2 0
2 3
A N N U A L R E P O R T
Letter from our CEO
Clearwater Paper Corporation
601 West Riverside, Suite 1100
Spokane, WA 99201
Dear Clearwater Paper stockholders and stakeholders,
Over the last several years we have significantly improved our operating performance.
With a clear focus on delivering for our customers, driving productivity, and generating
cash flows, we have become more competitive in both our tissue and paperboard
businesses. This performance has enabled us to significantly improve our financial
health and reduce net debt by more than $450 million since 2020. Our improved
balance sheet and strong financial flexibility paved the way for our recently announced
agreement to acquire the Augusta, Georgia paperboard manufacturing facility from
Graphic Packaging. We believe Augusta is a great fit with our strategy and will
strengthen our position as a premier, independent paperboard supplier to North
American converters.
Our tissue business continued its trajectory of performance improvement. Margins improved meaningfully due to
great operational results and with the help of strong market conditions. Adjusted EBITDA for tissue more than
doubled year over year, and we are optimistic that in 2024 we can maintain much of that performance.
Our paperboard business performed well despite the softening demand that was driven by de-stocking across the
value chain. As a result, we adjusted our production to meet demand and manage inventory levels. By managing
the necessary downtime well, we were able to continue to deliver healthy Adjusted EBITDA margins during the
year. We remain optimistic about our long-term prospects in paperboard as our customers and consumers look
for more sustainable solutions in packaging.
I am also pleased by the progress that we are continuing to make towards sustainability:
• We now have specific and validated Scope 1 & 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets
with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• We continue to commercialize sustainability focused products, including NuVo with BioPBS. This cupstock
includes up to 35% post-consumer recycled fiber with a high-definition print surface and a compostable
alternative to low-density polyethylene.
• We reduced safety risk by 27% in 2023 by investing in proactive safety controls consistent with our safety-first
culture.
• We continue to focus on creating and fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment by enhancing
policies, benefits, and supporting employee well-being.
Our new sustainability framework is “Everyday Responsibility.” It is a simple statement that reflects our core
values and how we operate our business. Everyday Responsibility is centered on three distinct pillars: Resource
Stewardship, Trusted Products, and Thriving People and Communities. This approach is intended to guide our
strategy, our investments, and day-to-day decision making.
We believe in the long-term investment proposition of our company and appreciate the trust that you place in all of
us at Clearwater Paper.
Sincerely,
Arsen S. Kitch
President and Chief Executive Officer
1
2023 PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS
Net Sales
$2.1 B
Net Income
$108 M
Adjusted EBITDA1
$281 M
OVERALL
Net sales $2.1 billion
Net income $108 million
Adjusted EBITDA1 $281 million
PULP AND PAPERBOARD
Prices slightly higher versus prior year
Soft demand from de-stocking
Adjusted production to manage inventory levels
CONSUMER PRODUCTS
Tissue prices increased
Strong operational execution
Reduced input costs
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
Continued to maintain strong financial flexibility
Repurchased $18 million of stock
Reduced debt $103 million
1 A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may be found in Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the heading Non‐GAAP Financial Measures, in our
Annual Report on Form 10‐K, filed on February 20, 2024
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
AND ENVIRONMENTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Clearwater Paper’s Board and management carefully consider the impact our decisions have beyond our
bottom line. Our commitment to the environment, the communities in which we do business, and the
health, safety and equal opportunity for all of our employees is the foundation of our long-term success.
We are proud to highlight this commitment in the Corporate Responsibility section of this proxy and in our
2023 Sustainability Report, which can be found on our website at www.clearwaterpaper.com under
“Sustainability.” The Sustainability Report includes our goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and
diversity goals.
We continue to disclose our climate actions through the CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project)
and increase transparency in our air emissions. In 2023, we received an overall rating of a B from the
CDP. The Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) approved our greenhouse gas (GHG) emission
reduction goals of reducing Scope 1 and 2 absolute GHG emissions 29.1% by 2030 and reducing Scope
3 GHG absolute emissions 25% by 2030. In 2022, we completed 6 energy efficiency projects, requiring
an aggregate capital investment of approximately $1 million to reduce overall energy consumption,
emissions and operating expenses, including approximately $270,000 to reduce energy consumption by
installing new LED lighting and power quality systems, resulting in over 1.4 million kilowatt hours of
energy savings. We continue working with globally recognized sustainability consultants to help us
analyze and reduce our scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions.
2
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
or
¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
to
Commission File Number: 001-34146
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
20-3594554
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
601 West Riverside, Suite 1100
Spokane, WA
(Address of principal executive offices)
99201
(Zip Code)
(509) 344-5900
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Common Stock ($0.0001 par value per share)
Trading Symbol
CLW
Name of each exchange on which registered
New York Stock Exchange
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. ¨ Yes ý No
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. ¨ Yes ý No
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. ý Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405
of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post
such files). ý Yes ¨ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an
emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company"
in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
¨
¨
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
ý
¨
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its
audit report. ý
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing
reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by
any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ¨ Yes ý No
As of June 30, 2023, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates was $514.1 million.
As of February 19, 2024, 16,483,898 shares of common stock were outstanding.
__________________________
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 9, 2024 are incorporated by reference in Part III of
this Form 10-K.
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Index to Form 10-K
ITEM 1.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
ITEM 1C.
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
ITEM 4.
Business
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
Cybersecurity
Properties
Legal Proceedings
Mine Safety Disclosures
PART I
PART II
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7.
ITEM 7A.
ITEM 8.
ITEM 9.
ITEM 9A.
ITEM 9B.
ITEM 9C.
ITEM 10.
ITEM 11.
ITEM 12.
ITEM 13.
ITEM 14.
[Reserved]
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
Controls and Procedures
Other Information
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections
PART III
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Executive Compensation
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Principal Accounting Fees and Services
PART IV
ITEM 15.
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
ITEM 16.
Form 10-K Summary
SIGNATURES
PAGE
NUMBER
3
7
19
19
20
21
21
22
23
24
32
33
66
67
69
69
70
71
71
71
71
72
77
78
Part I
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Our disclosure and analysis in this report contains, in addition to historical information, certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding
accounting standards; our strategy; raw materials and input usage and costs, including energy costs and usage; our
operations and expectations; borrowing and credit facilities; cash flows; capital expenditures; disclosure controls;
compliance with our loan and financing agreements; tax rates; debt repayments; operating costs; selling, general and
administrative expenses; liquidity; benefit plan funding levels; tax benefits or liabilities related to worthless stock
deductions; stockholder equity; capitalized interest; interest expenses; legal proceedings and the proposed transaction
between us and Graphic Packaging; the commitment letter to finance the proposed transaction; and the ability of the
parties to complete the proposed transaction and financing considering the various closing conditions. Words such as
“anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “target,” “project,” “believe,” “schedule,” “estimate,” “may,” and similar
expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on
management’s current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections that are subject to change. Our actual results
of operations may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this
report. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in operating results include those risks
discussed in Item 1A of this report, as well as the following:
•
•
•
•
the expansion of our business through the acquisition of a paperboard manufacturing facility and associated
business may not be completed or proceed as anticipated;
our inability to realize the expected benefits of the acquisition because of integration difficulties or other
challenges;
competitive pricing pressures for our products, including as a result of capacity additions, demand reduction and
the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on the pricing of products globally;
changes in the United States and international economies and in general economic conditions in the regions and
industries in which we operate;
cyclical industry conditions;
•
• manufacturing or operating disruptions, including equipment malfunctions and damage to our manufacturing
facilities;
the loss of, changes in prices in regard to, or reduction in, orders from a significant customer;
changes in the cost and availability of wood fiber and wood pulp;
changes in energy, chemicals, packaging and freight costs and disruptions in transportation services impacting
our ability to receive inputs or ship products to customers;
reliance on a limited number of third-party suppliers, vendors and service providers required for the production
of our products and our operations;
changes in customer product preferences and competitors' product offerings;
labor disruptions;
cyber-security risks;
larger competitors having operational, financial and other advantages;
consolidation and vertical integration of converting operations in the paperboard industry;
our ability to execute on our growth and expansion strategies;
our ability to successfully execute capital projects and other activities to operate our assets, including effective
maintenance, implement our operational efficiencies and realize higher throughput or lower costs;
IT system disruptions and IT system implementation failures;
changes in expenses, required contributions and potential withdrawal costs associated with our pension plans;
environmental liabilities or expenditures and climate change;
our ability to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified and key personnel;
our ability to service our debt obligations and restrictions on our business from debt covenants and terms;
changes in our banking relations, or in our customer supply chain financing negative
negative changes in our credit agency ratings; and
changes in laws, regulations or industry standards affecting our business.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1
Forward-looking statements contained in this report present management’s views only as of the date of this report.
Except as required under applicable law, we do not intend to issue updates concerning any future revisions of
management’s views to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report. You are advised, however,
to consult any further disclosures we make on related subjects in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports
on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC.
ABOUT THIRD PARTY INFORMATION
In this annual report on Form 10-K, we rely on and refer to information regarding industry data obtained from market
research, publicly available information,
industry publications, U.S. government sources, and other third parties.
Although we believe the information is reliable, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information
and have not independently verified.
2
ITEM 1.
Business
GENERAL
We are a premier manufacturer and supplier of bleached paperboard and consumer and parent roll tissue. We supply
bleached paperboard to quality-conscious printers and packaging converters, and offer services that include custom
sheeting, slitting and cutting. We supply private branded tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass
merchants and discount stores.
BUSINESS SEGMENTS
We have two business segments: Pulp and Paperboard and Consumer Products. Sales for these segments for the last three
years are included in the table below:
(In millions)
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Eliminations
Pulp and Paperboard Segment
Year Ended December 31,
Increase (decrease)
2023
2022
2021
2023-2022
2022-2021
$
$
1,063.7 $
1,136.3 $
1,023.4
(4.3)
950.2
(6.4)
946.0
835.0
(8.4)
2,082.8 $
2,080.1 $
1,772.6
(6.4)%
7.7 %
(32.8)%
0.1 %
20.1 %
13.8 %
(22.8)%
17.3 %
Our Pulp and Paperboard segment markets and manufactures bleached paperboard for the high-end segment of the
packaging industry and is a leading producer of Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) paperboard. This segment produces
hardwood and softwood pulp, which is primarily used as the basis for our paperboard products or transferred to our
Consumer Products segment. Minor amounts of pulp are sold to outside customers. We believe we are one of the five
largest producers of bleached paperboard in North America with approximately 16% of the available U.S. production
capacity in 2023. We also provide custom sheeting, slitting and cutting of paperboard products.
SBS paperboard is a premium paperboard grade that is most frequently used to produce folding cartons, liquid
packaging, cups and plates, blister and carded packaging, top sheet and commercial printing items. SBS paperboard is
used for such products because it is manufactured using virgin fiber combined with the kraft bleaching process, which
results in superior cleanliness, brightness and consistency. SBS paperboard is often manufactured with a clay coating to
provide superior surface printing qualities.
In general, the process of making SBS paperboard begins by chemically cooking wood fiber to make pulp. The pulp is
bleached to provide a white, bright pulp, which is formed into paperboard. Bleached pulp that is to be used as market
pulp is dried and baled on a pulp drying machine, bypassing the paperboard machines. The various grades of paperboard
are wound into rolls for converting to final end users. Liquid packaging and cup stock grades are coated in a separate
operation to create a resistant and durable liquid barrier.
Folding carton is the largest portion of the SBS category of the North American paperboard industry. Within the folding
carton segment, there are varying qualities of SBS paperboard, as well as competing paperboard substrates that can be
substituted for SBS. We focus on the high end of the folding carton category which requires a premium print surface and
includes uses such as packaging for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other premium retail goods. This generally provides
for differentiation resulting in margins that are more attractive than less demanding folding carton applications.
Liquid packaging paperboard is used in rigid containers including juice, milk and wine sold in supermarket retail
channels. Our liquid packaging paperboard is known for its cleanliness and printability, and is engineered for long-lived
performance due to its three-ply, softwood construction. Our reputation for producing liquid packaging meets the most
demanding standards for paperboard quality and cleanliness, where consumers have a particular tendency to associate
blemish-free, vibrant packaging with the cleanliness, quality and freshness of the liquids contained inside.
The cup and plate category consists of paperboard primarily converted into packaging for premium ice cream, hot and
cold cups used in quick service channels and commodity focus plates. Our cup and plate paperboard is used in a mixture
of premium and commodity applications.
Other applications include carded packaging for blister board alternatives (e.g., batteries and lip stick) and bleached
bristols which are used to produce premium printing heavyweight paper grades used in commercial application. Bristols
3
can be clay coated on one side or both sides for applications such as brochures, presentation folders and paperback book
covers.
With the exception of our capability to supply just-in-time sheeting and narrow rolls, we do not produce converted
paperboard end-products, so we are not simultaneously a supplier of and a competitor to our customers in key market
segments, notably folding carton and cup. Of the five largest SBS paperboard producers in the United States, we are the
only producer that does not convert SBS paperboard into folding cartons, cups, plates or liquid packaging end-use
products.
We can convert paperboard parent rolls to flat sheets and narrow rolls, which expands our in-market service capabilities
and allows us to support small and mid-sized folding carton converters that buy sheeted paperboard to convert into
packaging end-products. Providing a service platform in this way expands the key folding carton segment of our business
and does not compete with our customers in other key market segments.
We utilize various methods for the sale and distribution of our paperboard. The majority of our paperboard is sold to
packaging converters in North America through sales managers located throughout the United States, with a smaller
percentage channeled through distribution to commercial printers. We sell sheeted paperboard products directly to
folding carton converters, merchants and commercial printers. Our principal methods of competing are product quality,
customer service and price.
Consumer Products Segment
Our Consumer Products segment sells and produces a complete line of at-home tissue products. Our integrated
manufacturing and converting operations and geographic footprint enable us to deliver a broad range of cost-competitive
products with brand equivalent quality to our customers. We also sell minor amounts of parent rolls. Prior to the closure
of our Neenah, Wisconsin facility in July 2021, we sold away from home (AFH) products and performed limited contract
manufacturing.
The U.S. at-home tissue segment consists of bath, paper towels, facial and napkin products categories. Each category is
further distinguished according to quality segments: ultra, premium, value and economy. As a result of manufacturing
process improvements and consumer preferences, the majority of at-home tissue sold in the United States is ultra and
premium quality. At-home tissue producers are comprised of companies that manufacture branded tissue products,
private branded tissue products, or both. Branded tissue suppliers manufacture, market and sell tissue products under
their own nationally branded labels. Private branded tissue producers manufacture tissue products for retailers to sell as
their store brand. We estimate that private brands comprise approximately one third of the total U.S. tissue market.
We believe that we are the only U.S. consumer tissue manufacturer that solely produces a full line of quality private
branded tissue products for large retail trade channels with a national footprint. We believe we are able to offer products
that match the quality of leading national brands, but generally at lower prices. We sell a combination of ultra and
premium products as well as compete with value categories. Value grade products utilizing recycled fiber are also
produced for customers who wish to further diversify their product portfolio. We utilize independent companies to
routinely test our product quality. We believe we accounted for 5% of the overall U.S. at-home market in 2023, including
branded and private branded products.
We sell tissue products through our own sales force and compete based on product quality, customer service and price.
We deliver customer-focused business solutions by assisting in managing product assortment, category management and
pricing and promotion optimization.
INPUT COSTS
Raw Materials
Wood fiber is our principal raw material, which consists of chips, sawdust and logs. We own and operate a wood
chipping facility which we believe bolsters our wood fiber position and provides short-term and long-term cost savings.
Additionally, we procure a portion of our pulp requirements. Annually, we purchase approximately 310,000 short tons of
pulp, the majority of which is bleached hardwood pulp, on the open market through long-term contracts or market
transactions. Our Pulp and Paperboard segment purchases approximately 60,000 short tons and our Consumer Products
segment purchases approximately 250,000 short tons. The remaining pulp needs for our Consumer Products segment are
supplied internally by our Pulp and Paperboard segment.
In addition to wood fiber, we utilize a significant amount of chemicals in the production of pulp and paper, including
caustic, polyethylene, starch, sodium chlorate, latex and specialty process paper chemicals. A portion of the chemicals
4
used in our manufacturing processes, particularly in the pulp-making process, are petroleum-based or are impacted by
petroleum prices.
Freight
Freight is a significant cost input for our business. Fuel prices, mileage driven and line-haul rates impact our freight costs
for delivery of raw materials to our manufacturing facilities, internal inventory transfers and delivery of our finished
products to customers.
Energy
We consume substantial amounts of energy, such as electricity, hog fuel, steam and natural gas. We purchase a
significant portion of our natural gas and electricity under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, the providers
have agreed to provide us with our requirements for a particular type of energy at a specific facility and have pricing
mechanisms that adjust or set prices based on current market conditions.
SEASONALITY
Our Consumer Products segment can experience a decrease in shipments during the fourth quarter as a result of retail
holiday promotions. In addition, customer buying patterns for our paperboard generally result in lower sales for certain
grades of our Pulp and Paperboard segment during the first and fourth quarters, compared to the second and third
quarters of a given year.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is an important issue to the public, governmental authorities and various other stakeholders, and is a high
priority issue for our business. Our continuing efforts to incorporate climate risk and opportunity into our core business
strategy and disclosure include:
•
•
•
Governance - Incorporating sustainability issues, including climate-related topics, into quarterly Board
meetings.
Strategy - GHG targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and developed a roadmap to
obtain reductions.
Risk & Opportunity - Integrating climate change related risk into our enterprise risk management (ERM)
program, which provides a systematic approach to identifying and understanding risks to the company that
might arise from changes in regulation and physical or operational events.
We have voluntarily provided disclosure and established targets with respect to climate change. Satisfying these targets
has increased and may continue to increase our capital and operational costs. Achievement of these targets is subject to
various risks and uncertainties and there is no assurance that our actions or investments will meet investor expectations
or any applicable regulatory standards regarding sustainability. Our failure to meet these climate targets could adversely
impact our reputation which could adversely impact our business. Moreover, our voluntary establishment and disclosure
of these targets may put us at a competitive disadvantage.
Metrics & Targets
•
•
•
•
Committing to 2030 targets to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 30% and Scope 3 GHG
emissions by 25%.
Developing a new water conservation and effluent reduction target consistent with our understanding of the best
available climate science.
Expanding our recyclable, compostable or marine-degradable grades to represent more than 10% of our total
SBS cupstock manufacturing by 2030.
Generating renewable fuel from our organic residual wood fiber to generate steam which is converted to
electricity, reducing the need for external energy or fuel at our Idaho and Arkansas mills.
Additional information regarding our GHG targets and strategy are available in our 2023 Sustainability Report, which we
prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards Core Option. Our sustainability reports are
available on our website at www.clearwaterpaper.com/sustainability. The information contained in these sustainability
reports is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this or any other report
that we file with or furnish to the SEC.
5
GOVERNMENTAL
For a discussion of the uncertainties and business risks associated with the environmental regulations, see Part I, Item
1A, "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business Operations and the Markets in Which We Operate — We are subject
to significant environmental regulations and environmental compliance expenditures, which could increase our costs and
subject us to liabilities" including information regarding environmental matters under Part II, Item 7 “Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report, and which is incorporated
herein by reference.
WEBSITE
Interested parties may access our periodic and current reports filed with the SEC, at no charge, by visiting our website,
www.clearwaterpaper.com. In the menu select “Investor Relations,” then select “Financial Information & SEC Filings.”
Information on our website is not part of this report.
HUMAN CAPITAL
Our core values of Commitment, Collaboration, Communication, Courage, and Character are the foundation that define
our culture and guide our operations to ensure that we protect, develop, and support our most critical stakeholders – our
employees, customers, and communities. We apply these core values throughout our organization with key focus areas of
safety and human capital management as discussed below.
Safety
The health and safety of our employees is our highest priority. We aspire to achieve zero workplace injuries and provide
a safe, open, and accountable work environment for our employees. We have a dedicated Environmental, Health and
Safety (EH&S) team that is tasked with promoting safe working practices, monitoring incidents, and working to reduce
risks to our employees. Our EH&S team compiles and publishes regular safety results and leverages this information to
implement enhanced safety procedures and training across our operations. We provide several channels for all employees
to speak up, ask for guidance, and report concerns related to ethics or safety violations. We address employee concerns
and take appropriate actions that uphold our core values.
Human Capital Management
Our approximately 3,100 employees are instrumental to delivering on our commitments to our customers and securing
long term success for our organization. We actively work to attract and retain the best-qualified talent by offering
competitive benefits, including market-competitive compensation, healthcare, paid time off, parental leave, retirement
benefits, tuition assistance, employee skills development and leadership development. We have deployed training and
development programs across our organization to invest in the professional growth of our people.
We believe that a sustained commitment to diversifying and fairly treating all of our employees makes us a stronger and
more competitive organization. We are dedicated to fostering and sustaining an environment where our teammates are
valued for their unique backgrounds, knowledge, skills, and experiences. We continue to execute on these goals.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 1,270 of our employees are covered under collective bargaining agreements.
Unions represent hourly employees at two of our manufacturing sites. For a discussion of the uncertainties and business
risks associated with employee relations, see Part I, Item 1A, "Risk Factors — Risks Related to Our Business Operations
and the Markets in Which We Operate — Our business and financial performance may be harmed by future labor
disruptions."
6
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
Our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are subject to various risks and uncertainties,
including those described below, and as a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
TRANSACTION RISK FACTORS
The expansion of our business through the acquisition of a paperboard manufacturing facility and associated
business may not be completed or proceed as anticipated.
Our long-term growth strategy involves strengthening our position as a premier, independent supplier of paperboard
products to North American converters. On February 19, 2024, we announced our entry into an agreement to purchase
the consumer packaging business operating out of the paperboard mills and associated facilities in Augusta, Georgia (the
“Mill Facility”) owned by Graphic Packaging International, LLC. The completion of the acquisition entails many risks,
including that one or more closing conditions to the transaction, including certain regulatory approvals, may not be
satisfied or waived, on a timely basis or otherwise; the proposed transaction may not be completed in the time frame
expected by us, or at all; unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the proposed transaction; and stockholder
litigation in connection with the proposed transaction or other settlements or investigations may affect the timing or
occurrence of the proposed transaction or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability.
We may not realize the expected benefits of the acquisition of the Mill Facility because of integration difficulties or
other challenges.
We may not be able to maintain the levels of revenue, earnings or operating efficiency that we estimate for the Mill
Facility. In addition, the success of the acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the anticipated benefits
from the acquisition, including anticipated revenue, customer growth and cost structure and production scale benefits.
The integration process will be complex, costly and time-consuming. The potential risks associated with our efforts to
integrate the Mill Facility operations and business include, among others:
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
failure to implement effectively our business plan for the addition of the operations and business into our
existing systems;
unanticipated issues in integrating financial, manufacturing, logistics, information, communications and other
systems;
failure to retain key employees;
failure to retain key customers;
inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies, including internal control and regulatory
requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002; and
unanticipated issues, expenses and liabilities.
Further, the integration of the Mill Facility requires the focused attention of our management team, including a
significant commitment of their time and resources. The need for our management to focus on integration matters could
have a material and adverse impact on our sales and operating results.
Any inability by us to integrate and manage the Mill Facility in a timely and efficient manner, any inability to achieve
anticipated revenues, cost savings or other anticipated benefits from the acquisition in the time frame we anticipate or
any unanticipated required increases in capital spending could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results
of operations or liquidity. The acquisition will increase our indebtedness and also may limit our ability to access
additional capital when needed and divert management’s attention from other business concerns.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND THE MARKETS IN WHICH WE OPERATE
Post-pandemic industry and market conditions adversely affected and may continue to adversely affect the operating
results and cash flows of our Pulp and Paperboard business.
Our Pulp and Paperboard segment experienced a surge in demand during and following the COVID-19 pandemic due to
increased packaging and other usage of paperboard needed to address substantially higher consumer activity. In response
to this demand, our customers added to their paperboard inventories. As consumer activity leveled out, our customers are
deployed their inventories to address their paperboard needs, leading to an overall decline in paperboard demand and
prices in 2023. If this trend continues, we may experience further decline in paperboard demand, we may be unable to
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sustain pricing, and we may need to take production downtime. During production downtimes, we not only experience
lost revenue from lower shipment volumes, but are also forced to continue to incur our fixed manufacturing costs which
are not absorbed by our lower production levels. Our results of operations and cash flows may be materially adversely
affected in a period of prolonged and significant market weakness. We are not able to predict market conditions or our
ability to sustain pricing and production levels during periods of weak demand.
The loss of, or a significant reduction in, orders from, or changes in prices in regard to, any of our large customers
could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We derive a substantial amount of revenues from a concentrated group of customers. Our top 10 customers accounted for
54% of sales in 2023. If we lose any of these customers or a substantial portion of their business or if the terms of our
relationship with any of them becomes less favorable to us, our net sales would decline, which would harm our results of
operations and financial condition. In 2023, we experienced increased price competition in our paperboard business
along with a significant drop in demand due to market conditions. This competition and the decline in demand has
resulted in a decrease in our paperboard revenue and gross margins and adversely affected our financial condition.
Our agreements with our customers, including our largest customers, are not exclusive and generally do not contain
minimum volume purchase commitments. Our relationship with our largest and most important customers will depend
on their needs for quality products and services, and our ability to continue to meet these needs at competitive prices.
Some of our customers have the capability to produce the parent rolls or products that they purchase from us. If we lose
one or more of our large customers or if we experience a significant decline in the level of purchases by any of them, we
may not be able to quickly replace the lost business volume and our operating results and business could be harmed.
Increases in paperboard supply could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.
We expect increased competition in North America from both foreign and domestic manufacturers. We have
experienced, and expect to continue to experience, increased direct sales by foreign competitors into the markets in
which we compete. In addition, as a result of increased sales by foreign suppliers into the Asian and European markets,
we expect domestic manufacturers to seek to increase their sales in the United States to offset displaced overseas sales.
Furthermore, existing and potential customers could choose to use alternative materials that we do not produce, such as
substitute paperboard products and plastic. An increased supply of or demand for any of these alternative materials could
cause us to lower our prices or lose sales to competitors, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations and cash flows.
Several significant investments in paperboard manufacturing facilities in North America and globally have been
announced which could significantly increase the production and supply of SBS and Folding Boxboard, or FBB,
paperboard. One competitor has announced the first meaningful investment in FBB paperboard production in the North
American market, which could have a cost of production advantage over SBS producers. We currently only produce SBS
paperboard. If demand for SBS paperboard does not increase commensurate with the increased SBS and FBB supply,
resulting in lower capacity utilization, the price of SBS and FBB paperboard could be materially and adversely effected.
In addition, the production of FBB paperboard could result in the displacement of demand for SBS in the North
American and export markets, which could adversely affect the demand and market price for SBS paperboard.
Consolidation in the North American paperboard and converting industry may adversely affect our business.
The ongoing consolidation of paperboard and paperboard converting businesses, including through the acquisition and
integration of such converting businesses by larger competitors of ours, could result in a loss of customers and sales in
our pulp and paperboard business. A loss of paperboard customers or sales as a result of consolidations and integrations
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
We incur significant expenses to maintain our manufacturing equipment and any interruption in the operations of
our facilities may harm our operating performance.
We regularly incur significant expenses to maintain our manufacturing equipment and facilities. The machines and
equipment that we use to produce our products are complex, interdependent, have many parts and some are run on a
continuous basis. We must perform routine maintenance on our equipment and will have to periodically replace a variety
of parts such as motors, pumps, pipes and electrical parts. In addition, our pulp and paperboard facilities require periodic
shutdowns to perform major maintenance, during which we may discover additional maintenance or equipment issues
that need to be addressed. These scheduled shutdowns of facilities result in decreased sales and increased costs in the
periods in which they occur and could result in unexpected operational issues during the restart of a facility or in future
periods as a result of changes to equipment and operational and mechanical processes made during the shutdown period.
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Unexpected production disruptions could cause us to shut down or curtail operations at any of our facilities. Disruptions
could occur due to any number of circumstances, including prolonged power outages, mechanical or process failures,
shortages of raw materials, natural catastrophes, disruptions in the availability of transportation, labor disputes, cyber-
attacks and malware, terrorism, changes in or non-compliance with environmental or safety laws, and the lack of
availability of services from any of our facilities' key suppliers. For example, in the fourth quarter of 2023, we were
forced to partially shutdown parts of our mill and curtail production at our Idaho facility due to damage to a natural gas
pipeline that supplied the region. Any facility shutdowns may be followed by prolonged startup periods, regardless of the
reason for the shutdown. Those startup periods could range from several days to several weeks, depending on the reason
for the shutdown and other factors. Any prolonged disruption in operations at any of our facilities could cause significant
lost production, which would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We depend on external sources of wood pulp and wood fiber for a significant portion of our tissue production, which
exposes our business and results of operations to potentially significant fluctuations in the price of market pulp and
wood fiber.
Our Consumer Products segment sources a significant portion of its wood pulp requirements from external suppliers,
which exposes us to price fluctuation. In 2023, we sourced 70% of our Consumer Product segment pulp requirements (or
30% overall) of our pulp from external sources. Pulp prices can, and have, changed significantly from one period to the
next. The volatility of pulp prices can adversely affect our earnings if we are unable to pass cost increases on to our
customers or if the timing of any price increases for our products significantly trails the increases in pulp prices.
Wood fiber is the principal raw material used to create wood pulp, which in turn is used to manufacture our pulp and
paperboard products and consumer products. Wood fiber pricing is subject to regional market influences, and our cost of
wood fiber may increase in the areas our pulp and paperboard facilities are located due to market shifts in those regions.
For example, much of the wood fiber we use in our pulp manufacturing process in Lewiston, Idaho, is the by-product of
sawmill operations. As a result, the price of these residual wood fibers is affected by operating levels in both the pulp and
paper and lumber industries, which in the case of the latter is impacted by regional new home construction as well as
home remodeling and repairs. During the past decade, many sawmills in the western United States have closed or
curtailed operations or their operations have been consolidated. Additionally, the ability of paper and wood pellet mills in
British Columbia to acquire wood fiber from the U.S. Inland Northwest region with limited to no reciprocal ability by
U.S. mills to acquire wood fiber from British Columbia, reduces the supply of, and increases the costs for, wood fiber.
The price of wood fiber in the Pacific Northwest is expected to remain volatile. Our Arkansas pulp and paperboard
facility relies on whole log chips for a significant portion of its wood fiber, the supply of which can be negatively
affected by regional demand from other paper or wood product manufacturing facilities as well as adverse weather
conditions and reductions in logging companies.
The primary source for wood fiber is timber, the availability of which may be limited by adverse weather, fire, insect
infestation, disease, ice storms, windstorms, flooding and other natural and man-made causes, thereby reducing supply
and increasing prices.
The effects on market prices for wood fiber resulting from various governmental programs involving tax credits or
payments related to biomass and other renewable energy projects or from environmental litigation or regulation are
uncertain and could result in a reduction in the supply of wood fiber available for our pulp and paperboard manufacturing
operations. Additionally, wood pellet and pulp facilities can increase demand and prices for wood fiber. If we and our
pulp suppliers are unable to obtain wood fiber at favorable prices or at all, our costs will increase and our operations and
financial results may be harmed.
Disruptions in transportation services or increases in our freight costs could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Our business is dependent on transportation services to deliver our products to our customers and to deliver raw
materials to us as well as for intercompany shipments of parent rolls. Shipments of products and raw materials may be
delayed or disrupted due to weather conditions, labor shortages or strikes, regulatory actions or other events. If our
transportation providers are unavailable or fail to deliver our products in a timely manner, we may incur increased costs
and we may be unable to manufacture and deliver our products on a timely basis. For example, in 2022, we experienced
both difficulties in procuring sufficient transportation for intercompany and external shipments as well as significant
increases in freight costs due to a number of factors.
The costs of these transportation services are also affected by geopolitical, economic and weather-related events. We
have not been able in the past, and may not be able in the future, to pass along part or all of any fuel price increases to
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customers. If we are unable to increase our prices because of increased fuel or freight costs, our gross margins may be
materially adversely affected.
The cost of chemicals and energy needed for our manufacturing processes significantly affects our results of
operations and cash flows.
We use a variety of chemicals in our manufacturing processes, including petroleum-based polyethylene and certain
petroleum-based latex chemicals. Prices for these chemicals have been and are expected to remain volatile. In addition,
chemical suppliers that use petroleum-based products in the manufacture of their chemicals may, due to supply shortages
and cost increases, ration the amount of chemicals available to us, and therefore we may not be able to obtain at
favorable prices the chemicals we need to operate our business, if we are able to obtain them at all.
Our manufacturing operations also utilize large amounts of electricity and natural gas. Energy prices have fluctuated
widely over the past decade, which in turn affects our operational costs. We purchase on the open market a substantial
portion of the natural gas necessary to produce our products, and, as a result, the price and other terms of those purchases
are subject to change based on factors such as worldwide supply and demand, geopolitical events, government
regulation, weather, interruptions in pipeline and other delivery systems and natural disasters. Our energy costs in future
periods will depend principally on our ability to produce a substantial portion of our electricity needs internally, on
changes in market prices for natural gas and on reducing energy usage. Any significant energy shortage or significant
increase in our energy costs in circumstances where we cannot raise the price of our products could have a material
adverse effect on our results of operations. Any disruption in the supply of energy could also affect our ability to meet
customer demand in a timely manner and could harm our reputation and our business.
We rely on a limited number of third-party suppliers, vendors and service providers required for the production of our
products and our operations.
Our dependence on a limited number of third-party suppliers, and the challenges we may face in obtaining adequate
supplies of raw materials, involve several risks, including limited control over pricing, availability, quality and delivery
schedules. Limitations on the availability of, and subsequent increases in, the costs of raw materials could have an
adverse effect on our financial results. We cannot be certain that our current suppliers will continue to provide us with
the quantities of these raw materials that we require or will continue to satisfy our anticipated specifications and quality
requirements. Any supply interruption in limited raw materials could materially harm our ability to manufacture our
products until a new source of supply, if any, could be identified and qualified. Although we believe there are other
suppliers of these raw materials, we may be unable to find a sufficient alternative supply channel in a reasonable time or
on commercially reasonable terms.
We also depend on a limited number of third-party vendors for certain of our operating equipment and spare parts as well
as service providers. Any performance failure on the part of our suppliers or vendors could interrupt production of our
products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business.
Competitors' branded products and private label products could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
Our tissue products compete with well-known, branded products, as well as other private label products. Our business
may be harmed by new product offerings by competitors, the effects of consolidation within retailer and distribution
channels and price competition from companies that may have greater financial resources than we do. If we are unable to
offer our existing customers, or new customers, tissue products comparable to branded products or other companies'
private label products in terms of quality, customer service and/or price, we may lose business or we may not be able to
grow our existing business, and we may be forced to sell lower-margin products, all of which could negatively affect our
financial condition and results of operations.
Larger competitors have operational and other advantages over our operations.
The markets for our products are highly competitive, and companies that have substantially greater financial resources
compete with us in each market. Some of our competitors have advantages over us, including lower raw material and
labor costs and better access to the inputs of our products.
Our Consumer Products business faces competition from companies that produce the same type of products that we
produce or that produce alternative products that customers may use instead of our products. Our Consumer Products
business competes with the branded tissue products producers, such as Procter & Gamble, and branded label producers
who manufacture branded and private label products, such as Georgia-Pacific and Kimberly-Clark. These companies are
far larger than us, have more sales, marketing and research and development resources than we do, and enjoy significant
cost advantages due to economies of scale. In addition, because of their size and resources, these companies may foresee
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market trends more accurately than we do and develop new technologies that render our products less attractive or
obsolete.
Our ability to successfully compete in the pulp and paperboard industry is influenced by a number of factors, including
manufacturing capacity, general economic conditions and the availability and demand for paperboard substitutes. Our
Pulp and Paperboard business competes with WestRock, Georgia-Pacific, Graphic Packaging, Pactiv Evergreen and
other international producers, most of whom are much larger than us. Any increase in manufacturing capacity by any of
these or other producers could result in overcapacity in the pulp and paperboard industry, which could cause downward
pressure on pricing.
Substitution amongst paperboard grades could have an adverse effect on our financial results.
We currently manufacture only SBS paperboard. In addition to non-paper-based packaging substitutes for paperboard,
there are other grades or substrates of paperboard, including FBB, Coated Recycled Board (CRB), and coated
unbleached kraft (CUK) paperboard, which are or can be substituted for SBS paperboard. If demand for SBS paperboard
declines as a result of customer or consumer demand for these substitute products, we may lose business or may not be
able to grow our existing paperboard business, and we may be forced to sell at lower margins, all of which could
negatively affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Increases in tissue supply, particularly in the premium and ultra categories, could adversely affect our operating
results and financial condition.
Over the past few years, several new tissue paper machines and converting assets have been completed or announced by
us and by our competitors, including private label competitors, which has resulted and will continue to result in a
substantial increase in the supply of tissue in the North American market across various product quality grades. If
demand for private label tissue products in the North American market does not increase commensurate with the
increased capacity, resulting in a lower capacity utilization for private label tissue producers, product pricing and
margins could be depressed. When capacity utilization is low, pricing and margins could be further depressed by
increases in our input costs and increased buying power from our retail customers, many of which have and continue to
consolidate.
Changing retail purchasing patterns have increased the need to increase operating efficiencies and diversify our
customer base and sales channels.
We have historically sold a majority of our consumer tissue products through retail grocery stores. These and other
traditional retail outlets are facing increasingly intense competition from supercenters, club stores, wholesale grocers,
drug, dollar, variety and specialty stores. In response to this competition, there has been consolidation among retail
grocery stores in particular. We also face increasingly intense competition from competitors who have incorporated the
internet as a direct-to-consumer channel and internet-only providers that sell tissue and other grocery products. The
intense competition faced by our customers has resulted in increased efforts by them to reduce costs from suppliers like
us and requires that we become more cost efficient to maintain our market share and profitability. The changing retail
landscape also requires that we develop and maintain relationships with a wider variety of retailers and retail channels to
succeed in this dynamic environment, which can decrease our supply network efficiency and increase our costs.
Our business and financial performance may be harmed by future labor disruptions.
As of December 31, 2023, approximately 1,270 of our full-time employees were represented by unions under collective
bargaining agreements. As these agreements expire, we may not be able to negotiate extensions or replacement
agreements on terms acceptable to us. In July 2024, a collective bargaining agreement for hourly employees at our
Cypress Bend facility, which affects approximately 270 employees, will expire. Any failure to reach an agreement with
one of the unions may result in strikes, lockouts, work slowdowns, stoppages or other labor actions, any of which could
have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial results.
Cyclical industry conditions have in the past affected and may continue to adversely affect the operating results and
cash flows of our Pulp and Paperboard business.
Our Pulp and Paperboard business has historically been affected by cyclical market conditions. We may be unable to
sustain pricing in the face of weaker demand, and weaker demand may in turn cause us to take production downtime. In
addition to lost revenue from lower shipment volumes, production downtime causes unabsorbed fixed manufacturing
costs due to lower production levels. Our results of operations and cash flows may be materially adversely affected in a
period of prolonged and significant market weakness. We are not able to predict market conditions or our ability to
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sustain pricing and production levels during periods of weak demand.
We rely on information technology in critical areas of our operations, and a disruption relating to such technology
could harm our financial condition.
We use information technology, or IT, systems in various aspects of our operations, including enterprise resource
planning, management of inventories, manufacturing, supply chain and customer sales. We have different legacy IT
systems that we are continuing to integrate, upgrade and move to the cloud. If one of these systems were to fail or cause
operational or reporting interruptions, or if we decide to change these systems or hire outside parties to provide these
systems, we may suffer disruptions, which could have a material adverse effect on our manufacturing and sales
operation, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, we may underestimate the costs, complexity and
time required to develop and implement new systems and operating technology systems that control our manufacturing
equipment and facilities and are embedded in our plant networks.
We face cyber-security risks.
Our business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data capture, processing, storage and
reporting. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation and updating, our information technology
systems or plant networks could become subject to cyber-attacks. Network, system, application and data breaches could
result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation, which could result in lost sales, production
interruption, business delays, negative publicity, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.
We are subject to significant environmental regulation and environmental compliance expenditures, which could
increase our costs and subject us to liabilities.
We are subject to various federal, state and foreign environmental laws and regulations concerning, among other things,
water discharges, air emissions, hazardous material and waste management and environmental cleanup. Environmental
laws and regulations continue to evolve and we may become subject to increasingly stringent environmental standards in
the future, particularly under laws and standards related to air quality, water quality, product composition and climate
change issues. In particular, greenhouse gas emissions have increasingly become the subject of political and regulatory
focus and this may lead to changes in legislative and regulatory initiatives directed at limiting greenhouse emissions.
Increased regulatory activity at the state, federal and international level is possible regarding climate change as well as
other emerging environmental issues associated with our manufacturing sites and products, such as water quality
standards or dam breaching for purposes of aiding salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest or recycling. Such new
public policy or compliance with regulations that implement new public policy in these areas might require significant
expenditures on our part or even the curtailment of certain of our manufacturing operations.
We could also incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions, damage claims, cleanup costs, third-party claims
for property damage and personal injury, and reputational harm as a result of violations of, or liabilities under,
environmental laws, regulations, codes and common law. The amount and timing of environmental expenditures is
difficult to predict, and, in some cases, liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether we knew
of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances.
We are required to comply with environmental laws and the terms and conditions of multiple environmental permits. In
particular, the pulp and paper industry in the United States is subject to several performance based rules associated with
effluent and air emissions as a result of certain of its manufacturing processes. Federal, state and local laws and
regulations require us to routinely obtain authorizations from and comply with the evolving standards of the appropriate
governmental authorities, which have considerable discretion over the terms of permits. Failure to comply with
environmental laws and permit requirements could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions,
including regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing our operations or requiring us to take corrective measures,
install pollution control equipment, or take other remedial actions, such as product recalls or labeling changes. We also
may be required to make additional expenditures, which could be significant, relating to environmental matters on an
ongoing basis. There can be no assurance that future environmental permits will be granted or that we will be able to
maintain and renew existing permits, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We own properties, conduct or have conducted operations at properties, and have assumed indemnity obligations for
properties or operations where hazardous materials have been or were used for many years, including during periods
before careful management of these materials was required or generally believed to be necessary. Consequently, we will
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continue to be subject to risks under environmental laws that impose liability for historical releases of hazardous
substances and to liability for other potential violations of environmental laws or permits at existing sites or ones for
which we have indemnity obligations.
We may be subject to operational and financial climate change risks.
Extreme weather-related events caused by climate change, such as prolonged, extreme high or low temperatures, extreme
storms, floods and decreased or curtailed water supplies, could result in physical damage to our facilities and operations.
Such events may also result in supply chain disruptions and increased costs. For example, in both 2020 and 2021,
extreme weather events resulted in the curtailment of operations at our Arkansas mill and in the first quarter of 2024
extreme cold and related natural gas supply issues resulted in the shutdown and damage to our Lewiston, Idaho mill. The
ability to harvest the wood fiber used in our manufacturing operations may be limited, and prices could become volatile,
because of variations in weather, wildfires, and climate conditions. Damage or disruptions we may incur because of
climate-related risks could have a material adverse effect on our manufacturing and sales operations, results of operations
and financial condition. In addition, we may underestimate the costs, complexity and time required to develop and
implement mitigation efforts to address potential climate change impacts.
Expansion of our business through construction of new facilities or acquisitions may not proceed as anticipated.
We may enhance, modify or build manufacturing facilities, pursue acquisitions of existing facilities, or both. We may be
unable to identify future suitable strategic capital or building projects or acquisition targets. In addition, we may be
unable to achieve anticipated benefits or cost savings from construction projects or acquisitions in the timeframe we
anticipate, or at all. Any inability by us to integrate and manage any new or acquired facilities or businesses in a timely
and efficient manner, any inability to achieve anticipated cost savings or other anticipated benefits from these projects or
acquisitions in the time frame we anticipate or any unanticipated required increases in costs or capital spending could
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Large construction projects or
acquisitions can result in a decrease in our cash and short-term investments, an increase in our indebtedness, or both, and
also may limit our ability to access additional capital when needed and divert management's attention from other
business concerns.
Our capital expenditures may not achieve the desired outcomes or may be achieved at a higher cost than anticipated.
We regularly make capital expenditures and many of our capital projects are complex, costly, and implemented over an
extended period of time. We may experience higher expenditures than anticipated for particular capital projects as well
as unanticipated business disruptions, and we may not achieve the desired benefits from a given project, any of which
could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, disputes
between us and contractors who are involved with implementing capital projects could lead to time-consuming and
costly litigation.
We may face demand, supply, and operational challenges associated with effects of a disease outbreak, including
epidemics, pandemics, or similar widespread public health concerns.
Our business and financial results may be negatively impacted by health epidemics, pandemics and similar widespread
public health concerns or outbreaks. Despite our efforts to manage these impacts, their ultimate impact also depends on
factors beyond our knowledge or control, including the duration and severity of any such outbreak and actions taken to
contain its spread and mitigate its public health effects.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR EMPLOYEE PLANS
We may be required to pay material amounts to multiemployer pension plans; our participation subjects us to
potential liabilities, which could be significant, if we withdraw from a plan in the future.
We contribute to two multiemployer pension plans. The amount of our annual contributions to these plans is negotiated
with the union representing our employees covered by each plan. In 2023, we contributed approximately $5.8 million to
these plans. If in future years we continue to participate in these plans, we may be required to make increased annual
contributions in amounts that are difficult to predict and potentially beyond our control, which would reduce the cash
available for business and other needs. The decision whether to continue to participate in these multiemployer plans does
not rest solely with us; rather, it is negotiated as part of the collective bargaining agreements with labor unions that
participate in these plans.
If we were to withdraw partially or completely from a multiemployer plan that is underfunded, we would be liable for a
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proportionate share of that plan’s unfunded vested benefits as required by law. This is called withdrawal liability. The
amount of withdrawal liability, if any, assessable to us if we were to withdraw in a future year is difficult to predict and
largely beyond our control.
One of the multiemployer pension plans to which we contribute, the IAM National Pension Fund, or IAM NPF, elected
to be certified to be in “critical status” for the plan year beginning January 1, 2019. If we were to withdraw from IAM
NPF, either completely or partially, we would incur a statutory withdrawal liability based on our proportionate share of
IAM NPF’s unfunded vested benefits. Based on information available to us, as well as information provided by IAM
NPF, and reviewed by our actuarial consultant, we estimate that, as of December 31, 2023, we would be obligated to pay
a single sum withdrawal liability payment of approximately $5.3 million on a pretax basis if we were to have completely
withdrawn from IAM NPF in 2023. We currently have no plans to withdraw from IAM NPF and have not recognized
any liability associated with a withdrawal from IAM NPF in our consolidated financial statements.
The other multiemployer pension plan to which we contribute, the PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund, or
PIUMPF, was certified to be in “critical status” for the plan year beginning January 1, 2010 and continued to be in
critical status through the plan year beginning January 1, 2014. For the plan years beginning January 1, 2015 through
January 1, 2023, PIUMPF was certified to be in “critical and declining status” under the Multiemployer Pension Reform
Act of 2014. The number of employers participating in PIUMPF fell from 135 during 2012 to 43 in 2022. We are the
largest contributing employer participating in PIUMPF.
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, or ARPA, includes provisions to provide financial relief to financially troubled
multiemployer pension plans. In 2023, PIUMPF applied for and received approximately $1.3 billion in a lump sum
payment under this program — an amount intended to allow it to remain solvent until approximately 2051.
If we were to withdraw from PIUMPF, either completely or partially, we would incur a statutory withdrawal liability
based on our proportionate share of PIUMPF’s unfunded vested benefits. Based on information available to us, as well as
information provided by PIUMPF, and reviewed by our actuarial consultant, we estimate that, as of December 31, 2023,
the withdrawal liability payments that we would be required to make to PIUMPF were we to have completely withdrawn
in 2023 would be approximately $5.7 million per year on a pretax basis. These payments generally would continue for 20
years with an estimated present value of approximately $73 million on a pre-tax basis. Were we voluntarily to withdraw
from PIUMPF, we could be subject to substantial payments in addition to the withdrawal liability payments described
above. As a plan in critical and declining status, PIUMPF has adopted a rehabilitation plan. That rehabilitation plan
purports to require a withdrawing employer to make an additional, lump-sum payment — above and beyond the statutory
withdrawal liability — based on the employer’s share of PIUMPF’s accumulated funding deficiency, or AFD.
We believe PIUMPF’s purported imposition of this AFD exit fee on withdrawing employers is not legally enforceable —
and that PIUMPF’s receipt of approximately $1.3 billion in lump sum financial relief from the federal government
(through the ARPA program) provides additional support for this belief. Among other things, since it was enacted,
PIUMPF’s sole justification for imposition of the AFD exit fee is that it was necessary to forestall PIUMPF’s insolvency
— a justification that no longer applies now that PIUMPF has received funds under the ARPA program that have
addressed its solvency crisis.
Nevertheless, we are aware that one large employer that withdrew from PIUMPF prior to PIUMPF’s receipt of ARPA
funds has recognized a liability for payment of an AFD exit fee amount and that other withdrawing employers have paid
some amounts in respect to the AFD exit fee. There have been lawsuits in federal courts challenging PIUMPF’s AFD
exit fee. These lawsuits have not resolved the issue.
If the AFD exit fee were held to be legally enforceable, and if we were to withdraw in a future year, the amount of our
AFD exit fee liability at the time of our withdrawal would be material and subject to a variety of factors, including
without limitation, the nature and timing of a withdrawal, the financial health of PIUMPF at the time of the withdrawal,
the level of contributions to the plan made by other contributing employers before our withdrawal, whether any
employers that had withdrawn in the intervening years had made AFD exit fee payments, and the effect of funding
provided under ARPA. We expect that all other things being equal, the use of ARPA funds will reduce PIUMPF’s AFD
exit fee over an extended time-period. Since we currently have no plans to withdraw from PIUMPF, we have not
recognized any liability associated with a withdrawal from PIUMPF in our consolidated financial statements.
Adverse changes to, or requirements under, pension laws and regulations or adverse changes, requirements or claims
pursuant to PIUMPF’s rehabilitation plan, such as the AFD exit fee, could increase the likelihood and amount of our
liabilities. Were we to withdraw from PIUMPF, these liabilities would be in addition to the pension contributions we
would have to make to any new pension plan adopted or contributed to by us to replace PIUMPF. All of this could
materially reduce the cash we would have available for business and other needs.
14
Our pension and health care costs are subject to numerous factors that could cause these costs to change.
In addition to our pension plans, we provide health care benefits to certain of our current and former salaried and hourly
employees. Our health care costs vary with changes in health care costs generally, which have significantly exceeded
general economic inflation rates for many years. Our pension costs are dependent upon numerous factors resulting from
actual plan experience and assumptions about future investment returns. Pension plan assets are primarily made up of
equity and fixed income investments. Fluctuations in actual equity market returns as well as changes in general interest
rates may result in increased pension costs in future periods. Likewise, changes in assumptions regarding current
discount rates, expected rates of return on plan assets and mortality rates could also increase pension costs. Significant
changes in any of these factors may adversely impact our cash flows, financial condition and results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR INDEBTEDNESS AND TAX POSITIONS
We have a substantial amount of indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition
and our ability to obtain financing in the future and to react to changes in our business.
We have a substantial amount of debt, which requires significant principal and interest payments. As of December 31,
2023, we had approximately $468 million face value of debt outstanding, collectively which is related to our $275
million 2020 Notes, Credit Agreements (as defined below) and finance leases. We had availability of approximately
$120 million under our PCA Credit Agreement (as defined below) as of December 31, 2023. After giving effect to
borrowing base limitations, drawings outstanding and issuance of letters of credit, we had availability of approximately
$235.3 million under our ABL Credit Agreement (as defined below) as of December 31, 2023.
Our significant amount of debt could have important consequences. For example, it could:
• make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under our notes and Credit Agreements;
•
•
•
•
•
•
increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and general industry conditions, including interest rate
fluctuations, because a portion of our borrowings, including those under the Credit Agreements, are and will
continue to be at variable rates of interest;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our debt, which
would reduce the availability of our cash flow from operations to fund working capital, capital expenditures or
other general corporate purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry;
place us at a disadvantage compared to competitors that may have proportionately less debt;
limit our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing due to applicable financial and restrictive
covenants in our debt agreements; and
increase our cost of borrowing.
Despite our current indebtedness levels, we may still incur significant additional indebtedness. Incurring more
indebtedness could increase the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
We may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness, including additional secured indebtedness, in the future.
The terms of the Credit Agreements restrict but do not prohibit us from doing so. We had availability of approximately
$120 million under our PCA Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2023. After giving effect to borrowing base
limitations and issuance of letters of credit, we had availability of approximately $259.0 million under the Credit
Agreement as of December 31, 2023. In addition, our Credit Agreements allow us to obtain additional secured revolving
loan commitments under our ABL Credit Agreement under certain circumstances, which would be guaranteed by our
subsidiary guarantors. In addition, the indenture governing our notes does not prevent us from incurring certain other
liabilities that do not constitute secured indebtedness. If new debt or other liabilities are added to our current debt levels,
the related risks that we and our subsidiaries now face could intensify.
We are exposed to risks related to our arrangements with respect to supply chain financing and banking
arrangements.
We enter into supply chain financing arrangements with financial institutions to sell certain of our trade receivables
without recourse. If we were to stop entering into these supply chain financing arrangements, our operating results,
financial condition and cash flows could be adversely impacted by delays or failures in collecting trade receivables.
15
However, by entering into these arrangements, and by engaging these financial institutions for banking services, we are
exposed to additional risks. If any of these financial institutions experiences financial difficulties or is otherwise unable
to honor the terms of our supply chain financing arrangements, we may experience material financial losses due to the
failure of such arrangements or a lack of access to our funds, any of which could have an adverse impact upon our
operating results, financial condition and cash flows.
If we default under our Credit Agreements, or other indebtedness, we may not be able to service our debt obligations.
In the event of a default under our Credit Agreements or other indebtedness, lenders could elect to declare all amounts
borrowed, together with accrued and unpaid interest and other fees, to be due and payable. If such acceleration occurs,
thereby permitting an acceleration of amounts outstanding under our debt obligations, we may not be able to repay the
amounts due. Events of default are separately defined in each credit agreement or indenture, but include events such as
failure to make payments when due, breach of covenants, default under certain other indebtedness, failure to satisfy
judgments in excess of a threshold amount, certain insolvency events and the occurrence of a change of control (as
defined in the Credit Agreements). The occurrence of an event of default could have serious consequences to our
financial condition and results of operations, and could cause us to become bankrupt or insolvent.
To service our substantial indebtedness, we must generate significant cash flows. Our ability to generate cash depends
on many factors beyond our control, and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our
indebtedness, which may not be successful.
As of December 31, 2023, we had approximately $468 million of outstanding indebtedness, and we could incur
substantial additional indebtedness in the future. Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our
indebtedness, including our outstanding notes, and to fund planned capital expenditures, will depend on our ability to
generate cash from our operations. This, to a significant extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive,
legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations or that future borrowings will
be available to us under our Credit Agreements in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our indebtedness, including
our outstanding notes, or to fund our other liquidity needs. We cannot assure you that we will be able to refinance any of
our indebtedness, including our Credit Agreements and our outstanding notes, on commercially reasonable terms or at
all.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce
or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our
indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt
service obligations. If our operating results and available cash are insufficient to meet our debt service obligations, we
could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our
debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain the proceeds that
we could realize from them, and these proceeds may not be adequate to meet any debt service obligations then due.
Additionally, our debt agreements limit the use of the proceeds from certain dispositions; as a result, we may not be
allowed, under these documents, to use proceeds from such dispositions to satisfy all current debt service obligations.
Our Credit Agreements contain various covenants that limit our discretion in the operation of our business.
Our Credit Agreements contain various covenants that limit our discretion in the operation of our business by restricting
our ability to:
undergo a change in control;
sell assets;
pay dividends and make other distributions;
•
•
•
• make investments, capital expenditures and other restricted payments;
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
redeem or repurchase our capital stock;
incur additional debt and issue preferred stock;
guarantee indebtedness;
create liens;
consolidate, merge or sell substantially all of our assets;
enter into certain transactions with our affiliates;
engage in new lines of business; and
16
•
enter into sale and lease-back transactions.
These restrictions on our ability to operate our business at our discretion could materially harm our business by, among
other things, limiting our ability to enter into, make, or borrow in order to take advantage of financing opportunities with
respect to mergers and acquisitions, capital expenditures and other corporate opportunities.
If and when (and for as long as) availability, as calculated, under the ABL Credit Agreement is less than a specified
amount for a certain period of time, funds deposited into deposit accounts used for collections would be transferred on a
daily basis into a blocked account with the administrative agent and applied to prepay loans under the ABL Credit
Agreement. If and when our leverage ratio, as calculated under the PCA Credit Agreement, is greater than a specified
amount (and lasting until at least the end of two fiscal quarters until our leverage ratio is less than such amount), the
amount of dividends, stock repurchases, capital expenditures and other investments we would be permitted to make in
the then current fiscal year would be capped at specified dollar amounts.
As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we may be limited in how we conduct our business and we may be unable
to raise additional debt or equity financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities.
The terms of any future indebtedness we may incur could include more restrictive covenants. We cannot assure you that
we will be able to maintain compliance with these covenants in the future and, if we fail to do so, that we will be able to
obtain waivers from the lenders and/or amend the covenants.
There are various limitations on our ability to incur the full $275 million of commitments under our ABL Credit
Agreement and borrowings under our ABL Credit Agreement are limited by a specified borrowing base consisting of a
percentage of eligible accounts receivable and inventory, less customary reserves. In addition, under the ABL Credit
Agreement, a monthly fixed charge maintenance covenant would become applicable during an event of default or if
availability, as calculated under the ABL Credit Agreement, is at any time less than or equal to the greater of (i) 10.0% of
the lesser of the borrowing base and the maximum $275 million of current revolving loan commitments (such lesser
amount, the “Line Cap”) and (ii) $19 million. As of December 31, 2023, availability under the ABL Credit Agreement
was approximately $235.3 million or 86% of the Line Cap. However, it is possible that availability, as calculated under
the ABL Credit Agreement, could fall below the minimum threshold in a future period. If the covenant trigger were to
occur, we would be required to satisfy and maintain on the last day of each quarter a fixed charge coverage ratio of at
least 1.1x for the preceding four quarter period for which financial statements had been delivered. As of December 31,
2023, our fixed charge coverage ratio was approximately 3.85x. If and when the fixed charge coverage ratio were to be
tested, our ability to meet the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio could be affected by events beyond our control, and
we cannot assure you that we would meet this ratio at such time. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a
default under the ABL Credit Agreement. Events beyond our control could affect our ability to meet these financial tests,
and we cannot assure you that we will meet them.
Our failure to comply with the covenants contained in our Credit Agreements or the indenture governing our
outstanding notes, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default that could
cause repayment of the debt to be accelerated.
If we are not able to comply with the covenants and other requirements contained in the indenture governing our
outstanding notes, our Credit Agreements or our other debt instruments, an event of default under the relevant debt
instrument could occur. If an event of default does occur, it could trigger a default under our other debt instruments,
prohibit us from accessing additional borrowings, and permit the holders of the defaulted debt to declare amounts
outstanding with respect to that debt to be immediately due and payable. Our assets and cash flow may not be sufficient
to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments. In addition, we may not be able to refinance or
restructure the payments on the applicable debt. Even if we were able to secure additional financing, it may not be
available on favorable terms.
Credit rating downgrades could increase our borrowing costs or otherwise adversely affect us.
Some of our outstanding indebtedness has received credit ratings from rating agencies. Our credit ratings could change
based on, among other things, our results of operations and financial condition. Credit ratings are subject to ongoing
evaluation by credit rating agencies and may be lowered, suspended or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency or placed
on a “watch list” for a possible downgrade or assigned a “negative outlook.” Although our indebtedness does not include
any triggers that would increase existing borrowing rates if there were a ratings downgrade, actual or anticipated changes
or downgrades, including any announcement that our ratings are under review for a downgrade or have been assigned a
negative outlook, could increase our future borrowing costs, which could in turn adversely affect our results of
17
operations, cash flows and financial condition, and the trading price of our common stock. If a downgrade were to occur
or a negative outlook were to be assigned, it could impact our ability to access the capital markets to raise debt and/or
increase the associated costs. In addition, while our credit ratings are important to us, we may take actions and otherwise
operate our business in a manner that adversely affects our credit ratings.
An increase in interest rates could have a negative effect on our business.
We have the ability to select the Secured Overnight Funding Rate (SOFR) as a benchmark rate at which outstanding
obligations under the Credit Agreements are based. SOFR is a floating rate, subject to a minimum rate set in the Credit
Agreements. As a result, we are exposed to risks associated with an increase in interest rates, including if the Federal
Reserve raises interest rates as it has done and may continue to do so in the future. Any further increase in SOFR will
increase the Company’s debt service obligations, which could have a negative impact on the Company’s cash flow,
financial position or operating results, including cash available for servicing the Company’s indebtedness, or result in
increased borrowing costs in the future. We may utilize derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swaps, to
manage our interest rate risk. There can be no assurance, however, that increases in interest rates will not adversely affect
our business, financial position and results of operations by causing an increase in interest expense. Significantly higher
interest rates may also, among other things, reduce the availability and increase the cost of obtaining new debt and
refinancing existing indebtedness.
We could suffer adverse tax and other financial consequences if taxing authorities do not agree with our tax
positions.
We are periodically subject to a number of tax examinations by state and U.S. federal taxing authorities. U.S. federal,
state and local, are extremely complex and subject to varying interpretations. We recognize tax benefits of uncertain tax
positions when we believe the positions are more likely than not of being sustained upon a challenge by the relevant tax
authority. In connection with our U.S. federal tax return for 2022, we took a tax deduction related to a worthless stock
loss (creating net operating loss) in connection with the dissolution of one of our subsidiaries, Cellu-Tissue. During
2023, we entered into a post-filing agreement process with the U.S. tax authorities to resolve this position expediently. In
connection with the 2022 return, we received a $26 million refund associated with this position. Because of the
uncertainty as to whether this position will be upheld through the post-filing agreement process, we have fully reserved
for the estimated tax benefit associated with the deduction. If there are tax benefits, including, but not limited to, the
worthless stock loss deduction or other tax attributes, that are challenged successfully by a taxing authority, we may be
required to pay additional taxes or we may seek to enter into settlements with the taxing authorities, which could require
significant payments or otherwise have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.
GENERAL RISK
United States and global economic conditions could have adverse effects on the demand for our products and
financial results.
U.S. and global economic conditions and currency exchange rates have a significant impact on our business and financial
results. Recessed global economic conditions and a strong U.S. dollar could affect our business in a number of ways,
including causing declines in global demand for consumer tissue and paperboard, and increased competition from
foreign manufacturers in the U.S. market. Foreign currency changes can also impact pricing associated with our raw
materials such as pulp and equipment purchases impacting our cost structure.
Recent fluctuations in economic conditions and cycles may have adverse effects on our financial results.
During 2023, interest and inflation rates have increased significantly relative to recent years, although the impacts have
been felt to different extents and the far extent of such increases remains to be seen. These increasing rates may
materially affect our prices and the demand for our products.
We may fail to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified personnel, including key personnel.
Our ability to effectively run our business depends on our ability to attract, motivate, train and retain employees with the
skills necessary to understand and adapt to the competitive markets in which we operate. The increasing demand for
qualified personnel makes it more difficult for us to attract and retain employees with requisite skill sets, particularly
employees with specialized technical and trade experience, and can increase our operating and overhead costs. Changing
demographics and labor work force trends also may result in a loss of knowledge and skills as experienced workers
retire. If we fail to attract, motivate, train and retain qualified personnel, or if we experience excessive turnover, we may
experience declining sales, manufacturing delays or other inefficiencies, increased recruiting, training and relocation
costs and other difficulties, which may negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
In addition, we rely on key executive and management personnel to manage our business efficiently and effectively. The
18
loss of any of our key personnel could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.
Effective succession planning is also important to our long-term success. Our failure to identify candidates with the
leadership skills to manage our organization, and our failure to ensure effective transfers of knowledge and smooth
transitions involving key executives, could hinder our strategic planning and execution.
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may make it difficult for
stockholders to change the composition of our Board of Directors and may discourage hostile takeover attempts that
some of our stockholders may consider to be beneficial.
Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and Delaware law may have the effect of delaying or
preventing changes in control if our Board of Directors determines that such changes in control are not in the best
interests of the company and our stockholders. The provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws include,
among other things, the following:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
a classified Board of Directors with three-year staggered terms;
the ability of our Board of Directors to issue shares of preferred stock and to determine the price and other
terms, including preferences and voting rights, of those shares without stockholder approval;
stockholder action can only be taken at a special or regular meeting and not by written consent;
advance notice procedures for nominating candidates to our Board of Directors or presenting matters at
stockholder meetings;
removal of directors only for cause;
allowing only our Board of Directors to fill vacancies on our Board of Directors; and
supermajority voting requirements to amend our bylaws and certain provisions of our certificate of
incorporation.
While these provisions have the effect of encouraging persons seeking to acquire control of the company to negotiate
with our Board of Directors, they could enable the Board of Directors to hinder or frustrate a transaction that some, or a
majority, of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests and, in that case, may prevent or discourage
attempts to remove and replace incumbent directors. We are also subject to Delaware laws that could have similar
effects. One of these laws prohibits us from engaging in a business combination with a significant stockholder unless
specific conditions are met.
ITEM 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 1C.
Cybersecurity
Our cybersecurity program is managed by our Chief Information Officer (CIO), whose team is responsible for leading
enterprise-wide information technology strategy, policy, standards, architecture, and processes. The CIO provides regular
reports to our Board, Chief Executive Officer and other members of our senior leadership team. These reports include
updates on our cyber risks and threats, the status of projects to strengthen our information security systems, assessments
of the information security program, and the emerging threat landscape.
Assessing, identifying and managing cybersecurity related risks are integrated into our overall ERM process.
Cybersecurity related risks are included in the risk universe that the ERM function evaluates to assess top risks to the
enterprise on an annual basis. The ERM process’s annual risk assessment is presented to the Board of Directors.
Our programs are regularly evaluated by external experts with the results of those reviews reported to the senior
leadership team and the Board. We also actively engage with key vendors, industry participants, and intelligence
communities as part of our continuing efforts to evaluate and enhance the effectiveness of our information security
policies and procedures.
19
ITEM 2.
Properties
Facilities
Our principal executive offices are located in Spokane, Washington. We believe that each of these facilities is adequately
maintained and is suitable for conducting our operations and business. Information regarding our principal facilities is set
forth in the following table.
Location
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lewiston, Idaho
Shelby, North Carolina
Elwood, Illinois
Cypress Bend, Arkansas
Mendon, Michigan
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Dallas, Texas
Richmond, Virginia
Hagerstown, Indiana
Production Capacities
Products
TAD tissue, Tissue converting
Tissue, Tissue converting, Pulp and Paperboard
TAD tissue, NTT Tissue, Tissue converting
Tissue converting
Pulp and Paperboard
Paperboard sheeting
Paperboard sheeting
Paperboard sheeting
Paperboard sheeting
Paperboard sheeting
Owned or Leased
Owned
Owned
Owned/Leased
Leased
Owned
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Leased
Information regarding currently operating production capacities is based on annual, normal operating rates and normal
production mixes under current market conditions, taking into account known constraints. Market conditions,
fluctuations in raw material supply, environmental restrictions and the nature of current orders may cause actual
production rates and mixes to vary significantly from the production rates and mixes shown.
(In tons)
Las Vegas, Nevada
Lewiston, Idaho
Shelby, North Carolina
Elwood, Illinois
Cypress Bend, Arkansas
Mendon, Michigan
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Dallas, Texas
Richmond, Virginia
Hagerstown, Indiana
Tissue Parent
Rolls
Tissue
converting
Pulp 1
Paperboard
Sheeted
Paperboard
44,000
190,000
156,000
74,000
90,000
150,000
63,000
520,000
480,000
320,000
340,000
50,000
41,000
29,000
34,000
37,000
191,000
1 Pulp is consumed internally either within our Paperboard operations or is transferred to our Tissue operations.
390,000
377,000
840,000
820,000
20
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings
We may from time to time be involved in claims, proceedings and litigation arising from our business and property
ownership. We believe, based on currently available information, that the results of such proceedings, in the aggregate,
will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
ITEM 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
21
Part II
ITEM 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
MARKET FOR OUR COMMON STOCK
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CLW."
HOLDERS
As of February 16, 2024, there were approximately 575 registered holders of our common stock.
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
On December 15, 2015, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved a stock repurchase program authorizing
the repurchase of up to $100 million of our common stock. As of December 31, 2023, we had up to $6.9 million of
authorization remaining. The repurchase program authorizes purchases of our common stock from time to time through
open market purchases, negotiated transactions or other means, including accelerated stock repurchases and 10b5-1
trading plans in accordance with applicable securities laws and other restrictions. We have no obligation to repurchase
stock under this program and may suspend or terminate the program at any time.
The following table reflects our shares repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2023. None of the shares in this table
were repurchased directly from any of our officers or directors.
Period
October 1, 2023 to October 31, 2023
November 1, 2023 to November 30,
2023
December 1, 2023 to December 31,
2023
Total
Total Number of
Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid
per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Program
Approximate Dollar
Value of Shares that
May Yet Be Purchased
Under the Program
29,500 $
28,300 $
20,993 $
78,793 $
35.74
35.33
36.11
35.69
29,500 $
28,300 $
20,993 $
78,793
8.7
7.7
6.9
SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES
None.
DIVIDENDS
We have not paid any cash dividends. We will continue to review whether payment of a cash dividend on our common
stock in the future best serves the company and our stockholders. The declaration and amount of any dividends, however,
would be determined by our Board of Directors and would depend on our earnings, our compliance with the terms of our
notes and revolving credit facilities that may contain certain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, and any other
factors that our Board of Directors believes are relevant.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return of our common stock for the period beginning
December 31, 2018 and ending December 31, 2023, with the cumulative total return during such period of the Russell
2000® Index, the S&P MidCap 400® Index (excluding those companies classified as members of the GICS® Financials
sector) and the S&P 600 Small Cap Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2018, in our
common stock and in the indices and assumes dividends were reinvested. The stock performance shown on the graph
represents historical stock performance and is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
We measure our relative corporate performance for purposes of performance-based equity awards issued to our executive
officers against a specific index. Each year, an index is established to apply to performance-based equity awards issued
in that year. We currently measure our relative performance, for purposes of performance-based equity awards, against
the S&P MidCap 400® Index (excluding those companies classified as members of the GICS® Financials sector) or the
S&P 600 Small Cap Index. The cumulative return for those indexes is listed below.
22
$200
$150
$100
$50
12/31/18
Comparison of Cumulative Five Year Total Returns
12/31/19
12/31/20
12/31/21
12/31/22
12/31/23
Clearwater Paper Corporation
Russell 2000 Index
S&P MidCap 400® Index (excluding members of the GICS® Financials sector)
S&P 600 SmallCap Index
This comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2018, in our common stock and in the indices and
assumes dividends were reinvested.
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
December 31,
Company Name / Index
Clearwater Paper Corporation
Russell 2000 Index
S&P MidCap 400® Index (excluding members of the
GICS® Financials sector)
S&P 600 SmallCap Index
ITEM 6.
[Reserved]
$ 100.00 $ 87.65 $ 154.90 $ 150.47 $ 155.15 $ 148.22
160.85
125.53
150.58
137.56
172.90
100.00
100.00
100.00
128.99
122.78
145.12
136.64
182.31
173.29
156.43
145.39
183.91
168.73
23
ITEM 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements
and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements reflecting
our current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those discussed in
these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth in the section entitled “Risk
Factors” and elsewhere in this report. A discussion of the earliest year may be found in Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 14,
2023.
Overview of Business
We are a premier manufacturer and supplier of bleached paperboard and consumer and parent roll tissue. We operate in
two business segments, pulp and paperboard and consumer products. These business segments are described in greater
detail in Item 8, Note 15, "Segment Information" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In operating our business, we seek to:
•
•
•
grow our portfolio of products through organic growth, acquisitions and commercial execution,
leverage our cost and financial discipline to fund growth and improve margins, and
allocate capital in value-creating ways.
Overview of 2023 Results
•
•
•
Net sales of $2.1 billion, consistent with 2022 with Pulp and Paperboard net sales decreasing 6% and Consumer
Products net sales increasing 8%.
Net income was $107.7 million in 2023 or $6.30 per diluted share compared to a net income of $46.0 million or
$2.68 per diluted share in 2022.
Adjusted EBITDA was $281.0 million in 2023 compared to $226.9 million in 2022.
Business Environment and Trends
Pulp and paperboard sales
The paperboard industry is affected by macro-economic conditions around the world and has historically experienced
cyclical market conditions. As a result, prices for products and sales volumes have historically been volatile. Product
pricing is significantly affected by the relationship between supply and demand for our products. Product supply in the
industry is influenced primarily by fluctuations in available manufacturing production, which tends to increase during
periods when prices remain strong. During 2023, the paperboard industry saw significant weakness due to customer
destocking after a lengthy period of constrained supply given high demand.
Tissue sales
The U.S. tissue industry is affected by macro-economic factors in the U.S. The U.S. tissue industry has experienced an
increase in ultra and premium tissue products as industry participants have added or improved through-air-dried, or
TAD, or equivalent production capacity as well as added conventional tissue capacity. As reported by RISI, US Tissue
Monthly Data (December 2023), parent roll sales prices have increased 7-8% industry wide in 2023 over the prior year.
Operating Costs
Our operating costs include raw materials, labor and selling, general and administrative expenses. We manage these costs
through cost saving and productivity initiatives, sourcing programs, and pricing actions. To remain competitive on our
operating structure, we continue to work on programs to expand our profitability. In 2022, our results were impacted by a
significant increase in our costs, particularly for pulp, chemicals and freight. During 2023, our results benefited from
lower pricing for pulp, freight and energy.
Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates
A discussion of our significant accounting policies and significant accounting estimates and judgments is presented in
Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 of
this report. Throughout the preparation of the financial statements, we employ significant judgments in the application of
accounting principles and methods. We believe that the accounting estimates discussed below represent the accounting
24
estimates requiring the exercise of judgment where a different set of judgments could result in the greatest changes to
reported results. We reviewed the development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates with the
Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. For 2023, these significant accounting estimates and judgments include:
Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits
We have a number of defined benefit pension plans in the United States covering many of our employees. Benefit
accruals under most of our defined benefit pension plans in the United States were frozen prior to January 2014.
We account for the consequences of our sponsorship of these plans using assumptions to calculate the related assets,
liabilities and expenses recorded in our financial statements. Net actuarial gains and losses occur when actual experience
differs from any of the assumptions used to value defined benefit plans or when assumptions change as they may each
year. The primary factors contributing to actuarial gains and losses are changes in the discount rate used to value
obligations as of the measurement date and the differences between expected and actual returns on pension plan assets.
This accounting method results in the potential for volatile and difficult to forecast gains and losses.
We record amounts relating to these defined benefit plans based on various actuarial assumptions, including discount
rates, assumed rates of return, compensation increases and life expectancy. We review our actuarial assumptions on an
annual basis and make modifications to the assumptions based on current economic conditions and trends. We believe
that the assumptions utilized in recording our obligations under our plans are reasonable based on our experience and on
advice from our independent actuaries; however, differences in actual experience or changes in the assumptions may
materially affect our financial condition or results of operations.
The following table illustrates the estimated impact on hypothetical pension obligations and expenses that would have
resulted from a 25-basis point reduction in two key assumptions for the year ended December 31, 2023:
(In millions)
Discount rate
Expected long term rate of return
Statements of Operations
Balance Sheets
$
$
— $
0.7 $
5.0
—
It is not possible to forecast or predict whether there will be actuarial gains and losses in future periods, and if required,
the magnitude of any such adjustment. These gains and losses are driven by differences in actual experience or changes
in the assumptions that are beyond our control, such as changes in interest rates and the actual return on pension plan
assets.
25
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
In evaluating our business, we utilize several non-GAAP financial measures. A non-GAAP financial measure is
generally defined by the SEC as one that purports to measure historical or future financial performance, financial
position or cash flows, but excludes or includes amounts that would not be so excluded or included under applicable
GAAP guidance. In this report on Form 10-K, we disclose overall and segment earnings (loss) from operations before
interest expense, net, non-operating pension and other post employment benefit costs, income tax (benefit) expense,
depreciation and amortization, other operating charges, net, and debt retirement costs as Adjusted EBITDA which is a
non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA is not a substitute for the GAAP measure of net income or for any
other GAAP measures of operating performance.
We have included Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated and business segment basis in this report because we use it as
important supplemental measures of our performance and believe that it is frequently used by securities analysts,
investors and other interested persons in the evaluation of companies in our industry, some of which present Adjusted
EBITDA when reporting their results. We use Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate our performance as compared to other
companies in our industry that have different financing and capital structures and/or tax rates. It should be noted that
companies calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently and, therefore, our Adjusted EBITDA measures may not be
comparable to Adjusted EBITDA reported by other companies. Our Adjusted EBITDA measures have material
limitations as performance measures because they exclude interest expense, net, income tax (benefit) expense and
depreciation and amortization which are necessary to operate our business or which we otherwise incur or experience in
connection with the operation of our business. In addition, we exclude other income and expense items which are outside
of our core operations.
26
The following table provides our Adjusted EBITDA reconciliation for the last three years:
(In millions)
Net income (loss)
Income tax provision (benefit)
Interest expense, net
Depreciation and amortization expense
Other operating charges, net
Other non-operating (income) expense
Debt retirement costs
Adjusted EBITDA
Pulp and Paperboard segment income
Depreciation and amortization
Adjusted EBITDA Pulp and Paperboard segment
Consumer Products segment income
Depreciation and amortization
Adjusted EBITDA Consumer Products segment
Corporate and other expense
Depreciation and amortization
Adjusted EBITDA Corporate and other
Pulp and Paperboard segment
Consumer Products segment
Corporate and other
Adjusted EBITDA
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
107.7 $
46.0 $
36.4
30.0
98.6
5.3
(0.1)
3.1
27.0
34.6
103.3
9.7
5.7
0.5
(28.1)
(7.7)
36.4
105.0
57.7
10.4
1.0
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
281.0 $
226.9 $
174.6
169.1 $
183.5 $
37.4
37.0
206.4 $
220.4 $
91.7 $
58.8
150.5 $
11.3 $
62.9
74.2 $
(78.3) $
(71.1) $
2.4
3.4
(75.9) $
(67.7) $
206.4 $
220.4 $
150.5
(75.9)
74.2
(67.7)
281.0 $
226.9 $
125.7
35.7
161.4
4.0
64.9
69.0
(60.1)
4.4
(55.7)
161.4
69.0
(55.7)
174.6
27
OUR OPERATING RESULTS
Pulp and Paperboard Segment
Our Pulp and Paperboard segment markets and produces bleached paperboard to quality-conscious printers and
packaging converters, and offers services that include custom sheeting, slitting and cutting.
Segment sales, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the Pulp and Paperboard segment were as follows:
(In millions, except per unit and paperboard
shipments)
Sales:
Paperboard
Pulp
Other
Operating income
Operating margin
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA margin
Pulp shipments (short tons)
Pulp sales price
$
$
$
For The Years Ended December 31,
Increase (decrease)
2023
2022
2021
2023-2022
2022-2021
$ 1,033.6
$ 1,104.8
$
894.9
20.8
9.4
19.0
12.6
$ 1,063.7
$ 1,136.3
169.1
$
183.5
34.8
16.2
946.0
125.7
$
$
(6.4)%
9.4 %
(25.2)%
(6.4)%
23.4 %
(45.5)%
(22.5)%
20.1 %
(7.9)%
45.9 %
15.9 %
16.1 %
13.3 %
206.4
$
220.4
$
161.4
(6.4)%
36.6 %
19.4 %
19.4 %
17.1 %
34,084
25,647
50,679
609
$
740
$
687
32.9 %
(17.7)%
(49.4)%
7.6 %
Paperboard shipments (short tons)
751,520
814,556
822,206
Paperboard sales price (short tons)
$
1,375
$
1,356
$
1,088
(7.7)%
1.4 %
(0.9)%
24.6 %
Paperboard sales volumes in our Pulp and Paperboard segment for the year ended December 31, 2023 decreased due to
weaker demand as customers rebalance inventory levels. Pulp sales volumes increased for the year ended December 31,
2023 as we manage our paperboard production resulting in additional pulp available to be sold. Paperboard sales prices
for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year increased due to the impacts of our previously
announced price increases offset by changes in product mix. Pulp sales prices declined for the year ended December 31,
2023 compared to the prior year due to change in commodity pulp prices.
Overall, the decrease in operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to
the prior year was driven by lower sales volumes and planned production downtime to manage inventory partially offset
by lower input costs due to deflation, specifically in freight and energy costs.
28
Consumer Products Segment
Our Consumer Products segment sells and manufactures a complete line of at-home tissue products and sold minor
amounts of AFH products prior to the closure of our Neenah, Wisconsin facility in July 2021. Our integrated
manufacturing and converting operations and geographic footprint enable us to deliver a broad range of cost-competitive
products with brand equivalent quality to our customers.
Segment sales, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the Consumer Products segment were as follows:
(In millions, except per unit and shipments)
Sales:
Retail tissue
Away-from-home1
Other
Operating income
Operating margin
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA margin
Shipments (short tons)
Retail
Away-from-home1
Other
Sales price (per short ton)
Retail
For The Years Ended December 31,
Increase (decrease)
2023
2022
2021
2023-2022
2022-2021
$
1,016.2
$
932.3
$
797.9
—
7.2
1,023.4
91.7
9.0 %
$
$
—
18.0
950.2
11.3
1.2 %
$
$
16.3
20.8
835.0
4.0
0.5 %
$
$
$
9.0 %
— %
(59.8)%
7.7 %
16.8 %
(100.0)%
(13.6)%
13.8 %
713.5 %
179.0 %
150.5
$
74.2
$
69.0
102.7 %
7.6 %
14.7 %
7.8 %
8.3 %
317,582
309,735
—
4,802
—
12,185
287,987
7,839
20,973
2.5 %
— %
(60.6)%
7.6 %
(100.0)%
(41.9)%
$
3,200
$
3,010
$
2,771
6.3 %
8.6 %
1 In the third quarter of 2021, we exited our away-from-home business with the shutdown of our Neenah, Wisconsin site.
Retail sales volumes increased in our Consumer Products segment for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to
the prior year due to the increased demand for private label versus branded products. Retail sales prices increased in our
Consumer Products segment for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year due primarily to our
previously announced price increases and improved product mix.
Overall, operating income and Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year
increased due to higher sales volumes and pricing and lower input costs, specifically related to freight costs.
Corporate expenses
Corporate expenses were $78.3 million in 2023 as compared to $71.1 million in 2022. The increase between years is
primarily related to costs associated with business improvement projects including information technology and other
projects and higher wages. Corporate expenses primarily consist of corporate overhead such as wages and benefits,
professional fees, insurance and other expenses for corporate functions including certain executive officers, public
company costs, information technology, financial services, environmental and safety, legal, supply management, human
resources and other corporate functions not directly associated with the business operations.
Other operating charges
See Note 8, "Other Operating Charges, net" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of
this report for additional information.
29
Interest expense, net
Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $30.0 million compared to $34.6 million in the prior year
due to lower debt outstanding.
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2023, in connection with the retirement of the 2014 Notes, we
incurred debt retirement costs of $3.1 million which included $0.4 million related to the write off of unamortized debt
costs along with the premium on debt redemption of $2.7 million.
See Note 9, "Non-Operating Expense" of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this
report for additional information.
Potential impairments
We review from time-to-time possible dispositions or reorganization of various assets in light of current and anticipated
economic and industry conditions, our strategic plan and other relevant factors. Because a determination to dispose or
reorganize particular assets may require management to make assumptions regarding the transaction structure of the
disposition or reorganization and to estimate the net sales proceeds, which may be less than previous estimates of
undiscounted future net cash flows, we may be required to record impairment charges in connection with decisions to
dispose of assets.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Overview
Our principal sources of liquidity are existing cash, cash generated by our operations and our ability to borrow under
such credit facilities as we may have in effect from time to time. At times, we may also issue equity, debt or hybrid
securities or engage in other capital market transactions. Due to the competitive and cyclical nature of the markets in
which we operate, there is uncertainty regarding the amount of cash flows we will generate during the next twelve
months. However, we believe that our cash flows from operations, our cash on hand and our borrowing capacity under
our Credit Agreements will be adequate to fund debt service requirements and provide cash to support our ongoing
operations, capital expenditures and working capital needs for the next twelve months.
Our principal uses of liquidity are paying the costs and expenses associated with our operations, servicing outstanding
indebtedness and making capital expenditures. We may also from time to time prepay or repurchase outstanding
indebtedness or shares or acquire assets or businesses that are complementary to our operations. Any such prepayments,
repurchases or acquisitions may be commenced, suspended, discontinued, or resumed, and the method or methods of
effecting any such repurchases may be changed at any time or from time to time without prior notice.
Operating Activities
During 2023, we generated $190.7 million of cash from operations, as compared to $150.2 million in 2022. This increase
was driven by improved operating performance and changes in working capital. Accounts receivable and accounts
payable agings have remained relatively consistent with balances as of December 31, 2022.
Investing Activities
During 2023 we used $73.7 million in cash for investing activities, as compared to $33.5 million for capital expenditures.
Included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities was $13.0 million related to capital expenditures that had not yet
been paid at December 31, 2023.
In 2024, we expect cash paid for capital expenditures to be approximately $90 million to $100 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities were $129.4 million for 2023 as compared to $88.6 million for 2022. The
increase was due to higher debt repayments in 2023 driven by improved operating results resulting in additional available
cash to fund debt repayments. Additionally, we used $17.9 million for common stock repurchases under our stock
repurchase program during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Commitments
As of December 31, 2023, we have purchase commitments of $67.7 million, of which $41.7 million is payable within 12
months, related to contracts with natural gas and electricity providers, contracts for the purchase of chemicals and pulp,
and contracts associated with IT services that are legally binding on us and specify fixed or minimum quantities.
30
Additionally, we have $48.2 million, all of which is payable within 12 months, in purchase commitments associated with
capital expenditures.
Credit Agreements
We are party to The Credit Agreement (as the same may be amended from time to time, the “PCA Credit Agreement”)
that consists of a revolving term loan commitment in the amount of $270 million. We completed an initial draw of $150
million during the fourth quarter of 2023. The obligations under the PCA Credit Agreement are secured by liens on
substantially all of our personal property assets and each of our domestic subsidiaries that are guarantors of the PCA
Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the PCA Credit Agreement are subject to mandatory prepayment in certain
circumstances. We may, at our option, prepay and reborrow any borrowings under the PCA Credit Agreement, in whole
or in part, at any time (or with respect to our initial $150 million drawing, after the first year) and from time to time
without premium or penalty (except in certain circumstances).
We are also party to an ABL Credit Agreement (as amended, the “ABL Credit Agreement,” and together with the PCA
Credit Agreement, the “Credit Agreements”) that includes a $275 million revolving loan commitment, subject to
borrowing base limitations. Borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement are subject to mandatory prepayment in
certain circumstances. We may also increase commitments under the ABL Credit Agreement in an aggregate principal
amount of up to $100 million, subject to obtaining commitments from any participating lenders and certain other
conditions. We may, at our option, prepay and reborrow any borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, in whole or
in part, at any time and from time to time without premium or penalty (except in certain circumstances).
Both Credit Agreements contain customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants. The
ABL Credit Agreement also contains a financial covenant, which requires us to maintain a consolidated fixed charge
coverage ratio of not less than 1.10x to 1.00x, provided that the financial covenant under the ABL Credit Agreement is
only applicable during an event of default or if availability, as calculated under the ABL Credit Agreement, is at any time
less than or equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the Line Cap and (ii) $19 million.
At December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the covenants in the Credit Agreements, and based on our current
financial projections, we expect to remain in compliance. However, if our financial position, results of operations or
market conditions deteriorate, we may not be able to remain in compliance. There can be no assurance that we will be
able to remain in compliance with the Credit Agreements. See Note 7, "Debt" to the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this report for additional information.
31
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
Our exposure to market risk on financial instruments is limited to our ABL Credit Agreements. As of December 31,
2023, there was $20.0 million outstanding under our ABL Credit Agreement. The interest rates applied to borrowings on
our ABL Credit Agreement are adjusted often and therefore react quickly to any movement in the general trend of
market interest rates.
Foreign Currency Risk
We have minimal foreign currency exchange risk. Nearly all of our international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.
Quantitative Information about Market Risk
(In millions)
Long-term debt:1
Fixed rate
Revolving credit facility
Average interest rate
Fair value at December 31, 2023
1 Excludes finance lease liabilities.
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total
Expected Maturity Date
$ — $ — $ — $ — $ 425.0
$ — $ 425.0
$ — $ — $ — $ 20.0
$ — $ — $ 20.0
— %
— %
— %
6.71 %
6.94 %
— %
6.86 %
$ 425.7
32
ITEM 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Clearwater Paper Corporation:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Clearwater Paper Corporation and subsidiaries (the
Company) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income
(loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and
the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial
statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and
2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December
31, 2023, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 20, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on the
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
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 are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the
PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material
misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated
financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated
financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates
to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially
challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way
our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical
audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it
relates.
Measurement of the pension benefit obligation
As discussed in Notes 1 and 10 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s pension benefit obligation
was $228.3 million as of December 31, 2023. The measurement of the pension benefit obligation is based on
actuarial assumptions that require judgment, which includes the discount rate applied to the pension benefit
obligation.
We identified the evaluation of the discount rate used in the measurement of the pension benefit obligation as a
critical audit matter. Specialized skills and knowledge were required to evaluate the discount rate used to determine
the pension benefit obligation. In addition, there was subjectivity and judgment in applying and evaluating results of
the procedures due to the sensitivity of the pension benefit obligation to changes in the discount rate.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design
33
and tested the operating effectiveness of certain controls over the Company’s pension benefit process. This included a
control related to the determination of the discount rate assumption. We considered the change in the discount rate
from that used in the prior year, including consideration of the changes in the discount rate in light of published
reports of actuarial experts. We involved an actuarial professional with specialized skills and knowledge, who
assisted in evaluating the discount rate as determined using the hypothetical bond portfolio model through analyzing
the bond selection criteria, the bond ratings, and the cash flow matching of the model.
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Seattle, Washington
February 20, 2024
34
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In millions, except share information)
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net of allowance for current expected credit losses of $1.5 and $1.4 at
December 31, 2023 and 2022
Inventories, net
Other current assets
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Other assets, net
Total assets
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Liability for pension and other postretirement employee benefits
Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations
Total liabilities
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 5,000,000 shares authorized,
no shares issued
Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized,
16,484,550 and 16,761,869 shares issued
Additional paid-in capital
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Total stockholders’ equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
December 31,
2023
2022
$
42.0 $
53.7
184.5
319.8
17.9
564.1
990.1
117.6
1,671.8 $
0.8 $
285.1
286.0
462.3
55.7
199.1
1,003.0
188.8
324.0
19.9
586.3
1,017.1
100.1
1,703.5
0.9
311.1
312.0
564.9
58.2
196.4
1,131.5
—
—
—
14.9
684.5
(30.7)
668.8
1,671.8 $
—
28.5
576.8
(33.3)
572.1
1,703.5
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
35
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In millions, except per share data)
Net sales
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Other operating charges, net
Total operating costs and expenses
Income from operations
Interest expense, net
Debt retirement costs
Other non-operating (expense) income
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax provision (benefit)
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic
Diluted
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
2,082.8 $
2,080.1 $
1,772.6
1,752.0
148.3
5.3
1,905.7
177.1
(30.0)
(3.1)
0.1
144.2
36.4
107.7 $
1,823.4
133.0
9.7
1,966.2
113.9
(34.6)
(0.5)
(5.7)
73.1
27.0
46.0 $
1,590.0
112.9
57.7
1,760.6
12.0
(36.4)
(1.0)
(10.4)
(35.7)
(7.7)
(28.1)
6.39 $
6.30 $
2.71 $
2.68 $
(1.67)
(1.67)
$
$
$
Average shares of common stock used to compute net income
(loss) per share (in thousands):
Basic
Diluted
16,863
17,091
16,985
17,181
16,767
16,767
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
36
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In millions)
Net income (loss)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits:
Net gain arising during the period, net of tax
of $0.9, $1.5 and $1.4
Amortization of actuarial (gain) loss included in net periodic cost,
net of tax of $(0.1), $1.6 and $2.7
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
Comprehensive income (loss)
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
107.7 $
46.0 $
(28.1)
2.8
4.7
(0.2)
2.6
110.3 $
$
4.7
9.3
55.3 $
4.0
7.8
11.7
(16.3)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
37
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In millions)
Operating activities
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
Equity-based compensation expense
Deferred taxes
Defined benefit pension and other postretirement employee benefits
Amortization of deferred debt costs and debt retirement
Loss on sale or impairment associated with assets
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
(Increase) decrease in inventories
(Increase) decrease in other current assets
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Other, net
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
Investing activities
Additions to property, plant and equipment 1
Net proceeds from divested assets
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Financing activities
Borrowings on long-term debt
Repayments of long-term debt
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards
Repurchases of common stock
Payments for debt issuance costs
Other, net
Net cash flows used in financing activities
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized
Cash (received) paid for income taxes
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
107.7 $
46.0 $
(28.1)
98.6
9.9
(14.9)
(2.0)
4.4
2.1
(1.3)
4.0
0.8
(21.3)
2.6
190.7
(73.7)
—
(73.7)
103.3
12.7
(7.9)
3.0
2.0
6.1
(16.9)
(46.3)
(2.4)
49.2
1.5
150.2
(33.5)
—
(33.5)
222.0
(325.6)
(4.7)
(17.9)
(3.1)
—
(129.4)
(12.4)
54.4
42.0 $
—
(80.9)
(2.5)
(5.0)
(0.9)
0.8
(88.6)
28.2
26.2
54.4 $
37.8 $
16.6 $
33.0 $
43.0 $
$
$
$
105.0
9.1
(9.7)
7.2
2.8
35.7
(5.3)
(20.2)
(1.7)
1.9
(0.2)
96.4
(38.4)
13.3
(25.1)
—
(81.0)
(1.7)
—
—
0.7
(82.0)
(10.7)
36.9
26.2
36.0
(7.7)
1 Capital expenditures of $13.0 million, $15.7 million and $11.0 million that have not been paid as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were
excluded from the Statement of Cash Flows.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
38
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
(In millions, except share amounts which are in
thousands)
Shares
Amount
Additional
Paid-In Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total
Stockholders'
Equity
Common Stock
Balance at December 31, 2020
Net loss
Stock-based compensation expense
Issuance of shares under stock plans,
net
Pension and other postretirement
employee benefits, net of tax of $4.2
Balance at December 31, 2021
Net income
Stock-based compensation expense
Issuance of shares under stock plans,
net
Pension and other postretirement
employee benefits, net of tax of $3.1
Repurchases of common stock
Balance at December 31, 2022
Net income
Stock-based compensation expense
Issuance of shares under stock plans,
net
Pension and other postretirement
employee benefits, net of tax of $0.9
Repurchases of common stock
Balance at December 31, 2023
16,572
—
—
119
—
16,692
—
—
220
—
(150)
16,762
—
—
266
—
$
— $
—
—
—
16.6 $
—
8.0
558.8 $
(28.1)
—
—
(54.3) $
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1.1)
—
23.6
—
11.7
(1.8)
—
(5.0)
28.5
—
9.0
(4.7)
—
—
11.7
530.7
46.0
—
—
(42.6)
—
—
—
—
9.3
—
576.8
107.7
—
—
—
(33.3)
—
—
—
—
2.6
521.1
(28.1)
8.0
(1.1)
11.7
511.7
46.0
11.7
(1.8)
9.3
(5.0)
572.1
107.7
9.0
(4.7)
2.6
(543)
16,485
$
—
— $
(17.9)
14.9 $
—
684.5 $
—
(30.7) $
(17.9)
668.8
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
39
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
NOTE 1
NOTE 2
NOTE 3
NOTE 4
NOTE 5
NOTE 6
NOTE 7
NOTE 8
NOTE 9
NOTE 10
NOTE 11
NOTE 12
NOTE 13
NOTE 14
NOTE 15
NOTE 16
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Recently Adopted and New Accounting Standards
Fair Value Measurements
Leases
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Income Taxes
Debt
Other Operating Charges, net
Non-Operating Expense
Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Earnings per Share
Stockholders' Equity
Commitments and Contingencies
Segment Information
Subsequent Events
PAGE
NUMBER
41
45
45
45
47
48
51
53
54
54
60
60
61
62
63
65
40
NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
We are a premier supplier of bleached paperboard and consumer and parent roll tissue. We supply bleached paperboard
to quality-conscious printers and packaging converters, and offer services that include custom sheeting, slitting and
cutting. We supply private label tissue to major retailers, including grocery, club, mass merchants and discount stores.
Unless the context otherwise requires or unless otherwise indicated, references in this report to “Clearwater Paper
Corporation,” “we,” “our,” “the Company” and “us” refer to Clearwater Paper Corporation and its subsidiaries. All
dollar amounts are shown in millions, except share and per share amounts.
USE OF ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure
of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of net sales and
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
These consolidated financial statements include the financial condition and results of operations of Clearwater Paper
Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances between operations within
the Company have been eliminated. Certain amounts have been reclassified from prior year presentation for consistency.
CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH
We consider all highly liquid instruments with maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash that is held
by a third party and has restrictions on its availability to us is classified as restricted cash. The following table provides a
reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets to the sum of
those same amounts shown in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash included in Other current assets
Restricted cash included in Other assets, net
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Receivables consist of:
Trade accounts receivable
Allowance for current expected credit losses
Unbilled receivables
Taxes receivable
Other
December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
$
42.0 $
—
—
42.0 $
53.7 $
0.7
—
54.4 $
25.2
—
1.1
26.2
December 31,
2023
2022
173.8
(1.5)
4.1
4.8
3.1
184.5
$
$
167.6
(1.4)
9.1
10.6
2.9
188.8
$
$
41
INVENTORIES
Our inventories are stated at the lower of net realizable value or current cost using the average cost method.
Logs, chips and sawdust
Pulp
Paperboard and tissue products
Materials and supplies
December 31,
2023
2022
22.1
16.8
156.8
124.1
319.8
$
$
23.6
16.8
171.9
111.7
324.0
$
$
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, including assets acquired under finance lease obligations, and any
interest costs capitalized, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation of buildings, equipment and other depreciable
assets is determined using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives generally range from 10 to 40 years for land
improvements, 10 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 2 to 25 years for machinery and equipment (includes
office and other equipment).
Land and land improvements
Buildings and improvements
Machinery and equipment
Construction in progress
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
Property, plant and equipment, net
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
106.0
461.0
2,359.9
53.0
2,979.8
(1,989.7)
990.1
$
$
106.1
456.8
2,346.5
23.9
2,933.4
(1,916.3)
1,017.1
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, included within property, plant and equipment, net were finance leases of $29.9 million
and $31.8 million and associated accumulated depreciation amounts of $16.2 million and $16.4 million.
Depreciation expense totaled $96.4 million, $101.1 million and $102.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2023,
2022 and 2021.
PLANNED MAINTENANCE
We recognize the cost of repair and maintenance activities in the period in which the activity is performed or goods are
consumed under the direct expense method. We perform planned maintenance activities at our facilities periodically and
associated expenses are included in cost of sales.
LEASES
Operating lease right-of-use (ROU) assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of a lease based on
the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our leases may include options to extend or terminate the lease.
These options to extend are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option.
Some leases have variable payments: however, because they are not based on an index or rate, they are not included in
the ROU assets and liabilities. Variable payments for real estate leases primarily relate to common area maintenance,
insurance, taxes and utilities. Variable payments for equipment, vehicles, and leases within supply agreements primarily
relate to usage, repairs and maintenance. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of our leases, we apply
a portfolio approach using an estimated incremental borrowing rate to determine the initial present value of lease
payments over the lease terms on a collateralized basis over a similar term, which is based on market and company
specific information. We use our unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjust that rate to approximate a collateralized rate.
Leases having a lease term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is
recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition, we have applied the practical expedient to
42
account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all of our leases. See Note 4, "Leases"
for further information.
ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED LIABILITIES
Trade payables
Accrued compensation
Operating lease liabilities
Other
December 31,
2023
2022
163.9 $
39.0
15.4
66.9
285.1 $
213.0
41.9
12.0
44.2
311.1
$
$
Included in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities is $13.0 million and $15.7 million related to capital
expenditures that had not yet been paid as of December 31, 2023 and as of December 31, 2022.
We maintain a program with a financial institution to provide our vendors with an option to receive payments earlier than
our standard payment terms. Vendors receive payments directly from the financial institution. We are obligated to repay
the financial institution in the next billing cycle which is generally 35 to 60 days later than payment to the supplier. As of
December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, $14.7 million and $14.5 million of outstanding obligations under this
program were included in other accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
RETIREMENT PLANS AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
We are required to use actuarial methods and assumptions in the valuation of defined benefit obligations and other
postretirement obligations and the determination of expense. Differences between actual and expected results or changes
in the values of the obligations and plan assets are not recognized in earnings as they occur but, rather, systematically
and gradually over subsequent periods.
See Note 10, "Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits" for further information.
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 consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of
existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those
temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change
in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
The determination of our provision for income taxes requires significant judgment, the use of estimates, and the
interpretation and application of complex tax laws. Significant judgment is required in assessing the timing and amounts
of deductible and taxable items and the probability of sustaining uncertain tax positions. The benefits of uncertain tax
positions are recorded in our consolidated financial statements only after determining a more-likely-than-not probability
that the uncertain tax positions will withstand challenge, if any, from tax authorities. When facts and circumstances
change, we reassess these probabilities and record any changes in the consolidated financial statements as appropriate.
See Note 6, "Income Taxes" for further information.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
We enter into contracts that can include various combinations of tissue and paperboard products, which are generally
distinct and accounted for as separate performance obligations.
Generally, revenue is recognized at a point in time upon transfer of control of promised products or services to customers
in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive in exchange for those products or services. Transfer of
control typically occurs when the title and risk of loss passes to the customer. Shipping terms generally indicate when
title and the risk of loss have passed, usually this is upon receipt at our customer's destination. We have elected to treat
shipping and handling costs as a fulfillment cost. We expense incremental direct costs of obtaining a contract (sales
commissions) when incurred because the amortization period is generally 12 months or less. We maintain consignment
inventory at a limited number of customer locations. For consigned inventory, we recognize revenue upon transfer of
43
control, which is often in advance of invoicing the customer. These amounts are classified as unbilled receivables in the
above detail of accounts receivable.
We provide for trade promotions, customer cash discounts and other deductions, which are considered variable
consideration and recorded as a reduction of net sales. Returns and credits are estimated at contract inception and
updated at the end of each reporting period as additional information becomes available. Revenue, net of returns and
credits, is only recognized to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of any incremental revenue will not
occur. Judgment associated with forecasted volumes is required to determine the most probable amount of variable
consideration to apply as a reduction to net sales. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had $5.9 million and $6.3
million accrued as customer rebates. Revenue is recognized net of any taxes collected from customers.
See Note 15, "Segment Information" for further information, including the disaggregation of revenue by segment,
primary geographical market, and major product type.
OTHER OPERATING CHARGES, NET
We classify significant amounts unrelated to ongoing core operating activities as “Other operating charges, net” in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations. Such items include, but are not limited to, amounts related to facility closures
and related gain (loss) on sale and impairment, restructuring charges (including severance charges), charges to establish
and maintain litigation or environmental reserves, gains or losses from settlements with governmental or other
organizations and cash settled equity-based compensation to our directors. Due to the nature of these items, amounts in
the statement of operations can fluctuate from year to year. The determination of which items are considered significant
and unrelated to core operations is based upon management’s judgment.
See Note 8, "Other Operating Charges, net" for a discussion of specific amounts in 2023, 2022 and 2021.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE ARRANGEMENT
During 2019, we entered into an uncommitted supply-chain financing program with a global financial institution under
which a specific customer's trade accounts receivable may be acquired, without recourse, by the institution at a
discounted rate. Available capacity under this program is dependent on the level of our trade accounts receivable with
this customer and the financial institution’s willingness to purchase such receivables. We have no servicing
responsibilities under this agreement. This agreement allows us to obtain payment more quickly than under the
contractual terms of sale to this customer.
Receivables sold are de-recognized from our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and
2022, we sold $257.5 million and $216.1 million of receivables. The proceeds from these sales of receivables are
included within operating activities in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. For the years ended December 31,
2023, 2022, and 2021 factoring expense on the sale of receivables was $3.7 million, $1.8 million, and $0.9 million and
was included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
We estimate our environmental and asset retirement obligations based on various assumptions and judgments, the
specific nature of which varies in light of the particular facts and circumstances surrounding each liability. These
estimates typically reflect assumptions and judgments as to the probable nature, magnitude and timing of required
investigation, remediation and monitoring activities and the probable cost of these activities. We have accrued only for
specific costs related to environmental matters that we have determined are probable and for which an amount can be
reasonably estimated. For asset retirement obligations, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and, where
appropriate, the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, we
recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. Our asset retirement
obligation is included in "Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations" in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our asset retirement obligation reflects the estimated present value of our obligations for capping, closure and post
closure cost with respect to landfills, asbestos remediation and other ongoing environmental monitoring. The following
44
table represents the activity associated with our asset retirement obligations.
Beginning balance
Accretion expense
Payments made
Ending balance
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
1.9
0.1
(0.1)
2.0
$
$
2.0
—
(0.1)
1.9
NOTE 2 Recently Adopted and New Accounting Standards
RECENTLY ADOPTED
In September 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")
No. 2022-04, Liabilities—Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50). This standard requires disclosure of the key
terms of outstanding supplier finance programs and a roll forward of the related obligations. The new standard does not
affect the recognition, measurement or financial statement presentation of supplier finance program obligations. The
ASU became effective January 1, 2023, except for the roll forward requirement, which becomes effective January 1,
2024. This ASU, except for the roll forward requirement, was adopted retrospectively as of January 1, 2023 and did not
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements other than expanded disclosures.
NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic
740), which requires enhanced disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and disaggregation of income taxes
paid. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are
currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting—Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures (Topic 280). This standard requires enhanced disclosures of segment expenses as well as additional
information provided to the Chief Operating Decision Maker. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after
December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The amendments in this
ASU should be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. Early adoption is
permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair value measurements and disclosures requirements establish a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to
valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three levels. Level 1 inputs, the highest priority, are quoted prices in
active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs reflect other than quoted prices included in level 1 that are
either observable directly or through corroboration with observable market data. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs
due to little or no market activity for the asset or liability, such as internally-developed valuation models.
Carrying amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables
and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. See discussion on fair
market values for long-term debt included within Note 7, "Debt."
We review the carrying values of goodwill and long-lived assets to be held and used for impairment wherever events or
changes in circumstances indicate possible impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when a long-lived asset's
carrying value is not recoverable and exceeds estimated fair value. See Note 5, "Goodwill and Intangible Assets" for
discussion of fair market values for goodwill.
NOTE 4 Leases
We have operating leases for manufacturing, office, warehouse, equipment and vehicles. Our leases have remaining lease
terms from less than one to twelve years, and some of our leases include one or more options to renew.
45
1.8
1.7
3.5
1.7
21.8
43.3
15.4
12.0
0.9
35.9
23.3
47.9
24.2
60.2 $
13.7 $
15.4 $
0.8 $
48.7 $
22.4 $
64.1 $
23.3 $
December 31,
2023
2022
4.3
12.4
5.7 %
8.5 %
4.9
13.3
4.8 %
8.5 %
COMPONENTS OF LEASE EXPENSE
Operating lease costs
Finance lease costs:
Amortization of ROU assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Total finance lease costs
Variable lease costs
Total lease costs
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
19.3 $
17.4 $
16.6
1.3
2.0
3.3
2.1
24.7 $
1.3
2.1
3.3
1.8
22.5 $
$
SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION
Balance Sheet Caption
2023
2022
December 31,
Lease ROU assets
Operating lease assets
Finance lease assets, net
Lease Liabilities
Current operating lease liabilities
Current finance lease liabilities
Other assets, net
Property, plant and equipment, net
$
$
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $
Current portion of long-term debt
$
$
$
$
$
Non-current operating lease liabilities
Non-current finance lease liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities and other long-
term obligations
Long-term debt
Total operating lease liabilities
Total finance lease liabilities
LEASE TERM AND DISCOUNT RATE
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
Operating leases
Finance leases
Weighted average discount rate
Operating leases
Finance leases
46
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
Operating cash flows from finance leases
Financing cash flows from finance leases
Non-cash amounts for lease liabilities arising from obtaining ROU
assets:
Operating leases
Finance leases
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
$
19.6 $
2.0
0.9
32.7 $
—
19.7 $
2.1
1.1
6.4 $
4.2
18.8
1.6
1.7
5.0
—
MATURITY OF LEASE LIABILITIES
As of December 31, 2023, our future maturities of lease liabilities were as follows:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Thereafter
Total lease payments
Less imputed interest
Present value of lease liabilities
NOTE 5 Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Operating
Finance
18.5 $
17.2
14.3
12.8
7.8
1.6
72.2
(8.1)
64.1 $
2.8
2.8
2.9
2.9
3.0
24.0
38.3
(15.0)
23.3
$
$
Changes in the carrying amounts of goodwill and intangible assets allocated to each segment were as follows:
Balance as of December 31, 2021
Amortization
Balance as of December 31, 2022
Amortization
Balance as of December 31, 2023
Pulp and Paperboard
Total
Goodwill
Intangibles
$
$
35.1
—
35.1
—
35.1
$
$
10.8
(2.2)
8.6
(2.1)
6.4
$
$
45.9
(2.2)
43.6
(2.1)
41.5
For all periods presented in the table above, the Consumer Products segment had no goodwill or intangible assets with a
net book value. The above balances are included in "Other assets, net" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
As of December 31, 2023, intangible assets consisted of $6.4 million customer relationships. As of December 31, 2022,
intangible assets consisted of $8.6 million of customer relationships. Outstanding definite-lived intangible assets are
amortized over their useful lives of 10 years.
We annually evaluate goodwill for possible impairment as of November 1 with additional interim evaluation performed
when management believes that it is more likely than not that events or circumstances have occurred that would result in
the impairment of a reporting unit’s goodwill. We evaluate our intangible assets for impairment when events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
The gross book value and accumulated amortization of definite lived intangible assets at December 31, 2023 was $34.9
million and $28.4 million. The gross book value and accumulated amortization of definite lived intangible assets at
December 31, 2022 was $34.9 million and $26.3 million.
47
As of December 31, 2023, estimated future amortization expense related to intangible assets is as follows:
Amount
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
Total
$
$
NOTE 6 Income Taxes
INCOME TAX PROVISION (BENEFIT)
The components of income tax provision (benefit) is comprised of the following:
Current
Federal
State
Total current
Deferred
Federal
State
Total deferred
Income tax provision (benefit)
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
$
42.8
8.5
51.3
(13.1)
(1.8)
(14.9)
36.4
$
$
31.2
3.8
34.9
(7.6)
(0.3)
(7.9)
27.0
$
$
2.1
2.1
2.1
—
—
6.4
1.3
0.7
2.0
(8.8)
(0.9)
(9.7)
(7.7)
The income tax provision (benefit) differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to
income (loss) before income taxes due to the following:
For The Years Ended December 31,
Tax at the statutory rate
State and local taxes, net of federal income tax
impact
Adjustment for state deferred tax rate 1
Federal credits 2
Uncertain tax positions
Worthless stock deduction
Uncertain tax position - worthless stock
deduction
Non-deductible expenses
Change in valuation allowances1
Other, net
2023
30.3
%
21.0 %
2022
15.3
%
21.0 %
3.3 %
(7.8)%
10.1 %
(0.8)%
2.4
(5.7)
7.4
(0.6)
(68.4)
(93.6)%
68.4
93.6 %
1.6
5.9
0.6
2.2 %
8.1 %
0.8 %
2021
(7.5)
0.2
(0.4)
0.1
(0.2)
—
—
0.2
—
(0.1)
%
21.0 %
(0.5)%
1.2 %
(0.2)%
0.5 %
— %
— %
(0.6)%
0.1 %
0.2 %
5.8
(0.8)
(1.3)
2.2
(10.5)
10.5
1.3
(0.1)
(1.0)
4.0 %
(0.6)%
(0.9)%
1.5 %
(7.3)%
7.3 %
0.9 %
(0.1)%
(0.7)%
Income tax provision (benefit)
21.6 %
36.4
1 In 2022, Idaho revised their state income tax rate. Given our expected utilization, we recorded an offset to our valuation
allowances for the amount of this reduction.
2 In 2022, we adjusted our tax positions under audit related to the disallowance of a previously taken federal tax credits
37.0 %
25.3 %
(7.7)
27.0
48
based upon interpretation of the law.
DEFERRED TAXES
The tax effects of significant temporary differences creating deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 were:
2023
2022
Deferred tax assets:
Employee benefits
Postretirement employee benefits
Incentive compensation
Inventories
Pensions
Federal and state credit carryforwards
Federal and state net operating losses
Operating leases
Capitalized research credits
Total deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property, plant and equipment, net
Operating leases
Pensions
Intangible assets, net
Other
Total deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax assets (liabilities) consist of:
Non-current deferred tax assets1
Non-current deferred tax liabilities
Net deferred tax liabilities
$
3.6
$
13.1
3.7
1.2
—
10.6
1.3
16.0
8.0
57.5
(9.0)
48.4
(158.3)
(15.0)
(0.5)
(1.3)
(1.4)
(176.5)
$
(128.1) $
3.2
12.9
3.5
2.2
0.9
10.1
3.3
12.0
2.7
50.8
(10.8)
40.0
(168.3)
(10.8)
—
(1.8)
(1.2)
(182.1)
(142.1)
December 31,
2023
2022
$
$
$
0.8
(128.9)
(128.1) $
0.6
(142.7)
(142.1)
1
Included in "Other assets, net" on our accompanying December 31, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We have tax benefits associated with state jurisdictions totaling $2.9 million which expire between 2024 and 2042.
49
UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS
The following table provides a roll forward of our unrecognized tax benefits.
Beginning balance
Increases:
Tax position taken in current year
Tax position taken in prior years
Decreases:
Settlements during the year
Lapse of statutes in current year
Ending balance
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
70.4 $
5.9 $
6.4
0.4
10.4
(0.3)
—
80.9 $
68.6
(0.1)
(3.1)
(0.9)
70.4 $
0.2
(0.7)
—
—
5.9
$
During 2022, we ceased operations in our wholly owned subsidiary, Cellu Tissue Holdings, Inc. and recorded a $68.4
million reserve for an estimated uncertain tax position relating to a worthless stock deduction for our investment which
represented a full reserve of the tax effects of that position. During 2023, an additional $10.4 million was recorded as a
reserve for uncertain tax positions relating to state income tax effects of the worthless stock deduction. During the year
ended December 31, 2023, we filed our U.S. 2022 tax return reflecting this position and requested a tax refund which
was generated primarily due to the worthless stock deduction. Prior to December 31, 2023, we received this refund.
Given the continued uncertainty of sustaining this position on the worthless stock deduction, we did not recognize the
benefit and continue to record as an uncertain tax position. We have requested a ruling from the IRS in connection with
the worthless stock deduction and expect a determination in 2024.
As of December 31, 2023, the unrecognized tax benefits of $80.9 million were reflected in our Consolidated Balance
sheets as a reduction to taxes receivable of $35.0 million (included in Receivables, net), a reduction to deferred tax assets
(included in Other assets, net) of $17.9 million, "Accounts Payable and accrued liabilities" of $26.0 million and
"Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations" of $2.0 million. As of December 31, 2022, the unrecognized tax
benefits of $70.4 million were reflected in our Consolidated Balance sheets as a reduction to taxes receivable of
$26.0 million (included in Receivables, net), a reduction to deferred tax assets (included in Other assets, net) of
$43.1 million, and "Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations" of $1.3 million.
Unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2023, if recognized, would have favorably impacted our effective tax rate
by decreasing our tax provision by $80.9 million. We reflect accrued interest related to tax obligations, as well as
penalties, in our provision for income taxes. For the year ended December 31, 2023, we accrued interest of $1.5 million
and penalties of $0.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, we accrued interest of less than $0.4
million each year in our income tax provision and no penalties in our income tax provision.
We have operations in many states within the U.S. and are subject, at times, to tax audits in these jurisdictions. During
2022, we effectively settled federal tax years 2015 through 2019, however such years remain subject to exam until the
U.S. federal exam is formally closed. With a few exceptions, we are no longer subject to state and local tax examination
for years prior to 2018.
50
NOTE 7 Debt
Long-term debt at the balance sheet dates consisted of:
December 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
Interest Rate at
December 31,
2023
Principal
Unamortized
Debt Costs
Total
Principal
Unamortized
Debt Costs
Total
Term loan credit agreement
maturing 2028, fixed interest
rate
2014 Notes, maturing 2025,
fixed interest rate
2020 Notes, maturing 2028,
fixed interest rate
ABL Credit Agreement,
variable interest rates
Finance leases
Total debt
Less: current portion
Net long-term portion
9.1%
$
150.0 $
(2.8) $
147.2
$
— $
— $
—
—%
4.8%
6.7%
—
—
—
270.0
(0.5)
269.5
275.0
(2.4)
272.6
275.0
(2.9)
272.1
20.0
23.3
468.3
(0.8)
—
—
(5.1)
—
20.0
23.3
463.1
(0.8)
—
24.2
569.2
(0.9)
—
—
(3.4)
—
—
24.2
565.8
(0.9)
$
467.4 $
(5.1) $
462.3
$
568.3 $
(3.4) $
564.9
During 2023, we redeemed the 2014 Notes in full. This redemption resulted in a loss on early debt extinguishment of
$3.1 million consisting of $0.4 million related to the write off of unamortized debt costs along with the premium on debt
redemption of $2.7 million.
Deferred debt costs are amortized over the life of the related debt using a straight-line basis which approximates the
effective interest method. Deferred debt costs associated with our current line of credit is recorded within "Other assets,
net" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The fair value of our debt as of December 31 is included in the following table:
Term loan credit agreement, maturing 2028, fixed interest rate
Revolving credit facility, maturing 2027, variable interest rate
2014 Notes, maturing 2025, fixed interest rate
2020 Notes, maturing 2028, fixed interest rate
2023
2022
$
$
150.6 $
20.0
—
255.1
425.7 $
—
—
263.1
241.2
504.3
TERM LOAN CREDIT AGREEMENT
On October 27, 2023, we entered into the PCA Credit Agreement with the lenders party thereto and AgWest Farm
Credit, PCA, as administrative agent. The PCA Credit Agreement consists of a revolving term loan commitment of $270
million, $150 million of which was advanced at closing. This advance, along with a $60 million draw on the ABL Credit
Agreement and cash on hand was used to redeem the 2014 Notes and discharge our obligations in full. The Commitment
under the PCA Credit Agreement is subject to an annual reduction of 2% of the commitments then in effect. The PCA
Credit Agreement matures on the earlier of October 27, 2028, subject to springing maturity 91 days prior to the maturity
of the 2020 Notes, if the outstanding principal amount of the 2020 Notes plus $50 million is less than our available
borrowing liquidity and unrestricted cash.
We may prepay and reborrow any borrowings under the PCA Credit Agreement, in whole or in part, at any time and
from time to time without premium or penalty (except for the initial $150 million borrowing which may not be prepaid
for one year and in certain other circumstances). In addition, we must make mandatory prepayments of principal under
the PCA Credit Agreement upon the occurrence of certain asset sales. The PCA Credit Agreement contains certain
customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative covenants of the Company. At December 31, 2023,
51
we were in compliance with the PCA Credit Agreement.
Under the PCA Credit Agreement, loans generally may bear interest based on SOFR or the administrative agent’s fixed
rate, as applicable, plus, in each case, an applicable margin of 3.65% per annum. In the case of the initial $150 million
borrowing, the Company has selected a one-year fixed rate loan that will bear interest at an all-in interest rate of 9.1%.
We may receive patronage dividends under the PCA Credit Agreement. Patronage dividends are distributions of profits
from banks in the farm credit system. Patronage dividends, which are generally made in cash, are accrued as earned and
recorded as a reduction to interest expense.
The PCA Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative
covenants of us and our subsidiaries that restrict us and our subsidiaries’ ability to take certain actions, including,
incurrence of indebtedness, creation of liens, mergers or consolidations, dispositions of assets, repurchase or redemption
of capital stock and certain types of indebtedness, making certain investments, entering into certain transactions with
affiliates or changing the nature of our business.
ABL CREDIT AGREEMENT
Our ABL Credit Agreement matures on November 7, 2027 and includes a $275 million revolving loan commitment,
subject to borrowing base limitations based on a percentage of applicable eligible receivables and eligible inventory.
Based upon our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023, our eligible receivables and inventory supported
up to $259 million availability under the line of which $20 million was outstanding and $3.7 million was utilized to issue
letters of credit. We may, at our option, prepay any borrowings under the ABL Credit Agreement, in whole or in part, at
any time and from time to time without premium or penalty (except in certain circumstances). Borrowings under the
ABL Credit Agreement are also subject to mandatory prepayment in certain circumstances, including in the event that
borrowings exceed applicable borrowing base limits. We may also increase commitments under the ABL Credit
Agreement in an aggregate principal amount of up to $100 million, subject to obtaining commitments from any
participating lenders and certain other conditions.
Under the ABL Credit Agreement, loans may bear interest based on SOFR (secured overnight financing rate) or an
annual base rate, as applicable, plus, in each case, an applicable margin that is based on availability, as calculated under
the ABL Credit Agreement that may vary from 1.25% per annum to 1.75% per annum in the case of SOFR loans and
0.25% per annum to 0.75% per annum in the case of annual base rate loans. In addition, a commitment fee based on
unused availability is also payable which may vary from 0.25% per annum to 0.375% per annum.
The ABL Credit Agreement contains certain customary representations, warranties, and affirmative and negative
covenants of us and our subsidiaries that restrict us and our subsidiaries' ability to take certain actions, including,
incurrence of indebtedness, creation of liens, mergers or consolidations, dispositions of assets, repurchase or redemption
of capital stock and certain types of indebtedness, making certain investments, entering into certain transactions with
affiliates or changing the nature of our business. The agreement also contains a financial covenant, which requires us to
maintain a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.10x to 1.00x, provided that the financial covenant
under the ABL Credit Agreement is only applicable during an event of default or if availability, as calculated under the
ABL Credit Agreement, is at any time less than or equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the Line Cap and (ii) $19 million. As
of December 31, 2023, our fixed charge coverage ratio was approximately 3.85x. Our ability to utilize our ABL Credit
Agreement could be limited in the future by our bond indenture which have limitations on liens.
2020 NOTES
In 2020, we issued $275 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (2020 Notes) due August 15, 2028 with an
interest rate of 4.75%.
The 2020 Notes are unsecured and effectively subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured debt,
including borrowings under its existing credit facilities. The 2020 Notes are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by each of
the Company’s existing direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, and will be guaranteed by each of the Company’s
future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions. If the Company is unable to make
payments on the 2020 Notes when they are due, each Guarantor is obligated to make such payments.
The Indenture contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of any of our subsidiaries to
(i) enter into sale leaseback transactions, (ii) incur liens and (iii) consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our
assets. In addition, the Indenture requires, among other things, we provide certain reports to holders of the 2020 Notes.
These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions, limitations and qualifications as set forth in the Indenture.
52
We may redeem all or a portion of the 2020 Notes at specified redemption prices plus accrued and unpaid interest. In
addition, we may be required to make an offer to purchase the 2020 Notes upon the sale of certain assets and upon a
change in control.
2014 NOTES
In 2014, we issued $300 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes (2014 Notes), due February 1, 2025, with an
interest rate of 5.375%. As of December 31, 2023, these notes have been fully extinguished.
SCHEDULED PAYMENTS
As of December 31, 2023, our future maturities of long term debt over the next five years are $20 million due in 2027
and $425 million due 2028.
NOTE 8 Other Operating Charges, net
The major components of “Other operating charges, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are:
Costs associated with mill closure
Reorganization and other expenses
Miscellaneous environmental accruals
Impairment of equipment
Directors' equity-based compensation expense
Other
2023
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
$
— $
1.8
—
2.1
0.9
0.4
5.3 $
0.4 $
1.6
—
6.1
0.9
0.7
9.7 $
50.0
8.4
(1.8)
—
1.1
—
57.7
During 2023, we recorded $5.3 million of expense in "Other operating charges, net". The main components of the
expense include:
•
•
•
expense of $1.8 million related to reorganization and other expenses including consulting and legal fees
associated with our efforts to achieve long-term performance improvements,
loss of $2.1 million associated with the impairment of equipment and related spare parts no longer being used;
and
expense of $0.9 million relating to directors' equity-based compensation which is remeasured each period based
upon changes in our stock price.
2022
During 2022, we recorded a $9.7 million net loss in "Other operating charges, net". The components of the net loss
include:
•
•
•
expense of $0.4 million associated with mill closure costs,
loss of $6.1 million associated with the impairment of fixed assets,
expenses of $1.6 million related to reorganization and other expenses including consulting fees associated with
our efforts to achieve long-term performance improvements, and
expense of $0.9 million relating to directors' equity-based compensation which is remeasured each period based
upon changes in our stock price.
•
53
2021
During 2021, we recorded a $57.7 million net loss in "Other operating charges, net". The components of the net loss
include:
•
expense of $50.0 million associated with mill closure, and subsequent sale of land, building and related
equipment, including $37.2 million associated with the impairment of fixed assets and certain inventory and
$12.8 million associated with severance and other related closure costs,
expenses of $8.4 million related to reorganization and other expenses including consulting fees associated with
our efforts to achieve long-term performance improvements,
gain of $1.8 million associated with the release of asset retirement obligations attributable to divested assets,
and
expense of $1.1 million relating to directors' equity-based compensation which is remeasured each period based
upon changes in our stock price.
•
•
•
NOTE 9 Non-Operating Expense
The major components of “Non-operating expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations are:
Interest expense
Capitalized interest
Amortization of debt issuance costs
Interest income
Interest expense, net
Debt retirement costs
Non-operating pension and other postretirement employee benefits
expense (income)
Total non-operating expense
NOTE 10 Retirement Plans and Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
$
(31.9) $
0.8
(1.3)
2.4
(30.0)
(34.3) $
0.2
(1.5)
1.0
(34.6)
(3.1)
(0.5)
0.1
(33.0) $
(5.7)
(40.9) $
(35.5)
0.3
(1.8)
0.6
(36.4)
(1.0)
(10.4)
(47.7)
Certain of our employees are eligible to participate in defined contribution savings and defined benefit postretirement
plans. These include 401(k) savings plans, defined benefit pension plans including company-sponsored and
multiemployer plans, and other postretirement employee benefit (OPEB) plans.
401(k) Savings Plans
Substantially all of our employees are eligible to participate in 401(k) savings plans, which include a company match
component. As of December 31, 2023 our contributions may be up to 7.7% for U.S. salaried and non-union hourly
employees, consisting of a match of up to 4.2% of allowable contributions and an automatic employer contribution of
3.5%. Contributions associated with our union employees are based upon negotiated agreements. In 2023, 2022 and
2021, we recorded expense of $16.7 million, $15.7 million, and $16.4 million related to employer contributions to the
401(k) plans.
Company-Sponsored Defined Benefit Pension and OPEB Plans
A portion of our salaried and hourly employees are covered by company-sponsored noncontributory defined benefit
pension plans. We provide retiree health care and life insurance plans, which cover certain salaried and hourly
employees. Retiree health care benefits for Medicare eligible participants over the age of 65 are provided through Health
Reimbursement Accounts, or HRA's. Benefits for retirees under the age of 65 are provided under our company-
sponsored health care plans, which require retiree contributions and contain other cost-sharing features. The retiree life
insurance plans are primarily noncontributory.
54
We also maintain a Salaried Supplemental Benefit Plan, an unfunded, non-qualified defined benefit plan intended to
provide supplemental retirement benefits to certain executives. Benefits in the Salaried Supplemental Benefit Plan are
generally provided to restore benefits or company contributions that are reduced under the company sponsored qualified
plans due to the limits of Section 401(a)(17) or 415 of the Code. The plan is composed of a defined benefit portion and a
defined contribution portion. The defined benefit portion of the plan was frozen on December 31, 2011 (the date on
which all benefit accruals under the Salaried Retirement Plan were frozen) and as of December 31, 2023, we had two
active employees under this portion. We paid benefits of $0.5 million associated with the defined benefit portion of the
plan in 2023. The defined contribution portion of this liability totaled $2.3 million and $1.6 million at December 31,
2023 and 2022. The current and long-term portions of the liability are included in “Accounts payable and accrued
liabilities” and “Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The
defined benefit portion is included in the pension benefit plans tables below.
Pension and Other Postretirement Employee Benefit Plans
The following table shows the changes in the benefit obligation, plan assets and funded status for 2023 and 2022 for both
the pension benefit plans and the other postretirement employee benefit plans.
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year
Service cost
Interest cost
Actuarial (gains) losses
Benefits paid
Benefit obligation at end of year
Changes in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Actual return on plan assets
Employer contribution
Benefits paid
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded status at end of year
Amounts recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Non-current assets
Current liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Net amount recognized
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive
loss (pre-tax):
Net actuarial loss (gain)
Pension Benefit Plans
2023
2022
Other Postretirement
Employee Benefit Plans
2023
2022
$
$
$
$
$
234.7 $
3.5
12.5
0.1
(22.4)
228.3
231.7
21.2
0.5
(22.4)
231.1
$
310.1
2.2
8.9
(65.5)
(21.0)
234.7
317.5
(65.3)
0.5
(21.0)
231.7
2.8 $
(3.0) $
52.2 $
0.2
2.8
2.2
(4.9)
52.5
—
—
4.9
(4.9)
—
(52.5) $
11.1 $
(0.5)
(7.9)
2.8 $
8.4
(0.4)
(11.0)
$
— $
(4.7)
(47.8)
(3.0) $
(52.5) $
71.9
0.3
2.1
(17.3)
(4.8)
52.2
—
—
4.8
(4.8)
—
(52.1)
—
(4.9)
(47.2)
(52.1)
56.4 $
62.5
$
(8.9) $
(11.5)
The benefit obligation for our pension benefits is the projected benefit obligation based upon credited service as of the
measurement date.
The December 31, 2023 pension funded status was unfavorably affected by a decrease in the discount rate, partially
offset by higher than expected asset returns. The OPEB benefit obligation increased as of December 31, 2023 due to a
decrease in the discount rate, increase in claim costs assumptions, and the continued payment of benefits, partially offset
by demographic changes.
55
Information as of December 31 for certain pension plans included above with accumulated benefit obligations in excess
of plan assets were as follows:
Projected benefit obligation
Accumulated benefit obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Net Periodic Cost
$
2023
2022
129.1 $
129.1
120.7
132.6
132.6
121.2
Service cost is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by
employees during the year. Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted
amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current-year
earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan assets
Amortization of actuarial loss
Net periodic cost
Pension Benefit Plans
Other Postretirement
Employee Benefit Plans
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
$
3.5 $
2.2 $
12.5
(15.2)
0.1
8.9
(11.3)
6.2
1.8
8.4
(10.6)
10.2
$
0.2 $
0.3 $
2.8
—
(0.4)
2.1
—
—
$
0.8 $
5.9 $
9.9
$
2.6 $
2.4 $
0.4
2.0
—
0.3
2.7
The components of net periodic pension expense other than the Service cost component are included in "Other non-
operating expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. During 2023, 2022, and 2021, $3.1 million, $2.2
million and $2.0 million of net periodic pension and OPEB costs were charged to "Cost of sales" and $0.6 million, $0.4
million and $0.2 million were charged to "Selling, general and administrative expenses," in the accompanying
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Assumptions:
Actuarial assumption used to determine benefit
obligation:
Pension Benefit Plans
Other Postretirement
Employee Benefit Plans
2023
2022
2021
2023
2022
2021
Discount rate
5.5 %
5.6 %
3.0 %
5.3 %
5.6 %
2.9 %
Actuarial assumption used to determine net
periodic pension cost:
Discount rate
Expected return on plan assets
5.6 %
5.8 %
3.0 %
4.0 %
2.6 %
3.8 %
5.6 %
—
2.9 %
—
2.6 %
—
The discount rate used in the determination of pension benefit and OPEB obligations and pension expense was
determined based on a review of long-term high-grade bonds.
The expected return on plan assets assumption is based upon an analysis of historical long-term returns for various
investment categories, as measured by appropriate indices and forward-looking expectations of returns. These indices are
weighted based upon the extent to which plan assets are invested in the particular categories in arriving at our
determination of a composite expected return.
The assumed health care cost trend rate used to calculate 2023 OPEB cost was 6.5% in 2023, grading to 3.7% by 2074,
for participants whose benefits are not provided through HRAs, and 4.5% in 2023 through 2030, then grading to 3.7%
after 2030 for participants whose benefits are provided through HRAs. The health care cost trend rate used to calculate
December 31, 2023 OPEB obligations was 6.9% in 2024, grading to 3.7% by 2074, for participants whose benefits are
not provided through HRAs, and 4.5% in 2024, grading to 3.7% after 2030, for participants whose benefits are provided
through HRAs.
56
Plan Assets
There have been no changes in the methodologies used during 2023 and 2022. Investments in common and collective
trust funds are generally valued based on their respective net asset value (or its equivalent), as a practical expedient to
estimate fair value due to the absence of a readily determinable fair value.
The following tables set forth by level, within the fair value hierarchy, the investments at fair value for our company-
sponsored pension benefit plans:
Cash and cash equivalents
Collective investment funds
Total investments at fair value
Cash and cash equivalents
Collective investment funds
Total investments at fair value
Level 1
Level 1
December 31, 2023
Investments
measured at net asset
value
1.9 $
—
1.9 $
— $
229.2
229.2 $
December 31, 2022
Investments
measured at net asset
value
1.6 $
—
1.6 $
— $
230.1
230.1 $
$
$
$
$
Total
Total
1.9
229.2
231.1
1.6
230.1
231.7
We have formal investment policy guidelines for our company-sponsored plans. These guidelines were set by our
Benefits Committee, which is comprised of members of our management and has been assigned its fiduciary authority
over management of the plan assets by our Board of Directors. The Committee’s duties include periodically reviewing
and modifying those investment policy guidelines as necessary and ensuring that the policy is adhered to and the
investment objectives are met. The investment policy includes guidelines for specific categories of equity and fixed
income securities. Assets are managed by professional investment managers who are expected to achieve a reasonable
rate of return over a market cycle. Long-term performance is a fundamental tenet of the policy.
The general policy states that plan assets would be invested to seek the greatest return consistent with the fiduciary
character of the pension funds and to allow the plans to meet the need for timely pension benefit payments. The specific
investment guidelines stipulate that management is to maintain adequate liquidity for meeting expected benefit payments
by reviewing, on a timely basis, contribution and benefit payment levels and appropriately revising long-term and short-
term asset allocations. Management takes reasonable and prudent steps to preserve the value of pension fund assets,
avoid the risk of large losses and also attempt to preserve the funded status of the plans. Major steps taken to provide this
protection included:
▪
Assets are diversified among various asset classes, such as domestic equities, international equities, fixed
income and cash. The long-term asset allocation ranges are as follows:
Domestic equities
International equities, including emerging markets
Corporate/Government bonds
Liquid reserves
5% - 10%
5% - 10%
80% - 90%
—% - 5%
57
Periodically, we review the allocations within these ranges to determine what adjustments should be made based on
changing economic and market conditions and specific liquidity requirements.
•
▪
Assets are managed by professional investment managers and could be invested in separately managed accounts
or commingled funds.
Assets are not invested in securities rated below BBB- by S&P or Baa3 by Moody’s.
The investment guidelines also require that the individual investment managers are expected to achieve a reasonable rate
of return over a market cycle. Emphasis is placed on long-term performance versus short-term market aberrations.
Factors considered in determining reasonable rates of return include performance achieved by a diverse cross section of
other investment managers, performance of commonly used benchmarks (e.g., Russell 3000 Index, MSCI World ex-U.S.
Index, Barclays Capital Long Credit Index), actuarial assumptions for return on plan investments and specific
performance guidelines given to individual investment managers.
As of December 31, 2023, eight investment options held substantially all of the pension funds. Plan assets were
diversified among the various asset classes within the allocation ranges approved by the Benefits Committee.
In 2023, we did not make any contributions to our qualified pension plans. In 2024, we expect to make contributions of
$0.7 million. We do not anticipate funding our OPEB plans in 2024 except to pay benefit costs as incurred during the
year by plan participants.
Estimated future benefit payments are as follows for the years indicated:
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029-2033
Pension
Benefit Plans
$
Other
Postretirement
Employee
Benefit Plans
4.7
4.5
4.4
4.3
4.2
19.1
19.9 $
19.7
19.4
19.2
18.9
88.1
Multiemployer Defined Benefit Pension Plans
Hourly employees at one of our manufacturing facilities participate in multiemployer defined benefit pension plans: the
PACE Industry Union-Management Pension Fund (PIUMPF) which is managed by United Steelworkers (USW),
Benefits; and the International Association of Machinist & Aerospace Workers National Pension Fund (IAM NPF). We
make contributions to these plans, as well as make contributions to a trust fund established to provide retiree medical
benefits for a portion of these employees, which is also managed by USW Benefits. The risks of participating in these
multiemployer plans are different from single-employer plans in the following respects:
•
•
•
Assets contributed to the multiemployer plan by one employer may be used to provide benefits to employees of
other participating employers.
If a participating employer stops contributing to the plan, the unfunded obligations of the plan may be borne by
the remaining participating employers. The number of employers participating in PIUMPF fell from 135 during
2012 to 43 during 2022. We believe that we are now the employer making the largest proportion of total
contributions.
Under applicable federal law, any employer contributing to a multiemployer pension plan that completely
ceases participating in the plan while it is underfunded is subject to an assessment of such employer's allocable
share of the aggregate unfunded vested benefits of the plan, except when that plan is in "critical" or "critical and
declining" status. In certain circumstances, an employer can also be assessed a statutory withdrawal liability for
a partial withdrawal from a multiemployer pension plan. Based on information available to us as of December
31, 2023, as well as information provided by PIUMPF and IAM NPF and reviewed by our actuarial consultant,
we estimate the aggregate pre-tax liability that we would have incurred if we had completely withdrawn from
PIUMPF and IAM NPF in 2023 would have been in excess of $78 million. However, the exact amount of
potential exposure could be higher or lower than the estimate, depending on, among other things, the nature and
timing of any triggering events and the funded status of PIUMPF and IAM NPF at that time. A withdrawal
58
liability is recorded for accounting purposes when withdrawal is probable and the amount of the withdrawal
obligation is reasonably estimable.
Our participation in these plans for the annual period ended December 31, 2023, is outlined in the table below. The
“EIN" and "Plan Number” columns provide the Employee Identification Number, or EIN, and the three-digit plan
number. The most recent Pension Protection Act, or PPA, zone status available in 2023 and 2022 is for a plan’s year-end
as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The zone status is set under the provisions of the Multiemployer Pension Plan
Reform Act of 2014 and is based on information we received from the plans and is certified by each plan's actuary.
Among other factors, plans in the red zone are generally less than 65 percent funded, plans in the yellow zone are less
than 80 percent but more than 65 percent funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80 percent funded. The “FIP/RP
Status Pending/Implemented” column indicates plans for which a Funding Improvement Plan, or FIP, or a Rehabilitation
Plan, or RP, is either pending or has been implemented as required by the PPA as a measure to correct its underfunded
status. The last column lists the expiration date(s) of the collective-bargaining agreement(s) to which the plans are
subject.
In 2023, the contribution rate for the IAM NPF plan was $4.00 per hour. In accordance with that plan's Rehabilitation
Plan, we began making an additional contribution in June 2019. This additional contribution started at 2.5% and will
increase 2.5% each year while the Rehabilitation Plan is in effect. Starting June of 2023 our additional contribution
increased to 13.3% of our contractual contribution rate. This additional contribution is scheduled to continue and
compound each year while the rehabilitation plan remains in effect. In 2023, the contribution rate for PIUMPF was $2.79
per hour. Contribution rates for IAM NPF and PIUMPF were increased as part of their respective RPs in lieu of the
legally required surcharge, paid by the employers, to assist the fund’s financial status. We were listed in PIUMPF’s Form
5500 report as providing more than five percent of the total contributions for the years 2022 and 2021. At the date of
issuance of our consolidated financial statements, Form 5500 reports for these plans were not available for the 2023 plan
year.
PPA Zone
Status
Contributions
(in millions)
Pension
Fund
EIN
Plan
Number
IAM NPF
51-6031295
PIUMPF
11-6166763
002
001
2023
2022
Red
Red
Red
Red
.Other Benefit Plans
FIP/
RP Status Pending/
Implemented
Implemented
Implemented
Total Contributions:
2023
2022
2021
$
$
0.2
5.6
5.8
$
$
0.3
5.5
5.7
$
$
0.3
5.4
5.7
Surcharge
Imposed
No
No
Expiration
Date
of Collective
Bargaining
Agreement
5/31/2026
8/31/2025
We maintain the Clearwater Paper Corporation Management Deferred Compensation Plan. Pursuant to this plan, certain
management employees are eligible to defer up to 50% of their regular salary and up to 10% of their annual incentives.
Each plan participant is fully vested in these contributions. The liability under this plan totaled $5.7 million and
$4.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The current and long-term portions of the liability are
included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” and “Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations” on
our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
59
NOTE 11 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss at the balance sheet dates is comprised of the following:
Pension Plan
Adjustments
(42.8) $
Other
Postretirement
Employee Benefit
Plan Adjustments
0.3
Total
$
(42.6)
4.7
4.7
9.3
(33.3)
2.8
(0.2)
2.6
(30.7)
Balance at December 31, 2021
$
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Balance at December 31, 2022
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(8.3)
4.7
(3.7)
(46.5)
4.5
0.1
4.6
13.0
—
13.0
13.3
(1.7)
(0.3)
(2.0)
Balance at December 31, 2023
$
(42.0) $
11.3
$
NOTE 12 Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings (loss) per share are based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted
earnings per share are based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all potentially
dilutive securities that were assumed to be converted into common shares at the beginning of the period under the treasury
stock method. This method requires that the effect of potentially dilutive common stock equivalents be excluded from the
calculation of diluted earnings per share for the periods in which net losses are reported because the effect is anti-dilutive.
The following table reconciles the number of common shares used in calculating the basic and diluted net earnings per
share:
(In thousands - except per share data)
Basic average common shares outstanding
Incremental shares due to:
Stock-based awards
Performance Shares
Diluted average common shares outstanding
Basic net income (loss) per common share
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
2023
16,863
December 31,
2022
16,985
148
80
17,091
196
—
17,181
$
$
6.39 $
6.30 $
2.71 $
2.68 $
2021
16,767
—
—
16,767
(1.67)
(1.67)
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from the calculation were 0.3 million, 0.3 million and 0.7 million for the years ended
December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
60
NOTE 13 Stockholders' Equity
PREFERRED STOCK
We are authorized to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock at $0.0001 par value. At December 31, 2023, no
shares of preferred stock have been issued.
COMMON STOCK PLANS
We have stock-based compensation plans under which stock options and restricted units are granted. At December 31,
2023, approximately 0.9 million shares were available for future issuance under our stock incentive plan.
Total stock-based compensation expense
Income tax benefit related to stock-based compensation
Impact on cash flow due to taxes paid related to net share settlement of
equity awards
Intrinsic value of options exercised, equity-based liabilities paid, and the
fair value of restricted stock units vested
For The Years Ended December 31,
2023
2022
2021
$
9.9 $
1.3
12.7 $
3.3
4.7
14.7
2.5
9.5
9.1
2.3
1.7
3.7
We recognize the compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is
generally the vesting term of three years. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. During 2023, 2022, and 2021,
$0.5 million of stock-based compensation expense was charged to "Cost of sales," $9.1 million, $11.2 million and
$7.5 million was charged to "Selling, general and administrative expenses," and $0.4 million, $0.9 million, and
$1.1 million was charged to "Other operating charges, net" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Restricted Stock Units (Time and Performance Vesting)
We grant restricted awards to certain employees. The awards can either be time vested or vested based upon the
attainment of certain performance metrics over a certain time period. Performance conditions generally are tied to
attainment of certain financial targets such as return on invested capital, free cash flow or other similar measures.
Awards granted under our stock incentive plan generally have a performance or vesting period of three years from the
grant date. These awards are eligible to receive dividend equivalent shares. The market value of these grants
approximates the fair value. The performance-based restricted stock units were valued using a Monte Carlo simulation.
For awards based upon the achievement of performance goals, the award could range from 0% to 200%. A summary of
the status of outstanding restricted stock units as of December 31, 2023, and changes during the year, is presented below:
Restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2022
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Restricted stock units outstanding at December 31, 2023
Time Vested
Performance-based
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
29.16
37.66
29.28
33.74
32.97
Shares
429,465 $
216,379
(177,804)
(65,633)
402,407 $
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
29.64
Shares
277,110 $
196,453
(211,944)
(36,515)
225,104 $
40.47
22.24
35.43
36.54
The weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock units (time-vested) granted during the years ended
December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $37.66 and $29.52. The weighted average grant date fair value for restricted stock
units (performance-based) granted during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $40.47 and $30.55.
As of December 31, 2023, there was $12.0 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding
restricted stock unit awards. Restricted stock unit cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9
years for time vested awards and 1.6 years for performance-based awards.
61
Stock Options
Prior to January 1, 2019, we granted options to certain employees. The options were granted at market price at the date
of grant and the fair value of the options was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (dividend yield
ignored). As of December 31, 2023 all outstanding options are fully vested with a contractual term of ten years after the
date of grant. A summary of the status of outstanding stock option awards as of December 31, 2023, and changes during
the year, is presented below:
Outstanding options at December 31, 2022
Exercised
Expired
Outstanding and exercisable options at
December 31, 2023
Director Awards
294,124 $
—
(8,442)
285,682 $
50.53
—
50.73
50.53
Weighted
Average Exercise
Price
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life
(Years)
Shares
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
—
3.3 $
2.3 $
—
Our Board of Directors are eligible to receive awards of phantom common stock units. Annually our outside directors
receive phantom stock units as part of their compensation which vest ratably over a one-year period and accrue dividend
equivalent shares for any dividends paid to shareholders of our common stock. The vested portion of a director’s
phantom share balance is converted to cash using a twenty-day average price of common stock and paid to the director
upon their separation from service as a director.
Due to its cash-settlement feature, we account for these awards as liabilities and recognize the equity-based
compensation expense or income at the end of each reporting period based on the portion of the award that is vested and
the increase or decrease in the value of our common stock. We recorded director equity-based compensation expense for
the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 of $0.9 million, $0.9 million and $1.1 million included in “Other
operating charges, net” in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
At December 31, 2023, the liability amounts associated with director equity-based compensation included in "Deferred
tax liabilities and other long-term obligations" and "Accounts payable and accrued liabilities" on our Consolidated
Balance Sheets was $5.9 million and $0.2 million. At December 31, 2022, the liability amounts associated with director
equity-based compensation included in "Deferred tax liabilities and other long-term obligations" and "Accounts payable
and accrued liabilities" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was $5.2 million and $0.1 million.
NOTE 14 Commitments and Contingencies
SELF INSURANCE
We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation and employee health care liability costs. Self-insurance
liabilities for workers’ compensation are determined based upon a valuation performed by an actuarial firm. The estimate
of future workers’ compensation liabilities incorporates loss development and an estimate associated with incurred but
not yet reported claims. These claims are discounted. Self-insurance liabilities for employee health costs are determined
actuarially based upon claims filed and estimated claims incurred but not yet reported. These claims are not discounted.
PURCHASE OBLIGATIONS
To help mitigate our exposure to market risk for changes in utility commodity pricing, we use firm price contracts to
supply a portion of the natural gas and electricity requirements of our manufacturing facilities, which were reported
through "Cost of sales" on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2023, these contracts cover
approximately 37% of our expected average monthly natural gas and electricity needs at the respective manufacturing
facilities through 2024. These contracts qualify for treatment as "normal purchases or normal sales" under authoritative
guidance and require no mark-to-market adjustment.
62
We enter into third-party contracts for certain raw materials, including pulp, logs and chemicals, which may extend
beyond one year. Such contracts are typically negotiated to ensure availability of certain product specifications at market
prices that adjust regularly within reasonable commercial terms. Such agreements may include minimum quantities, but
reductions are permitted when economic or business conditions require reduced production containing the respective raw
material.
NOTE 15 Segment Information
Our businesses are organized into two reportable operating segments: Pulp and Paperboard and Consumer Products. The
reporting segments follow the same accounting policies used for our Consolidated Financial Statements. We evaluate the
performance of our business segments based upon net sales and operating income.
Pulp and Paperboard
Our Pulp and Paperboard segment manufactures and markets solid bleached sulfate paperboard for the high-end segment
of the packaging industry as well as offers custom sheeting, slitting and cutting of paperboard.
Consumer Products
Our Consumer Products segment manufactures and sells a complete line of at-home tissue products, or retail products,
and minor amounts of parent rolls.
63
The table below presents information about our reportable segments:
Segment net sales:
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Eliminations
Total segment net sales
Operating income (loss):
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Corporate and eliminations
Other operating charges, net
Income from operations
Depreciation and amortization:
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Corporate
Total depreciation and amortization
Assets:
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Corporate
Total assets
Capital expenditures:
Pulp and Paperboard
Consumer Products
Corporate
Total capital expenditures
2023
2022
2021
1,063.7 $
1,023.4
(4.3)
2,082.8 $
1,136.3 $
950.2
(6.4)
2,080.1 $
946.0
835.0
(8.4)
1,772.6
169.1 $
91.7
(78.3)
(5.3)
177.1 $
37.4 $
58.8
2.4
98.6 $
183.5 $
11.3
(71.1)
(9.7)
113.9 $
37.0 $
62.9
3.4
103.3 $
125.7
4.0
(60.1)
(57.7)
12.0
35.7
64.9
4.4
105.0
665.8 $
917.2
88.8
1,671.8 $
641.8 $
951.1
110.6
1,703.5 $
621.1
986.2
82.8
1,690.1
52.8 $
18.8
71.7
2.0
73.7 $
24.4 $
8.2
32.6
0.9
33.5 $
20.7
17.3
38.0
0.4
38.4
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, one customer was 12%, below 10% and 11% of our total
consolidated net sales.
64
Our manufacturing facilities and all other assets are located within the continental United States. We sell and ship our
products to customers in several foreign countries. Net sales, classified by the major geographic areas in which our
customers are located and by major products, were as follows:
Primary geographical markets:
United States
Other Countries
Total net sales
Major products:
Paperboard
Retail tissue
Away-from-home tissue1
Pulp
Other
Eliminations
Total net sales
$
$
$
2023
2022
2021
1,975.2 $
1,982.8 $
107.6
97.3
2,082.8 $
2,080.1 $
1,670.2
102.4
1,772.6
1,033.6 $
1,104.8 $
1,016.2
932.3
—
20.8
16.6
(4.3)
—
19.5
29.9
(6.4)
894.9
797.9
16.3
34.8
37.0
(8.4)
$
2,082.8 $
2,080.1 $
1,772.6
1 In the third quarter of 2021, we exited our away-from-home business with the shutdown of our Neenah, Wisconsin site.
Note 16 Subsequent Events
In January 2024, we fully repaid the $20 million outstanding balance under our ABL Credit Agreement.
On February 19, 2024, we entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement with Graphic Packaging International, LLC (GPK),
such that Clearwater Paper Corporation will acquire GPK’s Augusta Georgia paperboard mill and associated assets for
$700 million subject to adjustments for working capital. We intend to finance this transaction through the commitments
noted below. Additionally, in certain conditions as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement, a reverse termination fee
could be assessed against us. The closing of this transaction is subject to regulatory approvals.
On February 19, 2024, we entered into a commitment letter with AgWest Farm Credit, PCA (AgWest), CoBank, FCB
(CoBank) and Coöperatieve Rabobank U.A. (Rabobank), in which AgWest and CoBank, agreed to provide a 5-year term
revolver credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $270 million via a refinancing of the Company’s
existing term revolver credit agreement in the event that the required consents or amendments from the existing lenders
and voting participants cannot be obtained. In addition, AgWest agreed to provide a new 7-year farm credit term loan
facility in the aggregate principal amount of $340 million and Rabobank agreed to provide a new 5-year commercial
bank term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $150 million. The obligations of the Lenders to provide such
financing are subject to the execution and delivery of mutually acceptable definitive loan documents, which are expected
to contain customary representations, warranties, covenants, and events of default, including a minimum liquidity
covenant and a maximum capitalization ratio covenant. The commitments of the Lenders will expire on, and definitive
loan documents must be executed prior to the closing of the transaction.
65
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial
Disclosure
None.
66
ITEM 9A.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures
We maintain “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us
in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the
time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer, or CEO, and Chief Financial Officer, or CFO, as appropriate, to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures,
management recognized that disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the disclosure controls and procedures are met.
Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management necessarily was required to apply its
judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of
disclosure controls and procedures is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events,
and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future
conditions.
Subject to the limitations noted above, our management, with the participation of our CEO and CFO, has evaluated the
effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the fiscal year
covered by this annual report on Form 10-K. Based on that evaluation, the CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of such
date, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to meet the objective for which they were designed and operate
at the reasonable assurance level.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as
such term is defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our CEO and CFO and with the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, our
management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the
framework in Internal Control- Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (2013 Framework). Based on our evaluation under the 2013 Framework, our management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2023.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 has been audited by
KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K.
Changes in internal control over financial reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our most recently completed
fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over
financial reporting.
67
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Clearwater Paper Corporation:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Clearwater Paper Corporation and subsidiaries' (the Company) internal control over financial reporting
as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the
Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria
established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related
consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial
statements), and our report dated February 20, 2024 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial
statements.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's
Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with
the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal
securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was
maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an
understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing
and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also
included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit
provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies
and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of
management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely
detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the
financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may
deteriorate.
Seattle, Washington
February 20, 2024
/s/ KPMG LLP
68
ITEM 9B.
Other Information
During the quarter ended December 31, 2023, none of our officers or directors adopted or terminated a Rule 10b5-1
arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement, as each is defined in Item 408(a) of regulation S-K.
ITEM 9C.
Not applicable
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent
Inspections
69
Part III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The following table details the executive officers of the Company as of February 1, 2024:
Name
Arsen S. Kitch
Sherri J. Baker
Steve M. Bowden
Michael S. Gadd
Kari G. Moyes
Michael J. Urlick
Age
42
51
60
59
56
37
Title / Position Held
President and Chief Executive Officer
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Senior Vice President, General Manager, Pulp and Paperboard Division
Senior Vice President and General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Senior Vice President, General Manager, Consumer Products Division
Arsen S. Kitch has served as President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a director, since April 2020. Mr. Kitch
served as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Consumer Products Division from May 2018 to April 2020 and
served as Vice President, General Manager, Consumer Products Division from January 2018 to May 2018. He served as
Vice President, Finance and Vice President Financial Planning and Analysis from January 2015 through December 2017,
and served as Senior Director, Strategy and Planning from August 2013 through December 2014.
Sherri J. Baker has served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since August 2023. Ms. Baker has 28 years
of experience in accounting, tax and finance along with executive experience. From February 2021 to September 2022,
Ms. Baker was Chief Financial Officer of Hyliion Holdings (NYSE:HYLN), a manufacturer of electrified powertrains
for Class 8 semi-trucks and from April 2019 to February 2021, she was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of PGT Innovations, Inc. (NYSE:PGTI), a manufacturer of premium windows and doors. From 2010 to 2019,
Ms. Baker was employed by Dean Foods, including from October 2018 to March 2019 as Vice President of Commercial
Finance and from January 2016 to September 2018 as Vice President Investor Relations, Strategy and Corporate
Finance. From 1997 to 2010 Ms. Baker was employed by Frito-Lay where she held several finance leadership roles.
Steve M. Bowden has served as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Pulp and Paperboard Division since October 1,
2018. Prior to joining the Company, from September 2016 to November 2017, Mr. Bowden was the North American
Region Vice President - Labels for Constantia Flexibles, which was subsequently acquired by the Multi-Color
Corporation at which he served as President, North America Food and Beverage Division from November 2017 to
September 2018. From March 2013 to September 2016, Mr. Bowden was President and COO of Quality Associates, a
contract packager.
Michael S. Gadd has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary since May 2011 and
served as Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from December 2008 to May 2011.
Kari G. Moyes has served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources since February 2015, and served as Vice
President, Labor Relations from July 2013 through January 2015.
Michael J. Urlick has served as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Consumer Products Division since January
2022. Mr. Urlick served as Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Consumer Products Division for the Company from June
2020 through December 2021, and as Senior Director of Sales, Consumer Products from January 2017 to June 2020. He
joined the Company in November 2013 as Senior Manager of Business Development.
Information regarding our directors is set forth under the heading “Board of Directors” in our definitive proxy statement
for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 9, 2024, referred to in this report as the 2024 Proxy
Statement, which information is incorporated herein by reference. Information regarding reporting compliance with
Section 16(a) for directors, officers or other parties is set forth under the heading “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” in
the 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
We have adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all directors and employees and a Code of Ethics
for Senior Officers that applies to our CEO, CFO, the President, the Controller and other senior officers identified by our
Board of Directors. You can find each code on our website by going to the following address:
www.clearwaterpaper.com, selecting “Investors" and "Governance,” then selecting the link for “Code of Business
Conduct and Ethics" or "Code of Ethics for Senior Officers.” We will post any amendments, as well as any waivers that
70
are required to be disclosed by the rules of either the SEC or the New York Stock Exchange, on our website. To date, no
waivers of the Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers have been considered or granted.
Our Board of Directors has adopted corporate governance guidelines and charters for the Board of Directors’ Audit
Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee. You can find these documents on
our website by going to the following address: www.clearwaterpaper.com, selecting “Investors” and “Governance,” then
selecting the appropriate link.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
Information required by Item 11 of Part III is included under the heading “Executive Compensation Discussion and
Analysis” in our 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and
Related Stockholder Matters
Information required by Item 12 of Part III is included in our 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by
reference.
The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2023, with respect to our equity compensation
plans:
Plan Category
Equity compensation plans
approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not
approved by security holders
Total
Number Of Securities
To Be Issued Upon
Exercise Of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants And Rights1
Weighted Average
Exercise Price Of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants And Rights2
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
For Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
1,138,297 $
—
1,138,297 $
50.53
—
50.53
866,713
—
866,713
1
2
Includes 402,407 time vested restricted stock units (RSUs), 450,208 performance-based RSUs and 285,682 stock options, which are the
maximum number of shares that could be awarded under the common stock plans, not including future dividend equivalents, if any are paid.
Performance shares and RSUs do not have exercise prices. During 2023, no stock option awards vested.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director
Independence
Information required by Item 13 of Part III is included under the heading “Transactions with Related Persons” in our
2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services
Information required by Item 14 of Part III is included under the heading “Fees Paid to Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm” in our 2024 Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
71
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following financial statements of Clearwater Paper are included in this report:
Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2023, and 2022.
Consolidated Statements of Operations - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss) - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Notes to the Financial Statements.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB Firm ID 185).
No other financial statement schedules are required to be filed.
72
EXHIBIT EXHIBIT DESCRIPTION
Incorporated by Reference
Filed
herewith?
Form
Exhibit
No.
Date Filed
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.1(i)
4.2
4.2(i)
10.1
10.1(i)
10.1(ii)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company, effective as of December 16, 2008, as
filed with the Secretary of State of the State of
Delaware.
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company,
effective as of December 16, 2008.
Indenture, dated as of July 29, 2014, by and among
Clearwater Paper Corporation (the “Registrant”), the
Guarantors (as defined therein) and U.S. Bank
National Association, as trustee.
Form of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2025.
Indenture, dated as of August 18, 2020, by and
among Clearwater Paper Corporation, the
Guarantors,(as defined therein) and U.S. Bank
National Association, as trustee.
Form of 4.750% Senior Notes due 2028 (included as
Exhibit A to the Indenture filed as Exhibit 4.1).
ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of July 26, 2019,
by and among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto,
and Clearwater Paper Corporation.
Amendment to ABL Credit Agreement, dated as of
January 29, 2020, by and among JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and Clearwater
Paper Corporation.
First Amendment to the ABL Credit Agreement,
dated as of August 7, 2020, by and among
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative
agent, and the lenders party thereto, and Clearwater
Paper Corporation.
10.1(iii) Third Amendment to the ABL Credit Agreement,
dated November 7, 2022, by and among JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and the
lender parties thereto and Clearwater Paper
Corporation.
Fourth Amendment to the ABL Credit Agreement
dated October 27, 2023, by and among Clearwater
Paper Corporation, JPMorgan Chase bank, N.A., as
administrative agent and the lender parties thereto.
Credit Agreement, dated October 27, 2023, by and
among Clearwater Paper Corporation, AgWest Farm
Credit, PCA, as administrative agent, and the lender
parties thereto.
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into
between the Company and each of its directors and
executive officers.
Employment Agreement between Arsen S. Kitch
and the Company, dated effective April 1, 2020.
Offer letter, dated April 9, 2020, between Michael J.
Murphy and the Company.
Offer letter, dated July 28, 2023, between Sherri J.
Baker and the Company.
10.1(iv)
10.2
10.31
10.41
10.51
10.61
73
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
8-K
3.1
3.2
4.1
4.1
4.1
8-K
4.2
December 18,
2008
December 18,
2008
July 29, 2014
July 29, 2014
August 18,
2020
August 18,
2020
8-K
10.2
July 31, 2019
10-Q
10.2
May 5, 2020
10-Q
10.1
November 3,
2020
8-K
10.1
November 9,
2022
8-K
10.2
October 27,
2023
8-K
10.1
Form 10
10.15
8-K
10-Q
10-Q
10.1
10.1
10.11
October 27,
2023
November 19,
2008
January 31,
2020
May 5, 2020
October 30,
2023
10.71
Clearwater Paper Corporation Amended and
Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.7(i)1 Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
Amended and Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan,
effective January 1, 2017.
10.7(ii)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation 2017 Stock Incentive
Plan.
10.7(iii)1 Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
2017 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.7(iv)1 Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
10.81
2017 Stock Incentive Plan.
Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Performance
Share Agreement to be used for annual performance
share awards approved subsequent to December 31,
2018.
X
10.8(i)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Performance
Share Agreement, to be used for annual performance
share awards approved subsequent to December 31,
2023.
Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement, amended and restated, to be
used for restricted stock unit awards approved
subsequent to December 31, 2017.
10.91
10.9(i)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement, as amended and restated, to
be used for special restricted stock unit awards
approved subsequent to December 31, 2019.
10.9(ii)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement, to be used for annual
restricted stock unit awards approved subsequent to
December 31, 2022.
10.9(iii)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Restricted
X
Stock Unit Agreement, to be used for annual
restricted stock unit awards approved subsequent to
December 31, 2023.
X
10.9(iv)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation-Form of Restricted
Stock Unit Agreement, as amended and restated, to
be used for special restricted stock unit awards
approved subsequent to December 31, 2023.
Clearwater Paper Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement.
10.10(i)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive
10.101
Plan—Form of Amendment of Stock Option
Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2015.
10.10(ii)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation 2008 Stock Incentive
Plan—Form of Stock Option Agreement, to be used
for annual restricted stock unit awards approved
subsequent to December 31, 2014.
10.10(iii)
1
10.10(iv)
1
Clearwater Paper Corporation Amended and
Restated 2008 Stock Incentive Plan—Form of Stock
Option Agreement, to be used for annual restricted
stock unit awards approved subsequent to December
31, 2015.
Clearwater Paper Corporation—Form of Stock
Option Agreement, as amended and restated
February 6, 2017, to be used for annual restricted
stock unit awards approved subsequent to December
31, 2016.
74
8-K
10.1
10-K
10.5(i)
8-K
8-K
8-K
10.1
10.1
10.1
8-K
10.1
May 8,2015
February 22,
2017
May 11, 2017
May 19, 2020
May 15, 2023
February 14,
2019
10-K
10.7(x)
February 21,
2018
10-K
10.201
March 9,2020
10-K
10.9(ii)1
February 14,
2023
8-K
10.3
10-K
10.7(i)
10-K
10.7(ii)
February 18,
2014
February 26,
2015
February 26,
2015
10-K
10.8(iii)
February 22,
2016
8-K
10.3
February 10,
2017
10-K
10.8(v)
February 21,
2018
8-K
10.1
May 9, 2014
10-Q
10.1
July 27, 2016
10-Q
10.1
November 2,
2021
10-K
10.10
February 22,
2017
10-Q
10.2
August 4, 2020
10-K
10.12(ii)1 February 15,
2022
8-K
10(i)
March 9, 2018
10-K
10.12
10-Q
10.3
February 22,
2017
August 4, 2020
10-K
10.14(ii)1 February 15,
2022
10-K
10.18
10-Q
10.16(i)
8-K
8-K
10.10
99.1
March 18,
2009
October 31,
2013
December
19,2008
December 7,
2017
10-Q
10(i)
August 7, 2018
10-K
10.16
February
20,2014
10.10(v)1 Clearwater Paper Corporation- Form of Stock
Option Agreement, as amended and restated, to be
used for annual restricted stock unit awards
approved subsequent to December 31, 2017.
Clearwater Paper Corporation Annual Incentive
Plan.
10.111
10.11(i)1 Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1,
2016.
10.11
(ii)1
10.11
(iii)1
10.121
Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of September 27,
2021.
Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
Annual Incentive Plan, effective as of January 1,
2024.
Amended and Restated Clearwater Paper
Corporation Management Deferred Compensation
Plan.
X
10.12(i)1 Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Clearwater Paper Corporation Management
Deferred Compensation Plan, effective May 1,
2020.
10.12(ii) Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Clearwater Paper Corporation Management
Deferred Compensation Plan, effective October 11,
2021.
Clearwater Paper Executive Severance Plan.
Amended and Restated Clearwater Paper
Corporation Salaried Supplemental Benefit Plan.
10.131
10.141
10.14(i)1 Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Clearwater Paper Corporation Salaried
Supplemental Benefit Plan, effective May 1, 2020.
10.14(ii)1 Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated
Clearwater Paper Corporation Salaried
Supplemental Benefit Plan, effective October 11,
2021.
Clearwater Paper Corporation Benefits Protection
Trust Agreement.
10.151
10.15(i)1 Amendment to the Clearwater Paper Corporation
Benefits Protection Trust Agreement.
Clearwater Paper Corporation Deferred
Compensation Plan for Directors.
10.161
10.16(i)1 Amended and Restated Clearwater Paper
Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for
Directors.
10.16(ii)1 Amended and Restated Clearwater Paper
Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan for
Directors, effective as of January 1, 2018.
10.171
Clearwater Paper Change of Control Plan.
(21)
(23)
(24)
(31)
Clearwater Paper Corporation Subsidiaries.
Consent of Independent Registered Public
Accounting Firm.
Powers of Attorney.
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications.
X
X
X
X
75
(32)
(97)
Furnished statements of the Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer under 18 U.S.C. Section
1350.
Policy Relating to Recovery of Erroneously
Awarded Compensation.
X
X
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance
document does not appear in the Interactive Data
File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the
Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
Linkbase.
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Label
Linkbase.
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
104
Linkbase.
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as
Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
1 Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement.
76
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K Summary
Not applicable.
77
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly
caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
CLEARWATER PAPER CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By
/s/ Arsen S. Kitch
Arsen S. Kitch
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal
Executive Officer)
Date: February 20, 2024
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
By
By
By
/s/ Arsen S. Kitch
Arsen S. Kitch
/s/ Sherri J. Baker
Sherri J. Baker
/s/ Rebecca A. Barckley
Rebecca A Barckley
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)
Date
February 20, 2024
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 20, 2024
Vice President, Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
February 20, 2024
*
Alexander Toeldte
*
John J. Corkrean
*
Jeanne M. Hillman
*
Kevin J. Hunt
*
Joe W. Laymon
*
Ann C. Nelson
*
John P. O'Donnell
*
Christine M. Vickers Tucker
Director and Chair of the Board
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
February 20, 2024
*By
/s/ Michael S. Gadd
Michael S. Gadd
(Attorney-in-fact)
78
Corporate Information
MANAGEMENT
STOCK LISTING
Arsen S. Kitch
President and Chief Executive Officer
Clearwater Paper common stock is listed under the
symbol CLW on the New York Stock Exchange.
ANNUAL MEETING
The 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on Thursday,
May 9, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific Time). The meeting will be held at
721 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101 and via webcast.
Register to attend the webcast at https://register.proxypush.com/CLW.
TRANSFER AGENT
MAILING ADDRESSES
Stockholder correspondence should be mailed to:
Computershare
P.O. Box 43006
Providence RI 02940-3078
Overnight correspondence should be sent to:
Computershare
150 Royall St. Suite 100
Canton, MA 02021
STOCKHOLDER WEBSITE
www.computershare.com/investor
Stockholder online inquiries
https://www-us.computershare.com/investor/Contact
TOLL FREE NUMBER
Outside the U.S.
Hearing Impaired
TDD International
866-205-6799
201-680-6578
800-490-1493
781-575-4592
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Copies of the company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company’s Corporate
Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and Charters of the Committees of the Board
of Directors are available free of charge at the company’s website, www.clearwaterpaper.com.
Sherri J. Baker
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer
Steve M. Bowden
Senior Vice President, General Manager,
Pulp and Paperboard Division
Michael S. Gadd
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and
Corporate Secretary
Kari G. Moyes
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Michael J. Urlick
Senior Vice President, General Manager,
Consumer Products Division
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John J. Corkrean
Director since 2019
Jeanne M. Hillman
Director since 2022
Kevin J. Hunt
Director since 2013
Arsen S. Kitch
Director since 2020
Joe W. Laymon
Director since 2019
Ann C. Nelson
Director since 2020
John P. O’Donnell
Director since 2016
Alexander Toeldte
Chair of the Board,
Director since 2016
Christine M. Vickers Tucker
Director since 2021
EXECUTIVE OFFICES
601 West Riverside Avenue
Suite 1100,
Spokane, WA 99201
Phone: (509) 344-5900
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This report contains, in addition to historical information, certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding the proposed Augusta manufacturing facility acquisition; the expected timing and impaact of the
proposed acquisition; the Company’s intention to explore strategic options for its businesses; market conditions; company and divisional financial and
operations performance; inflationary impacts and mitigation; product sustainability and attributes; environmental, social and governance goals,
commitments and performance; human capital and work-force commitments; board declassification; and customers and customer expectations and
service. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations, estimates, assumptions, and projections that are subject
to change. Our actual results of operations may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this
report. Important factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those discussed in the “Risk Factors” and “Developments and Trends
in Our Business” sections contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is in this report. Forward-looking
statements contained in this report present management’s views only as of the date of this report. We undertake no obligation to publicly update
forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
FSC®-CERTIFIED PAPER
Clearwater Paper Corporation’s Annual Report was printed by Donnelley Financial Solutions entirely on FSC®-certified paper. Chain-of-Custody
certificate TT-COC-005939. The Annual Report was printed on Donnelley Financial Opaque Text which is made of material from well-managed FSC®-
certified forests and 10% recycled content.
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Clearwater Paper Corporation
601 West Riverside Avenue, Suite 1100
Spokane, WA 99201
www.clearwaterpaper.com