Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
1. Basis of Presentation
RYAM is a global leader of specialty cellulose materials with a broad offering of high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer used in the production of a variety of specialty chemical products, including liquid crystal displays, filters, textiles and performance additives for pharmaceutical, food and other industrial applications. The Company’s specialized assets are also used to produce biofuels, bioelectricity and other biomaterials such as bioethanol and tall oils. The Company also produces a unique, lightweight multi-ply paperboard product, which is used for production in the commercial printing, lottery ticket and high-end packaging sectors, and a bulky, high-yield pulp product that is used by paperboard producers, as well as in traditional printing, writing and specialty paper manufacturing.
The unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the Company have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. In the opinion of management, these consolidated financial statements and notes reflect all adjustments, including all normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. These statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and supplementary data included in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
As a result of the sale of its lumber and newsprint assets in August 2021, the Company presents the historical results for those operations, and any subsequent directly associated impacts, as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise stated, information in these notes to consolidated financial statements relates to continuing operations. See Note 3—Discontinued Operations for further information on the sale.
Recent Accounting Developments
Change in Accounting Policy
On January 1, 2024, the Company changed the method of valuation of its finished goods, work-in-process and raw materials inventories from first-in first-out to average cost. The Company believes the average cost method is preferable because it provides better matching of revenue and expense trends and is a better reflection of periodic income from operations. This change was not retrospectively applied to prior periods presented, as the overall effect of the change is not deemed material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Pronouncements
There have been no new or recently adopted accounting pronouncements impacting the Company’s consolidated interim financial statements. The Company continues to evaluate the impacts of ASU 2023-05 “Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement,” ASU 2023-07 “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” and ASU 2023-09 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” as previously disclosed in its 2023 Form 10-K.
Subsequent Events
Events and transactions subsequent to the consolidated balance sheets date have been evaluated for potential recognition and disclosure through the date of issuance of these consolidated financial statements. No subsequent events were identified.
2. Indefinite Suspension of Operations
As previously announced, the Company began its indefinite suspension of operations at its Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant in July 2024. The suspension does not affect the Temiscaming paperboard and high-yield pulp plants that support the Company’s High-Yield Pulp and Paperboard operating segments, which will continue to operate at full capacity while remaining part of an ongoing sales process. The suspension of operations timeline allows enough lead time for the Company to properly execute the shutdown prior to the arrival of winter in the region. The High Purity Cellulose plant will be idled in a safe and environmentally sound manner. The Company will assess on an annual basis the possibility of restarting the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
In connection with the suspension of operations, the Company expects to incur, all in 2024, total charges in the range of $25 million to $30 million, including mothballing costs of $5 million to $10 million and severance and other employee costs of $15 million to $20 million. While most 2024 cash costs associated with the suspension of operations will be incurred and paid in the third and fourth quarters, severance and other suspension costs are expected to be paid over a period of time. Non-cash asset impairment charges are expected in the third quarter of 2024, the amounts of which are currently being assessed.
The suspension of operations began on July 16, 2024 and is expected to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The following table presents the accrued liability balance activity related to the suspension during the six months ended June 29, 2024:
Mothballing Costs
Severance and Other Employee Costs
Total
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
—
$
—
$
—
Charges incurred(a)
420
5,476
5,896
Payments
(420)
—
(420)
Balance at June 29, 2024
$
—
$
5,476
$
5,476
(a)Excludes non-cash items, including a $1 million loss on pension curtailment charges associated with early retirements driven by the indefinite suspension of operations. See Note 14—Employee Benefit Plans for further information.
The following table presents total suspension charges incurred by cost type:
Three and Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
Severance and other employee costs
$
6,206
Mothballing costs
420
Indefinite suspension charges
$
6,626
The mothballing and severance and other employee costs incurred were charged to the High Purity Cellulose segment in “indefinite suspension charges” in the consolidated statements of operations.
3. Discontinued Operations
In August 2021, the Company completed the sale of its lumber and newsprint facilities and certain related assets located in Canada. As part of the sale of the lumber assets, the Company retained all refund rights and obligations, including interest, to softwood duties generated or incurred through the closing date of the sale. In total, the Company paid $112 million in softwood lumber duties from 2017 through 2021, and as of December 31, 2023, the Company had a $40 million long-term receivable related to USDOC administrative reviews completed to date. In June 2024, the Company executed on the sale of these rights (inclusive of the receivable), including all accrued interest, for $39 million, with the opportunity for additional sale proceeds in the future contingent upon the timing and terms of the ultimate outcome of the trade dispute between the USDOC and Canada. The Company recorded a $1 million loss on the sale, included in pre-tax income from discontinued operations.
During the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024, the Company recognized $5 million in pre-tax income from discontinued operations related to CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021. See Note 7—Accrued and Other Current Liabilities for further information.
During the quarter and six months ended July 1, 2023, the Company incurred $2 million related to the settlement of a claim pursuant to the representations and warranties in the asset purchase agreement.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations was comprised of the following:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Loss on sale of duty refund rights
$
(890)
$
—
$
(890)
$
—
Selling, general and administrative and other operating income (expense)
5,267
(1,533)
5,267
(1,533)
Operating income (loss)
4,377
(1,533)
4,377
(1,533)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
4,377
(1,533)
4,377
(1,533)
Income tax (expense) benefit
(1,160)
405
(1,160)
405
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes
$
3,217
$
(1,128)
$
3,217
$
(1,128)
4. Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts receivable, net included the following:
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Accounts receivable, trade
$
182,525
$
166,137
Accounts receivable, other(a)
21,733
31,973
Allowance for credit loss
(717)
(653)
Accounts receivable, net
$
203,541
$
197,457
(a)Consists primarily of value-added/consumption taxes, grants receivable and accrued billings due from government agencies.
5. Inventory
Inventory included the following:
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Finished goods
$
167,039
$
147,930
Work-in-progress
6,371
6,987
Raw materials
46,351
46,120
Manufacturing and maintenance supplies
5,713
6,437
Inventory
$
225,474
$
207,474
6. Leases
The Company’s operating and finance leases are primarily for corporate offices, warehouse space, rail cars and equipment. As of June 29, 2024, the Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of less than one year to 12.3 years with standard renewal and termination options available at the Company’s discretion. Certain equipment leases have purchase options at the end of the term of the lease, which are not included in the ROU assets, as it is not reasonably certain that the Company will exercise such options. The Company’s lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or restrictive covenants. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate in determining the present value of lease payments unless the lease provides an implicit or explicit interest rate.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Financial and other information related to the Company’s operating and finance leases follow:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Operating lease cost
$
2,136
$
1,791
$
3,802
$
3,485
Finance lease cost
Amortization of ROU assets
107
100
213
199
Interest
22
29
45
59
Total lease cost
$
2,265
$
1,920
$
4,060
$
3,743
Balance Sheet Location
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Operating leases(a)
ROU assets
Other assets
$
32,634
$
17,475
Lease liabilities, current
Accrued and other current liabilities
7,089
4,499
Lease liabilities, non-current
Other liabilities
27,089
14,666
Finance leases
ROU assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
893
1,078
Lease liabilities
Long-term debt
1,142
1,355
(a)During the second quarter of 2024, the Company recorded an ROU asset and corresponding lease liability of $14 million related to a new warehouse lease agreement in Canada.
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Operating cash flows - cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities
$
3,799
$
1,701
Operating lease ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
18,092
1,946
Finance lease cash flows were immaterial during each of the six months ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Operating lease maturities as of June 29, 2024 were as follows:
Remainder of 2024
$
4,795
2025
9,415
2026
8,643
2027
7,488
2028
6,262
Thereafter
5,756
Total minimum lease payments
42,359
Less: imputed interest
(8,181)
Present value of future minimum lease payments
$
34,178
7. Accrued and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued and other current liabilities included the following:
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Accrued customer incentives
$
39,667
$
30,036
Accrued payroll and benefits
20,216
13,552
Accrued interest
25,207
32,256
Accrued income taxes
4,168
4,605
Accrued property and other taxes
6,250
2,547
Deferred revenue(a)
9,089
24,061
Other current liabilities(b)
51,167
47,431
Accrued and other current liabilities
$
155,764
$
154,488
(a)Included at June 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was CAD $5 million and $25 million, respectively (USD $4 million and $19 million, respectively), associated with funds received in 2021 for CEWS. In the second quarter of 2024, the Company recognized in income $15 million of this amount, including $10 million in “other operating income (expense), net” and $5 million in “income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes.” The remaining amount will be recognized at the earlier of the conclusion of the final outstanding audit and the expiration of the statute of limitations in July 2025.
(b)Included at June 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $17 million and $13 million, respectively, of energy-related payables associated with Tartas facility operations.
8. Debt and Finance Leases
Debt and finance leases included the following:
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
ABL Credit Facility due December 2025: $135 million net availability, bearing interest of 7.44% (5.44% adjusted SOFR plus 2.00% margin) at June 29, 2024
$
—
$
—
Term Loan due July 2027: bearing interest of 13.32% (5.32% three-month Term SOFR plus 8.00% margin) at June 29, 2024
247,500
250,000
7.625% Senior Secured Notes due January 2026
464,640
464,640
5.50% CAD-based term loan due April 2028
26,135
30,479
Other loans(a)
51,287
44,754
Short-term factoring facility
4,636
5,292
Finance lease obligations
1,142
1,355
Total principal payments due
795,340
796,520
Less: unamortized premium, discount and issuance costs
(17,587)
(19,063)
Total debt
777,753
777,457
Less: debt due within one year
(25,002)
(25,283)
Long-term debt
$
752,751
$
752,174
(a)Consist of low-interest green loans for energy projects and other loans intended for use in biomaterials projects in France.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Term Loan
In January 2024, the Company amended the 2027 Term Loan to increase the maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio that it must maintain in the fourth quarter of 2023 and through its 2024 fiscal year (see below). In addition, should the Company exceed the 4.50 to 1.00 maximum ratio established by the original agreement in any of these quarters, it will incur a fee of 0.25% of the principal balance outstanding at the end of the applicable quarter. The Company incurred total fees of $3 million related to this amendment, including $1 million in legal and advisory fees recorded to “selling, general and administrative expense” in the consolidated statements of operations in the fourth quarter of 2023, and $2 million in lender fees recorded as deferred financing costs in the first quarter of 2024 that will be amortized to “interest expense” over the remaining term of the loan.
The Company is required to maintain various financial covenants, including a consolidated secured net leverage ratio, based on covenant EBITDA, as follows:
•5.25 to 1.00 for the fourth quarter of 2023 through the second quarter of 2024;
•5.00 to 1.00 for the third fiscal quarter of 2024;
•4.75 to 1.00 for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2024; and
•4.50 to 1.00 for each fiscal quarter thereafter.
Senior Notes
In April 2023, the Company repurchased $10 million of its 2026 Notes through open-market transactions and recorded a gain on extinguishment of $1 million to “other income, net” in the consolidated statements of operations.
Covenants and Debt Maturity
As of June 29, 2024, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under its debt agreements.
As of June 29, 2024, the Company’s debt principal payments, excluding finance lease obligations, were due as follows:
Remainder of 2024
$
15,905
2025
19,014
2026
483,720
2027
245,734
2028
10,076
Thereafter
19,749
Total debt principal payments
$
794,198
9. Environmental Liabilities
The Company’s environmental liabilities balance changed as follows during the six months ended June 29, 2024:
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
In addition to these estimated liabilities, the Company is subject to the risk of reasonably possible additional liabilities in excess of the established liabilities due to potential changes in circumstances and future events, including, without limitation, changes to current laws and regulations; changes in governmental agency personnel, direction, philosophy or enforcement policies; developments in remediation technologies; increases in the cost of remediation, operation, maintenance and monitoring of its environmental liability sites; changes in the volume, nature or extent of contamination to be remediated or monitoring to be undertaken; the outcome of negotiations with governmental agencies or non-governmental parties; and changes in accounting rules or interpretations. Based on information available as of June 29, 2024, the Company estimates this exposure could range up to approximately $85 million, although no assurances can be given that this amount will not be exceeded given the factors described above. These potential additional costs are attributable to several sites and other applicable liabilities. This estimate excludes liabilities that would otherwise be considered reasonably possible but for the fact that they are not currently estimable, primarily due to the factors discussed above.
Subject to the previous paragraph, the Company believes its estimates of liabilities are sufficient for probable costs expected to be incurred over the next 20 years with respect to its environmental liabilities. However, no assurance is given that these estimates will be sufficient for the reasons described above and additional liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
10. Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash, receivables and payables approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of those instruments. The carrying amount of borrowings outstanding under the ABL Credit Facility, 2027 Term Loan and short-term factoring facility approximate fair value due to their variable interest rates.
The fair value of the Company’s fixed rate debt is estimated using quoted market prices for debt with similar terms and maturities, which are Level 2 inputs, and was as follows:
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Unrecognized components of employee benefit plans, net of tax
Balance, beginning of period
$
(33,537)
$
(43,694)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
3,371
(3,034)
Income tax on other comprehensive gain (loss)
(901)
804
Reclassifications to earnings(a)
Amortization of gain
(391)
(354)
Amortization of prior service cost
359
172
Income tax on reclassifications
10
45
Net comprehensive income (loss) on employee benefit plans, net of tax
2,448
(2,367)
Balance, end of period
(31,089)
(46,061)
Unrealized loss on derivative instruments, net of tax
Balance, beginning of period
(373)
(567)
Reclassifications to earnings - foreign currency exchange contracts(b)
92
119
Income tax on reclassifications
(12)
(16)
Net comprehensive gain on derivative instruments, net of tax
80
103
Balance, end of period
(293)
(464)
Foreign currency translation
Balance, beginning of period
(12,007)
(19,537)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax(c)
(6,488)
4,103
Balance, end of period
(18,495)
(15,434)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period
$
(49,877)
$
(61,959)
(a)The AOCI components for defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost. See Note 14—Employee Benefit Plans for further information.
(b)Reclassifications of foreign currency exchange contracts are recorded in “cost of sales,” “other operating income (expense), net” or “other income, net,” as appropriate.
(c)Foreign currency translation is net of tax effects of $0 for all periods presented, as the French operations are taxed on the foreign functional currency, not the translated reporting currency.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
12. Earnings Per Common Share
The following table provides the inputs to the calculations of basic and diluted earnings per common share (share amounts not in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Income (loss) from continuing operations
$
8,173
$
(15,622)
$
6,603
$
(14,015)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
3,217
(1,128)
3,217
(1,128)
Net income (loss) available for common stockholders
$
11,390
$
(16,750)
$
9,820
$
(15,143)
Weighted average shares used for determining basic earnings per share of common stock
65,716,362
65,226,344
65,582,651
64,865,272
Dilutive effect of:
Stock options
—
—
3
—
Performance and restricted stock
3,073,949
—
2,423,674
—
Weighted average shares used for determining diluted earnings per share of common stock
68,790,311
65,226,344
68,006,328
64,865,272
Anti-dilutive instruments excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share included (not in thousands):
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Stock options
—
46,882
1,497
46,882
Performance and restricted stock
421
3,302,332
6,376
3,302,332
Total anti-dilutive instruments
421
3,349,214
7,873
3,349,214
13. Incentive Stock Plans
Stock-based compensation expense was as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Stock-based compensation expense
$
1,690
$
1,893
$
3,470
$
3,371
The Company made new grants of restricted stock units, performance-based stock units and performance-based cash awards during the first and second quarters of 2024. The 2024 restricted stock unit awards cliff vest after three years, except for director awards, which vest after one year. The 2024 performance-based awards cliff vest after three years and are based equally on TSR relative to peers and three-year cumulative adjusted EBITDA. Participants can earn between 0 percent and 200 percent of the target award for each of the TSR and adjusted EBITDA metrics. Performance below threshold for each metric would result in zero payout. The performance-based cash award is paid in cash and is classified as a liability and remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period until settlement.
In March 2024, the performance-based awards granted in 2021 vested without meeting the performance thresholds, resulting in no stock units or cash being awarded.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
The following table summarizes the 2024 activity of the Company’s incentive stock awards:
Stock Options
Restricted Stock Units
Performance-Based Stock Units
Options
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Awards
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Awards
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2023
46,798
$
37.77
1,886,694
$
6.01
1,370,601
$
7.83
Granted
—
—
622,957
4.05
582,442
4.52
Forfeited
—
—
(58,241)
5.27
(316,467)
11.12
Exercised or settled
—
—
(616,485)
6.81
(5,000)
2.41
Expired or cancelled
(46,798)
29.52
—
—
—
—
Outstanding at June 29, 2024
—
$
—
1,834,925
$
5.10
1,631,576
$
6.11
14. Employee Benefit Plans
Defined Benefit Plans
The Company has defined benefit pension and other long-term and postretirement benefit plans covering certain union and non-union employees, primarily in the U.S. and Canada. The defined benefit pension plans are closed to new participants. The liabilities for these plans are calculated using actuarial estimates and management assumptions. These estimates are based on historical information and certain assumptions about future events.
During the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024, the Company recorded a $1 million loss on pension curtailment charges associated with early retirements driven by the indefinite suspension of operations at the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant. The loss on curtailment was recognized in “indefinite suspension charges” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, the Company decreased its pension liability by $3 million. See Note 2—Indefinite Suspension of Operationsfor further information.
During the six months ended July 1, 2023, the Company recorded a $2 million loss related to the final asset surplus distribution to the plan participants of certain wound-up Canadian pension plans. The settlement was recognized in “components of pension and OPEB, excluding service costs” in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
The following tables present the components of net periodic benefit costs of these plans:
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Pension
Postretirement
Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Service cost
$
3,064
$
2,441
$
276
$
586
Interest cost
13,812
14,382
495
705
Expected return on plan assets
(16,128)
(15,887)
—
—
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)
408
221
(49)
(49)
Amortization of gain
(22)
(246)
(369)
(108)
Pension settlement loss
—
2,317
—
—
Curtailment
736
—
—
—
Net periodic benefit cost
$
1,870
$
3,228
$
353
$
1,134
Service cost is included in “cost of sales” or “selling, general and administrative expense” in the consolidated statements of operations, as appropriate. Interest cost, expected return on plan assets, amortization of prior service cost (credit) and amortization of (gain) loss are included in “components of pension and OPEB, excluding service costs” in the consolidated statements of operations.
15. Income Taxes
Effective Tax Rate
The Company’s effective tax rates were as follows:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
$
7,775
$
(18,188)
$
6,185
$
(18,518)
Effective tax rate
(10.9)
%
17.9
%
(21.4)
%
31.5
%
The effective tax rates for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024 differed from the federal statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to the release of certain tax reserves, return-to-accrual adjustments, excess deficit on vested stock compensation and changes in the valuation allowance on disallowed interest deductions.
The effective tax rates for the quarter and six months ended July 1, 2023 differed from the federal statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to disallowed interest deductions in the U.S. and nondeductible executive compensation, offset by U.S. tax credits, return-to-accrual adjustments related to previously filed tax returns and an excess tax benefit on vested stock compensation.
Deferred Taxes
As of both June 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company’s net DTA included $15 million of disallowed U.S. interest deductions that the Company does not believe will be realized. In strict compliance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Technical Questions and Answers 3300.01-02, which asserts that certain material evidence regarding the realizability of disallowed U.S. interest deductions should be ignored when assessing the need for a valuation allowance, the Company has not recognized a valuation allowance on this portion of the net DTA generated from disallowed interest.
16. Segments
The Company operates in the following business segments: High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp. Corporate consists primarily of senior management, accounting, information systems, human resources, treasury, tax and legal administrative functions that provide support services to the operating business units. The Company allocates a portion of the cost of maintaining these support functions to its operating units.
The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on operating income (loss). Intersegment sales consist primarily of High-Yield Pulp sales to Paperboard. Intersegment sales prices are at rates that approximate market for the respective operating area.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Net sales, disaggregated by product line, was comprised of the following:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
High Purity Cellulose
Cellulose Specialties
$
223,139
$
179,265
$
417,562
$
405,930
Commodity Products
85,553
98,674
175,554
222,714
Other sales(a)
23,860
21,430
46,244
44,919
Total High Purity Cellulose
332,552
299,369
639,360
673,563
Paperboard
60,299
48,094
113,259
107,088
High-Yield Pulp
32,833
44,144
67,159
86,004
Eliminations
(6,639)
(6,194)
(13,077)
(14,481)
Net sales
$
419,045
$
385,413
$
806,701
$
852,174
(a)Included sales of bioelectricity, lignosulfonates and other by-products to third parties.
Operating income (loss) by segment was comprised of the following:
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
High Purity Cellulose
$
30,162
$
(422)
$
50,903
$
12,512
Paperboard
12,200
5,858
20,109
15,592
High-Yield Pulp
813
836
142
8,092
Corporate
(14,978)
(12,728)
(25,882)
(26,058)
Operating income (loss)
$
28,197
$
(6,456)
$
45,272
$
10,138
Identifiable assets by segment were as follows:
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
High Purity Cellulose
$
1,535,111
$
1,510,076
Paperboard
103,094
105,804
High-Yield Pulp
48,310
43,811
Corporate(a)
510,457
523,009
Total assets
$
2,196,972
$
2,182,700
(a)Includes ERP and certain lease assets shared across segments.
17. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
The Company had no material changes to the purchase obligations presented in its 2023 Form 10-K during the six months ended June 29, 2024. The Company’s purchase obligations primarily consist of commitments for the purchase of natural gas, electricity and wood chips.
The Company remains subject to purchase obligations under the 20-year wood chip and residual fiber supply agreement with GreenFirst, under which total required purchase volumes of wood chips and residual fiber are dependent on sawmill production. In connection with the indefinite suspension of operations at the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant, GreenFirst and the Company have agreed that the Company will purchase the required volumes at market value and sell them to third parties at the same amount for an expected neutral impact.
The Company leases certain buildings, machinery and equipment under various operating and finance leases. See Note 6—Leases for further information.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
Litigation and Contingencies
Duties on Canadian Softwood Lumber Sold to the U.S.
The Company previously operated six softwood lumber mills in Ontario and Quebec, Canada, and exported softwood lumber into the U.S. from Canada. In connection with these exports, the Company paid approximately $112 million of softwood lumber duties between 2017 and August 2021, including $1 million of ancillary fees, which were recorded as expense in the periods incurred. As part of the sale of its lumber assets in 2021, the Company retained all refund rights and obligations to softwood duties generated or incurred through the closing date of the sale. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had a $40 million long-term receivable associated with USDOC determinations of the revised duty rates for 2017 through 2021. In June 2024, the Company executed on the sale of these rights (inclusive of the receivable), including all accrued interest, for $39 million, with the opportunity for additional sale proceeds in the future contingent upon the timing and terms of the ultimate outcome of the trade dispute between the USDOC and Canada.
Other
In addition to the above, the Company is engaged in various legal and regulatory actions and proceedings and has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the Company has procured reasonable and customary insurance covering risks normally occurring in connection with its business, the Company has, in certain cases, retained some risk through the operation of self-insurance, primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation, property insurance, business interruption and general liability. These other lawsuits and claims, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Guarantees and Other
The Company provides financial guarantees as required by creditors, insurance programs and various governmental agencies. As of June 29, 2024, the Company had net exposure of $33 million from various standby letters of credit, primarily for financial assurance relating to environmental remediation, credit support for natural gas and electricity purchases and guarantees related to foreign retirement plan obligations. These standby letters of credit represent a contingent liability; the Company would only be liable upon its default on the related payment obligations. The standby letters of credit have various expiration dates and are expected to be renewed as required.
The Company had surety bonds of $89 million as of June 29, 2024, primarily to comply with financial assurance requirements relating to environmental remediation and post-closure care, to provide collateral for the Company’s workers’ compensation program and to guarantee taxes and duties for products shipped internationally. These surety bonds expire at various dates and are expected to be renewed annually as required.
LTF is a venture in which the Company owns 45 percent and its partner, Borregaard ASA, owns 55 percent. The Company is a guarantor of LTF’s financing agreements and, in the event of default, expects it would only be liable for its proportional share of any repayment under the agreements. The Company’s proportion of the LTF financing agreement guarantee was $29 million at June 29, 2024.
The Company has not recorded any liabilities for these financial guarantees in its consolidated balance sheets, either because the Company has recorded the underlying liability associated with the guarantee or the guarantee is dependent on the Company’s own performance and, therefore, is not subject to the measurement requirements or because the Company has calculated the estimated fair value of the guarantee and determined it to be immaterial based upon the current facts and circumstances that would trigger a payment obligation.
It is not possible to determine the maximum potential amount of liability under these potential obligations due to the unique set of facts and circumstances likely to be involved with each provision.
As of June 29, 2024, collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 225 unionized employees were expired at the Fernandina plant. The employees have continued to work under the terms of the expired contracts while negotiations continue. While there can be no assurances, the Company expects to reach agreement with the unions. However, a work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and with our 2023 Form 10-K and information contained in subsequent Forms 8-K and other reports filed with the SEC.
Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q regarding anticipated financial, business, legal or other outcomes, including business and market conditions, outlook and other similar statements relating to future events, developments or financial or operational performance or results, are “forward-looking statements” made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements are identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “estimate,” “target,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “forecast,” “anticipate,” “project,” “guidance” and other similar language. However, the absence of these or similar words or expressions does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that these expectations will be attained, and it is possible that actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks and uncertainties. The risk factors contained in Item 1A—Risk Factors of our 2023 Form 10-K, among others, could cause actual results or events to differ materially from our historical experience and those expressed in forward-looking statements made in this report.
Forward-looking statements are only as of the date of the filing of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and we undertake no duty to update its forward-looking statements except as required by law. You are advised to review any disclosures that we have made or may make in our filings and other submissions to the SEC, including those on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and other reports.
Business Overview
We are a global leader of specialty cellulose materials with a broad offering of high purity cellulose specialties, a natural polymer used in the production of a variety of specialty chemical products, including liquid crystal displays, filters, textiles and performance additives for pharmaceutical, food and other industrial applications. Building upon more than 95 years of experience in cellulose chemistry, we provide some of the highest quality high-purity cellulose pulp products that make up the essential building blocks for our customers’ products while providing exceptional service and value. Our specialized assets are also used to produce biofuels, bioelectricity and other biomaterials such as bioethanol and tall oils. We also produce a unique, lightweight multi-ply paperboard product and a bulky, high-yield pulp product. Our paperboard is used for production in the commercial printing, lottery ticket and high-end packaging sectors. Our high-yield pulp is used by paperboard producers, as well as in traditional printing, writing and specialty paper manufacturing.
We operate in three business segments: High Purity Cellulose, Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp.
Recent Business Developments
•In July 2024, we suspended operations at our Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant for an indefinite period. See Note 2—Indefinite Suspension of Operationsto our Financial Statements for further information.
•In June 2024, we recognized $15 million in pre-tax income related to CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021. See Note 3—Discontinued Operations and Note 7—Accrued and Other Current Liabilities to our Financial Statements for further information.
•In June 2024, we sold our refund rights, including interest, related to softwood lumber duties paid from 2017 through 2021 for $39 million. See Note 3—Discontinued Operationsto our Financial Statements for further information.
•In January 2024, we amended our 2027 Term Loan agreement to increase the maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio that we must maintain in the fourth quarter of 2023 and through fiscal year 2024. In addition, should we exceed the maximum ratio established by the original agreement during this period, we will incur a fee of 0.25% of the principal balance outstanding at the end of the applicable quarter. See Note 8—Debt and Finance Leasesto our Financial Statements for further information.
We are actively pursuing the refinancing of our 2026 Senior Notes before they go current in January 2025 and strongly believe that, due to improving business performance and credit metrics, we will secure refinancing at satisfactory terms. We have engaged Houlihan Lokey to explore refinancing options.
In October 2023, we announced that we are exploring the potential sale of our Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp assets located at our Temiscaming site. We continue to run a thorough process involving multiple suitors. While this process has been slowed due to complexities relating to the recently announced indefinite suspension of operations of the site’s High Purity Cellulose line, we remain highly committed to completing a near-term sale of these assets at a fair price.
In July 2024, we indefinitely suspended operations at our Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant. This plan is expected to mitigate high capital needs and operating losses related to exposure to commodity viscose products and improve our consolidated free cash flow, however, future operational loss reductions will be partially offset by custodial site expenses. In connection with the suspension of operations, we expect to incur one-time operating charges in 2024 of approximately $25 million to $30 million, including mothballing and severance and other employee costs. Further, we also expect to incur non-cash charges in the third quarter of 2024 related to asset impairments. We continue to expect that for 2024, the suspension of the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant will be positive to Adjusted EBITDA and will increase free cash flow by $25 million to $30 million as lower capital expenditures and benefits from the monetization of working capital are expected to more than offset the one-time and other cash costs associated with the suspension of operations.
The following market assessment represents our current outlook of our business segments’ future performance.
High Purity Cellulose
Average sales prices for cellulose specialties in 2024 are expected to increase by a low single-digit percentage as compared to average sales prices in 2023 as we continue to prioritize value over volume. Sales volumes for cellulose specialties are expected to increase compared to 2023 driven by increased volumes from the closure of a competitor’s plant, a modest increase in ethers sales and additional volume sold to customers ahead of the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations, partially offset by a one-time favorable impact from a change in customer contract terms in the prior year first quarter and customer destocking in the acetate markets. Demand for RYAM commodity products remains stable. Commodity average sales prices are expected to be in line with 2023 prices. Commodity sales volumes are expected to increase slightly in the second half of 2024 due to increased fluff sales. Costs are expected to be lower in 2024 driven by lower key input and logistics costs, improved productivity and the suspension of operations at the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant, partially offset by increased maintenance costs due to the timing of projects and net custodial site expenses related to the suspension. Our bioethanol facility in Tartas, France became operational in the first quarter of 2024 and is expected to deliver $3 million to $4 million of EBITDA in 2024, growing to $8 million to $10 million beginning in 2025. EBITDA in the third quarter of 2024 is expected to be lower than the second quarter of 2024 due to the anticipated net custodial site expenses at the Temiscaming site, no additional CEWS benefits to be recognized and lower cellulose specialties volumes to be sold ahead of the suspension of operations; however, EBITDA in the third quarter of 2024 is expected to be significantly stronger than the third quarter of 2023.
Paperboard
Paperboard prices in the second half of 2024 are expected to decrease slightly compared to the first half of 2024, while sales volumes are expected to increase slightly as inventories reduce, despite higher planned maintenance downtime for our distributed control system upgrade. Raw material prices are expected to increase compared to the first half of the year. Overall, we expect a decline in EBITDA from this segment in the coming quarter.
High-Yield Pulp
High-Yield Pulp prices are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, while sales volumes are expected to increase due to improved productivity. Overall, we expect to generate moderately higher EBITDA from this segment in the coming quarter.
Corporate
Corporate costs are expected to increase in the second half of 2024 as we continue our ERP transformation project and considering the favorable foreign exchange rates in the first half of the year. The ERP transformation project will enhance our operating and reporting systems and is expected to drive additional improvements and efficiencies beginning in 2025.
We continue to invest in new products to provide both increased end market diversity and incremental profitability. These new products will target the growing green energy and renewable product markets. Our bioethanol facility in Tartas, France is operating as expected and represents a significant milestone towards our goal of generating $42 million of annual EBITDA from these biomaterial products in 2027. We have submitted notice of our GRAS self-certification for a prebiotics product to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and continue to move forward with plans for a bioethanol facility in Fernandina. We are also advancing various other projects and are in the final stages of securing green capital to support these efforts.
Results of Operations
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions, except percentages)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Net sales
$
419
$
385
$
807
$
852
Cost of sales
(371)
(370)
(722)
(800)
Gross margin
48
15
85
52
Selling, general and administrative expense
(21)
(18)
(42)
(37)
Foreign exchange gain (loss)
—
(2)
3
(2)
Indefinite suspension charges
(7)
—
(7)
—
Other operating income (expense), net
8
(2)
6
(3)
Operating income (loss)
28
(7)
45
10
Interest expense
(21)
(16)
(42)
(31)
Components of pension and OPEB, excluding service costs
—
1
1
(1)
Other income, net
1
3
2
3
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax
8
(19)
6
(19)
Income tax benefit
1
3
2
6
Equity in loss of equity method investment
(1)
—
(1)
(1)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
8
(16)
7
(14)
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
3
(1)
3
(1)
Net income (loss)
$
11
$
(17)
$
10
$
(15)
Gross margin %
11.5
%
3.9
%
10.5
%
6.1
%
Operating margin %
6.7
%
(1.8)
%
5.6
%
1.2
%
Effective tax rate
(10.9)
%
17.9
%
(21.4)
%
31.5
%
Net Sales
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
High Purity Cellulose
$
332
$
300
$
639
$
674
Paperboard
60
48
113
107
High-Yield Pulp
33
44
67
86
Eliminations
(6)
(7)
(12)
(15)
Net sales
$
419
$
385
$
807
$
852
Net sales for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $34 million, or 9 percent, compared to the prior year quarter driven by higher sales prices in High Purity Cellulose and higher sales volumes in cellulose specialties and Paperboard, partially offset by lower sales prices in Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp and lower sales volumes in commodity products and High-Yield Pulp.
Net sales for the six months ended June 29, 2024 decreased $45 million, or 5 percent, compared to the same prior year period driven by lower sales prices in commodity products, Paperboard and High-Yield Pulp and lower sales volumes in commodity products and High-Yield Pulp, partially offset by higher sales prices in cellulose specialties and higher sales volumes in cellulose specialties and Paperboard. See Operating Results by Segment below for further discussion.
Operating Income (Loss)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
High Purity Cellulose
$
30
$
—
$
51
$
13
Paperboard
12
6
20
16
High-Yield Pulp
1
1
—
8
Corporate
(15)
(14)
(26)
(27)
Operating income (loss)
$
28
$
(7)
$
45
$
10
Operating results for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 improved $35 million, or 500 percent compared to the prior year quarter driven by the higher net sales in High Purity Cellulose and Paperboard, lower key input and logistics costs and higher productivity, partially offset by the lower net sales in High-Yield Pulp and the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year.
Operating income for the six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $35 million, or 350 percent compared to the prior year period driven by higher Paperboard net sales, lower key input and logistics costs and higher productivity, partially offset by the net sales decreases in High Purity Cellulose and High-Yield Pulp and the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year.
Also included in operating income in the current quarter and six-month periods was the recognition of $10 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021 and $7 million in costs incurred related to the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations. Included in operating results in the prior year quarter and six-month periods was the recognition of a $3 million benefit from payroll tax credit carryforwards and $4 million and $11 million, respectively, of energy cost benefits from sales of excess emission allowances that did not repeat in the current year. See Operating Results by Segment below for further discussion.
Non-Operating Income & Expense
Interest expense for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $5 million and $11 million, respectively, compared to the same prior year periods driven by an increase in the average effective interest rate on debt, partially offset by a decrease in the average outstanding balance of debt. Total debt decreased $56 million from July 1, 2023 to June 29, 2024.
Included in “other income, net” in the six months ended June 29, 2024 was a $1 million impact from favorable foreign exchange rates.
Included in “other income, net” in the quarter and six months ended July 1, 2023 was a $2 million gain on a passive land sale and a $1 million net gain on debt extinguishment, which were partially offset by a $1 million impact from unfavorable foreign exchange rates. Also included in the prior six-month period was a pension settlement loss of $2 million.
Income Taxes
The effective tax rate on the income from continuing operations for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024 was a benefit of 11 percent and 21 percent, respectively. The 2024 effective tax rate differed from the federal statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to the release of certain tax reserves, return-to-accrual adjustments, excess deficit on vested stock compensation and changes in the valuation allowance on disallowed interest deductions.
The effective tax rate on the loss from continuing operations for the quarter and six months ended July 1, 2023 was a benefit of 18 percent and 32 percent, respectively. The 2023 effective tax rates differed from the federal statutory rate of 21 percent primarily due to disallowed interest deductions in the U.S. and nondeductible executive compensation, offset by U.S. tax credits, return-to-accrual adjustments related to previously filed tax returns and an excess tax benefit on vested stock compensation.
During the quarter ended June 29, 2024, we recorded pre-tax income from discontinued operations of $5 million related to CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021 and a loss of $1 million on the sale of our softwood lumber duty refund rights.
Operating Results by Segment
High Purity Cellulose
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions, unless otherwise stated)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Net sales
$
332
$
300
$
639
$
674
Operating income
$
30
$
—
$
51
$
13
Average sales prices ($ per MT)
$
1,371
$
1,301
$
1,335
$
1,313
Sales volumes (thousands of MTs)
225
214
444
479
Net Sales - Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended July 1, 2023
Changes Attributable to:
Three Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions)
Price
Volume/Mix/Other
Cellulose specialties
$
179
$
(1)
$
46
$
224
Commodity products
99
(5)
(9)
85
Other sales(a)
22
—
1
23
Net sales
$
300
$
(6)
$
38
$
332
(a)Included sales of bioelectricity, lignosulfonates and other by-products to third parties.
Net sales of our High Purity Cellulose segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $32 million compared to the same prior year quarter. Included in the current and prior year quarters were $23 million and $22 million, respectively, of other sales primarily from bio-based energy and lignosulfonates. Due to improved mix, total sales prices increased 5 percent. Total sales volumes increased 5 percent due to a 25 percent increase in cellulose specialties volumes that was partially offset by a 13 percent decrease in commodity volumes. Cellulose specialties sales volumes increased due to additional volumes sold to customers affected by the indefinite suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations that began in the third quarter, the closure of a competitor’s plant in late 2023 and a continued uptick in ethers sales. The decrease in commodity sales volumes was primarily driven by a higher mix of cellulose specialties production.
Net Sales - Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended July 1, 2023
Changes Attributable to:
Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions)
Price
Volume/Mix/Other
Cellulose specialties
$
406
$
5
$
7
$
418
Commodity products
223
(23)
(25)
175
Other sales(a)
45
—
1
46
Net sales
$
674
$
(18)
$
(17)
$
639
(a)Included sales of bioelectricity, lignosulfonates and other by-products to third parties.
Net sales of our High Purity Cellulose segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 decreased $35 million compared to the same prior year period. Included in the current and prior year six-month periods were $46 million and $45 million, respectively, of other sales primarily from bio-based energy and lignosulfonates. Total sales prices increased 2 percent due to a 1 percent increase in cellulose specialties prices that was partially offset by a 6 percent decrease in commodity prices. Despite a cellulose specialties sales volumes increase of 2 percent, total sales volumes decreased 7 percent driven by a 16 percent decrease in commodity volumes. Increased cellulose specialties sales volumes resulting from the additional volumes sold ahead of the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations, the closure of a competitor’s plant in late 2023 and an uptick in ethers sales were nearly entirely offset by the one-time favorable impact from a change in customer contract terms in the prior year first quarter. The decrease in commodity sales volumes was primarily driven by a higher mix of cellulose specialties production.
Operating Income - Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended July 1, 2023
Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
Three Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions, except percentages)
Sales Price
Sales Volume/Mix/Other(a)
Cost
SG&A and other
Operating income
$
—
$
(6)
$
14
$
24
$
(2)
$
30
Operating margin %
—
%
(2.0)
%
4.5
%
7.2
%
(0.7)
%
9.0
%
(a)Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income of our High Purity Cellulose segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $30 million compared to the same prior year quarter driven by the higher cellulose specialties sales volumes, decreased key input and logistics costs and higher productivity, partially offset by the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year. Also included in the current quarter was the recognition of $5 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021 and $7 million in costs incurred related to the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations. Included in the operating results of the prior year quarter was the recognition of a $3 million benefit from payroll tax credit carryforwards and $4 million of energy cost benefits from sales of excess emission allowances that did not repeat in the current quarter.
Operating Income - Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended July 1, 2023
Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions, except percentages)
Sales Price
Sales Volume/Mix/Other(a)
Cost
SG&A and other
Operating income
$
13
$
(18)
$
(19)
$
78
$
(3)
$
51
Operating margin %
1.9
%
(2.7)
%
(3.0)
%
12.2
%
(0.4)
%
8.0
%
(a)Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income of our High Purity Cellulose segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $38 million compared to the same prior year period driven by the increase in cellulose specialties sales prices and volumes, decreased key input and logistics costs and higher productivity, partially offset by the lower commodity sales prices and volumes and the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year. Also included in the current six-month period was the recognition of $5 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021 and $7 million in costs incurred related to the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations. Included in operating income in the prior year six-month period was the recognition of a $3 million benefit from payroll tax credit carryforwards and $11 million of energy cost benefits from sales of excess emission allowances that did not repeat in the current year.
Net sales of our Paperboard segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $12 million compared to the same prior year quarter driven by a 38 percent increase in sales volumes due to the easing of prior year customer destocking, partially offset by an 8 percent decrease in sales prices driven by mix and increased competitive activity from European imports.
Net Sales - Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended July 1, 2023
Changes Attributable to:
Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions)
Price
Volume/Mix
Net sales
$
107
$
(13)
$
19
$
113
Net sales of our Paperboard segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $6 million compared to the same prior year period driven by a 17 percent increase in sales volumes due to the easing of prior year customer destocking, partially offset by a 10 percent decrease in sales prices driven by mix and increased competitive activity from European imports.
Operating Income - Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended July 1, 2023
Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
Three Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions, except percentages)
Sales Price
Sales Volume/Mix(a)
Cost
SG&A and other
Operating income
$
6
$
(5)
$
7
$
2
$
2
$
12
Operating margin %
12.5
%
(10.2)
%
11.0
%
3.3
%
3.4
%
20.0
%
(a)Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income of our Paperboard segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $6 million compared to the same prior year quarter driven by the higher sales volumes and lower purchased pulp costs, partially offset by the lower sales prices and the impact of the planned maintenance outage in the prior year. Also included in operating income in the current quarter was the recognition of $2 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021.
Operating Income - Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended July 1, 2023
Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions, except percentages)
Sales Price
Sales Volume/Mix(a)
Cost
SG&A and other
Operating income
$
16
$
(13)
$
8
$
7
$
2
$
20
Operating margin %
15.0
%
(11.8)
%
6.5
%
6.2
%
1.8
%
17.7
%
(a)Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income of our Paperboard segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $4 million compared to the same prior year period driven by the higher sales volumes and lower purchased pulp costs, partially offset by the lower sales prices and the impact of the planned maintenance outage in the prior year. Also included in operating income in the current six-month period was the recognition of $2 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021.
(a)External sales only. During the quarters ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023, the High-Yield Pulp segment sold 16,000 MTs and 14,000 MTs of high-yield pulp to the Paperboard segment for $7 million and $6 million, respectively. During each of the six months ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023, the High-Yield Pulp segment sold 32,000 MTs of high-yield pulp to the Paperboard segment for $13 million and $15 million, respectively.
Net Sales - Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended July 1, 2023
Changes Attributable to:
Three Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions)
Price
Volume/Mix
Net sales
$
44
$
(3)
$
(8)
$
33
Net sales of our High-Yield Pulp segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 decreased $11 million compared to the same prior year quarter driven by a 9 percent decrease in sales prices due to market supply dynamics in China and a 25 percent decrease in sales volumes due to lower demand.
Net Sales - Six Months Ended
Six Months Ended July 1, 2023
Changes Attributable to:
Six Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions)
Price
Volume/Mix
Net sales
$
86
$
(14)
$
(5)
$
67
Net sales of our High-Yield Pulp segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 decreased $19 million compared to the same prior year period driven by an 18 percent decrease in sales prices due to market supply dynamics in China and an 8 percent decrease in sales volumes due to lower demand.
Operating Income - Three Months Ended
Three Months Ended July 1, 2023
Gross Margin Changes Attributable to:
Three Months Ended June 29, 2024
(in millions, except percentages)
Sales Price
Sales Volume/Mix(a)
Cost
SG&A and other
Operating income
$
1
$
(3)
$
(4)
$
5
$
2
$
1
Operating margin %
2.3
%
(7.2)
%
(13.3)
%
15.2
%
6.0
%
3.0
%
(a)Computed based on contribution margin.
Operating income of our High-Yield Pulp segment for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 was flat compared to the same prior year quarter, as lower logistics and chemicals costs were offset by the lower sales prices and volumes and the impact of the planned maintenance outage in the prior year. Also included in the current quarter was the recognition of $2 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021.
Operating income of our High-Yield Pulp segment for the six months ended June 29, 2024 decreased $8 million compared to the same prior year period, as the lower sales prices and volumes and the impact of the planned maintenance outage in the prior year were partially offset by lower logistics and chemicals costs. Also included in the current six-month period was the recognition of $2 million in CEWS benefit claims deferred since 2021.
Corporate
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Operating loss
$
(15)
$
(14)
$
(26)
$
(27)
The Corporate operating loss for the quarter and six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $1 million and decreased $1 million, respectively, compared to the same prior year periods. The increase in the quarter loss was driven by higher costs related to our ERP transformation project and higher variable compensation costs and discounting and financing fees, partially offset by more favorable foreign exchange rates in the current quarter. The improvement in the operating loss in the six-month period was driven by more favorable foreign exchange rates in the current year, partially offset by higher costs related to our ERP transformation project and higher variable compensation costs and discounting and financing fees.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Overview
Cash flows from operations, primarily driven by operating results, have historically been our primary source of liquidity and capital resources. As operating cash flows can be negatively impacted by fluctuations in market prices for our commodity products and changes in demand for our products, we maintain a key focus on cash, managing working capital closely and optimizing the timing and level of our capital expenditures. We believe our future cash flows from operations, availability under our ABL Credit Facility and our ability to access the capital markets, if necessary or desirable, will be adequate to fund our operations and anticipated long-term funding requirements, including capital expenditures, defined benefit plan contributions and repayment of debt maturities.
Our Board of Directors suspended our quarterly common stock dividend in September 2019. No dividends have been declared since. The declaration and payment of future common stock dividends, if any, will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent upon our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements and other factors that the Board of Directors deems relevant. In addition, our debt facilities place limitations on the declaration and payment of future dividends.
In January 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $100 million common stock share buyback program. We have not repurchased shares under this program since 2018 and do not expect to utilize any of the remaining $60 million in unused authorization in the future.
Our non-guarantor subsidiaries had assets of $452 million, liabilities of $406 million, year-to-date revenue of $116 million and a trailing twelve month ABL Credit Facility and Term Loan covenant EBITDA for continuing operations of $12 million as of June 29, 2024.
Our liquidity and capital resources are summarized below:
(in millions, except ratios)
June 29, 2024
December 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents
$
114
$
76
Availability under the ABL Credit Facility(a)(b)
135
118
Total debt(b)
778
777
Stockholders’ equity
755
747
Total capitalization (total debt plus stockholders’ equity)
1,533
1,524
Debt to capital ratio
51
%
51
%
(a)Amounts available under the ABL Credit Facility fluctuate based on eligible accounts receivable and inventory levels. At June 29, 2024, we had $167 million of gross availability and net available borrowings of $135 million after taking into account outstanding letters of credit of $32 million. In addition to the availability under the ABL Credit Facility, we have $11 million available under our accounts receivable factoring line of credit in France.
(b)See Note 8—Debt and Finance Leasesto our Financial Statements for further information.
Our principal contractual commitments include standby letters of credit, surety bonds, guarantees, purchase obligations and leases. We utilize arrangements such as standby letters of credit and surety bonds to provide credit support for certain suppliers and vendors in case of their default on critical obligations, collateral for certain of our self-insurance programs and guarantees for the completion of our remediation of environmental liabilities. As part of our ongoing operations, we also periodically issue guarantees to third parties. Our primary purchase obligation payments relate to natural gas, steam energy and wood chips purchase contracts. There have been no material changes to our contractual commitments during the six months ended June 29, 2024.
We remain subject to purchase obligations under the 20-year wood chip and residual fiber supply agreement with GreenFirst, under which total required purchase volumes of wood chips and residual fiber are dependent on sawmill production. In connection with the indefinite suspension of operations at the Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose plant, we and GreenFirst have agreed that we will purchase the required volumes at market value and sell them to third parties at the same amount for an expected neutral impact.
See Note 17—Commitments and Contingenciesto our Financial Statements for further information.
Debt
In January 2024, we amended the 2027 Term Loan to increase the maximum consolidated secured net leverage ratio that we must maintain beginning in the fourth quarter of 2023 and through our 2024 fiscal year. The amendment provides us with the operational flexibility to execute our strategic initiatives in 2024. Should we exceed the maximum ratio established by the original agreement in any of these quarters, we will incur a fee of 0.25% of the principal balance outstanding at the end of the applicable quarter. As of June 29, 2024 we were in compliance with all financial and other covenants under our 2027 Term Loan and other credit agreements. See Note 8—Debt and Finance Leasesto our Financial Statements for further information.
Cash Flows
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Cash flows provided by (used in):
Operating activities
$
99
$
84
Investing activities
(58)
(54)
Financing activities
(1)
(26)
Cash provided by operating activities increased $15 million primarily due to lower costs, proceeds of $39 million for the sale of our softwood lumber duty refund rights, net tax refunds in the current year compared to net tax payments in the prior year and higher payments in the prior year on deferred energy liabilities associated with our Tartas facility operations. These cash inflows were partially offset by cash outflows from working capital in the current year compared to inflows in the prior year and higher payments of interest on long-term debt.
Cash used in investing activities increased $4 million primarily due to the timing of payments of capital expenditures and higher strategic capital spend.
Cash used in financing activities decreased $25 million primarily due to net borrowings of long-term debt in the current year compared to net repayments in the prior year and a decrease in repurchases of common stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to the issuance of stock under our incentive stock plans, partially offset by debt issuance costs paid in the current year.
Performance and Liquidity Indicators
The discussion below is presented to enhance the reader’s understanding of our operating performance, liquidity and ability to generate cash and satisfy rating agency and creditor requirements. This information includes the non-GAAP financial measures of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flows. These measures are not defined by GAAP and our discussion of them is not intended to conflict with or change any of our GAAP disclosures provided in this report.
We believe these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to our Board of Directors, management and investors regarding our financial condition and results of operations. Our management uses these non-GAAP financial measures to compare our performance to that of prior periods for trend analyses, to determine management incentive compensation and for budgeting, forecasting and planning purposes. Our management considers these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to operating income, to be important in estimating our enterprise and stockholder values and for making strategic and operating decisions. In addition, analysts, investors and creditors use these non-GAAP financial measures when analyzing our operating performance, financial condition and cash-generating ability. We use EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA as performance measures and adjusted free cash flows as a liquidity measure.
We do not consider non-GAAP financial measures an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of these non-GAAP financial measures is that they may exclude significant expense and income items that are required by GAAP to be recognized in our Financial Statements. In addition, they reflect the exercise of management’s judgment about which expense and income items are excluded or included in determining these non-GAAP financial measures. To compensate for these limitations, reconciliations of our non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures are provided below. Non-GAAP financial measures are not necessarily indicative of results that may be generated in future periods and should not be relied upon, in whole or part, in evaluating our financial condition, results of operations or future prospects.
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as EBITDA adjusted for items that management believes are not representative of our core operations.
Income (loss) from continuing operations is reconciled to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations, by segment, as follows:
EBITDA from continuing operations for the quarter ended June 29, 2024 increased $33 million compared to the same prior year quarter driven by higher net sales, lower key input and logistics costs, higher productivity and CEWS benefit claims income, partially offset by the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year and the costs incurred related to the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations. EBITDA from continuing operations for the six months ended June 29, 2024 increased $36 million compared to the same prior year period driven by lower key input and logistics costs, higher productivity and CEWS benefit claims income, partially offset by the decrease in net sales, the impact of the timing of planned maintenance outages compared to the prior year and the costs incurred related to the suspension of Temiscaming High Purity Cellulose operations. See Results of Operations above for additional discussion of the changes in our operating results.
Adjusted Free Cash Flow
Adjusted free cash flow is defined as cash provided by operating activities adjusted for capital expenditures, net of proceeds from the sale of assets and excluding strategic capital expenditures deemed discretionary by management. Adjusted free cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure of cash generated during a period, which is available for debt reduction, strategic capital expenditures, acquisitions and repurchases of our common stock. Adjusted free cash flow is not necessarily indicative of the adjusted free cash flow that may be generated in future periods.
Cash provided by operating activities is reconciled to adjusted free cash flow as follows:
Six Months Ended
(in millions)
June 29, 2024
July 1, 2023
Cash provided by operating activities
$
99
$
84
Capital expenditures, net(a)
(30)
(32)
Adjusted free cash flow
$
69
$
52
(a)Net of proceeds from the sale of assets and excluding strategic capital expenditures. Strategic capital expenditures for the six months ended June 29, 2024 and July 1, 2023 were $28 millionand $22 million, respectively.
Adjusted free cash flow increased primarily due to lower costs and the proceeds from the sale of our softwood lumber duty refund rights, partially offset by changes in working capital. See Liquidity and Capital Resources—Cash Flows above for additional discussion of our operating cash flows.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market and Other Economic Risks
We are exposed to various market risks, primarily changes in interest rates, currency and commodity prices. Our objective is to minimize the economic impact of these market risks. We may use derivatives in accordance with policies and procedures approved by the Finance & Strategic Planning Committee of our Board of Directors.
Foreign Currency
We manage our foreign currency exposures by balancing certain assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies. We may also use foreign currency forward contracts to manage these exposures. The principal objective of such contracts is to minimize the potential volatility and financial impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not utilize financial instruments for trading or other speculative purposes.
Prices
The prices, sales volumes and margins of the commodity products of our High Purity Cellulose segment and all the products of the High-Yield Pulp segment have historically been cyclically affected by economic and market shifts, fluctuations in capacity and changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These products have less distinguishing qualities from producer to producer and competition is based primarily on price, which is determined by market supply relative to demand. The overall levels of demand for the products we manufacture, and consequently our sales and profitability, reflect fluctuations in end user demand. Our cellulose specialties product prices are impacted by market supply and demand, raw material and processing costs, changes in global currencies and other factors.
Certain key input costs, such as wood fiber, chemicals and energy, may experience significant price fluctuations, also impacted by market shifts, fluctuations in capacity and other demand and supply dynamics. We may periodically enter into commodity forward contracts to fix some of our energy costs that are subject to price volatility caused by weather, supply conditions, political and economic variables and other unpredictable factors. Such forward contracts partially mitigate the risk of changes to our gross margins resulting from an increase or decrease in these costs. Forward contracts that are derivative instruments are reported in our consolidated balance sheets at their fair values, unless they qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception and such exception has been elected, in which case, the fair values of such contracts are not recognized in the balance sheet.
Variable Interest Rates
As of June 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, we had $252 million and $255 million, respectively, of variable rate debt subject to interest rate risk. At these borrowing levels, a hypothetical one percent change in interest rates would have resulted in a $2 million change in interest expense for each of the respective periods.
The fair market value of our long-term fixed interest rate debt is also subject to interest rate risk when the debt becomes due or if we do not hold the debt until maturity. The estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt at June 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $511 million and $498 million, respectively, compared to their respective $542 million and $540 million principal amounts. We use quoted market prices to estimate the fair value of our fixed-rate debt. Generally, the fair market value of fixed-rate debt will increase as interest rates fall and decrease as interest rates rise.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate disclosure controls and procedures. Disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are designed with the objective of ensuring that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no control evaluation can provide absolute assurance that all control exceptions and instances of fraud have been prevented or detected on a timely basis. Even systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance their objectives are achieved.
Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded the design and operation of the disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 29, 2024.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
For the quarter ended June 29, 2024, based upon the evaluation required by SEC Rule 13a-15(d), there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that would materially affect or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
The Company is engaged in various legal and regulatory actions and proceedings and has been named as a defendant in various lawsuits and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. While the Company has procured reasonable and customary insurance covering risks normally occurring in connection with its business, the Company has, in certain cases, retained some risk through the operation of self-insurance, primarily in the areas of workers’ compensation, property insurance, business interruption and general liability. While there can be no assurance, the ultimate outcomes of these actions, either individually or in the aggregate, are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes or updates to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2023 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes our purchases of RYAM common stock during the quarter ended June 29, 2024:
Total Number of Shares Purchased(a)
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(b)
March 31 to May 4
7,154
$
4.58
—
$
60,294,000
May 5 to June 1
30,873
$
4.71
—
$
60,294,000
June 2 to June 29
5,018
$
5.66
—
$
60,294,000
Total
43,045
—
(a)Represents shares repurchased to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to the issuance of stock under our stock incentive plans.
(b)As of June 29, 2024, the remaining unused authorization under our share buyback program was $60 million.
Item 5. Other Information
(c) During the quarter ended June 29, 2024, no director or officer of the Company adopted, modified or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.
Certificate of Designations of 8.00% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock of Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and effective August 10, 2016
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on August 10, 2016
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc.
By:
/s/ MARCUS J. MOELTNER
Marcus J. Moeltner
Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President, Finance
