26, 1997
4.3
Indenture for 8.5% Senior Notes due 2013, dated September 22, 2003
Exhibit 4.4 to Form S-4, file no. 333-110091, filed on October 30, 2003
4.4
First Supplemental Indenture for 8.5% Senior Notes due 2013, dated as of July 1, 2009
Exhibit 4.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2009, filed on August 27, 2009
10.1
Amended and Restated 1995 Management Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended June 30, 1998, filed on September 23, 1998
10.2
Second Amended and Restated 1995 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Management Employees
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000, filed on September 25, 2000
10.3
Form of Management Stock Option Subscription Agreement
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended June 30, 1998, filed on September 23, 1998
10.4
Form of Stock Option Subscription Agreement
Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended June 30, 1998, filed on September 23, 1998
10.5
Amended and Restated Formula Plan for Non-Employee Directors
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 2000, filed on February 6, 2001
10.6
Amendment No. 1 to Timberlands Agreement dated January 1, 1999 by and Between Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership and Foley Timber and Land Company.  Certain portions of the Agreement have been omitted pursuant to an Application for Confidential Treatment dated October 30, 1995
Exhibit 10.1  to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for quarter ended March 31, 1999, filed on May 12, 1999
10.7
 
Form of Change in Control Agreement, dated August 8, 2006
 
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 11, 2006
10.8
Retirement Replacement Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, filed on October 27, 2006
10.9
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 22, 2010, among the Company, Bank of America NA, Banc of America Securities LLC, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Regions Capital Markets and the other lenders party thereto
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A, filed on January 21, 2011
10.10
2007 Omnibus Incentive Compensation
Plan
Exhibit A to the Company's 2007 Proxy Statement, filed on September 20, 2007
10.11
Form of Indemnification Agreement
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 27, 2009
10.12
Form of Performance Shares Award Agreement
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 21, 2010
10.13
Separation Agreement
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 24, 2012
21.1
Subsidiaries
Filed herewith
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Filed herewith
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Filed herewith
31.2
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Filed herewith
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Filed herewith
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Filed herewith
 
 

 

 
 
34

 


BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 
PAGE
   
Report of Management
F-2
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-3
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-4
Financial Statements as of June 30, 2012, June 30, 2011 and for the Three Years Ended June 30, 2012:
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-6
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-7
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-10
Schedule:
 
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
F-33





 
 
F-1

 


Report of Management

The management of Buckeye Technologies Inc. is committed to providing financial reports that are complete, accurate and easily understood.

The consolidated financial statements and financial information included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in the opinion of management fairly and completely present the Company’s financial results.  Our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, has audited our financial statements and expressed an unqualified opinion.

Ensuring the accuracy of financial statements starts at the top of the Company.  Our Board of Directors provides oversight as the representative of the stockholders.  Our Audit Committee, consisting entirely of independent Directors, meets regularly with management, internal audit and the independent auditors to review our financial reports.

The Company’s senior management, our corporate leadership team, is actively involved in all aspects of the business.  This group understands key strategies and monitors financial results.  We maintain a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that transactions are accurately recorded and assets are safeguarded.  All of the Company’s officers and financial executives adhere to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and provide written confirmation of their compliance annually.

Our Company was built on a foundation of integrity and honesty.  We take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of our financial reporting.

   
/s/ John B. Crowe
/s/ Steven G. Dean
John B. Crowe
Steven G. Dean
Chairman of the Board and
Executive Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer



              
        

      
 
 
F-2

 


Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  Our internal control over financial reporting includes, among other things: defined policies and procedures for conducting and governing our business, a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by our Board of Directors and applicable to all directors and all officers and employees of Buckeye and our subsidiaries, sophisticated information systems for processing transactions and a properly staffed and professional internal audit department.  Mechanisms are in place to monitor the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and actions are taken to correct identified deficiencies.  Our procedures for financial reporting include the active involvement of senior management, our Audit Committee and a staff of highly qualified financial and legal professionals.

Management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, evaluated our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012, the end of our fiscal year.  Management based its evaluation on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”).

Based on this evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2012.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting.  Ernst & Young LLP has issued their report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

   
/s/ John B. Crowe
/s/ Steven G. Dean
John B. Crowe
Steven G. Dean
Chairman of the Board and
Executive Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer



              
        

      
 
 
F-3

 


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm


The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Buckeye Technologies Inc.


We have audited Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”).  Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, Buckeye Technologies Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012 of Buckeye Technologies Inc. and our report dated August 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.



Memphis, Tennessee                                                                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 29, 2012





 
        

      
 
 
F-4

 



 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Buckeye Technologies Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15 (a).  These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2012, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 29, 2012 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.



Memphis, Tennessee                                                                                                           /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 29, 2012







             
        

      
 
 
F-5

 


Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
   
Year Ended June 30
 
   
2012
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
894,881
 
$
880,428
 
$
733,893
 
Cost of goods sold
   
677,396
   
678,234
   
610,354
 
Gross margin
   
217,485
   
202,194
   
123,539
 
                     
Selling, research and administrative expenses
   
46,704
   
51,705
   
48,107
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
   
2,021
   
1,966
   
1,905
 
Asset impairment
   
2,094
   
13,007
   
-
 
Goodwill impairment
   
2,425
   
-
   
-
 
Restructuring costs
   
234
   
1,082
   
3,353
 
Alternative fuel mixture credits
   
-
   
-
   
(77,677
)
Other operating income
   
(32
)
 
(63
)
 
(751
)
Operating income
   
164,039
   
134,497
   
148,602
 
Other income (expense):
                   
 Interest income
   
261
   
80
   
54
 
 Interest expense and amortization of debt costs
   
(760
)
 
(8,849
)
 
(17,541
)
 Loss on early extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
(3,649
)
 
(2,606
)
 Foreign exchange and other
   
386
   
(1,506
)
 
(796
)
                     
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
   
163,926
   
120,573
   
127,713
 
Income tax expense (benefit) 
   
45,011
   
(8,233
)
 
11,237
 
                     
Income from continuing operations
   
118,915
   
128,806
   
116,476
 
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
   
(28,887
)
 
(4,538
)
 
(1,902
)
Net income
 
$
90,028
 
$
124,268
 
$
114,574
 
                     
Earnings (loss) per share
                   
Basic
                   
  Income from continuing operations
 
$
3.00
 
$
3.20
 
$
3.00
 
  Loss from discontinued operations
   
(0.74
)
 
(0.11
)
 
(0.05
)
    Earnings per share - basic
 
$
2.26
 
$
3.09
 
$
2.95
 
                     
Diluted
                   
  Income from continuing operations
 
$
2.98
 
$
3.16
 
$
2.95
 
  Loss from discontinued operations
   
(0.74
)
 
(0.11
)
 
(0.05
)
    Earnings per share - diluted
 
$
2.24
 
$
3.05
 
$
2.90
 
                     
                     
Cash dividends per share
 
0.27
 
$
0.18
 
$
 
 
 See accompanying notes.


                                 
 
 
F-6

 


Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share data)
 
   
June 30
 
   
2012
 
2011
 
Assets
         
Current assets:
         
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
38,284
 
$
30,494
 
Short-term investments
   
8,813
   
-
 
Accounts receivable – trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $595 in 2012 and $652 in 2011
   
 
119,069
   
 
135,942
 
Accounts receivable – other
   
7,636
   
4,640
 
Inventories
   
90,183
   
91,024
 
Deferred income taxes
   
9,040
   
4,712
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
16,657
   
7,504
 
Total current assets
   
289,682
   
274,316
 
               
Property, plant and equipment, net
   
492,109
   
530,468
 
Goodwill
   
-
   
2,425
 
Deferred income taxes
   
42,427
   
32,741
 
Intellectual property and other, net
   
13,193
   
29,901
 
Total assets
 
$
837,411
 
$
869,851
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
             
Current liabilities:
             
Trade accounts payable
 
$
40,600
 
$
41,437
 
Accrued expenses
   
43,135
   
71,722
 
Total current liabilities
   
83,735
   
113,159
 
               
Long-term debt
   
58,578
   
96,921
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
   
30,602
   
25,336
 
Deferred income taxes
   
4,930
   
7,968
 
Payable related to exchange of alternative fuel mixture credits
   
49,741
   
39,494
 
Other liabilities
   
6,789
   
7,676
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 23 and 24)
             
               
Stockholders’ equity:
             
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
   
-
   
-
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,142,770 shares issued; 38,823,455 and 39,512,129 shares outstanding at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively
   
431
   
 
431
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
47,206
   
45,223
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
24,968
   
57,003
 
Retained earnings
   
599,339
   
520,114
 
Treasury shares, 3,690,682 and 2,941,429 shares at June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively
   
(68,908
)
 
(43,474
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
603,036
   
579,297
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
837,411
 
$
869,851
 
See accompanying notes.


                                
 
 
F-7

 

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
   
 
 
Common
stock
 
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
 
Treasury
shares
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Balance at June 30, 2009
 
$
431
 
$
43,736
 
$
33,701
 
$
288,547
 
$
(48,384
)
$
318,031
 
Comprehensive income:
                                     
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
114,574
   
-
   
114,574
 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                                     
  Foreign currency translation adjustment
   
-
   
-
   
(689
)
 
-
   
-
   
(689
)
  Net prior service credit and actuarial losses on  post
  retirement obligations, net of tax of  ($1,194)
   
-
   
-