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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
---------------
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 333-63825
DECEMBER 31, 1998
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
DELAWARE 68-0414690
(State or other (I.R.S. Employer
jurisdiction Identification Number)
of incorporation or
organization)
P. O. BOX 712 95565
125 MAIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR (Zip Code)
SCOTIA, CALIFORNIA
(Address of Principal
Executive Offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (707) 764-2330
---------------
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
None.
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None.
---------------
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter
period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has
been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes /X/ No / /
The Registrant is a limited liability company wholly owned by
an affiliate of the Registrant.
REGISTRANT MEETS THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION
(I)(1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10-K AND IS THEREFORE FILING THIS FORM WITH THE
REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Not applicable.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
Item 1. Business 2
Item 2. Properties 14
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 14
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 16
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters 16
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 17
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations 17
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About
Market Risk 23
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Public Accountants 24
Balance Sheet 25
Statement of Income 26
Statement of Cash Flows 27
Notes to Financial Statements 28
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
on Accounting and Financial Disclosure 37
PART III
Items 10-13. Not applicable.
PART IV
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and
Reports on Form 8-K 37
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Scotia Pacific Company LLC (the "COMPANY"), a special purpose
Delaware limited liability company wholly owned by The Pacific Lumber
Company ("PACIFIC LUMBER"), was organized by Pacific Lumber in May 1998 to
facilitate the July 1998 offering of the Company's 6.55% Class A-1 Timber
Collateralized Notes (the "ORIGINAL CLASS A-1 NOTES"), 7.11% Class A-2
Timber Collateralized Notes (the "ORIGINAL CLASS A-2 NOTES") and 7.71%
Class A-3 Timber Collateralized Notes (the "ORIGINAL CLASS A-3 NOTES,"
together with the Original Class A-1 Timber Notes and the Original Class A-
2 Timber Notes, the "ORIGINAL NOTES"). On March 25, 1999, the Company
completed an exchange offer pursuant to which the Original Notes were
exchanged for Series B publicly registered notes. The Series B Class A-1
Timber Collateralized Notes are referred to herein as the "NEW CLASS A-1
NOTES," and together with the Original Class A-1 Notes, as the "CLASS A-1
NOTES." The Series B Class A-2 Timber Collateralized Notes are referred to
herein as the "NEW CLASS A-2 NOTES," and together with the Original Class
A-2 Notes, as the "CLASS A-2 NOTES." The Series B Class A-3 Timber
Collateralized Notes are referred to herein as the "NEW CLASS A-3 NOTES,"
and together with the Original Class A-3 Notes, as the "CLASS A-3 NOTES."
The Class A-1 Notes, Class A-2 Notes and the Class A-3 Notes are
collectively referred to herein as the "TIMBER NOTES." The Indenture
governing the Timber Notes is referred to herein as the "INDENTURE."
The Company succeeded to substantially all of the business and
operations of Pacific Lumber's wholly owned subsidiary, Scotia Pacific
Holding Company, a Delaware corporation ("SCOTIA PACIFIC"), by reason of
the merger of Scotia Pacific into the Company (the "MERGER"), effective as
of July 20, 1998 (the "CLOSING DATE"). Scotia Pacific's assets consisted
principally of (i) approximately 171,400 acres of timberlands in Humboldt
County, California, including the timber and related timber harvesting
rights (the "TIMBER RIGHTS") with respect to such acreage, (ii) 8,000
additional acres of timberlands on which Pacific Lumber had retained the
Timber Rights (the "ORIGINAL PACIFIC LUMBER TIMBER RIGHTS"), and (iii)
certain computer hardware and software, including a geographic information
system ("GIS") containing information on numerous aspects of the
timberlands of Scotia Pacific. Prior to the Merger, Pacific Lumber
transferred to the Company (the "PALCO TRANSFERS") an aggregate of (i)
approximately 13,500 acres of timberlands, including the Timber Rights
thereon (the "TRANSFERRED TIMBERLANDS"), (ii) the Timber Rights with
respect to approximately 7,500 acres of the 8,000 acres of timberlands
which had been subject to the Original Pacific Lumber Timber Rights and
(iii) the Timber Rights with respect to an additional approximately 12,200
acres of timberlands (the "COMPANY TIMBER RIGHTS") that are still owned by
Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek Corporation ("SALMON CREEK"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Pacific Lumber, or an unaffiliated third party. The Timber
Rights that were transferred constitute a real property interest which
includes, with respect to substantially all of the acreage, the right to
harvest in perpetuity all trees and timber now located or hereafter planted
or growing on the timberlands to which they relate. On the Closing Date,
the Company also transferred to Pacific Lumber the Timber Rights in respect
of approximately 1,400 acres of the Company's timberlands (the "COMPANY
TRANSFER"). All references in this Form 10-K to the business and
operations of the Company prior to the Closing Date refer to the business
and operations of Scotia Pacific and to the operations attributable to the
timberlands and Timber Rights transferred to the Company pursuant to the
Palco Transfers.
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains statements which
constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a
number of places (see Item 1. "Business--Regulatory and Environmental
Factors and Headwaters Agreement," Item 3. "Legal Proceedings," and Item 7.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Results of Operations--Log Sales to Pacific Lumber," "--
Financial Condition and Investing and Financing Activities," "--Trends" and
"--Year 2000"). Such statements can be identified by the use of forward-
looking terminology such as "believes," "expects," "may," "estimates,"
"will," "should," "plans" or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or other
variations thereon or comparable terminology, or by discussions of
strategy. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements
are not guarantees of future performance and involve significant risks and
uncertainties, and that actual results may vary materially from those in
the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. These
factors include the effectiveness of management's strategies and decisions,
general economic and business conditions, developments in technology, new
or modified statutory or regulatory requirements and changing prices and
market conditions. This report identifies other factors that could cause
such differences. No assurance can be given that these are all of the
factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from the
forward-looking statements.
CONSUMMATION OF HEADWATERS AGREEMENT
On March 1, 1999, Pacific Lumber, the Company and Salmon Creek
(collectively, the "COMPANIES") consummated the Headwaters Agreement (the
"HEADWATERS AGREEMENT") with the United States and California. See "--
Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement." Pursuant
to the terms of the Headwaters Agreement, approximately 5,600 acres of
timberlands owned by the Companies known as the Headwaters Forest and the
Elk Head Springs Forest (the "HEADWATERS TIMBERLANDS") were transferred to
the United States. In consideration for the transfer of the Headwaters
Timberlands, Salmon Creek was paid $299,850,000, the Company was paid
$150,000 and approximately 7,700 acres of timberlands known as the Elk
River Timberlands (the "ELK RIVER TIMBERLANDS") were transferred to Pacific
Lumber (and will be transferred to the Company within 180 days of
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement). The 7,700 acres of Elk River
Timberlands were out of a total of approximately 9,470 acres for which the
United States and California paid third party owners approximately $78
million. In addition, upon consummation of the Headwaters Agreement (i)
habitat conservation and sustained yield plans were approved covering the
Company Timberlands, (ii) California agreed to purchase the Company's Owl
Creek grove and a portion of Pacific Lumber's Grizzly Creek grove, and
(iii) the Companies dismissed takings litigation pending against the United
States and California. The Company's Board of Managers had appointed a
Special Committee of independent managers to review the Headwaters
Agreement. After consideration of the Headwaters Agreement and the
available alternatives, the Special Committee recommended that the Company
proceed with the transactions. It was a condition to the Special
Committee's recommendation that the net proceeds from the sale of the
Headwaters Timberlands and the portion of the Grizzly Creek grove to be
sold be held in escrow to support the Timber Notes, and be released only
under certain circumstances. Consequently, Salmon Creek deposited
approximately $285 million of the proceeds from the sale of the Headwaters
Timberlands into escrow pursuant to an Escrow Agreement. See "--Regulatory
and Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement--Escrow Agreement."
TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS
After giving effect to the transfers of timberlands under the
Headwaters Agreement, and as a result of the Merger, the Palco Transfers,
the Company Transfer and timberlands acquired by the Company since the
Closing Date (the "ADDITIONAL TIMBER PROPERTY"), and after giving effect to
the transfer to the Company of the Elk River Timberlands, the Company owns,
and the obligation of the Company under the Timber Notes are secured by (i)
approximately 206,000 acres of timberlands, including the Timber Rights
with respect to such acreage, (ii) the Company Timber Rights relating to an
additional approximately 12,200 acres of timberlands that are owned by
Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek and an unaffiliated third party, (iii)
approximately 1,100 acres of timberlands with respect to which Pacific
Lumber owns the Timber Rights (the "PACIFIC LUMBER TIMBER RIGHTS"), (iv)
certain computer hardware and software, including the GIS (subject to
certain rights of concurrent use by Pacific Lumber) and (v) certain other
assets. Substantially all of the Company's assets serve as security for
the Timber Notes. The timberlands owned by the Company (including the
timberlands which are subject to the Pacific Lumber Timber Rights) and the
timberlands subject to the Company Timber Rights are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the "COMPANY TIMBERLANDS." The timber located
on the Company Timberlands which is not subject to the Pacific Lumber
Timber Rights is hereinafter referred to as the "COMPANY TIMBER."
Timber generally is categorized by species and the age of a tree
when it is harvested. "OLD GROWTH" trees are often defined as trees which
have been growing for approximately 200 years or longer, and "young growth"
trees are those which have been growing for less than 200 years. "RESIDUAL
OLD GROWTH" trees are located in timber stands which have been partially
harvested in the past. "VIRGIN" old growth trees are located in timber
stands that have not previously been harvested. The forest products
industry grades lumber into various classifications according to quality.
The two broad categories within which all grades fall based on the absence
or presence of knots are called "upper" and "common" grades, respectively.
Old growth trees have a higher percentage of upper grade lumber than young
growth trees.
The Company estimates that the amount of Company Timber
(including timber on the Elk River Timberlands and the Additional Timber
Property) consists of approximately 3.0 million Mbfe (as described below)
of timber by volume, and is comprised of primarily young growth and old
growth redwood and Douglas-fir timber. In addition, substantial quantities
of sub-merchantable trees exist on the Company Timberlands which are not
yet mature and have not been included in the inventory of the Company
Timber. The estimates of the volume of timber comprising the Company
Timber are based on a timber cruise performed in 1986 of all of Pacific
Lumber's properties at that time (including the Company Timber), as
adjusted to reflect acquisitions, dispositions, and actual harvest levels
since the cruise and estimated growth rates of the Company Timber.
Subsequent to the issuance of the Timber Notes, as of March 1, 1999, the
Company had expended approximately $19.2 million (using proceeds from the
$25.0 million Prefunding Account established under the Indenture governing
the Timber Notes) to purchase approximately 7,100 acres of timberlands
constituting the Additional Timber Property.
Under the Mbfe concept, one thousand board feet, net Scribner
scale, of old growth redwood timber equals one Mbfe. One thousand board
feet, net Scribner scale, of each other species and category of timber
included in the Company Timber was assigned a value equal to a fraction of
an Mbfe. This fraction was generally determined by dividing the June 1998
SBE Price applicable to such species and category by the June 1998 SBE
Price applicable to old growth redwood. "SBE PRICE" is the applicable
stumpage price for each species of timber and category thereof pursuant to
a schedule published by the California State Board of Equalization. See "-
- -Operation of Company Timberlands" and "--Harvesting Practices."
Legal challenges have severely restricted Pacific Lumber's
ability to harvest the virgin old growth timber on its property during the
past few years, and to a lesser extent residual old growth timber. The
Company's ability to harvest old growth timber has also been and is
expected to continue to be subject to restrictions under federal and state
environmental laws, and will also be subject to the prescriptions contained
in the Final Plans (as defined below) agreed to in connection with the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement. See "--Regulatory and
Environmental Factors and Headwaters Agreement."
The Company Timber consists substantially of redwood and Douglas-
fir timber. Redwood lumber is a premium, high value-added product which
has different supply and demand characteristics from the general lumber
market. Redwood is known for its natural beauty, superior ability to
retain paints and finishes, dimensional stability and its innate resistance
to decay, insects and chemicals. As a result, redwood lumber is generally
not used for commodity applications such as structural frames for
construction, but is used instead for specialty applications such as
exterior siding, trim and fascia for both residential commercial
construction, outdoor furniture, decks, planters and retaining walls.
Redwood also has a variety of industrial applications because of its
resistance to chemicals and because it does not impart any taste or odor to
liquids or solids. Redwood prices have exhibited stability compared to
most other softwood timber types, and redwood lumber has historically
commanded a substantial price premium to other softwood timber types.
Redwood is grown commercially only in North America in a region that
extends for approximately 375 miles along the coast of the Pacific
Northwest. The combination of excellent soil conditions and climate makes
this region one of the most productive timber regions in North America.
The Company Timberlands are among the largest privately owned contiguous
tracts of redwood timberlands and represents one of the most valuable
redwood timberland holdings as a result of their prime location, which
contributes to their superior growth characteristics and high timber
density.
Douglas-fir is used primarily for new construction and some
decorative purposes and is widely recognized for its strength, hard surface
and attractive appearance. Douglas-fir is grown commercially along the
west coast of North America and in Chile and New Zealand.
Pacific Lumber engages in extensive efforts to supplement the
natural regeneration of the Company Timber and increase the amount of
timber on the Company Timberlands. The Company is required to comply with
California forestry regulations regarding reforestation, which generally
require that an area be reforested to specified standards within an
established period of time. Pursuant to the New Services Agreement
described below (see "--Operation of Company Timberlands"), Pacific Lumber
conducts regeneration activities on the Company Timberlands for the
Company. Regeneration of redwood timber generally is accomplished through
the natural growth of new redwood sprouts remaining after a redwood tree is
harvested. Such new redwood sprouts grow quickly, thriving on existing
mature root systems. In addition, Pacific Lumber supplements natural
redwood regeneration by planting redwood seedlings. Douglas-fir timber is
regenerated almost entirely by planting seedlings. During 1998, Pacific
Lumber planted an estimated 1.2 million redwood and Douglas-fir seedlings
on the Company Timberlands.
California law requires timber owners such as the Company to
demonstrate that their operations will not decrease the sustainable
productivity of their timberlands. A timber company may comply with this
requirement by submitting a Sustained Yield Plan ("SYP") to the California
Department of Forestry ("CDF") for review and approval. An SYP contains a
timber growth and yield assessment, which evaluates and calculates the
amount of timber and long-term production outlook for a company's
timberlands, a fish and wildlife assessment, which addresses the condition
and management of fisheries and wildlife in the area, and a watershed
assessment, which addresses the protection of aquatic resources. The
relevant regulations require determination of a long-term sustained yield
("LTSY") harvest level, which is the average annual harvest level that the
management area is capable of sustaining in the last decade of a 100-year
planning horizon. The LTSY is determined based upon timber inventory,
projected growth and harvesting methodologies, as well as soil, water, air,
wildlife and other relevant considerations. The SYP must demonstrate that
the average annual harvest over any rolling ten-year period within the
planning horizon does not exceed the LTSY.
The Company is also subject to federal and state laws providing
for the protection and conservation of wildlife species which have been
designated as endangered or threatened, certain of which are found on the
Company Timberlands. These laws generally prohibit certain adverse impacts
on such species (referred to as a "TAKE"), except for incidental takes
which do not jeopardize the continued existence of the affected species and
which are made in accordance with an approved Habitat Conservation Plan
("HCP") and related incidental take permit. An HCP analyzes the impact of
the incidental take and specifies measures to monitor, minimize and
mitigate such impact. In connection with the consummation of the
Headwaters Agreement, the Company and Pacific Lumber reached agreement with
various federal and state regulatory agencies with respect to an SYP
("FINAL SYP") and a multi-species HCP ("FINAL HCP," together with the Final
SYP, the "FINAL PLANS"). See "--Regulatory and Environmental Factors and
Headwaters Agreement."
OPERATION OF COMPANY TIMBERLANDS
As a result of the Merger, the Company acquired Scotia Pacific's
forestry department. The Company's foresters, wildlife and fisheries
biologists, geologists and other personnel are responsible for providing a
number of forest stewardship techniques, including protecting the Company
Timber from forest fires, erosion, insects and other damage, overseeing
reforestation activities and monitoring environmental and regulatory
compliance. The Company's personnel are also responsible for preparing
timber harvesting plans ("THPS") and also updating the GIS that contains
information on numerous aspects of the Company Timberlands, such as timber
type, tree class, wildlife data, roads, rivers and streams. See "--
Harvesting Practices" for a description of the Company's GIS updating
process and the THP preparation process.
Prior to consummation of the Offering, Scotia Pacific and Pacific
Lumber were party to several agreements between themselves, including a
Master Purchase Agreement, (THE "ORIGINAL MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT"), a
Services Agreement (the "ORIGINAL SERVICE AGREEMENT"), an Additional
Services Agreement, an Environmental Indemnification Agreement and a
Reciprocal Rights Agreement. After its formation by Pacific Lumber in
1993, Scotia Pacific derived substantially all of its revenues from the
sale to Pacific Lumber of logs harvested from Scotia Pacific's timberlands
by Pacific Lumber pursuant to the Original Master Purchase Agreement.
Pursuant to the Original Services Agreement, Pacific Lumber provided
operational, management and related services with respect to Scotia
Pacific's timberlands not performed by Scotia Pacific's employees.
On the Closing Date, the Company entered into a New Master
Purchase Agreement with Pacific Lumber (the "NEW MASTER PURCHASE
AGREEMENT") which governs the sale to Pacific Lumber of logs harvested from
the Company Timberlands. As Pacific Lumber purchases logs from the Company
pursuant to the New Master Purchase Agreement, Pacific Lumber is
responsible, at its own expense, for harvesting and removing the standing
Company Timber covered by approved THPs, and the purchase price is
therefore based upon "stumpage prices." Title to, and the obligation to
pay for, harvested logs does not pass to Pacific Lumber until the logs are
transported to Pacific Lumber's log decks and measured. The New Master
Purchase Agreement generally contemplates that all sales of logs by the
Company to Pacific Lumber will be at a price which equals or exceeds the
applicable SBE Price. The New Master Purchase Agreement defines the "SBE
PRICE" for any species and category of timber as the stumpage price for
such species and category, as set forth in the most recent "Harvest Value
Schedule" (or any successor publication) published by the California State
Board of Equalization (or any successor agency) applicable to the timber
sold during the period covered by such Harvest Value Schedule. Harvest
Value Schedules are published twice a year for purposes of computing a
yield tax imposed on timber harvested between January 1 through June 30 and
July 1 through December 31. SBE Prices are not necessarily representative
of actual prices that would be realized from unrelated parties at
subsequent dates.
After obtaining an approved THP, the Company offers for sale the
logs to be harvested pursuant to such THP. While the Company may sell logs
to third parties, it derives substantially all of its revenue from the sale
of logs to Pacific Lumber pursuant to the New Master Purchase Agreement.
Each sale of logs by the Company to Pacific Lumber is made pursuant to a
separate log purchase agreement that relates to the Company Timber covered
by an approved THP and incorporates the provisions of the New Master
Purchase Agreement. Each such log purchase agreement provides for the sale
to Pacific Lumber of the logs harvested from the Company Timber covered by
such THP and generally constitutes an exclusive agreement with respect to
the timber covered thereby, subject to certain limited exceptions.
However, the timing and amount of log purchases by Pacific Lumber is
affected by factors outside the control of the Company, including
regulatory and environmental factors, the financial condition of Pacific
Lumber, Pacific Lumber's own supply of timber and its ability to harvest
such timber, and the supply and demand for lumber products (which, in turn,
will be influenced by demand in the housing, construction and remodeling
industries).
The Company continues to rely on Pacific Lumber to provide
operational, management and related services not performed by its own
employees with respect to the Company Timberlands pursuant to a New
Services Agreement (the "NEW SERVICES AGREEMENT"). The services under the
New Services Agreement include the furnishing of all equipment, personnel
and expertise not within the Company's possession and reasonably necessary
for the operation and maintenance of the Company Timberlands and the
Company Timber as well as timber management techniques designed to
supplement the natural regeneration of, and increase the amount of, Company
Timber. Pacific Lumber is required to provide all services under the New
Services Agreement in a manner consistent in all material respects with
prudent business practices which, in the reasonable judgment of Pacific
Lumber (a) are consistent with then current applicable industry standards
and (b) are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable
timber laws. As compensation for the services provided by Pacific Lumber
pursuant to the New Services Agreement, the Company pays Pacific Lumber a
services fee ("SERVICES FEE") which is adjusted each year based on a
specified government index relating to wood products and reimburses Pacific
Lumber for the cost of constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining roads,
and performing reforestation services, on the Company Timberlands, as
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Certain of such reimbursable expenses are expected to vary in relation to
the amount of timber to be harvested in any given period.
On the Closing Date, the Company and Pacific Lumber also entered
into a New Additional Services Agreement (the "NEW ADDITIONAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT") pursuant to which the Company provides certain services to
Pacific Lumber. Services include (a) assisting Pacific Lumber to operate,
maintain and harvest its own timber properties, (b) updating and providing
access to the GIS with respect to information concerning Pacific Lumber's
own timber properties and (c) assisting Pacific Lumber with its statutory
and regulatory compliance. Pacific Lumber pays the Company a fee for such
services equal to the actual cost of providing such services, as determined
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
On the Closing Date, the Company, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek
also entered into a New Reciprocal Rights Agreement whereby, among other
things, the parties granted to each other certain reciprocal rights of
egress and ingress through their respective properties in connection with
the operation and maintenance of such properties and their respective
businesses. In addition, on the Closing Date, Pacific Lumber entered into
a New Environmental Indemnification Agreement with the Company (the "NEW
ENVIRONMENTAL INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which Pacific Lumber
agreed to indemnify the Company from and against certain present and future
liabilities arising with respect to hazardous materials, hazardous
materials contamination or disposal sites, or under environmental laws with
respect to the Company Timberlands. In particular, Pacific Lumber is
liable with respect to any contamination which occurred on the Company
Timberlands prior to the date of the agreement.
HARVESTING PRACTICES
The GIS contains information regarding numerous aspects of the
Company Timberlands, including timber type, tree class, wildlife data,
roads, rivers and streams. Subject to the terms of the New Services
Agreement, Pacific Lumber will, to the extent necessary, provide the
Company with personnel and technical assistance to assist the Company in
updating, upgrading and improving the GIS and the other computer systems
owned by the Company. By carefully monitoring and updating this data base
and conducting field studies, the Company's foresters, with the assistance
(if required) of Pacific Lumber pursuant to the New Services Agreement, are
better able to develop detailed THPs addressing the various regulatory
requirements. The Company also utilizes a Global Positioning System
("GPS") which allows precise location of geographic features through
satellite positioning. Use of the GPS greatly enhances the quality and
efficiency of GIS data.
The ability of the Company to sell logs will depend, in part,
upon its ability to obtain regulatory approval of THPs. Prior to
harvesting Company Timber, the Company is required to file with the CDF,
and obtain its approval of, a detailed THP for the area to be harvested. A
THP includes information regarding the method of proposed timber operations
for a specified area, whether the operations will have any adverse impact
on the environment and, if so, the mitigation measures to be used to reduce
any such impact. The CDF's evaluation of submitted THPs incorporates
review and analysis of such THPs by several California and federal agencies
and public comments received with respect to such THPs. An approved THP is
applicable to specific acreage and specifies the harvesting method and
other conditions relating to the harvesting of the timber covered by such
THP. The number of the Company's approved THPs and the amount of timber
covered by such THPs varies significantly from time to time, depending upon
the timing of agency review and other factors. Timber covered by an
approved THP is typically harvested over more than one year. The Indenture
requires the Company to use its best efforts (consistent with prudent
business practices) to maintain a number of pending THPs which, together
with THPs previously approved, would cover rights to harvest a quantity of
Company Timber adequate to pay interest and principal amortization based on
the Minimum Principal Amortization Schedule for the Timber Notes for the
next succeeding twelve month period. During the second half of 1998 and
continuing through the first quarter of 1999, the Company has experienced
an absence of a sufficient number of available THPs available for harvest
to enable it to conduct its operations at 1997 levels. See Item 7.
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Results of Operations--Log Sales to Pacific Lumber." However,
with the adoption of the Final Plans in connection with the consummation of
the Headwaters Agreement, the Company anticipates, although it can give no
assurances, that after a transition period, the implementation of the Final
Plans will streamline the process of preparing THPs and potentially shorten
the time required to obtain approvals of THPs.
After obtaining an approved THP, the Company offers for sale the
logs to be harvested pursuant to such THP. While the Company may sell logs
to third parties, the Company had derived, pursuant to the Original Master
Purchase Agreement, and continues to derive, pursuant to the New Master
Purchase Agreement, substantially all of its revenue from the sale of logs
to Pacific Lumber. Each sale of logs by the Company to Pacific Lumber is
made pursuant to a separate log purchase agreement that relates to the
Company Timber covered by an approved THP and incorporates the provisions
of the New Master Purchase Agreement. Each such log purchase agreement
provides for the sale to Pacific Lumber of the logs harvested from the
Company Timber covered by such THP and generally constitutes an exclusive
agreement with respect to the timber covered thereby, subject to certain
limited exceptions. However, the timing and amount of log purchases by
Pacific Lumber is affected by factors outside the control of the Company,
including regulatory and environmental factors, the financial condition of
Pacific Lumber, Pacific Lumber's own supply of timber and its ability to
harvest such timber, and the supply and demand for lumber products (which,
in turn, will be influenced by demand in the housing, construction and
remodeling industries). The Company's 1998 results of operations were
adversely affected by the absence of a sufficient number of available THPs
to enable the Company to conduct its operations at 1997 levels. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations --Results of Operations --Log Sales to Pacific Lumber."
As Pacific Lumber purchases logs from the Company pursuant to the
New Master Purchase Agreement, Pacific Lumber is responsible, at its own
expense, for harvesting and removing the standing Company Timber covered by
approved THPs, and the purchase price is therefore based upon "stumpage
prices." Title to, and the obligation to pay for, harvested logs does not
pass to Pacific Lumber until the logs are transported to Pacific Lumber's
log decks and measured. The New Master Purchase Agreement generally
contemplates that all sales of logs by the Company to Pacific Lumber will
be at a price which equals or exceeds the applicable SBE Price. Harvest
Value Schedules are published twice a year for the purpose of computing a
yield tax imposed on timber harvested between January 1 through June 30 and
July 1 through December 31. Harvest Value Schedules are based on twenty-
four months of actual log and timber sales that occur within nine specified
timber value areas. These sales are arms length transactions adjusted for
time by indexing (using log and, in the case of old growth redwood, lumber
price trends) to a specific date, which is approximately sixty days prior
to the effective date of the Harvest Value Schedules. SBE Prices are not
necessarily representative of actual prices that would be realized from
unrelated parties at subsequent dates.
The Company employs a variety of well-accepted methods of
selecting trees for harvest. These methods, which are designed to achieve
optimal regeneration, are referred to as "silvicultural systems" in the
forestry profession. Silvicultural systems range from very light thinnings
aimed at enhancing the growth rate of retained trees to clear cutting which
results in the harvest of all trees in an area and replacement with a new
forest stand. In between are a number of varying levels of partial
harvests which can be employed.
EMPLOYEES
As of March 1, 1999, the Company employed 45 persons, 42 of whom
were registered professional foresters, wildlife and fisheries biologists
or otherwise involved in the management of the Company Timberlands. None
of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement.
PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES
The principal executive offices of the Company are located at 125
Main Street, 2nd Floor, P.O. Box 712, Scotia, California 95565. The
telephone number of the Company is (707) 764-2330.
REGULATORY AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND HEADWATERS AGREEMENT
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" in this section for
cautionary information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
General
The Company's business is subject to a variety of California and
federal laws and regulations dealing with timber harvesting, threatened and
endangered species and habitat for such species, and air and water quality.
Compliance with such laws and regulations plays a significant role in
Pacific Lumber's business. The California Forest Practice Act (the "FOREST
PRACTICE ACT") and related regulations adopted by the California Board of
Forestry (the "BOF") set forth detailed requirements for the conduct of
timber harvesting operations in California. These requirements include the
obligation of timber companies to prepare, and obtain regulatory approval
of, detailed THPs containing information with respect to areas proposed to
be harvested (see "--Harvesting Practices" above). California law also
requires large timber companies submitting THPs to demonstrate that their
proposed timber operations will not decrease the sustainable productivity
of their timberlands, including through review and approval by the CDF of
an SYP establishing an LTSY for its timberlands. The federal Endangered
Species Act (the "ESA") and California Endangered Species Act (the "CESA")
provide in general for the protection and conservation of specifically
listed wildlife and plants which have been declared to be endangered or
threatened. These laws generally prohibit certain adverse impacts on such
species (referred to as a "take"), except for incidental takes pursuant to
otherwise lawful activities which do not jeopardize the continued existence
of the affected species and which are made in accordance with an approved
HCP and related incidental take permit. An HCP, among other things,
analyzes the potential impact of the incidental take of species and
specifies measures to monitor, minimize and mitigate such impact. The
operations of the Company are also subject to the California Environmental
Quality Act ("CEQA"), which provides for protection of the state's air and
water quality and wildlife, and the California Water Quality Act and
Federal Clean Water Act, which require that Pacific Lumber conduct its
operations so as to reasonably protect the water quality of nearby rivers
and streams.
Compliance with such laws, regulations and judicial and
administrative interpretations, together with other regulatory and
environmental matters, have resulted in restrictions on the geographic
scope and timing of the Company's timber operations, increased operational
costs and engendered litigation and other challenges to the Company's
operations. The designation of a species as endangered or threatened under
the ESA or the CESA can significantly affect the Company's business if that
species inhabits the Company Timberlands. The northern spotted owl, the
marbled murrelet and the coho salmon are species the designation of which
has the potential to significantly impact the Company's business. In the
absence of an approved HCP and incidental take permits, the Company has
been required to operate on a "no-take" basis with respect to these
species. Prior to 1998, these matters had not had a significant adverse
effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
Consummation of the Headwaters Agreement
In September 1996, Pacific Lumber and MAXXAM Inc., its indirect
parent ("MAXXAM"), entered into the Headwaters Agreement with the United
States and California that provided the framework for the acquisition by
the United States and California of the Headwaters Timberlands. A
substantial portion of the Headwaters Timberlands consists of virgin old
growth timberlands. Consummation of the Headwaters Agreement was
conditioned upon, among other things (i) federal and state funding, (ii)
state approval of an SYP, (iii) federal approval of an HCP designed to
monitor and mitigate the incidental take of species in connection with
harvesting operations, (iv) the issuance of incidental take permits which
allow for "incidental takes" of threatened or endangered species which do
not jeopardize their continued existence, (v) acquisition of the Elk River
Timberlands and (vi) tax closing agreements satisfactory to MAXXAM and
Pacific Lumber.
In November 1997, President Clinton signed an appropriations bill
which authorized the expenditure of $250 million of federal funds toward
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement. In July 1998, the Companies
released a draft multi-species habitat conservation plan ("MULTI-SPECIES
HCP") and draft SYP (the Multi-Species HCP, together with the SYP, the
"COMBINED PLAN") for the purpose of public review and comment. The
Combined Plan provided for, among other things, certain measures designed
to protect habitat for the marbled murrelet, a coastal seabird, and the
northern spotted owl, and required a specified watershed analysis process
designed to result in site specific protective zones for fish and other
wildlife being established on the Company Timberlands.
In September 1998, California Governor Wilson signed a bill (the
"CALIFORNIA HEADWATERS BILL") which, among other things, appropriated $130
million toward consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, and authorized the
expenditure of up to $80 million toward the acquisition at fair market
value of the Company's Owl Creek grove. The bill also provided that if any
portion of the $80 million remained after purchase of the Owl Creek grove,
it could be used to purchase certain other timberlands. Other provisions
of the California Headwaters Bill authorized the expenditure of up to $20
million for the purchase of a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove, in which
the timber is owned by Pacific Lumber and the land is owned by the Company.
The California Headwaters Bill also contained provisions requiring the
inclusion of additional environmentally focused provisions in the final
version of the Combined Plan, including establishing wider interim
streamside "no-cut" buffers (while the watershed analysis process referred
to below is being completed) than provided for in the Combined Plan,
imposing minimum and maximum "no-cut" buffers upon the completion of the
watershed analysis process and designating the Owl Creek grove as a marbled
murrelet conservation area.
Beginning in December 1998, following the conclusion of the
public review and comment period, federal and state regulatory agencies
began to propose changes to the Combined Plan. These proposals, together
with the California Headwaters Bill, sought to impose more stringent
restrictions and requirements, reducing the amount of timber that could be
harvested as compared to the amount contemplated by the Combined Plan. As
a result, on December 17, 1998, Pacific Lumber announced that its
negotiations with the regulatory agencies regarding these proposed
revisions had not produced agreement on a Multi-Species HCP, as Pacific
Lumber and the Company could not agree to certain of the proposed revisions
and continue to operate effectively. Negotiations continued through
December without the parties reaching an agreement, and on December 31,
1998, Pacific Lumber announced that it could not concur with the terms of
the then-current agency proposals until it had received a copy of the Final
HCP and Final SYP, and it could review and analyze the Final Plans. On
January 22, 1999, the federal and state agencies published the Final Plans,
which included a revised Multi-Species HCP containing many of the
restrictions to which Pacific Lumber had previously objected and certain
other new restrictions not agreed to by Pacific Lumber and the Company.
On February 5, 1999, the Board of Managers of the Company
appointed its independent managers to serve as members of a Special
Committee (the "SPECIAL COMMITTEE") to review and evaluate, and (if
requested by the Board of Managers) to make a recommendation and report to
the Board of Managers with respect to, the Headwaters Agreement. The
Special Committee retained separate legal counsel to assist it in its
review. In addition, the Company retained a nationally recognized
investment banking firm to assist it in its evaluation of the financial
aspects of the Headwaters Agreement. Over the course of the succeeding
three-week period, the Special Committee, the full Board of Managers and
their financial and legal advisors met on numerous occasions to consider
the Headwaters Agreement.
On February 16, 1999, Pacific Lumber and the Company filed with
the CDF certain information regarding the Final Plans and estimates of
sustained yield, harvest and economic impacts based on various scenarios
giving effect to the new proposed restrictions (the "CDF FILING"). Pacific
Lumber stated in the CDF Filing that, based on its computer-modeled
estimates, minimum average annual harvest levels of 210 million board feet
of softwoods during the first decade were needed in order to generate
income and cash flows to meet interest and capital expenditure obligations;
to provide a minimum basis upon which to plan, adjust, budget and conduct
future operations so as to meet financial obligations and avoid additional
layoffs, mill closings and customer supply disruption; and to satisfy its
other obligations to employees, customers and creditors. On February 25,
1999, the CDF delivered a letter to Pacific Lumber that in effect
interpreted the Final HCP to limit Pacific Lumber's projected average
annual harvest levels during the first decade to approximately 137 million
board feet of softwoods. On February 26, 1999, Pacific Lumber announced
that it could not proceed to consummate the Headwaters Agreement based on
these projected harvest levels and other factors.
On March 1, 1999, the CDF delivered a superseding letter to
Pacific Lumber approving the Final SYP and stating that, based upon further
analysis and information, Pacific Lumber's projected base average annual
harvest level during the first decade, consistent with the Final HCP, could
be approximately 179 million board feet of softwoods (not including timber
harvestable from the Additional Timber Property or other potential
increases in harvest level). Further, on the same date, the Company
received written clarification from the federal and state wildlife agencies
that, among other things, the so-called adaptive management provision in
the Final HCP would be implemented on a timely and efficient basis, and in
a manner that would be both biologically and economically sound. See "--
The Final Plans."
On March 1, 1999, the Special Committee recommended, after
considering the Headwaters Agreement and the alternatives available to the
Company, that the Company consummate the Headwaters Agreement. It was a
condition of the Special Committee's recommendation that the net proceeds
from the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands and the portion of the Grizzly
Creek grove to be sold be deposited in a restricted account or in a trust
arrangement, be made available, while so held, as necessary to support the
Timber Notes, and be released only under certain circumstances. See "--
Escrow Agreement" and Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Financial Condition and
Investing and Financing Activities." After consideration of the Special
Committee's recommendation and all other relevant factors, the Board of
Managers voted unanimously to consummate the transactions contemplated by
the Headwaters Agreement.
The factors considered by the Board included the anticipated
adverse regulatory and environmental climate had the Headwaters Agreement
not been consummated, the March 1, 1999 clarifications from the regulatory
agencies referred to above, the funds to be available under the Escrow
Agreement to support the Timber Notes and potential increases in timber
harvest levels. Under the Final Plans, the Company's projected harvest
level is approximately 179 million board feet per year for the first
decade. The Company also anticipates harvesting an additional approximately
6 million board feet of timber per year from the Additional Timber
Property. In addition, under applicable California regulations, timber
owners can harvest relatively minor amounts of timber in excess of their
projected average harvest levels for a given decade (not in excess of ten
percent of such amount) without amending the applicable SYP.
The Final Plans
The Final Plans were also completed in connection with the
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement. The Final HCP provides for the
issuance by state and federal regulatory agencies of the incidental take
permits ("PERMITS") with respect to certain threatened, endangered and
other species found on the Company Timberlands over the 50-year term of the
Final HCP. The Permits issued under the Final HCP allow incidental takes
of 17 different species covered by the Final HCP, including the coho
salmon, the marbled murrelet, the northern spotted owl and the steelhead
trout.
The Final HCP has modified certain provisions of the Combined
Plan proposed in July 1998 and includes other provisions contemplated by
the California Headwaters Bill. Among other things, it no longer covers 19
of the species which were included in the Combined Plan. The Final HCP
also increased the size of certain areas to be set aside as marbled
murrelet conservation areas, and has also adopted wider interim streamside
"no cut" buffers as contemplated by the California Headwaters Bill.
Pending completion of the watershed analysis, the Final HCP also provides
for "no cut" buffers adjacent to certain intermittent watercourses on the
Company Timberlands that flow only in response to significant
precipitation. The Company has not completed its analysis of the location
of all of the intermittent streams on its property. The areas set aside
for streamside buffers may be adjusted up or down, subject to certain
minimum and maximum buffers, based upon the watershed analysis process,
which the Final HCP requires be completed within five years of its
effective date. The watershed analysis will also be reassessed every five
years.
The Final HCP also imposes certain restrictions on the use of
roads on the timberlands covered by the Final HCP (the "COVERED LANDS")
during several months of the year and during periods of wet weather, except
for certain limited situations. These restrictions may restrict operations
on the Covered Lands so that many harvesting activities could generally
only be carried out from June through October of any particular harvest
year, and then only if wet weather conditions do not exist. However, the
Company anticipates that some harvesting will be able to be conducted
during the other months. The Final HCP also requires the Companies to
stormproof 75 miles of roads on the Covered Lands on an annual basis, and
also to build and repair certain roads. The Final HCP requires the
stormproofing to be done between May 2 and October 14 of each year, while
the road building and repair is to be accomplished between June 2 and
October 14 of each year. The road stormproofing and building and repair is
also required to be suspended if certain wet weather conditions exist.
The Final HCP contains an adaptive management provision, which
various regulatory agencies have clarified will be implemented on a timely
and efficient basis, and in a manner which will be both biologically and
economically sound. This provision allows the Companies to propose changes
that are consistent with the California Agreement (as defined below) to any
of the Final HCP prescriptions based on, among other things, certain
economic considerations. The regulatory agencies have also clarified that
in applying this adaptive management provision, to the extent the changes
proposed do not result in the jeopardy of a particular species, the
regulatory agencies will consider the practicality of the suggested
changes, including the cost and economic feasibility and viability.
Implementing Agreements
In connection with consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, the
Companies entered into several implementing agreements, including an
Implementation Agreement with Regard to Habitat Conservation Plan (the
"IMPLEMENTATION AGREEMENT") among the Companies and National Marine
Fisheries Service ("NMFS"), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS"),
California Department of Fish and Game ("CDFG") and the CDF (the
"AGENCIES") to effectuate the Final HCP. Pursuant to the Implementation
Agreement, NMFS, USFWS and CDFG found that the Final HCP met all applicable
regulatory requirements and authorized the issuance of the Permits. Each
new THP on the Covered Lands to be submitted by Pacific Lumber or the
Company is required to incorporate the provisions of the Final HCP. Timber
harvesting and certain other specified activities detrimental to the
marbled murrelet are prohibited for the life of the Permits in all of the
marbled murrelet conservation areas. Such activities are prohibited in the
Grizzly Creek grove for an initial five-year period to allow an opportunity
for a portion of the grove to be purchased. Timber harvesting and certain
other specified activities may take place in the Grizzly Creek grove after
the initial five-year period unless USFWS or CDFG, in conjunction with
analysis from a scientific panel, make certain determinations under the ESA
and CESA regarding the effect on the marbled murrelet of these activities.
If USFWS or CDFG make such a determination, the Grizzly Creek grove is
required to be managed as a marbled murrelet conservation area.
Under the Implementation Agreement, the Companies are required to
expend such funds as may be necessary to fulfill each of their obligations
under the Final HCP and to post $2 million security to help secure certain
of their obligations under the Final HCP, which amount is subject to an
annual inflation index and is increased by the amount of any liquidated
damages the Companies are required to pay to California in the prior year
pursuant to the California Agreement. The Companies are also required to
fund an independent third party to monitor compliance with the Final HCP.
The Implementation Agreement permits the Companies to add up to
25,000 acres to the Final HCP so long as various conditions are satisfied,
including that the acreage to be added must be situated within one mile of
the main contiguous portion of the Covered Lands, which are defined in the
Implementation Agreement generally to include all timberlands owned by the
Companies on the date of the Implementation Agreement. The Implementation
Agreement provides that the Companies may relinquish the Permits; provided
that in the event of a relinquishment or revocation of the Permits, the
Companies must fully mitigate for the take of species that has occurred
prior to the relinquishment or revocation. The extent of the full
mitigation that would be required depends on a variety of circumstances.
If it is determined that the Companies must so mitigate for the prior take
of species, the Companies are required to execute a binding covenant
running with the land, in form and content satisfactory to the Agencies,
setting forth such commitment.
The Companies also entered into a separate agreement regarding
enforcement of the California Headwaters Bill (the "CALIFORNIA AGREEMENT")
with the California Resources Agency, CDFG, the CDF and the California
Wildlife Conservation Board ("CWCB"). The California Agreement, among
other things, provides that the Companies shall not undertake any timber
harvesting detrimental to the marbled murrelet in conservation areas
totaling approximately 7,700 acres for 50 years from the effective date of
the California Agreement. Pursuant to the requirements of the California
Agreement, the terms and conditions of the California Agreement were
recorded at closing as terms and conditions against the Covered Lands, to
bind the Company and its successors and assigns for a term of 50 years. The
California Agreement further provides for various remedies in the event of
a breach of the agreement, the Final HCP, the Implementation Agreement, the
State Permit, the California Headwaters Bill or any THP, including the
issuance of written stop orders with respect to specified harmful
activities, and liquidated damages for various breaches.
The California Agreement also provides that the Companies are
liable to the state for the reasonable costs of mitigation or similar work
performed by California as a "self-help" remedy in certain circumstances.
The Companies are also required to reimburse California for monitoring for
compliance with the agreement and to allow for inspection of timber
harvesting activities. The Companies are also required to post $2 million
security under the California Agreement (which is the same $2 million
required, as described above, under the Implementation Agreement). The
California Agreement also provides that it may not be amended unless, among
other things, certain California academic officials and a panel of
scientists have found the proposed amendment to be consistent with the ESA,
the Final HCP and the California Headwaters Bill.
Owl Creek and Grizzly Creek Agreements
The California Headwaters Bill appropriated up to $80 million
toward the purchase of the Owl Creek grove and up to an additional $20
million toward the purchase of a portion (as specified by California) of
the Grizzly Creek grove, as specified by California. In connection with
the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, California entered into
agreements with respect to the potential future purchase of the Owl Creek
grove (the "OWL CREEK AGREEMENT") and a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove
(the "GRIZZLY CREEK AGREEMENT").
Under the Owl Creek Agreement, the Company agreed to sell the Owl
Creek grove to the state of California for consideration consisting of the
lesser of the appraised fair market value or $79.65 million. The state may
pay the consideration for the Owl Creek grove to the Company in cash or, at
the state's option, 25% in cash and the balance in three equal annual
installments without interest. Should the Company disagree with the
methodology of the appraisal or its application, or if the fair market
value determined under the appraisal is less than $79.65 million, the
Company would have the right to terminate the Owl Creek Agreement.
California must purchase the Owl Creek grove by the later of the state's
fiscal year immediately following the fiscal year in which the state
purchases the Grizzly Creek property, or June 30, 2001. Consummation of
the purchase transaction under the Owl Creek Agreement is also subject to
typical real estate title and other closing conditions. The California
Headwaters Bill provides that the appraisal methodology, at the Company's
option, may assume the issuance of various permits and approvals with
respect to the Owl Creek grove, including the Permits.
With respect to the potential future Grizzly Creek sale, Pacific
Lumber and the CWCB agreed that Pacific Lumber would transfer a portion of
the Grizzly Creek grove to the state of California at a purchase price not
to exceed $19.85 million. Pacific Lumber has furnished a list of licensed
appraisers to California, and the state is then to select an appraiser from
this list to determine the fair market value of the property, with Pacific
Lumber having the right to terminate the agreement if it reasonably
disagrees with the methodology employed with respect to the appraisal or in
the application of such methodology. The Grizzly Creek Agreement provides
that California must purchase a portion of the Grizzly Creek grove by no
later than October 31, 2000. Consummation of the purchase transaction
under the Grizzly Creek Agreement is also subject to typical real estate
title and other closing conditions. Also pursuant to the terms of the
Grizzly Creek Agreement, Pacific Lumber granted the state of California a
five-year option to purchase, at fair market value, additional property
within the Grizzly Creek grove. The net proceeds of the sale of the
Grizzly Creek property will be placed in escrow (on the same basis as the
net proceeds of the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands) unless, at the time
of receipt of such proceeds, funds are no longer on deposit under the
Escrow Agreement. See "--Escrow Agreement" and Item 7. "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations--
Financial Condition and Investing and Financing Activities."
Water Quality
Under the Federal Clean Water Act, the Environmental Protection
Agency (the "EPA") is required to establish total maximum daily load limits
("TMDLS") in water courses that have been declared to be "water quality
impaired." The EPA and the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control
Board ("NCRWQCB") are in the process of establishing TMDL limits for
seventeen northern California rivers and certain of their tributaries,
including certain water courses that flow within the Company Timberlands.
As part of this process, the EPA and the NCRWQCB are expected to submit the
TMDL requirements on the Company Timberlands for public review and comment.
Following the comment period, the NCRWQCB would finalize the TMDL
requirements applicable to the Company Timberlands, which may require
aquatic measures that are different from or in addition to the
prescriptions to be developed pursuant to the watershed analysis process
contained in the Final HCP.
Impact of Future Legislation
Laws, regulations and related judicial decisions and
administrative interpretations dealing with the Company's business are
subject to change and new laws and regulations are frequently introduced
concerning the California timber industry. From time to time, bills are
introduced in the California legislature and the U.S. Congress which relate
to the business of the Company, including the protection and acquisition of
old growth and other timberlands, threatened and endangered species,
environmental protection, air and water quality and the restriction,
regulation and administration of timber harvesting practices. In addition
to existing and possible new or modified statutory enactments, regulatory
requirements and administrative and legal actions, the California timber
industry remains subject to potential California or local ballot
initiatives and evolving federal and California case law which could affect
timber harvesting practices. It is not possible to assess the effect of
such future legislative, judicial and administrative events on the Company
or its business.
Timber Operator's License
On February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional
Timber Operator's License ("TOL") for calendar year 1999. The 1999 TOL
requires, among other things, that harvesting under approved THPs by
Pacific Lumber, the Company and their contractors will be governed by
limitations that require non-emergency road use activities to cease under
certain wet weather conditions. See Item 3. "Legal Proceedings--Timber
Operator's License" for further information.
Escrow Agreement
As a result of the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands, Salmon
Creek received proceeds of $299,850,000 in cash, prior to payment of
closing costs and expenses. Pursuant to an Escrow Agreement entered into
among Salmon Creek, Pacific Lumber and Citibank, N.A. (the "ESCROW AGENT"),
Salmon Creek has deposited approximately $285 million of such proceeds into
a restricted account, which Escrowed Funds will be made available, while so
held in escrow, as necessary to support the Timber Notes with the balance
of approximately $15 million to be retained to defray expenses in
connection with negotiation and consummation of the Headwaters Agreement.
In the event that the expenses in connection with the negotiation and
consummation of the Headwaters Agreement are less than $15 million, the
remaining unused portion of the $15 million estimated expense amount is to
be added to the Escrowed Funds. The net proceeds of the sale of a portion
of the Grizzly Creek grove will also be placed in escrow (on the same basis
as the net proceeds of the sale of the Headwaters Timberlands) unless, at
the time of receipt of such proceeds, funds are no longer on deposit under
the Escrow Agreement. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Financial Condition and
Investing and Financing Activities" for information regarding the
circumstances under which the Escrowed Funds can be released.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
A description of the Company's properties is included under Item
1. above.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
TIMBER HARVESTING LITIGATION
On August 12, 1998, an action entitled Environmental Protection
Information Center, Inc., Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific
Holding Company, Salmon Creek Corporation (No. C 98-3129) (the "EPIC
LAWSUIT") was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California. The action relates to a number of the Company's
THPs. The plaintiffs allege that certain procedural violations of the ESA
have resulted from logging activities on the Company Timberlands and seek
to prevent the defendants from carrying out any harvesting activities until
certain wildlife consultation requirements under the ESA are satisfied in
connection with the Combined Plan. On September 3, 1998, the Court granted
plaintiffs' motion for preliminary injunction covering three THPs (consisting
principally of old growth Douglas-fir timber) pending evidentiary hearings.
Following the evidentiary hearings, which concluded on October 22, 1998, the
Court requested additional briefing, which was filed on November 9, 1998.
On March 15, 1999, the Court affirmed its preliminary injunction until it
reaches a decision on the merits of the EPIC Lawsuit. However, subsequent
to this ruling, the Court heard the defendants' motion for summary judgment
on the merits of the case, and issued an order for plaintiffs to show cause
why the lawsuit should not be dismissed as moot since the consultation
requirement appears to have been concluded. While the Company believes
that the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement is a positive development
with respect to the EPIC Lawsuit, the Company is unable to predict the
outcome of this case or its ultimate impact on its financial condition or
results of operations.
On January 26, 1998, an action entitled Coho Salmon,
Environmental Information Center, Inc. and Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber,
Scotia Pacific Holding Company and Salmon Creek Corporation (No. C 98-0283)
(the "COHO LAWSUIT") was filed in the United States District Court for the
Northern District of California. This action alleged, among other things,
violations of the ESA and claims that defendants' logging operations in
five watersheds have contributed to the "take" of the coho salmon. On
March 22, 1999, the Court approved the agreed dismissal with prejudice of
this lawsuit.
On May 27, 1998, an action entitled Mateel Environmental Justice
Foundation v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific Holding Company, Salmon Creek
Corporation and MAXXAM Group Inc. (No. DR 980301) was brought in the
Superior Court of Humboldt County. This action alleges, among other
things, violations of California's unfair competition law of the business
and professions code based on citations and violations (primarily water
quality related) issued against the defendants since 1994 in connection
with a substantial number of THPs. On January 5, 1999, plaintiff amended
its complaint and narrowed its claim to 17 THPs. The plaintiff seeks,
among other things, disgorgement of profits, and an injunction prohibiting
alleged unlawful actions and requiring corrective action. The Company does
not believe that this matter will have a material adverse effect upon its
business or financial condition.
On December 2, 1997, a lawsuit entitled Kristi Wrigley, et al. v.
Charles Hurwitz, John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc.,
Scotia Pacific Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM Inc., Scotia
Pacific Company LLC and Federated Development Company (No. 9700399) (the
"WRIGLEY LAWSUIT") was filed in the Superior Court of Humboldt County.
This action has been consolidated with an action entitled Jennie Rollins,
et al. v. Charles Hurwitz, John Campbell, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group
Holdings Inc., Scotia Pacific Holding Company, MAXXAM Group Inc., MAXXAM
Inc., Burnum Timber Company (No. 9700400) (the "ROLLINS LAWSUIT") which was
also filed on December 2, 1997 in the Superior Court of Humboldt County.
These actions allege, among other things, that defendants' logging
practices have damaged the plaintiffs' properties and property values by
contributing to the destruction of certain watersheds and other areas,
including the Elk River watershed and the Stafford area, and have also
contributed to landslides in these areas. Plaintiffs further allege that
in order to have THPs approved in connection with these areas, the
defendants submitted false information to the CDF in violation of the
California Business and Professions Code and the Racketeering Influence and
Corrupt Practices Act ("RICO"). The plaintiffs have amended their
complaints by alleging that the number of THPs involved in the lawsuit was
343 (an increase from the 150 in the original complaints). Plaintiffs seek
unspecified damages and other relief. The Company is unable to predict the
outcome of this case or the ultimate impact this matter will have on its
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
The Company is also subject to certain other pending THP cases
which would not be expected to have a material adverse effect upon the
Company; however, due to the diminished supply of THPs currently held by
the Company, the issuance of injunctive or similar relief in certain of
these cases could exacerbate the difficulties that the Company has been
experiencing with respect to the conduct of normal harvesting operations.
See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations--Results of Operations--Log Sales to Pacific
Lumber."
On or about January 29, 1999, the Company received a letter from
two private environmental advocacy groups of their 60-day notice of intent
to sue the Company, Pacific Lumber, several of the federal and state
agencies and others under the ESA. The letter alleges various violations
of the ESA, and challenges, among other things, the validity and legality
of the Permits issued in conjunction with the Final Plans. The Company
does not know when or if a lawsuit will be filed by the groups regarding
these matters, or if a lawsuit is filed, the ultimate impact of such
lawsuit on the Final Plans or the Company's financial condition or results
of operations.
TIMBER OPERATOR'S LICENSE
Historically, Pacific Lumber has conducted logging operations on
the Company Timberlands with its own staff of logging personnel as well as
through contract loggers. In order to conduct logging operations in
California, a logging company must obtain from the CDF a TOL, which license
is subject to annual renewal. On December 30, 1997, the CDF issued a
statement of issues in connection with an administrative action entitled In
the Matter of the Statement of Issues Against: the Pacific Lumber Company,
Timber Operator License A-5326 (No. LT 97-8). This administrative action
sought to deny Pacific Lumber's application for a 1998 TOL based on various
violations of the rules and regulations of the Forest Practice Act. On the
same date, Pacific Lumber entered into a stipulation with the CDF (the
"STIPULATION") and received a conditional TOL for 1998 ("1998 TOL"). The
1998 TOL and Stipulation were conditioned on, among other things, Pacific
Lumber complying with existing requirements governing timber harvesting,
wet weather operating restrictions and additional inspection and
self-monitoring obligations.
The CDF notified Pacific Lumber on November 9, 1998 that it had
suspended Pacific Lumber's TOL for the remainder of 1998 due to violations
of the Forest Practice Act. Pacific Lumber determined not to appeal the
suspension of its 1998 TOL, and applied for a new TOL from the CDF for
1999. On February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional
TOL for calendar year 1999. The 1999 TOL requires, among other things,
that harvesting under approved THPs by Pacific Lumber, the Company and
their contractors will be governed by limitations that require non-
emergency road use activities to cease under certain wet weather
conditions. These road use restrictions are substantially similar to those
applicable under the Final Plans and the 1998 TOL. The 1999 TOL also
requires Pacific Lumber to enhance its compliance program. The 1999 TOL,
among other things, also contains a requirement that Pacific Lumber pay a
conservation organization designated by the CDF three times the value of
any timber felled by Pacific Lumber or any other licensed timber operator
in any no-cut zone on its or the Company Timberlands. The 1999 TOL also
advises Pacific Lumber that should the 1999 TOL be revoked, the issuance of
a new conditional license, absent compelling circumstances, would be
unlikely.
In addition to revocation of Pacific Lumber's TOL, other remedies
could be sought against Pacific Lumber and the Company in connection with
violations of the Forest Practice Act. In the past, fines and probation
have been imposed on Pacific Lumber in connection with similar violations
of the Forest Practices Act.
TAKINGS LITIGATION
In May 1996, Scotia Pacific, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek
filed a lawsuit entitled The Pacific Lumber Company, et al. v. The United
States of America (No. 96-257L) in the United States Court of Federal
Claims seeking "just compensation" damages for the taking of certain of
their timberlands by the federal government through application of the ESA.
Salmon Creek filed a similar action entitled Salmon Creek Corporation v.
California State Board of Forestry, et. al. (No. 96CS01057) in the Superior
Court of Sacramento County. These actions were dismissed with prejudice as
a condition of and upon consummation of the Headwaters Agreement.
USAT MATTER
In January 1995, an action entitled U.S., ex rel., Martel v.
Hurwitz, et al. (No. C 95-0322) was filed against MAXXAM, MGI and others in
the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This action
was purportedly brought by the plaintiff on behalf of the U.S. government;
however, the U.S. government declined to participate in the suit. Neither
the Company nor Pacific Lumber was a defendant in this suit. The suit
alleged that the defendants made false statements and claims in violation
of the Federal False Claims Act in connection with United Savings
Association of Texas ("USAT"). On January 22, 1999, the Court granted
defendants' motion and assessed costs against the plaintiff. MAXXAM is
also seeking to recover attorneys' fees in the amount of $110,000 including
a sanction against the plaintiff and his counsel for filing a frivolous
lawsuit.
HUNSAKER MATTER
On November 24, 1998, an action entitled William Hunsaker, et al.
v. Charles E. Hurwitz, Pacific Lumber, MAXXAM Group Inc., MXM Corp.,
Federated Development Company and Does I-50 (No. C 98-4515) was filed in
the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
This action alleges, among other things, that a class consisting of the
vested employees and retirees of the former Pacific Lumber Company (Maine)
("OLD PALCO") is entitled to recover approximately $60 million of surplus
funds allegedly obtained through deceit and fraudulent acts from the Old
Palco retirement plan that was terminated in 1986 following acquisition by
MAXXAM Inc. of Pacific Lumber. Plaintiffs further allege that defendants
violated RICO and engaged in numerous acts of unfair business practices in
violation of the California Business and Professions Code. In addition to
seeking the surplus funds, plaintiffs also seek, among other things, a
constructive trust on the assets traceable from the surplus funds, plus
interest, trebling of damages for violation of RICO, punitive damages, and
injunctive and other relief. On January 11, 1999, the Court granted the
defendants' request to stay further proceedings in this matter, except for
a case management conference set for March 29,1999, until after the hearing
and ruling on the defendants' motion to dismiss, which was filed on January
19, 1999 and was taken under advisement on March 26, 1999. While Pacific
Lumber does not believe this matter will have a material adverse effect on
its financial position, results of operations or liquidity, there can be no
assurance that this will be the case.
OTHER LITIGATION
The Company is involved in other claims, lawsuits and
proceedings, including certain pending or threatened actions seeking to
prevent Pacific Lumber and the Company from harvesting under certain of
their THPs and conducting certain other operations. While uncertainties
are inherent in the final outcome of such matters and it is presently
impossible to determine the actual costs that ultimately may be incurred or
their effect on the Company, management believes that the resolution of
such uncertainties and the incurrence of such costs should not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of
operations or liquidity.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
Pacific Lumber holds a 100% member interest in the Company.
Accordingly, there is no established public trading market for the
Company's equity securities. Since its formation on May 29, 1998, the
Company has not declared or paid any cash distributions on its equity
securities. See Item 7. "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations--Financial Condition and
Investing and Financing Activities" and Note 2 to the Financial Statements
appearing in Item 8.
On July 20, 1998, the Company consummated its private offering of
$867.2 million of Original Notes. On September 21, 1998, the Company filed
a Form S-4 Registration Statement relating to an exchange offer pursuant to
which the Original Notes could be exchanged for registered notes containing
substantially identical terms. The Form S-4 Registration Statement was
declared effective on December 30, 1998, and the exchange offer was
consummated on March 25, 1998.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
Not applicable.
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following should be read in conjunction with the Company's
Financial Statements and the Notes thereto appearing in Item 8.
BACKGROUND
The Company is a recently formed single member Delaware limited
liability company owned by Pacific Lumber and did not conduct any
significant operations prior to the issuance of the Timber Notes. The
historical financial data reflects (a) the historical assets, liabilities
and results of operations of Scotia Pacific after giving effect to the
Company Transfer and (b) Pacific Lumber's and Salmon Creek's historical
assets, liabilities and results of operations attributable to the
timberlands and the timber and related timber harvesting rights transferred
pursuant to the Palco Transfers, in each case, as if such transactions
occurred on January 1, 1996 (the beginning of the earliest period
presented). The retirement of the Old Timber Notes (as defined in Note 1
to the Financial Statements), the issuance of the Timber Notes and the
payment of a $526.1 million cash dividend to Pacific Lumber are reflected
in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998, the
period in which these transactions occurred.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
General
The Mbfe concept was used in structuring the Timber Notes in
order to take account of the relative values of the species and categories
of timber included in the Company Timber. Under the Mbfe concept, one
thousand board feet, net Scribner scale, of old growth redwood timber
equates to one Mbfe. One thousand board feet, net Scribner scale, of each
other species and category of timber included in the Company Timber was
assigned a value in Mbfe equal to a fraction of a Mbfe. This fraction was
generally determined by dividing the SBE Price applicable to such species
and category for the first half of 1998 by the SBE Price applicable to old
growth redwood for the first half of 1998. Historical harvest volumes
reflected in this report are stated on a Mbfe basis using June 1998 SBE
Prices.
The New Master Purchase Agreement generally contemplates that all
sales of logs by the Company to Pacific Lumber will be at the SBE Price (as
did the Original Master Purchase Agreement). Harvest Value Schedules are
published by the California State Board of Equalization twice a year for
the purpose of computing a yield tax imposed on timber harvested between
January 1 and June 30 and July 1 and December 31. Harvest Value Schedules
are based on twenty-four months of actual log and timber sales that occur
within nine specified timber value areas. These sales are arms length
transactions adjusted for time by indexing (using log and, in the case of
old growth redwood, lumber price trends) to a specific date, which is
approximately sixty days prior to the effective date of the Harvest Value
Schedules. However, SBE prices may not necessarily be representative of
actual prices that would be realized from unrelated parties at subsequent
dates.
Seasonality
Logging operations on the Company's timberlands are highly
seasonal and have historically been significantly higher in the months of
April through November than in the months of December through March.
Management expects that the Company's revenues and cash flows will continue
to be markedly seasonal. The impact of seasonality on the Company's
results is expected to become more pronounced than it has been historically
because of the harvesting, road use, wet weather and other restrictions
imposed by the Final HCP. As a result, a substantial majority of the
future harvesting on the Company Timberlands can be expected to be
concentrated during the period from June through October of each year.
Some of these restrictions may be modified under the adaptive management
provision contained in the Final HCP, and as a result of the watershed
analysis process to be performed over the five-year period beginning March
1, 1999. See Item 1. "Business--Regulatory and Environmental Matters and
Headwaters Agreement--The Final Plans." The following should be read in
conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements and Notes thereto
appearing in Item 8.
Log Sales to Pacific Lumber
The Company's revenues from log sales declined from $126.4
million for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $80.3 million for the year
ended December 31, 1998 as a result of the decrease in the volume of log
deliveries for such periods from 182,300 Mbfe to 115,700 Mbfe,
respectively. Well-above-normal rainfall during the first half of 1998 and
additional restrictions on wet weather operations pursuant to the terms of
the 1998 TOL, together with logging restrictions during the nesting seasons
for both the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet, were the
principal factors which impeded logging operations on the Company
Timberlands during the first half of 1998. Revenues for the second half of
1998 were primarily affected by a reduction in the volume of logs harvested
as a result of the factors discussed below.
The reduced level of logging activities on the Company
Timberlands during the second half of 1998 was due in substantial part to
the absence of a sufficient number of available THPs to enable the conduct
of operations at levels consistent with those in the comparable period of
1997. The diminished supply of available THPs was attributable to a
reduced volume of approved THPs during the second half of 1998 as well as
regulatory and judicial restrictions imposed upon harvesting activities in
areas covered by previously approved THPs. (See Note 5 to the Financial
Statements). The reduced number of approved THPs was, and continued to be,
attributable to several factors, including a significantly reduced level of
THPs submitted by the Company to the CDF during 1998 due to (a) the
extensive amount of time devoted by the Company's foresters, wildlife and
fisheries biologists and other personnel to (i) amending a significant
number of previously submitted THPs to incorporate various new requirements
which Pacific Lumber agreed to as part of the February 27, 1998 Pre-Permit
Application Agreement (the "PRE-PERMIT AGREEMENT"), (ii) preparing the
Combined Plan and all the related data, responding to comments on the
Combined Plan, and assessing and responding to federal and state proposals
and changes concerning the Combined Plan incorporated into the Final Plans,
(iii) responding to comments received by the Company from various federal
and state governmental agencies with respect to its filed THPs in light of
the new and more stringent requirements that Pacific Lumber agreed to
observe pursuant to the Pre-Permit Agreement and (iv) assisting Pacific
Lumber (in accordance with the New Additional Services Agreement) with
responding to newly filed litigation involving certain of the Company's
approved THPs (see Part I. Item 3. "Legal Proceedings") and (b)
implementation of a provision contained in the Pre-Permit Agreement which
requires, for the first time, a licensed geologist to review virtually all
of the Company's THPs prior to submission to the CDF. The Company has also
experienced an unexpected significantly slower rate of review and approval
with respect to its filed THPs due, in large part, to the issues that have
emerged in applying the requirements embodied in the Pre-Permit Agreement
to the Company's THPs, certain of which requirements impose new forestry
practices that apply solely to operations on the Company Timberlands. As a
result of the factors discussed above, the Company's inventory of approved
THPs was severely diminished at March 1, 1999, which continues to limit its
ability to conduct harvesting operations on the Company Timberlands.
With the consummation of the Headwaters Agreement, Pacific Lumber
has completed its work in connection with preparation of the Final Plans;
however, significant additional work will be required in connection with
its implementation. The remainder of 1999 will be a transition year for
the Company with respect to the filing and approval of its THPs. Certain
of the THPs which were approved by the CDF prior to March 1, 1999 were
grandfathered under the Final Plans, and are harvestable subject to the
harvesting restrictions prescribed under the THPs and satisfaction of
certain agreed conditions. The remaining THPs which were in the process of
being reviewed but were not yet approved by the CDF at the time of the
consummation of the Final Plans each require varying degrees of revisions
in order to comply with the requirements of the Final Plans. The rate of
submissions of THPs and the review and approval of THPs during the next
quarter may be slower than the Company has historically experienced as the
Company and the CDF develop procedures for implementing the Final Plans.
Accordingly, the Company believes that its rate of new THP submissions will
not increase until some time in the second or third quarter of 1999.
Nevertheless, the Company anticipates that after a transition period, the
implementation of the Final Plans will streamline the process of preparing
THPs and potentially shorten the time required to obtain approval of THPs.
However, there can be no assurance that the Company will not continue to
experience difficulties in submitting and receiving approvals of its THPs
similar to those it has been experiencing.
Net sales from logs were $126.4 million and $135.1 million for
the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The volume of
log deliveries for such periods represented approximately 182,300 Mbfe and
182,500 Mbfe, respectively. The decrease in sales from 1996 is principally
due to a decline in SBE prices in young growth redwood and Douglas-fir
logs.
Operating income and income before income taxes.
Operating income was $59.9 million and $101.3 million for the
years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Income before income
taxes was $18.5 million and $76.7 million for the years ended December 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively. The decline in operating income and income
before income taxes is principally due to the decrease in log sales
discussed above, offset by a decline in depletion expense attributed to the
decrease in harvest volumes between periods. General and administrative
expenses were higher for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to the
same period last year primarily due to increased fees for professional
services relating to THP preparation and road maintenance costs provided
for under the New Services Agreement, but were offset by lower yield taxes
which vary directly with the volume of log harvest. In addition to the
impact from lower operating income, income before income taxes also
declined between periods due to the higher interest expense resulting from
the increase in debt from the Timber Notes. Income before income taxes
included $28.2 million of interest on the Timber Notes and $13.7 million of
interest on the Old Timber Notes. Interest expense would have increased by
$21.4 million had the Timber Notes been outstanding for the full year.
Operating income was $101.3 million and $110.4 million for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, respectively. Income before income
taxes was $76.7 million and $85.0 million for the years ended December 31,
1997 and 1996, respectively. The decrease in operating income is primarily
a result of the factors affecting revenues discussed above. Additionally,
operating income was affected by the increase in general and administrative
expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 compared to the year ended
December 31, 1996 which was primarily attributable to higher labor costs
and higher professional and consulting services fees. The decrease in
income before income taxes was primarily due to the decrease in operating
income between periods.
Preliminary 1999 Results
As a result of road use and other restrictions on logging
operations during wet weather and the diminished inventory of available
THPs, the Company's timber harvest during January and February 1999
continued to be at the low levels experienced during the same period in
1998. The Company had an inventory of approved THPs for the harvesting of
approximately 41,000 Mbfe of timber as of March 1, 1999, subject to
satisfaction of certain agreed conditions. The Company anticipates that,
upon expiration of the restricted period of road use imposed under the
Final HCP, and given favorable weather conditions, the Company should be
able to resume more normal harvesting activities in June 1999. However,
the Company expects that its experience in implementing the Final Plans
will make it better able to analyze the impact of such restrictions on its
future harvesting operations, including its ability in the near term to
harvest timber under approved THPs.
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
On July 20, 1998, the Company issued the Timber Notes, which
consist of $867.2 million aggregate principal amount of Class A-1, Class A-
2 and Class A-3 Timber Collateralized Notes which are due on July 20, 2028
and have an overall effective interest rate of 7.43% per annum. The Timber
Notes are senior secured obligations of the Company and do not constitute
obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, Pacific Lumber or any other
person. Net proceeds from the offering of the Timber Notes were used
primarily to prepay the Old Timber Notes and to pay a cash dividend of
$526.1 million to Pacific Lumber. The Company recognized an extraordinary
loss of $35.4 million in 1998 for the early extinguishment of the Old
Timber Notes.
Pursuant to the terms of the Indenture, the amount of
indebtedness which the Company is permitted to incur other than the Timber
Notes is limited to any Additional Timber Notes, up to $75.0 million at any
one time outstanding of non-recourse timber acquisition indebtedness,
indebtedness under the Line of Credit Agreement and certain capital lease
obligations and certain other specified indebtedness. The business
activities of the Company are generally limited to the ownership and
operation of the Company Timberlands, the matters contemplated by the
various operative documents executed in connection with the issuance of the
Timber Notes and matters incidental to the foregoing.
Although the Company is permitted to sell logs or standing
Company Timber from its timberlands to other purchasers, management expects
that the Company will derive substantially all of its revenue from the sale
of logs to Pacific Lumber pursuant to the New Master Purchase Agreement and
related log purchase agreements. The quantities and timing of log sales
for logs harvested from the Company Timber will depend largely upon
purchases of logs by Pacific Lumber under the New Master Purchase Agreement
and related log purchase agreements. The timing and amount of such
purchases by Pacific Lumber may be affected by factors outside the control
of the Company, including inclement weather, regulatory and environmental
factors, the financial condition of Pacific Lumber, Pacific Lumber's own
supply of timber and its ability to harvest such timber, and the supply and
demand for lumber products (which, in turn, will be influenced by demand in
the housing, construction and remodeling industries).
Each month revenues from the sale of the Company's logs or timber
from the Company Timber are (a) transferred to the Expense Reserve for use
in the payment of operating expenses and capital expenditures, (b) utilized
for the payment of Trustee, Collateral Agent and Liquidity Providers'
Expenses and to make any required payments of interest and repayments of
advances under the Line of Credit Agreement and (c) utilized to make
required deposits into the Payment Account for use on the next Note Payment
Date to pay interest, principal and Premium, if any, on the Timber Notes
and, in certain circumstances, payment of interest and repayment of
advances under the Line of Credit Agreement. Amounts remaining after
making such required payments, transfers and deposits can be released to
the Company free and clear of the Lien of the Deed of Trust. To the extent
funds are inadequate to make payments of interest (excluding interest on
premiums) on the Timber Notes when due, additional amounts may be drawn
under the Line of Credit Agreement to the extent of the balance thereof.
The amortization of the Timber Notes is generally structured to link, to
the extent of available cash, the deemed depletion of the Company Timber as
a result of the harvest and sale of logs (or sales of timber, if any) to
the required amortization on the Timber Notes. Principal payments under
the Scheduled Amortization Schedules for the Timber Notes would be $8.2
million, $15.9 million and $16.3 million in 1999, 2000 and 2001,
respectively. Once the Company's debt service, operating and capital
expenditure requirements have been met, substantially all of the cash
released to the Company free of the Lien of the Deed of Trust will be
periodically distributed to Pacific Lumber.
The indenture governing the Old Timber Notes (the "OLD
INDENTURE") also provided for amortization linked, to the extent of
available cash, to the deemed depletion of Scotia Pacific's timber as a
result of the harvest and sale of logs. During January 1998 and the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, Scotia Pacific repaid approximately $10.8
million, $16.2 million and $14.1 million, respectively, of the aggregate
principal amount outstanding on the Old Timber Notes. Once Scotia
Pacific's debt service, operating and capital expenditure requirements were
met, substantially all of the cash released to Scotia Pacific free of the
lien of the deed of trust for the Old Timber Notes was distributed monthly
to Pacific Lumber. Excluding the $526.1 million cash dividend paid to
Pacific Lumber in conjunction with the issuance of the Timber Notes, Scotia
Pacific paid $6.7 million, $60.8 million and $76.9 million of dividends
during 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. The decline in dividends
between periods is primarily the result of lower net sales and operating
income described above. The Company expects that dividends in future years
will be significantly lower than those paid in prior periods primarily as a
result of the increase in interest expense related to the Timber Notes.
The Company's ability to pay dividends will also be affected by the
reduction in harvest levels expected under the Final SYP and the Final HCP
(See Item 1. "Business--Regulatory and Environmental Factors and Headwaters
Agreement").
The Escrowed Funds of approximately $285.0 million are to be made
available as necessary to support the Timber Notes. Under the Escrow
Agreement, the Escrowed Funds will be released by the Escrow Agent only
in accordance with resolutions duly adopted by the Board of Managers of
the Company and, unless the resolutions authorize the payment of funds
exclusively to, or to the order of, the Trustee or the Collateral Agent
under the Indenture, only if one or more of the following conditions are
satisfied: (a) the resolutions authorizing the release of the Escrowed
Funds are adopted by a majority of the Board of Managers of the Company
(including the affirmative vote of the two independent managers); (b) a
Rating Agency Confirmation (as defined in the Indenture) has been received
that gives effect to the release or disposition of funds directed by the
resolutions; or (c) the Company has received an opinion from a nationally
recognized investment banking firm to the effect that, based on the revised
harvest schedule and the other assumptions provided to such firm, the funds
that would be available to the Company based on such harvest schedule,
assumptions and otherwise under the Indenture after giving effect to the
release or disposition of funds directed by such resolutions would be
adequate (i) to pay Scheduled Amortization (as defined in the Indenture) on
the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Timber Notes and (ii) to amortize the Class A-3
Timber Notes on a schedule consistent with the original harvest schedule as
of July 9, 1998 (assuming that the Class A-3 Timber Notes are not
refinanced on January 20, 2014).
Pacific Lumber's financial condition will affect its ability to
purchase logs from the Company and to meet its obligations under the New
Services Agreement. Pacific Lumber expects that near term cash flows from
operations will be adversely affected by the inadequate supply of logs and
the slowdown in lumber production. Furthermore, Pacific Lumber does not
expect to receive any dividends from the Company in 1999, and borrowings
available under Pacific Lumber's revolving credit agreement will decrease
significantly from the $27.5 million available as of December 31, 1998 due
to a decline in receivables and inventories required to secure the
facility. As discussed above, the Escrowed Funds are not available for
distribution to Pacific Lumber unless and until they are released from
escrow in accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement.
Pacific Lumber anticipates that cash flows from operations
together with funds available under Pacific Lumber's revolving credit
agreement (but excluding any possible funds which may be released under the
Escrow Agreement) will not be adequate to meet its working capital and
capital expenditure requirements for 1999 and it anticipates that
contributions will be made by its indirect parent, MGI, to meet such
shortfalls. With respect to long-term liquidity, Pacific Lumber expects
that, until such time as there are adequate dividends from the Company or a
determination is made that all or a significant portion of the funds now
held under the Escrow Agreement can be released, it will be dependent upon
its parent to meet some portion of its working capital and capital
expenditure requirements. If Pacific Lumber or Salmon Creek became bankrupt
or insolvent, a creditor or bankruptcy trustee of Pacific Lumber or Salmon
Creek, as applicable, could attempt to gain access to the funds held under
the Escrow Agreement or otherwise to support the Timber Notes, or to
recover funds distributed or used for such purposes. The success of any
such attempt would depend on the facts and circumstances, including the
timing and nature of the transfer of such funds to support the Timber
Notes, the timing of such bankruptcy or insolvency, and the solvency and
financial condition of Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek and the Company on the
date of transfer of such funds to support the Timber Notes.
The Company's capital expenditures, excluding timberland
acquisitions, relate primarily to reforestation of timberlands and to
construction and rehabilitation of logging roads. The Company's capital
expenditures for 1998, 1997 and 1996, including contributions by Pacific
Lumber but excluding timberland acquisitions, were approximately $7.4
million, $7.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively. The Company's
capital expenditures, excluding expenditures for timberlands, for the next
several years are expected to approximate $9.0 million per year.
The Company had sufficient cash on hand to pay the interest due
on the Timber Notes on the January 20, 1999 payment date, but did not have
sufficient additional cash to pay Minimum Principal Amortization or
Scheduled Amortization. Nonetheless, the Company paid $5.4 million of
principal on the Timber Notes (the amount equal to Scheduled Amortization)
using funds provided as a capital contribution by Pacific Lumber, which in
turn received a $5.0 million capital contribution from MGI.
The Company believes that it will not generate sufficient cash
from operations to pay interest on the Timber Notes on the July 20, 1999
payment date. However, the Company expects that funds sufficient to meet
debt service obligations on the Timber Notes during 1999 will either be
made available from funds borrowed under the Line of Credit Agreement,
through capital contributions from Pacific Lumber or a direct or indirect
parent corporation, or from the use of funds now held under the Escrow
Agreement.
With respect to long-term liquidity, the Company believes that,
without giving effect to any use of the funds held under the Escrow
Agreement, its existing cash and funds available under the Line of Credit
Agreement, together with its ability to generate sufficient levels of cash
flows from operations over the long term, should provide sufficient funds
to meet its long-term working capital, capital expenditures and required
debt service obligations. If the Company generates excess funds after the
payment of operating expenses, capital expenditures, interest, Premiums and
required principal payments, it may at its option either pay dividends,
retain these funds for internal purposes or make voluntary principal
payments. Cash flows from operations may continue to be adversely affected
if the Company does not experience improvements in the THP submission and
approval process, or if inclement weather conditions or seasonal operating
restrictions under the Final HCP hamper harvesting operations. Cash flows
from operations would also be adversely affected if additional judicial or
regulatory restrictions are imposed on the Company's harvesting activities,
or if the Final Plans are not implemented in accordance with the Company's
current expectations.
TRENDS
This section contains statements which constitute "forward-
looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995. See Item 1. "Business--General" for cautionary
information with respect to such forward-looking statements.
The Company's business is subject to a variety of California and
federal laws and regulations dealing with timber harvesting, threatened and
endangered species and habitat for such species, air and water quality and
restrictions imposed by the Final HCP. Moreover, these laws and
regulations are modified from time to time and are subject to judicial and
administrative interpretation. There can be no assurance that certain
pending regulatory and environmental matters or future governmental
regulations, legislation or judicial or administrative decisions, or
adverse weather conditions, would not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity. See Part
I. Item 3. "Legal Proceedings" and Note 5 to the Financial Statements for
further information regarding regulatory and legal proceedings affecting
the Company.
YEAR 2000
Management has completed its assessment of the Company's critical
information technology and embedded technology and determined that the
principal software and equipment of the Company that will be affected by
the date change to the year 2000 are the financial information systems, the
GIS and certain personal computers and field equipment used by the
foresters and other professional staff. Year 2000 progress and readiness
has also been the subject of the Company's normal, recurring internal audit
function. The Company is now in the process of making the required
modifications for these systems to be year 2000 compliant, and expects to
be completed with these modifications by the end of the first quarter of
1999 and to be completed with testing of the modifications by mid-year
1999. The modification costs and the costs associated with new systems are
expected to be immaterial, costing less than $50,000. Systems modification
costs are being expensed as incurred. Costs associated with new systems
are being capitalized and will be amortized over the life of the product.
In addition to addressing the Company's internal systems,
management is in the process of identifying key vendors that could be
impacted by year 2000 issues, and surveys are being conducted. The Company
expects to evaluate the responses to the surveys over the next several
months and will make direct contact with parties which are deemed to be
critical. These inquiries are being made by the Company's own staff, and
the costs associated with this program are expected to be minimal. Pacific
Lumber has also completed its assessment of the susceptibility of its
internal systems and equipment to the year 2000 date change and expects to
be completed with the required modifications and substantially all of the
testing by mid-year 1999.
While the Company believes that its program is sufficient to
identify the critical issues and associated costs necessary to address
possible year 2000 problems in a timely manner, there can be no assurance
that the program, or underlying steps implemented, will be successful in
resolving all such issues prior to the year 2000. If the steps taken by
the Company (or critical third parties) are not made in a timely manner, or
are not successful in identifying and remedying all significant year 2000
issues, business interruptions or delays could occur. However, based on
the information the Company has gathered to date and its expectations of
its ability to remedy problems encountered, the Company believes that it
will not experience significant business interruptions that would have a
material impact on its results or financial condition. The most reasonably
likely worst case scenario which the Company could experience would be
problems with certain of the Company's personal computers, field equipment,
financial software or GIS software. The Company believes that any such
problems could be remedied at minimal cost within a few days and that
contingency plans used in the past for dealing with problems with its
equipment and software are adequate to address the types of problems which
could be encouraged in such a scenario. These plans include purchases of
replacement equipment, use of third parties for processing GIS information
and working with vendors to make any needed software modifications.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Not applicable.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Managers and Stockholder of
Scotia Pacific Company LLC:
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Scotia Pacific
Company LLC (a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned
subsidiary of The Pacific Lumber Company) as of December 31, 1998 and 1997,
and the related statements of income and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 1998. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is
to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards. 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 financial position of Scotia
Pacific Company LLC as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the results of
its operations and its cash flows for the years ended December 31, 1998,
1997 and 1996, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
San Francisco, California
March 1, 1999
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
BALANCE SHEET
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 31.9 $ 20.9
Receivables from Pacific Lumber 2.9 5.3
Prepaid timber harvesting costs 2.6 2.1
Other prepaid expenses and current assets .5 .5
------------ ------------
Total current assets 37.9 28.8
Timber and timberlands, net of accumulated
depletion of $243.1 and
$233.2, respectively 252.0 249.7
Property and equipment, net of accumulated
depreciation of $7.9 and
$6.6, respectively 14.4 11.0
Deferred financing costs, net 22.5 13.4
Deferred income taxes - 23.8
Restricted cash 16.6 28.4
Other assets 2.3 1.8
------------ ------------
$ 345.7 $ 356.9
============ ============
LIABILITIES AND MEMBER CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Due to Pacific Lumber $ .8 $ .1
Accrued interest 28.4 11.4
Other accrued liabilities 1.7 .9
Long-term debt, current maturities 8.2 19.4
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 39.1 31.8
Long-term debt, less current maturities 859.5 308.0
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 898.6 339.8
------------ ------------
Member capital (deficit) (552.9) 17.1
------------ ------------
$ 345.7 $ 356.9
============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Log sales to Pacific Lumber $ 80.3 $ 126.4 $ 135.1
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating expenses:
General and administrative expenses 9.1 8.3 7.9
Depletion and depreciation 11.3 16.8 16.8
------------ ------------ ------------
20.4 25.1 24.7
------------ ------------ ------------
Operating income 59.9 101.3 110.4
Other income (expense):
Interest and other income 2.5 2.8 2.9
Interest expense (43.9) (27.3) (28.3)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item 18.5 76.8 85.0
Provision in lieu of income taxes (7.6) (31.2) (33.5)
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before extraordinary item 10.9 45.6 51.5
Extraordinary item:
Loss on early extinguishment of debt (35.4) - -
------------ ------------- ------------
Net income (loss) $ (24.5) $ 45.6 $ 51.5
============ ============ ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS)
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ---------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss) $ (24.5) $ 45.6 $ 51.5
Adjustments to reconcile net income
(loss) to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Extraordinary loss on early
extinguishment of debt 35.4 - -
Provision in lieu of income
taxes 7.6 31.1 33.5
Depletion and depreciation 11.3 16.8 16.8
Amortization of deferred
financing costs 1.4 1.2 1.2
Increase (decrease) in cash
resulting from changes in:
Receivables from Pacific
Lumber (3.8) (.7) (.5)
Prepaid timber harvesting
costs (1.0) (.8) (.9)
Due to Pacific Lumber .3 - (.7)
Accrued interest 17.0 (.5) (.5)
Other accrued liabilities (.2) - (.2)
Other - (.4) .1
------------ ---------- ------------
Net cash provided by
operating activities 43.5 92.3 100.3
------------ ---------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (16.6) (2.3) (4.0)
Restricted cash withdrawals used to
acquire timberlands 8.9 - -
------------- ---------- ------------
Net cash used for
investing activities (7.7) (2.3) (4.0)
------------ ---------- ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of Timber
Notes 867.2 - -
Principal payments on Old Timber
Notes and other timber
related debt (327.0) (16.3) (14.8)
Premium for early retirement of debt (29.2) - -
Dividends paid (532.8) (60.8) (76.9)
Incurrence of deferred financing
costs (22.1) - -
Change in restricted cash resulting
from retirement of debt 9.5 1.5 1.4
Other contributions (distributions) 9.6 (13.8) (7.2)
------------ ---------- ------------
Net cash used for
financing activities (24.8) (89.4) (97.5)
------------ ---------- ------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS 11.0 .6 (1.2)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF
PERIOD 20.9 20.3 21.5
------------ ---------- ------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF
PERIOD $ 31.9 $ 20.9 $ 20.3
============ ========== ============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING
POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Scotia Pacific Company LLC (the "COMPANY") is a Delaware limited
liability company wholly owned by The Pacific Lumber Company ("PACIFIC
LUMBER") which is a wholly owned indirect subsidiary of MAXXAM Group Inc.
("MGI"). MGI is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc.,
which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM"). The Company
is a special purpose limited liability company organized in May 1998 to
facilitate the offering (the "OFFERING") of $160.7 million 6.55% Class A-1,
$243.2 million 7.11% Class A-2 and $463.3 million 7.71% Class A-3 Timber
Collateralized Notes due 2028 bearing interest at an overall effective rate
of 7.43% (the "TIMBER NOTES"). Concurrent with the closing of the Offering
of the Timber Notes on July 20, 1998 (the "CLOSING DATE"), Scotia Pacific
Holding Company ("SCOTIA PACIFIC") was merged into the Company (the
"MERGER") and Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek Corporation, a wholly owned
subsidiary of Pacific Lumber ("SALMON CREEK"), transferred to the Company
approximately 13,500 acres of timberlands and the timber and related timber
harvesting rights (but not the underlying land) with respect to an
additional approximately 19,700 acres of timberlands (the "PALCO
TRANSFERS"). The Company in turn transferred to Pacific Lumber the timber
and related timber harvesting rights (but not the underlying land) with
respect to approximately 1,400 acres of timberlands (the "COMPANY
TRANSFER," and together with the Palco Transfers, the "TRANSFERS"). On the
Closing Date, the 7.95% Scotia Pacific Timber Collateralized Notes due July
20, 2015 (the "OLD TIMBER NOTES") were retired, and the Company paid a cash
dividend of $526.1 million. The Merger and the Transfers have been
accounted for as a reorganization of entities under common control which
requires the Company to record the assets, liabilities and results of
operations of Scotia Pacific after giving effect to the Company Transfer as
well as the assets, liabilities and results of operations acquired from
Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek pursuant to the Palco Transfers at their
respective historical cost. Accordingly, the Company is the successor
entity to all of Scotia Pacific's historical operations (exclusive of the
assets transferred to Pacific Lumber) and to the historical operations
attributable to the timberlands and timber and related timber harvesting
rights acquired from Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek. The Merger and the
Transfers have been reflected in the financial statements of the Company as
if such transactions had occurred as of the beginning of the earliest
period presented. The retirement of the Old Timber Notes, the issuance of
the Timber Notes and the payment of a $526.1 million cash dividend are
reflected in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1998,
the period in which these transactions occurred.
Consistent with the Company's purpose and pursuant to the terms
of the indenture governing the Timber Notes (the "INDENTURE"), the Company
is obligated to set aside each month a portion of the funds it receives
from the sale of logs to Pacific Lumber sufficient to make the specified
payments of principal and interest on the Timber Notes computed in
accordance with the Indenture and to have a sufficient amount to pay
operating expenses and capital improvements.
USE OF ESTIMATES AND ASSUMPTIONS
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of estimates and
assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities,
(ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities known to exist as
of the date the financial statements are published and (iii) the reported
amount of revenues and expenses recognized during each period presented.
The Company reviews all significant estimates affecting its financial
statements on a recurring basis and records the effect of any necessary
adjustments prior to their publication. Adjustments made with respect to
the use of estimates often relate to improved information not previously
available. Uncertainties with respect to such estimates and assumptions
are inherent in the preparation of the Company's financial statements;
accordingly, it is possible that the subsequent resolution of any one of
the contingent matters described in Note 5 could differ materially from
current estimates. The results of an adverse resolution of such
uncertainties could have a material effect on the Company's financial
position, results of operations or liquidity.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
There are no reconciling differences between the Company's net
income and comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997
and 1996.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid money market
instruments with original maturities of three months or less. At December
31, 1998 and 1997, the Company had approximately $28.4 million and $17.8
million, respectively, of such money market instruments which are
restricted for debt service payments on the Timber Notes and the Old Timber
Notes, respectively.
Prepaid Timber Harvesting Costs
Prepaid timber harvesting costs are expensed as the timber
covered by the related timber harvesting plans ("THPS") is harvested.
Timber and Timberlands
Timber and timberlands were recorded at the historical cost of
Scotia Pacific, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek, at the beginning of the
earliest period presented, net of accumulated depletion. Depletion is
computed utilizing the unit-of-production method based upon estimates of
timber values and quantities.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment were recorded at the historical cost of
Scotia Pacific, Pacific Lumber and Salmon Creek, at the beginning of the
earliest period presented, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation
is computed utilizing the straight-line method at rates based upon the
estimated useful lives of the various classes of assets. The major classes
of property and equipment are as follows (dollar amounts in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
ESTIMATED
USEFUL LIVES 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------
Logging roads 15 years $ 21.2 $ 16.6
Other 5 - 15 years 1.1 1.0
------------ ------------
22.3 17.6
Less: accumulated depreciation (7.9) (6.6)
------------ ------------
$ 14.4 $ 11.0
============ ============
Depreciation expense for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $1.4 million,
$1.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
Deferred Financing Costs
Costs incurred to obtain financing are deferred and amortized
over the estimated term of the related borrowing. In July 1998, an
extraordinary loss of $35.4 million was recorded in connection with the
retirement of the Old Timber Notes. Such loss is comprised of $12.8
million of unamortized deferred financing costs and $29.2 million of
prepayment premiums offset by the benefit from $6.6 million of unearned
premiums and make whole amounts under the investment note agreement
associated with the liquidity account under the indenture governing the Old
Timber Notes.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash represents the amount deposited into an account
held by the trustee under the applicable indentures governing the Timber
Notes and the Old Timber Notes. At December 31, 1998, restricted cash
primarily consists of $16.1 million which is remaining from the $25 million
of the proceeds deposited into an account (the "PREFUNDING ACCOUNT" which
is available for the purchase of additional timberlands. At December 31,
1997, restricted cash represents the amount on deposit in the liquidity
account maintained by Scotia Pacific with respect to the Old Timber Notes
(the "LIQUIDITY ACCOUNT") which was available to pay the amortization and
interest on the Old Timber Notes and provided for interest earnings under
an investment rate agreement (at 7.95% per annum) with the financial
institution which held the Liquidity Account. Interest and other income
from restricted cash deposits for 1998, 1997 and 1996 was $2.4 million,
$2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively.
Log Sales to Pacific Lumber
Scotia Pacific and Pacific Lumber entered into a Master Purchase
Agreement on March 23, 1993 (the "ORIGINAL MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT")
which governed all log sales by Scotia Pacific to Pacific Lumber, and on
the Closing Date, the Company and Pacific Lumber entered into a New Master
Purchase Agreement (the "NEW MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT," and together the
"MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENTS") which governs all log sales by the Company to
Pacific Lumber. Substantially all of the Company's revenues have been and
are expected to continue to be derived from the sale of logs to Pacific
Lumber. The harvested logs are purchased by Pacific Lumber (i.e., title
passes and the obligation to make payment therefor is incurred) at the time
each log is delivered to Pacific Lumber's log decks and measured. The
Master Purchase Agreements generally contemplate that all sales of logs by
the Company to Pacific Lumber will be at the applicable stumpage prices for
each species of timber and category thereof, as set forth in the most
recent Harvest Value Schedule published by the California State Board of
Equalization (the "SBE PRICE"). Harvest Value Schedules are published twice
a year for purposes of computing timber yield taxes.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
The amounts held by the trustee in an account restricted for debt
service payments on the Timber Notes (the "PAYMENT ACCOUNT") and held in
the Prefunding Account for purchase of timberlands are invested primarily
in commercial paper and other short-term investments. The Company
mitigates its concentration of credit risk with respect to these restricted
cash deposits by purchasing only high grade investments (ratings of A1/P1
short-term or AAA/aaa long-term debt) having maturities of less than three
months. No more than 10% is invested within the same issue.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts of cash equivalents and restricted cash
approximate fair value. As of December 31, 1998 and 1997, the estimated
fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities, was $807.1
million and $331.2 million, respectively. The estimated fair value of
long-term debt is determined based on the quoted market price for the
Timber Notes and the Old Timber Notes. The Timber Notes are thinly traded
financial instruments; accordingly, their market price at any balance sheet
date may not be representative of the price which would be derived from a
more active market.
2. LONG-TERM DEBT
On July 20, 1998, the Company issued $867.2 million aggregate
principal amount of Timber Notes, which are due on July 20, 2028 and have
an overall effective interest rate of 7.43% per annum. The Timber Notes
are senior secured obligations of the Company and do not constitute
obligations of, and are not guaranteed by, Pacific Lumber or any other
person. The Timber Notes were issued in three classes: Class A-1 Timber
Notes aggregating $160.7 million, Class A-2 Timber Notes aggregating $243.2
million and Class A-3 Timber Notes aggregating $463.3 million. Pursuant to
the terms of the Indenture, the Company is permitted to incur up to $75
million at any one time of non-recourse indebtedness secured by purchase
money mortgages to acquire additional timberlands, the original amount of
the Timber Notes, an unspecified amount of Additional Timber Notes (as
defined in the Indenture) provided certain conditions are met, indebtedness
under the Line of Credit Agreement (as defined below), and certain other
debt on a limited basis. The Company is not permitted to incur any other
indebtedness for borrowed money. The Timber Notes are secured by a lien on
(i) the Company's timber and timberlands (subject to Pacific Lumber's
ownership of the timber and related timber harvesting rights on
approximately 1,100 acres of such timberlands), (ii) certain contract
rights and certain other assets, (iii) the proceeds of the foregoing, (iv)
the Payment Account, (v) the Line of Credit Agreement, and (vi)
substantially all of the other property and equipment transferred to the
Company by Pacific Lumber (subject to certain rights of concurrent use by
Pacific Lumber). Amounts payable on the Timber Notes are paid semi-annually
generally on January 20 and July 20 of each year (each, a "NOTE PAYMENT
DATE").
The Timber Notes are structured to link, to the extent of cash
available, the deemed depletion of the Company's timber (through the
harvest and sale of logs) to the required amortization of the Timber Notes.
The required amount of amortization on any Note Payment Date is determined
by various mathematical formulas set forth in the Indenture. Scheduled
Amortization of the Timber Notes represents the amount of principal which
the Company must pay through each Note Payment Date in order to avoid
payment of prepayment or deficiency premiums. The Scheduled Maturity Dates
for the Class A-1 and Class A-2 Timber Notes, which are January 20, 2007
and January 20, 2014, respectively, represent the Note Payment Dates on
which the Company will pay the final installment of principal if all
payments of principal are made in accordance with Scheduled Amortization.
The Scheduled Amortization for the Class A-3 Timber Notes does not include
any principal amortization prior to their Scheduled Maturity Date of
January 20, 2014 on which the aggregate principal amount of $463.3 million
will be scheduled to be paid. Minimum Principal Amortization of the Timber
Notes represents the minimum amount of principal which the Company must pay
(on a cumulative basis and subject to available cash) on such Class, to the
extent of the funds on deposit in the Payment Account, through any Note
Payment Date in order to avoid an Event of Default (as defined). Regardless
of the amount of timber actually harvested and sold, if there is sufficient
cash (which could be available due to, among other things, favorable prices
realized from harvested timber), principal on the Timber Notes will be paid
at least as fast as Minimum Principal Amortization. If the Timber Notes
were amortized in accordance with Minimum Principal Amortization, the final
installments of principal would be paid on January 20, 2010, July 20, 2017
and July 20, 2028 for the Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3 Timber Notes,
respectively.
The Company has the right to cause additional prepayments of
principal to be made on any Note Payment Date. If the principal of the
Timber Notes is paid in advance of Scheduled Amortization, the Company will
pay a prepayment premium on such accelerated payment. The prepayment
premium on any Note Payment Date is equal to the excess, if any, of (a) the
sum of (i) the present value of the prepayment amount (discounted from the
date(s) that the prepayment amount would otherwise have been paid under the
Scheduled Amortization to the Note Payment Date) plus (ii) the sum of the
present values of the amounts of interest that would have accrued
thereafter with respect to the prepayment amount over (b) the amount of the
prepayment. The present value shall be computed using a "Reinvestment
Yield" (as defined in the Indenture) which is comparable to the yield of
like term U.S. Treasury securities plus 0.50% per annum.
If the principal of the Timber Notes is paid later than as
provided for under the Scheduled Amortization, the Company will pay a
deficiency premium on such deficient amount. The deficiency premium
payable on any Note Payment Date equals an amount of interest on the amount
of the deficient principal amount from the previous Note Payment Date to
the current Note Payment Date at 1.50% per annum. In addition, if the
Class A-3 Timber Notes are not paid in full on or before their scheduled
Maturity Date, a Cash Retention Event (as defined in the Indenture) will
occur as a result of which 75% of all Excess Funds (as defined in the
Indenture) will be deposited in the Payment Account until all classes of
Timber Notes are paid in full.
The following table presents the amortization of the Timber Notes
based on Minimum Principal Amortization and Scheduled Amortization (in
millions):
MINIMUM
PRINCIPAL SCHEDULED
AMORTIZATION AMORTIZATION
------------- -------------
Years Ending December 31:
1999 $ .9 $ 8.2
2000 10.5 15.9
2001 10.5 16.3
2002 10.8 17.1
2003 12.4 19.3
Thereafter 822.1 790.4
------------- -------------
$ 867.2 $ 867.2
============= =============
In January 1999, the Company repaid $5.4 million of the aggregate
principal amount outstanding on the Timber Notes in accordance with
Scheduled Amortization. As a result of harvest levels being significantly
below those which would allow the Company to pay Scheduled Amortization,
substantially all of the funds used to make the January 1999 principal
payment were provided by a capital contribution from Pacific Lumber.
On July 20, 1998, the Company entered into an agreement (the
"LINE OF CREDIT AGREEMENT") with a bank (the "LIQUIDITY PROVIDER") pursuant
to which the Company may borrow to pay interest on the Timber Notes. The
maximum amount the Company may borrow is equal to one year's interest at
the applicable rates on the aggregate outstanding principal balance for the
Timber Notes (the "REQUIRED LIQUIDITY AMOUNT"). At December 31, 1998, the
Required Liquidity Amount was $63.5 million. Initial borrowings under the
Line of Credit Agreement will generally bear interest at the Base Rate (as
defined in the agreement) or at a one month or six month LIBOR rate plus
0.75% at any time the borrowings have not been continually outstanding for
more than six months. The initial term of the Line of Credit Agreement
expires on July 18, 1999. Annually, the Company will request that the
Liquidity Provider extend the Line of Credit Agreement for a period of not
less than 364 days. At December 31, 1998, there were no outstanding
borrowings.
As a result of the sale of approximately 5,600 acres of Pacific
Lumber's timberlands consisting of two forest groves commonly referred to
as the Headwater Forest and Elk Head Springs Forest (the "HEADWATERS
TIMBERLANDS") on March 1, 1999, Salmon Creek received proceeds of $299.9
million in cash. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Salmon Creek has deposited approximately $285.0 million of such proceeds
into an escrow account (the "ESCROWED FUNDS"), pursuant to an escrow
agreement (the "ESCROW AGREEMENT") as necessary to support the Timber
Notes. The net proceeds of the sale of the Grizzly Creek grove will also
be placed in escrow (on the same basis as the net proceeds of the sale of
the Headwaters Timberlands) unless, at the time of receipt of such
proceeds, funds are no longer on deposit under the Escrow Agreement.
Under the Escrow Agreement, the Escrowed Funds will be released
by the Escrow Agent only in accordance with resolutions duly adopted by
the Board of Managers of the Company and, unless the resolutions authorize
the payment of funds exclusively to, or to the order of, the Trustee or
the Collateral Agent under the Indenture, and only if one or more of the
following conditions are satisfied: (a) the resolutions authorizing the
release of the Escrowed Funds are adopted by a majority of the Board of
Managers of the Company (including the affirmative vote of the two
independent managers); (b) a Rating Agency Confirmation (as defined in the
Indenture) has been received that gives effect to the release or
disposition of funds directed by the resolutions; or (c) the Company has
received an opinion from a nationally recognized investment banking firm to
the effect that, based on the revised harvest schedule and the other
assumptions provided to such firm, the funds that would be available to the
Company based on such harvest schedule, assumptions and otherwise under the
Indenture after giving effect to the release or disposition of funds
directed by such resolutions would be adequate (i) to pay Scheduled
Amortization (as defined in the Indenture) on the Class A-1 and Class A-2
Timber Notes and (ii) to amortize the Class A-3 Timber Notes on a schedule
consistent with the original harvest schedule as of July 9, 1998 (assuming
that the Class A-3 Timber Notes are not refinanced on January 20, 2014).
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The New Master Purchase Agreement and the related log purchase
agreements govern all log sales by the Company to Pacific Lumber subsequent
to the Closing Date. Under the New Master Purchase Agreement, Pacific
Lumber is responsible for harvesting the Company's standing timber and
transporting harvested logs to its log decks. Payments for the log sales
outstanding at December 31, 1998 were received by the Company in January
1999.
Scotia Pacific and Pacific Lumber also entered into a Services
Agreement on March 23, 1993 (the "ORIGINAL SERVICES AGREEMENT"), pursuant
to which Pacific Lumber provided a variety of operational, management and
related services in respect of the Company's timber properties not provided
by the Company's employees, including reforestation, fire protection and
road maintenance, rehabilitation and construction. The Company paid Pacific
Lumber an annual fee, payable in equal monthly installments and subject to
annual adjustment provisions, for such services. For the years ended
December 31, 1997, and 1996, amounts recorded by the Company for services
pursuant to the terms of the Original Services Agreement totaled $1.4
million and $1.3 million, respectively. On July 20, 1998, the Company and
Pacific Lumber entered into a New Services Agreement (the "NEW SERVICES
AGREEMENT") under which the Company pays a Services Fee (as defined) in an
initial amount of $107,000 per month and reimburses Pacific Lumber for the
cost of constructing, rehabilitating and maintaining roads and performing
reforestation services. For the year ended December 31, 1998, amounts
recorded under the Original Services Agreement and the New Services
Agreement were $0.8 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
4. PROVISION IN LIEU OF INCOME TAXES
These financial statements treat the Company as a taxable entity
for the periods presented up through July 20, 1998, at which time the
Company, having not made an election to be treated as an association, began
being disregarded as a separate taxable entity solely for income tax
purposes. The Company is instead treated as a division of Pacific Lumber
for tax periods after July 20, 1998. After July 20, 1998, all income taxes
for the Company are shown on Pacific Lumber's financial statements.
Up through July 20, 1998, income taxes were determined using an
asset and liability approach which required the recognition of deferred
income tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences
of events that had been recognized in the Company's financial statements or
tax returns. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities
were determined based on the temporary differences between the financial
statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates.
Pursuant to the tax allocation agreement among MAXXAM, Pacific
Lumber, Salmon Creek and Scotia Pacific (the "TAX ALLOCATION AGREEMENT"), all
federal and state income tax liabilities of Scotia Pacific were paid by
Pacific Lumber and all federal and state income tax refunds of Scotia Pacific
were paid to Pacific Lumber. Accordingly, up through July 20, 1998, the
Company's financial statements reflect a charge or benefit for income taxes
computed as if Scotia Pacific had filed separate income tax returns and a
corresponding adjustment to capital (net of the applicable adjustments
relating to the deferred income tax assets).
The provision in lieu of income taxes on income before income
taxes and extraordinary item consists of the following (in millions):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
-----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------- ------------- -------------
Current provision in lieu of income
taxes:
Federal $ 5.3 $ 22.2 $ 22.4
State 1.5 6.2 6.8
------------- ------------- -------------
6.8 28.4 29.2
------------- ------------- -------------
Deferred provision in lieu of income
taxes:
Federal .7 2.2 3.2
State .1 .6 1.1
------------- ------------- -------------
.8 2.8 4.3
------------- ------------- -------------
$ 7.6 $ 31.2 $ 33.5
============= ============= =============
A reconciliation between the provision in lieu of income taxes
and the amount computed by applying the federal statutory income tax rate
to income before income taxes is as follows (in millions):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Income before income taxes and
extraordinary item $ 18.5 $ 76.8 $ 85.0
------------ ------------ ------------
Amount of federal income tax based
upon the statutory rate $ 6.5 $ 26.8 $ 29.8
State taxes, net of federal tax
benefit 1.0 4.4 5.1
Other .1 - (1.4)
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 7.6 $ 31.2 $ 33.5
============ ============ ============
The components of the Company's net deferred income tax assets
(liabilities) are as follows (in millions):
DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
----------- ------------
Deferred income tax assets:
Timber and timberlands $ - $ 24.4
Property and equipment - .2
----------- ------------
Total deferred income tax assets - 24.6
----------- ------------
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Other - (.8)
----------- ------------
Total deferred income tax
liabilities - (.8)
----------- ------------
Net deferred income tax assets $ - $ 23.8
=========== ===========
The carrying value of the Company's net assets for financial
statement purposes was less than the carrying value for income tax
reporting purposes by approximately $27.4 at December 31, 1998. The
difference primarily results from the excess of tax basis over financial
statement basis with respect to timber and timberlands. At December 31,
1997, the principal component of the net deferred income tax assets listed
above relates to the excess of the tax basis over financial statement basis
with respect to timber and timberlands. The net deferred income tax assets
listed above were recorded pursuant to the Tax Allocation Agreement.
Beginning July 21, 1998, the Company, having not elected to be treated as
an association, is disregarded as a separate taxable entity and instead is
treated as a division of Pacific Lumber solely for income tax purposes.
Therefore, all deferred income tax assets and deferred income tax
liabilities for the Company at December 31, 1998 are reflected in Pacific
Lumber's financial statements.
5. CONTINGENCIES
Regulatory and environmental matters play a significant role in
the Company's business, which is subject to a variety of California and
federal laws and regulations as well as the Final HCP and Final SYP
(defined below), dealing with timber harvesting practices, threatened and
endangered species and habitat for such species, and air and water quality.
While regulatory and environmental concerns have resulted in restrictions
on the geographic scope and timing of the Company's timber operations,
increased operational costs and engendered litigation and other challenges
to the Company's operations, prior to 1998 they have not had a significant
adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations
or liquidity. However, the Company's 1998 results of operations were
adversely affected by certain regulatory and environmental matters,
including during the second half of 1998, the absence of a sufficient
number of available THPs to enable the Company to conduct its operations at
historic levels.
On September 28, 1996, Pacific Lumber, including its subsidiaries
and affiliates, and MAXXAM (the "PACIFIC LUMBER PARTIES") entered into an
agreement (the "HEADWATERS AGREEMENT") with the United States and
California which provided the framework for the acquisition of the
Headwaters Timberlands by the United States and California. Consummation
of the Headwaters Agreement was also conditioned upon, among other things:
approval of a sustained yield plan establishing long-term sustained yield
("LTSY") harvest levels for Pacific Lumber's timberlands (the "SYP"),
approval of a habitat conservation plan (the "HCP") covering multiple
species (the "MULTI-SPECIES HCP") and issuance of incidental take permits
related to the Multi-Species HCP ("PERMITS"). As further described in Note
9 "Subsequent Events," on March 1, 1999, the Pacific Lumber Parties, the
United States and California consummated the Headwaters Agreement. In
addition to the transfer of the Headwaters Timberlands by the Pacific
Lumber Parties described in Note 9, Pacific Lumber received an approved SYP
(the "FINAL SYP"), Multi-Species HCP (the "FINAL HCP") and related
Permits. The Pacific Lumber Parties and California also executed an
agreement regarding the enforcement of the California bill which authorized
state funds for the purchase of the Headwaters Timberlands while imposing
certain restrictions on the remaining timberlands held by the Pacific
Lumber Parties (the "CALIFORNIA AGREEMENT").
The Final SYP complies with certain California Board of Forestry
regulations requiring timber companies to project timber growth and harvest
on their timberlands over a 100-year planning period and establish an LTSY
harvest level. An SYP must demonstrate that the average annual harvest
over any rolling ten-year period will not exceed the LTSY harvest level and
that a timber company's projected timber inventory is capable of sustaining
the LTSY harvest level in the last decade of the 100-year planning period.
Under the Final SYP, the Company's projected base average annual harvest
level in the first decade could be approximately 179 million board feet of
softwoods. The Final SYP is effective for 10 years, and may be amended by
Pacific Lumber subject to approval by the CDF. The Final SYP is subject to
review after five years. Revised SYPs would be prepared every decade that
address the LTSY harvest level based upon reassessment of changes in the
resource base and other factors.
Several species, including the northern spotted owl, the marbled
murrelet, the coho salmon and the steelhead trout, have been listed as
endangered or threatened under the ESA and/or the California Endangered
Species Act (the "CESA"). The Final HCP and the Permits allow incidental
"take" of listed species so long as there is no "jeopardy" to the continued
existence of such species. The Final HCP identifies the measures to be
instituted in order to minimize and mitigate the anticipated level of take
to the greatest extent practicable. The Final HCP not only provides for
the Company's compliance with habitat requirements for the northern spotted
owl, the marbled murrelet, the coho salmon and the steelhead trout, it also
provides for issuance of Permits for thirteen additional species that are
or may be listed in the future. The Final HCP and related Permits have a
term of 50 years, and, among other things, include the following protective
measures: (i) setting aside timberlands as marbled murrelet conservation
areas; (ii) establishing streamside "no-cut" and limited cut buffers as
well as mass wasting areas based on a five-year assessment of each of the
Company's watersheds; (iii) limiting harvesting activities during wet
weather conditions, and (iv) making certain specified improvements to the
Company's roads. The Final SYP is also subject to the foregoing
provisions. The Company believes that the Final SYP and the Final HCP
should in the long-term expedite the preparation and facilitate approval of
its THPs, although there can be no assurance that the Company will not face
difficulties in the THP submission and approval process as it implements
these agreements.
Lawsuits are threatened which seek to prevent the Company from
implementing the Final HCP and the Final SYP, and lawsuits are pending
concerning certain of the Company's approved THPs or other operations. On
January 26, 1998 an action entitled Coho Salmon, et al v. Pacific Lumber,
et al, (the "COHO LAWSUIT") was filed against Pacific Lumber, Scotia
Pacific and Salmon Creek. This action alleged, among other things,
violations of the ESA and claims that defendants' logging operations in
five watersheds have contributed to the "take" of the coho salmon. In
March 1999, the Coho lawsuit was dismissed, with prejudice. Pacific Lumber
has also received notice of additional threatened actions with respect to
the coho salmon. On August 12, 1998, an action entitled Environmental
Protection Information Center, Inc., Sierra Club v. Pacific Lumber, Scotia
Pacific and Salmon Creek (the "EPIC LAWSUIT") was filed by two
environmental groups against Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific and Salmon
Creek under which the environmental groups allege that certain procedural
violations of the federal Endangered Species Act (the "ESA") have resulted
from logging activities on the Company's timberlands and seek to prevent
the defendants from carrying out any harvesting activities until certain
wildlife consultation requirements under the ESA are satisfied in
connection with the development of the Final HCP. In March 1999, the court
affirmed a preliminary injunction on harvesting on three THPs; however, it
subsequently heard Pacific Lumber's motion to dismiss the case and issued
an order for the plaintiffs to show cause why the lawsuit should not be
dismissed as moot since the consultation requirement appears to have been
concluded. On or about January 29, 1999, the Company received a notice
from EPIC and the Sierra Club ("EPIC NOTICE LETTER") of their intent to sue
Pacific Lumber and several federal and state agencies under the ESA. The
letter alleges various violations of the ESA and challenges, among other
things, the validity and legality of the Permits. The Company is unable to
predict the outcome of either the EPIC lawsuit or the EPIC Notice Letter or
their ultimate impact on the Company's financial condition or results of
operations or the ability to harvest timber on its THPs. While the Company
expects environmentally focused objections and lawsuits to continue, it
believes that the Final HCP and the Permits should enhance its position in
connection with these challenges.
On November 9, 1998, the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection ("CDF") notified Pacific Lumber that it had suspended
Pacific Lumber's 1998 timber operator's license ("TOL"). As a result,
Pacific Lumber ceased all operations under its TOL and made the necessary
arrangements for independent contract loggers to be substituted where
necessary (independent contractors historically account for approximately
60% of the harvesting activities on the Company's timberlands). On
February 26, 1999, the CDF issued Pacific Lumber a conditional TOL for
1999. The 1999 TOL contains provisions which limit the use of roads during
wet weather conditions and provides for an enhanced compliance program.
The CDF has also advised Pacific Lumber that if the 1999 TOL is revoked,
issuance of a new conditional license would be unlikely. The Company does
not believe that the restrictions imposed by the 1999 TOL will have an
adverse effect on Pacific Lumber's or the Company's financial condition or
results of operations.
6. MEMBER CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
A reconciliation of the activity in member capital (deficit) is
as follows (in millions):
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at beginning of period $ 17.1 $ 12.7 $ 12.9
Net income (loss) (24.5) 45.6 51.5
Transfer of deferred tax assets to
Pacific Lumber (22.9) - -
Contribution of assets by Pacific
Lumber - 5.1 3.2
Assumption of net tax liabilities by
Pacific Lumber 6.7 28.4 29.2
Dividends from Offering (526.1) - -
Other dividends paid (6.7) (60.8) (76.9)
Other contributions (distributions) 3.5 (13.9) (7.2)
------------ ------------ ------------
Balance at end of period $ (552.9) $ 17.1 $ 12.7
============ ============ ============
7. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
(IN MILLIONS)
Supplemental information on non-cash
investing and financing
activities:
Assumption of net tax liabilities
by Pacific Lumber $ 6.7 $ 28.4 $ 29.2
Deferred financing costs payable 1.0 - -
Distribution of assets to Pacific
Lumber 6.1 - -
Acquisition of assets subject to
long-term debt and other
liabilities .5 7.3 -
Transfer of deferred tax assets to
Pacific Lumber 22.9 - -
Contribution of assets by Pacific
Lumber - 5.2 3.2
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow
information:
Interest paid $ 25.5 $ 26.7 $ 27.5
8. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summary quarterly financial information for the years ended
December 31, 1998 and 1997 is as follows (in millions):
THREE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------------------------------
MARCH 31 JUNE 30 SEPTEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
1998:
Log sales to Pacific
Lumber $ 9.7 $ 24.9 $ 33.3 $ 12.4
Operating income 6.6 19.6 25.6 8.1
Income (loss) before
extraordinary item .4 8.1 10.1 (7.7)
Net income (loss) .4 8.1 (25.3) (7.7)
1997:
Log sales to Pacific
Lumber $ 19.1 $ 34.6 $ 51.3 $ 21.4
Operating income 14.6 27.9 42.1 16.7
Net income 5.0 12.9 21.3 6.4
9. SUBSEQUENT EVENT
As described in Note 5 above, on September 28, 1996, the Pacific
Lumber Parties entered into the Headwaters Agreement with the United States
and California which provided the framework for the acquisition by the
United States and California of the Headwaters Timberlands. A substantial
portion of the Headwaters Timberlands contain virgin old growth timber.
Approximately 4,900 of these acres were owned by Salmon Creek, with the
remaining acreage being owned by Pacific Lumber and the Company (Pacific
Lumber owning the timber and related timber harvesting rights on the
Company's acreage). On March 1, 1999, the Pacific Lumber Parties, the
United States and California consummated the Headwaters Agreement. Salmon
Creek received $299.9 million for its 4,900 acres and, for its 700 acres,
Pacific Lumber received the 7,700 acre Elk River Timberlands which are to be
contributed to the Company on or before August 1999. Approximately $285.0
million of these proceeds have been deposited into an escrow account held
by an escrow agent and are to be made available as necessary to support the
Timber Notes, and may be released only under certain circumstances.
The Company and Pacific Lumber also entered into agreements with
California for the future sale to California of the Owl Creek and Grizzly
Creek groves (the "OWL CREEK AGREEMENT" and the "GRIZZLY CREEK AGREEMENT,"
respectively). The Owl Creek Agreement provides for the Company to sell,
on or before June 30, 2002, the Owl Creek grove to California for the
lesser of the appraised fair market value or $79.7 million. At
California's option, 25% of the payment may be paid upon closing with three
equal annual installments thereafter and without interest. The sale of
the Owl Creek grove will not be reflected in the Company's financial
statements until it has been concluded. With respect to the Grizzly Creek
Agreement, California may purchase from Pacific Lumber, on or before
October 31, 2000, a portion of this grove for a purchase price determined
based on fair market value, but not to exceed $19.9 million. The net
proceeds from the Grizzly Creek grove will be placed into an escrow account
(on the same basis as the net proceeds from the sale of the Headwaters
Timberlands) unless, at the time of receipt of such proceeds, the Escrowed
Funds are no longer held in an escrow account. California also has a five
year option under the agreement to purchase additional property adjacent to
the Grizzly Creek grove which is within the Grizzly Creek conservation
area.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING
AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
Not applicable.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(A) INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS PAGE
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (INCLUDED UNDER ITEM 8):
Report of Independent Public Accountants 24
Balance Sheet at December 31, 1998 and 1997 25
Statement of Income for the years ended December
31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 26
Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 27
Notes to Financial Statements 28
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES:
Schedules are inapplicable or the required information is
included in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
(B) REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
There were no reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of
1998. However, on March 19, 1999, the Company filed a current report on
Form 8-K (under Item 5) concerning the filing of a Prospectus Supplement to
the Prospectus dated December 30, 1998 relating to the exchange of its
Timber Notes.
(C) EXHIBITS
Reference is made to the Index of Exhibits immediately preceding
the exhibits hereto (beginning on page 39), which index is incorporated
herein by reference.
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.
SCOTIA PACIFIC COMPANY LLC
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ JOHN A. CAMPBELL
John A. Campbell,
Chairman of the Board, President
and Manager
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf
of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ JOHN A. CAMPBELL
John A. Campbell
Chairman of the Board, President
and Manager
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ PAUL N. SCHWARTZ
Paul N. Schwartz
Vice President and Manager
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ JOHN T. LA DUC
John T. La Duc
Vice President and Manager
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ EZRA G. LEVIN
Ezra G. Levin
Manager
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ STUART C. LEWIS
Stuart C. Lewis
Independent Manager
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ JACK M. WEBB
Jack M. Webb
Independent Manager
Date: March 30, 1999 By: /S/ GARY L. CLARK
Gary L. Clark
Vice President - Finance and
Administration
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)
INDEX OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
3.1 Certificate of Formation of Scotia Pacific Company LLC
(the "Company") (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-4 dated September 21, 1998; File No. 333-63825; the
"Company's S-4")
3.2 Agreement of Limited Liability Company of the Company,
effective as of July 20, 1998 (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's S-4)
4.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of July 20, 1998,
between the Company and Scotia Pacific Holding Company
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the
Company's S-4)
4.2 Indenture, dated as of July 20, 1998, between the Company
and State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street")
regarding the Company's Class A-1, Class A-2 and Class A-3
Timber Collateralized Notes (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q/A of MAXXAM Inc. ("MAXXAM") for the quarter ended
June 30, 1998; File No. 1-3924; the "MAXXAM June 1998 Form
10-Q")
4.3 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 9, 1998, between
the Company and Salomon Brothers Inc, as representative of
the initial purchasers of the Notes (incorporated herein
by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's S-4)
4.4 Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998,
between the Company and Salomon Brothers Inc, as
representative of the initial purchasers of the Notes
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the
Company's S-4)
4.5 Credit Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, among the
Company, the financial institutions party thereto and Bank
of America National Trust and Savings Association, as
agent (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to
the MAXXAM June 1998 Form 10-Q)
4.6 Deed of Trust, Security Agreement, Financing Statement,
Fixture Filing and Assignment of Proceeds, dated as of
July 20, 1998, among the Company, Fidelity National Title
Insurance Company, as trustee, and State Street, as
collateral agent (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.2 to the MAXXAM June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.1 New Master Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998,
between the Company and The Pacific Lumber Company
("Pacific Lumber") (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of
MAXXAM Group Holdings Inc. for the quarter ended June 30,
1998; File No. 333-18723; the "MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q")
10.2 New Services Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1998, between
Pacific Lumber and the Company (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.3 New Additional Services Agreement, dated as of July 20,
1998, between the Company and Pacific Lumber (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the MGHI June 1998
Form 10-Q)
10.4 New Reciprocal Rights Agreement, dated as of July 20,
1998, among Pacific Lumber, the Company and Salmon Creek
Corporation ("Salmon Creek") (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.5 New Environmental Indemnification Agreement, dated as of
July 20, 1998, between Pacific Lumber and the Company
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the
MGHI June 1998 Form 10-Q)
10.6 Agreement (the "Headwaters Agreement") dated as of
September 28, 1996 among MAXXAM Inc., Pacific Lumber (on
behalf of itself, its subsidiaries and its affiliates),
the United States of America and the State of California
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
MAXXAM's Form 8-K dated September 28, 1996; File No. 1-
3924)
10.7 Implementation Agreement with Regard to Habitat
Conservation Plan for the Properties of Pacific Lumber,
the Company and Salmon Creek dated as of February 1999 by
and among the United States Department of the Interior
Fish and Wildlife Service ("USFWS"), the National Marine
Fisheries Service, the California Department of Fish and
Game ("CDF&G"), the California Department of Forestry and
Fire Protection (the "CDF") and Pacific Lumber, Salmon
Creek and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.3 to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19,
1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.8 Agreement Relating to Enforcement of AB 1986 dated as of
February 25, 1999 by and among The California Resources
Agency, CDF&G, the CDF, The California Wildlife
Conservation Board (the "CWCB"), Pacific Lumber, Salmon
Creek and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.4 to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19,
1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.9 Habitat Conservation Plan dated as of February 1999 for
the Properties of Pacific Lumber, Scotia Pacific Holding
Company and Salmon Creek (incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 99.5 to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19,
1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.10 Agreement for Transfer of Grizzly Creek and Escrow
Instructions and Option Agreement dated as of February 26,
1999 by and between Pacific Lumber and the State of
California acting by and through the CWCB Board
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.6 to the
Company's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-
63825)
10.11 Agreement for Transfer of Owl Creek and Escrow
Instructions and Option Agreement dated as of February 26,
1999 by and between the Company and the State of
California acting by and through the CWCB (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 99.7 to the Company's Form
8-K dated March 19, 1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.12 Letter dated as of February 25, 1999 from the CDF to
Pacific Lumber (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.8 to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19,
1999; File No. 333-63825)
10.13 Letter dated as of March 1, 1999 from the CDF to Pacific
Lumber (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 99.9
to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19, 1999, File No.
333-63825)
10.14 Letter dated as of March 1, 1999 from the USFWS and the
U.S. Department of Commerce National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration to Pacific Lumber, Salmon Creek
and the Company (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.10 to the Company's Form 8-K dated March 19,
1999; File No. 333-63825)
*10.15 Escrow Agreement dated as of March 1, 1999 among Pacific
Lumber, Salmon Creek and Citibank, N.A. ("Escrow
Agreement")
*10.16 Amendment to Escrow Agreement dated as of March 26, 1999
*27 Financial Data Schedule
- ---------------
* Included with this filing.