Glatfelter
Annual Report 2015

Plain-text annual report

2 0 1 5 A n n u a l R e p o r t Glatfelter is a global supplier of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials, offering innovation, world-class service and over a century and a half of technical expertise. Headquartered in York, PA, the company employs over 4,300 people and serves customers in over 100 countries. U.S. operations include facilities in Pennsylvania and Ohio. International operations include facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, and sales and distribution offices in China and Russia. Glatfelter’s sales approximate $1.7 billion annually and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GLT. Additional information may be found at www.glatfelter.com. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS Certain statements made in this annual report which pertain to future financial and business performance and conditions and other financial and business matters are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other unpredictable or uncontrollable factors which may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Some of the risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements are detailed on page 16 of the accompanying 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K included herein and in other filings with the SEC. D E A R F E L L O W S H A R E H O L D E R S As Glatfelter entered 2015, we knew that success in a volatile world economy would demand adaptation and focused execution. As the year unfolded, we encountered significant macro-level headwinds that made it difficult to meet our own and investors’ expectations. A weaker euro, lower product pricing, the ongoing decline of the uncoated free sheet market, and geopolitical and economic issues in Russia/Ukraine combined to restrain our performance. In response, Glatfelter PEOPLE remained true to our strategy of driving growth in our global, fiber-based engineered materials businesses. We pursued operational excellence and continuous improvement practices to reduce costs, improve safety, and better serve customer needs. A set of aggressive actions was initiated that helped mitigate the effects of our macro-level challenges. • $31 million of total cost reductions were achieved, Dante C. Parrini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer including a 3.1% workforce reduction, exceeding our L O O K I N G A H E A D target range. • Volumes grew in core segments such as tea, single-serve coffee, technical specialties, and wipes. • Feminine hygiene shipments increased in the second half of the year. • Specialty Papers outperformed the uncoated free sheet market for the 11th consecutive year. In addition, Glatfelter PEOPLE achieved another companywide safety record. We are now approaching industry top-quartile performance and have the opportunity to become a safety leader. During the year, our balance sheet strengthened as we carefully managed working capital and capital spending. Higher cash flow supported investments in compliance-related environmental projects, process improvement, and growth initiatives. Net debt was reduced by $46 million, and our dividend was increased for the third year in a row. But our many accomplishments were unable to offset the full impact of the macro-level headwinds. Adjusted annual earnings in 2015 were down 14% from the previous year, which impacted our share price performance. As we look forward to 2016, it’s clear we will continue to operate in a dynamic global economy. Glatfelter will leverage the core competencies that have underpinned our progress and fueled our past success. • Our close relationships with blue-chip customers have created binding partnerships that give us leading positions in global growth markets. Forged over decades, Glatfelter’s value proposition of providing premium-quality, value-adding products and services has engendered loyalty and trust that Glatfelter is their supplier of choice. • Our new business development capabilities have spawned clearly differentiated products that embrace innovation and specialization to fulfill customer needs. For example, specialty wipes increased shipments by 44% over 2014, leveraging an exciting new growth market. • The scale and diversity of our engineered materials assets and technical know-how, coupled with our consistency of service, give global customers the assurance that Glatfelter will support their needs and solve their most challenging problems. 1 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 or Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the transition period from to Í ‘ 96 South George Street, Suite 520 York, Pennsylvania 17401 (Address of principal executive offices) (717) 225-4711 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Commission file number Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter 1-03560 P. H. Glatfelter Company IRS Employer Identification No. 23-0628360 State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization Pennsylvania Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of Each Class Name of Each Exchange on which registered Common Stock, par value $.01 per share New York Stock Exchange Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ‘ No Í. Yes ‘ No Í. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes Í No ‘. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes Í No ‘. Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ‘ Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Í Large accelerated filer ‘ Accelerated filer ‘ Non-accelerated filer ‘ Small reporting company (Do not check if a smaller reporting company). Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes ‘ No Í. Based on the closing price as of June 30, 2015, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $940.3 million. Common Stock outstanding on February 23, 2016 totaled 43,442,171 shares. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the following documents are incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K: Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement to be dated on or about March 31, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III. P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K For the Year Ended DECEMBER 31, 2015 Table of Contents Page Business PART I Item 1 Item 1A Risk Factors Item 1B Unresolved Staff Comments Item 2 Item 3 Properties Legal Proceedings Executive Officers Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures PART II Item 5 Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Common Stock Prices and Dividends Declared Information Stock Performance Graph Item 6 Item 7 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Selected Financial Data Financial Condition and Results of Operations Results of Operations Liquidity and Capital Resources Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Report of Independent Registered Public Accountants Statements of Income Statements of Comprehensive Income Balance Sheets Statements of Cash Flows Statements of Shareholders’ Equity Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 1. 2. 3. 4. Organization Accounting Policies Acquisitions Energy and Related Sales, 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Net Gain on Dispositions of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands Asset Impairment Charges Earnings Per Share Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Income Taxes Stock-Based Compensation Retirement Plans and Other Post-Retirement Benefits 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. Inventories Plant, Equipment and Timberlands Goodwill and Intangible Assets Other Long-Term Assets Other Current Liabilities Long-Term Debt Asset Retirement Obligation Fair Value of Financial Instruments Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities Shareholders’ Equity Share Repurchases Commitments, Contingencies and Legal Proceedings Segment and Geographic Information Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Quarterly Results (Unaudited) Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures Item 9A Controls and Procedures Item 9B Other Information PART III Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Item 11 Executive Compensation Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14 Principal Accountant Fees and Services PART IV Item 15 Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules Signatures Schedule II 1 7 12 12 13 13 14 14 14 14 15 16 17 25 28 29 30 31 33 34 35 36 37 38 38 40 41 42 42 42 43 44 46 47 Page 50 50 50 50 51 51 52 53 53 54 55 55 59 62 66 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 67 68 71 73 PART I P. H. Glatfelter Company makes regular filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings are available, free of charge, on our website, www.glatfelter.com, and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We also provide copies of our SEC filings at no charge upon request to Investor Relations at (717) 225- 2719, ir@glatfelter.com, or by mail to Investor Relations, 96 South George Street, Suite 520, York, PA, 17401. In this filing, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company,” or “Glatfelter” refer to P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries. ITEM 1 BUSINESS Overview Glatfelter began operations in 1864, and we believe we are one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. Headquartered in York, Pennsylvania, we own and operate manufacturing facilities in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the Philippines and we have sales and distribution offices in Russia and China. Acquisitions Over the past several years, we have completed a number of acquisitions that have diversified our revenue, expanded our geographic footprint and enhanced our asset base. The most recent transactions include the April 2013, $211 million acquisition of Dresden Papier GmbH (“Dresden”) and the October 2014, $8.0 million acquisition of Spezialpapierfabrik Oberschmitten GmbH (“SPO”). Dresden is a leading supplier of nonwoven wall covering products with annual revenues of approximately $160 million in the year of acquisition. SPO is a producer of highly technical papers for a wide range of electrical applications with annual sales of approximately $33 million. Both of these businesses operate within our Composite Fibers business unit. Products Our three business units manufacture and distribute a wide array of specialty papers and fiber- based engineered materials including: • Composite Fibers with revenue from the sale of single-serve tea and coffee filtration papers, nonwoven wall covering materials, metallized papers, composite laminates papers, and many technically special papers including substrates for electrical applications; • Advanced Airlaid Materials with revenue from the sale of airlaid nonwoven fabric-like materials used in feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, wipes, and other airlaid applications; and • Specialty Papers with revenue from the sale of papers for carbonless and other forms, envelopes, book publishing, and engineered products such as papers for high-speed ink jet printing, office specialty products, greeting cards, packaging, casting, release, transfer, playing card, postal, FDA-compliant food and beverage applications, and other niche specialty applications. The global growth markets served by the Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units are characterized by attractive growth rates as the result of emerging products and markets, changing end-user preferences and evolving demographics. Specialty Papers serves more mature market segments, many of which are in decline. As a result of our strategy to diversify sources of revenue and invest in growth businesses, revenue generated from Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials is expected to represent an increasingly greater proportion of total revenue. Combined, these two business units comprised 47% of our total net sales in 2015 compared with 30% in 2006. Consolidated net sales and the relative net sales contribution of each of our business units for the past three years are summarized below: Dollars in thousands 2015 2014 2013 Net sales $1,661,084 $1,802,415 $1,722,615 Business unit contribution Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Specialty Papers Total 32.6% 34.3% 32.9% 14.7 52.7 15.6 50.1 15.6 51.5 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Strategy Our strategy is focused on growing revenues, organically and by acquisition, in our key global growth markets including single-serve coffee and tea, nonwoven wall covering materials, electrical products, hygiene and wipes products, and other technical materials. We partner with leading consumer product companies and other market leaders to provide innovative products with outstanding performance to meet market requirements. Over the past several years, we have made investments to increase production capacity and improve our technical capabilities to ensure we are best positioned to serve the GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 1 market demands and grow our revenue. This includes a $50 million investment in 2013 to expand capacity and improve inclined wire paper machine capabilities in Composite Fibers. We are committed to growing in our key markets and expect to make additional investments to support our customers and satisfy market demands. Consistent with this strategy, in December 2015, we announced plans to invest approximately $80 million to build a new advanced airlaid facility in the southern U.S. to service the North America market. Production at the new facility is expected to start in two years with an annual capacity of approximately 22,000 short tons, increasing our total global airlaid materials capacity to approximately 129,000 short tons. New product development and new business development is a critical component of our business strategy requiring a focus on product innovation. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we invested $10.4 million, $12.3 million and $12.2 million, respectively, in new product development activities. In each of the past three years, in excess of 50% of net sales were generated from products developed, enhanced or improved within the past five years. In addition, our business strategy includes expanding product margins driven by cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives, generating strong and reliable free cash flows and making strategic investments designed to improve our returns on invested capital. And finally, the strength of our balance sheet and cash flow profile has allowed us to pursue strategic actions such as the Dresden and SPO acquisitions. Our acquisition strategy complements our long-term strategy of driving growth in core and adjacent markets. Since 2006, we have successfully completed six acquisitions demonstrating our ability to establish leading market positions through the successful acquisition and integration of complementary businesses. Our Business Units We manage our company as three distinct business units: Composite Fibers; Advanced Airlaid Materials; and Specialty Papers. Net tons sold by each business unit for the past three years were as follows: Short tons Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Specialty Papers Total 2015 2014 2013 153,766 157,336 133,570 95,957 802,188 99,667 802,878 96,098 800,151 1,051,911 1,059,881 1,029,819 2 Composite Fibers Our Composite Fibers business unit serves customers globally and focuses on higher value-added products in the following markets: • Food & Beverage paper primarily used for single-serve coffee and tea products; • Wallcovering base materials used by the world’s largest wallpaper manufacturers; • Metallized products used in the labeling of bottles, self-adhesive labels, packaging liners, gift wrap, and other consumer product applications; • Composite Laminates paper used in production of decorative laminates, furniture, and flooring applications; and • Technical Specialties a diverse line of special paper products used in electrical energy storage, transport, and transmission including batteries and capacitors, wipes and other home and hygiene products, and other highly-engineered fiber-based applications. We believe this business unit maintains a market leadership position in the single-serve coffee and tea markets and nonwoven wallpaper materials markets. Composite Fibers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Food & beverage Wallcovering Metallized Composite laminates Technical specialties and other Total $274,865 91,620 68,397 34,897 $296,304 149,957 80,839 38,159 $302,738 97,698 83,949 39,296 71,689 52,592 42,679 $541,468 $617,851 $566,360 A significant portion of this business unit’s revenue is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and therefore the comparison from period to period reflects the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in exchange rates unfavorably affected the comparison of 2015 to 2014 by $75.8 million. We believe many of the markets served by Composite Fibers present attractive growth opportunities by capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences, expanding into new or emerging geographic markets, and by gaining market share through superior products and quality. Many of this business’ papers are technically sophisticated, require specialized fibers, and many are extremely lightweight, requiring specifically designed papermaking equipment and production processes. Our proven capability to produce these demanding products and our customer orientation positions us well to compete in these global markets. During 2013, we completed the acquisition of Dresden, a leading global supplier of nonwoven wallpaper base materials. The Dresden acquisition added another industry-leading nonwovens product line to our Composite Fibers business, and broadened our relationship with leading producers of consumer and industrial products. Dresden produces products with superior performance and characteristics such as dry strip-ability, higher tear resistance, and no material shrinkage or expansion when wet. However, since late 2014, demand for and pricing of Dresden’s products has been adversely impacted by the geopolitical and economic conditions in Russia and Ukraine, countries from which Dresden generates a significant portion of its revenue. The primary raw materials used in the production of our lightweight papers are abaca pulp, wood pulp and synthetic fibers. Abaca pulp is a specialized pulp with limited sources of availability. Sufficient quantities of abaca pulp and its source fiber are required to support growth in this business unit. Our abaca pulp production process, fulfilled by our Philippine mill, provides a unique advantage to our Composite Fibers business unit. In the event the supply of abaca fiber becomes constrained or when production demands exceed the capacity of the Philippines mill, alternative sources and/or substitute fibers are used to meet customer demands. The Composite Fibers business unit is comprised of four paper making facilities (Germany, France and England), a nonwoven wall cover base mill (Germany), metallizing operations (Wales and Germany) and a pulp mill (the Philippines). The combined attributes of the facilities are summarized as follows: Production Capacity (short tons) 154,000 lightweight and other 28,000 metallized 18,000 abaca pulp Principal Raw Material (“PRM”) Estimated Annual Quantity of PRM (short tons) Abaca pulp Wood pulp Synthetic fiber Base stock Abaca fiber 17,300 95,000 22,000 28,000 27,000 Composite Fibers’ lightweight products are produced using highly specialized inclined wire paper machine technology and we believe we currently maintain approximately 25% of the global inclined wire capacity. In addition to critical raw materials, the cost to produce Composite Fibers’ products is influenced by energy. Although the business unit generates all of its steam needed for production, in 2015, it purchased 75% of its electricity. In Composite Fibers’ markets, competition is product line specific as the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing equipment limits the number of companies offering multiple product lines. The following chart summarizes key competitors by market segment: Market segment Competitor Single serve coffee & tea Nonwoven wallcovering Composite laminates Metallized Ahlstrom, Purico, MB Papeles and Zhejiang Kan Ahlstrom, Technocell, Neu Kaliss, and Goznak Schweitzer-Maudit, Purico, MB Papeles and Oi Feng AR Metallizing, Torras Papel Novelis, Vaassen, Galileo Nanotech, and Wenzhou Protec Vacuum Metallizing Co. Our strategy in Composite Fibers is focused on: • capitalizing on growing global markets in food & beverage, electrical products and dispersible wipes; • maximizing capacity utilization provided by the investment in state-of-the-art inclined wire technology to support consistent growth of key markets; • enhancing product mix across all markets by utilizing new product and new business development capabilities; • implementing continuous improvement methodologies to increase productivity, reduce costs and expand capacity; and • ensuring readily available access to specialized raw material requirements to support projected growth. As part of our commitment to realizing the growth potential of certain of this business unit’s markets, in 2013 we completed a $50 million investment to expand our inclined wire capacity by nearly 20%, or approximately 10,500 short tons. In addition, the 2014 acquisition of SPO furthers our strategy of capitalizing on the fast-growing electrical market by broadening our electrical papers platform and know-how. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 3 Advanced Airlaid Materials Our Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit is a leading global supplier of highly absorbent cellulose-based airlaid nonwoven materials primarily used to manufacture consumer products for growing global end-user markets. These products include: • feminine hygiene; • specialty wipes; • adult incontinence; • home care; • table top; and • food pads. Advanced Airlaid Materials serves customers who are industry leading consumer product companies as well as private-label converters for feminine hygiene, adult incontinence and specialty wipes products. We believe this business unit holds leading market share positions in many of the markets it serves. Advanced Airlaid Materials has developed long-term customer relationships through superior quality, customer service, and a reputation for quickly bringing product and process innovations to market. Advanced Airlaid Materials’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands Feminine hygiene Wipes Adult incontinence Home care Other Total 2015 2014 2013 $182,048 22,950 10,720 13,345 15,526 $216,836 16,002 17,586 15,401 15,848 $219,222 15,186 5,046 14,857 14,085 $244,589 $281,673 $268,396 A significant portion of this business unit’s revenue is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar and therefore the comparison from period to period reflects the impact of changes in currency exchange rates. Changes in exchange rates unfavorably affected the comparison of 2015 to 2014 by $25.1 million. The feminine hygiene category accounted for 74% of Advanced Airlaid Material’s revenue in 2015. The majority of sales of this product are to a small group of large, leading global consumer products companies. These markets are considered to be more growth oriented due to population growth in certain geographic regions and changing consumer preferences. In developing regions, demand is also influenced by increases in disposable income and cultural preferences. The airlaid wipes market 4 presents attractive growth opportunities and as a result, we are investing approximately $80 million over the next two years to build a new advanced airlaid facility in the United States. The Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit operates state-of-the-art facilities in Falkenhagen, Germany and Gatineau, Canada. The Falkenhagen location operates three multi-bonded production lines and three proprietary single-lane festooners. The Gatineau location consists of two airlaid production lines employing multi- bonded and thermal-bonded airlaid technologies and two proprietary single-lane festooners. The business unit’s two facilities operate with the following combined attributes: Airlaid Production Capacity (short tons) Principal Raw Material (“PRM”) Estimated Annual Quantity of PRM (short tons) 107,000 Fluff pulp 75,000 In addition to the cost of critical raw materials, production cost is impacted by energy. Advanced Airlaid Materials purchases substantially all of the electricity and natural gas used in its operations. Approximately 90% of this business unit’s revenue is earned under contracts with pass-through provisions directly related to the price of key raw material costs. Advanced Airlaid Materials continues to be a technology and product innovation leader in technically demanding segments of the airlaid market, most notably feminine hygiene. This business unit’s airlaid material production employs multi-bonded and thermal-bonded airlaid technologies as opposed to other methods such as hydrogen-bonding. We believe that its facilities are among the most modern and flexible airlaid facilities in the world, allowing it to produce at industry leading operating rates. Its proprietary single-lane festooning technology provides converting and product packaging which supports efficiency optimization by the customers converting processes. This business unit’s in-house technical expertise, combined with significant capital investment requirements and rigorous customer expectations creates large barriers to entry for new competitors. The following summarizes this business unit’s key competitors: Market segment Airlaid products Competitor Georgia-Pacific LLC, Fitesa, McAirlaid’s GmbH, Domtar The global markets served by this business unit are characterized by attractive growth opportunities. To take advantage of this, our strategy is focused on: • maintaining and expanding relationships with customers that are market-leading consumer product companies as well as companies distributing through private label arrangements; • capitalizing on our product and process innovation capabilities; • expanding geographic reach of markets served; • optimizing the use of existing production capacity; and • employing continuous improvement methodologies and initiatives to reduce costs, improve efficiencies and create additional capacity. Specialty Papers Our North America-based Specialty Papers business unit focuses on producing papers for the following markets: • Carbonless & non-carbonless forms papers for credit card receipts, multi-part forms, security papers and other end-user applications; • Engineered products for high speed ink jet printing, office specialty products, greeting cards, and other niche specialty applications; • Envelope and converting papers primarily utilized for transactional and direct mail envelopes; and • Book publishing papers for the production of high-quality hardbound books and other book publishing needs. This business unit produces both commodity products and higher-value-added specialty products. Specialty Papers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Carbonless & forms Engineered products Envelope & converting Book publishing Other Total $349,831 190,943 178,067 152,647 3,538 $376,959 194,189 183,194 144,744 3,805 $369,618 184,913 175,928 153,054 4,346 $875,026 $902,891 $887,859 Many of the market segments served by Specialty Papers are characterized by declining demand resulting in excess capacity, lower operating rates and pricing pressure. As a result, over the past several years, certain producers have closed, reduced or repurposed production capacity in an attempt to bring supply balance to the market. In addition, foreign producers have created additional imbalance by shipping product to the U.S. when market pricing is favorable or the U.S. dollar is stronger. Maintaining the supply and demand balance will require the industry to continually remove capacity sufficient to match declining demand. Despite our exposure to declining markets, in each of the past eleven years, we have outperformed the broader uncoated free sheet market in terms of shipping volume. We have been successful at maintaining this business unit’s shipments by leveraging the flexibility of our asset base to respond to new product and new business development opportunities, efficiently responding to changing customer demands and delivering superior customer service. We are one of the leading suppliers of carbonless and book publishing papers in the United States. Although the markets for these products are declining, we have been successful in executing our strategy to replace this lost volume with products such as envelope papers, business forms, and other value-added specialty engineered products. Specialty Papers’ envelope papers market is also declining, however we have leveraged our customer service capabilities and geographic locations to grow our market share in each of the last several years. Specialty Papers’ highly technical engineered products include high speed ink jet printing products, office specialty products, greeting cards, packaging, casting, release, transfer, playing card, postal, FDA-compliant food and other niche specialty applications. Such products comprise an array of distinct business niches that are in a continuous state of evolution. Many of these products are utilized for demanding, specialized customer and end-user applications. Some of our products are new and higher growth while others are more mature and further along in the product life cycle. Because many of these products are technically complex and involve substantial customer-supplier development collaboration, they typically command higher per ton prices and generally exhibit greater pricing stability relative to commodity grade paper products. The Specialty Papers business unit operates two integrated pulp and paper making facilities with the following combined attributes: Uncoated Production Capacity (short tons) 820,000 Principal Raw Material (“PRM”) Estimated Annual Quantity of PRM (short tons) Pulpwood Wood-and other pulps 2,327,250 708,000 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 5 This business unit’s pulp mills have a combined pulp Customer service, product performance, technological making capacity of 615,000 tons of bleached pulp per year. The principal raw material used to produce pulp is pulpwood, including both hardwoods and softwoods. Pulpwood is obtained from a variety of locations including the states of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. To protect our sources of pulpwood, we actively promote conservation and forest management among suppliers and woodland owners. advances and product pricing are important competitive factors with respect to all our products. We believe our reputation in these areas continues to be excellent. To be successful in the market environment in which Specialty Papers operates, our strategy is focused on: • new product and new business development capabilities to ensure optimal utilization of our capacity and to maximize margins; The Spring Grove facility includes five uncoated paper • leveraging our flexible operating platform to machines as well as an off-line combi-blade coater and a Specialty Coater which together provide annual production capacity for coated paper of approximately 65,000 tons. The Chillicothe facility operates four paper machines producing uncoated and carbonless paper. Two of the machines have built-in coating capability which along with three additional coaters at the facility provide annual coated capacity of approximately 126,000 tons. In addition to critical raw materials, the cost to produce Specialty Papers’ products is influenced by energy. Although the business unit generates all of its steam needed for production at both facilities and generates more power than it consumes at the Spring Grove, PA facility, it purchased approximately 25% of its electricity needed for the Chillicothe, OH mill in 2015. The facilities’ source of fuel is primarily coal and, to a lesser extent, natural gas. As discussed more fully under “Environmental Matters,” in order to comply with new air quality regulations, we will be implementing modifications that will convert certain boilers to burn natural gas rather than coal. As a result, the consumption of natural gas will increase significantly in late 2016 and beyond. In Specialty Papers’ markets, competition is product line specific due to the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing for certain products. The following chart summarizes key competitors by market segment: Market segment Carbonless paper Engineered products Competitor Appvion, Inc., and to a lesser extent, Fibria Celulose, Koehler Paper, Mitsubishi Paper, Nekoosa Coated Products and Asia Pulp and Paper Co. Specialty papers divisions of International Paper, Domtar Corp., Packaging Corp, and Sappi Limited, among others. optimize product mix by shifting production among the machines in our system to more closely match output with changing demand trends; • utilizing ongoing continuous improvement methodologies to ensure operational efficiencies and asset reliability; and • maintaining superior customer service. Additional financial information for each of our business units is included in Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 24 including geographic revenue and long-lived asset financial information. Concentration of Customers For each of the past three years, no single customer represented more than 10% of our consolidated net sales. However, as discussed in Item 1A Risk Factors, one customer accounted for the majority of Advanced Airlaid Materials net sales in 2015, 2014 and 2013. Capital Expenditures Our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures for new and enhanced equipment. These capital investments are necessary to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, environmental compliance, and for normal upgrades or replacements. Capital expenditures totaled $99.9 million, $66.0 million and $103.0 million, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For 2016, capital expenditures are estimated as follows: In millions Normal capital expenditures Major Projects AMBU capacity expansion SPBU environmental compliance $ 70 – $ 80 40 – 40 – 45 45 $150 – $170 Envelope & converting Domtar and International Paper Total Book publishing 6 Domtar Corp., North Pacific Paper (NORPAC), Resolute Forest and others Environmental Matters We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. At various times, we have incurred significant costs to comply with these regulations and we could incur additional costs as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities change. We have incurred and will incur additional material capital costs to comply with upcoming air quality regulations including the U.S. EPA Best Available Retrofit Technology rule (BART; otherwise known as the Regional Haze Rule) and the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule (Boiler MACT). These rules require process modifications and/or upgrades of air pollution controls on boilers at two of our facilities. We have begun converting or replacing five coal-fired boilers to natural gas and upgrading site infrastructure to accommodate the new boilers, including connecting to gas supply. The total cost of these projects is estimated at $85 million to $90 million, of which $33.0 million has been incurred through the end of 2015. The balance of the related spending should be substantially completed in 2016. We are a defendant in the Fox River environmental matter. Although this matter is the subject of extensive and ongoing litigation, during 2015, we spent $9.7 million for remediation activities, and possibly may spend a similar amount in 2016. For a more complete discussion of this matter, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23. Employees As of December 31, 2015, we employed 4,375 people worldwide, of which approximately 75% are unionized. The United Steelworkers International Union and the Office and Professional Employees International Union represents 1,446 hourly employees at our Chillicothe, OH and Spring Grove, PA facilities under labor contracts expiring in August 2016 for Chillicothe and January 2017 for Spring Grove. Hourly employees at each of our international locations are represented by various unions or works councils. We consider the overall relationship with our employees to be satisfactory. from, our Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on our website. We will provide a copy of the Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, without charge, to any person who requests one, by contacting Investor Relations at (717) 225-2719, ir@glatfelter.com or by mail to 96 South George Street, Suite 520, York, PA, 17401. ITEM 1A RISK FACTORS Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by a weak global economic environment or downturns in the target markets that we serve. Adverse global economic conditions could impact our target markets resulting in decreased demand for our products. Our results could be adversely affected if economic conditions weaken or fail to improve. In the event of significant currency weakening in the countries into which our products are sold, demand for or pricing of our products could be adversely impacted. Also, there may be periods during which demand for our products is insufficient to enable us to operate our production facilities in an economical manner. As a result, we may be forced to take machine downtime. The economic environment may also cause customer insolvencies which may result in their inability to satisfy their financial obligations to us. These conditions are beyond our control and may have a significant impact on our sales and results of operations. Approximately $75 million of our revenue in 2015 was earned from customers located in Ukraine, Russia and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (also known as “CIS”). Uncertain geo-political and economic conditions in this region and weak currencies have and may continue to cause weak demand for our products as well as volatility in our customers buying patterns. Other Available Information The Corporate Approximately 28% of our net sales in 2015 were Governance page of our website includes the Company’s Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct, and biographies of our Board of Directors and Executive Officers. In addition, the website includes charters of the Audit, Compensation, Finance, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance page also includes the Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter, our “whistle-blower” policy and other related material. We satisfy the disclosure requirement for any future amendments to, or waivers shipped to customers in Europe, the demand for which is dependent on economic conditions in this area, or to the extent such customers do business outside of Europe, in other regions of the world. Uncertain economic conditions in this region may cause weakness in demand for our products as well as volatility in our customers buying patterns. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 7 Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations. Our Specialty Papers’ locations are vertically integrated manufacturing facilities that can generate approximately 85% of their annual pulp requirements. Our Philippine mill purchases abaca fiber to produce abaca pulp, a key material used to manufacture paper for single-serve coffee, tea and technical specialty products at our Gernsbach, Scaër, and Lydney facilities. At certain times, the supply of abaca fiber has been constrained due to factors such as weather-related damage to the source crop as well as decisions by land owners to produce alternative crops in lieu of those used to produce abaca fiber. Our Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit requires access to sufficient quantities of fluff pulp, the supply of which is subject to availability of certain softwoods. Softwood availability can be limited by many factors, including weather in regions where softwoods are abundant. The cost of many of our production materials, including petroleum based chemicals and freight charges, are influenced by the cost of oil. In addition, although we are currently converting our boilers to burn natural gas, coal is currently a principal source of fuel for both the Spring Grove and Chillicothe facilities. Natural gas is used as a source of fuel at Chillicothe and our Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid Materials business units’ facilities. Government rules, regulations and policies have an impact on the cost of certain energy sources, particularly for our European operations. We currently benefit from a number of government sponsored programs related to, among others, green energy or renewable energy initiatives designed to mitigate the cost of electricity to larger industrial consumers of power. Any reduction in the extent of government sponsored incentives may adversely affect the cost ultimately borne by our operations. Although we have contractual cost pass-through arrangements with certain Advanced Airlaid Materials’ customers, we may not be able to fully pass increased raw materials or energy costs on to all customers if the market will not bear the higher price or if existing agreements limit price increases. If price adjustments significantly trail increases in raw materials or energy prices, our operating results could be adversely affected. A significant proportion of our revenue is generated from operations outside of the United States. We own and operate manufacturing facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. A significant portion of our business is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar such as euros, British pound, Canadian dollars or Philippine peso. Our euro denominated revenue exceeds euro expenses by approximately €120 million. With respect to the British pound, Canadian dollar, and Philippine peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree. As a result, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant. Economic weakness, the potential inability of certain European countries to continue to service their sovereign debt obligations, and the related actions of this region’s central banks has caused, and could continue to cause, the value of the euro to weaken. As a result, our operating results could be negatively impacted. In the event that one or more European countries were to replace the euro with another currency, business may be adversely affected until stable exchange rates are established. Our ability to maintain our products’ price competitiveness is reliant, in part, on the relative strength of the currency in which the product is denominated compared to the currency of the market into which it is sold and the functional currency of our competitors. Changes in the rate of exchange of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar, and other currencies, may adversely impact our results of operations and our ability to offer products in certain markets at acceptable prices. For example, approximately $75 million of our revenue in 2015 was earned from shipments to customers located in Ukraine, Russia and members of the CIS. Although these sales are denominated in euros, a significant weakening of the customers’ local currencies has and may continue to adversely affect our revenue, our customers’ credit risk and our results of operation. The cost of raw materials and energy used to manufacture our products could increase and the availability of certain raw materials could become constrained. We require access to sufficient and reasonably priced quantities of pulpwood, purchased pulps, pulp substitutes, abaca fiber, synthetic fibers, and certain other raw materials. 8 Our industry is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce our sales and profitability. Specialty Papers The primary market for our Specialty Papers business unit is the United States, which has been adversely affected by capacity exceeding the demand for products, increased imports from foreign competitors and by declining uncoated free sheet demand. As a result, the industry has taken steps to reduce capacity. However, slowing demand or increased competition could force us to lower our prices or to offer additional services at a higher cost to us, which could reduce our gross margins and net income. The greater financial resources of certain of our competitors may enable them to commit larger amounts of capital in response to changing market conditions. Certain competitors may also have the ability to develop product or service innovations that could put us at a competitive disadvantage. • the impact of replacement or disruptive technologies; • changes in end-user preferences; • our inability to develop new, improved or enhanced products; • our inability to maintain the cost efficiency of our facilities; and • the cost of regulatory environmental compliance requirements. Composite Fibers and Advanced Airlaid The global markets in which we compete, Materials although growing, are not as large as the markets for Specialty Papers. As a result, our ability to compete is more sensitive to and may be adversely impacted by the following: • the entry of new competitors into the markets we There have been periods of supply/demand imbalance serve; in our industry which have caused pulp prices and our products’ selling prices to be volatile. The timing and magnitude of price increases or decreases in these markets have generally varied by region and by product type. A sustained period of weak demand or excess supply would likely adversely affect pulp prices and our products’ selling prices. This could have a material adverse effect on our operating and financial results. Some of the other factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete in Specialty Papers markets in which we participate include: • the entry of new competitors into the markets we serve; • the prevalence of imported product, particularly uncoated free sheet, into the U.S.; • the aggressiveness of our competitors’ pricing strategies, which could force us to decrease prices in order to maintain market share; • our failure to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences; and • technological advances or changes that impact production of our products. The impact of any significant changes may result in our inability to effectively compete in the markets in which we operate, and as a result our sales and operating results would be adversely affected. We may not be able to develop new products acceptable to our existing or potential customers. • the willingness of commodity-based producers to Our business strategy is market focused and includes enter our markets when they are unable to compete or when demand softens in their traditional markets; • the aggressiveness of our competitors’ pricing strategies, which could force us to decrease prices in order to maintain market share; • our failure to anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences; • the impact of electronic-based substitutes for certain of our products such as carbonless and forms, book publishing, and envelope papers; investments in developing new products to meet the changing needs of our customers or serve new customers and to maintain our market share. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to develop and introduce new and enhanced products that keep pace with introductions by our competitors and changing customer preferences. If we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to these factors, we may lose opportunities for business with both current and potential customers. The success of our new product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to: • anticipate and properly identify our customers’ needs and industry trends; GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 9 • develop and commercialize new products and applications in a timely manner; • price our products competitively; • differentiate our products from our competitors’ products; and • invest efficiently in research and development activities. Our inability to develop new products or new business opportunities could adversely impact our business and ultimately harm our profitability. We are subject to substantial costs and potential liability for environmental matters. We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. We are also subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances into the environment. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial capital and operating expenditures. The Clean Air Act, and similar regulations, will impose significant compliance costs or require significant capital expenditures. Compliance with the Clean Air Act will require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on boilers at two of our facilities, as well as connecting to gas pipelines. Because of the complexities of this initiative, our inability to successfully complete all aspects of the project could adversely impact the expenditures required or our results of operations. We anticipate that environmental regulation of our operations will continue to become more burdensome and that capital and operating expenditures necessary to comply with environmental regulations will continue, and perhaps increase, in the future. Because environmental regulations are not consistent worldwide, our ability to compete globally may be adversely affected by capital and operating expenditures required for environmental compliance. In addition, we may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment, such as air and water quality, resulting from mills we operate or have operated. Potential obligations include compensation for the restoration of natural resources, personal injury and property damages. See Item 1 – Environmental Matters for an additional discussion of expected costs to comply with environmental regulations. 10 We have exposure to potential liability for remediation and other costs related to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the lower Fox River on which our former Neenah, Wisconsin mill was located. During 2015, we incurred $9.7 million for remediation activities in the downstream portion of the river and it is possible we may incur a similar amount in 2016. While we believe this to be a reasonable estimation of our current exposure, there can be no assurance that we will not be required to provide significant contributions to fund remediation efforts in the near term and/or ultimately pay material amounts to resolve our liability in the Fox River matter. We have financial reserves for environmental matters, including the Fox River site, but we cannot be certain that those reserves will be adequate to provide for future obligations related to these matters, that our share of costs and/or damages for these matters will not exceed our available resources, or that such obligations will not have a long-term, material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. Our environmental issues are complex and should be reviewed in the context set forth in more detail in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23. The Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit generates a substantial portion of its revenue from one customer serving the hygiene products market, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. The majority of Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales of hygiene products are from one customer. In addition, sales to the feminine hygiene market accounted for 74% of Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales in 2015 and sales are concentrated within a small group of large customers. The loss of the large customer or a decline in sales of hygiene products could have a material adverse effect on this business’s operating results. Our ability to effectively compete could be affected by technological production alternatives which could provide substitute products into this market segment. Customers in the airlaid nonwoven fabric material market, including the hygiene market, may also switch to less expensive products, change preferences or otherwise reduce demand for Advanced Airlaid Material’s products, thus reducing the size of the markets in which it currently sells its products. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and business prospects. Our operations may be impaired and we may be exposed to potential losses and liability as a result of natural disasters, acts of terrorism or sabotage or similar events. If we have a catastrophic loss or unforeseen operational problem at any of our facilities, we could suffer significant lost production which could impair our ability to satisfy customer demands. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, flooding or fire, and acts of terrorism or sabotage affecting our operating activities and major facilities could materially and adversely affect our operations, operating results and financial condition. In addition, we own and maintain two dams in York County, Pennsylvania, that were built to ensure a steady supply of water for the operation of our facility in Spring Grove which is a primary manufacturing location for our envelope papers and engineered products. Each of these dams is classified as “high hazard” by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania because they are located in close proximity to inhabited areas. Any sudden failure of a dam, including as a result of natural disaster or act of terrorism or sabotage, would endanger occupants and residential, commercial and industrial structures, for which we could be liable. The failure of a dam could also be extremely disruptive and result in damage to, or the shutdown of, our Spring Grove mill. Any losses or liabilities incurred due to the failure of one of our dams may not be fully covered by or may substantially exceed the limits of our insurance policies and could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. In addition, many of our papermaking operations require a reliable and abundant supply of water. Such mills rely on a local water body or water source for their water needs and, therefore, are particularly impacted by drought conditions or other natural or manmade interruptions to water supplies. At various times and for differing periods, each of our mills has had to modify operations due to water shortages, water clarity, or low flow conditions in its principal water supplies. Any interruption or curtailment of operations at any of our paper mills due to drought or low flow conditions at the principal water source or another cause could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. Our pulp mill in Lanao del Norte on the Island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines is located along the Pacific Rim, one of the world’s hazard belts. By virtue of its geographic location, this mill is subject to similar types of natural disasters discussed above, cyclones, typhoons, and volcanic activity. Moreover, the area of Lanao del Norte has been a target of suspected terrorist activities. Our pulp mill in Mindanao is located in a rural portion of the island and is susceptible to attacks or power interruptions. The Mindanao mill supplies the abaca pulp used by our Composite Fibers business unit to manufacture our paper for single serve coffee and tea products and certain technical specialties products. Any interruption, loss or extended curtailment of operations at our Mindanao mill could affect our ability to meet customer demands for our products and materially affect our operating results and financial condition. We have operations in a potentially politically and economically unstable location. Our pulp mill in the Philippines is located in a region that is unstable and subject to political unrest. As discussed above, our Philippine pulp mill produces abaca pulp, a significant raw material used by our Composite Fibers business unit, and is currently our main provider of abaca pulp. There are limited suitable alternative sources of readily available abaca pulp in the world. In the event of a disruption in supply from our Philippine mill, there is no guarantee that we could obtain adequate amounts of abaca pulp, if at all, from alternative sources at a reasonable price. Further, there is no assurance the performance of such alternative materials will be satisfy customer performance requirements. As a consequence, any civil disturbance, unrest, political instability or other event that causes a disruption in supply could limit the availability of abaca pulp and would increase our cost of obtaining abaca pulp. Such occurrences could adversely impact our sales volumes, revenues and operating results. Our international operations pose certain risks that may adversely impact sales and earnings. We have significant operations and assets located in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Our international sales and operations are subject to a number of unique risks, in addition to the risks in our domestic sales and operations, including differing protections of intellectual property, trade barriers, labor unrest, exchange controls, regional economic uncertainty, differing (and possibly more stringent) labor regulation, risk of governmental expropriation, domestic and foreign customs and tariffs, differing regulatory environments, difficulty in managing widespread operations and political instability. These factors may adversely affect our future profits. Also, in some foreign jurisdictions, we may be GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 11 subject to laws limiting the right and ability of entities organized or operating therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met. Any such limitations would restrict our flexibility in using funds generated in those jurisdictions. We are subject to cyber-security risks related to unauthorized or malicious access to sensitive customer, vendor, company or employee information as well as to the technology that supports our operations and other business processes. Our business operations rely upon secure systems for mill operations, and data capture, processing, storage and reporting. Although we maintain appropriate data security and controls, our information technology systems, and those of our third party providers, could become subject to cyber attacks. Systems such as ours are inherently exposed to cyber-security risks and potential attacks. The result of such attacks could result in a breach of data security and controls. Such a breach of our network, systems, applications or data could result in operational disruptions or damage or information misappropriation including, but not limited to, interruption to systems availability, denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with us, denial of access to the applications we use to plan our operations, procure materials, manufacture and ship products and account for orders, theft of intellectual knowhow and trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential company, employee, customer or vendor information, could stem from such incidents. Any of these operational disruptions and/or misappropriation of information could adversely affect our results of operations, create negative publicity and could have a material effect on our business. We operate in and are subject to taxation from numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. The multinational nature of our business subjects us to taxation in the U.S and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. Our effective tax rates could be affected by changes in tax laws or their interpretation or changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. For example, the European Commission has 12 opened formal investigations to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in certain European countries comply with European Union rules on state aid. The outcome of the European Commission’s investigations could require changes to existing tax rulings that, in turn, could have an impact on our income taxes and results of operations. In the event any of the above risk factors impact our business in a material way or in combination during the same period, we may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow to simultaneously fund our operations, finance capital expenditures, satisfy obligations and make dividend payments on our common stock. In addition to debt service obligations, our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, environmental compliance, and for normal upgrades or replacements. During 2016, we expect our use of cash for capital expenditures, strategic investments and environmental compliance projects will exceed cash generated from operations. We expect to meet all of our near and long-term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, our existing credit facility and other long-term debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from these sources, we could be unable to meet our near and long-term cash needs or make dividend payments. ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2 PROPERTIES We own substantially all of the land and buildings comprising our manufacturing facilities located in Pennsylvania; Ohio; Canada; the United Kingdom; Germany; France; and the Philippines; as well as substantially all of the equipment used in our manufacturing and related operations. Certain of our operations are under lease arrangements including our metallized paper production facility located in Caerphilly, Wales, office and warehouse space in Moscow, Russia, Souzou, China and our corporate offices in York, Pennsylvania. All of our properties, other than those that are leased, are free from any material liens or encumbrances. We consider all of our buildings to be in good structural condition and well maintained and our properties to be suitable and adequate for present operations. ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are involved in various lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary and incidental to our business. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty; however, except with respect to the Fox River matter referred to below, we do not expect such lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. We are one of several defendants in a significant environmental matter relating to contamination in the Fox River and Bay of Green Bay in Wisconsin. For a discussion this matter, see Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers and senior management as of February 26, 2016. Name Age Office with the Company Dante C. Parrini John P. Jacunski Christopher W. Astley Brian E. Janki Martin Rapp William T. Yanavitch II David C. Elder Kent K. Matsumoto Mark A. Sullivan 51 50 43 43 56 55 47 56 60 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Advanced Airlaid Materials Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Specialty Papers Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Composite Fibers Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Administration Vice President, Finance Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary Vice President Officers are elected to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors. Except in the case of officers elected to fill a new position or a vacancy occurring at some other date, officers are generally elected at the organizational meeting of the Board of Directors held immediately after the annual meeting of shareholders. Dante C. Parrini became Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2011 and Chairman of the Board in May 2011. Prior to this, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a position he held since February 2005. Mr. Parrini joined us in 1997 and has previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, a position he held beginning in January 2003 and prior to that as Vice President responsible for Sales and Marketing. John P. Jacunski was promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in February 2014. He joined us in October 2003 and served as Vice President and Corporate Controller. In July 2006 he was promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jacunski was previously Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at WCI Steel, Inc. from June 1999 to October 2003. Prior to joining WCI, Mr. Jacunski was with KPMG, an international accounting and consulting firm, where he served in various capacities. Christopher W. Astley was named Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Advanced Airlaid Materials in January 2015. He joined us in August 2010 as Vice President, Corporate Strategy and was promoted to Senior Vice President in February 2014. Prior to joining us, he was an entrepreneur leading a privately held business from 2004 until 2010. Prior to that Mr. Astley held positions with Accenture, a global management consulting firm, and The Coca-Cola Company. Brian E. Janki serves as Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Specialty Papers. Prior to joining us in August 2013 Mr. Janki was employed by Greif as their Vice President & General Manager, Rigid Industrial Packaging & Services. During his twelve years with Greif, Mr. Janki held leadership positions including profit/loss responsibilities for two business units, global responsibility for supply chain and sourcing, and transformational assignments including global oversight of the implementation of the Greif Business System. Martin Rapp serves as Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Composite Fibers. Mr. Rapp joined us in August 2006 and has lead the Composite Fibers business unit since that time. Prior to this, he was Vice President and General Manager of Avery Dennison’s Roll Materials Business in Central and Eastern Europe since August 2002. William T. Yanavitch II was promoted to Senior Vice President Human Resources and Administration in February 2014. Since joining us in July 2000, he has served as Vice President, Human Resources. Prior to joining us he worked for Dentsply International and Gould Pumps Inc. in various leadership capacities. David C. Elder was named Vice President, Finance in December 2011 and continues as our chief accounting officer. Prior to his promotion, he was our Vice President, Corporate Controller, a position held since joining GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 13 Glatfelter in January 2006. Mr. Elder was previously Corporate Controller for YORK International Corporation. Kent K. Matsumoto was appointed Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary in October 2013. Mr. Matsumoto joined us in June 2012 as Assistant General Counsel and also served as interim General Counsel from March 2013 to October 2013. From July 2008 until February 2012, he was Associate General Counsel for Wolters Kluwer. Mark A. Sullivan serves as a Vice President. Previously, he was Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Information Technology since his promotion in November 2012. Mr. Sullivan joined us in December 2003 as Chief Procurement Officer and he was appointed Vice President, Global Supply Chain in February 2005. ITEM 4 MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not Applicable PART II ITEM 5 MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return of our common stock with the cumulative total returns of both a peer group and a broad market index. We compare our stock performance to the S&P Small Cap 600 Paper Products index comprised of us, Clearwater Paper Corp., Kapstone Paper & Packaging Corp., Neenah Paper Inc., Schweitzer-Mauduit International and Wausau Paper Corp. In addition, the chart includes a comparison to the Russell 2000, which we believe is an appropriate benchmark index for stocks such as ours. The following graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, in each index, and in the peer group (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on December 31, 2010 and charts it through December 31, 2015. $300 $250 $200 $150 $100 $50 $0 Dec-10 Dec-11 Dec-12 Dec-13 Dec-14 Dec-15 Glatfelter Russell 2000 S&P SmallCap 600 Paper Products Index Common Stock Prices and Dividends Declared Information The following table shows the high and low prices of our common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GLT” and the dividend declared per share for each quarter during the past two years: Quarter 2015 2014 Fourth Third Second First Fourth Third Second First High Low Dividend $20.09 22.47 27.40 27.58 $ 27.18 27.19 27.54 32.00 $16.28 16.56 21.81 22.18 $ 21.38 21.94 24.07 26.52 $0.12 0.12 0.12 0.12 $ 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.11 As of February 24, 2016, we had 1,064 shareholders of record. 14 ITEM 6 SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA As of or for the year ended December 31 Dollars in thousands, except per share Net sales Energy and related sales, net 2015 2014 2013 (1) 2012 2011 $1,661,084 5,664 $1,802,415 7,927 $1,722,615 3,153 $1,577,788 7,000 $1,603,154 9,344 Total revenue 1,666,748 1,810,342 1,725,768 1,584,788 1,612,498 Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Net income Earnings per share Basic Diluted Total assets Total debt $ $ 21,113 64,575 1.49 1.47 4,861 69,246 1.60 1.57 $ $ 1,726 67,158 1.56 1.52 $ $ 9,815 59,379 1.39 1.36 $ $ 3,950 42,694 0.94 0.93 $ $ $1,503,624 363,870 $1,561,504 404,612 $1,678,410 442,325 $1,242,985 250,000 $1,136,925 227,000 Shareholders’ equity Cash dividends declared per common share Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures 663,247 0.48 63,236 99,889 649,109 0.44 70,555 66,046 684,476 0.40 68,196 103,047 Net tons sold Number of employees 1,051,911 4,375 1,059,881 4,516 1,029,819 4,403 539,679 0.36 69,500 58,752 969,833 4,258 490,404 0.36 69,313 64,491 960,915 4,274 (1) On April 30, 2013, we acquired Dresden Papier GmbH, the results of which are included prospectively from the acquisition date, including $101.8 million of net sales and $18.3 million of operating income. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 15 ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Forward-Looking Statements This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future consolidated financial position or results of operations, made in this Report on Form 10-K are forward looking. We use words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward- looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ significantly from such expectations. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements regarding expectations of, among others, non-cash pension expense, environmental costs, capital expenditures and liquidity, all of which are inherently difficult to predict. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Accordingly, we identify the following important factors, among others, which could cause our results to differ from any results that might be projected, forecasted or estimated in any such forward-looking statements: variations in demand for our products including the impact of unplanned market-related downtime, variations in product pricing, or product substitution; the impact of competition, both domestic and international, changes in industry production capacity, including the construction of new mills or new machines, the closing of mills and incremental changes due to capital expenditures or productivity increases; risks associated with our international operations, including local economic and political environments and fluctuations in currency exchange rates; geopolitical events, including the impact of conflicts such as Russia and Ukraine; our ability to develop new, high value-added products; changes in the cost or availability of raw materials we use, in particular pulpwood, pulp, pulp substitutes, caustic soda, and abaca fiber; changes in energy-related costs and commodity raw materials with an energy component; i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. 16 viii. the impact of unplanned production interruption; ix. x. xi. xii. disruptions in production and/or increased costs due to labor disputes; the impact of exposure to volatile market-based pricing for sales of excess electricity; the gain or loss of significant customers and/or on- going viability of such customers; cost and other effects of environmental compliance, cleanup, damages, remediation or restoration, or personal injury or property damages related thereto, such as the costs of natural resource restoration or damages related to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) in the lower Fox River on which our former Neenah mill was located; xiii. adverse results in litigation in the Fox River matter; xiv. the impact of war and terrorism; xv. the impact of unfavorable outcomes of audits by various state, federal or international tax authorities; xvi. enactment of adverse state, federal or foreign tax or other legislation or changes in government policy or regulation; and xvii. our ability to finance, consummate and integrate acquisitions. Introduction We manufacture a wide array of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials and we manage our company along three business units: • Composite Fibers with revenue from the sale of single-serve tea and coffee filtration papers, nonwoven wall covering materials, metallized papers, composite laminates papers, and many technically special papers including substrates for electrical applications; • Advanced Airlaid Materials with revenue from the sale of airlaid nonwoven fabric-like materials used in feminine hygiene and adult incontinence products, wipes, and other airlaid applications; and • Specialty Papers with revenue from the sale of papers for carbonless and other forms, envelopes, book publishing, and engineered products such as papers for high-speed ink jet printing, office specialty products, greeting cards, packaging, casting, release, transfer, playing card, postal, FDA-compliant food and beverage applications, and other niche specialty applications. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 2015 versus 2014 Overview Net income for 2015 was $64.6 million, or $1.47 per diluted share, compared with $69.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, in 2014. On an adjusted earnings basis, a non-GAAP measure that excludes non-core business items discussed below, earnings per share were $1.34 compared with $1.55 in 2014. The year-over-year comparison of results of operations reflects the adverse impact of i) the stronger U.S. dollar on our euro-denominated businesses; ii) weaker demand and pricing for nonwoven wallcover products primarily due to economic conditions in Russia and Ukraine; iii) pricing pressures in our Specialty Papers business; and iv) weaker demand for certain Advanced Airlaid Materials’ products in the first half of 2015. During 2015, we implemented cost reduction and continuous improvement initiatives that generated $31 million of savings. Our workforce was reduced by 3.1%. We generated $133.7 million of cash flow from operations compared with $99.6 million in 2014. We also returned additional cash to our shareholders in the form of a 9% increase in the quarterly dividend beginning with the 2015 first quarter dividend payment. This was the third consecutive year in which the dividend was increased. We also announced a plan to invest $80 million to build a new production facility in the United States in the Advanced Airlaid Materials business (“AMBU”). Our plan to build this new facility is in direct response to customer needs for increased capacity in a tightening North American airlaid market. On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of Spezialpapierfabrik Oberschmitten GmbH (“SPO”) for $8.0 million in cash. SPO’s results are reported as part of the Composite Fibers business unit prospectively from the acquisition date. It primarily produces highly technical papers for use in a wide range of capacitors used in consumer and industrial products; insulation papers for cables and transformers; and materials for industrial power inverters, electromagnetic current filters and electric rail traction. The following table sets forth summarized results of operations: In thousands, except per share Net sales Gross profit Operating income Net income Earnings per diluted share Year ended December 31 2014 2015 $1,661,084 202,965 96,372 64,575 1.47 $1,802,415 235,154 106,780 69,246 1.57 Consolidated net sales for year ended December 31, 2015 were $1,661.1 million compared with $1,802.4 million for 2014. On a constant currency basis, net sales declined $40.3 million, or 2.2 percent. Shipping volumes declined less than one percent. In addition to the results reported in accordance with GAAP, we evaluate our performance using adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share. We disclose this information so that investors can evaluate our performance exclusive of certain unique or unusual items that impact the comparability of results from period to period as it allows them to understand underlying operating trends and cash flow generation. Adjusted earnings per diluted share is calculated by dividing adjusted net income by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share are considered measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and therefore are non- GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures may differ from other companies. The non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table sets for the reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014: In thousands, except per share 2015 Net income Timberland sales and related costs Fox River environmental matter Workforce efficiency charges Asset impairment charge Acquisition and integration related costs AMBU capacity expansion costs Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) 2014 Net income Timberland sales and related costs Workforce efficiency charges Asset impairment charge Acquisition and integration related costs Alternative fuel mixture/Cellulosic biofuel credits Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) After-tax amounts Diluted EPS $ 64,575 (14,652) 6,222 1,768 857 126 30 $ 58,926 $ 1.47 (0.33) 0.14 0.04 0.02 – – $ 1.34 $ 69,246 (2,995) 373 2,356 603 $ 1.57 (0.07) 0.01 0.05 0.01 (1,115) $ 68,468 (0.03) $ 1.55 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 17 The sum of individual per share amounts set forth above may not agree to adjusted earnings per share due to rounding. Adjusted net income consists of net income determined in accordance with GAAP adjusted to exclude the impact of the following: Timberland sales and related costs. These adjustments exclude gains from the sales of timberlands as these items are not considered to be part of our core business, ongoing results of operations or cash flows. These adjustments are irregular in timing and amount and may significantly impact our operating performance. As such, these items may not be indicative of past or future performance of the Company and therefore are excluded for comparability purposes. Fox River environmental matter. This adjustment reflects a charge incurred to increase our reserve for estimated costs to remediate environmental contamination at the Fox River site. These costs are irregular in timing and as such may not be indicative of our past or future performance. Workforce efficiency charges. These adjustments include costs that are directly related to actions undertaken to reduce costs and improve operating efficiencies. Such costs were specifically incurred as part of our initiative to reduce global headcount as part of a more broad based cost reduction program announced at the end of 2014. Asset impairment charges. This adjustment represents a non-cash charge required to adjust to its estimated fair value the carrying value of a trade name intangible asset. Charges of this nature are irregular in timing and as such may not be indicative of our past and future performance. Acquisition and integration related costs. These adjustments include costs directly related to the consummation of the acquisition process and those related to integrating recently acquired businesses. These costs are irregular in timing and as such may not be indicative of our past or future performance. Alternative fuel mixture/Cellulosic biofuel credits. These adjustments reflect the release of reserves for uncertain tax position due to the lapse of statutes of limitation. AMBU capacity expansion costs. These adjustments reflect costs incurred directly related to the start-up of a new production facility for AMBU. Business Unit Performance Dollars in millions Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Specialty Papers Other and Unallocated Total Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net sales Energy and related sales, net $541.5 – $617.9 – $244.6 – $281.7 – $875.0 5.7 $902.9 7.9 $ Total revenue Cost of products sold Gross profit (loss) SG&A Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Total operating income (loss) Non-operating expense 541.5 434.4 107.1 45.7 – 61.4 – 617.9 498.0 119.9 51.6 – 68.3 – 244.6 215.7 28.9 7.6 – 21.3 – 281.7 247.6 34.1 8.8 – 25.3 – 880.7 804.5 76.2 43.3 – 32.9 – 910.8 821.8 89.0 50.4 – 38.6 – – – – 9.2 (9.2) 31.0 (21.1) (19.1) (17.8) $ – – – 7.8 (7.8) 22.4 (4.9) (25.3) (19.4) $1,661.1 5.7 1,666.7 1,463.8 203.0 127.7 (21.1) 96.4 (17.8) $1,802.4 7.9 1,810.3 1,575.2 235.2 133.2 (4.9) 106.8 (19.4) Income (loss) before income taxes Supplementary Data Net tons sold (thousands) Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures $ 61.4 $ 68.3 $ 21.3 $ 25.3 $ 32.9 $ 38.6 $(36.9) $(44.7) $ 78.6 $ 87.4 153.8 157.3 96.0 99.7 802.2 802.9 – – 1,051.9 1,059.9 $ 26.2 26.8 $ 29.7 23.9 $ 8.8 7.8 $ 9.1 7.6 $ 26.0 63.5 $ 29.9 32.1 $ 2.2 1.8 $ 1.9 2.4 $ 63.2 99.9 $ 70.6 66.0 The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding. 18 Business Units Results of individual business units The following table sets forth the contribution to are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services or are included in “Other and Unallocated” in the Business Unit Performance table. Management evaluates the performance of the business units based on results of operations of the business units before pension expense, certain corporate level costs, and the effects of certain gains or losses not considered to be related to the core business operations. Management believes that this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from these core operations. Such amounts are presented under the caption “Other and Unallocated.” In the evaluation of business unit results, management does not use any measures of total assets. The information set forth above is aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that the Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors. Sales and Costs of Products Sold In thousands Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Gross profit as a Year ended December 31 2014 2015 Change $1,661,084 $1,802,415 $(141,331) 5,664 1,666,748 1,463,783 $ 202,965 7,927 1,810,342 1,575,188 $ 235,154 (2,263) (143,594) (111,405) $ (32,189) percent of Net sales 12.2% 13.0% consolidated net sales by each business unit: Percent of Total Business Unit Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Material Specialty Papers Total Year ended December 31 2015 2014 32.6% 14.7 52.7 100.0% 34.3% 15.6 50.1 100.0% Net sales declined by $141.3 million and totaled $1,661.1 million and $1,802.4 million, in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Currency translation unfavorably impacted the year-over-year comparison by $101.0 million reflecting a significantly stronger U.S. dollar. Composite Fibers’ net sales declined $76.4 million, or 12.4%, due to $75.8 million of unfavorable currency translation and $10.2 million from lower selling prices. Shipping volumes declined 2.2% due to a 19.8% decline in wallcover products which more than offset solid gains in all other segments The weakness in sales to the wallcover segment is directly related to economic conditions in Russia and Ukraine, a region that historically had accounted for approximately 50% of sales of this business unit’s wallcover products. Composite Fibers’ operating income for 2015 decreased $6.9 million to $61.4 million. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $68.3 $(10.2) $6.8 $(2.5) $7.3 $(8.2) $61.4 2014 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Operations & Other RM & Energy Costs FX 2015 Operating Income Advanced Airlaid Materials’ decreased $37.1 million due to $25.1 million of unfavorable currency translation and a 3.7% decline in shipping volumes. net sales GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 19 Advanced Airlaid Materials’ operating income for 2015 declined $4.0 million compared to 2014. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $25.3 $0.0 $(1.8) $(5.2) $3.6 $(0.7) $21.3 2014 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Operations & Other RM & Energy Costs FX 2015 Operating Income The adverse impact from lower shipping volumes reflects softer market demand in the first half of the year. The amount set forth for “Operations & other” includes general wage cost inflation, $2.6 million of market related downtime as well as lost production associated with machine upgrades. Specialty Papers’ net sales declined $27.9 million, or 3.1% primarily due to $11.3 million from lower selling prices, slightly lower shipping volumes and unfavorable mix changes. This business unit’s operating income totaled $32.9 million in 2015, a $5.7 million decline from $38.6 million a year ago. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $38.6 $(11.3) $14.8 $(2.3) $32.9 $(2.1) $(4.8) 2014 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Operations & Other RM & Energy Costs Energy & Related Sales 2015 Operating Income 20 We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. The following table summarizes this activity for 2015 and 2014: In thousands Energy sales Costs to produce Net Renewable energy credits Year ended December 31 2015 2014 $ 5,315 (4,428) $11,886 (6,204) 887 4,777 5,682 2,245 Change $(6,571) 1,776 (4,795) 2,532 Total $ 5,664 $ 7,927 $(2,263) Renewable energy credits (“RECs”) represent sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste. We sell RECs into an illiquid market. The extent and value of future revenues from REC sales is dependent on many factors outside of management’s control. Therefore, we may not be able to generate consistent additional sales of RECs in future periods. Energy and related sales decreased $2.3 million in the comparison as severe weather conditions in early 2014 resulted in higher selling prices for excess power and a boiler outage in the first quarter of 2015 reduced power sales. Other and Unallocated The amount of net operating expenses not allocated to a business unit and reported as “Other and Unallocated” in our table of Business Unit Performance, excluding gains from sales of plant, equipment and timberlands, totaled $40.2 million in 2015 compared with $30.2 million in 2014. The increase was primarily due to a $10.0 charge to increase our reserve for the Fox River environmental matter as well as related legal costs which were partially offset by benefits from corporate cost reduction initiatives. Asset impairment charges During 2015 and 2014, in connection with our annual test of potential impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $1.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, related to a trade name intangible asset acquired in connection with our Composite Fibers business unit’s 2013 Dresden acquisition. The charges were due to changes in the estimated fair value of the trade name, primarily driven by lower forecasted revenues associated with the business, an increase in discount rates related to Dresden’s business in Russia and Ukraine and this region’s political and economic instability. The charges are expenses not allocated to a business unit and are recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Pension Expense Pension expenses are not allocated to a business unit. The following table summarizes the amounts of pension expense recognized for the periods indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 Change Year ended December 31 Recorded as: Costs of products sold SG&A expense Total $7,043 2,038 $9,081 $6,605 55 $6,660 $ 438 1,983 $2,421 The amount of pension expense recognized each year is dependent on various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including discount rates, mortality, and the fair value of our pension assets. Pension expense in 2016 is expected to be approximately $4.6 million compared with $9.1 million in 2015. The change is primarily due to higher discount rates partially offset by a lower assumed long term rate of return on plan assets. Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands, net During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, we completed the following sales of assets: Dollars in thousands Acres Proceeds Gain 2015 Timberlands Other Total 2014 Timberlands Other Total 15,628 n/a $23,917 542 $20,867 246 $24,459 $21,113 2,753 n/a $ 5,062 10 $ 4,855 6 $ 5,072 $ 4,861 Income taxes For 2015, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $14.0 million on pretax income of $78.6 million. The comparable amounts in 2014 were an income tax provision of $18.1 million on $87.4 million of pretax income. The lower effective rate in 2015 is largely driven by a greater proportion of earnings generated in lower tax foreign jurisdictions relative to the U.S. due, in part, to a $10.0 million increase in our reserve for the Fox River matter. Income tax expense in 2014 includes a $4.2 million benefit from the reduction of deferred tax liabilities and release of valuation allowances related to the restructuring of non-U.S. legal entities. Foreign Currency We own and operate facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. The functional currency of our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. However, in Germany and France it is the Euro, in the UK, it is the British Pound Sterling, and in the Philippines the functional currency is the Peso. Our euro denominated revenue exceeds euro expenses by approximately €120 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the average currency exchange rate declined to 1.11 U.S. dollars to 1.00 euro compared with 1.33 to 1.00 for 2014. With respect to the British Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine Peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree. As a result, particularly with respect to the euro, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant. The translation of the results from international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The table below summarizes the translation impact on reported results that changes in currency exchange rates had on our non-U.S. based operations from the conversion of these operation’s results for 2015: In thousands Net sales Costs of products sold SG&A expenses Income taxes and other Net income Year ended December 31, 2015 Favorable (unfavorable) $(104,996) 84,156 8,436 2,565 $ (9,839) The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency exchange rates in 2015 were the same as 2014. It does not include the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi- currency markets. 2014 versus 2013 Overview Our net income in 2014 was $69.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, compared with $67.2 million, or $1.52 per diluted share, in 2013. On an adjusted earnings basis, a non-GAAP measure that excludes non-core business items discussed below, earnings per diluted share increased to $1.55 compared with $1.40 in 2013. Adjusted earnings per share increased 10.7% driven by improved results from our growth businesses, as well as lower pension expense. Our results were adversely impacted by significant costs related to pulp mill performance issues in Ohio, severe weather conditions and higher costs related to annual maintenance outages. In addition, our Composite Fibers business was adversely impacted by macro-level challenges, including the fluid economic and political situation in Russia and Ukraine, weak economic growth in Europe as well as increased competitive pressures and higher market related downtime. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 21 On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of SPO for $8.0 million in cash. SPO’s results are reported as part of the Composite Fibers business unit prospectively from the acquisition date. Effective April 30, 2013, we completed the acquisition of Dresden Papier GmbH (“Dresden”) for $211 million, net of cash acquired. Our reported results include Dresden for a full year of 2014 and, in 2013, only prospectively from the acquisition date. The following table sets forth summarized results of operations: earnings per diluted share are considered measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and therefore are non-GAAP measures. These non-GAAP measures may differ from other companies. The non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table sets for the reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013: In thousands, except per share After-tax amounts Diluted EPS Year ended December 31 2014 In thousands, except per share 2014 2013 Net sales Gross profit Operating income Net income Earnings per diluted share $1,802,415 235,154 106,780 69,246 1.57 $1,722,615 218,660 86,519 67,158 1.52 Our results reflect benefits from our two growth businesses as they delivered a combined 8% increase in net sales. Composite Fibers, driven by the previously acquired Dresden business, and Advanced Airlaid Materials reported improved operating profit of 9% and 18%, respectively, over the prior year period. In addition to the results reported in accordance with GAAP, we evaluate our performance using adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share. We disclose this information so that investors can evaluate our performance exclusive of certain items that impact the comparability of results from period to period as it allows them to understand underlying operating trends and cash flow generation. Adjusted earnings per diluted share is calculated by dividing adjusted net income by diluted weighted-average shares outstanding. Adjusted earnings and adjusted Net income Acquisition and integration related costs Workforce efficiency charges Asset impairment charge Timberland sales and related costs Alternative fuel mixture/Cellulosic biofuel credits $ 69,246 603 373 2,356 (2,995) (1,115) $ 1.57 0.01 0.01 0.05 (0.07) (0.03) Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $ 68,468 $ 1.55 2013 Net income Acquisition and integration related costs International legal entity restructuring Timberland sales and related costs Alternative fuel mixture/Cellulosic biofuel credits $ 67,158 6,079 630 (1,725) (10,316) $ 1.52 0.14 0.01 (0.04) (0.23) Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) $ 61,826 $ 1.40 The sum of individual per share amounts set forth above may not agree to adjusted earnings per share due to rounding. Our growth-oriented fiber-based engineered materials businesses reported improved results with operating profit increasing $9.7 million. However, Specialty Papers operating income declined $1.1 million reflecting the impact of operational issues and higher costs of maintenance outages nearly offset by higher selling prices. 22 Business Unit Performance Year ended December 31 Dollars in millions Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Materials Specialty Papers Other and Unallocated Total 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 Net sales Energy and related sales, net $617.9 – $566.4 – $281.7 – $268.4 – $902.9 7.9 $887.9 3.2 $ Total revenue Cost of products sold Gross profit (loss) SG&A Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Total operating income (loss) Non-operating expense Income (loss) before income 617.9 498.0 119.9 51.6 – 68.3 – 566.4 456.5 109.8 47.4 – 62.4 – 281.7 247.6 34.1 8.8 – 25.3 – 268.4 238.0 30.4 8.9 – 21.5 – 910.8 821.8 89.0 50.4 – 38.6 – 891.1 799.3 91.7 52.0 – 39.7 – – – – 7.8 (7.8) 22.4 (4.9) (25.3) (19.4) $ – – – 13.3 (13.3) 25.5 (1.7) (37.1) (17.3) $1,802.4 7.9 1,810.3 1,575.2 235.2 133.2 (4.9) 106.8 (19.4) $1,722.6 3.2 1,725.8 1,507.1 218.7 133.9 (1.7) 86.5 (17.3) taxes $ 68.3 $ 62.4 $ 25.3 $ 21.5 $ 38.6 $ 39.7 $(44.7) $(54.4) $ 87.4 $ 69.2 Supplementary Data Net tons sold (thousands) Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures 157.3 133.6 99.7 96.1 802.9 800.2 – – 1,059.9 1,029.8 $ 29.7 23.9 $ 24.8 56.9 $ 9.1 7.6 $ 8.9 6.7 $ 29.9 32.1 $ 33.2 33.8 $ 1.9 2.4 $ 1.3 5.7 $ 70.6 66.0 $ 68.2 103.0 The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding. Sales and Costs of Products Sold In thousands Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Gross profit as a percent of Net sales Year ended December 31 2013 2014 Change $1,802,415 $1,722,615 $79,800 7,927 1,810,342 1,575,188 $ 235,154 3,153 1,725,768 1,507,108 $ 218,660 4,774 84,574 68,080 $16,494 13.0% 12.7% The following table sets forth the contribution to consolidated net sales by each business unit: Percent of Total Business Unit Composite Fibers Advanced Airlaid Material Specialty Papers Total Year ended December 31 2014 2013 34.3% 15.6 50.1 100.0% 100.0% 32.9% 15.6 51.5 Dresden’s activity in 2014, compared with eight months in 2013, together with SPO’s results prospectively from the October 1, 2014 acquisition date. These factors were offset by lower selling prices and unfavorable currency translation of $11.9 million and $2.0 million, respectively. The lower selling prices primarily reflect the adverse impact of competitive pressures in certain market segments and weak economic conditions, particularly in Europe, Russia and Ukraine. Composite Fibers’ operating income totaled $68.3 million in 2014, a $5.9 million increase from 2013. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $62.4 $(11.9) $8.5 $1.3 $5.7 $2.9 $(0.5) $68.3 Net sales for 2014 totaled $1,802.4 million, a 4.6% increase compared with 2013. Excluding the Dresden and SPO acquisitions, organic growth totaled 1.5%. Composite Fibers’ net sales totaled $617.9 million in 2014, an increase of $51.5 million or 9% compared to 2013, primarily due to the inclusion of a full year of 2013 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Dresden Acquisition Operations & Other RM and Energy Costs FX 2014 Operating Income In Advanced Airlaid Materials, net sales totaled $281.7 million in 2014, an increase of $13.3 million or 5.0% compared to 2013, primarily due to a 3.7% increase in shipping volumes. Lower selling prices negatively affected the comparison by $1.1 million. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 23 Advanced Airlaid Materials’ operating income totaled $25.3 million in 2014, a $3.8 million increase from 2013. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $25.3 $1.9 $4.2 $(1.5) $0.3 $21.5 $(1.1) 2013 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Operations & Other RM and Energy Costs FX 2014 Operating Income In the Specialty Papers business unit, net sales totaled $902.9 million in 2014, an increase of $15.0 million or 1.7% compared to 2013 due to higher selling prices. Higher selling prices favorably affected the comparison by $21.7 million. Specialty Papers’ operating income totaled $38.6 million in 2014, a $0.9 million decrease from 2013. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart: $21.7 $(2.0) $(22.3) $39.7 $(3.3) $4.8 $38.6 2013 Operating Income Selling Price Volume & Mix Operations & Other RM and Energy Costs Net Power Sales and RECs 2014 Operating Income The decline of $22.3 million under the caption “Operations & Other” relates to higher costs from pulp mill performance issues, severe weather conditions and maintenance spending. We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. The following table summarizes this activity for 2014 and 2013: In thousands Energy sales Costs to produce Net Renewable energy credits Year ended December 31 2014 2013 $11,886 (6,204) $ 8,189 (6,784) 5,682 2,245 1,405 1,748 Change $3,697 580 4,277 497 Total $ 7,927 $ 3,153 $4,774 24 Renewable energy credits (“RECs”) represent sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste. We sell RECs into an illiquid market. The extent and value of future revenues from REC sales is dependent on many factors outside of management’s control. Therefore, we may not be able to generate consistent additional sales of RECs in future periods. Energy and related sales increased in the year-over- year comparison as severe weather conditions early in 2014 resulted in higher selling prices for excess power. Other and Unallocated The amount of net operating expenses not allocated to a business unit and reported as “Other and Unallocated” in our table of Business Unit Performance, excluding gains from sales of plant, equipment and timberlands, totaled $30.2 million in 2014 compared with $38.8 million in 2013. The decrease was primarily due to lower pension expense, legal and professional fees, partially offset by the asset impairment charge. Asset impairment charges During 2014, in connection with our annual test of potential impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets, we recorded a non-cash asset impairment charge of $3.3 million related to a trade name intangible asset acquired in connection with our Composite Fibers business unit’s 2013 Dresden acquisition. The charge was primarily driven by an increase in discount rates related to Dresden’s business in Russia and Ukraine and this region’s political instability. The charge is not allocated to a business unit and is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” Pension Expense The following table summarizes the amounts of pension expense recognized for the periods indicated: In thousands 2014 2013 Change Year ended December 31 Recorded as: Costs of products sold SG&A expense Total $6,605 55 $6,660 $12,368 1,849 $14,217 $(5,763) (1,794) $(7,557) The amount of pension expense recognized each year is dependent on various actuarial assumptions and certain other factors, including discount rates, mortality, and the fair value of our pension assets. Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands, net During the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we completed the following sales of assets: Dollars in thousands Acres Proceeds Gain The table below summarizes the translation impact on reported results that changes in currency exchange rates had on our non-U.S. based operations from the conversion of these operation’s results for 2014 2014 Timberlands Other Total 2013 Timberlands Other Total 2,753 n/a 876 n/a $5,062 10 $4,855 6 $5,072 $4,861 $1,445 502 $1,410 316 $1,947 $1,726 In thousands Net sales Costs of products sold SG&A expenses Income taxes and other Net income Year ended December 31, 2014 Favorable (unfavorable) $2,298 (395) (78) 307 $2,132 Income taxes For 2014, we recorded a provision for income taxes of $18.1 million on pretax income of $87.4 million. The comparable amounts in 2013 were income tax expense of $2.0 million on $69.2 million of pretax income. Income tax expense in 2014 benefited by $4.2 million from the reduction of deferred tax liabilities and release of valuation allowances related to the restructuring of non-U.S. legal entities. Tax expense for 2013 benefited from a greater proportion of earnings generated in lower tax foreign jurisdictions relative to the U.S. and by an aggregate of $16.3 million from cellulosic biofuel production credits, research and development credits, reduction in reserves due to lapse of statutes of limitation and changes in international statutory rates. Foreign Currency We own and operate facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. The functional currency of our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. However, in Germany and France it is the Euro, in the UK, it is the British Pound Sterling, and in the Philippines the functional currency is the Peso. Our euro denominated revenue exceeds euro expenses by approximately €120 million. With respect to the British Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine Peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree. As a result, particularly with respect to the euro, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant. The translation of the results from international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency exchange rates in 2014 were the same as 2013. It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi- currency markets. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Our business is capital intensive and requires significant expenditures for new or enhanced equipment, to support our research and development efforts, for environmental compliance matters including, but not limited to, the Clean Air Act, and to support our business strategy including a recently announced plan to construct a new facility. In addition, we have mandatory debt service requirements of both principal and interest. The following table summarizes cash flow information for each of the periods presented: In thousands Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash provided (used) by Operating activities Investing activities Financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net cash provided (used) Cash and cash equivalents at end of Year ended December 31 2015 2014 $ 99,837 $122,882 133,743 (77,254) (48,016) (3,006) 5,467 99,577 (69,589) (50,881) (2,152) (23,045) period $105,304 $ 99,837 At December 31, 2015, we had $105.3 million in cash and cash equivalents held by both domestic and foreign subsidiaries. Unremitted earnings of our foreign subsidiaries are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested; however, at the end of 2015, the majority of our cash and cash equivalents is either held by domestic entities or is available for use domestically. In addition to our cash and cash equivalents, $248.3 million is available under our revolving credit agreement, which matures in March 2020. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 25 Cash provided by operating activities totaled $133.7 million in 2015 compared with $99.6 million a year ago. The increase in cash from operations primarily reflects a benefit from a decrease in cash used for working capital primarily related to inventory and improved payment terms with suppliers. In 2015, we used less cash for income taxes, however this was offset by cash used for Fox River environmental remediation activities. Net cash used by investing activities primarily consists of capital expenditures, cash used for acquisitions and proceeds from sales of assets, primarily timberlands. Net cash used for investing increased by $7.7 million in the year-over-year comparison primarily due to a $33.8 million increase in capital expenditures largely related to environmental compliance projects which was partially offset by a $19.4 million increase in proceeds from asset sales. Capital expenditures during 2015 and 2014, includes $26.9 million and $6.1 million, respectively, related to environmental compliance projects. For 2016, capital expenditures are expected to total $150 million to $170 million, including approximately $40 million to $45 million related to Specialty Papers’ environmental compliance projects and $40 million to $45 million for Advanced Airlaid Materials’ new airlaid facility. Net cash used by financing activities totaled $48.0 million in 2015 compared with $50.9 million in 2014. At December 31, 2015, our net debt (a non-GAAP measure and defined as total debt less cash) totaled $258.6 million compared to $304.8 million at the end of 2014. The following table sets forth our outstanding long- term indebtedness: In thousands Revolving credit facility, due Mar. 2020 Revolving credit facility, due Nov. 2016 5.375% Notes, due Oct. 2020 2.40% Term Loan, due Jun. 2022 2.05% Term Loan, due Mar. 2023 1.55% Term Loan, due Sep. 2025 Total long-term debt Less current portion Long-term debt, net of current portion December 31 2015 $ 58,792 – 250,000 10,109 42,130 2,839 363,870 (7,366) $356,504 2014 $ – 90,555 250,000 12,155 51,902 – 404,612 (5,734) $398,878 Our revolving credit facility contains a number of customary compliance covenants, the most restrictive of which is a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5x. As of December 31, 2015, the leverage ratio, as calculated in accordance with the definition in our credit agreement, was 1.6x. Based on our expectations of future results of operations and capital needs, we do not believe the debt 26 covenants will impact our operations or limit our ability to undertake financings that may be necessary to meet our capital needs. The 5.375% Notes contain cross default provisions that could result in all such notes becoming due and payable in the event of a failure to repay debt outstanding under the credit agreement at maturity, or a default under the credit agreement that accelerates the debt outstanding thereunder. As of December 31, 2015, we met all of the requirements of our debt covenants. The significant terms of the debt instruments are more fully discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 17. Our long-term debt includes three term loans with mandatory principal repayments that used $5.2 million of cash in 2015. Principal repayments will total approximately $7.4 million 2016. Cash used for financing activities includes cash used for common stock dividends, and, with respect to 2014, stock repurchases. In February 2015, our Board of Directors authorized a 9% increase in our quarterly cash dividend. During 2015, we used $20.4 million of cash for dividends on our common stock compared with $18.7 million in 2014. The Board of Directors determines what, if any, dividends will be paid to our shareholders. Dividend payment decisions are based upon then-existing factors and conditions and, therefore, historical trends of dividend payments are not necessarily indicative of future payments. On May 1, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a $25 million increase to our share repurchase program and extended the expiration date to May 1, 2016. Under the revised program, we may repurchase up to $50 million of our outstanding common stock of which $33.4 million remains available as of the end of 2015. No repurchases were made in 2015 and totaled $12.2 million in 2014. We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. At various times, we have incurred significant costs to comply with these regulations and we could incur additional costs as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities change. We will incur material capital costs to comply with new air quality regulations including the U.S. EPA Best Available Retrofit Technology rule (BART; otherwise known as the Regional Haze Rule) and the Boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule (Boiler MACT). These rules will require process modifications and/or installation of air pollution controls on boilers at two of our facilities. We have begun converting or replacing five coal-fired boilers to natural gas and upgrading site infrastructure to accommodate the new boilers, including connecting to gas pipelines. The total cost of these projects is estimated at $85 million to $90 million of which $33.0 million has been incurred through the end of 2015. The balance of the related spending will be substantially completed in 2016. As more fully discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23 – Commitments, Contingencies and Legal Proceedings, we are involved in the Lower Fox River in Wisconsin (the “Fox River”), an EPA Superfund site for which we remain potentially liable for contributions to the clean-up activity. During 2015, we used $9.1 million for remediation activities and it is conceivable we may need to fund a portion of the on-going costs in 2016 or beyond. Although we are unable to determine with any degree of certainty the amount we may be required to fund for interim remediation work, such amounts could be significant. The ultimate allocation of such costs is the subject of extensive ongoing litigation amongst three potentially responsible parties. See Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23 for a summary of significant environmental matters. During 2016, we expect our use of cash for capital expenditures, strategic investments and environmental compliance projects will exceed cash generated from operations. We expect to meet all of our near and long- term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, our existing credit facility and other long-term debt. However, as discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 23, an unfavorable outcome of the Fox River matters could have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and/or results of operations. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had not entered into any off-balance-sheet arrangements. Financial derivative instruments, to which we are a party, and guarantees of indebtedness, which solely consist of obligations of subsidiaries and a partnership, are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets included herein in Item 8 – Financial Statements. Contractual Obligations The following table sets forth contractual obligations as of December 31, 2015: In millions Long-term debt (1) Operating leases (2) Purchase obligations (3) Other long term obligations (4),(5) Total Payments Due During the Year Ended December 31, 2016 $ 22 6 75 6 $109 2017 to 2018 $ 44 5 54 12 2019 to 2020 $352 1 – 13 2021 and beyond $27 1 – 32 $115 $366 $60 Total $445 13 129 63 $650 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Represents principal and interest payments due on long-term debt, the significant terms of which are discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements, Note 17, “Long-term Debt.” The amounts set forth above include expected interest payments of $81 million over the term of the underlying debt instruments based contractual rates or current market rates in the case of variable rate instruments. See Item 8 – Financial Statements, Note 17, “Long-Term Debt”. Represents rental agreements for various land, buildings, vehicles, and computer and office equipment. Represents open purchase order commitments and other obligations, primarily for raw material, and forward purchases with minimum annual purchase obligations. In certain situations, prices are subject to variations based on market prices. In such situations, the information above is based on prices in effect at December 31, 2015. Primarily represents expected benefits to be paid pursuant to post-retirement medical plans, nonqualified pension plans and the expected costs of asset retirement obligations. Since we are unable to reasonably estimate the timing of ultimate payment, the amounts set forth above do not include any payments that may be made related to uncertain tax positions, including potential interest, accounted for in accordance with ASC 740-10-20. As discussed in more detail in Item 8 – Financial Statements, Note 9, “Income Taxes”, such amounts totaled $12 million at December 31, 2015. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 27 Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates The preceding discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial position and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, pension and post- employment obligations, environmental liabilities and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates. We believe the following represent the most significant and subjective estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Long-lived Assets We evaluate the recoverability of our long-lived assets, including plant, equipment, timberlands, goodwill and other intangible assets periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Goodwill and non-amortizing tradename intangible assets are reviewed, on a discounted cash flow basis, during the third quarter of each year for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Our evaluations include considerations of a variety of qualitative factors and analyses based on the cash flows generated by the underlying assets, profitability information, including estimated future operating results, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the value of an asset determined by these evaluations is less than its carrying amount, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the related business may indicate an inability to recover the carrying value of the assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future. Pension and Other Post-Employment Obligations Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans, and any curtailments thereof, requires various assumptions, including, but not limited to, discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, future compensation growth rates and mortality rates. Accounting for our retiree medical plans, and any curtailments thereof, also requires various assumptions, 28 which include, but are not limited to, discount rates and annual rates of increase in the per capita costs of health care benefits. The following chart summarizes the more significant assumption used in the actuarial valuation of our defined- benefit plans for each of the past three years: Pension plans Weighted average discount rate for benefit expense for benefit obligation Expected long-term rate of on plan assets(1) Rate of compensation increase(2) Post-employment medical Weighted average discount rate for benefit expense for benefit obligation Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Ultimate cost trend rate Year that the ultimate cost trend rate is reached 2015 2014 2013 4.21% 5.20% 4.28% 4.21 4.65 8.00 8.00 4.00 4.00 5.20 8.50 4.00 3.89 4.38 6.80 4.50 4.52 3.89 7.46 4.50 3.58 4.52 7.46 4.50 2037 2028 2028 (1) (2) For 2016, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was reduced to 7.75%. For 2016, the rate of compensation increase was reduced to 3.50%. We evaluate these assumptions at least once each year or as facts and circumstances dictate and we make changes as conditions warrant. Changes to these assumptions will increase or decrease our reported net periodic benefit expense, which will result in changes to the recorded benefit plan assets and liabilities. Environmental Liabilities We maintain accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the asset, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt. Income Taxes We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which may result in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on our reported results. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. We and our subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjust the income tax provision, the current liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional accounting policies. ITEM 7A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Dollars in thousands Long-term debt Average principal outstanding At fixed interest rates – Bond At fixed interest rates – Term Loans At variable interest rates Weighted-average interest rate On fixed rate debt – Bond On fixed rate debt – Term Loans On variable rate debt 2016 Year Ended December 31 2018 2017 2019 December 31, 2015 2020 Carrying Value Fair Value $250,000 53,627 58,792 $250,000 46,260 58,792 $250,000 38,717 58,792 $250,000 30,995 58,792 $250,000 23,273 58,792 $250,000 55,078 58,792 $250,938 55,945 58,792 $363,870 $365,675 5.375% 2.08 1.50 5.375% 2.09 1.50 5.375% 2.08 1.50 5.375% 2.08 1.50 5.375% 2.07 1.50 The table above presents the average principal outstanding and related interest rates for the next five years for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2015. Fair values included herein have been determined based upon rates currently available to us for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities. Our market risk exposure primarily results from changes in interest rates and currency exchange rates. At December 31, 2015, we had $363.9 million of long-term debt, of which 16.2% was at variable interest rates. The fixed rate Term Loans and the variable rate debt are all euro-based borrowings and thus the value of which is also subject to currency risk. Variable-rate debt outstanding represents borrowings under our revolving credit agreement that accrues interest based on one month LIBOR plus a margin. At December 31, 2015, the interest rate paid was 1.50%. A hypothetical 100 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate on variable rate debt would increase or decrease annual interest expense by $0.6 million. As part of our overall risk management practices, we enter into financial derivatives primarily designed to either i) hedge currency risks associated with forecasted transactions – “cash flow hedges”; or ii) mitigate the impact that changes in currency exchange rates have on intercompany financing transactions and foreign currency denominated receivables and payables – “foreign currency hedges.” For a more complete discussion of this activity, refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Suplementary Data – Note 20. We are subject to certain risks associated with changes in foreign currency exchange rates to the extent our operations are conducted in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Our euro denominated revenue exceeds euro expenses by approximately €120 million. With respect to the British Pound Sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine Peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree. As a result, particularly with respect to the euro, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 29 ITEM 8 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING Management of P. H. Glatfelter Company (the “Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the chief executive and chief financial officers to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As of December 31, 2015, management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the framework established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, is effective to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of assets; provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management; and 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 our financial statements. 30 The Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015. The Company’s management, including the chief executive officer and chief financial officer, does not expect that our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all frauds. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based, in part, on 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. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures. REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of P. H. Glatfelter Company We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. 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 Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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 the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015 of the Company and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 26, 2016 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 31 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of P. H. Glatfelter Company We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 26, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Philadelphia, Pennsylvania February 26, 2016 32 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME In thousands, except per share Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Operating income Non-operating income (expense) Interest expense Interest income Other, net Total other expense Income before income taxes Income tax provision Net income Earnings per share Basic Diluted Cash dividends declared per common share Weighted average shares outstanding Basic Diluted Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 $1,661,084 $1,802,415 7,927 5,664 $1,722,615 3,153 1,666,748 1,463,783 1,810,342 1,575,188 1,725,768 1,507,108 202,965 127,706 (21,113) 96,372 (17,464) 283 (615) (17,796) 78,576 14,001 235,154 133,235 (4,861) 106,780 (18,921) 159 (635) (19,397) 87,383 18,137 218,660 133,867 (1,726) 86,519 (17,965) 310 337 (17,318) 69,201 2,043 $ 64,575 $ 69,246 $ 67,158 $ $ 1.49 $ 1.47 0.48 $ 1.60 1.57 0.44 $ $ 1.56 1.52 0.40 43,397 43,942 43,201 44,066 43,158 44,299 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 33 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME In thousands Net income Foreign currency translation adjustments Net change in: Deferred gains (losses) on cash flow hedges, net of taxes of $880, $(1,281) and $178, respectively Unrecognized retirement obligations, net of taxes of $(2,920), $20,730 and $(45,118), respectively Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Year ended December 31 2014 2015 2013 $ 64,575 $ 69,246 $ 67,158 (38,817) (49,365) 14,826 (2,581) 3,297 (517) 5,782 (33,445) 74,300 (35,616) 88,609 (79,513) $ 28,959 $(10,267) $155,767 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 34 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS In thousands Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts: Assets 2015 – $2,239; 2014 – $2,703) Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Total current assets Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Goodwill Intangible assets Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current portion of long-term debt Accounts payable Dividends payable Environmental liabilities Other current liabilities Total current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Shareholders’ equity Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized – 120,000,000; issued – 54,361,980 (including treasury shares: 2015 – 10,941,944; 2014 – 11,307,589) Capital in excess of par value Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive loss Less cost of common stock in treasury Total shareholders’ equity December 31 2015 2014 $ 105,304 $ 99,837 167,199 247,214 32,650 552,367 163,760 248,705 62,320 574,622 698,864 76,056 63,057 113,280 $1,503,624 697,608 84,137 77,098 128,039 $1,561,504 $ 7,366 172,735 5,231 12,544 106,444 304,320 356,504 76,458 103,095 840,377 – $ 5,734 157,070 4,775 1,075 111,077 279,731 398,878 104,016 129,770 912,395 – 544 54,912 963,143 (190,486) 828,113 (164,866) 663,247 544 54,342 919,468 (154,870) 819,484 (170,375) 649,109 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,503,624 $1,561,504 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 35 P.H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS In thousands Operating activities Net income Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operations: Depreciation, depletion and amortization Amortization of debt issue costs and original issue discount Pension expense, net of unfunded benefits paid Charge for impairment of intangible asset Deferred income tax benefit Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Share-based compensation Change in operating assets and liabilities Accounts receivable Inventories Prepaid and other current assets Accounts payable Accruals and other current liabilities Other Net cash provided by operating activities Investing activities Expenditures for purchases of plant, equipment and timberlands Proceeds from disposals of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Acquisition, net of cash acquired Other Net cash used by investing activities Financing activities Net borrowings under (repayments of) revolving credit facility Payments of borrowing costs Proceeds from term loans Repayment of term loans Repurchases of common stock Payments of dividends Payments related to share-based compensation awards and other Net cash (used) provided by financing activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period Supplemental cash flow information Cash paid for: Interest, net of amounts capitalized Income taxes, net Year ended December 31 2014 2015 2013 $ 64,575 $ 69,246 $ 67,158 63,236 1,184 7,383 1,200 (1,902) (21,113) 7,244 (13,312) (8,054) 5,506 26,042 (2,186) 3,940 133,743 (99,889) 24,459 (224) (1,600) (77,254) 70,555 1,315 5,173 3,262 (9,419) (4,861) 7,859 (5,404) (21,456) (3,521) (4,175) (12,802) 3,805 99,577 (66,046) 5,072 (8,015) (600) (69,589) (22,294) (1,329) 2,873 (5,229) – (20,443) (1,594) (48,016) (3,006) 5,467 99,837 $105,304 (30,720) – 12,592 – (12,180) (18,696) (1,877) (50,881) (2,152) (23,045) 122,882 $ 99,837 68,196 1,305 12,787 – (11,485) (1,726) 7,337 (777) 2,704 7,965 24,822 3,140 (7,791) 173,635 (103,047) 1,947 (210,911) (425) (312,436) 126,139 (419) 56,091 – – (16,965) (1,671) 163,175 829 25,203 97,679 $ 122,882 $ 16,256 15,849 $ 17,643 24,139 $ 17,231 15,588 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 36 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY and SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY For the Years Ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 In thousands Balance at January 1, 2013 Net income Other comprehensive income Comprehensive income Tax effect on exercise of stock awards Cash dividends declared ($0.40 per share) Share-based compensation expense Delivery of treasury shares RSUs 401 (k) plans Employee stock options exercised – net Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value $ 544 $ 52,492 Retained Earnings $ 819,593 67,158 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Treasury Stock Total Shareholders’ Equity $ (163,966) $ (168,984) $ 539,679 67,158 88,609 88,609 (17,422) 1,451 4,473 (1,763) 1,099 (3,812) 155,767 1,451 (17,422) 4,473 (529) 2,890 (1,833) 1,234 1,791 1,979 Balance at December 31, 2013 544 53,940 869,329 (75,357) (163,980) 684,476 Net income Other comprehensive income Comprehensive income Tax effect on exercise of stock awards Cash dividends declared ($0.44 per share) Share-based compensation expense Repurchase of common shares Delivery of treasury shares RSUs and PSAs 401 (k) plans Employee stock options exercised – net 69,246 (79,513) (19,107) 69,246 (79,513) (10,267) (14) (19,107) 4,738 (12,180) (1,758) 3,093 128 (12,180) 2,363 1,775 1,647 (14) 4,738 (4,121) 1,318 (1,519) Balance at December 31, 2014 544 54,342 919,468 (154,870) (170,375) 649,109 Net income Other comprehensive income Comprehensive income Tax effect on exercise of stock awards Cash dividends declared ($0.48 per share) Share-based compensation expense Delivery of treasury shares RSUs and PSAs 401 (k) plans Employee stock options exercised – net 64,575 (35,616) (20,900) 843 4,403 (5,078) 838 (436) 64,575 (35,616) 28,959 843 (20,900) 4,403 (1,976) 2,848 (39) 3,102 2,010 397 Balance at December 31, 2015 $544 $54,912 $963,143 $(190,486) $(164,866) $663,247 The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 37 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ORGANIZATION P. H. Glatfelter Company and subsidiaries (“Glatfelter”) is a manufacturer of specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. Headquartered in York, PA, U.S. operations include facilities in Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe and Fremont, OH. International operations include facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, and sales and distribution offices in Russia and China. Our products are marketed worldwide, either through wholesale paper merchants, brokers and agents, or directly to customers. 2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Glatfelter and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Accounting Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Management believes the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of these consolidated financial statements are reasonable, based upon currently available facts and known circumstances, but recognizes that actual results may differ from those estimates and assumptions. Cash and Cash Equivalents We classify all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase as cash equivalents. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Raw materials, in-process and finished inventories of our U.S. manufacturing operations are valued using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method, and the supplies inventories are valued principally using the average-cost method. Inventories at our foreign operations are valued using the average cost method. Plant, Equipment and Timberlands For financial reporting purposes, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. 38 The range of estimated service lives used to calculate financial reporting depreciation for principal items of plant and equipment are as follows: Buildings Machinery and equipment Other 15 – 45 Years 5 – 40 Years 3 – 25 Years Maintenance and Repairs Maintenance and repairs costs are charged to income and major renewals and betterments are capitalized. At the time property is retired or sold, the net carrying value is eliminated and any resultant gain or loss is included in income. Valuation of Long-lived Assets, Intangible Assets and Goodwill We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when a specific event indicates that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability is assessed based on estimates of future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, the asset’s fair value is estimated and an impairment loss is recognized for any deficiencies. Goodwill and non-amortizing tradename intangible assets are reviewed, on a discounted cash flow basis, during the third quarter of each year for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. Impairment losses, if any, are recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value. The carrying value of a reporting unit is defined using an enterprise premise which is generally determined by the difference between the unit’s assets and operating liabilities. Asset Retirement Obligations In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) No. 410, Asset Retirement and Environmental Obligations, we accrue asset retirement obligations in the period in which obligations relating to future asset retirements are incurred and when a reasonable estimate of fair value can be determined. Under these standards, costs are to be accrued at estimated fair value, and a related long-lived asset is capitalized. Over time, the liability is accreted to its settlement value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset for which the obligation exists. Upon settlement of the liability, we recognize a gain or loss for any difference between the settlement amount and the liability recorded. Income Taxes Income taxes are determined using the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, tax expense includes U.S. and international income taxes plus the provision for U.S. taxes on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries not deemed to be permanently invested. Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense in the year the credits are claimed. Certain items of income and expense are not reported in tax returns and financial statements in the same year. The tax effect of such temporary differences is reported in deferred income taxes. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized in future years. We establish a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets for which realization is not more likely than not. Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. We and our subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State, and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and record any necessary adjustments in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known. Treasury Stock Common stock purchased for treasury is recorded at cost. At the date of subsequent reissue, the treasury stock account is reduced by the cost of such stock on the weighted-average cost basis. Foreign Currency Translation Foreign currency translation gains and losses and the effect of exchange rate changes on transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments are included as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). Transaction gains and losses are included in income in the period in which they occur. Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue on product sales when the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. Estimated costs for sales incentives, discounts and sales returns and allowances are recorded as sales deductions in the period in which the related revenue is recognized. Revenue from energy sales is recognized when electricity is delivered to the customer. Certain costs associated with the production of electricity, such as fuel, labor, depreciation and maintenance are netted against energy sales for presentation on the consolidated statements of income. Revenue from renewable energy credits is recorded under the caption “Energy and related sales, net” in the consolidated statements of income and is recognized when all risks, rights and rewards to the certificate are transferred to the counterparty. Environmental Liabilities Accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations are recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such undiscounted liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the asset, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the respective periods. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is considered in the diluted earnings per share computation using the treasury stock method. Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities We use financial derivatives to manage exposure to changes in foreign currencies. In accordance with FASB ASC 815 Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”), we record all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether we have elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting, and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Cash Flow Hedges The effective portion of the gain or loss on those derivative instruments designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows related to forecasted transactions is deferred and reported as a component of GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 39 accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Deferred gains or losses are reclassified to our results of operations at the time the hedged forecasted transaction is recorded in our results of operations. The effectiveness of cash flow hedges is assessed at inception and quarterly thereafter. If the instrument becomes ineffective or it becomes probable that the originally forecasted transaction will not occur, the related change in fair value of the derivative instrument is also reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and recognized in earnings. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Under the accounting for fair value measurements and disclosures, a fair value hierarchy was established that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below: Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities. Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (e.g., interest rates); and inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Level 3 – Inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU will require organizations that lease assets – referred to as “lessees” – to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The new guidance will be effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods therein. Early 40 adoption is permitted. We have yet to analyze or assess the impact this standard will have on us. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (ASU 2015-03). This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the related debt instrument rather than as a deferred asset except for costs associated with a revolving line of credit. The guidance in ASU 2015-03 is required for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within the reporting period. This standard will be adopted in the first quarter of 2016 and will result in the reclassification of approximately $3.1 million of unamortized deferred debt issuance fees. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers which clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and develops a common revenue standard for GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The new standard is required to be adopted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted only for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2016. We are in the process of evaluating the impact this standard may have, if any, on our reported results of operations or financial position. 3. ACQUISITIONS On October 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding equity of Spezialpapierfabrik Oberschmitten GmbH (“SPO”) from FINSPO Beteiligungs- GmbH for $8.0 million. SPO had annual sales of approximately $33 million in 2014. SPO, located near Frankfurt, Germany, primarily produces highly technical papers for a wide range of capacitors used in consumer and industrial products; insulation papers for cables and transformers; and materials for industrial power inverters, electromagnetic current filters and electric rail traction. SPO also produces glassine products, which are used in cosmetics packaging, food packaging, and pharmaceutical dosage bags. SPO is operated as part of the Composite Fibers business unit, and complements our technical specialties products. On April 30, 2013, we completed the acquisition of all outstanding shares of Dresden Papier GmbH (“Dresden”) from Fortress Paper Ltd. for $211 million, net of cash acquired. Dresden, based in Heidenau, Germany, is the leading global supplier of nonwoven wallpaper base materials, and is a major supplier to most of the world’s largest wallpaper manufacturers. Dresden’s revenue for the full year 2013 was $158.6 million and it employed approximately 146 people at its state-of-the-art, 72,800 short-ton-capacity manufacturing facility. We financed the acquisition through a combination of cash on hand and borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility. The acquisition of Dresden added another industry- leading nonwovens product line to our Composite Fibers business unit, and broadened our relationship with leading producers of consumer and industrial products. The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed was as follows: In thousands Assets Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable Inventory Prepaid and other current assets Plant, equipment and timberlands Intangible assets Goodwill Total assets Liabilities Accounts payable Deferred tax liabilities Other long term liabilities Total liabilities Total less cash acquired Total purchase price Final Allocation $ 12,227 23,870 13,864 8,060 60,951 87,596 74,870 281,438 20,253 36,120 1,927 58,300 223,138 (12,227) $210,911 For purposes of allocating the total purchase price, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair market value. The allocation set forth above is based on management’s estimate of the fair value using valuation techniques such as discounted cash flow models, appraisals and similar methodologies. The amount allocated to intangible assets represents the estimated value of customer relationships, technological know-how and trade name. Acquired property, plant and equipment are being depreciated on a straight-line basis with estimated remaining lives ranging from 5 years to 30 years. Intangible assets are being amortized on a straight-line basis over an average estimated remaining life of 17 years reflecting the expected future value. In connection with the Dresden acquisition we recorded $74.9 million of goodwill and $87.6 million of intangible assets. The goodwill arising from the acquisition largely relates to strategic benefits, product and market diversification, assembled workforce, and similar factors. For tax purposes, none of the goodwill is deductible. Intangible assets consisted of $9.8 million of non- amortizing tradename, and the remainder consists of technology and customer relationships. Refer to Note 6 – Asset Impairment Charges for additional information. Our results of operations include the results of Dresden prospectively since the acquisition was completed on April 30, 2013. All such results reported herein are included as part of the Composite Fibers business unit. Revenue and operating income of Dresden included in our consolidated results of operations for 2013 totaled $101.8 million and $18.3 million, respectively. The table below summarizes pro forma financial information as if the acquisition and related financing transaction occurred as of January 1, 2013 In thousands, except per share Pro forma Net sales Net income Diluted earnings per share Year ended December 31 2013 $1,779,434 80,381 1.82 During 2013, we incurred legal, professional and advisory costs directly related to the Dresden acquisition totaling $3.2 million. For purposes of presenting the above pro forma financial information, such costs have been eliminated. All such costs are presented under the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. In addition, the pro forma financial information excludes $1.1 million of charges to costs of products sold related to the write up of inventory to fair value and $2.0 million of integration related costs. This unaudited pro forma financial information above is not necessarily indicative of what the operating results would have been had the acquisition been completed at the beginning of the respective period nor is it indicative of future results. 4. ENERGY AND RELATED SALES, NET We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, PA facility. We also sell renewable energy credits generated by the Spring Grove, PA and Chillicothe, OH facilities representing sales of certified credits earned related to burning renewable sources of energy such as black liquor and wood waste. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 41 an increase in discount rates related to Dresden’s business in Russia and Ukraine and this region’s political and economic instability. The fair value of the asset was estimated using a discounted cash flow model under a relief from royalty method. The significant assumptions used included projected financial performance and discount rates, which resulted in a Level 3 fair value classification. The charge is recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “Selling, general and administrative expenses.” For additional information on Goodwill and Intangible Assets, see Note 14. 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE The following table sets forth the details of basic and diluted earnings per share (EPS): In thousands, except per share Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 Net income $64,575 $69,246 $67,158 Weighted average common shares outstanding used in basic EPS Common shares issuable upon exercise of dilutive stock options and PSAs / RSUs Weighted average common shares outstanding and common share equivalents used in diluted EPS Earnings per share Basic Diluted 43,397 43,201 43,158 545 865 1,141 43,942 44,066 44,299 $ 1.49 $ 1.47 1.60 $ 1.57 1.56 1.52 The following table sets forth the potential common shares outstanding for stock options and restricted stock units that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS for the period indicated, because their effect would be anti-dilutive: In thousands Year ended December 31 2014 2015 2013 Potential common shares 678 277 7 The following table summarizes this activity for each of the past three years: In thousands Energy sales Costs to produce Net Renewable energy credits Total Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 $ 5,315 (4,428) $11,886 (6,204) $ 8,189 (6,784) 887 4,777 5,682 2,245 1,405 1,748 $ 5,664 $ 7,927 $ 3,153 5. GAIN ON DISPOSITIONS OF PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we completed the following sales of assets: Dollars in thousands Acres Proceeds Gain 2015 Timberlands Other Total 2014 Timberlands Other Total 2013 Timberlands Other Total 15,628 n/a $23,917 542 $20,867 246 $24,459 $21,113 2,753 n/a $ 5,062 10 $ 4,855 6 $ 5,072 $ 4,861 876 n/a $ 1,445 502 $ 1,410 316 $ 1,947 $ 1,726 6. ASSET IMPAIRMENT CHARGES During 2015 and 2014, in connection with our annual test of potential impairment of indefinite lived intangible assets, we recorded $1.2 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of non-cash asset impairment charges. The trade name intangible asset was acquired in connection with our Composite Fibers business unit’s 2013 Dresden acquisition. The charges were due to changes in the estimated fair value of the trade name, primarily driven by lower forecasted revenues associated with the business, 42 8. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The following table sets forth details of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) for the three years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. in thousands Balance at January 1, 2015 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (net of tax) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2015 Balance at January 1, 2014 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (net of tax) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2014 Balance at January 1, 2013 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications (net of tax) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (net of tax) Net current period other comprehensive income (loss) Balance at December 31, 2013 Currency translation adjustments Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges Change in pensions Change in other postretirement defined benefit plans Total $(34,224) (38,817) $ 2,356 1,620 $(120,260) (12,995) $(2,742) $(154,870) (43,926) 6,266 – (4,201) 12,541 (30) 8,310 (38,817) $(73,041) $ 15,141 (49,365) – (49,365) $ (34,224) $ 315 14,826 – 14,826 $ 15,141 $(2,581) (454) 6,236 (35,616) $ (225) $(120,714) $ 3,494 $(190,486) $ (941) $ (89,547) $ (10) $ (75,357) 2,826 (40,266) (2,803) (89,608) 471 3,297 9,553 (30,713) 71 10,095 (2,732) (79,513) $ 2,356 $ (120,260) $ (2,742) $ (154,870) $ (424) $ (159,560) $ (4,297) $ (163,966) (1,198) 54,906 681 (517) 15,107 70,013 4,187 100 4,287 72,721 15,888 88,609 $ (941) $ (89,547) $ (10) $ (75,357) The following table sets forth the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (losses) for the years indicated. In thousands Description Cash flow hedges (Note 20) (Gains) losses on cash flow hedges Tax expense (benefit) Retirement plan obligations (Note 11) Amortization of deferred benefit pension plan items Net of tax Prior service costs Actuarial losses Tax expense (benefit) Amortization of deferred benefit other plan items Net of tax Prior service costs Actuarial losses Tax expense (benefit) Net of tax Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 Line Item in Statements of Income $ (5,752) 1,551 (4,201) $ 655 (184) 471 $ 945 (264) 681 Costs of products sold Income tax provision 2,300 762 12,745 4,388 20,195 (7,654) 12,541 (230) (50) 190 41 (49) 19 (30) 2,503 830 8,965 3,086 15,384 (5,831) 9,553 (237) (51) 331 71 114 (43) 71 2,470 649 16,399 4,699 24,217 (9,110) 15,107 (384) (96) 494 147 161 (61) 100 Costs of products sold Selling, general and administrative Costs of products sold Selling, general and administrative Income tax provision Costs of products sold Selling, general and administrative Costs of products sold Selling, general and administrative Income tax provision Total reclassifications, net of tax $ 8,310 $10,095 $15,888 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 43 A reconciliation between the income tax provision, computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes, and the actual income tax provision is as follows: Year ended December 31 2013 2014 2015 Federal income tax provision at statutory rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0% State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit Foreign income tax rate differential Change in statutory tax rates Tax credits Change in unrecognized tax benefits, 0.3 (8.6) – (1.9) 0.2 (5.0) (2.2) (2.0) 0.5 (5.0) (0.6) (4.4) net (2.1) 1.3 (22.7) Permanent differences on non-U.S. earnings Valuation allowance Other (4.4) 0.4 (0.9) (2.8) (2.7) (1.0) (0.4) – 0.6 Provision for income taxes 17.8% 20.8% 3.0% The sources of deferred income taxes were as follows at December 31: 2015 2014 Current Asset (Liability) Non current Asset (Liability) Current Asset (Liability) Non current Asset (Liability) $– – $ 11,931 8,250 $ 5,032 $ 7,987 5,075 3,087 – – – – – – – – – – 19,476 (84,009) (17,748) (26,885) 3,445 605 1,531 – – 532 2,758 (783) 21,338 (89,432) (21,285) (30,412) – 1,171 8,925 8,413 – 8,560 – 12,660 (67,597) 20,717 (92,898) (3,773) (934) (2,288) $– $(71,370) $19,783 $(95,186) In thousands Reserves Compensation Post-retirement benefits Property Intangible assets Pension Inventories Other Research & development expenses Tax carryforwards Subtotal Valuation allowance Total 9. INCOME TAXES Income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The effects of income taxes are measured based on enacted tax laws and rates. The provision for income taxes from operations consisted of the following: In thousands Current taxes Federal State Foreign Deferred taxes and other Federal State Foreign Year ended December 31 2014 2013 2015 $ 5,047 (1,680) 12,536 $ 3,291 238 24,027 $ 625 (4,365) 17,268 15,903 27,556 13,528 (7,287) 564 4,821 (1,902) (3,975) (147) (5,297) (10,973) (474) (38) (9,419) (11,485) Income tax provision $14,001 $18,137 $ 2,043 The amounts set forth above for total deferred taxes and other included a deferred tax benefit of $2.7 million, $9.6 million and $15.1 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Other taxes totaled an expense of $0.8 million, $0.2 million and $3.6 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, associated with the deferred tax impact of uncertain tax positions. The following are the domestic and foreign components of pretax income from operations: In thousands United States Foreign Year ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 $ 2,382 76,194 $ 4,637 82,746 $ (3,052) 72,253 Total pretax income $78,576 $87,383 $69,201 44 Current and non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the following balance sheet captions: In thousands Prepaid expenses and other current assets Other assets Other current liabilities Deferred income taxes December 31 2015 2014 $ – 5,088 – 76,458 $ 20,017 8,830 234 104,016 We early adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-17, Income Taxes (Topic 740) effective December 31, 2015 on a prospective basis. Adoption of this ASU required the reclassification of our current deferred tax assets and liabilities to non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015. No prior periods were retrospectively adjusted. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 had no impact on our consolidated results of income or financial position. At December 31, 2015 we had state and foreign tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of $80.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively. These NOL carryforwards are available to offset future taxable income, if any. The state NOL carryforwards expire at various times and in various amounts beginning in 2016 and through 2035. Certain foreign NOL carryforwards begin to expire in 2019. The state and foreign NOL carryforwards on the income tax returns filed included unrecognized tax benefits taken in prior years. The NOLs for which a deferred tax asset is recognized for financial statement purposes in accordance with ASC 740 are presented net of these unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, we had various state tax credit carryforwards totaling $0.4 million, which begin to expire in 2016, and foreign investment tax credits of $2.3 million which begin to expire in 2028. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had valuation allowances of $3.8 million and $3.2 million, respectively, against net deferred tax assets, primarily due to uncertainty regarding the ability to utilize state and foreign tax NOL carryforwards and certain state tax credits. The change in the valuation allowance was primarily due to the inability to utilize certain state NOLs before they expire. Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense in the year the credits are claimed. We recorded tax credits of $1.5 million, $1.8 million and $3.0 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to research and development credits and fuels tax credits. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, unremitted earnings of subsidiaries outside the United States deemed to be indefinitely reinvested totaled $338.6 million and $305.6 million, respectively. Because the unremitted earnings of subsidiaries are deemed to be indefinitely reinvested as of December 31, 2015 and because we have no need, or plans, to repatriate such earnings, no deferred tax liability has been recognized in our consolidated financial statements. It is not practicable to determine the amount of additional taxes that have not been provided. As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we had $12.2 million, $14.9 million and $14.9 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, if such benefits were to be recognized, approximately $10.8 million would be recorded as a component of income tax expense, thereby affecting our effective tax rate. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of the total amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: In millions Balance at January 1 2015 $14.9 2014 $14.9 2013 $ 30.4 Increases in tax positions for prior years – 0.7 0.2 Decreases in tax positions for prior years Acquisition related: Purchase Accounting Increases in tax positions for current year Settlements Lapse in statutes of limitation (4.3) (0.5) (4.9) – 0.3 1.3 1.9 – (0.3) 3.4 (1.3) (2.6) 1.7 – (13.8) Balance at December 31 $12.2 $14.9 $ 14.9 We, or one of our subsidiaries, file income tax returns with the United States Internal Revenue Service, as well as various state and foreign authorities. The following table summarizes tax years that remain subject to examination by major jurisdiction: Jurisdiction United States Federal State Canada(1) Germany(1) France United Kingdom Philippines Open Tax Years Examinations not yet initiated Examination in progress 2013 – 2015 2011 – 2015 2010 – 2015 2012 – 2015 2013 – 2015 2014 – 2015 2012, 2014 – 2015 N/A 2012 – 2014 N/A 2007 – 2011 2011 – 2012 N/A 2013 (1) includes provincial or similar local jurisdictions, as applicable. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 45 The amount of income taxes we pay is subject to ongoing audits by federal, state and foreign tax authorities, which often result in proposed assessments. Management performs a comprehensive review of its global tax positions on a quarterly basis and accrues amounts for uncertain tax positions. Based on these reviews and the result of discussions and resolutions of matters with certain tax authorities and the closure of tax years subject to tax audit, reserves are adjusted as necessary. However, future results may include favorable or unfavorable adjustments to our estimated tax liabilities in the period the assessments are determined or resolved or as such statutes are closed. Due to potential for resolution of federal, state and foreign examinations, and the expiration of various statutes of limitation, it is reasonably possible our gross unrecognized tax benefits balance may decrease within the next twelve months by a range of zero to $1.7 million. Substantially all of this range relates to tax positions taken in Germany. We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as income tax expense. The following table summarizes information related to interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions: In millions Accrued interest payable Interest expense (income) Penalties As of or for the year ended December 31 2015 2014 $0.6 – – $0.6 – – 2013 $ 0.6 (0.8) – 10. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The P. H. Glatfelter Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”) provides for the issuance of Glatfelter common stock to eligible participants in the form of restricted stock units, restricted stock awards, non- qualified stock options, performance shares, incentive stock options and performance units. As of December 31, 2015, there were 1,364,223 shares of common stock available for future issuance under the LTIP. Since the approval of the LTIP, we have issued to eligible participants restricted stock units, performance share awards and stock only stock appreciation rights (“SOSARs”). Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) and Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”) Awards of RSUs and PSAs are made under our LTIP. The vesting of RSUs is generally based on the passage of time, generally on a graded scale over a three, four, and five-year period. Beginning in March of 2011, PSAs were issued annually to members of senior management and each respective grant cliff vests each December 31, assuming the achievement of predetermined, three-year cumulative performance targets. The performance measures include a minimum, target and maximum performance level providing the grantees an opportunity to receive more or less shares than targeted depending on actual financial performance. For both RSUs and PSAs, the grant date fair value of the awards, which is equal to the closing price per common share on the date of the award, is used to determine the amount of expense to be recognized over the applicable service period. Settlement of RSUs and PSAs will be made in shares of our common stock currently held in treasury. The following table summarizes RSU and PSA activity during the past three years: Units 2015 2014 2013 Balance at January 1, Granted Forfeited Shares delivered 888,942 164,666 (92,183) (286,902) 1,001,814 178,882 (47,379) (244,375) 847,679 315,196 (47,831) (113,230) Balance at December 31, 674,523 888,942 1,001,814 Compensation expense $ 1,758 $ 2,652 $ 2,882 2015 2014 2013 The amount granted in 2015, 2014 and 2013 includes 105,017, 101,743 and 183,910 PSAs, respectively, exclusive of reinvested dividends. The performance period for the 2013 PSAs concluded on December 31, 2015 and, based on actual performance relative to target, approximately 25% of the award was issued to participants in 2016. The weighted average grant date fair value per unit for awards in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $24.62, $28.89 and $22.34, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, unrecognized compensation expense for outstanding RSUs and PSAs totaled $4.8 million. The weighted average remaining period over which the expense will be recognized is 2.5 years. 46 Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights The following table sets forth information related to outstanding SOSARS: SOSARS Outstanding at January 1, Granted Exercised Canceled / forfeited Outstanding at December 31, Exercisable at December 31, Vested and expected to vest SOSAR Grants 2015 2014 2013 Wtd Avg Exercise Price $16.20 24.62 14.12 25.41 $17.82 14.48 Shares 1,864,707 423,590 (70,347) (18,208) 2,199,742 1,504,599 2,178,708 Wtd Avg Exercise Price $13.91 29.78 13.99 19.36 $16.20 12.94 Shares 1,977,133 281,881 (364,465) (29,842) 1,864,707 1,285,998 1,754,295 Wtd Avg Exercise Price $12.93 18.51 12.63 16.28 $13.91 12.58 Shares 2,121,454 368,687 (435,562) (77,446) 1,977,133 1,330,816 1,863,244 Weighted average grant date fair value per share Aggregate grant date fair value (in thousands) Black-Scholes assumptions Dividend yield Risk free rate of return Volatility Expected life Compensation expense (in thousands) $ $ $ 7.46 3,134 1.94% 1.64% 36.38% 6 yrs 2,645 Under terms of the SOSAR, the recipients received the right to receive a payment in the form of shares of common stock equal to the difference, if any, in the fair market value of one share of common stock at the time of exercising the SOSAR and the exercise price. The SOSARs vest ratably over a three year period. As of December 31, 2015, the intrinsic value of SOSARs vested and expected to vest totaled $7.1 million. The remaining weighted average contractual life of outstanding SOSARs was 5.4 years as of December 31, 2015. 11. RETIREMENT PLANS AND OTHER POST- RETIREMENT BENEFITS We provide non-contributory retirement benefits under both funded and unfunded plans to all U.S. employees and to certain non-U.S. employees. Participation and benefits under the plans are based upon the employees’ date of hire and the covered group in which that employee falls. U.S. benefits are based on either a unit-benefit formula for bargained hourly employees, or a final average pay formula or cash balance formula for salaried employees. Non-U.S. benefits are based, in the case of certain plans, on average salary and years of service and, in the case of other plans, on a fixed amount for each year of service. U.S. plan provisions and funding meet the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. We use a December 31- measurement date for all of our defined benefit plans. We also provide certain health care benefits to eligible U.S.-based retired employees and exclude all salaried employees hired after January 1, 2008. These benefits include a comprehensive medical plan for retirees prior to age 65 and fixed supplemental premium payments $ $ $ 9.81 2,764 1.48% 1.74% 37.59% 6 yrs 2,086 $ $ $ 5.74 2,103 2.16% 1.01% 39.58% 6 yrs 1,591 to certain retirees over age 65 to help defray the costs of Medicare. Claims are paid as reported. In millions Change in Benefit Obligation Balance at beginning of year Service cost Interest cost Plan amendments Participant contributions Actuarial (gain)/loss Benefits paid Effect of currency rate changes Pension Benefits 2014 2015 Other Benefits 2015 2014 $577.6 11.6 23.3 – – (34.8) (34.8) (1.0) $487.7 10.4 24.8 3.6 – 83.9 (31.5) (1.3) $ 59.8 1.4 2.0 – 1.2 (10.1) (3.3) – $ 54.8 1.5 2.5 – 1.3 4.5 (4.8) – $ 59.8 Balance at end of year $541.9 $577.6 $ 51.0 Change in Plan Assets Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Total contributions Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status at end of year $638.0 (10.3) 2.0 (34.8) $594.9 $ 53.0 $601.2 66.3 2.0 (31.5) $ – – 3.3 (3.3) $ – – 4.8 (4.8) $638.0 – – $ 60.4 $(51.0) $(59.8) The December 31, 2014 measurement of projected benefit obligations reflected the adoption of new mortality assumptions derived from actuarially determined expected lives. The impact of changing assumptions is reflected as an actuarial loss in the change in benefit obligation. Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets consist of the following as of December 31: In millions Other long-term assets Current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 $ 89.1 (2.1) (34.0) $102.0 (2.0) (39.6) $ – (3.2) (47.7) 2014 $ – (3.7) (56.1) Net amount recognized $ 53.0 $ 60.4 $(50.9) $(59.8) GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 47 Pension Benefits Other Benefits In millions The components of amounts recognized as “Accumulated other comprehensive income” consist of the following on a pre-tax basis: In millions Prior service cost/(credit) Net actuarial loss Pension Benefits Other Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 $ 12.0 185.0 $ 15.1 181.3 $(0.8) (4.8) $(1.1) 5.5 The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit pension plans was $526.7 million and $553.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the benefit obligations above were as follows: Discount rate – benefit obligation Future compensation growth rate 2015 2014 2015 2014 4.65% 4.21% 4.38% 3.89% 3.50 4.00 – – The discount rates set forth above were estimated based on the modeling of expected cash flows for each of our benefit plans and selecting a portfolio of high-quality debt instruments with maturities matching the respective cash flows of each plan. The resulting discount rates as of December 31, 2015 ranged from 2.30% to 4.77% for pension plans and from 4.14% to 4.43% for other benefit plans. Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets was as follows: In millions Projected benefit obligation Accumulated benefit obligation Fair value of plan assets 2015 $36.1 33.1 – 2014 $41.7 36.1 – Net periodic benefit cost includes the following components: In millions Pension Benefits Service cost Interest cost Expected return on plan assets Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of actuarial loss Year Ended December 31 2013 2014 2015 $ 11.6 23.3 (46.0) 3.1 17.1 $ 10.4 24.8 (43.9) 3.3 12.1 $ 11.6 21.8 (43.4) 3.1 21.1 Total net periodic benefit cost $ 9.1 $ 6.7 $ 14.2 Other Benefits Service cost Interest cost Amortization of prior service cost/(credit) Amortization of actuarial loss $ 1.4 2.0 (0.3) 0.2 $ 1.5 2.5 (0.3) 0.4 $ 2.9 2.1 (0.5) 0.6 Total net periodic benefit cost $ 3.3 $ 4.1 $ 5.1 48 The prior service cost and actuarial net loss for our defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into our results of operations as a component of net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $2.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively. The comparable amounts of expected amortization for other benefit plans are a credit of $0.2 million and $0.2 million, respectively. Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as follows: Year Ended December 31 2015 2014 $ 21.5 – (3.1) (17.1) 1.3 $ 61.5 3.6 (3.3) (12.1) 49.7 Pension Benefits Actuarial loss Plan amendments Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of actuarial losses Total recognized in other comprehensive loss Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive loss $ 10.4 $ 56.4 Other Benefits Actuarial (gain) loss Amortization of prior service cost Amortization of actuarial losses $(10.1) 0.3 (0.2) Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss (10.0) $ 4.5 0.3 (0.4) 4.4 Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive (income) loss $ (6.7) $ 8.5 The weighted-average assumptions used in computing the net periodic benefit cost information above were as follows: Year Ended December 31 2015 2014 2013 Pension Benefits 4.21% Discount rate – benefit expense Future compensation growth rate 4.00 Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 8.00 Other Benefits Discount rate – benefit expense 3.89% 5.20% 4.28% 4.00 8.00 4.00 8.50 4.52% 3.58% To develop the expected long-term rate of return assumption, we considered the historical returns and the future expected returns for each asset class, as well as the target asset allocation of the pension portfolio. Assumed health care cost trend rates used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 were as follows: Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) Year that the rate reaches the ultimate rate 2015 2014 6.80% 7.46% 4.50 2037 4.50 2028 Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. A one percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects: In millions Effect on: One Percentage Point Decrease Increase Post-retirement benefit obligation Total of service and interest cost components $4.0 0.4 $3.6 0.3 Plan Assets All pension plan assets in the U.S. are invested through a single master trust fund. The strategic asset allocation for this trust fund is selected by management, reflecting the results of comprehensive asset and liability modeling. The general principles guiding U.S. pension asset investment policies are those embodied in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). These principles include discharging our investment responsibilities for the exclusive benefit of plan participants and in accordance with the “prudent expert” standard and other ERISA rules and regulations. We establish strategic asset allocation percentage targets and appropriate benchmarks for significant asset classes with the aim of achieving a prudent balance between return and risk. Investments and decisions will be made solely in the interest of the Plan’s participants and beneficiaries, and for the exclusive purpose of providing benefits accrued thereunder. The primary goal of the Plan is to ensure the solvency of the Plan over time and thereby meet its distribution objectives. All investments in the Plan will be made in accordance with ERISA and other applicable statutes. Risk is minimized by diversification by asset class, by style of each manager and by sector and industry limits when applicable. The target allocation for the Plan assets are: A formal asset allocation review is done periodically to ensure that the Plan has an appropriate asset allocation based on the Plan’s projected benefit obligations. The target return for each equity and fixed income manager will be one that places the manager’s performance in the top 40% of its peers and on a gross basis, exceeds that of the manager’s respective benchmark index. The target return for cash and cash equivalents is a return that at least equals that of the 90-day T-bills. The Investment Policy statement lists specific categories of securities or activities that are prohibited including options, futures, commodities, hedge funds, limited partnerships, and our stock. The table below presents the fair values of our benefit plan assets by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in Note 2: In millions Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 December 31, 2015 Domestic Equity Large cap Small and mid cap International equity REIT Fixed income Cash and equivalents Total In millions Domestic Equity Large cap Small and mid cap International equity REIT Fixed income Cash and equivalents Total $175.1 68.7 79.8 31.9 222.4 17.0 $594.9 $ 58.4 68.7 42.2 31.9 32.3 – $233.5 $116.7 – 37.6 – 190.1 17.0 $361.4 $– – – – – – $– December 31, 2014 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 $187.6 61.1 104.5 31.6 235.0 18.2 $638.0 $187.6 61.1 65.1 31.6 27.3 – $372.7 $ – – 39.4 – 207.7 18.2 $265.3 $– – – – – – $– Domestic Equity Large cap Small and mid cap International equity Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT) Fixed income, cash and cash equivalents Diversification is achieved by: 35% 12 13 5 35 Cash Flow We were not required to make contributions to our qualified pension plan in 2015 nor do we expect to make any to this plan in 2016. Benefit payments expected to be made in 2016 under our non- qualified pension plans and other benefit plans are summarized below: i. placing restrictions on the percentage of equity investments in any one company, percentage of investment in any one industry, limiting the amount of assets placed with any one manager; and ii. setting targets for duration of fixed income securities, maintaining a certain level of credit quality, and limiting the amount of investment in a single security and in non-investment grade paper. In thousands Nonqualified pension plans Other benefit plans $2,090 3,301 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 49 The following benefit payments under all pension and other benefit plans, and giving effect to expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid: As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $13.4 million and $16.3 million, respectively, of accrued capital expenditures. In thousands 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 through 2025 Pension Benefits $ 36,924 36,340 35,799 35,955 35,841 185,391 Other Benefits $ 3,301 3,801 4,154 4,559 4,834 22,801 Defined Contribution Plans We maintain 401(k) plans for certain hourly and salaried employees. Employees may contribute up to 50% of their earnings, subject to certain restrictions. Through November 2015, we matched a portion of the employee’s contribution, subject to certain limitations, in the form of shares of Glatfelter common stock out of treasury. Company matches are now made in cash. The expense associated with our 401(k) match was $2.1 million, $2.0 million and $1.9 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 12. INVENTORIES Inventories, net of reserves were as follows: In thousands Raw materials In-process and finished Supplies Total December 31 2015 2014 $ 60,098 115,874 71,242 $ 61,266 117,580 69,859 $247,214 $248,705 We value all of our U.S. inventories, excluding supplies, on the LIFO method. If we had valued these inventories using the first-in, first-out method, inventories would have been $28.2 million and $25.4 million higher than reported at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 13. PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS Plant, equipment and timberlands were as follows: In thousands Land and buildings Machinery and equipment Furniture, fixtures, and other Accumulated depreciation Construction in progress Asset retirement obligation, net Timberlands, less depletion December 31 2015 2014 $ 205,338 1,305,067 135,355 (1,009,331) $ 208,230 1,265,317 157,730 (989,093) 636,429 58,657 579 3,199 642,184 49,078 3,021 3,325 Total $ 698,864 $ 697,608 14. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS The following table sets forth information with respect to goodwill and other intangible assets: In thousands December 31 2015 2014 Goodwill – Composite Fibers $ 76,056 $ 84,137 Specialty Papers Customer relationships Composite Fibers Tradename Technology and related Customer relationships and related Advanced Airlaid Materials Technology and related Customer relationships and related Total intangibles Accumulated amortization Net intangibles $ 6,155 $ 6,155 4,332 37,625 33,618 1,403 2,725 85,858 (22,801) 5,902 41,749 37,421 1,500 3,042 95,769 (18,671) $ 63,057 $ 77,098 The change in goodwill was due to currency translation adjustments. Other than non-amortizable goodwill and tradename, intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis. Customer relationships are amortized over periods ranging from 10 years to 14 years and technology and related intangible assets are amortized over periods ranging from 14 years to 20 years. The following table sets forth information pertaining to amortization of intangible assets: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Aggregate amortization expense: $5,340 $6,136 $4,511 Estimated amortization expense: 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 4,806 4,652 4,652 4,652 4,497 The remaining weighted average useful life of intangible assets was 13.9 years at December 31, 2015. 15. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS Other long-term assets consist of the following: In thousands Pension Other Total December 31 2015 2014 $ 89,093 24,187 $102,007 26,032 $113,280 $128,039 50 16. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities consist of the following: In thousands Accrued payroll and benefits Other accrued compensation and retirement benefits Income taxes payable Accrued rebates Other accrued expenses Total December 31 2015 2014 $ 35,079 $ 39,471 6,866 2,921 18,248 43,330 7,920 3,502 18,910 41,274 $106,444 $111,077 17. LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt is summarized as follows: In thousands Revolving credit facility, due Mar. 2020 Revolving credit facility, due Nov. 2016 5.375% Notes, due Oct. 2020 2.40% Term Loan, due Jun. 2022 2.05% Term Loan, due Mar. 2023 1.55% Term Loan, due Sep. 2025 Total long-term debt Less current portion December 31 2015 2014 $ 58,792 – 250,000 10,109 42,130 2,839 $ – 90,555 250,000 12,155 51,902 – 363,870 (7,366) 404,612 (5,734) Long-term debt, net of current portion $356,504 $398,878 On March 12, 2015, we amended our revolving credit agreement with a consortium of banks (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) which increased the amount available for borrowing to $400 million, extended the maturity of the facility to March 12, 2020, and instituted a revised interest rate pricing grid. For all US dollar denominated borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, the borrowing rate is, at our option, either, (a) the bank’s base rate which is equal to the greater of i) the prime rate; ii) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points; or iii) the daily Euro-rate plus 100 basis points plus an applicable spread over either i), ii) or iii) ranging from 12.5 basis points to 100 basis points based on the Company’s leverage ratio and its corporate credit ratings determined by Standard & Poor’s Rating Services and Moody’s Investor Service, Inc. (the “Corporate Credit Rating”); or (b) the daily Euro-rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 112.5 basis points to 200 basis points based on the Company’s leverage ratio and the Corporate Credit Rating. For non-US dollar denominated borrowings, interest is based on (b) above. The Revolving Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants for financings of this type that, among other things, restrict our ability to dispose of or create liens on assets, incur additional indebtedness, repay other indebtedness, limits certain intercompany financing arrangements, make acquisitions and engage in mergers or consolidations. We are also required to comply with specified financial tests and ratios including: i) maximum net debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio (the “leverage ratio”); and ii) a consolidated EBITDA to interest expense ratio. The most restrictive of our covenants is a maximum leverage ratio of 3.5x. As of December 31, 2015, the leverage ratio, as calculated in accordance with the definition in our credit agreement, was 1.6x. A breach of these requirements would give rise to certain remedies under the Revolving Credit Facility, among which are the termination of the agreement and accelerated repayment of the outstanding borrowings plus accrued and unpaid interest under the credit facility. On October 3, 2012, we completed a private placement offering of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% Senior Notes due 2020 (the “5.375% Notes”). The 5.375% Notes, which are now publically registered, are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by PHG Tea Leaves, Inc., Mollanvick, Inc., Glatfelter Composite Fibers N. A., Inc., Glatfelter Advance Materials N.A., Inc., and Glatfelter Holdings, LLC (the “Guarantors”). Interest on the 5.375% Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and October 15. The 5.375% Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part, at anytime on or after October 15, 2016 at the redemption prices specified in the applicable Indenture. Prior to October 15, 2016, we may redeem some or all of the Notes at a “make-whole” premium as specified in the Indenture. These Notes and the guarantees of the notes are senior obligations of the Company and the Guarantors, respectively, rank equally in right of payment with future senior indebtedness of the Company and the Guarantors and will mature on October 15, 2020. The 5.375% Notes contain various covenants customary to indebtedness of this nature including limitations on i) the amount of indebtedness that may be incurred; ii) certain restricted payments including common stock dividends; iii) distributions from certain subsidiaries; iv) sales of assets; v) transactions amongst subsidiaries; and vi) incurrence of liens on assets. In addition, the 5.375% Notes contain cross default provisions that could result in all such notes becoming due and payable in the event of a failure to repay debt outstanding under the Revolving Credit Agreement at maturity or a default under the Revolving Credit Agreement that accelerates the debt outstanding thereunder. As of December 31, 2015, we met all of the requirements of our debt covenants. Glatfelter Gernsbach GmbH & Co. KG (“Gernsbach”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours, entered into a series of GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 51 borrowing agreements with IKB Deutsche Industriebank AG, Düsseldorf (“IKB”) as summarized below: Amounts in thousands Borrowing date Apr.11, 2013 Sep. 4, 2014 Oct. 10, 2015 Oringinal Principal Interest Rate Maturity €42,700 10,000 2,608 2.05% Mar. 2023 2.40% Jun. 2022 1.55% Sep. 2025 Each of the borrowings require quarterly repayments of principal and interest and provide for representations, warranties and covenants customary for financings of these types. The financial covenants contained in each of the IKB loans, which relate to the minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and the maximum ratio of consolidated total net debt to consolidated adjusted EBITDA, will be calculated by reference to our Revolving Credit Agreement. Aggregated unamortized deferred debt issuance costs incurred in connection with all of our outstanding debt totaled $5.4 million at December 31, 2015 and are reported under the caption “Other assets” in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The deferred costs are being amortized on a straight line basis over the life of the underlying instruments. Amortization expense related to deferred debt issuance costs totaled $1.2 million in 2015. The following schedule sets forth the amortization of our term loan agreements together with the maturity of our other long-term debt during the indicated year. In thousands 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter $ 7,366 7,366 7,721 7,721 316,513 17,183 P. H. Glatfelter Company guarantees all debt obligations of its subsidiaries. All such obligations are recorded in these consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $5.3 million of letters of credit issued to us by certain financial institutions. The letters of credit, which reduce amounts available under our revolving credit facility, primarily provide financial assurances for the benefit of certain state workers compensation insurance agencies in conjunction with our self-insurance program. We bear the credit risk on this amount to the extent that we do not comply with the provisions of certain agreements. No amounts are outstanding under the letters of credit. 52 18. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATION During 2008, we recorded $11.5 million, net present value, of asset retirement obligations related to the legal requirement to close several lagoons at the Spring Grove, PA facility. Historically, lagoons were used to dispose of residual waste material. Closure of the lagoons, which is expected to be completed in 2016, will be accomplished by filling the lagoons, installing a non-permeable liner and covering with soil to construct the required cap over the lagoons. The amount referred to above, in addition to upward revisions, was accrued with a corresponding increase in the carrying value of the property, equipment and timberlands caption on the consolidated balance sheet. The amount capitalized is being amortized as a charge to operations on the straight-line basis in relation to the expected closure period. Following is a summary of the reserve for asset retirement obligations for the periods indicated: In thousands Balance at January 1, Accretion Payments Downward revision Gain 2015 2014 $ 4,114 58 (2,394) (1,000) (359) $5,032 145 (827) – (236) Balance at December 31, $ 419 $4,114 During 2015 we recorded a downward revision to our estimated cost of closing the lagoons. The revision was recorded as an adjustment to both the carrying value of the associated property, equipment and timberlands as well as the asset retirement obligation. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, we recognized gains of $0.4 million, $0.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively, related to the progress of closure activities for a portion of the lagoons required to be retired. The gains are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “Costs of products sold.” The following table summarizes the line items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets where the asset retirement obligations are recorded: In thousands Other current liabilities Other long-term liabilities Total December 31 2015 $419 – $419 2014 $2,855 1,259 $4,114 Total $363,870 $365,675 $404,612 $411,757 In thousands 19. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The amounts reported on the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and short-term debt approximate fair value. The following table sets forth the carrying value and fair value of long- term debt as of December 31: 2015 2014 In thousands Variable rate debt Fixed-rate bonds 2.40% Term loan 2.05% Term loan 1.55% Term loan Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value $ 58,792 $ 58,792 $ 90,555 250,000 250,938 12,155 10,535 51,902 42,886 – 2,524 250,000 10,109 42,130 2,839 $ 90,555 255,470 12,626 53,106 – As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had $250.0 million of 5.375% fixed rate bonds. These bonds are publicly registered, but thinly traded. Accordingly, the values set forth above for the bonds, as well as our other debt instruments, are based on observable inputs and other relevant market data (Level 2). The fair value of financial derivatives is set forth below in Note 20. 20. FINANCIAL DERIVATIVES AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES As part of our overall risk management practices, we enter into financial derivatives primarily designed to either i) hedge foreign currency risks associated with forecasted transactions – “cash flow hedges”; or ii) mitigate the impact that changes in currency exchange rates have on intercompany financing transactions and foreign currency denominated receivables and payables – “foreign currency hedges.” Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments – Cash Flow Hedges We use currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges to manage our exposure to fluctuations in the currency exchange rates on certain forecasted production costs expected to be incurred over a maximum of eighteen months. Currency forward contracts involve fixing the EUR-USD exchange rate or USD-CAD for delivery of a specified amount of foreign currency on a specified date. We designate certain currency forward contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted raw material purchases or other production costs with exposure to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of foreign exchange risk is deferred as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and is subsequently reclassified into cost of products sold in the period that inventory produced using the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized directly to earnings and reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income as non-operating income (expense) under the caption “Other-net.” We had the following outstanding derivatives that were used to hedge foreign exchange risks associated with forecasted transactions and designated as hedging instruments: Derivative Sell/Buy – sell notional Euro / British Pound Sell/Buy – buy notional Euro / Philippine Peso British Pound / Philippine Peso Euro / U.S. Dollar U.S. Dollar / Canadian Dollar December 31 2015 2014 10,527 4,592 758,634 542,063 51,433 34,649 523,313 260,535 32,527 10,036 These contracts have maturities of eighteen months or less. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments – Foreign Currency Hedges We also enter into forward foreign exchange contracts to mitigate the impact changes in currency exchange rates have on balance sheet monetary assets and liabilities. None of these contracts are designated as hedges for financial accounting purposes and, accordingly, changes in value of the foreign exchange forward contracts and in the offsetting underlying on-balance-sheet transactions are reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of income under the caption “Other, net.” In thousands Derivative Sell/Buy – sell notional U.S. Dollar / Euro U.S. Dollar / British Pound Euro / British Pound British Pound / Euro Sell/Buy – buy notional Euro / U.S. Dollar British Pound / Euro December 31 2015 2014 – 10,000 – 3,500 12,500 13,500 4,000 9,000 2,000 – – 3,000 These contracts have maturities of one month from the date originally entered into. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 53 Fair Value Measurements The following table summarizes the fair values of derivative instruments as of December 31 for the year indicated and the line items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets where the instruments are recorded: In thousands 2015 2014 2015 2014 December 31 December 31 Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets Other Current Liabilities $955 $3,106 $1,545 $394 Balance sheet caption Designated as hedging: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts Not designated as hedging: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts The fair values of the foreign exchange forward contracts are considered to be Level 2. Foreign currency forward contracts are valued using foreign currency forward and interest rate curves. The fair value of each contract is determined by comparing the contract rate to the forward rate and discounting to present value. Contracts in a gain position are recorded in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets under the caption “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and the value of contracts in a loss position is recorded under the caption “Other current liabilities.” A rollforward of fair value amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income is as follows: In thousands Balance at January 1, Deferred (losses) gains on cash flow 2015 2014 $ 3,282 $(1,296) 2,292 (5,752) 3,923 655 $ 68 $ 70 $49 $161 hedges Reclassified to earnings The amounts set forth in the table above represent the net asset or liability giving effect to rights of offset with each counterparty. The following table summarizes the amount of income or loss from derivative instruments recognized in our results of operations for the periods indicated and the line items in the accompanying consolidated statements of income where the results are recorded: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Year ended December 31 Designated as hedging: Forward foreign currency exchange contracts: Effective portion – cost of products sold Ineffective portion – other – net Not designated as hedging : Forward foreign currency exchange contracts: Other – net $5,752 (152) $ (655) 184 $(945) 38 $ 599 $1,599 $(455) The impact of activity not designated as hedging was substantially all offset by the remeasurement of the underlying on-balance sheet item. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described in Note 2. Balance at December 31, $ (178) $ 3,282 We expect substantially all of the amounts recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income will be realized in results of operations within the next twelve to eighteen months and the amount ultimately recognized will vary depending on actual market rates. Credit risk related to derivative activity arises in the event a counterparty fails to meet its obligations to us. This exposure is generally limited to the amounts, if any, by which the counterparty’s obligations exceed our obligation to them. Our policy is to enter into contracts only with financial institutions which meet certain minimum credit ratings. 21. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY The following table summarizes outstanding shares of common stock: Year ended December 31 In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Shares outstanding at beginning of year Shares repurchased Treasury shares issued for: Restricted stock awards 401(k) plan Employee stock options exercised Shares outstanding at end of year 43,054 – 43,130 (464) 42,784 – 206 134 26 162 116 110 86 123 137 43,420 43,054 43,130 54 22. SHARE REPURCHASES On May 1, 2014, our Board of Directors approved a $25 million increase to the share repurchase program and extended the expiration date to May 1, 2016. Under the revised program, we may repurchase up to $50 million of outstanding common stock. The following table summarizes share repurchases made under this program through December 31, 2015: Authorized amount Repurchases Remaining authorization shares n/a 755,310 (thousands) $ 50,000 (16,627) $ 33,373 No shares were repurchased in 2015. 23. COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Contractual Commitments The following table summarizes the minimum annual payments due on noncancelable operating leases and other similar contractual obligations having initial or remaining terms in excess of one year: In thousands 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Thereafter Leases Other $5,814 3,111 2,107 920 514 616 $75,497 48,409 5,679 129 74 322 Other contractual obligations primarily represent minimum purchase commitments under energy supply contracts and other purchase obligations. At December 31, 2015, required minimum annual payments due under operating leases and other similar contractual obligations aggregated $13.1 million and $130.1 million, respectively. Fox River – Neenah, Wisconsin Background. We have significant uncertainties associated with environmental claims arising out of the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) in sediments in the lower Fox River, on which our former Neenah facility was located, and in the Bay of Green Bay Wisconsin (collectively, the “Site”). Since the early 1990s, the United States, the State of Wisconsin and two Indian tribes (collectively, the “Governments”) have pursued a cleanup of a 39-mile stretch of river from Little Lake Butte des Morts into Green Bay and natural resource damages (“NRDs”). The United States notified the following parties (“PRPs”) of their potential responsibility to implement response actions, to pay response costs, and to compensate for NRDs at this site: us, Appvion, Inc. (formerly known as Appleton Papers Inc.), CBC Coating, Inc. (formerly known as Riverside Paper Corporation), Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products, L.P. (“Georgia- Pacific”, formerly known as Fort James Operating Company), Menasha Corporation, NCR Corporation (“NCR”), U.S. Paper Mills Corp., and WTM I Company. As described below, many other parties have been joined in litigation. After giving effect to settlements reached with the Governments, the remaining PRPs exposed to continuing obligations to implement the remainder of the cleanup consist of us, Georgia-Pacific and NCR. The Site has been subject to certain studies and the parties conducted certain demonstration projects and completed certain interim cleanups. The permanent cleanup, known as a “remedial action” under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA” or “Superfund”), consists of sediment dredging, installation of engineered caps, and placement of sand covers in various areas in the bed of the river. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) has divided the Site into five “operable units”, including the most upstream portion of the Site on which our facility was located (“OU1”) and four downstream reaches of the river and bay (“OU2-5”). We and WTM I Company implemented the remedial action in OU1 under a consent decree with the Governments; Menasha Corporation made a financial contribution to that work. That project began in 2004 and the work is complete other than on-going monitoring and maintenance. For OU2-5, work has proceeded primarily under a Unilateral Administrative Order (“UAO”) issued in November 2007 by the EPA to us and seven other respondents. The remedial actions from 2007 through 2014 were funded primarily by NCR and its indemnitors, including Appvion, Inc. In 2015, we placed certain covering and capping in OU4b as a response to the Government’s demands at a cost of $9.7 million. Georgia Pacific and NCR funded work in 2015 pursuant to a proposed consent decree that the United States has not yet moved to enter. Work is scheduled to continue in OU2-5 through 2017; although work may be required into 2018 to complete the project, with monitoring and maintenance to follow. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 55 As more fully discussed below, significant uncertainties exist pertaining to the ultimate allocation of OU2-5 remediation costs as well as the shorter term funding of the remedial actions for OU2-5. Estimates of the Site remediation Cost estimates. change over time as we, or others, gain additional data and experience at the Site. In addition, disagreement exists over the likely costs for some of this work. On October 14, 2014, the Governments represented to the United States District Court in Green Bay that $1.1 billion provided an “upper end estimate of total past and future response costs” including a $100 million “uncertainty premium for future response costs.” Based upon estimates made by the Governments and independent estimates commissioned by various potentially responsible parties, we have no reason to disagree with the Governments’ assertion. Much of that amount has already been incurred, including approximately $100 million for OU1 and what we believe to be approximately $500 million for OU2-5 prior to the 2015 remediation season, and, although final accounts have not been prepared, less than $100 million in 2015. For 2015, Governments indicated their expectation was to have approximately $100 million worth of work completed in OU2-5; however we do not believe all work was completed. As the result of a partial settlement, Georgia-Pacific has no obligation to pay for work upstream of a line near Georgia-Pacific’s Green Bay West Mill located in OU4. We believe substantially all in-water work upstream of this line had been completed as of the end of the 2014 dredging season. In January 2008, NCR and Allocation Litigation. Appvion brought an action in the federal district court in Green Bay to allocate among all parties responsible for this Site all of the costs incurred by the Governments, all of the costs incurred by the parties, and all of the NRDs owed to the Natural Resource Trustees. We have previously referred to this case as the “Whiting Litigation.” After several summary judgment rulings and a trial, the trial court entered judgment in the Whiting Litigation, allocating to NCR 100% of the costs of (a) the OU2-5 cleanup, (b) NRDs, (c) past and future costs incurred by the Governments in OU2-5, and (d) past and future costs incurred by any of the other parties net of an appropriate equitable adjustment for insurance recoveries. As to Glatfelter, NCR was judged liable to us for $4.28 million and any future costs or damages we may incur. NCR was held not responsible for costs incurred in OU1. All parties appealed the Whiting Litigation judgment to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh 56 Circuit. On September 25, 2014, that court affirmed, holding that if knowledge and fault were the only equitable factors governing allocation of costs and NRDs at the Site, NCR would owe 100% of all costs and damages in OU2-5, but would not have a share of costs in OU1 – which is upstream of the outfall of the facilities for which NCR is responsible – solely as an “arranger for disposal” of PCB-containing waste paper by recycling it at our mill. However, the court of appeals vacated the judgment and remanded the case for the district court’s further consideration of whether any other equitable factors might cause the district court to alter its allocation. We contend the district court should, after further consideration, reinstate the 100%, or some similar very high, allocation to NCR of all the costs, and should hold that we should bear no share or a very small share. However, NCR has taken a contrary position and has sought contributions from others for future work until all allocation issues are resolved. In addition, we take the position that the “single site” theory on which the courts held us responsible for cleaning up parts of the Site far downstream of our former mill should, if applied to NCR, make it liable for costs incurred in OU1. The district court agreed with us in an order dated March 3, 2015. On March 31, 2015, NCR sought review of that order by the court of appeals which review was denied on May 1, 2015. Appvion and NCR have had a cost-sharing agreement since at least 1998. The court of appeals held if Appvion incurred any recoverable costs because the Governments had named Appvion as a potentially responsible party, then Appvion may have a right to recover those costs under CERCLA. We and Appvion disagree over the proper treatment of amounts that Appvion incurred while a PRP that were also subject to a cost-sharing agreement with NCR; we contend Appvion may not recover costs it was contractually obligated to incur, that it has no other costs, and if it did, we would have a right to contribution of any recovery against NCR and others. However, Appvion takes a contrary position and claims in excess of $170 million. The district court has established a schedule for the Whiting Litigation under which it would hold a trial in January 2017 on remaining issues. In October 2010, the United Enforcement Litigation. States and the State of Wisconsin brought an action (“Government Action”) in the federal district court in Green Bay against us and 13 other defendants seeking (a) to recover all of their unreimbursed past costs, (b) to obtain a declaration of joint and several liability for all of their future costs, (c) to recover NRDs, and (d) to obtain a declaration of liability of all of the respondents on the UAO to perform the remedy in OU2-5 as required by the UAO and a mandatory permanent injunction to the same effect. The last of these claims was tried in 2012, and in May 2013, the district court enjoined us, NCR, WTM I, and Menasha Corp. to perform the work under the UAO. As the result of partial settlements, U.S. Paper Mills Corp. and Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products L.P. agreed to joint and several liability for some of the work. Appvion was held not liable for this Site under CERCLA. All other potentially responsible parties, including the United States and the State of Wisconsin, have settled with the Governments. As a result, the remaining defendants consist of us, NCR, and Georgia-Pacific. We appealed the injunction to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, as did NCR, WTM I, and Menasha. On September 25, 2014, the court of appeals decided our and NCR’s appeals; the others’ appeals were not decided because they entered into a settlement. The court of appeals vacated the injunction as to us and NCR. However, it affirmed the district court’s ruling that we are liable for response actions in OU2-5 and for complying with the UAO. The court of appeals vacated and remanded the district court’s decision that NCR had failed to prove that liability for OU2-5 could be apportioned, directing the lower court to consider issues it had not considered initially. On remand, the district court issued an opinion on May 15, 2015, (“May 15 Decision”) in which it held that the existing trial record allowed it to apportion NCR’s liability for OU4 at 28% of the total OU4 costs. On October 19, 2015, the district court reconsidered its May 15 Decision and held that NCR had not shown a reasonable basis for apportionment of its liability for the site. On January 25, 2016, the court denied NCR’s request to certify that decision for immediate appeal, and set the case for a scheduling conference. We do not know the Governments’ intentions concerning further litigation of the Government Action, nor do we know the schedule for any further proceedings. We cannot now predict when it will be resolved. Interim Funding of Ongoing Work. As described above, the court of appeals vacated the allocation judgment in the Whiting Litigation on September 25, 2014, but neither court has since replaced that allocation with any other. The 2007 UAO requires the PRPs to submit annual remediation work plans. For 2015, the EPA approved the 2015 Work Plan for $100 million of remediation activities. NCR, GP, and we were not able to reach agreement on a division of the costs of that work on an interim basis, subject to reallocation in the Whiting Litigation. NCR and GP entered into a proposed consent decree with the United States under which they agreed to fund certain work estimated to cost approximately $67 million in 2015, and they will not be responsible for completing the remainder of the work in 2015, estimated to cost approximately $33 million. However, NCR and GP did not complete all of the work assigned to them under the consent decree. The United States has not moved to enter that consent decree. Through the issuance of the 2015 Work Plan the EPA assigned to us those remaining tasks. Under the proposed consent decree, all parties would remain jointly and severally liable for work in the 2015 Work Plan not completed in 2015, except for a small amount of work upstream of the area for which GP is responsible. We contracted for remediation work in OU4 at a total cost of $9.7 million, an amount of work less than the amount assigned to us in the 2015 Work Plan. We anticipate that the amount of work performed by us in 2015 satisfies our share of the obligation if NCR and GP perform the work assigned to them in the 2015 Work Plan. The United States disagrees. We cannot predict the outcome of these disagreements or any possible resulting litigation. In September 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice notified us that we, along with Georgia-Pacific, should be prepared to participate in the remediation activities during 2016. In addition, we understand NCR has submitted a draft 2016 Work Plan. Although we do not have an estimate of the costs of completing the work NCR proposes be completed in 2016, we expect the cost could approximate $100 million. The draft does not assign work to particular parties. Because we may not be able to obtain an agreement with the other parties or a ruling in litigation defining our obligation to contribute to work in 2016 prior to the time that work would have to be implemented, it is conceivable that we may have to choose an amount of work that we believe satisfies any obligation we may have to complete work in 2016, which selection we will have to defend after the fact. It is also conceivable we may be in the same position with respect to work in OU2-5 beyond the 2016 season. Although we are unable to determine with any degree of certainty the amount we may be required to complete or fund, those amounts could be significant. Any amounts we pay or any other party pays in the interim may be subject to reallocation when the Whiting Litigation is resolved. The Governments’ NRD assessment documents NRDs. originally claimed we are jointly and severally responsible GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 57 for NRDs with a value between $176 million and $333 million. The Governments claimed this range should be inflated to current dollars and then certain unreimbursed past assessment costs should be added, so the range of their claim was $287 million to $423 million in 2009. However, on October 14, 2014, the Governments represented to the district court that if certain settlements providing $45.9 million toward compensation of NRDs were approved, the total NRD recovery would amount to $105 million. The Governments stated they would consider those recoveries adequate and they would withdraw their claims against us and NCR for additional compensation of NRDs. On October 19, 2015, the district court granted the Governments leave to withdraw their NRD claims against us without prejudice to re-filing them at some later time. Some of the settling parties, including all of the settling parties contributing the $45.9 million, have waived their rights to seek contribution from us of the settlement amounts. We previously paid a portion of the earlier settlements that the Governments value at $59 million and that we contend may be somewhat more. Reserves for the Site. Our reserve including ongoing monitoring obligations in OU1, our share of remediation of the downstream portions of the Site, NRDs and all pending, threatened or asserted and unasserted claims against us relating to PCB contamination is set forth below: In thousands Balance at January 1, Payments Accruals 2015 2014 $16,223 (9,118) 10,000 $16,276 (53) – Balance at December 31, $17,105 $16,223 The payments set forth above represent cash paid towards completion of remediation activities in connection with the 2015 Work Plan. In addition, in the third quarter of 2015 we increased our reserve by $10.0 million to reflect our estimate of costs to be incurred related to the 2016 Work Plan. If we are unsuccessful in the allocation litigation or in the enforcement litigation described above, we may be required to record additional charges and such charges could be significant. Of our total reserve for the Fox River, $12.5 million is recorded in the accompanying December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet under the caption “Environmental liabilities” and the remainder is recorded under the caption “Other long term liabilities.” As described above, the appellate court vacated and remanded for reconsideration the district court’s ruling in 58 the Whiting Litigation that NCR would bear 100% of costs for the downstream portion of the Site. We continue to believe we will not be allocated a significant share of liability in any final equitable allocation of the response costs for OU2-5 or for NRDs. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include reserves for any future defense costs, which could be significant, related to our involvement at the Site. In setting our reserve for the Site, we have assessed our legal defenses, including our successful defenses to the allegations made in the Whiting Litigation and the original determination in the Whiting Litigation that NCR owes us “full contribution” for response costs and for NRDs that we may become obligated to pay except in OU1. We assume we will not bear the entire cost of remediation or damages to the exclusion of other known parties at the Site, who are also jointly and severally liable. The existence and ability of other parties to participate has also been taken into account in setting our reserve, and setting our reserve is generally based on our evaluation of recent publicly available financial information on certain of the responsible parties and any known insurance, indemnity or cost sharing agreements between responsible parties and third parties. In addition, we have considered the magnitude, nature, location and circumstances associated with the various discharges of PCBs to the river and the relationship of those discharges to identified contamination. We will continue to evaluate our exposure and the level of our reserves associated with the Site. Other Information. The Governments have published studies estimating the amount of PCBs discharged by each identified potentially responsible party to the lower Fox River and Green Bay. These reports estimate our Neenah mill’s share of the mass of PCBs discharged to be as high as 27%. The district court has found the discharge mass estimates used in these studies not to be accurate. We believe the Neenah mill’s absolute and relative contribution of PCB mass is significantly lower than the estimates set forth in these studies. The district court in the Government Action has found that the Neenah mill discharged an unknown amount of PCBs. Based upon the rulings in the Whiting Litigation and the Government Action, neither of which endorsed an equitable allocation in proportion to the mass of PCBs discharged, we continue to believe an allocation in proportion to mass of PCBs discharged would not constitute an equitable allocation of the potential liability for the contamination at the Fox River. We contend other factors, such as a party’s role in causing costs, the location of discharge, and the location of contamination must be considered in order for the allocation to be equitable. Range of Reasonably Possible Outcomes. Based on our analysis of all available information, including but not limited to decisions of the courts, official documents such as records of decision, as well as discussions with legal counsel and cost estimates for work to be performed at the Site, and substantially dependent on the resolution of the allocation issues discussed above, we believe it is reasonably possible that our costs associated with the Fox River matter could exceed the aggregate amounts accrued for the Fox River matter by amounts ranging from insignificant to $175 million. We believe the likelihood of an outcome in the upper end of the monetary range is less than other possible outcomes within the range and the possibility of an outcome in excess of the upper end of the monetary range is remote. We expect remediation costs to be incurred primarily over the next two to three years, although we are unable to determine with any degree of certainty the amount we may be required to fund for interim remediation work. To the extent we provide such interim funding, we contend that NCR or another party would be required to reimburse us once the final allocation is determined. 24. SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION Summary. Our current assessment is we will be able to manage this environmental matter without a long-term, material adverse impact on the Company. This matter could, however, at any particular time or for any particular year or years, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and/or results of operations or could result in a default under our debt covenants. Moreover, there can be no assurance our reserves will be adequate to provide for future obligations related to this matter, or our share of costs and/or damages will not exceed our available resources, or those obligations will not have a long-term, material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity or results of operations. Should a court grant the United States or the State of Wisconsin relief requiring us individually either to perform directly or to contribute significant amounts towards remedial action downstream of Little Lake Butte des Morts those developments could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity and results of operations and might result in a default under our loan covenants. The following tables set forth profitability and other information by business unit: For the year ended December 31, 2015 In millions Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenue Cost of products sold Gross profit SG&A Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Total operating income (loss) Non-operating expense Income (loss) before income taxes Supplementary Data Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures Composite Fibers $541.5 – 541.5 434.4 107.1 45.7 – 61.4 – Advanced Airlaid Materials $244.6 – 244.6 215.7 28.9 7.6 – 21.3 – Specialty Papers $875.0 5.7 880.7 804.5 76.2 43.3 – 32.9 – Other and Unallocated $ – – – 9.2 (9.2) 31.0 (21.1) (19.1) (17.8) Total $1,661.1 5.7 1,666.7 1,463.8 203.0 127.7 (21.1) 96.4 (17.8) $ 61.4 $ 21.3 $ 32.9 $(36.9) $ 78.6 $258.1 26.2 26.8 $153.5 8.8 7.8 $281.6 26.0 63.5 $ 5.7 2.2 1.8 $ 698.9 63.2 99.9 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 59 For the year ended December 31, 2014 In millions Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenue Cost of products sold Gross profit SG&A Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Total operating income (loss) Non-operating expense Income (loss) before income taxes Supplementary Data Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures For the year ended December 31, 2013 In millions Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenue Cost of products sold Gross profit SG&A Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Total operating income (loss) Non-operating expense Income (loss) before income taxes Supplementary Data Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Depreciation, depletion and amortization Capital expenditures Composite Fibers $617.9 – 617.9 498.0 119.9 51.6 – 68.3 – Advanced Airlaid Materials $281.7 – 281.7 247.6 34.1 8.8 – 25.3 – Specialty Papers Other and Unallocated $902.9 7.9 910.8 821.8 89.0 50.4 – 38.6 – $ – – – 7.8 (7.8) 22.4 (4.9) (25.3) (19.4) Total $1,802.4 7.9 1,810.3 1,575.2 235.2 133.2 (4.9) 106.8 (19.4) $ 68.3 $ 25.3 $ 38.6 $(44.7) $ 87.4 $277.8 29.7 23.9 $163.6 9.1 7.6 $250.1 29.9 32.1 $ 6.1 1.9 2.4 $ 697.6 70.6 66.0 Composite Fibers $566.4 – 566.4 456.5 109.8 47.4 – 62.4 – Advanced Airlaid Materials $268.4 – 268.4 238.0 30.4 8.9 – 21.5 – Specialty Papers Other and Unallocated $887.9 3.2 891.0 799.3 91.7 52.0 – 39.7 – $ – – – 13.3 (13.3) 25.5 (1.7) (37.1) (17.3) Total $1,722.6 3.2 1,725.8 1,507.1 218.7 133.9 (1.7) 86.5 (17.3) $ 62.4 $ 21.5 $ 39.7 $(54.4) $ 69.2 $300.0 24.8 56.9 $175.1 8.9 6.7 $242.6 33.2 34.3 $ 5.6 1.3 5.1 $ 723.3 68.2 103.0 The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding. Results of individual business units are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual business units are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the business units. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the business unit are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services. 60 Management evaluates the performance of the business units based on results of operations of the business units before pension expense, certain corporate level costs, and the effects of certain gains or losses not considered to be related to the core business operations. Management believes that this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core businesses, the profitability of business units and the extent of cash flow generated from these core operations. Such amounts are presented under the caption “Other and Unallocated.” In the evaluation of business unit results, management does not use any measures of total assets. The information set forth above is aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that the Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors. Our Composite Fibers business unit serves customers globally and focuses on higher value-added products in the following markets: • • table top; and food pads. • Food & Beverage paper primarily used for single-serve coffee and tea products; • Wallcovering base materials used by the world’s largest wallpaper manufacturers; • Metallized products used in the labeling of bottles, self-adhesive labels, packaging liners, gift wrap, and other consumer product applications; • Composite Laminates paper used in production of decorative laminates, furniture, and flooring applications; and • Technical Specialties a diverse line of special paper products used in electrical energy storage, transport, and transmission including batteries and capacitors, wipes and other home and hygiene products, and other highly-engineered fiber-based applications. Composite Fibers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Food & beverage Wall covering Metallized Composite laminates Technical specialties and $274,865 91,620 68,397 34,897 $296,304 149,957 80,839 38,159 $302,738 97,698 83,949 39,296 other Total 71,689 52,592 42,679 $541,468 $617,851 $566,360 The Advanced Airlaid Materials business unit is a leading global supplier of highly absorbent cellulose-based airlaid nonwoven materials primarily used to manufacture consumer products for growing global end-user markets. These products include: • • • • feminine hygiene; specialty wipes; adult incontinence; home care; Advanced Airlaid Materials’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Feminine hygiene Wipes Adult incontinence Home care Other $182,048 22,950 10,720 13,345 15,526 $216,836 16,002 17,586 15,401 15,848 $219,222 15,186 5,046 14,857 14,085 Total $244,589 $281,673 $268,396 Our Specialty Papers business unit focuses on producing papers for the following markets: • Carbonless & noncarbonless forms papers for credit card receipts, multi-part forms, security papers and other end-user applications; • Engineered products for high speed ink jet printing, office specialty products, greeting cards, and other niche specialty applications; • Envelope and converting papers primarily utilized for transactional and direct mail envelopes; and • Book publishing papers for the production of high quality hardbound books and other book publishing needs. Specialty Papers’ revenue composition by market consisted of the following for the years indicated: In thousands 2015 2014 2013 Carbonless & forms Engineered products Envelope & converting Book publishing Other $349,831 190,943 178,067 152,647 3,538 $376,959 194,189 183,194 144,744 3,805 $369,618 184,913 175,928 153,054 4,346 Total $875,026 $902,891 $887,859 No individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated net sales in 2015, 2014 or 2013. However, one customer accounted for the majority of Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales in each of the past three years ended December 31, 2015. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 61 Our net sales to external customers and location of net plant, equipment and timberlands are summarized below. Net sales are attributed to countries based upon origin of shipment. In thousands United States Germany United Kingdom Canada Other Total 2015 2014 2013 Plant, Equipment and Timberlands–Net $287,447 232,340 62,931 81,201 34,945 Plant, Equipment and Timberlands–Net $256,251 257,311 62,617 82,774 38,655 Net sales $ 968,833 483,859 107,082 113,414 49,427 Net sales $ 980,933 529,003 103,219 129,401 59,859 $698,864 $1,802,415 $697,608 $1,722,615 Plant, Equipment and Timberlands–Net $248,306 287,880 63,650 83,033 40,471 $723,340 Net sales $ 959,730 444,009 86,442 118,568 52,335 $1,661,084 25. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Our 5.375% Notes issued by P. H. Glatfelter Company (the “Parent”) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by certain of our 100%-owned domestic subsidiaries, PHG Tea Leaves, Inc., Mollanvick, Inc., Glatfelter Composite Fibers N. A., Inc. (“CFNA”), Glatfelter Advance Materials N.A., Inc. (“GAMNA”), and Glatfelter Holdings, LLC. The guarantees are subject to certain customary release provisions including i) the designation of such subsidiary as an unrestricted or excluded subsidiary; (ii) in connection with any sale or disposition of the capital stock of the subsidiary guarantor; and (iii) upon our exercise of our legal defeasance option or our covenant defeasance option, all of which are more fully described in the Indenture dated as of October 3, 2012 and the First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 27, 2015, among us, the Guarantors and US Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.375% Notes. The following presents our condensed consolidating statements of income, including comprehensive income, and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and our condensed consolidating balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. The condensed consolidating financial statements set forth below include the addition of CFNA and GAMNA as guarantors during 2015 and all prior periods have been restated to retroactively effect this change. Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2015 In thousands Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Operating income Other non-operating income (expense) Interest expense Interest income Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Other, net Total other non-operating income (expense) Income before income taxes Income tax provision (benefit) Net income Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income 62 Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $875,026 5,664 $ 84,704 – $779,380 – $(78,026) – $1,661,084 5,664 (78,026) (78,026) 1,666,748 1,463,783 880,690 811,329 69,361 71,751 (19,720) 17,330 (18,147) 673 61,946 (3,389) 41,083 58,413 (6,162) 64,575 84,704 80,455 4,249 821 (1,183) 4,611 – 37,127 24,737 (1,471) 60,393 65,004 2,922 62,082 (35,616) (41,010) 779,380 650,025 129,355 55,134 (210) 74,431 (36,859) 26 – 4,245 – – – – 37,542 (37,543) (86,683) – (32,588) (86,684) 41,843 17,241 24,602 29,680 (86,684) – (86,684) 11,330 202,965 127,706 (21,113) 96,372 (17,464) 283 – (615) (17,796) 78,576 14,001 64,575 (35,616) $ 28,959 $ 21,072 $ 54,282 $(75,354) $ 28,959 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2014 In thousands Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Operating income Other non-operating income (expense) Interest expense Interest income Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Other, net Total other non-operating income (expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income tax provision (benefit) Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive income (loss) Parent Company $902,892 7,927 910,819 830,710 80,109 67,086 (3,545) 16,568 (19,105) 638 67,590 (1,366) 47,757 64,325 (4,921) 69,246 (79,513) Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 78,077 – $ 897,363 – $ (75,917) – $1,802,415 7,927 78,077 74,414 3,663 1,765 (1,316) 3,214 – 102,241 (34,265) 317 68,293 71,507 3,916 67,591 (40,704) 897,363 745,981 151,382 64,384 – 86,998 (102,571) 36 – 414 (102,121) (15,123) 19,142 (34,265) 28,840 (75,917) (75,917) 1,810,342 1,575,188 – – – – 102,755 (102,756) (33,325) – (33,326) (33,326) – (33,326) 11,864 235,154 133,235 (4,861) 106,780 (18,921) 159 – (635) (19,397) 87,383 18,137 69,246 (79,513) $ (10,267) $ 26,887 $ (5,425) $ (21,462) $ (10,267) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2013 In thousands Net sales Energy and related sales, net Total revenues Costs of products sold Gross profit Selling, general and administrative expenses Gains on dispositions of plant, equipment and timberlands, net Operating income Other non-operating income (expense) Interest expense Interest income Equity in earnings of subsidiaries Other, net Total other non-operating income (expense) Income before income taxes Income tax provision (benefit) Net income Other comprehensive income Comprehensive income Parent Company $887,859 3,153 891,012 812,173 78,839 69,614 (1,390) 10,615 (18,891) 627 58,354 (1,569) 38,521 49,136 (18,022) 67,158 88,609 Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $80,991 – 80,991 76,640 4,351 1,952 (319) 2,718 – 8,662 48,474 104 57,240 59,958 1,611 58,347 6,883 $830,625 – $ (76,860) – $1,722,615 3,153 830,625 695,163 135,462 62,301 (17) 73,178 (8,064) 12 – 1,802 (6,250) 66,928 18,454 48,474 4,223 (76,860) (76,868) 1,725,768 1,507,108 8 – – 8 8,990 (8,991) (106,828) – (106,829) (106,821) – (106,821) (11,106) 218,660 133,867 (1,726) 86,519 (17,965) 310 – 337 (17,318) 69,201 2,043 67,158 88,609 $155,767 $65,230 $ 52,697 $(117,927) $ 155,767 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 63 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2015 In thousands Assets Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Investments in subsidiaries Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 59,130 199,690 286,334 737,450 109,511 $ 465 238,515 1,114 507,116 – $ 45,709 239,367 411,416 – 142,882 $ – (230,509) – (1,244,566) – $ 105,304 447,063 698,864 – 252,393 $1,392,115 $747,210 $839,374 $(1,475,075) $1,503,624 $ 363,037 250,000 28,561 87,270 $ 9,725 – (79) – 728,868 663,247 9,646 737,564 $162,081 106,504 47,976 15,825 332,386 506,988 $ (230,523) $ 304,320 356,504 76,458 103,095 – – – (230,523) (1,244,552) 840,377 663,247 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,392,115 $747,210 $839,374 $(1,475,075) $1,503,624 Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2014 In thousands Assets Cash and cash equivalents Other current assets Plant, equipment and timberlands, net Investments in subsidiaries Other assets Total assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Current liabilities Long-term debt Deferred income taxes Other long-term liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 42,208 216,940 255,255 826,084 121,125 $ 509 439,910 996 401,540 – $ 57,120 254,911 441,357 – 186,128 $ – (436,976) – (1,227,624) (17,979) $ 99,837 474,785 697,608 – 289,274 $1,461,612 $842,955 $ 939,516 $(1,682,579) $1,561,504 $ 403,662 250,000 46,483 112,358 $ 13,143 – (506) 24 $ 307,184 721,457 70,328 11,608 $ (444,258) (572,579) (12,289) 5,780 $ 279,731 398,878 104,016 129,770 812,503 649,109 12,661 830,294 1,110,577 (171,061) (1,023,346) (659,233) 912,395 649,109 Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $1,461,612 $842,955 $ 939,516 $(1,682,579) $1,561,504 64 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2015 In thousands Net cash provided (used) by Operating activities Investing activities Expenditures for purchases of plant, equipment and timberlands Proceeds from disposal plant, equipment and timberlands, net Repayments from intercompany loans Advances of intercompany loans Intercompany capital (contributed) returned Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other Total investing activities Financing activities Net repayments of indebtedness Payments of note offering costs Payment of dividends to shareholders Repayments of intercompany loans Borrowings of intercompany loans Intercompany capital (returned) received Payments related to share-based compensation awards and other Total financing activities Effect of exchange rate on cash Net increase (decrease) in cash Cash at the beginning of period Cash at the end of period Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 34,391 $ 627 $ 98,725 $ – $133,743 (65,265) 22,741 – – 10,100 – (1,600) (34,024) – (1,329) (20,443) (9,158) 49,230 – (1,745) 16,555 – 16,922 42,208 (109) 1,213 57,855 (49,230) (300) – – (34,515) 505 – – – (224) – – – (57,855) 49,230 (9,800) – – 9,429 (34,234) (18,425) – – – – – (10,100) – (10,100) – (44) 509 (24,650) – – (48,697) – 300 151 (72,896) (3,006) (11,411) 57,120 – – – 57,855 (49,230) 9,800 – 18,425 – – – – (99,889) 24,459 – – – (224) (1,600) (77,254) (24,650) (1,329) (20,443) – – – (1,594) (48,016) (3,006) 5,467 99,837 $105,304 $ 59,130 $ 465 $ 45,709 $ Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2014 In thousands Net cash provided (used) by Operating activities Investing activities Expenditures for purchases of plant, equipment and timberlands Proceeds from disposal plant, equipment and timberlands, net Repayments from intercompany loans Advances of intercompany loans Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other Total investing activities Financing activities Net repayments of indebtedness Payment of dividends to shareholders Repurchases of common stock Repayments of intercompany loans Borrowings of intercompany loans Payments related to share-based compensation awards and other Total financing activities Effect of exchange rate on cash Net increase (decrease) in cash Cash at the beginning of period Cash at the end of period Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 36,240 $ 4,159 $ 59,178 $ – $ 99,577 (34,518) 3,707 – (12,671) – (600) (44,082) – (18,696) (12,180) – 26,340 (1,630) (6,166) – (14,008) 56,216 $ 42,208 $ – 1,355 20,840 (26,340) – – (4,145) – – – – – – – – 14 495 509 (31,528) 10 – – (8,015) – (39,533) (18,128) – – (20,840) 12,671 (247) (26,544) (2,152) (9,051) 66,171 $ 57,120 $ – – (20,840) 39,011 – – 18,171 – – – 20,840 (39,011) – (18,171) – (66,046) 5,072 – – (8,015) (600) (69,589) (18,128) (18,696) (12,180) – – (1,877) (50,881) (2,152) – – – (23,045) 122,882 $ 99,837 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 65 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2013 In thousands Net cash provided (used) by Operating activities Investing activities Expenditures for plant, equipment and timberlands Proceeds from disposal plant, equipment and timberlands, net Repayments from intercompany loans Advances of intercompany loans Intercompany capital contributed, net Acquisitions, net of cash acquired Other Total investing activities Financing activities Net proceeds from indebtedness Payments of note offering costs Payment of dividends to shareholders Repayments of intercompany loans Borrowings of intercompany loans Intercompany capital received Payments related to share-based compensation awards and other Total financing activities Effect of exchange rate on cash Net increase (decrease) in cash Cash at the beginning of period Cash at the end of period Parent Company Guarantors Non Guarantors Adjustments/ Eliminations Consolidated $ 55,507 $ 4,977 $ 113,151 $ – $ 173,635 (39,496) 1,435 – – – – (425) (38,486) – (160) (16,965) (1,100) 15,310 – (1,671) (4,586) – 12,435 43,781 – 333 18,223 (27,216) (91) – – (63,551) 179 – – – (210,911) – – – (18,223) 27,216 91 – – (8,751) (274,283) 9,084 – – – – – – – – – (3,774) 4,269 182,230 (259) – (17,123) 11,906 91 – 176,845 829 16,542 49,629 – – – 18,223 (27,216) (91) – (9,084) – – – – (103,047) 1,947 – – – (210,911) (425) (312,436) 182,230 (419) (16,965) – – – (1,671) 163,175 829 25,203 97,679 $ 122,882 $ 56,216 $ 495 $ 66,171 $ 26. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED) In thousands, except per share First Second Third Fourth Net sales Gross Profit Net Income Diluted earnings per share 2015 $417,469 410,803 419,960 412,852 2014 2015 2014 2015 $455,721 445,341 465,092 436,261 $52,108 32,833 59,908 58,116 $55,040 41,437 80,513 58,164 $13,925 2,848 13,504 34,298 2014 $14,648 4,669 30,372 19,557 2015 $0.32 0.06 0.31 0.78 2014 $0.33 0.11 0.69 0.45 66 ITEM 9 CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES None. ITEM 9A CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures Our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer have, after evaluating the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)), as of December 31, 2015, concluded that, as of the evaluation date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Executive Officers of the Registrant The information with respect to the executive officers required under this Item incorporated herein by reference to “Executive Officers” as set forth in Part I, page 13 of this report. We have adopted a Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers (the “Code of Business Ethics”) in compliance with applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that applies to our chief executive officer, chief financial officer and our principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions. A copy of the Code of Business Ethics is filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is available on our website, free of charge, at www.glatfelter.com. Internal Control Over Financial Reporting ITEM 11 EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Management’s report on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) and the related report of our independent registered public accounting firm are included in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended December 31, 2015, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B OTHER INFORMATION None. PART III ITEM 10 DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 31, 2016. ITEM 12 SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 31, 2016. ITEM 13 CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 31, 2016. ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information required under this Item is Directors The information with respect to directors required under this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 31, 2016. Our board of directors has determined that, based on the relevant experience of the members of the Audit Committee, two of the four members are “audit committee financial experts” as this term is set forth in the applicable regulations of the SEC. incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, to be dated on or about March 31, 2016. Our Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange that he is not aware of any violations by the Company of the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 67 PART IV ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) 1. 2. Our Consolidated Financial Statements as follows are included in Part II, Item 8: Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Statement Schedules (Consolidated) are included in Part IV: Schedule II -Valuation and Qualifying Accounts – For each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. i. (b) Exhibit Index Exhibit Number Description of Documents Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 2.1 Filing Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2013 2.1 3.1 3.2 4.1 4.2 Share Purchase Agreement, dated March 13, 2013, by and among Glatfelter Gernsbach GmbH & Co. KG. (as purchaser), P H. Glatfelter Company (as purchaser guarantor), Fortress Security Papers AG (as vendor) and Fortress Paper Ltd. (as vendor guarantor) (the schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request). Articles of Incorporation, as amended through December 20, 2007 (restated for the purpose of filing on 3(b) Form 10-K filed EDGAR). Amended and Restated By-Laws of P.H. Glatfelter Company, as amended, dated December 10, 2015. Indenture, dated as of October 3, 2012, by and among P. H. Glatfelter Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to 5.375% Senior Notes due 2020. First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 27, 2015 by and among P. H. Glatfelter Company, the Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and US Bank National Association, as Trustee, filed herewith. 3.1 4.1 March 13, 2008 Form 8-K filed February 19, 2016 Form 8-K filed October 3, 2012 10.1 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2015, by and among the 10.1 Form 8-K filed Company, certain of its subsidiaries as borrowers and certain of its subsidiaries as guarantors and PNC Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, PNC Capital Markets LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A., as co-syndication agents, and Cobank, ACB, Bank of America, N.A. and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as co-documentation agents. 10.2 Loan Agreement, dated April 11, 2013, by and among Glatfelter Gernsbach GmbH & Co. KG. and IKB 10.1 Deutsche Industriebank AG, Düsseldorf 10.3 Guaranty, dated April 17, 2013, executed by P. H. Glatfelter Company (as Guarantor) in favor of IKB 10.2 Deutsche Industriebank AG. March 16, 2015 Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2013 Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2013 10.4 P. H. Glatfelter Company Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated 10.4 Form 10-K filed effective February 26, 2015** February 27, 2015 10.5 P. H. Glatfelter Company Amended and Restated 2005 Management Incentive Plan, effective 10.1 Form 8-K filed January 1, 2015** 10.6 P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan, dated February 25, 2014, between 10.1 the registrant and certain employees** May 8, 2015 Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2014 10.7 P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (amended and restated effective 10(c) Form 10-K filed January 1, 2010)** March 8, 2013 10.8 P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Management Pension Plan (amended and restated effective 10(d) Form 10-K filed January 1, 2008)** 10.9 Form of Top Management Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate** 10.10 Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate** March 8, 2013 10.2 Form 8-K filed May 5, 2009 10.3 Form 8-K filed 10.11 Form of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Right Award Certificate (form effective February 26, 2014)** 10.3 April 29, 2005 Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2014 68 Exhibit Number Description of Documents 10.12 Form of Performance Share Award Certificate (form effective February 26, 2014)** Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.2 Filing Form 10-Q filed May 2, 2014 10.13 Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate, form effective as of December 13, 2013** 10.(l) Form 10-K filed March 3, 2014 10.14 Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate, dated as of December 13, 2013, for Dante C. Parrini** 10.1 Form 8-K filed 10.15 Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and Dante 10.1 C. Parrini, dated July 2, 2010. ** December 17, 2013 Form 8-K filed July 6, 2010 10.16 Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and 10(j) Form 10-K filed certain employees, form effective as of December 8, 2008 ** 10.16 (A) Schedule of Change in Control Employment Agreements** March 13, 2009 10(l) A Form 10-K filed March 8, 2013 10.17 Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P.H. Glatfelter Company and 10(q) Form 10-K filed certain employees, form effective as of August 5, 2013** 10.17 (A) Schedule of Change in Control Employment Agreements** March 3, 2014 10.19(A) Form 10-K filed February 27, 2015 10.18 Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation (effective January 1, 2005)** 10.1 Form 8-K filed December 20, 2004 10.19 P. H. Glatfelter Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, effective as of January 1, 2007** 10(k) Form 10-K filed March 8, 2013 10.20 Service Agreement, commencing on August 1, 2006, between the Registrant (through a wholly owned 10(r) Form 10-K filed subsidiary) and Martin Rapp** March 16, 2007 10.21 Retirement Pension Contract, dated October 31, 2007, between Registrant (through a wholly owned 10(t) Form 10-K filed subsidiary) and Martin Rapp** 10.22 Guidelines for Executive Severance** 10.23 10.24 Agreement between the State of Wisconsin and Certain Companies Concerning the Fox River, dated as of January 31, 1997, among P. H. Glatfelter Company, Fort Howard Corporation, NCR Corporation, Appleton Papers Inc., Riverside Paper Corporation, U.S. Paper Mills, Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc. and the State of Wisconsin Consent Decree for Remedial Design and Remedial Action at Operable Unit 1 of the Lower Fox River and Green Bay Site between the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin v. P. H. Glatfelter Company and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.) 10.2 March 13, 2008 Form 8-K filed July 6, 2010 10(i) Form 10-K filed March 28, 1997 10.3(a) Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2010 10.24 (A) Agreed Supplement to Consent Decree between United States of America and the State of Wisconsin vs. P.H. Glatfelter Company and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.) 10.3(b) Form 10-Q filed August 6, 2010 10.24 (B) Second Agreed Supplement to Consent Decree between United States of America and the State of 10.3(c) Form 10-Q filed Wisconsin vs. P.H. Glatfelter Company and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.) August 6, 2010 10.24 (C) Amended Consent Decree for Remedial Design and Remedial Action at Operable Unit 1 of the Lower 10.3(d) Form 10-Q filed Fox River and Green Bay Site by and among the United States of America and the State of Wisconsin v. P. H. Glatfelter and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.) (certain Appendices have been intentionally omitted, copies of which can be obtained free of charge from the Registrant) August 6, 2010 10.25 Administrative Order for Remedial Action dated November 13, 2007, issued by the United States 10.2 Form 8-K filed 14 21 23 Environmental Protection Agency Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter Subsidiaries of the Registrant, filed herewith Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, filed herewith 31.1 Certification of Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002, filed herewith 31.2 Certification of John P. Jacunski, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act Of 2002, filed herewith 32.1 Certification of Dante C. Parrini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, furnished herewith November 19, 2007 14 Form 10-K filed March 15, 2004 GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 69 Exhibit Number 32.2 Description of Documents Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit Filing Certification of John P. Jacunski, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Glatfelter, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, furnished herewith 101.INS XBRL Instance Document, filed herewith 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, filed herewith 101.CAL XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase, filed herewith 101.DEF XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase, filed herewith 101.LAB XBRL Extension Label Linkbase, filed herewith 101.PRE XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase, filed herewith ** Management contract or compensatory plan 70 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. SIGNATURES February 26, 2016 P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY (Registrant) By /s/ Dante C. Parrini Dante C. Parrini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated: Date Signature Capacity February 26, 2016 /s/ Dante C. Parrini Principal Executive Officer and Director Dante C. Parrini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer February 26, 2016 /s/ John P. Jacunski Principal Financial Officer John P. Jacunski Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer February 26, 2016 /s/ David C. Elder Chief Accounting Officer David C. Elder Vice President, Finance February 26, 2016 /s/ Bruce Brown Bruce Brown February 26, 2016 /s/ Kathleen A. Dahlberg Kathleen A. Dahlberg February 26, 2016 /s/ Nicholas DeBenedictis February 26, 2016 Nicholas DeBenedictis /s/ Kevin M. Fogarty Kevin M. Fogarty February 26, 2016 /s/ J. Robert Hall February 26, 2016 J. Robert Hall /s/ Richard C. Ill Richard C. Ill February 26, 2016 /s/ Ronald J. Naples Ronald J. Naples February 26, 2016 /s/ Lee C. Stewart Lee C. Stewart Director Director Director Director Director Director Director Director GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 71 [THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE For each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts In thousands Doubtful Accounts Schedule II Allowance for Balance, beginning of year Provision Write-offs, recoveries and discounts allowed Other (a) Balance, end of year 2015 $2,703 7 (275) (196) $2,239 2014 2013 $2,725 1,061 (946) (137) $ 2,858 945 (1,119) 41 Sales Discounts and Deductions 2014 2013 2015 $ 1,809 3,856 (3,649) (423) $ 1,810 4,356 (4,719) 362 $ 2,302 5,526 (6,148) 130 $2,703 $ 2,725 $ 1,593 $ 1,809 $ 1,810 The provision for doubtful accounts is included in selling, general and administrative expense and the provision for sales discounts and deductions is deducted from sales. The related allowances are deducted from accounts receivable. (a) Relates primarily to changes in currency exchange rates. GLATFELTER 2015 FORM 10-K 73 D I R E C T O R S A N D O F F I C E R S O F F I C E R S A N D M A N AG E M E N T Dante C. Parrini William T. Yanavitch II Reinhard S. Schiebeler Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Senior Vice President, Human Resources Vice President, Operations & John P. Jacunski Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Christopher W. Astley and Administration Supply Chain, Composite Fibers Eileen L. Beck Ramesh Shettigar Vice President, Global Compensation & Vice President & Treasurer Benefits Senior Vice President & Business Unit David C. Elder President, Advanced Airlaid Materials Vice President, Finance Brian E. Janki Timothy R. Hess Senior Vice President & Business Unit Vice President, Sales & Marketing, President, Specialty Papers Specialty Papers Martin Rapp Kent K. Matsumoto Senior Vice President & Business Unit Vice President, General Counsel & President, Composite Fibers Corporate Secretary D I R E C T O R S Jeffrey G. Walters Vice President, Internal Audit Amy R. Wannemacher Vice President, Tax Joseph J. Zakutney Vice President and Chief Information Officer Dante C. Parrini Nicholas DeBenedictis Richard C. Ill Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Retired Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bruce Brown Aqua America, Inc. Retired Chief Technology Officer Kevin M. Fogarty Triumph Group, Inc. Ronald J. Naples Procter & Gamble President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman Emeritus Kathleen A. Dahlberg Chief Executive Officer G.G.I., Inc. Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. Quaker Chemical Corporation J. Robert Hall Managing Director Centerview Capital Lee C. Stewart Private Financial Consultant C O R P O R A T E I N F O R M A T I O N W O R L D H E A D Q U A R T E R S P. H . G L AT F E LT E R C O M PA N Y T R A N S F E R AG E N T, D I V I D E N D D I S B U R S I N G AG E N T A N D R E G I S T R A R I N F O R M AT I O N S O U R C E S For the latest quarterly business results or other information, visit www.glatfelter.com 96 South George Street Suite 520 York, PA 17401 phone: 717-225-2719 fax: 717-846-7208 www.glatfelter.com S T O C K E XC H A N G E A N D S Y M B O L New York Stock Exchange GLT A N N U A L M E E T I N G O F S H A R E H O L D E R S May 5, 2016, 9:00 a.m. Eastern York County Heritage Trust, Historical Society Museum 250 East Market Street, York, PA Computershare P. O. Box 30170 College Station, TX 77842-3170 Private Couriers/Registered Mail: Computershare 211 Quality Circle, Suite 210 College Station, TX 77845 Shareholder website www.computershare.com/investor or contact: Investor Relations P. H. Glatfelter Company 96 South George Street Suite 520 York, PA 17401 phone: 717-225-2719 e-mail: ir@glatfelter.com Shareholder online inquiries https://www-us.computershare.com/investor/Contact toll-free: 877-832-7259 international: 201-680-6578 LL OO CC A T I O N S WW O R L E AA DDD Q R E S P. H. Glatfelter Company 96 Soutthh eorge Str et Suite 5200 York, PA 17440 U.S.A. U . S . O AATT I NN O T II OO NN S Spring Grove Facility* 2228 SSouthh Main Str et Sprring GGrrrooove PPA 11 62 Chillicothe Facility* 2233222 EEEEEaassttt EEEiigggg tthh Sttrr eett Chilliiccooooootthe, HH 56 1 Fremont Facility 2222227755 CCoommmmmmmm rrcce Drriiivvvee Freemmont, OHHH 43 20 Fort Smith Facility 8201 Chhaad C llle BB uulevard FFoorrtt SSmmiitthhh,, A 7 99911 (producttiion tt bbb ggii laattee 2011 ) I N TT RR N AA O N A LLL O PPPP EEE RRR T GGG L O CCCC TT II O SS A L E SS OOOO FFF FF I CC E - O N LYYY L OO C AT II OO N SSS Gainesville, Georgia 2000 BBrrooaadd SStreet Suiittee 222066 GGainesvviille, GGA 305001 UUUU.SS.AA. Moscow, Russia 1333 2--yyaa ZZZZvenniigoorroddsskkaya Street Buildddiinnnngg 4411 (Floorr 99) Moosscooowwww,, 1123022 RRuussiaa O TT HH EE RR LLLL OOOOOOO CC AATT II OO NNNN SS China Rooommm 501 Buiilldddiiinnng 2244 offff TTiimmmmmmeeeeessss SSSSSSSSSSqqqqqqqqquuuaaaarrrreeee SSuuzhou IIInnnddduuustriaaalll Paaarrk 215502288 SSuuuuuzzzhou Peeeoplee’’’sss Reppppuuubbllliiic of CChiiiinaa Gernsbach Facility* Hörddener Stra 5 776659933 Gernsb h GGerrmany Dresden Facility* Bergg ttraa e 776 010 999 DDre enn Ger a yy Ober-Schmitten Facility* nnnsssttt aaß 133 Obbeerr-SSchhhhmittteennn 6633667 iddd aa Gerrmma y Scaër Facility* P 22 2 99999900 SScccaëërrr FFrra ce Lydney Facility* CCh rrchh Road Lyydd eeyy,, GGlloucesterrrssshhirre GL15 5EEJJ Uni edd KKiinnggdomm Caerphilly Facility* PPoonnnnn yyggwwiinnddyyyy IInndd ssttrriiaallll EEEssttatte CCae philly, Mid lammorg nn CF8 3HU Unit d Kingdo Gatineau Facility* 6800 r e Atmec attiinne uu, Q J8P 7 7 anad Falkenhagen Facility* GGGewerrbbepar Prig itz/Fal enh en RRollfff-HHöveellllmaannn-Strraaße 11 116928 ritzww lllk Geermanyy Newtech Pulp Facility Bo. Maaariiiiiaa CCrr sstttttiiiiinnnnnaaaa 9217 BBaloo---I, LLaaanaao dddeeel NNoo e Phiillliiip iness * Also a Sales Office P . H . G L A T F E L T E R C O M P A N Y 9 6 S O U T H G E O R G E S T R E E T , S U I T E 5 2 0 Y O R K , P A 1 7 4 0 1 W W W . G L A T F E L T E R . C O M © 2 01 6 GLATFELTER 

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