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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 DECEMBER 31, 2001
COMMISSION FILE NO. 1-8712
Bowater Incorporated
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 62-0721803
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
55 East Camperdown Way
P. O. Box 1028
Greenville, South Carolina 29602-1028
(Address of principal executive offices)
(864) 271-7733
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title Of Each Class Name Of Each Exchange On Which Registered
------------------- -----------------------------------------
Common Stock, par value $1 per share New York Stock Exchange, Inc.
Pacific Exchange, Inc.
The London Stock Exchange
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 [ ]
Indicate by check mark if the disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant
to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be
contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of the voting common equity held by
nonaffiliates of the registrant as of March 5, 2002, was $2,841,804,648.
As of March 5, 2002, there were 55,108,662 shares of the registrant's
Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered with respect
to the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 8, 2002 are incorporated
by reference into Part III.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
BOWATER INCORPORATED
FORM 10-K
FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
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PART I.
Item 1. Business 1
Item 2. Properties 10
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 10
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 10
Executive Officers of the Registrant as of March 5, 2002 10
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PART II.
Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related
Stockholders Matters 12
Item 6. Selected Financial Data 13
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 14
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 30
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 30
Item 9. Changes In and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure 63
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PART III.
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 63
Item 11. Executive Compensation 63
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 63
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 63
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART IV.
Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K 63
Signatures 71
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
Bowater Incorporated ("Bowater") is engaged in the manufacture, sale and
distribution of newsprint, uncoated specialty paper, coated groundwood paper,
market pulp, lumber and timber. We operate facilities in the United States,
Canada and South Korea and, as of December 31, 2001, managed or possessed
cutting rights for over 34 million acres of timberlands to support these
facilities. We market and distribute our products throughout the world.
Bowater completed its acquisition of Alliance Forest Products Inc. ("Alliance")
on September 24, 2001. The results of Alliance's operations have been included
in the Consolidated Financial Statements since September 24, 2001. Alliance was
an integrated company specializing in timber harvesting and forest management,
as well as the production and sale of newsprint, uncoated specialty paper, pulp,
lumber and related products. Alliance had operations in Canada and the United
States. The acquisition added two modern, low-cost supercalendered and specialty
paper mills in Donnacona and Dolbeau, Quebec, enabling Bowater to offer a full
spectrum of groundwood paper grades. Also, a strategically located mill in Coosa
Pines, Alabama, which has been recently modernized to produce 100% recycled
newsprint, enhances Bowater's customer service capabilities. Alliance's
extensive sawmill system and approximately 18.0 million acres of cutting rights
will support Bowater's expanded operations.
Bowater was incorporated in Delaware in 1964. Our principal executive offices
are located at 55 East Camperdown Way, Greenville, South Carolina 29601, and our
telephone number at that address is (864) 271-7733.
OPERATING DIVISIONS
Bowater operates through five divisions: the Newsprint Division, the Coated and
Specialty Papers Division, the Pulp Division, the Forest Products Division and
the Canadian Forest Products Division.
The Newsprint Division, headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina, consists of
the following manufacturing facilities:
o the Calhoun Operation and Calhoun Newsprint Company ("CNC") (CNC is
owned approximately 51% by Bowater and approximately 49% by Herald
Company, Inc.) located in Calhoun, Tennessee;
o the Coosa Pines Operation located in Coosa Pines, Alabama;
o Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited ("Mersey Operation") (which is
owned 51% by Bowater and 49% by The Washington Post Company) located
in Liverpool, Nova Scotia;
o the Thunder Bay Operation located in Thunder Bay, Ontario;
o Ponderay Newsprint Company ("Ponderay Operation") (an unconsolidated
partnership in which Bowater has a 40% interest and, through a
wholly-owned subsidiary, is the managing partner; the balance of the
partnership is held by subsidiaries of five newspaper publishers)
located in Usk, Washington;
o the Grenada Operation located in Grenada, Mississippi; and
o the Mokpo Operation, located in Mokpo, South Korea.
This division is also supported by eight North American sales offices, which are
responsible for marketing and selling all of Bowater's North American newsprint
and some uncoated specialty paper. International marketing and selling of
newsprint and some uncoated specialty paper is supported by offices in Brazil,
England, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
The Coated and Specialty Papers Division, headquartered in Charlotte, North
Carolina, consists of the Catawba Operation located in Catawba, South Carolina,
two paper coating facilities (referred to as "Nuway") located in Benton Harbor,
Michigan, and Covington, Tennessee, and three sales offices. This division is
responsible for marketing and selling Bowater's coated and uncoated specialty
papers.
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The Pulp Division, headquartered in Burlington, Ontario, consists of two sales
offices. This division is responsible for marketing all of Bowater's market
pulp, which is produced at the Calhoun, Catawba, Coosa Pines and Thunder Bay
Operations.
The Forest Products Division, headquartered in Cleveland, Tennessee, consists of
three manufacturing facilities:
o Albertville Sawmill in Albertville, Alabama;
o Bowater Mersey Paper Company Limited Oakhill Sawmill (which is owned
51% by Bowater and 49% by The Washington Post) located in Bridgewater,
Nova Scotia; and
o Westover Sawmill, located in Westover, Alabama.
In 2000, Bowater purchased the Ignace Sawmill located in northern Ontario.
Currently, the sawmill is being refurbished and is expected to be operational in
the third quarter of 2002. The Forest Products Division is supported by 10
business offices and is responsible for managing Bowater's timberlands in the
United States and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, selling
timber (to third parties and to our paper mills), selling Southern Yellow Pine
lumber and managing wood procurement for our Calhoun Operation, Coosa Pines
Operation, Mersey Operation and Thunder Bay Operation and selling non-strategic
timberlands in the United States and in Ontario and Nova Scotia.
The Canadian Forest Products Division, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec,
consists of the following manufacturing facilities:
o Bowater Maritimes Inc. ("Dalhousie Operation") (which is owned 67% by
Bowater, 25% by Oji Paper Co., Ltd. and 8% by Mitsui & Co., Ltd.)
located in Dalhousie, New Brunswick;
o the Gatineau Operation, located in Gatineau, Quebec;
o the Donnacona Operation, located in Donnacona, Quebec;
o the Dolbeau Operation, located in Dolbeau, Quebec;
o nine sawmills located in Quebec and one sawmill located in New
Brunswick; and
o one wood treating facility located in Quebec.
The Canadian Forest Products Division is responsible for marketing Bowater's
Canadian lumber production, managing certain of our timberlands, managing wood
procurement for the division's manufacturing facilities previously listed and
selling non-strategic timberlands in Quebec and New Brunswick.
See Note 24 to Bowater's Consolidated Financial Statements for financial
information regarding segment operations, revenues and long-lived assets by
country.
NEWSPRINT
Bowater is the largest manufacturer of newsprint in the United States. Our
market share in the United States is approximately 18%. Including jointly-owned
facilities, our annual North American production capacity of newsprint is
approximately 3.2 million metric tons, or approximately 20% of the North
American capacity. Including the South Korean newsprint mill, our annual
production capacity is approximately 3.5 million metric tons, or approximately
9% of worldwide capacity.
The Calhoun Operation, one of the largest and most productive newsprint mills in
North America, is located on the Hiwassee River in Tennessee. Under the
management of Bowater, this facility operates five paper machines, which
produced 649,000 metric tons of newsprint and uncoated specialty paper in 2001.
Included at this facility is CNC's paper machine, which produced 210,000 metric
tons of newsprint in 2001. CNC also owns a recycle fiber plant and a portion of
the original thermomechanical pulp ("TMP") mill. Bowater owns the remainder of
the original TMP facility. The TMP mill was expanded in 1998. This expansion is
100% owned by Bowater along with all the other assets at the site, which include
a kraft pulp mill and other support equipment necessary to produce the finished
product. Bowater operates the entire facility. Pulp, other raw materials, labor
and other manufacturing services are transferred between Bowater and CNC at
agreed upon transfer costs.
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The Coosa Pines Operation includes three paper machines, which produced 76,000
metric tons of newsprint from September 24 to December 31, 2001. The site was
converted to furnish 100% recycled fiber to the paper machines commencing in
December 2001, and various older pulping and support facilities were shut down.
One of the three paper machines, having annual capacity of 85,000 metric tons,
was permanently shut down at December 31, 2001. The site also contains a kraft
mill, which produced 70,000 metric tons of fluff pulp from September 24 to
December 31, 2001.
The Dalhousie Operation has two newsprint machines. These machines were rebuilt
in 1982 and produced 226,000 metric tons of newsprint in 2001. This operation
has year-round deep-sea docking facilities that can accommodate large ocean
freighters, providing economical access to ports along the eastern seaboard of
the United States and throughout the world. Other facilities include a TMP mill,
a refuse boiler and a waste treatment plant.
The Gatineau Operation, located on the north bank of the Ottawa River in Quebec,
consists of three paper machines, which produced 415,000 metric tons of
high-quality recycled-content newsprint in 2001. This facility also includes a
recycling plant, a refuse boiler, a TMP mill and a secondary effluent treatment
facility.
The Grenada Operation consists of a TMP mill and one paper machine that produced
236,000 metric tons of newsprint in 2001. Other facilities include a waste
treatment plant and a refuse boiler. The Grenada Operation allows Bowater to
better serve the growing Southwestern United States market, while enabling us to
improve operating margins through better freight efficiencies at our other North
American mills.
The Mersey Operation is located in Nova Scotia on an ice-free port, providing
economical access to ports along the eastern seaboard of the United States and
throughout the world. It has two paper machines that were built in 1929 and
rebuilt between 1983 and 1985. The mill produced 223,000 metric tons of
newsprint in 2001. This facility also operates a TMP mill, a wastewater
treatment facility and other support equipment required to produce the finished
product.
The Mokpo Operation, located in the Daebul Industrial Complex on the southwest
coast of South Korea, has one paper machine that produces 100% recycled fiber
newsprint. This facility began production in late 1996 and is one of the lowest
cost newsprint mills in Asia. The mill produced approximately 248,000 metric
tons of recycled newsprint in 2001. The facility also includes a recycling plant
and ships its product cost effectively from a nearby public deep-sea docking
facility.
The Ponderay Operation, located on the Pend Oreille River in the state of
Washington, consists of one newsprint machine, which began production in 1989
and produced 247,000 metric tons of recycled-content newsprint in 2001. This
facility also operates a TMP mill, a recycling plant, a wastewater treatment
facility and other support equipment required to produce the finished product.
The Thunder Bay Operation, located on the Kaministiquia River in Ontario,
includes three paper machines and two kraft pulp mills. This facility produced
415,000 metric tons of newsprint in 2001 and 53,000 metric tons of base stock
for Bowater's Nuway operation. This facility also includes a TMP mill, a
recycling plant, two recovery boilers, a refuse boiler, a chip handling system
and a waste treatment plant.
Bowater also produces newsprint at its Catawba Operation, located on the Catawba
River in South Carolina. In 2001, the newsprint machine at this site produced
191,000 metric tons of newsprint and uncoated specialty paper and approximately
7,000 metric tons of base stock for Bowater's Nuway operation. In November 2000,
Bowater announced plans to convert this machine to coated groundwood paper
production. The conversion is scheduled for completion in 2003.
Bowater has 42% of its newsprint capacity located in Canada and 7% located in
South Korea. Our international operations are subject to risks of doing business
abroad such as currency fluctuations, changes in international trade regimes
such as GATT or NAFTA, dependence on local markets for supply, export duties,
quotas, restrictions on the transfer of funds and foreign ownership of property,
and political and economic instability. To date, our results of operations have
not been materially affected by any of these risks, but we cannot predict the
likelihood of any of these risks having a material effect on our results of
operations in the future.
3
Our North American newsprint is sold directly by Bowater through its regional
sales offices located near major metropolitan areas. Sales outside North America
are made through Bowater subsidiaries located in the markets they serve. We
distribute newsprint by rail, truck, ship and barge.
In 2001, Bowater sold newsprint to various related parties. During 2001,
Bowater's joint venture partners purchased an aggregate of approximately 893,000
metric tons. No single customer, related or otherwise, accounted for 10% or more
of Bowater's 2001 consolidated sales.
COATED AND SPECIALTY PAPERS
Bowater is one of the largest producers of coated groundwood paper in the United
States and North America, with an annual capacity of 449,000 short tons, or
approximately 9% and 8% of the United States and North American capacity,
respectively. Bowater is one of the largest producers of supercalendered paper
in North America with an annual capacity of 300,000 short tons, or approximately
11% of North American capacity. Bowater's annual capacity is approximately
664,000 short tons of supercalendered and uncoated specialty papers representing
approximately 11% of North American capacity. In November 2000, we announced the
construction of a new coating plant in Covington, Tennessee and another in the
mid-Atlantic region. The Covington facility is expected to be completed near the
end of the first quarter of 2002 and should begin operations shortly thereafter.
Our coated and uncoated specialty papers are primarily lightweight coated paper
and are used in magazines, catalogs, books, advertising pieces, direct mail
pieces and coupons.
Bowater manufactures a variety of coated paper grades on two paper machines at
the Catawba Operation. Both machines utilize off-machine blade coaters and, in
2001, produced approximately 353,000 short tons of coated groundwood paper and
approximately 16,000 short tons of uncoated specialty paper. The Catawba
Operation also includes a kraft pulp mill, a TMP mill and other support
equipment required to produce the finished product.
The Donnacona Operation, located in Quebec, consists of two specialty paper
machines which produced approximately 63,000 short tons of specialty paper,
mostly book paper and supercalendered grades, from September 24 to December 31,
2001.
The Dolbeau Operation, located in Quebec, consists of two specialty paper
machines which produced approximately 64,000 short tons of specialty paper,
mostly book paper and supercalendered grades, from September 24 to December 31,
2001.
Bowater also operates a coating facility in Benton Harbor, Michigan. This site
has two coaters that converted approximately 55,000 short tons of uncoated
basestock into approximately 65,000 short tons of coated paper during 2001.
Improvements continue to be implemented to this facility to reach its annual
practical capacity of approximately 147,000 short tons.
The Covington, Tennessee facility is designed to produce approximately 78,000
short tons of uncoated base stock into approximately 95,000 short tons of coated
paper on an annual basis.
Bowater also produces specialty paper at its Calhoun Operation and its Thunder
Bay Operation. Information regarding this production is provided above under the
Newsprint product discussion.
Bowater sells coated and uncoated specialty papers domestically through its
regional sales offices and through paper brokers to major printers, publishers,
catalogers and retailers. We distribute coated and uncoated specialty paper by
truck and rail. We service export markets primarily through international
agents.
MARKET PULP
Bowater is the third largest producer of market pulp in North America and has a
North American market share of approximately 11%. Market pulp is used in the
manufacture of fine paper, tissue, packaging, specialty paper products, diapers
and other absorbent products.
4
In 2001, the Catawba Operation produced 207,000 metric tons of softwood market
pulp; the Calhoun Operation produced 155,000 metric tons of hardwood market
pulp; and the Thunder Bay Operation produced 185,000 metric tons of hardwood
market pulp and 279,000 metric tons of softwood market pulp. From September 24
to December 31, 2001, the Coosa Pines Operation produced 70,000 metric tons of
fluff market pulp.
North American sales are made directly by Bowater, while export sales are made
through international sales agents local to their markets. We distribute market
pulp primarily by truck, rail and ship.
FOREST PRODUCTS
In addition to pulp and paper, Bowater sells pulpwood, sawtimber, lumber and
wood chips to a variety of customers located in the eastern United States and
Canada, including some of our paper mills. We also provide many of our
manufacturing facilities with the wood needed for pulp, paper and lumber
production and sell non-strategic timberlands.
At December 31, 2001, we owned, leased or possessed cutting rights on over 34
million acres of timberlands in the southeastern United States and Canada.
Although our primary focus is on timber management, we give considerable
attention to maintaining or enhancing other uses of our forests. Bowater,
independently or in cooperation with other stakeholders, restricts timber
harvesting on over 20% of its timberlands.
Our customers and the general public continue to seek assurances from the forest
products industry that the forest resource is managed in a sustainable manner.
In accordance with our forestry policies, Bowater is committed to developing
environmental management systems with the goal of sustainable forest management,
securing the long-term viability of our business and enhancing shareholder
value.
Bowater is committed to achieving an ISO 14001 registration on all of our
woodlands operations. The ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is
recognized around the world as an effective independent approach to verifying
environmental forest management practices. To date, Bowater has forestland
registered under the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System in Quebec, New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Bowater also subscribes to the American Forest &
Paper Association's Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
Our timberland base supplies a portion of the needs of our paper mills and
sawmills and of many independently owned forest products businesses. We own and
operate two seedling nurseries of our own in the United States and contract with
numerous other nurseries in order to replace trees harvested from our
timberlands and from the timberlands of small private landowners. We typically
replace two trees for every tree harvested. We also use harvest practices
designed to promote natural regeneration on approximately 33% and 75% of the
area we harvest in the United States and Canada, respectively.
In 2001, we consumed approximately 12.4 million short tons of wood for pulp,
paper and lumber production. Of this amount, we harvested 1.8 million short tons
of wood from our owned or leased properties, generated 2.2 million short tons
from cutting rights on land owned by the Canadian government, and purchased 8.4
million short tons, primarily under contract, from local wood producers, private
landowners and sawmills (in the form of residual chips) at market prices. In
addition, we harvested 2.1 million short tons of wood from our managed
properties to sell to other sawmills and paper companies.
Bowater operates 13 sawmills in the United States and Canada that produce
construction grade lumber. The Albertville Sawmill, located in Alabama, produced
85 million board feet of lumber in 2001. The Westover Sawmill, located in
Alabama, produced 10 million board feet of lumber from September 24 to December
31, 2001. These mills produce southern yellow pine lumber that is sold in the
southeastern and midwestern United States. The Oakhill sawmill, located in Nova
Scotia, which produced 79 million board feet of lumber in 2001, sells to
customers in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States. The Maniwaki
Sawmill, located in Quebec, which produced 64 million board feet of lumber in
2001, sells mainly to customers in eastern Canada. The Baker Brook Sawmill,
located in New Brunswick, produced 15 million board feet of lumber from
September 24 to December 31, 2001. Eight other sawmills located in Quebec
produced 118 million board feet of lumber from September 24 to December 31,
2001. The wood treating facility,
5
located in Quebec, produced 3 million board feet (approximately 2.4 million
supplied by Bowater locations) of lumber from September 24 to December 31, 2001.
We distribute lumber by truck and rail. Bowater continues to invest in sawmill
projects producing financial returns that exceed our weighted average cost of
capital, which we currently estimate to be 10%. There are presently two sawmill
projects underway. These investments are being made to generate increased cash
flow and to improve fiber supply and lower costs to our pulp and paper mills.
RECYCLING CAPABILITY
Bowater has focused its efforts in recent years on meeting the demand for
recycled-content paper products. This effort not only allows publishers and
other customers to meet recycle-content standards, but also it provides
environmental benefits by reducing deposits to solid waste landfills.
Bowater operates recycling plants at its Calhoun, Coosa Pines, Gatineau, Mokpo,
Ponderay and Thunder Bay Operations. Taking a mixture of old newspapers and old
magazines ("recovered paper"), these plants utilize advanced mechanical and
chemical processes to manufacture high quality pulp. The recycled fiber pulp is
combined with virgin fiber pulp. The resulting products, which include
recycled-content newsprint and uncoated specialty paper, are comparable in
quality to paper produced with 100% virgin fiber pulp. With the December 2001
start-up of the new recycled fiber plant, Coosa Pines joins Mopko in producing
newsprint containing 100% recycled fiber. In 2001, we processed 1.0 million
short tons of recovered paper.
Bowater purchases recovered paper from suppliers around the world, generally
within the region of its recycling plants. These suppliers collect, sort and
usually bale the material before selling it to us, primarily under long-term
contracts. We are one of the largest purchasers of recovered paper in North
America, purchasing approximately 1.0 million short tons annually. One recovered
paper supplier accounted for approximately 12% of our annual recovered paper
purchases and all other suppliers individually accounted for less than 10%, of
our annual recovered paper purchases.
COMPETITION
In general, our products are globally traded commodities, and the markets in
which we compete are highly competitive. Our operating results reflect the
general cyclical pattern of the pulp and paper industry. Pricing and the level
of shipments of our products are influenced by the balance between supply and
demand as affected by global economic conditions, changes in consumption and
capacity, the level of customer and producer inventories and fluctuations in
currency exchange rates. Any material decline in prices for our products or
other adverse developments in the markets for our products could have a material
adverse effect on our financial results, financial condition and cash flow.
Newsprint, one of Bowater's principal products, is produced by numerous
worldwide manufacturers. Aside from quality specifications to meet customer
needs, the production of newsprint does not depend upon a proprietary process or
formula. There are approximately 20 major worldwide producers of newsprint. We
face actual and potential competition from them and numerous smaller regional
producers. Price, quality, close customer relationships and the ability to
produce paper with recycled content are important competitive determinants.
Bowater competes with approximately five market pulp companies of similar size
in North America. Like newsprint, market pulp is one of our principal products
and is a globally traded commodity for which competition exists in all major
markets. Market pulp prices historically have been volatile. Aside from quality
specifications to meet customer needs, the production of market pulp does not
depend on a proprietary process or formula. We produce five out of the six major
grades of market pulp (northern and southern hardwood, northern and southern
softwood and fluff) and compete with other producers from South America
(eucalyptus hardwood pulp and radiata pine softwood pulp), Europe (northern
hardwood and softwood pulps), and Asia (mixed tropical hardwood pulp). Price,
quality and service are considered the main competitive determinants.
Bowater competes with approximately 11 coated groundwood paper producers with
operations in North America. In addition, approximately six major offshore
suppliers of coated groundwood paper sell into the North American market.
6
As a major supplier to printers in North America, we also compete with numerous
worldwide suppliers of other grades of paper such as coated freesheet,
supercalendered and uncoated specialty paper. Price, quality and service are
important competitive determinants, but a degree of proprietary knowledge is
required in both the manufacture and use of this product, which requires close
customer-supplier relationships.
Bowater competes with eight producers of supercalendered paper in North America.
In addition, two other major offshore suppliers compete in the North American
market.
As with other global commodities, the competitive position of Bowater's products
is significantly affected by the volatility of currency exchange rates. See
"Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" on page 30 of this
Form 10-K. We have operations in the United States, Canada and South Korea, with
several of our primary competitors located in Canada, Sweden and Finland.
Accordingly, the relative rates of exchange between those countries' currencies
and the United States dollar can have a substantial effect on our ability to
compete. In addition, the degree to which we compete with foreign producers
depends in part on the level of demand abroad. Shipping costs generally cause
producers to prefer to sell in local markets when the demand is sufficient in
those markets.
Trends in electronic data transmission and storage and the Internet could
adversely affect traditional print media, including products of our customers,
but neither the timing nor the extent of those trends can be predicted with
certainty. Our newspaper publishing customers in North America are competing
with other forms of media and advertising, such as direct mailings and newspaper
inserts (both of which are end uses for several of our products), television and
the Internet. Our magazine and catalog publishing customers are also aware of
the potential effects of competing electronic media.
Part of Bowater's competitive strategy is to be a lower-cost producer of our
products while maintaining strict quality standards and responding to
environmental concerns. Currently, some of our competitors' individual mills are
lower-cost producers of some of the products that we manufacture, including
newsprint. Our six recycling facilities have enhanced our competitive position
by enabling us to respond to customer demand for recycled-content newsprint.
RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY
The manufacture of pulp and paper requires significant amounts of wood and
energy. We obtain the wood we need for pulp, paper and lumber production from
property we own or lease, or on which we possess cutting rights, or by purchase
from local producers. We also use recovered paper as raw material when producing
recycled-content paper grades. See "Forest Products" and "Recycling Capability"
on pages 5 and 6 of this Form 10-K for information regarding our procurement and
use of raw materials.
Steam and electrical power are the primary forms of energy used in pulp and
paper production. Process steam is produced in boilers using a variety of fuel
sources. All of Bowater's mills produce all of their steam requirements with the
exception of the Dolbeau and Mersey Operations, which purchase all of their
steam from a third-party supplier. The Dalhousie, Donnacona, Grenada, Gatineau,
Mersey and Mokpo Operations purchase all of their electrical power requirements.
The Thunder Bay, Calhoun, Coosa Pines and Catawba Operations produce
approximately one-fourth of their electrical requirements and purchase the
balance. The Dolbeau Operation purchases all of its electrical requirements from
a public utility, about one fifth of which is produced by a third party that
operates a cogeneration unit on the premises.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 2001, Bowater employed 9,400 people, of whom 6,400 were
represented by bargaining units. The labor contract at the Catawba Operation,
which covers all of the plant's hourly employees, expires in April 2003. The
labor contract with the plant's hourly employees at the Calhoun Operation
expires in July 2002. The labor contracts covering the unionized employees at
the Dalhousie, Gatineau, Dolbeau, Thunder Bay and Mersey Operations expire in
2004. The labor contract covering the unionized employees at the Donnacona
Operation expires in 2005. The labor contract covering the unionized employees
at the Coosa Pines Operation expires in 2007. In January 2002, a union was
certified by the local authority to represent hourly employees at the Mokpo
Operation. Bowater and the union are
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negotiating a labor contract. All plant facilities are situated in areas where
adequate labor pools exist. We consider relations with employees to be good.
TRADEMARKS
Bowater owns the trademarked "Bowater" logo exclusively throughout the world. In
1997, we obtained from the former Bowater plc, now Rexam plc, ownership of the
name "Bowater" in connection with the sale of all of our products exclusively
throughout the world, with a limited exception for a few non-conflicting uses by
Rexam plc. We consider our interest in the logo and name to be valuable and
necessary to the conduct of our business.
ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS
Information regarding environmental matters is included on pages 25-26 of this
Form 10-K.
Bowater believes that its United States, Canadian and South Korean operations
are in substantial compliance with all applicable federal, state, provincial and
local environmental regulations and that all currently required control
equipment is in operation. While it is impossible to predict future
environmental regulations that may be established, we believe that we will not
be at a competitive disadvantage with regard to meeting future United States,
Canadian or South Korean standards.
All of our pulp and paper mills utilize process wastes or by-products to produce
energy instead of sending the wastes to landfills. Bowater operates recycled
(de-inked) fiber plants at six of our mills, diverting over 1.0 million short
tons of recovered paper from municipal landfills annually. See "Recycling
Capability" on page 6 of this Form 10-K.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements that are not reported financial results or other historical
information are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This Form 10-K, each of Bowater's
annual reports to shareholders, Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, proxy statements,
prospectuses and any other written or oral statement made by or on behalf of
Bowater after the filing of this Form 10-K may include forward-looking
statements including, for example, statements about our business outlook,
assessment of market conditions, strategies, future plans, future sales, prices
for our major products, inventory levels, capital spending and tax rates. These
forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are
based on management's expectations that involve a number of business risks and
uncertainties, any of which could cause actual results to differ materially from
those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements. In addition to
specific factors that may be described in connection with any particular
forward-looking statement, factors that could cause actual results to differ
materially include, but are not limited to:
INDUSTRY CYCLICALITY. Our operating results reflect the cyclical pattern of the
forest products industry. Most of our products are world-traded commodity
products. Prices for our products have been volatile historically, and we, like
other participants in the forest products industry, have limited direct
influence over the timing and extent of price changes for our products. Instead,
these price changes depend primarily on industry supply and customer demand.
Industry supply depends primarily on available manufacturing capacity, and
customer demand depends on a variety of factors, including the health of the
economy in general and the strength of both print media advertising and new home
construction.
COMPETITIVE ACTIONS BY OTHER FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANIES. The markets for our
products are all highly competitive. Actions by competitors can affect our
ability to sell our products and can affect the prices at which our products are
sold. Our industry is capital intensive, which leads to high fixed costs. Some
of our competitors may be lower-cost producers in some of the businesses in
which we operate, and accordingly these competitors may be less adversely
affected than us by price declines.
8
COMPETITIVE MEDIA. Our newspaper, magazine and catalog publishing customers
increasingly may use, and compete with businesses that use, electronic data
transmission and storage instead of newsprint, coated paper, uncoated specialty
papers or other products made by us. We cannot predict the timing or extent of
this trend.
CHANGES IN LAWS OR REGULATIONS INCLUDING THOSE AFFECTING TRADE, TRANSPORTATION,
CURRENCY CONTROLS OR ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE. We are subject to a variety of
national and local laws and regulations, dealing with trade, transportation,
currency controls or the environment. Changes in these laws or regulations have
required in the past, and could require in the future, substantial expenditures
by us. For example, changes in environmental laws and regulations could require
us to spend substantial amounts to comply with restrictions on air emissions,
wastewater discharge, waste management and landfill sites, including remediation
costs. Environmental laws are becoming increasingly more stringent.
Consequently, our compliance and remediation costs could increase materially.
For example, in April 1998, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated new
air and water quality standards for the paper industry, known as the Cluster
Rule, aimed at further reductions of pollutants, and as of December 31, 2001, we
anticipate spending approximately $175 million to enable our Catawba, South
Carolina, facility to comply with the Cluster Rule.
UNFORESEEN ENVIRONMENTAL LIABILITIES. As an owner and operator of real estate
and manufacturing and processing facilities, we may be liable under
environmental laws for cleanup and other costs and damages, including tort
liability, resulting from past or present spills or releases of hazardous or
toxic substances on or from our properties. We may incur liability under these
laws without regard to whether we knew of, were responsible for or owned the
property at the time of, any spill or release of hazardous or toxic substances
on our property. In some cases, this liability may not be limited to the value
of the property.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS. Certain of our products are sold in currencies other than
the United States dollar, and nearly half of our manufacturing costs and certain
financial liabilities are denominated in Canadian dollars. Accordingly, changes
in currency exchange rates will impact our revenues and costs. Increases in the
value of the Canadian dollar versus the United States dollar would reduce our
earnings, which are reported in United States dollar terms. We compete with
North American, European and Asian producers in most of our product lines.
Variations in the exchange rates between the United States dollar and other
currencies, particularly those of Canada, Sweden, Finland, and certain Asian
countries, significantly affect our competitive position compared to many of our
competitors.
CHANGES TO BANKING AND CAPITAL MARKETS. We require both short-term and long-term
financing to fund our operations, including capital expenditures. Changes in the
banking, capital markets and/or our credit rating could affect the cost or
availability of our financing. In addition, we are exposed to changes in
interest rates with respect to our floating rate debt and all new debt issues.
Changes in the capital markets or prevailing interest rates can increase or
decrease the cost or availability of financing for us.
CHANGES IN THE POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN THE UNITED STATES OR OTHER
COUNTRIES IN WHICH OUR PRODUCTS ARE MANUFACTURED OR SOLD. We manufacture our
products in the United States, Canada and South Korea, and sell our products
throughout the world. The economic and political climate of each region has a
significant impact on costs, prices of and demand for our products. Changes in
regional economies or political stability, including acts of war or terrorist
activities, can affect the cost of manufacturing and distributing our products,
pricing and sales volume, directly affecting our results of operations. Such
changes could also affect the availability or cost of insurance for our
facilities.
COST AND AVAILABILITY OF RAW MATERIALS AND ENERGY. We buy energy, chemicals,
wood fiber, recovered paper and other raw materials on the open market. The
prices for these raw materials are volatile and may change rapidly, directly
affecting our results of operations. We are a major user of renewable natural
resources, specifically water and wood fiber. Accordingly, significant changes
in climate and agricultural diseases or infestation could affect our financial
condition and results of operations. The volume and value of timber that can be
harvested may be limited by natural disasters such as fire, insect infestation,
disease, ice storms, wind storms, flooding and other weather conditions and
other causes. As is typical in the industry, we do not maintain insurance for
any loss to our standing timber from natural disasters or other causes.
INTEGRATION OF OUR ACQUISITIONS. As part of our business strategy, we have
consummated several acquisitions, and we may seek additional acquisition
opportunities. We may not succeed in integrating acquired operations. Successful
9
integration of acquired operations will depend primarily on our ability to
consolidate operations, systems and procedures and to eliminate redundancies and
excess costs. Acquisitions also may have an adverse effect on our operating
results, particularly in the fiscal quarters immediately following the
acquisition while we integrate the acquired operations. Even after we integrate
these operations, their revenues and profits may be less than we expect. In
addition, we may not realize expected synergies and cost savings in connection
with our acquisitions.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Information regarding Bowater's owned properties is included in Item 1,
"Business" of this Form 10-K.
In addition to the properties that we own, we also lease under long-term leases
certain timberlands, office premises and office and transportation equipment and
have cutting rights with respect to certain timberlands. Information regarding
timberland leases, operating leases and cutting rights is included in Note 23 of
the Consolidated Financial Statements in this Form 10-K.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Bowater is involved in various legal proceedings relating to contracts,
commercial disputes, taxes, environmental issues, employment and workers'
compensation claims and other matters. We believe that the ultimate disposition
of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our operations or
our financial condition taken as a whole.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2001.
Executive Officers of the Registrant as of March 5, 2002
Bowater's executive officers, who are elected by the Board of Directors to serve
one-year terms, are listed below. There are no family relationships among
officers and no arrangements or understandings between any officer and any other
person under which the officer was selected.
SERVED AS
NAME AGE POSITION OFFICER SINCE
- ---- --- -------- -------------
Arnold M. Nemirow............. 58 Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer 1994
E. Patrick Duffy.............. 60 Senior Vice President and President - Coated and Specialty Papers Division 1995
Arthur D. Fuller.............. 57 Executive Vice President and President - Newsprint Division 1995
Richard K. Hamilton........... 53 Vice President and President - Forest Products Division 1997
Pierre Monahan................ 55 Vice President and President - Canadian Forest Products Division 2001
David J. Steuart.............. 55 Vice President and President - Pulp Division 1998
Anthony H. Barash............. 58 Senior Vice President - Corporate Affairs, General Counsel and Secretary 1996
Jerry R. Gilmore.............. 53 Vice President - United States and Korean Newsprint Operations 1999
William G. Harvey............. 44 Vice President and Treasurer 1998
Steven G. Lanzl............... 53 Vice President - Information Technology 1996
David G. Maffucci............. 51 Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 1992
Robert A. Moran............... 57 Vice President - Manufacturing Services 1992
R. Donald Newman.............. 55 Vice President - Strategic Planning 1999
Michael F. Nocito............. 46 Vice President and Controller 1993
James T. Wright............... 55 Vice President - Human Resources 1999
Arnold M. Nemirow became Chairman in 1996 and Chief Executive Officer in 1995.
He has been President and a director of Bowater since September 1994 and was
Chief Operating Officer from September 1994 through February 1995.
10
E. Patrick Duffy became Senior Vice President and President - Coated and
Specialty Papers Division in 1995. He was President of the Telecommunications
Business Unit of R.R. Donnelley and Sons, a printing company, from 1993 to 1995,
where he was responsible for the sale and manufacture of printed products, and
President of its Catalog Group from 1990 to 1992. Previously, he was a Senior
Vice President of R.R. Donnelley and Sons.
Arthur D. Fuller became Executive Vice President and President - Newsprint
Division in 1997. From 1995 to 1997, he was Senior Vice President and President
- - Newsprint Division. He was Vice President Finance, Planning & Administration
of MacMillan Bloedel Packaging Inc., the containerboard and packaging business
of MacMillan Bloedel Ltd., from 1994 to 1995. From 1991 to 1993, he was a
partner of Nukraft, which sought to develop a recycled linerboard mill, and from
1987 to 1990, he was Vice President and General Manager of Great Southern Paper
Company, the containerboard division of Great Northern Nekoosa Corporation.
Earlier, he held various management positions with Great Southern Paper Company.
Richard K. Hamilton became Vice President and President - Forest Products
Division in 1997. He was Vice President Wood Products-Newsprint Division from
1995 to 1997. From 1993 to 1995, he was Group Manager - Forest Resources
Division of Georgia-Pacific Corporation, a forest products company, where he was
responsible for the woodlands management of about 340,000 acres of timberland
and the procurement, production and sale of pulpwood, logs and wood chips.
Previously, he held various woodlands positions with Great Southern Paper
Company and Scott Paper Company.
Pierre Monahan became Vice President and President - Canadian Forest Products
Division in September 2001. From 1994 to September 2001 he was President and
Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Forest Products Inc. He is a director of AXA
Insurance Inc. and Groupe Laperriere et Verreault.
David J. Steuart became Vice President of Bowater in 1999. He has been President
of the Pulp Division since July 1998. He was President, Pulp Group of Avenor
Inc., a pulp and paper company, from 1994 until its acquisition by Bowater in
July 1998. In this position, he had profit/loss responsibility for the Pulp
Group and performed related manufacturing and marketing functions.
Anthony H. Barash became Senior Vice President - Corporate Affairs, General
Counsel and Secretary in November 2001. He was Senior Vice President - Corporate
Affairs and General Counsel from 1996 to 2001. From 1993 through 1996, he was a
partner of the law firm Seyfarth, Shaw, Fairweather & Geraldson, where he was a
member of the firm's Business Law and Real Estate Group. From 1980 to 1993, he
was a senior partner of the law firm Barash & Hill, where he concentrated in
business and real estate law.
Jerry R. Gilmore became Vice President of United States and Korean Newsprint
Operations of Bowater in 1999. He had been Vice President - United States and
Korean Operations of the Newsprint Division since October 1998. Previously, he
was Vice President - Administration and Planning of the Newsprint Division from
1995 to April 1998 and was Vice President of the Newsprint Division with
responsibility for the integration of recent acquisitions from April to October
1998. Prior to joining Bowater in 1994, he held financial and management
positions with Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Great Northern Nekoosa
Corporation, both forest products companies.
William G. Harvey became Vice President and Treasurer in 1998. Previously, he
was employed by Avenor Inc., a pulp and paper company, as Vice President and
Treasurer from 1995 to 1998, Director of Finance from 1994 to 1995 and Manager
of Finance during 1994. These were positions of increasing responsibility
performing cash management, corporate finance, investor relations and various
other treasury functions.
Steven G. Lanzl became Vice President - Information Technology in 1996. From
1992 to 1996, he was with E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, a science and
technology company, where he was responsible for planning information system
initiatives. Earlier, he was with DuPont Asia Pacific, Ltd. in Japan as Manager
of Information Systems Planning.
David G. Maffucci became Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in
1995. He had served as Vice President and Treasurer since 1993 and Treasurer
from 1992 to 1993, and relinquished the title of Treasurer in 1996. From 1977 to
1992, he held various positions of increasing responsibility in Bowater's
Finance Department.
11
Robert A. Moran became Vice President - Manufacturing Services in 1996 and was
Vice President - Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Services from 1992 to 1996. He was
Vice President - Manufacturing Services for the Pulp and Paper Group from 1991
and Director of Planning and Development for the Pulp and Paper Group from 1988
to 1991. He also served as Assistant General Manager of the Catawba Operations
during 1988.
R. Donald Newman became Vice President of Strategic Planning in 2001. He had
been Vice President of Bowater since 1999 and Vice President - Canadian
Newsprint Operations of the Newsprint Division since July 1998. Previously, he
was Vice President - Operations and Resident Manager of the Calhoun Operations
from 1995 to 1998 and Vice President and Operations Manager of the Calhoun
Operations from 1994 to 1995.
Michael F. Nocito became Vice President and Controller in 1993. He was
Controller of the Calhoun Operations from 1992 to 1993 and Assistant Controller
of the Calhoun Operations from 1988 to 1992. From 1978 to 1988, he held various
positions of increasing responsibility in Bowater's Finance Department.
James T. Wright became Vice President - Human Resources in 1999. He was Vice
President - Human Resources for Georgia-Pacific Corporation from 1993 to 1999.
Prior to 1993, he held human resource and labor relations positions with
Georgia-Pacific Corporation and Weyerhaeuser Company, both forest products
companies.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDERS
MATTERS
(a) Bowater's common stock, $1 par value ("Common Stock"), is listed on the
New York Stock Exchange, Inc. (stock symbol BOW), the Pacific Exchange, Inc. and
The London Stock Exchange. Bowater Canada, Inc., a subsidiary of Bowater, has a
special class of Exchangeable Shares ("Exchangeable Shares") outstanding and
listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (stock symbol BWX), which is exchangeable
into Bowater Common Stock on a one-for-one basis. Price information with respect
to Bowater's Common Stock is set forth below:
Price ranges of Bowater's Common Stock during 2001 and 2000 as reported on the
New York Stock Exchange were:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000
HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First quarter $58.75 $45.81 $59.56 $41.88
Second quarter $52.50 $42.65 $58.75 $43.69
Third quarter $48.20 $40.30 $55.50 $44.19
Fourth quarter $49.94 $42.34 $58.50 $43.69
================================================================================
(b) As of March 5, 2002, there were 5,365 holders of record of Bowater's
Common Stock and 450 holders of record of Exchangeable Shares.
(c) Bowater has paid consecutive quarterly dividends of $0.20 per share of
Common Stock during 2001 and 2000. Future dividends on our Common Stock are at
the discretion of the Board of Directors, and the payment of any dividends will
depend upon, among other things, our earnings, capital requirements and
financial condition. In addition, our ability to pay dividends on our Common
Stock depends on our maintaining adequate net worth and compliance with the
required ratio of total debt to total capital as defined in and required by our
current credit agreement. This agreement requires us to maintain a minimum
consolidated net worth (generally defined in the agreement as common
shareholders' equity plus any outstanding preferred stock) of $1.72 billion as
of December 31, 2001. In addition, the agreement imposes a maximum 60% ratio of
total debt to total capital (defined in the agreement as total debt plus net
worth). At December 31, 2001, our consolidated net worth was $2.0 billion, and
our ratio of total debt to total capital was 52.6% calculated according to the
current credit agreement guidelines.
12
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table summarizes selected historical financial information of
Bowater Incorporated for each of the last five years. The selected financial
information under the caption "Income Statement Data and Financial Position"
shown below has been derived from Bowater's audited Consolidated Financial
Statements. This table should be read in conjunction with other financial
information of Bowater, including "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the financial statements
included elsewhere herein.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) 2001 (1) 2000 (1) 1999 (1) 1998 (1) 1997
============================================================================================================================
INCOME STATEMENT DATA
Sales $ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7 $ 2,142.7 $ 1,598.9
Operating income(2) 317.8 363.3 244.0 162.1 136.5
Net income (loss) 73.2 159.4 78.7 (18.5) 53.7
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share 1.37 3.02 1.41 (0.44) 1.25
Dividends declared per common share(3) 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT SALES INFORMATION
Newsprint(4) $ 1,438.7 $ 1,421.5 $ 1,282.2 $ 1,108.8 $ 730.8
Coated and specialty papers 479.6 428.4 363.9 440.3 381.7
Directory paper - - 89.4 173.5 178.9
Market pulp 403.9 546.3 434.2 272.1 172.7
Lumber and other wood products 127.0 104.1 142.0 148.0 134.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7 $ 2,142.7 $ 1,598.9
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL POSITION
Timber and timberlands $ 227.7 $ 265.2 $ 283.2 $ 472.8 $ 394.0
Fixed assets, net 3,818.4 2,981.1 2,581.3 2,885.2 1,554.5
Total assets 5,765.4 5,004.1 4,552.2 5,092.0 2,745.8
Total debt 2,242.7 1,931.1 1,505.1 1,830.8 758.9
Total capitalization(5) 4,352.6 3,851.8 3,397.4 3,736.6 2,038.3
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Percent return on average common equity 3.8 % 8.9 % 4.5 % (1.4) % 4.5 %
Total debt as a percentage of total
capitalization(6) 50.4 % 48.6 % 42.1 % 46.3 % 37.2 %
Total debt as a percentage of shareholders'
equity(6) 105.7 % 101.1 % 85.0 % 92.3 % 65.8 %
Effective tax rate 40.7 % 29.4 % 45.9 % 166.0 % 37.0 %
Cash flow from operations $ 372.8 $ 416.6 $ 147.0 $ 274.1 $ 195.6
Cash invested in fixed assets, timber and
timberlands $ 246.8 $ 283.2 $ 198.5 $ 223.2 $ 99.6
Book value - common shareholders'
equity per common share $ 35.70 $ 34.84 $ 33.10 $ 32.31 $ 27.99
Common Stock price range - low $ 40.30 $ 41.88 $ 36.94 $ 31.19 $ 36.88
- high $ 58.75 $ 59.56 $ 60.56 $ 60.50 $ 57.00
Shareholders of record(7) 5,900 4,900 5,200 5,600 5,200
Employees 9,400 6,400 6,400 8,300 5,000
============================================================================================================================
(1) In 2001, we acquired Alliance Forest Products Inc. In 2000, we acquired
Newsprint South, Inc. In 1999, we sold Great Northern Paper, Inc. In 1998,
we acquired Avenor Inc. and a South Korean newsprint mill.
(2) Operating income includes pre-tax net gain on sale of assets of $167.7
million, $7.3 million, $225.4 million, $21.1 million and $0.8 million for
the years 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively. Operating income
for 1999 and 1998 also includes a pre-tax impairment charge of $92.0
million and $119.6 million, respectively.
(3) Dividends are declared quarterly.
(4) Newsprint sales do not include shipments from Ponderay Newsprint Company,
an unconsolidated entity.
(5) Total capitalization includes total debt, minority interests in
subsidiaries and shareholders' equity.
(6) In 2001, 2000, 1999 and 1998, this ratio excludes the revaluation of debt
due to acquisitions totaling $102.3 million, $113.2 million, $128.6 million
and $190.6 million, respectively.
(7) This includes holders of Bowater Common Stock and Bowater Exchangeable
Shares.
13
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis provides information that management
believes is useful in understanding Bowater's operating results, cash flows and
financial condition for the three years ended December 31, 2001. The discussion
should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing
elsewhere in this report. Except for the historical information contained here,
the discussions in this document contain forward-looking statements within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and involve
risks and uncertainties. Bowater's actual results could differ materially from
those discussed here. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, those discussed under "Cautionary Statement
Regarding Forward-Looking Information" in Item 1 of this Form 10-K and from time
to time, in Bowater's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations are based on our Consolidated Financial Statements. A summary of our
significant accounting policies is disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates,
assumptions and judgements.
Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical data and other assumptions
that we believe are reasonable in the circumstances. These estimates and
assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements. In addition, they affect the reported amounts of revenues and
expenses during the reporting period.
Our judgments are based on management's assessment as to the effect certain
estimates, assumptions or future trends or events may have on the financial
condition and results of operations reported in our Consolidated Financial
Statements. It is important that the reader of our financial statements
understand that actual results could differ from these estimates, assumptions
and judgements.
We believe the following critical accounting policies contain the most
significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our Consolidated
Financial Statements.
PENSION AND OTHER NONPENSION POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS. Bowater engages an
independent actuarial firm to perform an actuarial valuation of the fair values
of our postretirement plans' assets and benefit obligations. Management provides
the actuarial firm with certain assumptions that have a significant effect on
the fair value of the assets and obligations such as the:
o weighted average discount rate - used to arrive at the net present value of
the obligation;
o return on assets - used to estimate the growth in invested asset value
available to satisfy certain obligations;
o salary increases - used to calculate the impact future pay increases will
have on postretirement obligations; and
o medical cost inflation - used to calculate the impact future medical costs
will have on postretirement obligations.
Management understands that these assumptions directly impact the actuarial
valuation of the assets and obligations recorded on our balance sheet and the
income or expense that flows through our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Management bases its assumptions on either historical or market data it
considers reasonable in the circumstances. Variations in these assumptions could
have a significant effect on the amounts reported through our Consolidated
Statement of Operations.
DERIVATIVES. The majority of our revenues are generated and received in United
States dollars. Significant portions of our manufacturing facilities are in
Canada, and accordingly, operating expenses are paid in Canadian dollars at our
Canadian mill sites. To reduce our exposure to differences in Canadian dollar
exchange rate fluctuations, we enter into and designate Canadian dollar forward
contracts to hedge certain of our forecasted Canadian dollar cash outflows.
Management estimates the forecasted Canadian dollar outflows on a rolling
24-month basis and hedges up to 80% of total forecasted Canadian dollar
outflows. This minimizes over-hedging our exposure and eliminates currency
speculation. We also assess, both at the inception of the hedge and on an
on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions
14
are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
Management believes that these Canadian dollar forward contracts qualify as a
cash flow hedge in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
("SFAS") No. 133, as amended by SFAS 138, and we have, therefore, deferred
approximately $14.4 million of deferred losses through accumulated other
comprehensive income. Had these Canadian dollar forward contracts not qualified
for cash flow hedging, these amounts would have been reported through our
Consolidated Statement of Operations currently.
TAXES. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Management evaluates its
tax assets and liabilities on a periodic basis and timely adjusts these balances
as appropriate. Management believes that it has adequately provided for its
future tax consequences based upon current facts and circumstances and current
tax law. However, should management's tax positions be challenged and not
prevail, different outcomes could result and have a significant impact on the
amounts reported through our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The carrying value of our net deferred tax assets (tax benefits expected to be
realized in the future) assumes that we will be able to generate, based on
certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain
tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred tax benefits. If these estimates and
related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to reduce the value
of the deferred tax assets resulting in additional income tax expense.
Management believes that it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets
will be realized, based on forecasted income. However, there can be no assurance
that we will meet our expectations of future income. Management evaluates the
deferred tax assets on a periodic basis and assesses the need for additional
valuation allowances.
Additionally, at December 31, 2001, Bowater had unremitted earnings of
subsidiaries outside the United States totaling $107.0 million, which have been
deemed by management as being permanently reinvested. No deferred tax liability
has been recognized with regard to these earnings. If our policy were to change
in the future and these earnings were remitted to the United States, these
amounts could have a significant impact on the income tax liability reported
through our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
LONG-LIVED ASSETS. Bowater's long-lived assets include the net depreciated value
of fixed assets and goodwill.
o For fixed assets acquired in an acquisition, management engages an
independent valuation firm to perform a valuation of the fixed assets
acquired and to assist in the determination of the remaining useful lives.
Management and the independent valuation firm believe the assumptions and
the assigned useful lives are reasonable under the circumstances. However,
different valuation assumptions and assigned lives could have a significant
impact on the amounts reported through our Consolidated Statement of
Operations.
o For fixed assets used in our operations, a review is performed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
net book value may not be recovered.
o We assess the recoverability of goodwill by determining whether the
amortization of goodwill over its remaining life can be recovered through
undiscounted future net cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount of
goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based on management's assumptions
of projected discounted future operating cash flows using a discount rate
reflecting our average cost of funds. Differences in assumptions regarding
discount rates or projecting future operating cash flows could have a
significant impact on the determination of the impairment amount and the
liability reported through our Consolidated Statement of Operations. On
January 1, 2002, Bowater adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets," and will be required to analyze its goodwill for
impairment issues during the first six months of fiscal 2002, and
thereafter on a periodic basis. Effective January 1, 2002, Bowater will no
longer amortize its goodwill. Bowater recorded goodwill amortization of
$23.9 million in 2001, $23.8 million in 2000 and $22.5 million in 1999.
TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS. There is no specific authoritative accounting guidance
that addresses the types of costs to be capitalized in timber and timberlands.
Management has used portions of authoritative accounting literature, its
professional judgment and industry data to develop its capitalization policy for
timber and timberlands. Costs that are directly related to future revenues and
costs of our products are capitalized. The acquisition cost of land and timber,
property taxes, lease
15
payments, site preparation and other costs related to the planting and growing
of timber are capitalized. Capitalization policies are consistent prior to and
during harvesting. These costs, excluding land, are charged against revenue at
the time the timber is harvested, based upon annually estimated depletion rates,
and are included in the line titled "Depreciation, amortization and cost of
timber harvested" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Growth and yield
models are used to estimate timber volume on our land from year to year. These
volumes affect the depletion rate, which is calculated annually based on the
capitalized costs and the total timber volume based on the current stage of the
growth cycle. Different assumptions and judgments regarding capitalizable costs
and/or growth and yield models could have a significant impact on the amounts
reported through our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL REVIEW
OVERVIEW
Bowater is organized into five divisions: the Newsprint Division, the Coated and
Specialty Papers Division, the Pulp Division, the Forest Products Division and
the Canadian Forest Products Division. Except for the Pulp Division, each
division is responsible for the sales and marketing of distinct product lines
and the operation of certain manufacturing sites. The Pulp Division is primarily
a marketing and distribution division. Therefore, Bowater's financial results
are collected, analyzed and reported through the other four Divisions.
NEWSPRINT DIVISION
The Newsprint Division operates seven manufacturing sites in the United States,
Canada and South Korea. The principal product line at these manufacturing sites
is newsprint, but several of the sites also produce market pulp and uncoated
specialty paper. This Division is responsible for the international marketing
and sales of newsprint and selected uncoated specialty papers.
COATED AND SPECIALTY PAPERS DIVISION
The Coated and Specialty Papers Division operates a manufacturing site that
produces coated groundwood paper, newsprint, market pulp and uncoated specialty
paper, and a coating facility, both located in the United States. Our new
coating plant in Covington, Tennessee, is expected to be completed near the end
of the first quarter of 2002 and should begin operations shortly thereafter.
This Division is responsible for the marketing and sales of a full spectrum of
coated and all other uncoated specialty papers manufactured by Bowater.
PULP DIVISION
The Pulp Division markets and distributes market pulp produced at the Calhoun,
Tennessee; Catawba, South Carolina; Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Coosa Pines,
Alabama, sites. Financial results for the production and sale of market pulp are
included in the Newsprint Division and the Coated and Specialty Papers Division,
depending upon which site manufactures the product.
FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION
The Forest Products Division manages 1.1 million acres of timberland owned or
leased in the United States and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova
Scotia and over 8.3 million acres of Crown-owned land in the province of Ontario
on which Bowater has cutting rights. The Division also operates three softwood
sawmills, supplies wood fiber to Bowater's pulp and paper production sites and
markets timber and lumber in North America.
CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION
The Canadian Forest Products Division operates four paper manufacturing sites in
Canada. The Division manages 0.4 million acres of owned or leased timberland and
over 24.4 million acres of Crown-owned land in Quebec and New Brunswick on which
Bowater has cutting rights. The Division also operates 10 sawmills and one wood
treatment plant,
16
supplies wood to four paper mills and ten sawmills, and is responsible for the
marketing and sales of Bowater's Canadian lumber production.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2001 COMPARED WITH 2000
Bowater completed its acquisition of Alliance on September 24, 2001. The results
of Alliance's operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial
Statements since September 24, 2001.
Bowater's net income for 2001 was $73.2 million, or $1.37 per diluted share,
compared with net income of $159.4 million, or $3.02 per diluted share, in 2000.
Operating income in 2001 was $317.8 million on sales of $2.4 billion, compared
with $363.3 million on sales of $2.5 billion in 2000. In 2001, operating income
includes a net gain on sale of assets of $167.7 million compared to $7.3 million
in 2000. Excluding the gain on sale of assets, operating income decreased $205.9
million from 2000 to 2001. This decrease was due to lower transaction prices for
market pulp ($157.1 million) and coated groundwood paper ($24.7 million), lower
shipments ($31.4 million, primarily newsprint and timber products) and higher
operating costs. Operating costs for 2001 were higher ($58.3 million) compared
to 2000 due to more maintenance and market-related downtime and higher costs for
chemicals, fuel, and repair materials. These increases in operating costs were
partially offset by lower prices for recovered paper (old newspapers and
magazines) and a lower Canadian dollar exchange rate. These negative operating
income variances were partially offset by higher transaction prices for
newsprint ($47.1 million) and lower selling, general and administrative expenses
($18.1 million). Presented below is a discussion of each significant product
line, followed by a discussion of the results of each of the divisions.
PRODUCT LINE INFORMATION
In general, Bowater's products are globally traded commodities. Pricing and the
level of shipments of these products will continue to be influenced by the
balance between supply and demand as affected by global economic conditions,
changes in consumption and capacity, the level of customer and producer
inventories and fluctuations in exchange rates.
NEWSPRINT. Bowater's 2001 average transaction price for newsprint increased 3%
compared to 2000. However, during the year transaction prices declined 19%. As
the United States economy weakened, Bowater adjusted its domestic prices
downward by $25 per metric ton on May 1 and July 1, 2001, thereby rescinding the
$50 per metric ton increase announced for March 1, 2001. Our shipments were down
2% compared with 2000. This decrease is due to approximately 340,000 metric tons
of maintenance and market-related downtime offset partially by the acquisition
of the Grenada (August 2000) and Coosa Pines (September 2001) operations. Our
inventory of newsprint at the end of 2001 was slightly higher than at the end of
2000. Total United States newsprint demand and consumption decreased
approximately 12% in 2001 compared to 2000. Newspaper advertising lineage
declined 5% in 2001 compared to 2000. North American mill inventories increased,
while customer inventories declined from 2000 levels. Total inventories (North
American mills and users) ended the year at 1.5 million metric tons,
approximately 15% below historical levels. North American net exports of
newsprint declined approximately 12% from 2000 levels.
COATED AND SPECIALTY PAPERS. The market for coated groundwood paper remained
under pressure during 2001. Bowater's 2001 average transaction price for coated
groundwood paper was 8% lower than in 2000. Our shipments for 2001 were 2%
higher compared with 2000 shipments. United States shipments of coated
groundwood paper decreased slightly compared to 2000. End-use markets declined
with magazine advertising pages and catalog mailings (measured by standard A
mail weight) decreasing over 2000 levels. Inventories of the United States
coated groundwood paper producers declined in 2001 to end the year 3% lower than
year end 2000. Bowater's shipments of uncoated specialty paper increased 64% due
primarily to the September 24, 2001, acquisition of Alliance, which added
supercalendered paper and book grades to our product mix. Our 2001 average
transaction price for uncoated specialty paper increased 5% compared to 2000.
North American demand for supercalendered paper dropped 3% during 2001, while
demand for total uncoated groundwood paper was down 5% from 2000. North American
mill inventories for uncoated groundwood paper increased 35% compared to 2000.
Uncoated specialty grades are used mainly for fliers, newspaper inserts,
textbooks and paperbacks.
17
MARKET PULP. The year 2001 was a challenging year for market pulp. Bowater's
2001 average transaction price for market pulp decreased 27% compared to 2000.
Our shipments increased by 2% compared to 2000. During 2001, we took
approximately 163,000 metric tons of market-related and maintenance downtime.
During the first half of the year, NORSCAN (United States, Canada, Finland,
Norway and Sweden) shipments decreased 10% from the corresponding 2000 level.
During the second half of the year, NORSCAN shipments increased compared to the
second half of 2000 and were also up compared to the first half of 2001.
Industry inventories increased to over 29 days supply, or 1.7 million metric
tons.
LUMBER. Lumber markets weakened throughout 2001. United States housing starts
were 1.6 million units in 2001, increasing 2% from 2000. Bowater's 2001 average
transaction price for lumber decreased 9% compared to 2000. Prices declined
substantially in the fourth quarter of 2001 due primarily to the impact of the
countervailing duty and anti-dumping charges imposed by the United States on
softwood lumber imported from Canada. Negotiations between the United States and
Canada concerning these duties have not been resolved, and we cannot assess the
future impact, if any, of such duties. Shipments increased 66% compared to 2000
due to the acquisition of Alliance, adding approximately 709 million board feet
of production capacity. Due to the weakening state of the lumber markets, we
took approximately 22 million board feet of downtime in the fourth quarter of
2001.
DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES (1) SEGMENT INCOME (LOSS)(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000 2001 2000
================================================================================
Newsprint $ 1,412.0 $ 1,464.7 $ 113.7 $ 236.6
Coated and Specialty Papers 516.4 586.9 25.7 136.1
Canadian Forest Products 520.1 419.8 77.6 58.1
Forest Products 285.0 334.0 (3.1) 15.0
Special items -- -- 167.7 7.3
Corporate & other eliminations (284.3) (305.1) (63.8) (89.8)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 317.8 $ 363.3
================================================================================
(1) Financial results for the production and sale of market pulp are included in
the Newsprint Division or the Coated and Specialty Papers Division, depending
upon which site manufactures the product. The Pulp Division is responsible for
the marketing and distribution of the product, and its administrative expenses
are included in "Corporate & other eliminations."
Total segment income in the preceding table is equal to "Operating income" as
presented in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
NEWSPRINT DIVISION. Sales decreased $52.7 million in 2001 compared to 2000, from
$1,464.7 million to $1,412.0 million, primarily as a result of lower transaction
prices for market pulp ($102.2 million) and lower shipments of newsprint ($100.5
million) and market pulp ($28.9 million). These decreases were partially offset
by the inclusion of the Coosa Pines operations in the fourth quarter of 2001
($68.6 million), acquired as part of Alliance, and the full year impact of the
Grenada operations ($73.8 million, acquired in August of 2000). Higher
transaction prices for newsprint ($29.0 million) and specialty paper ($4.3
million) and higher shipments of specialty paper ($2.9 million) also increased
sales. See the previous discussions of the newsprint, specialty and market pulp
product line results. Segment income for 2001 decreased $122.9 million to $113.7
million, from $236.6 million for 2000. This decrease was a result of lower
transaction prices for market pulp ($102.2 million), lower shipments ($5.8
million, primarily newsprint and market pulp), and higher manufacturing costs
($50.0 million). The higher manufacturing costs were primarily due to
market-related downtime, as well as higher costs for fuel, chemicals and repair
materials. These higher costs were partially offset by lower recycle paper
prices and a favorable Canadian dollar exchange rate. These decreases in
operating income were partially offset by higher transaction prices for
newsprint ($29.0 million) and lower distribution costs ($6.4 million).
COATED AND SPECIALTY PAPERS DIVISION. Sales decreased $70.5 million in 2001
compared with 2000, from $586.9 million to $516.4 million, primarily as a result
of lower transaction prices for market pulp ($45.1 million) and coated
groundwood
18
paper ($24.7 million) and lower shipments of newsprint ($14.2 million). These
decreases were partially offset by higher newsprint transaction prices ($3.0
million) and higher shipments of coated groundwood paper ($6.2 million) and
market pulp ($1.6 million). See the previous discussions of the newsprint,
coated groundwood and specialty papers and market pulp product line results.
Segment income for 2001 decreased $110.4 million, from $136.1 million to $25.7
million. This decrease is due primarily to lower transaction prices for market
pulp ($45.1 million) and coated groundwood paper ($24.7 million), lower
shipments ($3.8 million, primarily newsprint and coated groundwood paper) and
higher manufacturing costs ($31.1 million). The higher manufacturing costs were
due primarily to maintenance and market-related downtime and higher costs for
chemicals, labor and repair materials.
CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION. Sales increased $100.3 million in 2001
compared to 2000, from $419.8 million to $520.1 million. This increase is due
primarily to the acquisition of Alliance. Higher newsprint prices ($12.8
million) were offset by lower newsprint shipments ($11.5 million). See the
previous discussions of newsprint, specialty paper and lumber product line
results. Segment income increased $19.5 million in 2001 compared to 2000, from
$58.1 million to $77.6 million. This increase is due primarily to the
acquisition of Alliance, higher newsprint prices ($12.8 million) and lower
manufacturing costs ($3.5 million), offset by lower shipments ($2.7 million).
FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION. Sales decreased $49.0 million in 2001 compared to
2000, from $334.0 million to $285.0 million. This decrease was due to lower
timber shipments ($27.3 million) and lower transaction prices for lumber ($2.7
million), partially offset by higher lumber shipments ($2.7 million). Internal
procurement sales, transferred at cost to Bowater's paper mills, also decreased
due to lower wood prices ($18.3 million) and lower volume ($3.9 million). See
the previous discussions of the lumber and timber product line results. Segment
income decreased $18.1 million, from $15.0 million to an operating loss of $3.1
million, due to lower transaction prices for lumber ($2.7 million) and lower
timber shipments ($20.3 million). Timber shipments were lower due to weak demand
and reduced timber harvesting on approximately 263,000 acres of southern
timberlands sold in the fourth quarter of 2001 and in January 2002. Operating
costs for the Division decreased $4.5 million compared to 2000 due primarily to
lower silviculture expenditures. During 2001, the Division incurred a charge of
$7.3 million for pine beetle damage to our southern United States timberlands
compared to $7.8 million in 2000. The risk of additional pine beetle damage
continues to exist. The Division is unable to determine at this time if this
will have a material impact on its future operating results.
SPECIAL ITEMS. During 2001, Bowater sold fixed assets and timberlands resulting
in a net pre-tax gain of $167.7 million. This gain is primarily the result of a
land sale completed in the fourth quarter of 2001 and a note monetization
completed in the second quarter of 2001 related to a 1999 land sale (see Note 5.
"Net Gain on Sale of Assets"). During 2000, Bowater sold fixed assets and
timberlands resulting in a pre-tax gain of $7.3 million.
CORPORATE & OTHER ELIMINATIONS. The elimination of intersegment sales decreased
$20.8 million in 2001 compared to 2000. Decreased sales volume between the
divisions accounts for this decrease. Operating expenses for 2001 decreased
$26.0 million compared with 2000, primarily due to lower stock-based
compensation charges ($21.1 million) and lower benefit costs ($11.5 million).
These decreases were partially offset by hedging losses ($7.0 million).
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES
Interest expense increased $5.8 million in 2001, from $135.2 million to $141.0
million, due primarily to an increase in debt to fund the acquisition of
Alliance, partially offset by lower interest rates. Interest income decreased
$6.9 million, from $15.6 million in 2000 to $8.7 million in 2001, due to lower
average cash balances.
Other income in 2001 was $8.0 million compared to other expense of $4.5 million
in 2000. During 2001, Bowater recorded foreign exchange gains of $5.9 million
compared with $3.9 million of foreign exchange loss in 2000. The majority of our
exchange gain (loss) is attributable to the revaluation of unhedged foreign
denominated liabilities into United States dollars plus the ineffective portion
of our cash flow hedges.
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Bowater's effective tax rate in 2001 was 41% compared to 29% in 2000. The rate
was higher in 2001 due to additional state taxes related to land sales, Canadian
investment tax credits and foreign exchange impacts. In addition, as the level
of
19
pre-tax income decreases, the impact of non-deductible items on our effective
tax rate, such as goodwill amortization, increases.
FOURTH QUARTER OF 2001
Net income in the fourth quarter of 2001 was $18.7 million, or $0.33 per diluted
share, on sales of $700.3 million. This compares to net income in the fourth
quarter of 2000 of $58.5 million, or $1.12 per diluted share, on sales of $658.0
million.
Operating income for the fourth quarter of 2001 was $66.3 million compared to
$99.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2000. In the fourth quarter of 2001,
operating income included a gain on sale of assets of $84.2 million compared to
$3.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2000. Excluding these asset sales,
operating income decreased $113.0 million. This decrease is primarily the result
of lower transaction prices for market pulp ($59.0 million), newsprint ($53.7
million) and coated groundwood paper ($12.8 million) and lower overall shipments
($6.1 million). Operating costs for the fourth quarter of 2001 were also higher
($7.0 million) due to more maintenance and market-related downtime and higher
costs for chemicals and repair materials. Lower recovered paper prices and lower
hedging losses partially offset the higher costs. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were also lower ($13.0 million) primarily due to the
effects of our stock-based compensation programs.
The effective tax rate for the fourth quarter of 2001 was significantly higher
than the fourth quarter of 2000 due to Canadian investment tax credits and tax
saving initiatives generated and recorded in the fourth quarter of 2000.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES: 2001 COMPARED WITH 2000
Bowater's cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balance at the end of
2001 was $30.4 million, an increase of $10.0 million from $20.4 million at the
end of 2000.
Cash and cash equivalents increased $8.3 million, from $20.0 million at year-end
2000 to $28.3 million at year-end 2001. Bowater generated $372.8 million of cash
from operations, while we used $84.8 million of cash from financing activities
and $279.7 million for investing activities. Our most significant cash
transactions during 2001 include cash flow from operations, capital
expenditures, the acquisition of Alliance, the sale of notes receivable and the
payment of dividends.
CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Bowater generated cash of $372.8 million from operating activities in 2001
compared with $416.6 million in 2000. The decrease of $43.8 million was the
result of lower operating income in 2001 due to lower transaction prices for
market pulp and coated groundwood paper and lower shipments. These decreases
were partially offset by higher transaction prices for newsprint and lower
selling, general and administrative expenses. Working capital needs were also
lower in 2001 by $133.5 million. The 2001 operating cash flows include the
activity of the Alliance locations for the period September 24, 2001, to
December 31, 2001. The 2000 operating cash flows include the activity of the
Grenada mill for the period August 1, 2000, to December 31, 2000.
CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Cash used for investing activities in 2001 was $279.7 million compared with
$716.3 million in 2000. In 2001, cash used in business acquisitions, primarily
for the Alliance acquisition, was approximately $271.6 million. In 2000, we
acquired the Grenada mill for $382.2 million, purchased the Ignace Sawmill for
$4.7 million, and invested $3.1 million in PaperExchange.com. As of December 31,
2001, we had written-off the $3.1 million investment in PaperExchange.com.
Capital expenditures in 2001 totaled $246.8 million as compared to $283.2
million in 2000. Capital expenditures in 2000 included approximately $61 million
for the construction of a recovery boiler at our Thunder Bay Operation. In 2000,
we refinanced assets previously leased at our Gatineau Operation for $24.2
million. In July 2000, the Board of Directors approved a $175.0 million project
to replace the entire fiber line at our Catawba, South Carolina, facility. This
new fiber line will enable the mill to comply with new environmental rules (see
"Environmental Items"), as well as improve overall
20
operating efficiencies. Capital spending for the fiber line project was
approximately $21.0 million through 2001, with the remaining estimate of $154.0
million to be spent from 2002 through 2004. In November 2000, Bowater announced
plans to convert the newsprint production at its Catawba Operation to coated
groundwood paper and to construct two additional Nuway sites, which will coat
groundwood base sheets produced on Bowater machines that previously produced
newsprint. Capital expenditure levels in 2002 will be approximately $225
million, still below projected levels of depreciation and amortization in 2002.
Cash paid on the maturity of hedging contracts in our Canadian dollar hedging
program totaled $27.7 million in 2000. Cash paid on the maturity of Canadian
dollar hedging contracts during 2001 is included under Cash From Operating
Activities.
In the second quarter of 2001, we received $122.6 million from the monetization
of notes receivable related to CNC's sale of timberlands in 1999. In the fourth
quarter of 2001, Bowater completed the sale of approximately 147,000 acres of
owned or leased timberland for aggregate consideration of $121.6 million to two
purchasers in separate transactions. We received approximately $5.8 million in
cash and $115.8 million in notes receivable from the purchasers. In the fourth
quarter of 2001, we monetized the $115.8 notes receivable for net cash proceeds
of $102.6 million.
Several years ago, Bowater undertook an initiative to eliminate non-strategic
assets, including non-strategic timberland tracts. Since January 1996, we have
sold approximately 2.1 million acres of timberlands throughout the United States
and Canada, with cash proceeds (including the monetization of notes receivable
on timberlands sales) totaling approximately $782.0 million. Currently, we own
or lease 1.5 million acres of timberlands in the United States and Canada and
have timber cutting rights on over 32 million acres in Canada. We periodically
review timberland holdings and sell timberlands.
CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash flow used for financing activities was $84.8 million in 2001 compared to
cash from financing activities of $295.0 million in 2000.
During 2001, Bowater had net payments of $177.4 million on its short-term credit
facilities, while in 2000 we had net borrowings of $470.0 million (primarily for
the acquisition of the Grenada mill). In order to fund the Alliance acquisition
and to refinance assumed debt, Bowater entered into a $500 million nine-month
Bridge Credit Agreement. On November 6, 2001, Bowater's wholly-owned subsidiary,
Bowater Canada Finance Corporation, sold $600 million of ten-year notes, with a
7.95% coupon, fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Bowater. The proceeds were
used to repay in its entirety the amount outstanding under the $500 million
Bridge Credit Agreement, and the balance was applied to amounts outstanding
under our 364-day and five-year credit facilities. We also used proceeds from
the monetization of the notes receivable to reduce our short-term credit
facilities.
During 2001, we received net proceeds from long-term borrowings of approximately
$585.2 million ($600 million ten-year notes, net of discount of $1.9 million,
deferred financing fees of $4.4 million and cash paid of $8.5 million on
maturity of treasury lock derivative instrument) and made payments on long-term
borrowings of $375.9 million and refinanced the debt assumed with the Alliance
acquisition. In 2000, we had net reductions in our long-term borrowings of $30.5
million, which included the repurchase of an additional $19.8 million of our
9.25% Debentures.
During 2001, we reduced the amount of our 364-day credit facility from $750
million to $450 million, while retaining our $350 million, five-year facility.
In October 2001, Bowater's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bowater Pulp and Paper
Canada Inc. ("BPPCI") put in place a new $100 million, 364-day credit facility
(which is now held by Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. ("BCFPI"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Bowater and successor in interest to BPPCI as a
result of an amalgamation transaction effected January 1, 2002).
Cash dividends increased $70.7 million, from $48.3 million in 2000 to $119.0
million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to higher dividend payments to
the minority shareholders.
In 1999, the Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program allowing
us to repurchase up to 5.5 million shares of our outstanding Common Stock. We
made no purchases under this program during 2001. In 2000, we purchased 2.1
21
million shares at a cost of $103.7 million. As of December 31, 2001, we have
purchased 3.1 million shares at a total cost of $155.5 million under this
program.
We continually consider various options for the use of our cash, including
internal capital investments, share repurchases, investments to grow our
businesses and additional debt reductions.
SHORT-TERM FUNDING AND CONTRACTUAL/COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS
Bowater believes that cash generated from operations, proceeds from the expected
note monetization described below and access to our credit facilities will be
sufficient to provide for our anticipated requirements for working capital,
contractual obligations and capital expenditures for the next 12 months.
As of December 31, 2001, Bowater has available borrowings on our short-term bank
debt - credit facilities as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12/31/2001
Amount Commitment Termination Average
Short-Term Bank Debt Commitment Outstanding Available Date Interest Rate (1)
================================================================================================================
Operating line of credit $ 10.0 $ 0.4 $ 9.6 On demand 2.90%
364-day credit facility 450.0 50.3 399.7 6/19/02(2) 2.46%
Five-year facility 350.0 291.0 59.0 6/24/03 2.54%
BCFPI 364-day credit facility 100.0 -- 84.2 10/25/02(2) --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 910.0 $ 341.7 $ 552.5
================================================================================================================
(1) Borrowings under the 364-day and five-year facilities incur interest based,
at our option, on specified market interest rates plus a margin tied to the
credit rating of our long-term debt. The interest rate on our BCFPI 364-day
credit facility at December 31, 2001, is equal to the higher of (i) the United
States Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% and (ii) the rate quoted by the
facility's Administrative Agent in Toronto, Ontario. Bowater believes it is in
compliance with all its covenants and other requirements set forth in its credit
facilities.
(2) Under the Bowater and BCFPI 364-day credit facilities, the borrower has the
ability to extend the termination date for one additional year through June 19,
2003, and October 25, 2003, respectively.
The following summarizes Bowater's contractual obligations at December 31, 2001,
and the effect such obligations are expected to have on its liquidity and cash
flow in future periods.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 1 After 3
(In millions) Total Year 1-3 Years Years
===================================================================================================================
Long-term debt, including current installments $ 1,901.0 $ 73.0 $ 50.4 $ 1,777.6
Short-term bank debt 341.7 0.4 341.3 --
Non-cancelable operating lease obligations 53.8 9.1 20.1 24.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total contractual obligations $ 2,296.5 $ 82.5 $ 411.8 $ 1,802.2
===================================================================================================================
Bowater enters into various agreements, primarily supply agreements, in the
normal course of business. In connection with the acquisition of Alliance,
Bowater assumed various long-term supply contracts the more significant
including a fiber supply contract, at market prices, for its Coosa Operation and
a steam supply contract at its Dolbeau Operation. The Coosa fiber supply
contract expires in 2014 and has total commitments of approximately $174.7
million ($15.7 million in years 1-3, $13.0 million in years 4-5 and $101.6
million thereafter). In addition, our Dolbeau Operation's steam supply contract
expires in 2023 and has total commitments of approximately $140.4 million ($6.4
million in years 1-5 and $108.4 million thereafter).
22
Other Commitments:
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amount of Commitment Expiration Per Period
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Amounts Less than 1
(In millions) Committed Year 1-3 Years Over 3 Years
===================================================================================================================
Off-balance sheet debt guarantees $ 61.7 $ -- $ -- $ 61.7
Standby letters of credit 70.3 13.5 56.8 --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 132.0 $ 13.5 $ 56.8 $ 61.7
===================================================================================================================
Management expects to maintain the liquidity currently available to us under
current bank lines. The ability to renew these facilities is contingent upon the
financial markets in general and our operating prospects and credit ratings in
particular.
Bowater is rated as an investment grade credit by S&P (BBB with a negative
outlook) and by Moody's (Baa3 with a negative outlook). There is no way to
predict with certainty any future rating actions by these two agencies. The
interest rates associated with the bank lines of credit described above are
based on Bowater's highest credit rating (currently S&P). Any reduction in the
highest rating will increase our cost of borrowing. In addition to higher
interest rates, if we are downgraded to below investment grade, the availability
of future sources of credit may become constrained.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
NUWAY COATING FACILITIES. Two Nuway coating facilities are being constructed for
Bowater, one located in Covington, Tennessee and the other planned for the
mid-Atlantic region. Construction of the two facilities is being financed
through a special purpose entity ("SPE") with total expected construction costs
of approximately $100.0 million. Bowater has no ownership interest in the SPE.
Bowater Nuway Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bowater, has entered into lease
commitments with the SPE, the lessor in the transaction, for these new
facilities. The Covington, Tennessee facility is expected to commence operations
in the first quarter of 2002. The construction schedule for the mid-Atlantic
facility has been deferred and is to be determined at a later date, as market
conditions warrant. As of December 31, 2001, total costs incurred by the SPE for
the construction of these facilities was approximately $57.8 million. The assets
and debt associated with these new facilities will not be consolidated in
Bowater's financial statements. The leases will be classified as operating
leases and the payments expensed in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, "Accounting
for Leases." This arrangement provides very low cost financing. The future
minimum lease payments have not been finalized, but are estimated to be
approximately $3.0 million per year for the two facilities based on current
interest rates. The base lease term for each facility expires on April 30, 2006.
We have options at the end of the base lease terms to (1) extend the lease terms
annually for an additional five years, (2) purchase the leased properties or (3)
terminate the lease agreements. In the event that a lease agreement is
terminated, Bowater Nuway Inc. (as lessee) must cause the facility to be sold
and the lessor to be paid a residual value guarantee of approximately 83% of the
lessor's investment in the facility. The present value of rental payments,
estimated termination costs and the residual value guarantee at the inception of
the lease do not exceed in the aggregate 89.5% of the lessor's investment in the
facility. Upon consummation of the sale, the lessor is entitled to retain an
amount equal to its remaining investment in the facility, and any balance of the
sale proceeds is to be paid to the lessee. Bowater has guaranteed the lessee's
obligations under this arrangement. Management currently does not believe that
it is probable that Bowater will be required to make a deficiency payment on the
residual value guarantee.
TIMBERLAND SALES. In connection with certain timberland sales transactions,
Bowater received a portion of the sale proceeds in notes receivable. Bowater
monetized these notes receivable using qualified special purpose entities
("QSPEs") set up in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board's
(the "FASB") SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." The more significant aspects of the
QSPEs are as follows:
o The QSPEs are not consolidated with Bowater in Bowater's financial
statements. The business purpose of the QSPEs is to hold the notes
receivable and issue debt securities to third parties. The value of
these debt securities is equal to approximately 90% of the value of
the notes receivable. The full principal amount of the notes
receivable is backed by letters of credit issued by a third party
financial institution.
23
o Bowater records gains or losses on the monetization of the notes
receivable through the QSPEs. The amount of the gain or loss is
determined based on the original carrying amount of the notes,
allocated between the assets monetized and the retained interests
based on their relative fair value at the date of the monetization.
o Bowater's retained interest consists principally of net excess cash
flows (the difference between the interest received on the notes
receivable and the interest paid on the debt issued to third parties)
and a cash reserve account. Fair values of the retained interest are
estimated based on the present value of future excess cash flows to be
received over the life of the notes, using management's best estimate
of key assumptions, including credit risk and discount rates.
o The cash reserve accounts are established at inception and are
required to meet specified minimum levels throughout the life of the
debt issued by the QSPEs to third party investors. Any excess cash
flows revert back to Bowater on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The
cash reserve accounts revert back to Bowater at the maturity date of
the third party debt.
o Bowater may be required to make capital contributions to the QSPEs
from time to time in sufficient amounts so that the QSPEs will be able
to comply with their covenants regarding the payment of taxes,
maintenance as entities in good standing, transaction fees of the
transaction, contractual indemnification of the collateral agent and
certain other parties, and the maintenance of specified minimum
amounts in the cash reserve account. Notwithstanding these covenants,
because of the expected net available cash flow to the QSPEs (interest
and principal on notes receivable backed by letters of credit will be
in excess of interest and principal on debt securities), Bowater does
not expect to be required to make additional capital contributions.
o Bowater currently guarantees approximately $11.7 million, representing
25% of the outstanding investor notes principal balance of Timber Note
Holdings LLC, one of the QSPEs. This guarantee is reduced annually by
approximately $0.5 million based on annual principal repayments on the
investor notes of $2.0 million through 2008. The remaining investor
notes principal amount is to be repaid in 2009.
The following summarizes our transactions with QSPEs as of December 31, 2001 (in
millions):
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowater's Retained Total Excess of Assets
Qualified Special Purpose Entity Interest Total Assets Obligations over Obligations
================================================================================================================
Calhoun Note Holdings AT & TI LLCs $ 12.5 $ 150.4 $ 127.1 $ 23.3
Bowater Catawba Note Holdings I & II LLCs 14.2 118.0 104.8 13.2
Timber Note Holdings LLC 3.1 53.5 46.9 6.6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 29.8 $ 321.9 $ 278.8 $ 43.1
================================================================================================================
Neither the SPE nor the QSPEs are permitted to hold Bowater stock and there are
no commitments or guarantees that provide for the potential issuance of Bowater
stock. These entities do not engage in speculative activities of any description
and are not used to hedge Bowater positions, and no Bowater employee is
permitted to invest in any SPE or QSPE.
SUBSEQUENT EVENT
In January 2002, Bowater received proceeds from the sale of timberlands of
approximately $104.0 million, including $5.0 million cash and $99.0 million in
notes receivable. Bowater expects to monetize the $99.0 million notes receivable
in the first quarter of 2002 and to apply the proceeds to the reduction of debt.
ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS
On April 1, 2001, Bowater signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the
outstanding stock of Alliance for CDN$13.00 in cash plus .166 shares of Bowater
Common Stock or Exchangeable Shares for each Alliance common share. The Alliance
acquisition was completed on September 24, 2001. The results of Alliance's
operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since
September 24, 2001. Following the acquisition, Bowater changed Alliance's name
24
to Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. Alliance was an integrated company
specializing in timber harvesting and forest management, as well as the
production and sale of newsprint, uncoated specialty papers, pulp, lumber and
related products. Alliance had operations in Canada and the United States. The
acquisition added two modern, low-cost supercalendered and specialty paper mills
in Quebec, enabling Bowater to offer a full spectrum of groundwood paper grades.
Also, a strategically located mill in Alabama, which has been recently
modernized to produce 100% recycled newsprint, is expected to enhance Bowater's
customer service capabilities. Alliance's extensive sawmill system and
approximately 18.0 million acres of cutting rights will support Bowater's
expanded operations.
The aggregate purchase price to Alliance shareholders was $485.9 million. The
acquisition was financed through a $500.0 million Bridge Credit Agreement dated
July 2, 2001. The borrowings under this facility matured on November 6, 2001
(see Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form
10-K). As of September 24, 2001, the closing date of the transaction, Alliance
had a total of approximately 30.3 million outstanding shares. Using the exchange
ratio of .166, the 30.3 million Alliance shares resulted in the issuance of
4,179,626 shares of Bowater Common Stock ($1.00 par value) and 856,237 shares of
Bowater Exchangeable Shares (no par value) for the equity consideration of
$234.9 million and approximately $251.0 million in cash for the cash portion.
Bowater shares were valued at $46.65 per share of Bowater Common Stock or
Exchangeable Shares, which represents a six-day average (three trading days
prior to April 1, 2001, the date of the definitive agreement, and three trading
days after). Transaction costs of the acquisition were approximately $14.8
million, and payments to Alliance for settlement of stock options were
approximately $8.1 million. The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase
method of accounting in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards No. 141,
"Business Combinations."
In August 2000, Bowater completed the acquisition of the Grenada mill for cash
of $382.2 million (net of cash acquired and including fees and expenses) and the
assumption of $8.8 million in debt. The mill has an annual production capacity
of approximately 250,000 metric tons of newsprint. We accounted for the
acquisition under the purchase method of accounting. In November 2000, we
acquired the Ignace Sawmill, located in northern Ontario, for $4.7 million.
Environmental due diligence was conducted on both these facilities and the
aggregate potential liabilities assumed are not expected to exceed $250,000.
In August 1999, we completed the sale of Great Northern Paper, Inc. ("GNP") for
$250.0 million, consisting of cash ($108.0 million, net of expenses), a note
($10.0 million) and the assumption of the GNP workers' compensation and pension
liabilities existing as of the closing date of the transaction ($130.0 million).
We recorded a pre-tax loss of $47.1 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, after
tax, on the sale.
ENVIRONMENTAL ITEMS
Bowater is subject to a variety of federal, state, provincial and local
environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which it operates. We
believe our operations are in substantial compliance with current applicable
environmental laws and regulations.
In April 1998, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA")
promulgated new air and water quality regulations for the paper industry. These
regulations, known as the "Cluster Rule," are aimed at further reductions of
certain environmental emissions. Projects necessary for the Calhoun, Tennessee,
facility to comply with this rule by April 16, 2001, have been completed. The
Coosa Pines mill will be in compliance with the Cluster Rule by April 15, 2002.
In July 2000, Bowater's Board of Directors approved a $175 million project to
replace the fiber line at the Catawba, South Carolina, facility. This new fiber
line will enable the mill to improve overall operating efficiencies, as well as
comply with the Cluster Rule by meeting the more stringent parameters of Tier I
of the EPA's Voluntary Advanced Technology Incentive Program, with a compliance
date of April 15, 2004. The new $80 million kraft recovery boiler at the Thunder
Bay, Ontario, facility was commissioned in the summer of 2001. This project
significantly decreased the level of air emissions from the mill. It also
allowed the mill to discontinue the use of coal for steam production, thereby
decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to the projects mentioned above, we currently anticipate spending
less than $15 million of capital per year for all of our facilities for the
foreseeable future to maintain compliance with existing environmental
regulations. Environmental regulations promulgated in the future could require
substantial expenditures for compliance and could have a material impact on
Bowater, in particular, and the industry in general.
25
Bowater currently has recorded $14.8 million for environmental liabilities.
These liabilities are recorded at undiscounted amounts and are included in other
long-term liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The $14.8 million
represents management's estimate based on an assessment of relevant factors and
assumptions of the ultimate settlement amounts for these liabilities. The amount
of these liabilities could be affected by changes in facts or assumptions not
currently known to management. Approximately $13.2 million of the $14.8 million
relates to two Canadian mills for costs primarily associated with soil
remediation, air compliance and landfill closure.
As of December 31, 2001, Bowater has been notified that we are a "potentially
responsible party" ("PRP") under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act ("CERCLA") of 1980, as amended, with respect to
three sites in South Carolina. One site contained a small landfill on a timber
tract sold to CNC by a third party. The third party has remediated the site and
continues to monitor the groundwater. Bowater has not been requested to
contribute to the remediation costs. One site is a timber tract owned by CNC in
which unknown third parties discarded several hundred steel drums containing
small amounts of textile residue. This site has not yet been scheduled for
remediation. The remaining site is a Superfund site where several parties,
including Bowater, shipped used steel drums for reclamation. The EPA has
remediated this site for a total cost of approximately $6.2 million. Bowater has
been notified that we are one of 27 PRPs. Negotiations with EPA to determine
liabilities for the PRPs will begin in March 2002. Bowater does not believe it
will be liable for any significant amounts at these three sites.
ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 141, "Business Combinations."
Statement No. 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for
all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, as well as all purchase
method business combinations completed after June 30, 2001. Bowater adopted this
statement as required on July 1, 2001, and the Alliance acquisition completed on
September 24, 2001, was accounted for under the provisions of Statement No. 141.
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets." Under Statement No. 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
useful lives will no longer be amortized, but will be tested for impairment at
least on an annual basis in accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 142.
Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in business combinations completed
before July 1, 2001, will continue to be amortized prior to the adoption of
Statement No. 142, which Bowater adopted on January 1, 2002. Effective January
1, 2002, Bowater will no longer amortize its goodwill. As of December 31, 2001,
Bowater has unamortized goodwill in the amount of $843.0 million. Amortization
expense for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000 was $23.9 million and
$23.8 million, respectively. In connection with Statement No. 142's transitional
goodwill impairment evaluation, Bowater will be required to perform an
assessment of whether there is an indication that goodwill is impaired as of the
date of adoption. To accomplish this, Bowater must identify its reporting units
and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by assigning the assets
and liabilities, including the existing goodwill, to those reporting units as of
the date of adoption. Bowater will then have six months from the date of
adoption to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to
the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Because of the extensive effort
needed to perform the transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, it is not
practicable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting Statement No. 142 on
our financial statements at the date of this report, including whether any
transitional impairment losses will be required to be recognized as the
cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.
In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 143, "Accounting for Asset
Retirement Obligation." This Statement requires entities to record the fair
value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation in the period in which
it is incurred. Statement No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
June 15, 2002. Bowater will adopt the Statement effective January 1, 2003, and
is currently assessing the impact on its operations.
On October 3, 2001, the FASB issued Statement No. 144, "Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," that is applicable to financial
statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 (January
2002 for Bowater). The FASB's new rules on asset impairment supersede FASB
Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of," and provide a single accounting model for
long-lived assets to be disposed of. Bowater adopted the Statement effective
January 1, 2002, and does not expect this standard to have a material impact on
future financial statements or results of operations.
26
HISTORICAL REFERENCE RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: 2000 COMPARED WITH 1999
Bowater's net income for 2000 was $159.4 million, or $3.02 per diluted share,
compared with net income of $78.7 million, or $1.41 per diluted share, in 1999.
In 2000, Bowater began reporting all sales amounts before distribution costs.
All prior-year amounts have been adjusted to conform to the new presentation.
Operating income in 2000 was $363.3 million on sales of $2.5 billion, compared
with $244.0 million on sales of $2.3 billion in 1999. In 2000, operating income
includes gain on sale of assets of $7.3 million compared to $225.4 million in
1999. Operating income for 1999 also includes a pre-tax impairment charge of
$92.0 million. Excluding the impairment charge and the net gain on sale of
assets, operating income increased $245.4 million. This increase was due to
higher transaction prices for newsprint ($132.1 million), pulp ($125.4 million),
coated groundwood paper ($39.0 million) and uncoated groundwood specialties
($8.5 million), and higher shipments of newsprint (due to the acquisition of the
Grenada mill) and uncoated groundwood specialties. This increase was partially
offset by lower lumber prices ($10.9 million), lower shipments of pulp and
coated groundwood paper and higher general and administrative expenses ($33.9
million). Our operating costs were lower in 2000 compared with 1999 primarily
due to less market-related downtime ($33.3 million). Costs were also reduced by
the sale of GNP, which included two high-cost mills, offset by higher prices for
recovered paper, fuel and power. Presented below is a discussion of each
significant product line, followed by a discussion of the results of each of the
divisions.
PRODUCT LINE INFORMATION
NEWSPRINT. The newsprint markets improved during 2000. Bowater's average
transaction price for newsprint increased 10% during the year. Our shipments
were slightly higher compared with 1999 due to the acquisition of the Grenada
mill and less market-related downtime, partially offset by the sale of GNP and
the movement of newsprint to higher value-added specialty grades. Bowater's
inventory of newsprint at the end of 2000 was lower than at the end of 1999. The
United States economy grew approximately 5% in 2000, and Asian demand improved,
recovering from the Asian economic crisis of 1997 and 1998. Total United States
newsprint demand and consumption increased during 2000 compared with 1999. North
American mill inventories, as well as customer inventories, declined from 1999
levels. North American exports of newsprint, constrained by tight domestic
supply, grew modestly during the year. North American imports of newsprint
declined significantly. The supply/demand picture for newsprint improved as
industry capacity declined during the year because producers converted to higher
value grades and closed high-cost facilities. Approximately one million metric
tons of annual production capacity are expected to be removed from the North
American market over the next two years. Given the strong newsprint market, we
are increasing prices in all of our offshore markets by approximately $50 per
metric ton in the first quarter of 2001, and we implemented an additional $50
per metric ton price increase, effective March 1, 2001, in the United States.
UNCOATED GROUNDWOOD SPECIALTIES. Compared with 1999, Bowater's average
transaction price of uncoated groundwood specialties increased 9% in 2000. Our
shipments also increased 72% as a result of the movement from newsprint to
higher value-added specialty grades. Uncoated groundwood specialty grades are
used mainly for fliers and newspaper inserts. This market is normally similar to
the newsprint market in terms of pricing and demand.
COATED GROUNDWOOD PAPER. The market for coated groundwood paper was solid
throughout 2000. Bowater's 2000 average transaction price for coated groundwood
paper was 13% higher than in 1999. Our shipments for 2000 were 7% lower compared
with 1999 shipments. This decrease is primarily the result of the sale of GNP in
1999, partially offset with the production from our Nuway operations. United
States shipments of coated groundwood paper increased slightly compared to 1999.
End-use markets continued to grow with magazine advertising pages and catalog
mailings (measured by standard A mail weight) increasing over 1999 levels.
Inventories of the United States coated groundwood producers declined
significantly in the first half of 2000 and then increased during the second
half to end the year 26% higher than year end 1999. Although there was
significant weakness in the coated free-sheet markets during the year, the
impact on our coated paper grades was minimal.
MARKET PULP. The year 2000 was a strong year for market pulp. Bowater
implemented three price increases: $30 per
27
metric ton effective January 1, 2000, $40 per metric ton effective April 1,
2000, and $30 per metric ton effective July 1, 2000. Our average transaction
price for market pulp increased 30% compared to 1999. Our shipments were down
slightly compared to 1999 due to 25,000 metric tons of market-related downtime
taken toward the end of the year. During the first half of the year, NORSCAN
(United States, Canada, Finland, Norway and Sweden) shipments increased 2% from
the corresponding 1999 level. During the second half of the year, market
conditions began to weaken. NORSCAN shipments decreased compared to the second
half of 1999 and were also down compared to the first half of 2000. Industry
inventories increased to over 33 days supply, or 1.8 million metric tons. This
trend has continued into the first quarter of 2001, and as a result, we have
announced an additional 30,000 metric tons of market-related downtime during the
first quarter.
LUMBER. Lumber markets were weak throughout 2000. United States housing starts
were 1.6 million units in 2000, decreasing 4% from 1999. Bowater's average
transaction price for lumber in 2000 was 16% lower than in 1999 with prices
declining in each quarter of the year. The industry average price for structural
framing lumber was at its lowest level since 1992. Shipments increased at each
of our three sawmills; however, our overall shipments declined slightly in 2000
compared with 1999 due to the sale of a sawmill in March 1999.
TIMBER. Bowater's average transaction price for timber declined 6% from 1999
levels. After accounting for the change in mix that resulted from the sale of
timberlands in Maine, our prices for timber were basically flat in 2000 compared
to 1999. Softwood sawtimber prices weakened slightly as a result of poor lumber
markets; however, the impact on Bowater was minimized through aggressive
merchandising and marketing efforts. Our shipments of timber declined 31% in
2000 as a result of the sale of over 2 million acres of timberland in 1999.
DIVISIONAL PERFORMANCE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES(1) SEGMENT INCOME (LOSS)(1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2000 1999 2000 1999
================================================================================
Newsprint $ 1,464.7 $ 1,368.7 $ 236.6 $ 19.4
Coated and Specialty Papers 586.9 499.2 136.1 72.2
Canadian Forest Products 419.8 354.8 58.1 39.6
Forest Products 334.0 407.5 15.0 39.5
Special items -- -- 7.3 133.4
Corporate & other eliminations (305.1) (318.5) (89.8) (60.1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7 $ 363.3 $ 244.0
================================================================================
(1) Financial results for the production and sale of market pulp are included in
the Newsprint Division or the Coated and Specialty Papers Division, depending
upon which site manufactures the product. The Pulp Division is responsible for
the marketing and distribution of the product, and its administrative expenses
are included in "Corporate & other eliminations."
The line titled "Total segment income" in the preceding table is equal to
"Operating income" as presented in our Consolidated Statement of Operations.
NEWSPRINT DIVISION. Sales increased $96.0 million, from $1,368.7 million to
$1,464.7 million, primarily as a result of the higher transaction prices for
newsprint ($88.2 million), pulp ($99.6 million) and uncoated groundwood
specialties ($8.0 million), as well as higher shipments of pulp ($7.5 million)
and uncoated groundwood specialties ($32.9 million), partially offset by lower
shipments of newsprint ($9.7 million, excluding the impact of the acquisition of
Grenada in August 2000). Other items affecting the sales for this division were
the acquisition of the Grenada Operation in August of 2000 ($60.3 million) and
the sale of GNP in August of 1999 ($190.7 million). See the previous discussions
of the newsprint and market pulp product line results. Segment income in 2000
increased $217.2 million from $19.4 million in 1999 to $236.6 million. This
increase was due to the higher transaction prices for newsprint ($88.2 million),
pulp ($99.6 million) and uncoated groundwood specialties ($8.0 million).
Operating costs for the Division were lower in 2000 due to less market-related
downtime. Costs were also reduced by the sale of GNP's high-cost mills, offset
by higher prices for recovered paper, power and fuel.
28
COATED AND SPECIALTY PAPERS DIVISION. Sales increased $87.7 million in 2000
compared with 1999, from $499.2 million to $586.9 million, primarily the result
of higher transaction prices for newsprint ($8.5 million), coated groundwood
paper ($37.4 million) and pulp ($33.8 million), and higher shipments of coated
groundwood paper ($30.4 million) and uncoated groundwood specialties ($19.3
million). This increase was partially offset by lower newsprint ($20.5 million)
and market pulp ($21.0 million) shipments. See the previous discussions of the
newsprint, coated groundwood and market pulp product line results. Segment
income increased $63.9 million, from $72.2 million to $136.1 million, primarily
the result of the higher transaction prices for newsprint ($8.5 million), coated
groundwood paper ($37.4 million) and pulp ($33.8 million), partially offset by
higher operating costs associated with fuel ($1.9 million) and chemicals ($7.1
million).
CANADIAN FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION. Sales increased $65.0 million, from $354.8
million in 1999 to $419.8 million in 2000 primarily due to higher transaction
prices for newsprint ($29.3 million), higher shipments of newsprint ($30.4
million), market pulp ($26.2 million) and lumber ($5.7 million). These increases
were partially offset by lower shipments of specialty paper ($24.6 million) and
lower transaction prices for lumber ($2.2 million). See the previous discussions
of the newsprint and uncoated groundwood specialties and lumber product line
results. Segment income increased $18.5 million, from $39.6 million in 1999 to
$58.1 million in 2000. This increase was mainly due to higher newsprint prices
($29.3 million) and higher shipments of newsprint, market pulp and lumber. This
increase was partially offset by higher manufacturing costs ($12.6 million).
FOREST PRODUCTS DIVISION. Sales in 2000 decreased $73.5 million compared with
1999, from $407.5 million to $334.0 million. This decrease was due primarily to
lower shipments of timber ($28.3 million) and lumber ($3.4 million) and lower
transaction prices for lumber ($8.5 million) and timber ($10.0 million).
Internal procurement sales transferred at cost were lower due to lower volume
($13.3 million) and lower wood prices ($10.0 million). See the previous
discussions of the lumber and timber product line results. Segment income
decreased $24.5 million, from $39.5 million to $15.0 million, due to lower
transaction prices for lumber ($8.5 million) and timber ($10.0 million), as well
as lower timber shipments ($13.3 million) due to the sale of over 2 million
acres during 1999. Operating costs for the Division decreased $2.5 million in
2000 compared with 1999, primarily as a result of improved efficiency and lower
wood costs at the sawmills and lower forest management costs as a result of the
timberland sale in 1999. These lower costs were partially offset by a $7.8
million charge for pine beetle damage to our southern United States timberlands.
The risk of additional pine beetle damage continues to exist. The Division is
unable to determine, at this time, if this will have a material impact on its
future operating results.
SPECIAL ITEMS. During 2000, Bowater sold fixed assets and timberlands resulting
in a pre-tax gain of $7.3 million. During 1999, we sold over 2 million acres
resulting in a pre-tax gain of $272.5 million. We also recorded a pre-tax
impairment charge of $92.0 million, reducing the book value of our assets at
GNP. In August 1999, we completed the sale of GNP, resulting in a pre-tax loss
of $47.1 million.
CORPORATE & OTHER ELIMINATIONS. The elimination of intersegment sales decreased
$13.4 million in 2000 compared to 1999. Decreased sales volume between the
divisions accounts for the majority of this decrease. General and administrative
expenses for 2000 increased $29.7 million compared with 1999, primarily due to
higher stock-based compensation charges ($16.8 million), benefit costs ($11.8
million) and professional fees ($2.5 million).
INTEREST AND OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES
Interest expense increased $8.5 million in 2000, from $126.7 million to $135.2
million, due to borrowings on our credit facility to fund the acquisition of the
Grenada mill. Interest income increased $7.9 million, from $7.7 million in 1999
to $15.6 million in 2000, due to interest on notes receivable from a sale of
timberland.
Other expense in 2000 was $4.5 million versus other income of $30.8 million in
1999. During 2000, Bowater incurred foreign exchange losses of $3.9 million
compared with $33.4 million of foreign exchange gains in 1999. These gains and
losses primarily relate to the effect of changes in Canadian dollar exchange
rates on our Canadian dollar hedging program during the respective periods.
29
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
Bowater's effective tax rate in 2000 was 29% compared to 46% in 1999. The rate
is lower in 2000 due to Canadian investment tax credits and tax saving
initiatives generated and recorded in 2000. In addition, as the level of pre-tax
income increases, the impact of non-deductible items on our effective tax rate,
such as goodwill amortization, lessens.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a result of Bowater's 2001 acquisition of Alliance and 1998 acquisition of
Avenor, approximately 42% of our pulp and paper production capacity is in
Canada, with costs primarily denominated in Canadian dollars. As a result, our
earnings are affected by increases or decreases in the value of the Canadian
dollar. Increases in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the United States
dollar will tend to reduce reported earnings, and decreases in the value of the
Canadian dollar will tend to increase reported earnings. Using Canadian dollar
forward, range forward and option contracts, Bowater has hedged against the risk
of a rising Canadian dollar. At December 31, 2001, we had $925 million of
Canadian dollar contracts outstanding. Information regarding the carrying value
and fair market value of the contracts is set forth on pages 48-50, Note 13, of
the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Form 10-K.
In 1998, we purchased a South Korean newsprint mill, subjecting us to
fluctuations in the Korean won/United States dollar exchange rate because
certain expenses and some purchases by the mill are denominated in won. However,
many of the cash flows for purchases and sales are in United States dollars,
which mitigates much of the currency risk.
Bowater purchases significant amounts of old newspapers and old magazines to
supply its facilities that use recovered paper. Old newspapers and old magazines
are market-priced commodities and, as such, are subject to fluctuations in
market prices. Increases in the prices of these commodities will tend to reduce
our reported earnings and decreases will tend to increase our reported earnings.
Bowater's debt is predominantly fixed-rate debt. We do not have material
exposure to interest rate risk.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Index to Financial Statements
PAGE(S)
-------
Consolidated Statement of Operations for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2001.............................. 31
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2001 and 2000................. 32
Consolidated Statement of Capital Accounts for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2001.............................. 33
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2001.............................. 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................... 35-61
Management's Statement of Responsibility and Independent Auditors'
Report................................................................. 62
30
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except per-share amounts) Years ended December 31, 2001 2000 1999
===============================================================================================================
Sales $ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization
and cost of timber harvested 1,688.4 1,549.9 1,625.2
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested 321.3 295.2 300.2
Distribution costs 174.9 166.6 177.0
Selling and administrative expense 114.5 132.6 98.7
Impairment of assets -- -- 92.0
Net gain on sale of assets 167.7 7.3 225.4
===============================================================================================================
OPERATING INCOME 317.8 363.3 244.0
Other expense (income):
Interest income (8.7) (15.6) (7.7)
Interest expense, net of capitalized interest 141.0 135.2 126.7
Other, net (8.0) 4.5 (30.8)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES AND MINORITY INTERESTS 193.5 239.2 155.8
Provision for income tax expense 78.7 70.3 71.5
Minority interests in net income of subsidiaries 41.6 9.5 5.6
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME 73.2 159.4 78.7
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments (3.3) (1.4) 2.8
Minimum pension liability adjustments (25.9) 1.7 7.8
Unrealized loss on hedged transactions (14.4) -- --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 29.6 $ 159.7 $ 89.3
===============================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income $ 1.38 $ 3.05 $ 1.43
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average common shares outstanding 53.0 52.3 54.2
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income $ 1.37 $ 3.02 $ 1.41
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding 53.3 52.8 55.0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
31
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except per-share amounts) At December 31, 2001 2000
===================================================================================================================
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 28.3 $ 20.0
Marketable securities 2.1 0.4
Accounts receivable, net 367.0 380.8
Inventories 250.5 161.9
Other current assets 41.7 52.5
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 689.6 615.6
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Timber and timberlands 227.7 265.2
Fixed assets, net 3,818.4 2,981.1
Notes receivable -- 146.0
Goodwill 843.0 866.8
Other assets 186.7 129.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 5,765.4 $ 5,004.1
===================================================================================================================
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Current installments of long-term debt $ 73.0 $ 141.4
Short-term bank debt 341.7 485.0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 437.9 314.7
Dividends payable 10.9 10.3
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 863.5 951.4
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt, net of current installments 1,828.0 1,304.7
Other long-term liabilities 362.3 319.2
Deferred income taxes 601.7 508.1
Minority interests in subsidiaries 85.2 123.6
Commitments and contingencies -- --
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common Stock, $1 par value. Authorized 100,000,000 shares; issued 66,323,992
and 61,913,626 shares at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively 66.3 61.9
Exchangeable Shares, no par value. Unlimited shares authorized; 2,008,588 and
1,304,541 outstanding at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively 96.0 63.5
Additional paid-in capital 1,569.9 1,367.1
Retained earnings 840.5 809.6
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (61.6) (18.0)
Treasury stock at cost, 11,619,812 and 11,635,850 shares at December 31, 2001
and 2000, respectively (486.4) (487.0)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 2,024.7 1,797.1
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 5,765.4 $ 5,004.1
===================================================================================================================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
32
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CAPITAL ACCOUNTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Series C Accumulated
Cumulative Additional Other
Preferred Common Exchangeable Paid In Retained Comprehensive Loan to Treasury
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) Stock Stock Shares Capital Earnings Income (Loss) ESOT Stock
==================================================================================================================================
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 $ 25.5 $ 59.0 $ 110.8 $ 1,230.2 $ 657.4 $ (28.9) $ (2.6) $ (274.4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income -- -- -- -- 78.7 -- -- --
Issuance of new Exchangeable Shares
(1,359,620 shares) -- -- 66.2 -- -- -- -- --
Retraction of Exchangeable Shares
(1,471,273 shares of Common Stock issued
and Exchangeable Shares retracted) -- 1.5 (71.6) 70.1 -- -- -- --
Redemption of Series C cumulative
preferred stock (264,318 shares) (25.5) -- -- -- (0.9) -- -- --
Dividends on:
Common ($0.80 per share) -- -- -- -- (43.3) -- -- --
Series C ($0.56 per share) -- -- -- -- (0.1) -- -- --
Reduction in loan to ESOT -- -- -- -- -- -- 1.9 --
Foreign currency translation -- -- -- -- -- 2.8 -- --
Stock options exercised (375,169 shares) -- 0.3 -- 10.4 -- -- -- --
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options -- -- -- 4.7 -- -- -- --
Pension plan additional minimum
liability, net of taxes of $5.0 -- -- -- -- -- 7.8 -- --
Purchase of Common Stock (2,468,969 shares) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (109.2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1999 $ -- $ 60.8 $ 105.4 $ 1,315.4 $ 691.8 $ (18.3) $ (0.7) $ (383.6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income -- -- -- -- 159.4 -- -- --
Retraction of Exchangeable Shares
(859,836 shares of Common Stock issued
and Exchangeable Shares retracted) -- 0.9 (41.9) 41.0 -- -- -- --
Dividends on Common Stock ($0.80 per share) -- -- -- -- (41.6) -- -- --
Reduction in loan to ESOT -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.7 --
Foreign currency translation -- -- -- -- -- (1.4) -- --
Stock options exercised (225,350 shares) -- 0.2 -- 6.6 -- -- -- --
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options -- -- -- 1.9 -- -- -- --
Pension plan additional minimum
liability, net of taxes of $0.9 -- -- -- -- -- 1.7 -- --
Stock option compensation -- -- -- 2.2 -- -- -- --
Treasury stock used for dividend
reinvestment plans (2,549 shares) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.3
Purchase of Common Stock (2,125,900 shares) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (103.7)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 2000 $ -- $ 61.9 $ 63.5 $ 1,367.1 $ 809.6 $ (18.0) $ -- $ (487.0)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income -- -- -- -- 73.2 -- -- --
Issuance of new stock (4,179,626 shares
of Common Stock and 856,237 Exchangeable
Shares at $46.65 each) -- 4.2 39.9 190.8 -- -- -- --
Retraction of Exchangeable Shares
(152,190 shares of Common Stock issued
and Exchangeable Shares retracted) -- 0.1 (7.4) 7.3 -- -- -- --
Dividends on Common Stock ($0.80 per -- -- -- -- (42.3) -- -- --
share)
Foreign currency translation -- -- -- -- -- (3.3) -- --
Stock options exercised (78,550 shares) -- 0.1 -- 2.1 -- -- -- --
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options -- -- -- 0.5 -- -- -- --
Pension plan additional minimum
liability, net of tax benefit of $14.6 -- -- -- -- -- (25.9) -- --
Unrealized loss on hedged transactions, -- -- -- -- -- (14.4) -- --
net of tax benefit of $8.8
Stock option compensation -- -- -- 2.1 -- -- -- --
Treasury stock used for dividend
reinvestment plans and to pay employee
and director benefits (16,038 shares) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0.6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 2001 $ -- $ 66.3 $ 96.0 $ 1,569.9 $ 840.5 $ (61.6) $ -- $ (486.4)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
33
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) Years ended December 31, 2001 2000 1999
========================================================================================================================
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 78.7
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested 321.3 295.2 300.2
Deferred income taxes 62.9 32.9 5.5
Minority interests in net income of subsidiaries 41.6 9.5 5.6
Net gain on sale of assets (167.7) (7.3) (225.4)
Payments on maturity of hedging contracts (13.8) -- --
Write-down of assets due to impairment -- -- 92.0
Changes in working capital:
Accounts receivable, net 125.5 (53.6) 12.8
Inventories 3.7 (7.6) 5.9
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (65.5) 5.1 (110.8)
Income taxes payable (1.7) (15.4) (3.0)
Other, net (6.7) (1.6) (14.5)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 372.8 416.6 147.0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired (271.6) (390.0) --
Cash invested in fixed assets, timber and timberlands (246.8) (283.2) (198.5)
Purchase of assets previously leased -- (24.2) --
Business dispositions -- -- 108.0
Dispositions of fixed assets, timber and timberlands 15.2 7.0 336.5
Proceeds from the monetization of notes receivable 225.2 -- 51.0
Cash paid on maturity of economic hedging contracts -- (27.7) (37.4)
Cash invested in marketable securities (2.1) (50.7) (10.6)
Cash from maturity of marketable securities 0.4 52.5 9.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FROM (USED FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES (279.7) (716.3) 258.7
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Cash dividends, including minority interests (119.0) (48.3) (60.6)
Purchase of Common Stock -- (103.7) (109.2)
Short-term financing 1,398.9 979.5 284.1
Short-term financing repayments (1,576.3) (509.5) (479.1)
Long-term financing 585.2 0.4 32.8
Payments of long-term debt (375.9) (30.9) (27.6)
Stock options exercised 2.2 6.8 10.7
Redemption of Series C preferred stock -- -- (26.4)
Redemption of 7.50% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures -- -- (65.9)
Other 0.1 0.7 1.9
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH FROM (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES (84.8) 295.0 (439.3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 8.3 (4.7) (33.6)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year 20.0 24.7 58.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year $ 28.3 $ 20.0 $ 24.7
========================================================================================================================
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest, including capitalized interest of $9.5, $3.5 and $4.9 $ 158.0 $ 139.2 $ 133.6
Income taxes $ 14.7 $ 36.4 $ 51.8
========================================================================================================================
See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
34
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF PRESENTATION:
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of
Bowater Incorporated and Subsidiaries (collectively "Bowater"). As described
more fully in Note 2, Bowater completed the acquisition of Alliance Forest
Products Inc. ("Alliance") on September 24, 2001. The results of Alliance's
operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since
September 24, 2001. These financial statements are expressed in United States
dollars except where noted and have been prepared in accordance with United
States generally accepted accounting principles. All consolidated subsidiaries
are wholly-owned with the exception of the following:
Percent Ownership
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bowater Maritimes Inc. 67%
Calhoun Newsprint Company ("CNC") 51%
Bowater Mersey Paper Company Ltd. 51%
All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
Bowater also has a 40% interest in and is managing partner of an unconsolidated
entity, Ponderay Newsprint Company, which is accounted for using the equity
method.
CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Cash equivalents generally consist of direct obligations of the United States
and Canadian governments and their agencies, investment-grade commercial paper
and other short-term investment-grade securities with original maturities of
three months or less. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates
market value.
MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
Marketable securities principally consist of direct obligations of the United
States and Canadian governments and their agencies and other short-term
investment-grade securities with original maturities of greater than three
months but less than one year. These investments are considered to be
held-to-maturity securities and are, therefore, stated at cost, which
approximates market value.
DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
Effective January 1, 2001, Bowater adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities," as amended. SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments and hedging activities and requires that we record
all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at fair
value. There were no transition amounts recorded upon the adoption of SFAS 133.
Changes in the derivative fair values that are designated effective and qualify
as cash flow hedges are deferred and recorded as a component of "Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)" until the underlying transaction is recorded
in earnings. When the hedged item affects earnings, gains or losses are
reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" to the
Consolidated Statement of Operations on the same line as the underlying
transaction (cost of sales). The ineffective portion of a hedging derivative's
change in fair value is recognized immediately in earnings.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS 133, our derivative instruments principally lacked
characteristics necessary to qualify as hedges, therefore, gains and losses from
changes in derivative fair values were recognized in the Consolidated Statement
of Operations upon remeasurement at the close of each reporting period. Amounts
receivable or payable from derivative financial instruments would be reported as
"Other assets" or "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" and "Other
long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
35
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
INVENTORIES:
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by
using the average cost and last-in, first-out ("LIFO") methods.
TIMBER AND TIMBERLANDS:
The acquisition cost of land and timber, property taxes, lease payments, site
preparation and other costs related to the planting and growing of timber are
capitalized. Capitalization policies are consistent prior to and during
harvesting. Such costs, excluding land, are charged against revenue at the time
the timber is harvested, based upon annually determined depletion rates, and are
included in the line titled "Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber
harvested" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. Depletion rates are
determined based on the capitalized costs and the total timber volume based on
the current stage of the growth cycle.
FIXED ASSETS AND DEPRECIATION:
Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is
generally computed on the straight-line basis. Repairs and maintenance are
charged to operations as incurred. Bowater capitalizes interest on borrowings
during the construction period of major capital projects. Capitalized interest
is added to the cost of the underlying assets and is amortized over the useful
lives of the assets.
IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND LONG-LIVED ASSETS TO BE DISPOSED OF:
Bowater accounts for long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of SFAS
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived
Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement requires that long-lived assets and
certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a
comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to undiscounted future net cash
flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be
impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the
carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be
disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less
cost to sell.
GOODWILL:
Goodwill, which represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net
assets acquired, is amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected period
to be benefited and does not exceed 40 years. Bowater assesses the
recoverability of this intangible asset by determining whether the amortization
of the goodwill balance over its remaining life can be recovered through
undiscounted future net cash flows of the acquired operation. The amount of
goodwill impairment, if any, is measured based on projected discounted future
operating cash flows using a discount rate reflecting our average cost of funds.
Bowater recorded goodwill amortization of $23.9 million in 2001, $23.8 million
in 2000 and $22.5 million in 1999. Accumulated amortization of goodwill totaled
$80.0 million and $56.1 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement
No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." Under Statement No. 142,
goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives will no longer be
amortized, but will be tested for impairment at least on an annual basis in
accordance with the provisions of Statement No. 142. Goodwill and intangible
assets acquired in business combinations completed before July 1, 2001 will
continue to be amortized prior to the adoption of Statement No. 142, which
Bowater adopted on January 1, 2002. As of December 31, 2001, Bowater has
unamortized goodwill in the amount of $843.0 million. Effective January 1, 2002,
Bowater will no longer amortize its goodwill. In connection with Statement No.
142's transitional goodwill impairment evaluation, Bowater will be required to
perform an assessment of whether there is an indication that goodwill is
impaired as of the date of adoption. To accomplish this, Bowater must identify
its reporting units and determine the carrying value of each reporting unit by
36
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill, to those
reporting units as of the date of adoption. Bowater will then have six months
from the date of adoption to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and
compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. Because of the
extensive effort needed to perform the transitional goodwill impairment
evaluation, it is not practicable to reasonably estimate the impact of adopting
Statement No. 142 on our financial statements at the date of this report,
including whether any transitional impairment losses will be required to be
recognized as the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle.
NOTES RECEIVABLE MONETIZATIONS:
In September 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 140, "Accounting for Transfers and
Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities." Bowater
adopted this Standard on April 1, 2001, and accounts for transactions relating
to the Standard in accordance with its provisions.
When Bowater monetizes notes receivable, it does so using qualified special
purpose entities ("QSPE") set up in accordance with SFAS 140. The QSPE is not
consolidated with Bowater in Bowater's financial statements. Bowater records
gains or losses on the monetization of the notes receivable with the QSPE. The
amount of the gain or loss is determined based on the original carrying amount
of the notes, allocated between the assets monetized and the retained interests
based on its relative fair value at the date of the monetization. Bowater's
retained interest consists principally of the excess cash flows (the difference
between the interest received on the notes receivable and the interest paid on
the securities issued by the QSPE to third parties) and a cash reserve account
established at inception. Fair values of the retained interest are estimated
based on the present value of future excess cash flows to be received over the
life of the notes, using management's best estimate of key assumptions,
including credit risk and discount rates. The retained interest is included in
"Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Excess cash flows revert back
to Bowater on a quarterly or semi-annual basis. The cash reserve account reverts
back to Bowater at the maturity of the investor notes.
INCOME TAXES:
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences
attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating
loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect
on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
the Consolidated Statement of Operations in the period that includes the
enactment date. Bowater has not provided income taxes on the undistributed
earnings of certain of its subsidiaries, as it has specific plans for the
reinvestment of such earnings.
FOREIGN OPERATIONS:
Financial statements of the majority of Bowater's Canadian and Korean operations
are prepared using the United States dollar as their functional currency.
Translation of the Canadian and Korean operations, as well as gains and losses
from non-United States dollar foreign currency transactions, such as those
resulting from the settlement of foreign receivables or payables, are reported
in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Translation of other foreign operations to United States dollars occurs using
the current exchange rate for balance sheet accounts and an average exchange
rate for results of operations. Translation gains or losses are recognized as a
component of equity in "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)."
STOCK OPTIONS AND OTHER STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION:
Bowater records stock option and other stock-based compensation in accordance
with Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees." We also provide pro forma disclosures of stock option
compensation recorded on a fair value basis in accordance with SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation."
37
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
PENSION, SAVINGS AND OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS:
Bowater has contributory and noncontributory pension plans that cover
substantially all employees. Our cash contributions to the plans are sufficient
to provide pension benefits to participants and meet the funding requirements of
ERISA and applicable Pension Benefits Acts in Canada. We also sponsor defined
benefit health care and life insurance plans for retirees at certain locations.
Net periodic costs are recognized as employees render the services necessary to
earn postretirement benefits.
In addition to the pension plans, Bowater sponsors savings plans for
substantially all employees. Our contributions to these defined contribution
plans are expensed as incurred.
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:
Comprehensive income, net of tax, consists of net income, foreign currency
translation adjustments, pension plan additional minimum liability adjustments
and unrealized loss on hedged transactions and is presented in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2001, "Accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)" includes $(57.4) million for pension plan additional minimum
liabilities, $(11.1) million for foreign currency translation, $(23.2) million
for unrealized loss on hedged transactions and $30.1 million for taxes. At
December 31, 2000, "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" includes
$(16.9) million for pension plan additional minimum liabilities, $(7.8) million
for foreign currency translation and $6.7 million for taxes.
REVENUE RECOGNITION:
Bowater ships all products directly from its manufacturing sites to a customer's
location or to a customer-designated site. In accordance with Securities and
Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101 regarding revenue
recognition, we recognize revenue only when all of the following criteria are
met: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; delivery has occurred or
services have been rendered; the seller's price to the buyer is fixed or
determinable; and collectibility is reasonably assured.
DISTRIBUTION COSTS:
In September 2000, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") issued EITF No.
00-10, "Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs." The EITF concluded
that all amounts billed to a customer in a sale transaction related to shipping
and handling should be classified as revenue. The EITF also concluded that if
costs incurred for shipping and handling are significant and are not included in
cost of sales, a company should disclose both the amount of such costs and the
line item on the income statement that includes these costs. Bowater's shipping
and handling costs are classified as distribution costs and presented separately
on the consolidated statement of operations.
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic earnings per common share is calculated assuming no dilution. Diluted
earnings per common share is computed using the weighted average number of
outstanding common shares, including Exchangeable Shares, adjusted for the
incremental shares attributed to dilutive common share equivalents (stock
options).
ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS:
Bowater expenses environmental costs related to existing conditions resulting
from past or current operations and from which no current or future benefit is
discernible. Expenditures that extend the life of the related property are
capitalized. We determine our liability on a site-by-site basis and record a
liability at the time it is probable and can be reasonably estimated.
38
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
USE OF ESTIMATES:
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make
estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements. In addition, they affect
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.
RECLASSIFICATIONS:
Certain prior-year amounts in the financial statements and the notes have been
reclassified to conform to the 2001 presentation.
NOTE 2. BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
The following table summarizes our business acquisitions during the past two
years. The cash payments listed are net of cash acquired and include fees and
expenses.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
================================================================================
Acquisition of Alliance Forest Products Inc. $ (265.8) $ --
Acquisition of Newsprint South, Inc. -- (382.2)
Investment in PaperExchange.com -- (3.1)
Investment in Canadian sawmills (5.8) (4.7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (271.6) $ (390.0)
================================================================================
On April 1, 2001, Bowater signed a definitive agreement to acquire all of the
outstanding stock of Alliance for C$13.00 in cash plus .166 shares of Bowater
Common Stock or Exchangeable Shares for each Alliance common share. The Alliance
acquisition was completed on September 24, 2001. The results of Alliance's
operations have been included in the Consolidated Financial Statements since
September 24, 2001. Following the acquisition, Bowater changed Alliance's name
to Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. Alliance was an integrated company
specializing in timber harvesting and forest management, as well as the
production and sale of newsprint, uncoated specialty paper, pulp, lumber and
related products. Alliance had operations in Canada and the United States. The
acquisition added two modern, low-cost supercalendered and specialty paper mills
in Quebec, enabling Bowater to offer a full spectrum of groundwood paper grades.
Also, a strategically located mill in Alabama, which has been recently
modernized to produce 100% recycled newsprint, enhances Bowater's customer
service capabilities. Alliance's extensive sawmill system and approximately 18.0
million acres of cutting rights support Bowater's expanded operations.
The aggregate purchase price to Alliance shareholders was $485.9 million. The
acquisition was financed through a $500.0 million Bridge Credit Agreement dated
July 2, 2001. The borrowings under this facility matured on November 6, 2001
(see Note 12). As of September 24, 2001, the closing date of the transaction,
Alliance had a total of approximately 30.3 million outstanding shares. Using the
exchange ratio of .166, the 30.3 million Alliance shares resulted in the
issuance of 4,179,626 shares of Bowater Common Stock ($1.00 par value) and
856,237 shares of Bowater Exchangeable Shares (no par value) for the equity
consideration of $234.9 million and approximately $251.0 million in cash for the
cash portion. Bowater shares were valued at $46.65 per share of Bowater Common
Stock or Exchangeable Shares, which represents a six-day average (three trading
days prior to April 1, 2001, the date of the definitive agreement, and three
trading days after). Transaction costs of the acquisition were approximately
$14.8 million and payments to Alliance for settlement of stock options were
approximately $8.1 million.
The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in
accordance with Financial Accounting
39
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations," whereby the total cost of the
acquisition has been allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired
and liabilities assumed based upon their respective fair values at the effective
date of the acquisition, September 24, 2001. The excess of the estimated fair
value of the net assets purchased over the purchase price was approximately
$90.5 million. The purchase price is preliminary and subject to adjustment. The
following table summarizes the purchase price allocation based on preliminary
fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Independent
appraisals and actuarial valuations are being conducted and final allocations
will be made upon completion.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) As of September 24, 2001
================================================================================
Purchase price to shareholders $ 485.9
Transaction costs 14.8
Payments to Alliance for settlement of stock options 8.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total purchase price $ 508.8
================================================================================
Current assets $ 210.6
Fixed assets, net 900.3
Other assets 6.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets acquired 1,117.8
Current liabilities 243.9
Long-term debt 198.4
Other long-term liabilities 166.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities assumed 609.0
Net assets acquired $ 508.8
================================================================================
In October 2001, Bowater announced its decision to permanently close a 85,000
metric ton per year high cost newsprint machine at the recently acquired Coosa
Pines, Alabama mill by January 31, 2002. In connection with the closure of this
machine and other equipment at the mill, Bowater will eliminate approximately
400 jobs, or about 40% of the mill's workforce. Bowater recorded liabilities of
$13.0 million related to employee termination costs at Coosa Pines. In addition
to the above, we are continuing to assess the economic viability of our sawmills
for possible future permanent closures.
In August 2000, Bowater completed its acquisition of Newsprint South, Inc., (the
Grenada mill) in Grenada, Mississippi. The total purchase price, including
assumed debt of $8.8 million (fair market value of $7.9 million), amounted to
$382.2 million. We accounted for the transaction using the purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of the acquired business
were included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the operating results were
included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning August 2000. The
goodwill purchased with the Grenada Operation of $20.3 million is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years. Effective January 1, 2002,
Bowater will no longer amortize its goodwill.
The purchase price of Newsprint South, Inc. of $382.2 million was allocated as
follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2000
================================================================================
Current assets $ 21.6
Timber and timberlands 1.5
Fixed assets 357.5
Goodwill 20.3
Current liabilities (10.8)
Long-term debt (7.9)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 382.2
================================================================================
The following summarized unaudited pro forma financial information assumes the
Alliance and Newsprint South acquisitions had occurred on January 1 of each of
the periods presented. The summarized unaudited pro forma financial
40
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
information does not purport to represent what the results of operations or
financial position of Bowater would actually have been if the acquisitions had
in fact occurred on the assumed dates, and we do not project the results of
operations or financial position of Bowater for any future date or period. The
selected summarized unaudited pro forma financial information does not reflect
the cost savings and operating synergies Bowater expects to realize in
connection with the acquisitions.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
================================================================================
Sales $3,041.0 $ 3,371.0
Net income 84.9 137.3
Diluted earnings per share 1.49 2.37
================================================================================
In the fourth quarter of 2001, Bowater made an investment of $5.8 million for a
30% interest in a Canadian sawmill, which is accounted for using the equity
method of accounting.
In November 2000, Bowater acquired the Ignace Sawmill, located in northern
Ontario, for $4.7 million. We also invested $3.1 million in PaperExchange.com, a
global e-business marketplace for the pulp and paper industry, allowing us to
offer newsprint for sale over the Internet. As of December 31, 2001, we had
written-off the $3.1 million investment in PaperExchange.com.
NOTE 3. BUSINESS DISPOSITIONS
In August 1999, we sold Great Northern Paper, Inc. ("GNP") to Inexcon Maine,
Inc. ("Inexcon") for $250.0 million. The proceeds consisted of cash of $108.0
million (net of expenses), a note receivable of $10.0 million and the assumption
of certain employee-related liabilities totaling $130.0 million. We recorded a
pre-tax loss of $47.1 million. The note receivable plus accrued interest was
payable in full one year from date of the sale.
In December 2000, Inexcon asserted certain claims against Bowater for
indemnification pursuant to the purchase agreement between Inexcon and Bowater.
In April 2001, Bowater reached a final settlement of certain matters regarding
the sale of GNP to Inexcon. As a result, we recognized a pre-tax charge of $5.7
million, or $0.07 per diluted share after tax, in the first quarter of 2001.
The following table shows GNP's sales and operating loss included in the
Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 12 months ended December 31, 1999:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 1999
================================================================================
Sales - including internal sales $ 249.7
Operating loss (1) $ (11.4)
================================================================================
(1) GNP's operating loss of $11.4 million excludes asset impairment charges of
$92.0 million and gains from timberland sales totaling $253.7 million in
1999.
NOTE 4. IMPAIRMENT OF ASSETS
During the second quarter of 1999, we signed an agreement with Inexcon for the
sale of GNP. This agreement prompted an evaluation of all the assets at GNP in
accordance with SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." Based on the proposed sale,
the assets were written down to fair value, and we recorded a pre-tax impairment
charge of $92.0 million.
41
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5. NET GAIN ON SALE OF ASSETS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
================================================================================
Gain on sale of timberlands $ 173.4 $ 4.1 $ 272.5
Gain (loss) on sale of fixed assets (5.7) 3.2 --
Loss on sale of GNP -- -- (47.1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 167.7 $ 7.3 $ 225.4
================================================================================
During 2001, Bowater sold approximately 160,275 acres of owned or leased
timberlands for aggregate consideration of $131.0 million, which includes cash
of $15.2 million and notes receivable of $115.8 million. As a result, we
recorded a pre-tax gain of $88.9 million. Also in 2001, we monetized the notes
receivable in connection with a 1999 land sale and recognized a net pre-tax gain
of $84.5 million.
Regarding the 1999 land sale, CNC, a majority-owned subsidiary of Bowater, sold
approximately 140,000 acres of timberlands in North Carolina and South Carolina
for proceeds of $173.2 million (before expenses of $1.1 million). CNC received
$26.2 million in cash and $145.9 million, consisting of two notes receivable. We
recorded the transaction as an installment sale and as of December 31, 1999,
recorded a pre-tax gain of $17.4 million and had remaining deferred pre-tax
gains of approximately $95.0 million.
In the second quarter of 2001, CNC monetized the $145.9 million notes receivable
through a bankruptcy-remote limited liability company for net cash proceeds of
$122.6 million, met the requirements for full accrual, and recorded a net
pre-tax gain of $84.5 million. As a result of the monetization, a dividend of
$60.1 million was paid to the minority shareholder of CNC during the second
quarter of 2001.
o The bankruptcy-remote subsidiary is a QSPE under SFAS 140 and is not
consolidated in Bowater's or CNC's financial statements.
o This QSPE issued fixed and floating rate senior secured notes totaling
$125.7 million, which are secured by the notes receivable held by the QSPE.
The value of these senior secured notes is equal to approximately 90% of
the value of the notes receivable. The full principal amount of the notes
receivable is backed by letters of credit issued by a third party financial
institution.
o Bowater retains an interest in the excess future cash flows of the QSPE
(cash received from notes receivable vs. cash paid out on the senior
secured notes). The retained interest totaling $12.5 million at December
31, 2001, is included in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The principal variable in determining the fair value of future expected
excess cash flows of the retained interest is the discount rate, as it
consists of two individual notes with a low level of credit risk,
contractually due in 13.5 years and not subject to prepayment. The discount
rates used for the two individual notes were 7.36% and LIBOR plus 0.89.
o The $84.5 million net pre-tax gain was comprised of the deferred pre-tax
gain on the 1999 timberland sale of $95.0 million offset by a loss on the
2001 monetization of the notes receivable of $10.5 million. The $10.5
million loss on the monetized notes receivable was the difference in the
original carrying amount of the notes receivable (allocated between the
assets monetized and the retained interests) and the fair value at the date
of the monetization.
In the fourth quarter of 2001, Bowater completed the sale of approximately
147,000 acres of owned or leased timberland in North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia and Tennessee, for aggregate consideration of $121.6 million, to two
purchasers in separate transactions. We received $5.6 million in cash after
expenses, and $115.8 million in two separate notes. In the fourth quarter of
2001, we monetized the two separate notes receivable of $115.8 million for net
cash proceeds of $102.6 million and recorded a net pre-tax gain of $79.5
million.
o The notes receivable were monetized through bankruptcy-remote limited
liability companies. The bankruptcy-remote subsidiaries are QSPEs under
SFAS 140 and are not consolidated in Bowater's financial statements.
o These QSPEs have issued fixed and floating rate senior secured notes
totaling $104.2 million, which are secured by the notes receivable held by
the QSPEs. The value of these senior secured notes are equal to
approximately 90% of the
42
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
value of the notes receivable. The full principal amount of the notes
receivable is backed by letters of credit issued by a third party financial
institution.
o Bowater retains an interest in the excess future cash flows of the QSPEs
(cash received from notes receivable vs. cash paid out on the senior
secured notes). The retained interest of $14.2 million at December 31,
2001, is included in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The
principal variable in determining the fair value of future expected excess
cash flows of the retained interest is the discount rate, as it consists of
two individual notes with a low level of credit risk, contractually due in
15 years and not subject to prepayment. The discount rates used for the two
individual notes were LIBOR plus .95% and 6.95%, respectively.
o We recorded a $0.9 million gain on the monetization of the notes
receivable, which was based on the difference in the original carrying
amount of the notes (allocated between the assets monetized and the
retained interests) and the fair value at the date of the monetization.
o At December 31, 2001, we have deferred revenue of approximately $8.3
million for certain leased acreage and have approximately $3.2 million in
related capitalized leasehold costs. The remaining net deferred gain of
$5.1 million will be recognized as income during 2002.
We also received cash proceeds of $9.6 million for other timberland sales in
2001, resulting pre-tax gains of $8.5 million.
During 2000, Bowater sold approximately 6,900 acres of timberlands in the
southeastern United States for gross proceeds of $4.7 million. We recorded a
pre-tax gain of $4.1 million. During the first quarter of 2000, we sold fixed
assets resulting in a pre-tax gain of $3.2 million.
In the first quarter of 1999, we sold approximately 981,000 acres of timberlands
and a sawmill in Maine for cash proceeds of $216.5 million. We recorded a
pre-tax gain of $145.4 million.
In the second quarter of 1999, we sold approximately 650,000 acres of
timberlands in Maine for gross proceeds of $150.0 million. We recorded a pre-tax
gain of $108.3 million. As part of the sale, $56.0 million of proceeds were
received in the form of a long-term note receivable. This note receivable was
monetized through a QSPE for cash proceeds of approximately $51.0 million.
Netted in the gain above is a $3.7 million loss based on the present value of
discounted future cash flows of our residual interest in the QSPE. Our remaining
interest in the QSPE was $2.9 million based on discounted future cash flows. We
have also guaranteed a portion of the debt of the QSPE totaling approximately
$11.7 million. This guarantee represents 25% of the outstanding debt and is
reduced annually by approximately $0.5 million based on annual principal
repayments of $2.0 million through 2008. The remaining QSPE debt is to be repaid
in 2009. The remaining interest of $3.1 million at December 31, 2001, is
included in "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
In August 1999, we sold GNP for $250.0 million. We recorded a pre-tax loss of
$47.1 million. Details concerning the sale of GNP are included in Note 3.
"Business Dispositions."
NOTE 6. OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME)
Other expense (income) includes non-operating items. The breakdown of the
components of "Other, net" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the
three years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 is as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
================================================================================
Foreign exchange (gain) loss $ (5.9) $ 3.9 $ (33.4)
(Income) loss from joint venture (1.9) 0.4 2.5
Other (0.2) 0.2 0.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ (8.0) $ 4.5 $ (30.8)
================================================================================
43
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per common share is calculated assuming no dilution. Diluted
earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if
securities or other contracts to issue Common Stock were exercised or converted
into Common Stock. The reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per
common share for "Net income" is as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except per-share amounts) 2001 2000 1999
============================================================================================================================
BASIC COMPUTATION:
Net income $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 78.7
Less:
Series C preferred stock dividends - - (0.1)
Series C preferred stock deferred issuance costs - - (1.0)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Basic income available to common shareholders $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 77.6
============================================================================================================================
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 53.0 52.3 54.2
============================================================================================================================
Basic earnings per common share $ 1.38 $ 3.05 $ 1.43
============================================================================================================================
DILUTED COMPUTATION:
Basic income available to common shareholders $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 77.6
Effect of dilutive securities - - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted income available to common shareholders $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 77.6
============================================================================================================================
Basic weighted average shares outstanding 53.0 52.3 54.2
Effect of dilutive securities:
Options 0.3 0.5 0.8
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 53.3 52.8 55.0
============================================================================================================================
Diluted earnings per common share $ 1.37 $ 3.02 $ 1.41
============================================================================================================================
The dilutive effect of options outstanding is computed using the treasury stock
method.
NOTE 8. INVENTORIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
============================================================================================================================
At lower of cost or market:
Raw materials $ 69.1 $ 39.3
Work in process 10.4 2.8
Finished goods 68.9 44.1
Mill stores and other supplies 111.3 84.0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
259.7 170.2
Excess of current cost over LIFO inventory value (9.2) (8.3)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 250.5 $ 161.9
============================================================================================================================
Inventories valued using the LIFO method comprised 5.8% and 14.3% of total
inventories at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
44
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9. FIXED ASSETS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RANGE OF ESTIMATED
(In millions) USEFUL LIVES IN YEARS 2001 2000
=============================================================================================================================
Land and land improvements 10-20 $ 48.7 $ 37.6
Buildings 20-40 380.7 317.0
Machinery and equipment 5-20 5,400.0 4,373.2
Leasehold improvements 10-20 4.8 3.2
Construction in progress 139.8 185.8
=============================================================================================================================
5,974.0 4,916.8
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 2,155.6 1,935.7
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 3,818.4 $ 2,981.1
=============================================================================================================================
NOTE 10. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
=============================================================================================================================
Trade accounts payable $ 239.1 $ 169.7
Payroll, bonuses and severance 56.7 48.1
Accrued interest 29.6 29.4
Employee benefits 12.7 7.6
Acquisition/divestiture-related liabilities (See Note 11) 19.1 3.9
Unrealized losses on hedging contracts 19.1 5.6
Property and franchise taxes payable 16.0 13.1
Other 45.6 37.3
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 437.9 $ 314.7
=============================================================================================================================
NOTE 11. ACQUISITION/DIVESTITURE-RELATED LIABILITIES
Alliance Acquisition
In connection with the Alliance acquisition, Bowater recorded employee
termination costs of approximately $17.0 million, which includes the
approximately $13.0 million employee termination costs recorded in connection
with the permanent closing of the Coosa Pines newsprint machine. Of this amount
approximately $1.4 million was paid out in the fourth quarter of 2001, and $15.5
million (net of exchange loss of $0.1) is expected to be paid out during 2002.
The remaining accrual, $15.5 million, is included in "Accounts payable and
accrued liabilities," in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Avenor Acquisition
In connection with the acquisition of Avenor during the third quarter of 1998,
Bowater recorded merger-related liabilities totaling $17.8 million. These
liabilities consisted primarily of Avenor employee termination costs, Avenor
facility closures and Avenor lease commitments.
Also in the third quarter of 1998, we recorded liabilities of $65.0 million for
the closure of our Gold River pulp mill (acquired as part of the Avenor
acquisition). Of this 1998 recorded amount, $15.0 million was for environmental
obligations, with the balance covering asset write-off and employee termination
costs.
During the fourth quarter of 1998, in conjunction with the sale of our Dryden
white paper mill (acquired as part of the Avenor acquisition), liabilities
totaling $14.8 million were recorded to cover employee termination costs and
other costs that we retained as part of the sales agreement.
45
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The total amount of Avenor acquisition/divestiture-related liabilities of $97.6
million was recorded as part of the cost of the acquisition.
During 2000, we netted $2.8 million of our asset impairment reserve against the
related assets of the Gold River pulp mill. As of December 31, 2001, the
remaining accrual for the Avenor acquisition/divestiture-related liabilities is
$16.4 million. Of this remaining accrual, $3.6 million is included in "Accounts
payable and accrued liabilities," and $12.8 million is included in "Other
long-term liabilities" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The cash requirements
related to these liabilities are expected to be $3.6 million in 2002 and $12.8
million in 2003 and beyond.
The following tables summarize the activity for the liabilities described above:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Write-offs & Increase
Balance, Reclassification Payments (Decrease) Foreign Balance,
(In millions) 12/31/00 Adjustments Against Reserve Reserve Exchange 12/31/01
==============================================================================================================================
Employee termination costs $ - $ - $ (1.4) $ 17.0 $ (0.1) $ 15.5
Facility closures 3.8 - (0.4) - (0.2) 3.2
Environmental 14.0 - (0.2) - (0.6) 13.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 17.8 $ - $ (2.0) $ 17.0 $ (0.9) $ 31.9
==============================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Write-offs & Increase
Balance, Reclassification Payments (Decrease) Foreign Balance,
(In millions) 12/31/99 Adjustments Against Reserve Reserve Exchange 12/31/00
==============================================================================================================================
Employee termination costs $ 3.3 $ - $ (3.2) $ - $ (0.1) $ -
Facility closures 3.9 0.4 (0.4) - (0.1) 3.8
Asset impairments/disposals 3.6 (2.8) (0.7) - (0.1) -
Environmental 15.2 (0.4) (2.4) 2.1 (0.5) 14.0
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 26.0 $ (2.8) $ (6.7) $ 2.1 $ (0.8) $ 17.8
==============================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Write-offs & Increase
Balance, Reclassification Payments (Decrease) Foreign Balance,
(In millions) 12/31/98 Adjustments Against Reserve Reserve Exchange 12/31/99
==============================================================================================================================
Employee termination costs $ 30.5 $ (2.7) $ (22.6) $ (3.7) $ 1.8 $ 3.3
Facility closures 5.2 (1.1) (0.5) - 0.3 3.9
Asset impairments/disposals 8.1 - (4.8) - 0.3 3.6
Environmental 15.7 - (3.8) 2.5 0.8 15.2
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 59.5 $ (3.8) $ (31.7) $ (1.2) $ 3.2 $ 26.0
==============================================================================================================================
46
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 12. LONG-TERM AND SHORT-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt, net of current installments:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
============================================================================================================================
Unsecured:
7.95% Notes due 2011 net of unamortized original discount of $1.9 in 2001 $ 598.1 $ -
9.00% Debentures due 2009 250.0 250.0
9.38% Debentures due 2021, net of unamortized original discount of $0.9 in 2001 and $0.9
in 2000 199.0 199.0
10.62% Notes due 2010 124.2 126.5
10.50% Notes due at various dates from 2003 to 2010 102.0 112.0
9.50% Debentures due in 2012, net of unamortized original discount of $0.2 in 2001 and
$0.3 in 2000 124.7 124.7
10.85% Debentures due 2014 109.5 115.7
9.25% Debentures due 2002 - 61.7
10.60% Notes due 2011 89.6 91.0
7.75% recycling facilities revenue bonds due 2022 62.0 62.0
7.40% recycling facilities revenue bonds due 2022 39.5 39.5
7.62% recycling facilities revenue bonds due 2016 30.0 30.0
10.26% Notes due at various dates from 2002 to 2011 24.6 26.9
Pollution control revenue bonds due at various dates from 2006 to 2010 with interest at
varying rates from 6.85% to 7.62% 13.4 13.4
Industrial revenue bonds due 2029 with interest at floating rates 33.5 33.5
Non-interest bearing loan with Government of Quebec 9.2 -
Non-interest bearing Notes due 2003 0.3 -
10.25% Debentures due 2003 7.4 7.4
UDAG loan agreement due 2010 with interest rates varying from 5% to 6.5% 7.3 7.7
11.00% Subordinated debt due 2003 3.7 3.7
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 1,828.0 $ 1,304.7
============================================================================================================================
Long-term debt maturities for the next five years are as follows:
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AMOUNT
YEAR BALANCE SHEET CLASSIFICATION (In millions)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002 Current installments of long-term debt $ 73.0
2003 Long-term debt, net of current installments 23.9
2004 Long-term debt, net of current installments 12.9
2005 Long-term debt, net of current installments 13.6
2006 Long-term debt, net of current installments 20.5
============================================================================================================================
Total debt includes $102.3 million at December 31, 2001 and $113.2 million at
December 31, 2000, due to the revaluation of the debt balances acquired with the
purchase of the Newsprint South paper mill in August 2000, and the acquisition
of Avenor in July 1998.
On November 6, 2001, Bowater's wholly-owned subsidiary, Bowater Canada Finance
Corporation, sold in a private placement with registration rights $600 million
of its 7.95% Notes due 2011, which are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by
Bowater Incorporated. The Notes were issued at a discount of $1.9 million. The
Notes mature on November 15, 2011. Interest is payable at 7.95% on May 15 and
November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2002. We received net proceeds
from the sale of the Notes of approximately $585.2 million, which were net of
the discount of $1.9 million, deferred financing fees of $4.4 million and cash
paid of $8.5 million on maturity of treasury lock derivative instrument. The
47
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
discount and deferred financing fees are being amortized over the life of the
Notes. The proceeds were used to repay in their entirety all amounts outstanding
under the $500 million Bridge Credit Agreement and the balance applied to
amounts outstanding under our 364-day and five-year credit facilities. The
Bridge Credit Agreement was used to finance the cash portion of the purchase
price of the Alliance acquisition and the repayment of Alliance's outstanding
debt. In January 2002, Bowater completed a registered offering to exchange the
Notes issued in the private placement for new, freely-tradeable notes with
substantially identical terms.
In 2001, Bowater decreased the amount of its 364-day credit facility from $750.0
million to $450.0 million, while retaining its $350.0 million, five-year
facility. Borrowings under these facilities incur interest based, at our option,
on specified market interest rates plus a margin tied to the credit rating of
our long-term debt. At December 31, 2001, $50.3 million (at 2.5%) was
outstanding under the $450.0 million facility, $291.0 million (at 2.5%) was
outstanding under the $350.0 million facility, and $0.4 million (at 2.8%) was
outstanding under an operating line of credit. In October 2001, Bowater's
wholly-owned subsidiary, Bowater Pulp and Paper Canada Inc. ("BPPCI"), opened a
new $100 million, 364-day facility. No amounts were outstanding at December 31,
2001 under this $100.0 million credit facility. There were standby letters of
credit of $15.8 million outstanding under the $100.0 million BPPCI credit
facility. At December 31, 2000, $220.0 million (at 7.3%) was outstanding under
the $750.0 million facility, $262.8 million (at 7.6%) was outstanding under the
$350.0 million facility, and $2.2 million was outstanding under an operating
line of credit.
In January 2000, we repaid $19.8 million of our 9.25% Debentures due 2002. The
cash price paid was $20.8 million, including premium and accrued interest. The
principal amount was included on the line titled "Current installments of
long-term debt" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 1999. In December
1999, we repaid $13.3 million of the same issue. The cash price paid was $13.9
million, including premium and accrued interest.
During 2000 and 1999, Bowater received proceeds totaling $33.5 million from
revenue bonds issued by the Industrial Development Board of the County of
McMinn, Tennessee, in conjunction with the modernization of our Calhoun,
Tennessee newsprint facility. The bonds are variable rate (1.7% at December 31,
2001 and 5.0% at December 31, 2000) and mature in June 2029. Bowater has a
standby letter of credit of $34.8 million (principal and interest) outstanding
at December 31, 2001, related to the industrial revenue bonds.
Our credit facilities contain various covenants including requirements to
maintain adequate net worth and compliance with a required ratio of total debt
to total capital as defined in the credit facilities. These credit facilities
require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth (generally defined in
the credit facilities as common shareholders' equity plus any outstanding
preferred stock) of $1.72 billion as of December 31, 2001. In addition, the
agreement imposes a maximum 60% ratio of total debt to total capital (defined in
the agreement as total debt plus net worth). At December 31, 2001, our
consolidated net worth was $2.0 billion, and our ratio of total debt to total
capital was 52.6% calculated according to our credit facilities guidelines.
Bowater guarantees certain payments of debt related to its unconsolidated
entities. The total amount was $61.7 million at December 31, 2001.
NOTE 13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Bowater utilizes certain derivative instruments to enhance its ability to manage
risk relating to cash flow exposure. Derivative instruments are entered into for
periods consistent with related underlying cash flow exposures and do not
constitute positions independent of those positions. We do not enter into
contracts for speculative purposes; however, we do have commodity and currency
option contracts that are not accounted for as accounting hedges. On the earlier
of the date into which the derivative contract is entered or the date of
transition, we designate the derivative as a cash flow hedge.
A significant portion of our operating expenses are paid in Canadian dollars at
our Canadian mill sites in Thunder Bay and Gatineau. To reduce our exposure to
differences in the United States and Canadian dollar exchange rate fluctuations,
we enter into and designate Canadian dollar forward contracts to hedge certain
of our forecasted Canadian dollar cash outflows at the Canadian mill operations.
During 2001, we recorded the change in value related to cash flow hedges
amounting to a loss of $32.1 million ($19.9 million, after tax) in "Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)." Of this amount, $8.9 million ($5.5 million,
after tax) was reclassified from "Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)"
to earnings, which was offset by net gains on
48
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
the items being hedged. During 2001, amounts that related to the ineffectiveness
of our hedging instruments were insignificant. This change in the time value of
the contracts is reported in earnings as exchange gain (loss) and amounted to a
loss of $3.7 million ($2.3 million, after tax) in 2001. We expect to reclassify
a $17.7 million loss ($11.0 million, after-tax) from "Accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)" to earnings during the next twelve months as the
hedged items affect earnings.
We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged
items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategies for undertaking
various hedge transactions. We link all hedges that are designated as cash flow
hedges to forecasted transactions. The maximum time period we have hedged
transactions is two years. We also assess, both at the inception of the hedge
and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in hedging
transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged
items. When it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a
hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively.
The carrying amounts of our short-term financial assets and liabilities
(excluding derivatives) approximate fair value. We estimate the fair value of
our long-term debt using rates currently available for debt with similar terms
and remaining maturities. The fair value of derivative financial instruments is
based on current termination values or quoted market prices of comparable
contracts.
Information regarding our Canadian dollar contracts' notional amount, carrying
value, fair market value, and range of exchange rates of the contracts and long
term debt is summarized in the table below. The notional amount of these
contracts represents the amount of foreign currencies to be purchased or sold at
maturity and does not represent our exposure on these contracts.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET (LIABILITY)
NOTIONAL ------------------------------------- RANGE OF
AMOUNT OF CARRYING FAIR U.S.$/CDN$
DECEMBER 31, 2001 (IN MILLIONS) DERIVATIVES AMOUNT MARKET VALUE EXCHANGE RATES
==========================================================================================================================
Foreign Currency Exchange Agreements
Buy Currency:
Canadian dollar
Due in 2002 $ 383.4 $ (18.4) $ (18.4) .6745 - .6266
Due in 2003 286.6 (6.4) (6.4) .6560 - .6245
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 670.0 $ (24.8) $ (24.8)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt $ (1,901.0) $ (1,905.4)
==========================================================================================================================
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset (Liability)
Notional -------------------------------------- Range Of
Amount of Carrying Fair U.S.$/CDN$
December 31, 2000 (in millions) Derivatives Amount Market Value Exchange Rates
==========================================================================================================================
Foreign Currency Exchange Agreements
Buy Currency:
Canadian dollar
Due in 2001 $ 363.0 $ (2.7) $ (2.7) .6706 - .6400
Due in 2002 85.0 1.2 1.2 .6745 - .6346
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 448.0 $ (1.5) $ (1.5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt $ (1,446.1) $ (1,468.1)
==========================================================================================================================
We also enter into certain commodity forward contracts that are not designated
as accounting hedges. These derivative instruments are primarily intended to
reduce volatility of prices for old newsprint and magazines. During 2001, an
after tax loss of $0.8 million was recognized in earnings relating to these
derivatives. At December 31, 2001, all commodity forward contracts had matured.
49
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In May 2001, in connection with the then-pending acquisition of Alliance by
Bowater, we entered into Canadian dollar option contracts with notional amounts
of $250.0 million to economically hedge the Canadian dollar cash portion of the
purchase price to be paid to the shareholders. We paid premiums of $1.5 million
on the Canadian dollar option contracts and settled these contracts in July and
September 2001, for pre-tax losses of approximately $1.2 million.
In October 2001, in connection with the forecasted issuance of the $600 million
ten-year notes issued in a private placement on November 6, 2001 (see Note 12),
Bowater entered into a treasury lock derivative designated as a cash flow hedge.
The treasury lock derivative was entered into in order to hedge the exposure to
the variability in cash flows for the future semi-annual interest payments
related to the interest rate risk during the period October until the date of
the private placement. The treasury lock was settled on November 6, 2001, for
$8.5 million. At December 31, 2001, $8.3 million was deferred in "Other assets"
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet and is being amortized to interest expense
over the cash interest payments. Interest expense of $0.2 million was recorded
for 2001 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Approximately $78.3 million of the our long-term debt is denominated in Canadian
dollars. In order to reduce our exposure to exchange rate fluctuations, we enter
into Canadian dollar forward contracts with notional amounts of approximately
$100 million. These economic hedge contracts are marked to market through
earnings. The contracts are settled quarterly and gains or losses are included
in "Other, net" in our Consolidated Statement of Operations. These economic
hedge contracts were not outstanding at December 31, 2001. We recorded losses of
approximately $2.3 million for 2001 in the Consolidated Statement of Operations
as a result of these economic hedge contracts.
Additionally, in connection with the Alliance acquisition, Alliance had Canadian
dollar range forward contracts in place to reduce the exposure to differences in
the United States and Canadian dollar exchange rate as the majority of
Alliance's sales were sold into the United States and denominated in United
States dollars. These Canadian dollar range forward contracts are not accounted
for as accounting hedges under SFAS No. 133. Changes in the derivatives fair
values are immediately recognized in earnings and included in "Other, net" in
our Consolidated Statement of Operations. At December 31, 2001, we had Canadian
dollar range forward contracts with notional amounts due in 2002 and 2003 of
$131.0 and $124.0, respectively. The fair value (liability) of the Canadian
dollar forward contracts at December 31, 2001, was $0.8 million. We recorded
losses of approximately $0.3 million for 2001 in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations as a result of these Canadian dollar forward contracts.
The counterparties to our derivative financial instruments are substantial and
creditworthy multi-national financial institutions. Therefore, the risk of
counterparty nonperformance is considered to be remote.
NOTE 14. PENSION AND OTHER NONPENSION POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Bowater has multiple defined benefit pension plans and other nonpension
postretirement plans (the "Plans") covering substantially all employees.
Benefits are based on years of service and, depending on the Plan, average
compensation earned by employees either during their last years of employment or
over their careers.
The following tables include both foreign and domestic Plans at December 31,
2001 and 2000. The benefit obligations of the Plans outside the United States
are significant relative to the total benefit obligation; however, the
assumptions used to measure the obligations of those Plans are not significantly
different from those used for the United States Plans.
50
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENSION PLANS OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
(In millions) 2001 2000 2001 2000
===========================================================================================================================
Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 1,203.8 $ 1,218.9 $ 107.3 $ 89.8
Acquisition 151.8 6.5 38.3 -
Service cost 24.3 21.7 1.7 1.4
Interest cost 86.5 82.9 8.0 6.2
Amendments 3.4 - 0.3 0.8
Special termination benefits - 1.7 - -
Actuarial (gain) loss 37.0 (37.6) 38.6 16.3
Participant contributions 5.2 5.2 2.3 0.3
Curtailment (gain) loss (0.2) - - -
Benefits paid (85.2) (89.6) (8.1) (7.2)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes (19.1) (5.9) (2.5) (0.3)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Benefit obligation at end of year 1,407.5 1,203.8 185.9 107.3
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in Plan assets:
Fair value of Plan assets at beginning of year 1,281.3 1,198.9 - -
Acquisition 85.6 6.3 - -
Actual return on Plan assets (136.2) 149.6 - -
Employer contributions 10.3 16.8 5.8 6.9
Participant contributions 5.2 5.2 2.3 0.3
Benefits paid (85.2) (89.6) (8.1) (7.2)
Effect of foreign currency exchange rate changes (17.9) (5.9) - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of Plan assets at end of year 1,143.1 1,281.3 - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reconciliation of funded status:
Funded status excess (deficiency) (264.4) 77.5 (185.9) (107.3)
Unrecognized actuarial (gain) loss 193.5 (91.5) 58.2 19.7
Unrecognized transition amount (1.0) (1.5) - -
Unrecognized prior service cost 4.3 1.4 1.9 2.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net liability recognized (67.6) (14.1) (125.8) (85.6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet consist of:
Prepaid benefit cost 50.4 51.4 - -
Accrued benefit liability (178.1) (83.5) (125.8) (85.6)
Intangible asset 2.7 1.1 - -
Accumulated other comprehensive loss 57.4 16.9 - -
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net liability recognized $ (67.6) $ (14.1) $ (125.8) $ (85.6)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average assumptions:
Discount rate 6.9% 7.2% 6.9% 7.2%
Expected return on Plan assets 9.0% 9.2% - -
Rate of compensation increase 3.9% 4.2% 3.9% 4.2%
===========================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENSION PLANS OTHER POSTRETIREMENT PLANS
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999 2001 2000 1999
===========================================================================================================================
Components of net periodic benefit cost:
Service cost, net of employee contributions $ 24.3 $ 21.7 $ 23.8 $ 1.7 $ 1.4 $ 2.9
Interest cost 86.5 82.9 78.8 8.0 6.2 9.5
Expected return on Plan assets (110.7) (105.3) (100.2) - - -
Amortization of transition amount (0.5) (3.4) (3.4) - - -
Amortization of prior service cost 0.5 0.2 0.5 0.4 0.1 0.2
Recognized net actuarial loss 2.1 2.9 4.9 0.3 0.1 0.6
Curtailment and special termination benefits (0.2) 1.7 27.3 - - -
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic benefit cost $ 2.0 $ 0.7 $ 31.7 $ 10.4 $ 7.8 $ 13.2
===========================================================================================================================
51
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In September 2001, Bowater acquired the pension plan that covers employees of
Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc., (formerly Alliance Forest Products Inc.).
In addition, Bowater acquired the pension plan that covers the employees of the
Grenada Operation in August 2000. The effect of the acquisition of these plans
on Bowater's 2001 and 2000 benefit obligation and assets is included in the
table on the previous page from the date of the respective acquisition.
As of December 31, 2001, Bowater decreased the Plans' weighted average discount
rate from 7.2% to 6.9% to more closely approximate interest rates on
high-quality, long-term obligations on the measurement date. In 2001, the
assumed inflationary pre-65 health care cost trend rate used to determine cost
was 9.5%, decreasing to 9.0% in 2002 and gradually decreasing to an ultimate
rate of 5.5% in 2009. The assumed inflationary post-65 health care cost trend
rate used to determine cost was 11.5% decreasing to 10.8% in 2002 and gradually
decreasing to an ultimate rate of 5.5% in 2009. The rate used to determine 2000
cost was 8.3% gradually decreasing to an ultimate rate of 6.0% in 2005.
Variations in this health care cost trend rate can have a significant effect on
the amounts reported. An increase of 1% in this assumption would increase the
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation ("APBO") by approximately $23.0
million, or 12%, and would increase the annual service cost and interest cost by
approximately $1.3 million, or 13%. A decrease of 1% in this assumption would
decrease the APBO by approximately $14.8 million, or 8%, and would decrease the
annual service cost and interest cost by approximately $1.1 million, or 11%.
The sum of the projected benefit obligations and the sum of the fair value of
Plan assets for pension Plans with projected benefit obligations in excess of
plan assets were $1,391.0 million and $1,125.1 million, respectively, as of
December 31, 2001, and were $274.6 million and $204.6 million, respectively, as
of December 31, 2000. The sum of the accumulated benefit obligations and the sum
of the fair value of Plan assets for pension Plans with accumulated benefit
obligations in excess of Plan assets were $832.5 million and $670.2 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 2001, and were $74.6 million and $22.0 million,
respectively, as of December 31, 2000.
The provisions of SFAS No. 87, "Employees' Accounting for Pensions," required
Bowater to record an additional minimum liability of $60.1 million and $18.0
million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. This liability represents
the amount by which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the sum of the
fair market value of Plan assets and accrued amounts previously recorded. The
additional liability may be offset by an intangible asset to the extent of
previously unrecognized prior service cost. The intangible assets of $2.7
million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, are
included on the line titled "Other assets" in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The remaining amounts of $36.1 million and $10.2 million, net of related tax
benefits, are recorded as a component of shareholders' equity on the line titled
"Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)" in the Consolidated Balance
Sheet at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
In August 1999, Bowater completed the sale of GNP. As a result of the sale, we
recorded a curtailment loss of $26.1 million, and the buyer assumed liabilities
totaling approximately $70.6 million for nonpension postretirement benefits.
In addition to the previously described pension and non-pension postretirement
Plans, we also sponsor defined contribution Plans within the United States and
for certain sites outside of the United States. Employees are allowed to
contribute to the Plans, and we make a matching contribution between 3.6% and
7.2% of the employees' compensation. Our expense for the defined contribution
Plans totaled $6.1 million in 2001, $5.7 million in 2000 and $7.2 million in
1999.
NOTE 15. INCOME TAXES
The components of "Income before income taxes and minority interests" consist of
United States income of $113.7 million, $84.3 million and $129.1 million and
foreign income of $79.8 million, $154.9 million and $26.7 million, in 2001, 2000
and 1999, respectively.
52
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The provision for income tax expense consists of:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
==========================================================================================================================
Federal:
Current $ (5.1) $ 17.6 $ 45.4
Deferred 45.0 10.9 (0.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
39.9 28.5 45.1
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State:
Current (6.2) 5.0 9.2
Deferred 14.3 (8.2) (1.5)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8.1 (3.2) 7.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Foreign:
Current 27.1 14.8 11.4
Deferred 3.6 30.2 7.3
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
30.7 45.0 18.7
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total:
Current 15.8 37.4 66.0
Deferred 62.9 32.9 5.5
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 78.7 $ 70.3 $ 71.5
==========================================================================================================================
The components of deferred income taxes at December 31, 2001 and 2000, in the
accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet are as follows:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) 2001 2000
==========================================================================================================================
Timber and timberlands (1) $ (72.4) $ (66.3)
Fixed assets, net (637.1) (542.5)
Deferred gains (86.3) (18.7)
Other assets (36.0) (18.2)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities (831.8) (645.7)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current assets (2) 2.6 1.3
Current liabilities (2) 18.2 16.0
Employee benefits and other long-term liabilities 138.3 105.1
United States tax credit carryforwards 39.4 7.8
Canadian investment tax credit carryforwards 12.9 20.2
Ordinary loss carryforwards 49.3 8.5
Valuation allowance (9.8) (4.0)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax assets 250.9 154.9
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net deferred tax liability $ (580.9) $ (490.8)
==========================================================================================================================
(1) Includes the deferred tax impact of the capitalization of lease payments,
management fees and property taxes of approximately $112.9 million and $109.7
million at December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively.
(2) Included in "Other current assets" in the accompanying Consolidated Balance
Sheet.
The increase in the valuation allowance during 2001 of $5.8 million was due
primarily to the Alliance acquisition. As of December 31, 2001, $3.4 million of
the valuation allowance is attributable to the acquisition of Avenor and will
reduce goodwill upon reversal.
The following is a reconciliation of the United States federal statutory and
effective tax rates as a percentage of income before income taxes and minority
interests:
53
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
===========================================================================================================================
United States federal statutory income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.2 (1.9) 3.2
Foreign taxes 0.4 (1.5) 0.9
Goodwill (1) 4.1 3.4 5.1
Canadian investment tax credits 1.5 (3.2) -
Foreign exchange and asset revaluation (2.5) (2.4) -
Other, net - - 1.7
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effective income tax rate 40.7% 29.4% 45.9%
===========================================================================================================================
(1) Goodwill amortization is a non-deductible item. As the level of pre-tax
income increases, the impact of non-deductible items on our effective tax rate,
such as goodwill amortization, lessens.
At December 31, 2001, we had United States federal and state net operating loss
carryforwards of $17.3 million and $197.2 million, respectively, and Canadian
federal and provincial net operating loss carryforwards of $43.7 million and
$292.8 million, respectively. In addition, $12.9 million of Canadian investment
tax credit carryforwards and $39.4 million of United States tax credit
carryforwards were available to reduce future income taxes. The United States
federal and state loss carryforwards expire at various dates up to 2021. The
Canadian noncapital loss and investment tax credit carryforwards expire at
various dates between 2002 and 2011. We have United States alternative minimum
tax credit carryforwards that have no expiration. We believe that deferred tax
assets, net of the existing valuation allowance of $9.8 million at December 31,
2001, will be ultimately realized.
The cumulative amount of CNC's undistributed earnings through 1992, on which we
have not provided income taxes, was $19.0 million as of December 31, 2001.
Distribution of these earnings would qualify for the 80% dividend exclusion.
At December 31, 2001, unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside the United
States totaling $107.0 million were deemed to be permanently invested. No
deferred tax liability has been recognized with regard to such earnings. It is
not practicable to estimate the income tax liability that might be incurred if
such earnings were remitted to the United States.
NOTE 16. DIVIDENDS TO MINORITY INTEREST SHAREHOLDER
The Board of Directors of CNC declared dividends of $157.8 million in 2001 and
$12.5 million in 2000. As a result, $77.3 million was paid in 2001 and $6.1
million was paid in 2000 to the minority shareholder. Of the $77.3 million
dividend paid in 2001, $60.1 million relates to the CNC notes receivable
monetization as discussed in Note 5. "Net Gain on Sale of Assets." In 1999, the
Board of Directors of CNC declared dividends of $32.4 million, resulting in
payments of $15.9 million to the minority shareholder.
In January 2002, the Board of Directors of CNC declared a dividend of $7.3
million, resulting in a payment of $3.6 million to the minority shareholder.
NOTE 17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Bowater is involved in various legal proceedings relating to contracts,
commercial disputes, taxes, environmental issues, employment and workers'
compensation claims and other matters. We periodically review the status of
these proceedings with both inside and outside counsel. Our management believes
that the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse
effect on our operations or our financial condition taken as a whole.
Bowater maintains standby letters of credit in connection with its workers
compensation insurance program. At December 31, 2001, there were standby letters
of credit of $11.6 million outstanding under workers compensation insurance.
Bowater currently has recorded $14.8 million for environmental liabilities.
These liabilities are recorded at undiscounted amounts and are included in other
long-term liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The $14.8 million
represents
54
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
management's estimate based on an assessment of relevant factors and assumptions
of the ultimate settlement amounts for these liabilities. The amount of these
liabilities could be affected by changes in facts or assumptions not currently
known to management. Approximately $13.2 million of the $14.8 million relates to
two Canadian mills for costs primarily associated with soil remediation, air
compliance and landfill closure.
As of December 31, 2001, Bowater has been notified that we are a "potentially
responsible party" ("PRP") under the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, with respect to three sites
in South Carolina. One site contained a small landfill on a timber tract sold to
CNC by a third party. The third party has remediated the site and continues to
monitor the groundwater. Bowater has not been requested to contribute to the
remediation costs. One site is a timber tract owned by CNC in which unknown
third parties discarded several hundred steel drums containing small amounts of
textile residue. This site has not yet been scheduled for remediation. The
remaining site is a Superfund site where several parties, including Bowater,
shipped used steel drums for reclamation. The EPA has remediated the remaining
Superfund site for a total cost of approximately $6.2 million. Bowater has been
notified that we are one of 27 PRPs. Negotiations with EPA to determine
liabilities for the PRPs will begin in March 2002. Bowater does not believe it
will be liable for any significant amounts at these three sites.
NOTE 18. CUMULATIVE AND REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
Bowater is authorized to issue 10.0 million shares of serial preferred stock, $1
par value. In February 1999, we redeemed all of the remaining outstanding shares
for $26.6 million, including accrued dividends.
NOTE 19. STOCK OPTION PLANS
Bowater has four stock option plans - 1988, 1992, 1997 and 2000. These plans
authorized the grant of up to 7.8 million shares of our Common Stock in the form
of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation
rights, performance stock and restricted stock awards. The option price for
options granted under the 1988 and 1992 plans was based on the fair market value
of our Common Stock on the date of grant, or the average fair market value of
our Common Stock for the 20 business days immediately preceding the date of
grant. The option price for options granted under the 1997 and 2000 plans was
based on the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant.
All options granted through December 31, 1999, were exercisable at December 31,
2001. Options granted in 2001 and 2000 generally become exercisable over a
period of two years. Unless terminated earlier in accordance with their terms,
all options expire 10 years from the date of grant. The plans provide that any
outstanding options will become immediately exercisable upon a change in control
of Bowater. In such event, grantees of options have the right to require us to
purchase such options for cash in lieu of the issuance of Common Stock. We
received $2.2 million in 2001, $6.8 million in 2000 and $10.7 million in 1999
from the exercise of stock options. The exercise of stock options also generated
tax benefits for us of $0.5 million in 2001, $1.9 million in 2000 and $4.7
million in 1999.
We record compensation expense resulting from stock option grants based on
intrinsic value in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. In accordance with SFAS
No. 123, the following pro forma disclosures present the effects on income had
the fair value-based method been chosen. These disclosures are shown below for
2001, 2000 and 1999 and have no impact on our reported financial position or
results of operations.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions, except per-share amounts) 2001 2000 1999
============================================================================================================================
Net income: As reported $ 73.2 $ 159.4 $ 78.7
Pro forma 65.7 155.4 75.9
Earnings per share - basic: As reported 1.38 3.05 1.43
Pro forma 1.24 2.97 1.38
Earnings per share - diluted: As reported 1.37 3.02 1.41
Pro forma 1.23 2.94 1.36
============================================================================================================================
55
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The pro forma net income effects of SFAS No. 123 in 2001, 2000 and 1999 may not
be representative of the pro forma net income effects in future years due to
changes in assumptions and the number of options granted in future years.
The fair value of each option granted was estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average
assumptions:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
========================================================================================================================
Assumptions:
Dividend yield 1.6% 1.5% 2.0%
Expected volatility 32.0% 31.8% 30.0%
Risk-free interest rate 5.1% 6.7% 4.8%
Expected option lives 6.0 years 5.7 years 5.6 years
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average fair value of each option $17.43 $23.01 $12.34
========================================================================================================================
Bowater recorded a pre-tax charge of $2.1 million and $2.2 million,
respectively, in 2001 and 2000 for intrinsic value on its 2000 stock option
grants per the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 44 involving stock
compensation transactions recorded under the rules outlined in APB Opinion No.
25. This charge was based on a measurement date that coincided with shareholder
approval of the 2000 stock option plan. The preceding table reflects the
assumptions and fair market value of the options as of the measurement date.
Using a measurement date based on the 2000 grant date, the weighted average fair
value of each option would have been $17.51.
Information with respect to options granted under the stock option plans is as
follows:
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2001 2000 1999
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER WEIGHTED Number Weighted Number Weighted
OF AVERAGE of Average of Average
SHARES EXERCISE Shares Exercise Shares Exercise
(000'S) PRICE (000's) Price (000's) Price
==============================================================================================================================
Outstanding at beginning of year 2,285 $ 40 1,884 $ 37 2,040 $ 35
Granted during the year 823 51 616 48 245 41
Exercised during the year (79) 31 (212) 31 (387) 28
Canceled during the year (35) 49 (3) 23 (14) 24
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year 2,994 43 2,285 40 1,884 37
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercisable at end of year 1,881 $ 39 1,546 $ 37 1,455 $ 35
==============================================================================================================================
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
at December 31, 2001 at December 31, 2001
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted
Weighted Average Weighted
Range of Average Remaining Average
Exercise Number of Exercise Contractual Number of Exercise
Prices Shares (000's) Price Life (years) Shares (000's) Price
==============================================================================================================================
$21 to $30 419 $ 26 2.1 419 $ 26
$31 to $40 268 $ 35 3.9 268 $ 35
$41 to $51 1,658 $ 46 7.0 1,186 $ 45
$51 to $60 649 $ 52 9.0 8 $ 51
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2,994 $ 43 6.5 1,881 $ 39
==============================================================================================================================
56
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Bowater has an Equity Participation Rights ("EPR") Plan that allows it to grant
equity participation rights to its employees. These rights confer an interest in
the appreciation of Bowater's Common Stock price, but no right to acquire stock
ownership. The rights have a vesting period of two years and, unless terminated
earlier in accordance with their terms, expire 10 years after the grant date.
The exercise price is the fair market value of Bowater Common Stock on the day
of grant. The rights may be redeemed only for cash, and the amount paid to the
employee at the time of exercise is the difference between the exercise price
and the average high/low of Bowater's Common Stock on the day of exercise.
Bowater granted 247,500 EPRs in 2001 at an exercise price of $51.93 and granted
930,000 EPRs in 2000 at an average exercise price of $53.20. At December 31,
2001, there were 1,958,975 EPRs outstanding and 1,807,163 EPRs exercisable at a
weighted average exercise price of $48.21 and $44.08, respectively. At December
31, 2000, there were 1,777,875 EPRs outstanding and 1,413,438 EPRs exercisable
at a weighted average exercise price of $47.64 and $46.06, respectively.
Bowater-Halla Paper Co., Ltd. ("Halla"), our subsidiary located in South Korea,
also has an EPR plan and has issued stock options. The stock of Halla is not
publicly traded. Therefore, the fair market value of the stock is determined
annually by a third-party appraisal.
We record a liability for the Bowater and Halla EPRs and the Halla options
during the vesting period and adjust this liability at each reporting period
based on changes in the fair market value of the respective stocks. The
liability amounts recorded at December 31, 2001 and 2000, are $14.8 million and
$28.1 million, respectively. The charges (income) reflected in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations pertaining to these rights and options were $(8.6)
million, $16.3 million and $5.2 million for the years 2001, 2000 and 1999,
respectively.
NOTE 20. EXCHANGEABLE SHARES
In conjunction with the 1998 acquisition of Avenor, Bowater's indirect
wholly-owned subsidiary, Bowater Canada Inc. ("BCI"), issued 3,773,547 shares
($183.6 million) of no par value Exchangeable Shares. Since 1998, BCI has issued
an additional 1,359,620 Exchangeable Shares ($66.2 million) upon the redemption
of Avenor's 7.50% Convertible Unsecured Subordinated Debentures and 5,505
Exchangeable Shares ($0.3 million) for conversions prior to the redemption. BCI
issued an additional 856,237 Exchangeable Shares ($39.9 million) in connection
with the 2001 acquisition of Alliance. The Exchangeable Shares are exchangeable
at any time, at the option of the holder, on a one-for-one basis for shares of
Bowater Common Stock. Through December 31, 2001, 3,986,321 Exchangeable Shares
($194.0 million) had been exchanged for the same number of Bowater common
shares. Holders of Exchangeable Shares have voting rights substantially
equivalent to holders of Bowater Common Stock and are entitled to receive
dividends equivalent, on a per-share basis, to dividends paid by Bowater on its
Common Stock. On December 31, 2001, 2,008,588 Exchangeable Shares ($96.0
million) were outstanding.
NOTE 21. EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN ("ESOP")
In 1989, the ESOP was funded by a $17.5 million loan. The loan proceeds were
lent to an Employee Stock Ownership Trust ("ESOT"). The ESOP remaining loan
balance of $0.7 million was paid on April 30, 2000. The ESOT has distributed all
remaining shares of the original 574,160 shares of Common Stock to participants'
accounts as of December 31, 2001.
NOTE 22. TREASURY STOCK
At December 31, 2001, Bowater held 11,619,812 shares of its Common Stock as
treasury stock to pay for employee and director benefits and to fund its
Dividend Reinvestment Plan. The shares are valued at their acquisition cost of
$486.4 million. As of December 31, 2000, we held 11,635,850 shares at a cost of
$487.0 million.
In May 1999, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 5.5
million shares of Bowater's Common Stock in the open market, subject to normal
trading restrictions. We made no purchases under the program during 2001. During
2000, we purchased 2,125,900 shares of Common Stock at a cost of $103.7 million
in 2000. Since the beginning of the program, we purchased 3.1 million shares at
a total cost of $155.5 million.
57
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 23. TIMBERLAND LEASES AND OPERATING LEASES
Bowater controls timberlands under long-term leases expiring 2002 to 2058 for
which aggregate lease payments were $0.6 million in 2001, $0.7 million in 2000
and $0.7 million in 1999. These lease costs are capitalized as part of
timberlands and are charged against revenue at the time the timber is harvested.
In addition, we lease certain office premises, office equipment and
transportation equipment under operating leases. Total rental expense for these
operating leases was $7.5 million in 2001, $5.7 million in 2000 and $11.0
million in 1999.
At December 31, 2001, the future minimum rental payments under timberland leases
and operating leases are:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In millions) Timberland Operating
Lease Payments Leases, Net
================================================================================
2002 $ 0.4 $ 8.7
2003 0.4 7.5
2004 0.4 6.3
2005 0.4 5.1
2006 0.4 4.4
Thereafter 13.6 6.2
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 15.6 $ 38.2
================================================================================
In addition, we manage over 32 million acres of Crown-owned land in Canada on
which we have cutting rights. We make payments to various Canadian provinces
based on the amount of timber harvested.
Bowater enters into various agreements, primarily supply agreements, in the
normal course of business. In connection with the acquisition of Alliance,
Bowater assumed various long-term supply contracts the more significant
including a fiber supply contract, at market prices, for its Coosa Operation and
a steam supply contract at its Dolbeau Operation. The Coosa fiber supply
contract expires in 2014 and has total commitments of approximately $174.7
million ($15.7 million in years 1-3, $13.0 million in years 4-5 and $101.6
million thereafter). In addition, our Dolbeau Operation's steam supply contract
expires in 2023 and has total commitments of approximately $140.4 million ($6.4
million in years 1-5 and $108.4 million thereafter).
Two Nuway coating facilities are being constructed for Bowater, one located in
Covington, Tennessee and the other planned for in the mid-Atlantic region.
Construction of the two facilities is being financed through a special purpose
entity ("SPE") with total expected construction costs of approximately $100.0
million. Bowater has no ownership interest in the SPE. Bowater Nuway Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Bowater, has entered into lease commitments with the
SPE, the lessor in the transaction, for these new facilities. The Covington,
Tennessee facility is expected to be completed near the end of the first quarter
of 2002 and should begin operations shortly thereafter. The construction
schedule for the mid-Atlantic facility has been deferred and is to be determined
at a later date, as market conditions warrant. As of December 31, 2001, total
costs incurred by the SPE for the construction of these facilities was
approximately $57.8 million. The assets and debt associated with these new
facilities will not be consolidated in Bowater's financial statements. The
leases will be classified as operating leases and the payments expensed in
accordance with SFAS No. 13, "Accounting for Leases." This arrangement provides
very low cost financing. The future minimum lease payments have not been
finalized, but are estimated to be approximately $3.0 million per year for the
two facilities based on current interest rates. The base lease term for each
facility expires on April 30, 2006. We have options at the end of the base lease
terms to (1) extend the lease terms annually for an additional five years, (2)
purchase the leased properties or (3) terminate the lease agreements. In the
event that a lease agreement is terminated, Bowater Nuway Inc. (as lessee) must
cause the facility to be sold and the lessor to be paid a residual value
guarantee of approximately 83% of the lessor's investment in the facility. The
present value of rental payments, estimated termination costs and the residual
value guarantee at the inception of the lease do not exceed in the aggregate
89.5% of the lessor's investment in the facility. Upon consummation of the sale,
the lessor is entitled to retain an amount equal to its remaining investment in
the facility, and any balance of the sale proceeds is to be paid to the lessee.
Bowater has guaranteed the lessee's obligations under this arrangement.
Management currently does not believe that it is probable that Bowater will be
required to make a deficiency payment on the residual value guarantee.
58
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 24. SEGMENT INFORMATION
Description of the types of products and services from which each reportable
segment derives its revenues:
On September 24, 2001, Bowater completed the purchase of Alliance. As a result
of the acquisition, we have four reportable segments: the Newsprint Division,
the Coated and Specialty Papers Division, the Forest Products Division and the
Canadian Forest Products Division. Segment information for the years ended
December 31, 2000 and 1999 have been reclassified to reflect the change to four
reportable segments.
The Newsprint Division operates seven manufacturing sites in the United States,
Canada and South Korea. The principal product line at these manufacturing sites
is newsprint, but several of the sites also produce market pulp and uncoated
specialty paper. This Division is responsible for the international marketing
and sales of newsprint and selected uncoated specialty papers.
The Coated and Specialty Papers Division operates a manufacturing site that
produces coated groundwood paper, newsprint, market pulp and uncoated specialty
paper, and a coating facility, both located in the United States. Our new
coating plant in Covington, Tennessee, is expected to be completed near the end
of the first quarter of 2002 and should begin operations shortly thereafter.
This Division is responsible for the marketing and sales of a full spectrum of
coated and all other uncoated specialty papers manufactured by Bowater.
The Forest Products Division manages 1.1 million acres of timberland owned or
leased in the United States and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Nova
Scotia and over 8.3 million acres of Crown-owned land in the province of Ontario
on which Bowater has cutting rights. The Division also operates three softwood
sawmills, supplies wood fiber to Bowater's pulp and paper production sites and
markets and sells timber and lumber in North America.
The Canadian Forest Products Division operates four paper manufacturing sites in
Canada. The Division manages 0.4 million acres of timberland owned or leased and
over 24.4 million acres of Crown-owned land in the Canadian provinces of Quebec
and New Brunswick on which Bowater has cutting rights. The Division also
operates ten sawmills and one wood treatment plant, supplies wood to four paper
mills and ten sawmills, and is responsible for the marketing and sales of
Bowater's Canadian lumber production.
The Pulp Division markets and distributes market pulp produced at the Calhoun,
Tennessee; Catawba, South Carolina; Thunder Bay, Ontario; and Coosa Pines,
Alabama, sites. Financial results for the production and sale of market pulp are
included in the Newsprint Division and the Coated and Specialty Papers Division,
depending upon which site manufactures the product. The Pulp Division's
administrative expenses are included in "Corporate & other eliminations."
Accordingly, no separate results are reported for this Division.
FACTORS MANAGEMENT USED TO IDENTIFY OUR SEGMENTS:
Bowater's reportable segments are business units responsible for the marketing
and sales of different products. They are managed separately because of the
different products they are responsible for manufacturing and distributing.
The line entitled "Segment income (loss)" in the following tables is equal to
"Operating income (loss)" as presented in our Consolidated Statement of
Operations. In addition, none of the income or loss items following "Operating
income (loss)" in our Consolidated Statement of Operations are allocated to our
segments, since they are reviewed separately by Bowater's management.
The following tables summarize information about segment profit and loss and
segment assets for the three years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999:
59
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COATED AND CANADIAN
SPECIALTY FOREST FOREST CORPORATE/
NEWSPRINT PAPERS PRODUCTS PRODUCTS SPECIAL OTHER
2001 (IN MILLIONS) DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION DIVISION ITEMS ELIMINATIONS TOTAL
===========================================================================================================================
Sales - including internal sales $ 1,412.0 $ 516.4 $ 285.0 $ 520.1 $ - $ - $ 2,733.5
Eliminations of inter-segment sales - - - - - (284.3) (284.3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 1,412.0 $ 516.4 $ 285.0 $ 520.1 $ - $ (284.3) $ 2,449.2
===========================================================================================================================
Depreciation and amortization $ 187.2 $ 60.8 $ 11.3 $ 51.6 $ - $ 10.4 $ 321.3
===========================================================================================================================
Segment income (loss) $ 113.7 $ 25.7 $ (3.1) $ 77.6 $ 167.7 $ (63.8) $ 317.8
===========================================================================================================================
Total assets $ 3,111.7 $ 624.6 $ 263.0 $ 1,372.6 $ - $ 393.5 $ 5,765.4
===========================================================================================================================
Capital expenditures $ 86.4 $ 121.3 $ 15.5 $ 19.1 $ - $ 4.5 $ 246.8
===========================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coated and Canadian
Specialty Forest Forest Corporate/
Newsprint Papers Products Products Special Other
2000 (In millions) Division Division Division Division Items Eliminations Total
===========================================================================================================================
Sales - including internal sales $ 1,464.7 $ 586.9 $ 334.0 $ 419.8 $ - $ - $ 2,805.4
Eliminations of inter-segment sales - - - - - (305.1) (305.1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 1,464.7 $ 586.9 $ 334.0 $ 419.8 $ - $ (305.1) $ 2,500.3
===========================================================================================================================
Depreciation and amortization $ 168.1 $ 58.5 $ 15.3 $ 42.7 $ - $ 10.6 $ 295.2
===========================================================================================================================
Segment income (loss) $ 236.6 $ 136.1 $ 15.0 $ 58.1 $ 7.3 $ (89.8) $ 363.3
===========================================================================================================================
Total assets $ 2,741.5 $ 549.0 $ 398.2 $ 930.3 $ - $ 385.1 $ 5,004.1
===========================================================================================================================
Capital expenditures $ 130.0 $ 111.7 $ 23.5 $ 17.3 $ - $ 0.7 $ 283.2
===========================================================================================================================
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coated and Canadian
Specialty Forest Forest Corporate/
Newsprint Papers Products Products Special Other
1999 (In millions) Division Division Division Division Items Eliminations Total
===========================================================================================================================
Sales - including internal sales $ 1,368.7 $ 499.2 $ 407.5 $ 354.8 $ - $ 2.6 $ 2,632.8
Eliminations of inter-segment sales - - - - - (321.1) (321.1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales $ 1,368.7 $ 499.2 $ 407.5 $ 354.8 $ - $ (318.5) $ 2,311.7
===========================================================================================================================
Depreciation and amortization $ 170.0 $ 55.5 $ 22.9 $ 41.0 $ - $ 10.8 $300.2
===========================================================================================================================
Segment income (loss) $ 19.4 $ 72.2 $ 39.5 $ 39.6 $ 133.4 $ (60.1) $ 244.0
===========================================================================================================================
Total assets $ 2,435.8 $ 492.1 $ 396.7 $ 788.8 $ - $ 438.8 $ 4,552,2
===========================================================================================================================
Capital expenditures $ 125.4 $ 42.1 $ 10.7 $ 18.9 $ - $ 1.4 $ 198.5
===========================================================================================================================
Special items for 2001 include gain on the sale of assets of $167.7 million.
This gain is primarily the result of a land sale completed in the fourth quarter
of 2001 and a note monetization completed in the second quarter of 2001 related
to a 1999 land sale (see Note 5. "Net Gain on Sale of Assets").
Special items for 2000 include gain on sale of fixed assets of $3.2 million and
gain on sale of timberlands of $4.1 million.
Special items for 1999 include gain on sale of timberlands of $272.5 million,
loss on sale of GNP of $47.1 million and an impairment charge of $92.0 million.
60
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES BY PRODUCT
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
============================================================================================================================
Newsprint $ 1,438.7 $ 1,421.5 $ 1,282.2
Coated and specialty papers 479.6 428.4 363.9
Market pulp 403.9 546.3 434.2
Directory paper - - 89.4
Lumber and other wood products 127.0 104.1 142.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7
============================================================================================================================
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SALES BY COUNTRY (1)
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
============================================================================================================================
United States $ 1,726.8 $ 1,711.5 $ 1,649.1
Canada 152.1 197.0 170.8
Korea 110.5 134.1 102.1
Japan 31.7 42.8 39.6
Brazil 52.4 59.3 39.0
Italy 32.4 42.4 32.5
United Kingdom 56.1 52.2 38.3
Mexico 82.2 74.1 58.7
Other countries (2) 205.0 186.9 181.6
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 2,449.2 $ 2,500.3 $ 2,311.7
============================================================================================================================
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-LIVED ASSETS BY COUNTRY
(In millions) 2001 2000 1999
============================================================================================================================
United States $ 2,169.2 $1,671.1 $ 1,343.9
Canada 1,764.3 1,431.4 1,379.8
Korea 183.1 187.1 182.0
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$ 4,116.6 $3,289.6 $ 2,905.7
============================================================================================================================
(1) Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the
customer. No one customer represented 10% or more of consolidated sales.
(2) No country in this group exceeded 10% of consolidated sales.
NOTE 25. QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER-SHARE AMOUNTS) FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH YEAR
============================================================================================================================
Sales $ 604.9 $ 585.2 $ 558.8 $ 700.3 $ 2,449.2
Operating income 89.6 139.7(1) 22.2 66.3(2) 317.8
Net income (loss) 37.7 18.6 (1.8) 18.7 73.2
Basic earnings (loss) per common share 0.73 0.36 (0.04) 0.33 1.38
Diluted earnings (loss) per common share $ 0.72 $ 0.36 $ (0.04) 0.33 1.37
============================================================================================================================
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Year ended December 31, 2000
(In millions, except per-share amounts) First Second Third Fourth Year
============================================================================================================================
Sales $ 562.9 $ 607.6 $ 671.8 $ 658.0 $ 2,500.3
Operating income 57.7 88.0 118.6 99.0 363.3
Net income 17.2 33.7 50.0 58.5 159.4
Basic earnings per common share 0.32 0.64 0.97 1.13 3.05
Diluted earnings per common share $ 0.32 $ 0.63 $ 0.96 $ 1.12 $ 3.02
=============================================================================================================================
(1) Includes a net gain on sale of assets of $85.0 million.
(2) Includes a net gain on sale of assets of $84.2 million.
61
MANAGEMENT'S STATEMENT OF RESPONSIBILITY
The management of Bowater is responsible for the information contained in the
financial statements and in the other parts of this report. The accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements of Bowater Incorporated and Subsidiaries have
been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. In preparing these statements, management has made
judgments based upon available information. To ensure that this information will
be as accurate and factual as possible, management has communicated to all
appropriate employees the requirements for accurate recordkeeping and
accounting.
We maintain a system of internal accounting controls designed to provide
reasonable assurances for the safeguarding of assets and the reliability of
financial records. The system is subject to continuous review through a
corporate-wide internal audit program with appropriate management follow-up
action. Management believes that through the careful selection of employees, the
division of responsibilities and the application of formal policies and
procedures, we have an effective and responsive system of internal accounting
controls.
Our independent auditors, KPMG LLP, are responsible for conducting an audit of
our Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States of America and for expressing their
opinion as to whether these consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position, results of operations and cash
flows of the company and its subsidiaries in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Their report
appears immediately below.
There is an Audit Committee of the Board of Directors composed of three
nonemployee directors who meet regularly with management, the internal auditors
and KPMG LLP to discuss specific accounting, reporting and internal control
matters. Both the independent auditors and internal auditors have full and free
access to the Audit Committee.
================================================================================
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors of Bowater Incorporated:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Bowater
Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, capital accounts and cash flows for each
of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the company's
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated
financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Bowater Incorporated
and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 2001, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 27, 2002
62
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
Information regarding Bowater's directors is incorporated by reference to the
material under the heading "Election of Directors-Information on Nominees and
Directors" in our Proxy Statement with respect to the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders scheduled to be held May 8, 2002, filed under Regulation 14A under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Proxy Statement").
Information regarding Bowater's executive officers is provided under the caption
"Executive Officers of the Registrant as of March 5, 2002" on pages 10-12 of
this Form 10-K.
Information regarding Section 16(a) beneficial ownership reporting compliance is
incorporated by reference to the material under the heading "Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Information regarding executive compensation is incorporated by reference to the
material under the headings "Election of Directors-Information on Nominees and
Directors-Director Compensation", "Human Resources and Compensation Committee
Report on Executive Compensation", "Total Shareholder Return" and "Executive
Compensation" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Information concerning (1) any person or group known to Bowater to be the
beneficial owner of more than 5% of its voting stock, and (2) ownership of its
equity securities by management is incorporated by reference to the material
under the heading "Stock Ownership" in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions is
incorporated by reference to the material under the heading "Related Party
Transactions" in the Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) The following are filed as a part of this Annual Report on
Form 10-K:
(1) The following are included at the indicated page of this Annual
Report on Form 10-K:
PAGE(S)
-------
Consolidated Statement of Operations for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2001................................................... 31
Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2001 and 2000........................................ 32
63
PAGE(S)
-------
Consolidated Statement of Capital Accounts for Each of the Years in the
Three-Year Period Ended December 31, 2001................................................... 33
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for Each of the Years in the Three-
Year Period Ended December 31, 2001......................................................... 34
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements...................................................... 35-61
Management's Statement of Responsibility and Independent Auditors' Report....................... 62
(2) The following financial statement schedule for the year ended December 31, 2001 is submitted:
Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts................................................... F-1
Independent Auditors' Report on Schedule II..................................................... F-2
All other financial statement schedules are omitted because they are
not applicable or because the required information is included in the
financial statements or notes.
(3) Exhibits (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of
Regulation S-K):
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
- ----------- -----------
2.1 Arrangement Agreement dated as of April 1, 2001, by and between
the Company and Alliance Forest Products Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2001, File
No. 1-8712).
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bowater Incorporated,
as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Bowater
Incorporated's Registration Statement No. 33-51569).
3.2 Certificate of Designations of the 7% PRIDES, Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Bowater
Incorporated's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1,
1994, File No. 1-8712 (the "February 1994 8-K")).
3.3 Certificate of Designations of the 8.40% Series C Cumulative
Preferred Stock of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the February 1994 8-K).
3.4 Certificate of Designation of the special voting stock of
Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11
to Amendment No. 1 to Bowater Incorporated's Registration
Statement No. 333-57839 ("Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement")).
3.5 Bylaws of Bowater Incorporated amended and restated as of May
20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement).
4.1 Agreement pursuant to S-K Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) to provide the
Commission upon request copies of certain other instruments with
respect to long-term debt not being registered where the amount
of securities authorized under each such instrument does not
exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Registration Statement
No. 2-93455).
4.2 See Exhibits 3.1, 3.4 and 3.5.
+10.1 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1994, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Arnold M. Nemirow (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1994,
File No. 1-8712).
64
+10.2 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1997, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Arthur D. Fuller (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 1997,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.3 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1995, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and E. Patrick Duffy (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 1995, File
No. 1-8712).
+10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1997, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Richard K. Hamilton (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1997,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1997 10-K")).
+10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and David J. Steuart (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 1998
(the "September 1998 10-Q")).
+10.6 Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between David J. Steuart
and Bowater Incorporated. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.6 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the period ending December 31, 2000, File No. 1-8712 (the "2000
10-K")).
+10.6.1 First Amendment to Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between
David J. Steuart and Bowater Incorporated. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2001,
File No. 1-8712 (the "September 2001 10-Q")).
+10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1996, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Anthony H. Barash (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1995,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1995 10-K")).
+10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1998, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and Jerry R. Gilmore (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 1999, File
No. 1-8712 (the "March 1999 10-Q")).
+10.9 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and William G. Harvey (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the September 1998 10-Q).
+10.10 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1996, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and Steven G. Lanzl (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1996,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1996 10-K")).
+10.11 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and David G. Maffucci (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the 1995 10-K).
+10.12 Form of Employment Agreement by and between Bowater Incorporated
and each of Robert A. Moran and Michael F. Nocito (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1993,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.13 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and R. Donald Newman (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the March 1999 10-Q).
+10.14* Bowater Incorporated 2002 Stock Option Plan, dated as of January
30, 2002.
+10.15 Employment Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1999, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and James T. Wright (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the March 1999 10-Q).
65
+10.16 Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement,
executed as of June 9, 2000, by and between Bowater Incorporated
and each of Anthony H. Barash, E. Patrick Duffy, Arthur D.
Fuller, Jerry R. Gilmore, Richard K. Hamilton, William G.
Harvey, Steven G. Lanzl, David G. Maffucci, Robert A. Moran,
Arnold M. Nemirow, R. Donald Newman, Michael F. Nocito, David J.
Steuart and James T. Wright (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2000, File No. 1-8712
(the "September 2000 10-Q")).
+10.17 Compensatory Benefits Plan of Bowater Incorporated, as amended
and restated effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1999, File
No. 1-8712 (the "June 1999 10-Q")).
+10.18 Outside Director Elective Stock Option Plan, dated as of March
2, 2001. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 2000
10-K).
+10.19 Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors of Bowater
Incorporated, as amended and restated effective January 1, 1997
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18.1 to the 1996 10-K).
+10.20 Retirement Plan for Outside Directors of Bowater Incorporated,
amended and restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.20.1 First Amendment to the Bowater Incorporated Retirement Plan for
Outside Directors, executed on September 13, 2000 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the September 2000 10-Q).
+10.21 Supplemental Benefit Plan for Designated Employees of Bowater
Incorporated and Affiliated Companies, as amended and restated
effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.21.1 First Amendment to the Supplemental Benefit Plan for Designated
Employees of Bowater Incorporated and Affiliated Companies, as
amended and restated effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2000, File
No. 1-8712 (the "March 2000 10-Q")).
+10.22 Equity Participation Rights Plan of Bowater Incorporated,
amended and restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.22.1 First Amendment to Equity Participation Rights Plan of Bowater
Incorporated, dated as of November 22, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.32.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1999,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1999 10-K")).
+10.23 1988 Stock Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated
by reference to Bowater Incorporated's Proxy Statement for 1988,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.23.1 Amendment to 1988 Stock Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated,
dated as of August 23, 1989 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.16A to Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the period ending December 31, 1989, File No. 1-8712).
+10.23.2 Second Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the 1988 Stock
Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.32.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1998,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1998 10-K")).
+10.23.3 Third Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the 1988 Stock
Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the June 1999 10-Q).
66
+10.24 Amended and Restated Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1998, File
No. 1-8712 (the "June 1998 10-Q")).
+10.24.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the June 1999
10-Q).
+10.25 Amended and Restated Executive Severance Grantor Trust of
Bowater Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 1998
10-Q).
+10.25.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Executive Severance Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the
June 1999 10-Q).
+10.26 Amended and Restated Outside Directors Benefit Plan Grantor
Trust of Bowater Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1998
10-Q).
+10.26.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Outside Directors Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the
June 1999 10-Q).
+10.27 Benefits Equalization Plan of Bowater Incorporated, amended and
restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.14 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.28 1992 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 to the (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ending December 31, 1991, File No. 1-8712).
+10.28.1 First Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the 1992 Stock
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37.1 to
the 1998 10-K).
+10.28.2 Second Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the 1992 Stock
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.29 Bowater Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective as of
January 1, 1997, as amended and restated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the 1996 10-K).
+10.29.1 First Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the Bowater
Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective as of January 1,
1997, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.38.1 to the 1998 10-K).
+10.29.2 Second Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Bowater
Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated
January 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.30 Bowater Incorporated 2000 Stock Option Plan, effective as of
January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to
the 1999 10-K).
+10.31 Senior Executive Retirement Plan of Bowater Incorporated's
subsidiary, Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. (formerly
Bowater Pulp and Paper Canada Inc., and formerly Avenor Inc.),
effective as of November 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.40 to the 1998 10-K).
+10.32 Bowater Incorporated Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated effective as of January 1, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the March 2000 10-Q).
67
+10.33 Bowater Incorporated 2000-2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
effective as of January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2000, File No. 1-8712).
10.34 Licensing Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1976, as amended,
between Bowater Incorporated and Bowater Industries plc
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Bowater
Incorporated's Registration Statement No. 2-90172).
10.35 Trademark Agreement, dated May 8, 1984, between Bowater
Incorporated and Bowater Corporation plc (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Bowater Incorporated's
Registration Statement No. 2-90172).
10.36 World-Wide Trademark Ownership, Use and Assignment Agreement,
effective as of June 30, 1997, by and between Bowater
Incorporated and Rexam plc (formerly Bowater plc) (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the 1997 10-K).
10.37 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1998, among
Bowater, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and
the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1.1 to the Schedule 13D filed on August 3, 1998, by
Bowater Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings Incorporated and
Bowater Canada Inc. with respect to the common shares of Avenor
Inc. (the "Schedule 13D")).
10.37.1 Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June
23, 1999, amending and restating the 364-Day Credit Agreement,
dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater Incorporated, The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders
signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
10.37.1.1 Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 10, 2000, to the Amended and
Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999,
between Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the September 2000
10-Q).
10.37.2 Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
June 21, 2000 (the "Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement"), to the Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999, amending and restating the
364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the September 2000
10-Q).
10.37.2.1 Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 31, 2000, to the Second Amended
and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the September 2000 10-Q).
10.37.3 Third Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
June 20, 2001, to the Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement and the Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement
dated as of June 23, 1999, amending and restating the 364-Day
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2001, File No. 1-8712 (the
"June 2001 10-Q")).
10.38 Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, among
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Schedule 13D).
68
10.38.1 Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 23, 1999, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1999 10-Q).
10.38.2 Amendment No. 2, dated as of April 10, 2000, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the September 2000 10-Q).
10.38.3 Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 20, 2001, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the June 2001 10-Q).
10.39 Support Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings Incorporated and Bowater
Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex G of the Joint
Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement filed on
June 18, 1998, on Schedule 14A for Bowater Incorporated, File
No. 1-8712 (the "Schedule 14A")).
10.40 Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998,
between Bowater Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings
Incorporated, Bowater Canada Inc. and Montreal Trust Company of
Canada (incorporated by reference to Annex F of the Schedule
14A).
10.41 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 18, 1999, by and
between Inexcon Maine, Inc. and Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Bowater
Incorporated's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1,
1999, File No. 1-8712 (the "September 1999 8-K")).
10.41.1 Amendment No. 1, dated August 17, 1999, to the Stock Purchase
Agreement, dated May 18, 1999, between Inexcon Maine, Inc. and
Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1.1
to the September 1999 8-K).
10.42 Bridge Credit Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2001, between
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2001
10-Q).
10.43 Credit Agreement dated as of October 26, 2001 between Bowater
Pulp and Paper Canada Inc. (as Borrower) (now known as Bowater
Canadian Forest Products Inc.), Bowater Incorporated (as
Guarantor), the Bank of Nova Scotia (as Administrative Agent)
and the Banks from time to time parties thereto. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the September 2001 10-Q).
10.44 Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated as of
October 31, 2001 by and among Bowater Canada Finance
Corporation, Bowater Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representatives of the several
purchasers named in Schedule I thereto. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the September 2001 10-Q).
10.45 Indenture dated as of October 31, 2001 by and among Bowater
Canada Finance Corporation (as Issuer), Bowater Incorporated (as
Guarantor) and The Bank of New York (as Trustee). (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the September 2001 10-Q).
10.46 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November
6, 2001 by and among Bowater Canada Finance Corporation, Bowater
Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc., as representatives of the several purchasers named in
Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 of the September 2001 10-Q).
69
+10.47 Employment Agreement dated as of September 24, 2001, by and
between the Company and Pierre Monahan. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the September 2001 10-Q).
+10.48 Change in Control Agreements, each dated as of September 24,
2001, by and between the Company and each of Pierre Monahan,
Georges Cabana, Daniel Laberge, Jean S. Lebel, Jean-Marc Simard,
Daniel Tardif and Kevin B. Wassil. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 of the September 2001 10-Q).
+10.49 Change in Control Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2001, by and
between the Company and Walter L. Brunson. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the September 2001 10-Q).
12.1* Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges.
21.1* Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23.1* Consent of Independent Auditors.
* Filed with this Form 10-K.
+ This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K. Bowater Incorporated filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission Current Report on Form 8-K as follows:
On October 9, 2001, Bowater Incorporated filed a current report
on Form 8-K dated September 24, 2001, to report the acquisition
of Alliance Forest Products Inc.
On October 23, 2001, Bowater Incorporated filed a current report
on Form 8-K dated October 23, 2001, which attached as exhibits
(1) a "Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking
Information" (for purposes of the "Safe Harbor" provisions of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and (2) a
press release issued by Bowater Incorporated on October 23,
2001, announcing its third quarter financial results and a
timberland sale
On October 25, 2001, Bowater Incorporated filed Amendment No. 2
to its current report on Form 8-K dated April 2, 2001, to
disclose unaudited pro forma combined financial statements of
Bowater Incorporated which give effect to the acquisition of
Alliance Forest Products Inc.
On October 26, 2001, Bowater Incorporated filed Amendment No. 1
to its current report on Form 8-K dated September 24, 2001, to
disclose unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial
statements of Bowater Incorporated that give effect to the
acquisition of Alliance Forest Products Inc.
(c) The above-referenced exhibits are being filed with this report.
(d) None.
70
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, Bowater has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
BOWATER INCORPORATED
Date: March 5, 2002 By: /s/ ARNOLD M. NEMIROW
-----------------------------------------------
Arnold M. Nemirow
Chairman, President and Chief 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 Bowater
and in the capacities indicated, as of March 5, 2002.
SIGNATURE TITLE
--------- -----
/s/ ARNOLD M. NEMIROW Director, Chairman, President and
- ---------------------------------------- Chief Executive Officer
Arnold M. Nemirow
/s/ DAVID G. MAFFUCCI Senior Vice President and
- ---------------------------------------- Chief Financial Officer
David G. Maffucci
/s/ MICHAEL F. NOCITO Vice President and Controller
- ----------------------------------------
Michael F. Nocito
/s/ FRANCIS J. AGUILAR Director
- ----------------------------------------
Francis J. Aguilar
/s/ RICHARD BARTH Director
- ----------------------------------------
Richard Barth
/s/ KENNETH M. CURTIS Director
- ----------------------------------------
Kenneth M. Curtis
/s/ CINDA A. HALLMAN Director
- ----------------------------------------
Cinda A. Hallman
/s/ CHARLES J. HOWARD Director
- ----------------------------------------
Charles J. Howard
/s/ L. JACQUES MENARD Director
- ----------------------------------------
L. Jacques Menard
/s/ JAMES L. PATE Director
- ----------------------------------------
James L. Pate
/s/ JOHN A. ROLLS Director
- ----------------------------------------
John A. Rolls
/s/ ARTHUR R. SAWCHUK Director
- ----------------------------------------
Arthur R. Sawchuk
Director
- ----------------------------------------
Togo D. West, Jr.
71
BOWATER INCORPORATED
SCHEDULE II-VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2001, 2000 AND 1999
Balance
at Charged to
Beginning Cost and Balance at
(In millions) of Year Expenses Additions Deductions End of Year
- ------------- ------- -------- --------- ---------- -----------
Year ended December 31, 2001
Allowance for doubtful accounts........... $ 2.7 $ 3.8 $ - $ (2.9) $ 3.6
====== ======= ====== ========= ======
Year ended December 31, 2000
Allowance for doubtful accounts........... $ 3.4 $ 1.8 $ - $ (2.5) $ 2.7
====== ======= ====== ========= ======
Year ended December 31, 1999
Allowance for doubtful accounts........... $ 4.7 $ 0.4 $ - $ (1.7)* $ 3.4
====== ======= ====== ========= ======
* Due primarily to the sale of Great Northern Paper, Inc.
F-1
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
The Board of Directors
Bowater Incorporated
Under date of February 27, 2002, we reported on the consolidated balance sheet
of Bowater Incorporated and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, capital accounts, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001, as
contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In connection with our audits of
the aforementioned consolidated financial statements, we also audited the
related consolidated financial statement schedule as listed in the index under
Item 14(a)(2) in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This financial statement
schedule is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on this financial statement schedule based on our
audits.
In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation
to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents
fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
February 27, 2002
F-2
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT NO. DESCRIPTION
2.1 Arrangement Agreement dated as of April 1, 2001, by and between
the Company and Alliance Forest Products Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2001, File
No. 1-8712).
3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Bowater Incorporated,
as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Bowater
Incorporated's Registration Statement No. 33-51569).
3.2 Certificate of Designations of the 7% PRIDES, Series B
Convertible Preferred Stock of Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Bowater
Incorporated's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 1,
1994, File No. 1-8712 (the "February 1994 8-K")).
3.3 Certificate of Designations of the 8.40% Series C Cumulative
Preferred Stock of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the February 1994 8-K).
3.4 Certificate of Designation of the special voting stock of
Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.11
to Amendment No. 1 to Bowater Incorporated's Registration
Statement No. 333-57839 ("Amendment No. 1 to the Registration
Statement")).
3.5 Bylaws of Bowater Incorporated amended and restated as of May
20, 1998 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Amendment
No. 1 to the Registration Statement).
4.1 Agreement pursuant to S-K Item 601(b)(4)(iii)(A) to provide the
Commission upon request copies of certain other instruments with
respect to long-term debt not being registered where the amount
of securities authorized under each such instrument does not
exceed 10% of the total assets of the registrant and its
subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Registration Statement
No. 2-93455).
4.2 See Exhibits 3.1, 3.4 and 3.5.
+10.1 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 20, 1994, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Arnold M. Nemirow (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1994,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.2 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1997, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Arthur D. Fuller (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 1997,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.3 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1995, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and E. Patrick Duffy (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 1995, File
No. 1-8712).
+10.4 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1997, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Richard K. Hamilton (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1997,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1997 10-K")).
+10.5 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and David J. Steuart (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 1998
(the "September 1998 10-Q")).
+10.6 Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between David J. Steuart
and Bowater Incorporated. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.6 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the period ending December 31, 2000, File No. 1-8712 (the "2000
10-K")).
+10.6.1 First Amendment to Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between
David J. Steuart and Bowater Incorporated. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.8 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2001,
File No. 1-8712 (the "September 2001 10-Q")).
+10.7 Employment Agreement, dated as of April 1, 1996, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and Anthony H. Barash (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.14 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1995,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1995 10-K")).
+10.8 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1998, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and Jerry R. Gilmore (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 1999, File
No. 1-8712 (the "March 1999 10-Q")).
+10.9 Employment Agreement, dated as of August 1, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and William G. Harvey (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the September 1998 10-Q).
+10.10 Employment Agreement, dated as of October 21, 1996, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and Steven G. Lanzl (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1996,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1996 10-K")).
+10.11 Employment Agreement, dated as of November 1, 1995, by and
between Bowater Incorporated and David G. Maffucci (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the 1995 10-K).
+10.12 Form of Employment Agreement by and between Bowater Incorporated
and each of Robert A. Moran and Michael F. Nocito (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1993,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.13 Employment Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and R. Donald Newman (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the March 1999 10-Q).
+10.14* Bowater Incorporated 2002 Stock Option Plan, dated as of January
30, 2002.
+10.15 Employment Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1999, by and between
Bowater Incorporated and James T. Wright (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the March 1999 10-Q).
+10.16 Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement,
executed as of June 9, 2000, by and between Bowater Incorporated
and each of Anthony H. Barash, E. Patrick Duffy, Arthur D.
Fuller, Jerry R. Gilmore, Richard K. Hamilton, William G.
Harvey, Steven G. Lanzl, David G. Maffucci, Robert A. Moran,
Arnold M. Nemirow, R. Donald Newman, Michael F. Nocito, David J.
Steuart and James T. Wright (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.5 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2000, File No. 1-8712
(the "September 2000 10-Q")).
+10.17 Compensatory Benefits Plan of Bowater Incorporated, as amended
and restated effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1999, File
No. 1-8712 (the "June 1999 10-Q")).
+10.18 Outside Director Elective Stock Option Plan, dated as of March
2, 2001. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 2000
10-K).
+10.19 Deferred Compensation Plan for Outside Directors of Bowater
Incorporated, as amended and restated effective January 1, 1997
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18.1 to the 1996 10-K).
+10.20 Retirement Plan for Outside Directors of Bowater Incorporated,
amended and restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.20.1 First Amendment to the Bowater Incorporated Retirement Plan for
Outside Directors, executed on September 13, 2000 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the September 2000 10-Q).
+10.21 Supplemental Benefit Plan for Designated Employees of Bowater
Incorporated and Affiliated Companies, as amended and restated
effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.8 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.21.1 First Amendment to the Supplemental Benefit Plan for Designated
Employees of Bowater Incorporated and Affiliated Companies, as
amended and restated effective February 26, 1999 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2000, File
No. 1-8712 (the "March 2000 10-Q")).
+10.22 Equity Participation Rights Plan of Bowater Incorporated,
amended and restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.22.1 First Amendment to Equity Participation Rights Plan of Bowater
Incorporated, dated as of November 22, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.32.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1999,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1999 10-K")).
+10.23 1988 Stock Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated
by reference to Bowater Incorporated's Proxy Statement for 1988,
File No. 1-8712).
+10.23.1 Amendment to 1988 Stock Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated,
dated as of August 23, 1989 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.16A to Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form
10-K for the period ending December 31, 1989, File No. 1-8712).
+10.23.2 Second Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the 1988 Stock
Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.32.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 1998,
File No. 1-8712 (the "1998 10-K")).
+10.23.3 Third Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the 1988 Stock
Incentive Plan of Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.24 Amended and Restated Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending June 30, 1998, File
No. 1-8712 (the "June 1998 10-Q")).
+10.24.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the June 1999
10-Q).
+10.25 Amended and Restated Executive Severance Grantor Trust of
Bowater Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 1998
10-Q).
+10.25.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Executive Severance Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the
June 1999 10-Q).
+10.26 Amended and Restated Outside Directors Benefit Plan Grantor
Trust of Bowater Incorporated, effective as of April 15, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1998
10-Q).
+10.26.1 First Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Amended and
Restated Outside Directors Benefit Plan Grantor Trust of Bowater
Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the
June 1999 10-Q).
+10.27 Benefits Equalization Plan of Bowater Incorporated, amended and
restated as of February 26, 1999 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.14 to the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.28 1992 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.23 to the (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to
Bowater Incorporated's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period
ending December 31, 1991, File No. 1-8712).
+10.28.1 First Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the 1992 Stock
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37.1 to
the 1998 10-K).
+10.28.2 Second Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the 1992 Stock
Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.29 Bowater Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective as of
January 1, 1997, as amended and restated (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the 1996 10-K).
+10.29.1 First Amendment, effective April 15, 1998, to the Bowater
Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, effective as of January 1,
1997, as amended and restated (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.38.1 to the 1998 10-K).
+10.29.2 Second Amendment, effective February 26, 1999, to the Bowater
Incorporated 1997 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated
January 1, 1997 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
+10.30 Bowater Incorporated 2000 Stock Option Plan, effective as of
January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to
the 1999 10-K).
+10.31 Senior Executive Retirement Plan of Bowater Incorporated's
subsidiary, Bowater Canadian Forest Products Inc. (formerly
Bowater Pulp and Paper Canada Inc., and formerly Avenor Inc.),
effective as of November 28, 1997 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.40 to the 1998 10-K).
+10.32 Bowater Incorporated Annual Incentive Plan, as amended and
restated effective as of January 1, 1999 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the March 2000 10-Q).
+10.33 Bowater Incorporated 2000-2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
effective as of January 1, 2000 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2000, File No. 1-8712).
10.34 Licensing Agreement, dated as of December 30, 1976, as amended,
between Bowater Incorporated and Bowater Industries plc
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to Bowater
Incorporated's Registration Statement No. 2-90172).
10.35 Trademark Agreement, dated May 8, 1984, between Bowater
Incorporated and Bowater Corporation plc (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Bowater Incorporated's
Registration Statement No. 2-90172).
10.36 World-Wide Trademark Ownership, Use and Assignment Agreement,
effective as of June 30, 1997, by and between Bowater
Incorporated and Rexam plc (formerly Bowater plc) (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the 1997 10-K).
10.37 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1998, among
Bowater, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and
the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 1.1 to the Schedule 13D filed on August 3, 1998, by
Bowater Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings Incorporated and
Bowater Canada Inc. with respect to the common shares of Avenor
Inc. (the "Schedule 13D")).
10.37.1 Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June
23, 1999, amending and restating the 364-Day Credit Agreement,
dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater Incorporated, The
Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent, and the lenders
signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to
the June 1999 10-Q).
10.37.1.1 Amendment No. 1, dated as of April 10, 2000, to the Amended and
Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999,
between Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the September 2000
10-Q).
10.37.2 Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
June 21, 2000 (the "Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement"), to the Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement dated as of June 23, 1999, amending and restating the
364-Day Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the September 2000
10-Q).
10.37.2.1 Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 31, 2000, to the Second Amended
and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.4 to the September 2000 10-Q).
10.37.3 Third Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement dated as of
June 20, 2001, to the Second Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit
Agreement and the Amended and Restated 364-Day Credit Agreement
dated as of June 23, 1999, amending and restating the 364-Day
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to Bowater Incorporated's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the period ending June 30, 2001, File No. 1-8712 (the
"June 2001 10-Q")).
10.38 Five Year Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, among
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.2 to the Schedule 13D).
10.38.1 Amendment No. 1, dated as of June 23, 1999, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the June 1999 10-Q).
10.38.2 Amendment No. 2, dated as of April 10, 2000, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement, dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the September 2000 10-Q).
10.38.3 Amendment No. 3 dated as of June 20, 2001, to the Five-Year
Credit Agreement dated as of June 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Administrative Agent,
and the lenders signatory thereto. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the June 2001 10-Q).
10.39 Support Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998, between Bowater
Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings Incorporated and Bowater
Canada Inc. (incorporated by reference to Annex G of the Joint
Management Information Circular and Proxy Statement filed on
June 18, 1998, on Schedule 14A for Bowater Incorporated, File
No. 1-8712 (the "Schedule 14A")).
10.40 Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement, dated as of July 24, 1998,
between Bowater Incorporated, Bowater Canadian Holdings
Incorporated, Bowater Canada Inc. and Montreal Trust Company of
Canada (incorporated by reference to Annex F of the Schedule
14A).
10.41 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 18, 1999, by and
between Inexcon Maine, Inc. and Bowater Incorporated
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to Bowater
Incorporated's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 1,
1999, File No. 1-8712 (the "September 1999 8-K")).
10.41.1 Amendment No. 1, dated August 17, 1999, to the Stock Purchase
Agreement, dated May 18, 1999, between Inexcon Maine, Inc. and
Bowater Incorporated (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1.1
to the September 1999 8-K).
10.42 Bridge Credit Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2001, between
Bowater Incorporated, The Chase Manhattan Bank, as
Administrative Agent, and the lenders signatory thereto.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the June 2001
10-Q).
10.43 Credit Agreement dated as of October 26, 2001 between Bowater
Pulp and Paper Canada Inc. (as Borrower) (now known as Bowater
Canadian Forest Products Inc.), Bowater Incorporated (as
Guarantor), the Bank of Nova Scotia (as Administrative Agent)
and the Banks from time to time parties thereto. (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the September 2001 10-Q).
10.44 Purchase Agreement (the "Purchase Agreement") dated as of
October 31, 2001 by and among Bowater Canada Finance
Corporation, Bowater Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and
J.P. Morgan Securities Inc., as representatives of the several
purchasers named in Schedule I thereto. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the September 2001 10-Q).
10.45 Indenture dated as of October 31, 2001 by and among Bowater
Canada Finance Corporation (as Issuer), Bowater Incorporated (as
Guarantor) and The Bank of New York (as Trustee). (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the September 2001 10-Q).
10.46 Exchange and Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November
6, 2001 by and among Bowater Canada Finance Corporation, Bowater
Incorporated, Goldman, Sachs & Co., and J.P. Morgan Securities
Inc., as representatives of the several purchasers named in
Schedule I to the Purchase Agreement. (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.4 of the September 2001 10-Q).
+10.47 Employment Agreement dated as of September 24, 2001, by and
between the Company and Pierre Monahan. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the September 2001 10-Q).
+10.48 Change in Control Agreements, each dated as of September 24,
2001, by and between the Company and each of Pierre Monahan,
Georges Cabana, Daniel Laberge, Jean S. Lebel, Jean-Marc Simard,
Daniel Tardif and Kevin B. Wassil. (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.6 of the September 2001 10-Q).
+10.49 Change in Control Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2001, by and
between the Company and Walter L. Brunson. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the September 2001 10-Q).
12.1* Statement regarding Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed
Charges.
21.1* Subsidiaries of the registrant.
23.1* Consent of Independent Auditors.
* Filed with this Form 10-K.
+ This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.