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Glatfelter

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FY2016 Annual Report · Glatfelter
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P .   H .   G L A T F E L T E R   C O M P A N Y      

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2016 Annual Report

FSC®  C132107

© 2017 GLATFELTER

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 $1.6 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.

W O R L D   H E A D Q U A R T E R S

I N T E R N AT I O N A L   O P E R AT I N G

S A L E S   O F F I C E - O N LY   

L O C AT I O N S

L O C AT I O N S

L O C A T I O N S

U . S .   O P E R AT I N G   L O C AT I O N S

P. H. Glatfelter Company

96 South George Street

Suite 520

York, PA 17401

U.S.A.

Spring Grove Facility*

228 South Main Street

Spring Grove, PA 17362

Chillicothe Facility*

232 East Eighth Street

Chillicothe, OH 45601

Fremont Facility

2275 Commerce Drive

Fremont, OH 43420

Fort Smith Facility

8201 Chad Colley Boulevard

Fort Smith, AR 72916

(production to begin late 2017)

Gainesville, Georgia

200 Broad Street 

Suite 206

Gainesville, GA 30501

U.S.A.

Moscow, Russia

13 2-ya Zvenigorodskaya Street

Building 41 (Floor 9)

Moscow, 123022

Russia 

O T H E R   L O C AT I O N S

China

Room 501

Building 24 of Times Square

Suzhou Industrial Park

215028 Suzhou

People’s Republic of China

Gernsbach Facility*

Hördener Straße 5

76593 Gernsbach

Germany

Dresden Facility*

Bergstraße 76 

01099 Dresden 

Germany

Ober-Schmitten Facility*

Rhönstraße 13 

Ober-Schmitten

63667 Nidda

Germany

Scaër Facility*

BP 2

29390 Scaër

France

Lydney Facility*

Church Road

Lydney, Gloucestershire

GL15 5EJ

United Kingdom

Caerphilly Facility*

Pontygwindy Industrial Estate

Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan

CF83 3HU

United Kingdom

Gatineau Facility*

1680 rue Atmec

Gatineau, QC J8P 7G7

Canada

Falkenhagen Facility*

Gewerbepark Prignitz/Falkenhagen

Rolf-Hövelmann-Straße 10

16928 Pritzwalk

Germany

Newtech Pulp Facility

Bo. Maria Cristina

9217 Balo-I, Lanao del Norte

Philippines 

* Also a Sales Office

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

It is my pleasure to report that Glatfelter delivered 

a solid year in 2016, achieving substantial operating 

improvements across the company and producing 3% 

earnings growth. Throughout the year, Glatfelter PEOPLE 

maintained a sharp focus on operational excellence, 

continuous improvement, and value creation to overcome 

significant market challenges. 

We conducted business in a slow-growth global economy 

and faced overcapacity and intensifying competition 

in some of our key markets. Despite these headwinds, 

Glatfelter made significant progress toward fulfilling 

our vision of becoming the global supplier of choice in 

specialty papers and engineered materials.

•  Advanced Airlaid Materials continued its growth 

with record operating profit climbing 24% over 2015.  

Our exciting new specialty wipes product line experienced 

a 12% sales increase. Continuous improvement initiatives 

propelled the Canadian mill to record production. 

Dante C. Parrini  Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Construction of the new facility in Arkansas, which 

•  A strong safety effort drove the majority of our 

will significantly expand the business unit’s capacity, is 

facilities to achieve industry top quartile performance.  

proceeding on budget and on time for completion in  

We are striving to become a safety leader and achieve  

late 2017.

our goal of working injury-free, every day.

•  Specialty Papers improved operations and 
achieved record pulp production. Operating profit 

Glatfelter introduced exciting new products, 

leveraged our market-leading positions, and conducted 

grew 25% over the previous year, and the business unit 

an aggressive continuous improvement effort that 

outperformed the uncoated free sheet market for the 

generated $23 million in cost savings. The result was an 

12th year in a row.

improvement in our financial performance. 

•  Composite Fibers was adversely impacted by 
lower selling prices, customer inventory reductions, and 

geopolitical disruptions. These combined to create a 

difficult market environment that depressed operating 

profits. Despite these headwinds, the business unit 

improved productivity and drove strong growth in 

attractive market niches such as technical specialties and 

composite laminates, delivering 16% EBITDA margins. 

•  The multi-year environmental compliance projects 

in Specialty Papers were completed on schedule –

enabling us to meet new Clean Air Act regulations while 

substantially reducing Glatfelter’s carbon footprint. 

•  Adjusted earnings grew 3% to $1.38 per share.

•  Glatfelter’s share price rose 29.6% versus 2015.

•  We increased the dividend by 4%, the fourth 

consecutive year we have done so.

While capital expenditures of $160 million reduced 

cash flows, our balance sheet maintained the flexibility 

and strength to continue to execute our growth strategy.

1

L O O K I N G   A H E A D    

C L O S I N G   T H O U G H T S    

As we chart the course for 2017 and beyond, Glatfelter 

The coming year will be a critical transition period as 

will pursue a dual track execution plan.   

Glatfelter prepares for an exciting new cycle of growth.  

The first track ensures we build a competitive cost 

structure while maintaining our leading market positions. 

Glatfelter will proactively manage cost and continuous 

In 2018 and 2019, we anticipate: 

•  The Arkansas facility will augment an exciting 
segment of our engineered materials business and begin 

improvement to mitigate the impact of market 

generating operating profits

overcapacity and lower selling prices. For example, 

Composite Fibers will implement a cost optimization 

program in 2017 that will save $10 million. In addition, 

aggressive new product development for both the 

industrial market, such as electrical papers, and the 

consumer sector, such as dispersible wipes and inkjet 

papers, will help drive growth. 

The second track involves investment for growth. 

While we anticipate a return to growth in Composite 

Fibers and continued growth in Advanced Airlaid 

Materials, we are exploring strategic acquisitions. Our 

primary focus is in adjacent product sectors that leverage 

our existing capabilities, increase our exposure to global 

megatrends, and provide access to higher-growth 

markets. Opportunities that meet these criteria are being 

evaluated in the hygiene and personal care, electrical and 

energy storage, and filtration sectors, among others. 

Glatfelter also is making internal investments that will 

expand our participation in rapidly growing markets. For 

example, when the Arkansas facility enters production 

in early 2018, it will add 22,000 tons of capacity to our 

personal care product lines. And customer commitments 

for a majority of this capacity are already in place. 

•  Capital spending will recede to more normalized 

levels, restoring cash flows and strengthening our  

balance sheet

•  Continuous improvement initiatives will provide a 

more competitive cost structure

•  Continuing investments in our people and 
processes will improve asset reliability, productivity and 

organizational efficiency

•  An expanded engineered products platform will 

address growing niche markets

•  And the business cycle may begin to rebound, 

increasing demand for our high-value products

By focusing our efforts on flawless execution, 

targeted growth investment, and a superior customer 

experience, I am confident we will succeed in building the 

premier engineered materials company.

I want to thank all company shareholders for their 

support, loyalty, and patience. Much progress was 

achieved during the year – and more work remains to 

be done. We firmly believe that Glatfelter’s greatest 

accomplishments are yet to come. 

We expect 2017 will bring increased volumes at our 

Sincerely,

Advanced Airlaid Materials and Composite Fibers business 

units as we leverage our leading market positions and 

expand our product offerings, and Specialty Papers is 

positioned to again outperform the uncoated free sheet 

Dante C. Parrini

market. We will drive hard to implement our continuous 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

improvement and cost reduction initiatives to combat the 

sluggish economic environment, excess capacity in key 

markets, and currency translation impact that will create 

some headwinds for the business.

March 17, 2017

2

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, 2016 

or 

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 

For the transition period from                  to

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
1-03560

Exact name of registrant as 
     specified in its charter     
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
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

Name of Each Exchange on which
                   registered                   
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.  Yes  ☐    No   .

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐    No  .

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the 
preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 
90 days.  Yes      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      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.  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  .

Based on the closing price as of June 30, 2016, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by non-affiliates was $839.8 million.

Common Stock outstanding on February 21, 2017 totaled 43,558,387 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 30, 2017 are incorporated by reference to Part III.

P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
For the Year Ended

DECEMBER 31, 2016

Table of Contents

Page

PART I
Item 1  Business
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.    Organization
2.    Accounting Policies
3.    Acquisitions
4.    Energy and Related Sales, Net
5.    Gain on Dispositions of Plant, 

Equipment and Timberlands

6.    Asset Impairment Charges
7.    Earnings Per Share
8.    Accumulated Other Comprehensive 

Income
9.    Income Taxes

1
6
11
11
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11
12

12

12
13
13

14
15
23
24

26

27

28
30
31
32
33
34

35
35
37
38

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10.  Stock-Based Compensation
11.  Retirement Plans and Other Post-

Retirement Benefits

12.  Inventories
13.  Plant, Equipment and Timberlands
14.  Goodwill and Intangible Assets
15.  Other Long-Term Assets
16.  Other Current Liabilities
17.  Long-Term Debt
18.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments
19.  Financial Derivatives and Hedging 

Activities

20.  Shareholders’ Equity
21.  Commitments, Contingencies and 

Legal Proceedings

22.  Segment and Geographic Information
23.  Condensed Consolidating Financial 

Statements

24.  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

Page
42

43
47
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49

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51

 51
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65

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. We are headquartered in York, 
Pennsylvania, and 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. We are 
constructing a new manufacturing facility in Arkansas 
which is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. 
Exclusive of Arkansas, our ten manufacturing facilities 
have a combined production capacity of approximately 
1.1 million tons of specialty papers and airlaid products 
used in a wide array of applications. 

Strategy   Our strategy is focused on growing, 

organically and by acquisition, in our key global growth 
markets including single-serve coffee and tea products, 
nonwoven wall cover materials, electrical products, 
hygiene and wipes products, and other technical 
engineered materials. We partner with leading consumer 
product companies and other market leaders to provide 
innovative solutions delivering 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 market demands and 
grow our revenue. 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, we are investing 
approximately $80 million to build a new advanced 
airlaid facility in Arkansas to service the North America 
market. Production at the new facility is expected to begin 
in late 2017 with annual production capacity of 
approximately 22,000 short tons. The investment 
increases our total global airlaid materials capacity to 
approximately 129,000 short tons. 

New product development and new business 

development are critical components of our business. 

During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we invested $10.3 million, 
$10.4 million and $12.3 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 and generating strong free 
cash flows driven by delivering on cost reduction and 
continuous improvement initiatives and by making 
strategic investments designed to improve our returns on 
invested capital.

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. Our acquisition strategy is 
focused on targeting investments in adjacent or closely 
related markets and which complement our long-term 
strategy of driving growth in core 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.

Business Units   We manage our company as three 

separate business units: Composite Fibers; Advanced 
Airlaid Materials; and Specialty Papers. 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

Net sales

Business unit
   contribution
Composite Fibers
Advanced Airlaid
   Materials
Specialty Papers

Total

2016
$1,604,797 

2015
   $1,661,084 

2014
 $1,802,415 

32.2%     

32.6%   

34.3%  

15.2 
52.6 
100.0%     

14.7 
52.7 
100.0%   

15.6 
50.1 
100.0%  

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

2016
  151,766 

2015
   153,766 

2014
   157,336 

99,037 
  794,318 
 1,045,121 

95,957 
   802,188 
  1,051,911 

99,667 
   802,878 
  1,059,881 

Composite Fibers   Our Composite Fibers business 

unit serves customers globally and focuses on higher 
value-added products in the following markets:



Food & Beverage filtration paper primarily 
used for single-serve coffee and tea products;

 Wallcovering base materials used by the 
world’s largest wallpaper manufacturers;

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

1

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
  
  
  
 
 
 
    
  
 
 
    
  
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Metallized products used in 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 applications such as 
electrical energy storage, transport and 
transmission, wipes, and other highly-
engineered fiber-based applications.

We believe Composite Fibers maintains a market 

leadership position in the single-serve coffee and tea 
markets, nonwoven wallcover base material and many 
others of the products it produces. This business unit’s 
revenue composition by market consisted of the following 
for the years indicated:

In thousands

Food & beverage
Wallcovering
Metallized
Composite laminates
Technical specialties
   and other
Total

2016

$ 258,463   
90,767   
61,059   
35,107   

2015
 $ 274,865 
91,620 
68,397 
34,897 

2014
 $ 296,304 
   149,957 
80,839 
38,159 

71,558   
$ 516,954   

71,689 
 $ 541,468 

52,592 
 $ 617,851 

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 2016 to 2015 by $11.1 million and by 
$75.8 million in the comparison of 2015 to 2014.

We believe many of the markets served by 
Composite Fibers present attractive growth opportunities 
due to evolving consumer preferences, new or emerging 
geographic markets, and increased market share through 
superior products and quality. We also believe growth 
opportunities exist as a result of new product innovations. 
Many of this business’ papers are extremely lightweight, 
technically sophisticated, require specialized fibers, and 
require specifically designed papermaking equipment and 
production processes. Our proven capability to produce 
these demanding products and our focus on customer 
relationships positions us well to compete in these global 
markets.

The primary raw materials used in the production of 

our lightweight papers are abaca pulp, wood pulp and 
synthetic fibers. Sufficient quantities of abaca pulp and its 
source abaca fiber are required to support growth in this 
business unit. Abaca pulp, a specialized pulp with limited 
sources of availability, is produced by our Philippine mill, 
which 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 

2

and/or substitute fibers are used to meet customer 
demands.

The Composite Fibers business unit is comprised of 

five paper making facilities (Germany, France and 
England), two 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)

155,500 lightweight
   and other paper

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

14,500
93,000
22,000
28,000
25,800

Composite Fibers’ lightweight products are 
produced using highly specialized inclined wire paper 
machine technology. We believe we currently maintain 
approximately 25% of the global inclined wire capacity.

In addition to critical raw materials, Composite 
Fibers’ production cost is influenced by energy prices, 
particularly natural gas. The business unit generates all of 
its steam needed for production by burning natural gas. 
However, in 2016, it purchased approximately 75% of its 
electricity needs the cost of which is influenced by the 
natural gas markets.

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
Single serve coffee & tea

Nonwoven wallcovering

Composite laminates

Metallized

Competitor
Ahlstrom, Purico, MB Papeles 
and Zhejiang Kan
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 consumer 
products;

optimizing 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;

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 maximize 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.

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. The 
markets served by Advanced Airlaid Materials include:











feminine hygiene;

specialty wipes;

adult incontinence; 

home care; and

other consumer products.

Advanced Airlaid Materials serves customers who 
are industry leading consumer product companies as well 
as private label converters. 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
Specialty wipes
Adult incontinence
Home care
Other
Total

2016

$ 173,902   
25,206   
12,281   
12,630   
20,243   
$ 244,262   

2015
 $ 182,048 
22,950 
10,720 
13,345 
15,526 
 $ 244,589 

2014
 $ 216,836 
16,002 
17,586 
15,401 
15,848 
 $ 281,673 

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 effect 
of currency changes was not material in 2016 compared 
with 2015.

The feminine hygiene category accounted for 71% 

of Advanced Airlaid Material’s revenue in 2016. 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 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. 
In addition, we are building a new production facility in 
Fort Smith, Arkansas which is expected to be operational 
in late 2017 with an annual capacity of approximately 
22,000 short tons and will primarily serve the growing 
demand for wipes and hygiene airlaid products in North 
America.

The business unit’s two existing 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

81,000   

In addition to the cost of critical raw materials, our 
cost to produce 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 cost of key 
raw materials.

Advanced Airlaid Materials continues to be a 
technology and product innovation leader in technically 
demanding segments of the airlaid market. 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

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

3

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
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

2016

$ 319,648   
Carbonless & forms
Engineered products
  189,463   
Envelope & converting   173,362   
  157,541   
Book publishing
3,568   
Other
$ 843,582   

Total

2015
 $ 349,831 
   190,943 
   178,067 
   152,647 
3,538 
 $ 875,026 

2014
 $ 376,959 
   194,189 
   183,194 
   144,744 
3,805 
 $ 902,891 

Many of the market segments served by Specialty 

Papers are characterized by declining demand resulting in 
an industry with 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 

4

the industry to continually remove capacity sufficient to 
match declining demand.

Despite our exposure to these declining markets, in 
each of the past twelve 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 assets 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 papers, 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)
 815,000

Principal Raw
Material 
(“PRM”)
 Pulpwood
Wood- and 
other pulps

Estimated Annual
Quantity of PRM
(short tons)

2,340,000   

730,000   

This business unit’s pulp mills have a combined pulp 
making capacity of 620,000 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.

   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
The Spring Grove facility includes four uncoated 
paper machines as well as an off-line 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 across the Ohio operations’ 
facilities 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. In 2016, the business unit generated all of its steam 
needed for production and generated more power than it 
consumes at the Spring Grove, PA facility, and it purchased 
approximately 25% of its electricity needed for the 
Chillicothe, OH mill. In connection with the conversion of 
the fuel source for its boilers from coal beginning in the 
fourth quarter of 2016, for the Chillicothe, OH mill and the 
first quarter of 2017, for the Spring Grove, PA mill, both 
facilities’ source of fuel is now predominantly natural gas. 

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 and forms

Engineered products

Envelope & converting
Book publishing

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.
Domtar and International Paper
Domtar Corp., North Pacific 
Paper (NORPAC),  Resolute 
Forest and others

Customer service, product performance, 

technological 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;

leveraging our flexible operating platform to 
optimize product mix by shifting production 
among the machines in our system to more 
closely match output with changing demand 
trends;



driving operational excellence by utilizing 
ongoing continuous improvement

 methodologies to ensure 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 2016, 
2015 and 2014.

Capital Expenditures   Our business is capital 

intensive and requires significant expenditures for 
equipment enhancements to support growth strategies, 
research and development initiatives, environmental 
compliance and for normal upgrades or replacements. 
Capital expenditures totaled $160.2 million, $99.9 million 
and $66.0 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 
For 2017, capital expenditures are estimated as follows:

In millions

Low    

High

Normal capital expenditures
Major Projects

Airlaid capacity expansion
Specialty Papers' environmental
   compliance projects

Total

$

$

70  –  $

45  –   

10  –   
125  –  $

80 

50 

10 
140  

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 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). In order to comply with these rules, during 2015 
and 2016 we completed process modifications on boilers at 
two of our facilities. We converted or replaced five coal-
fired boilers to natural gas and upgraded site infrastructure 
to accommodate the new boilers, including connecting to a 
gas supply. The cost of these projects totaled approximately 
$113 million.

We are a defendant in the Fox River environmental 

site, a complex and significant matter. For a more 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
complete discussion of this matter and our exposure to 
potential additional costs, see Item 8 – Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 21.

Employees   As of December 31, 2016, we 

employed 4,346 people worldwide, of which 
approximately 67% are unionized. The United 
Steelworkers International Union and the Office and 
Professional Employees International Union represents 
approximately 1,440 hourly employees at our Chillicothe, 
OH and Spring Grove, PA facilities. We have separate 
labor agreements covering the Ohio and Pennsylvania 
operations. The three year agreement covering the Ohio 
operations expires in August 2019 and an agreement 
covering the Pennsylvania operations expired in February 
2017 and is currently under negotiations. We consider the 
overall relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.

Other Available Information   The Corporate 
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 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. 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 to curtail production to match 
demand. The economic environment may also cause 

6

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 $73.8 million of our revenue in 2016 
was earned from customers located in Ukraine, Russia and 
members of the Commonwealth of Independent States 
(also known as “CIS”). Uncertain geo-political conditions, 
this region’s economic environment and weak currencies 
have caused and may continue to cause weak demand for 
our products and volatility in our customers buying 
patterns.

Approximately 28% of our net sales in 2016 were 
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.

Our airlaid materials capacity expansion project 

may not be successful due to unanticipated costs, 
unforeseen delays in production of commercially 
saleable products or softness in the demand for airlaid 
products.

We are investing approximately $80 million to 

construct a new airlaid production facility in Fort Smith, 
Arkansas, to allow us to better meet the growing demands 
for airlaid materials. The success of our $80 million 
investment to expand capacity for airlaid materials is 
dependent on a variety of factors including, among others:

i.

ii.

iii.

iv.

v.

our ability to complete the project, in all 
material respects, within budget and on 
schedule;
availability and costs of a qualified 
workforce;
qualification, and acceptance by, 
customers of products produced;
demand for airlaid materials and market 
growth rates; and
technological changes and innovations.

If we incur significant unforeseen costs or delays or 

if we are unable to produce commercially acceptable 
airlaid materials to meet growing demands, our results of 
operations and/or financial position may be adversely 
affected.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could 

adversely affect our results of operations.

A significant proportion of our revenue and earnings is 

generated from operations outside of the United States. In 
addition, 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 including 

the euro, British pound, Canadian dollars and Philippine 
peso, among others. Our euro denominated revenue exceeds 
euro expenses by an estimated €130 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 than the euro. 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, actions of this region’s central 
banks and disunity within the European Union 
memberships 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 $73.8 million of our revenue in 2016 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, as well as access to reliable and abundant 
supply of water to support many of our production 
facilities.

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 Composite Fibers’ facilities. At certain times, 
the supply of abaca fiber has been constrained or the 
quality diminished 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. These factors have contributed to 
volatility in fiber prices or limited available supply.

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, we recently 
completed the conversion of Specialty Papers’ boilers to 
burn natural gas as opposed to coal. Natural gas is now 
the principal source of fuel for each of our facilities 
worldwide.

Government rules, regulations and policies have an 
impact on the cost of certain energy sources, particularly 
for our European operations. In Europe, 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. Furthermore, the European 
Commission is investigating certain energy programs in 
Germany from which we benefit as to whether the 
programs comply with European Union rules on state aid. 
The outcome of these investigations could require us to 
return certain benefits previously earned or reduce such 
benefits in the future and could impact our results of 
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.

Our industry is highly competitive and increased 
competition could reduce our sales and profitability.

Specialty Papers  The primary geographic market 

for our Specialty Papers business unit is the United States, 
which has been adversely affected by declining demand 
for uncoated free sheet, industry capacity exceeding 
demand, and increased imports from foreign competitors. 
As a result, the industry has historically taken steps to 
reduce capacity, although the timing of the reductions is 
uncertain. 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 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

7

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.

There have been periods of supply/demand 
imbalance 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 
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 willingness of commodity-based producers 
to 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;

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 Materials  

The global markets in which we compete, 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 serve;

8

•

•

•

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 or cost competiveness 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.

Our business strategy is market focused and 
includes investments in developing new products to meet 
the changing needs of our customers, 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;

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, has imposed significant compliance costs and 

required significant capital expenditures. Compliance 
with the Clean Air Act resulted in significant process 
modifications to the boilers at two of our facilities.

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.

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. 
As more fully discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data – Note 21, in 2016 and 2015, we 
increased our reserve for potential liabilities by $40.0 
million and $10 million, respectively. The increase 
recorded in 2016 was based on our current evaluation of 
recent developments, particularly a proposed consent 
decree between two other defendants and the government 
agencies. We have financial reserves for this matter but 
we cannot be certain that those reserves will be adequate 
to provide for future obligations related to this matter, that 
our share of costs and/or damages 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 21.

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’ sales 

of hygiene products are to one customer. In addition, sales 
to the feminine hygiene market accounted for 71% of 
Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales in 2016 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 sensitive to 
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 
production facilities 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.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

9

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 
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.

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 
and/or power interruptions. The Mindanao mill supplies 
the abaca pulp used by our Composite Fibers business 
unit to manufacture 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 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 subject to laws 
limiting the right and ability of entities organized or 
operating therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to 

10

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. We expect to meet all of our 
near and long-term cash needs from a combination of 
operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, 
availability under our existing credit facility or other long-
term debt. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash 
flow from these sources, we could be unable to fund our 
operations, finance capital expenditures, satisfy 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 
Arkansas; 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 24, 2017

Name
Dante C. Parrini
John P. Jacunski

Age Office with the Company
52 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
51 Executive Vice President, 
    Chief Financial Officer 

Christopher W. Astley

44 Senior Vice President & Business Unit

    President, Advanced Airlaid
    Materials

Timothy R. Hess

50 Senior Vice President & Business Unit

    President, Specialty Papers

Martin Rapp

57 Senior Vice President & Business Unit

William T. Yanavitch II

    President, Composite Fibers 
56 Senior Vice President, Human

    Resources and Administration

David C. Elder

48 Vice President, Finance 

Samuel L. Hillard

35 Vice President, Corporate Development 

& Strategy 

Kent K. Matsumoto

57 Vice President, General Counsel and

    Corporate Secretary

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 
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. 
From April 2016 through January 2017, Mr. Jacunski also 
served as President of the Specialty Papers business unit. 
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.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

11

Timothy R. Hess was named Senior Vice President 

& Business Unit President, Specialty Papers in January 
2017. Prior to this, Tim served as Vice President Sales & 
Marketing, Specialty Papers since 2014, and he was the 
General Manager – Engineered & Converting Products 
Division from 2008 - 2014. Since joining our company in 
1994, Mr. Hess has held various technical, manufacturing, 
sales and business development positions within 
Glatfelter.

Martin Rapp serves as Senior Vice President & 
Business Unit President, Composite Fibers. Mr. Rapp 
joined us in August 2006 and has led 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 
working for us he was with Dentsply International and 
Gould Pumps Inc. in various leadership capacities. Mr. 
Yanavitch will be retiring from Glatfelter effective March 
31, 2017.

David C. Elder was named Vice President, Finance 

in December 2011 and serves as our chief accounting 
officer. Prior to his promotion, he was our Vice President, 
Corporate Controller, a position held since joining 
Glatfelter in January 2006. Mr. Elder was previously 
Corporate Controller for YORK International 
Corporation.

Samuel L. Hillard joined us in March 2016 as Vice 

President, Corporate Development & Strategy. Prior to 
joining us, Mr. Hillard was Vice President – Business 
Development for Dover Corporation from July 2014 until 
2016 where he was responsible for strategy and mergers 
& acquisitions within the Fluids Business Segment. From 
February 2011 to 2014, he served as Vice President – 
Business Development for SPX Corporation where he 
was responsible for all M&A related strategy activity 
within the Flow Technology Segment. Additionally, he 
previously worked for Blackstone in their M&A group.

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.

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

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
2016

2015

Fourth
Third
Second
First

Fourth
Third
Second
First

High

Low

  Dividend

$25.49  
23.43  
23.81  
20.94  

$20.09  
22.47  
27.40  
27.58  

$17.50  
19.16  
18.50  
14.09  

$16.28  
16.56  
21.81  
22.18  

$0.125
0.125
0.125
0.125

$0.12
0.12
0.12
0.12

As of February 24, 2017, we had 1,024 

shareholders of record.

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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., and Schweitzer-Mauduit 
International. 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, 2011 and charts it through December 31, 
2016.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN

$250

$200

$150

$100

$50

$0

Dec-11

Dec-12

Dec-13

Dec-14

Dec-15

Dec-16

Glatfelter

Russell 2000

S&P SmallCap 600 Paper Products Index

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

Total revenue

(Losses) gains on dispositions of plant, 
equipment
       and timberlands, net

Net income
Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

Total assets
Total debt

2016
$1,604,797 
6,141 
  1,610,938 

2015
 $1,661,084 
5,664 
   1,666,748 

2014
 $1,802,415 
7,927 
   1,810,342 

  (1)

2013
 $1,722,615 
3,153 
   1,725,768 

2012
 $1,577,788  
7,000  
   1,584,788  

(216)  

21,554 

0.49 
0.49 

 $

 $

21,113 

64,575 

1.49 
1.47 

$

$

 $

 $

4,861 

1,726 

9,815 

69,246   $

67,158 

 $

1.60 
1.57 

1.56 
1.52 

 $

 $

59,379 

1.39  
1.36  

$1,521,259 
372,608 

 $1,500,416  (2) $1,557,710  (2) $1,674,010  (2) $1,238,187  (2)
245,202  (2)

437,925  (2)  

400,818  (2)  

360,662  (2)

Shareholders’ equity
Cash dividends declared per common
   share

Depreciation, depletion  and
   amortization
Capital expenditures
Net tons sold
Number of employees

653,826 

663,247  

649,109  

684,476  

539,679  

0.50 

0.48 

0.44 

0.40 

0.36 

65,826 
160,158 
  1,045,121 
4,346 

63,236 
99,889 
   1,051,911  
4,375  

70,555 
66,046 
  1,059,881  
4,516  

68,196 
103,047 
  1,029,819  
4,403  

69,500 
58,752  
969,833  
4,258  

(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.

(2) The amounts set forth for Total assets and Total debt as of December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 has been restated to retroactively adopt 

Accounting Standards Number 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

13

 
 
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
    
 
    
 
    
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
ITEM 7 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND 

ix. disruptions in production and/or increased costs due 

to labor disputes;

x.

xi.

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;

xii. 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 
or changes in pre-tax income and its impact on the 
valuation of deferred tax assets;

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 

future acquisitions.

Introduction  We manufacture a wide array of 
specialty papers and fiber-based engineered materials. We 
manage our company along three business units:

•

•

•

Composite Fibers with revenue from the sale of 
single-serve tea and coffee filtration papers, 
nonwoven wallcovering base materials, metallized 
products, composite laminate 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, 
specialty wipes, home care products 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 other niche specialty applications.

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:

i.

ii.

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;

iii.

risks associated with our international operations, 
including local economic and political environments 
and fluctuations in currency exchange rates;

iv. geopolitical events, including Russia, Ukraine and 

Philippines;

v.

our ability to develop new, high value-added 
products;

vi. changes in the cost or availability of raw materials we 
use, in particular pulpwood, pulp, pulp substitutes, 
caustic soda, and abaca fiber; 

vii. changes in energy-related costs and commodity raw 

materials with an energy component;

viii. the impact of unplanned production interruption;

14

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2016 versus 2015

Overview Net income for the year ended December 

31, 2016 was $21.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted share 
compared with $64.6 million, or $1.47 per diluted share in 
2015. The GAAP-based results reflect the impact of 
significant unusual and non-recurring items including, 
among others, a $40.0 million charge to earnings to 
increase our reserve in the Fox River environmental 
matter, a pension settlement charge, and costs related to 
our environmental compliance initiative and a capacity 
expansion project. Excluding these items from reported 
results, adjusted earnings, a non-GAAP measure, was 
$60.7 million, or $1.38 per diluted share for 2016, 
compared with $58.9 million, or $1.34 per diluted share, a 
year ago. 

We generated $116.1 million of cash flow from 
operations in 2016 compared with $133.7 million in 2015. 
During 2016, capital expenditures totaled $160.9 million 
primarily related to the environmental compliance project 
for Specialty Papers and a capacity expansion project for 
Advanced Airlaid Materials. We also returned additional 
cash to our shareholders in the form of a 4% increase in 
the quarterly dividend beginning with the 2016 first 
quarter dividend payment. This was the fourth 
consecutive year in which the dividend was increased.
The following table sets forth summarized 

consolidated results of operations:

Year ended
December 31

In thousands, except per share
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income
Earnings per diluted share

2016
$ 1,604,797 
218,603 
27,693 
21,554 
0.49 

2015
 $ 1,661,084  
202,965  
96,372  
64,575  
1.47  

Operating income from our business units increased 

$6.3 million in the year-over-year comparison. The 
Advanced Airlaid Materials and Specialty Papers 
businesses reported higher operating income in the 
comparison, driven by improved operations and lower 
input costs, partially offset by lower selling prices. 
However, Composite Fibers’ results were affected by 
excess capacity in the market, lower selling prices and 
changes in foreign exchange. Our continuous 
improvement initiatives and cost control actions during 
2016 resulted in approximately $22.7 million of benefits 
on a consolidated basis.

In addition to the results reported in accordance with 

GAAP, we evaluate our performance using adjusted 
earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share. We 
disclose this information to allow investors to evaluate 
our performance exclusive of certain items that impact the 
comparability of results from period to period and we 
believe it is helpful in understanding underlying operating 
trends and cash flow generation. Adjusted earnings 
consists of net income determined in accordance with 
GAAP adjusted to exclude the impact of the following:

Fox River environmental matter. This adjustment 

reflects charges incurred to increase our reserve for 
estimated costs related to government oversight, 
remediation activity and long term monitoring and 
maintenance at the Fox River site. These costs are 
irregular in timing and as such may not be indicative of 
our past or future performance.

Pension settlement charge. This adjustment reflects 
the one-time charge incurred during 2016 in connection 
with the settlement of certain pension liabilities as part of 
a voluntary offer to vested terminated participants. Our 
qualified pension plan is overfunded and this action did 
not require us to contribute any cash.

Specialty Papers environmental compliance. These 

adjustments reflect non-capitalized, one-time costs 
incurred by the business unit directly related to the 
compliance with the U.S. EPA Best Available Retrofit 
Technology rule and the Boiler Maximum Achievable 
Control Technology rule.  This adjustment includes costs 
incurred during the transition period in which the newly 
installed equipment was brought on-line.

Airlaid capacity expansion costs. These adjustments 
reflect non-capitalized, one-time costs incurred related to 
the start-up of a new airlaid production facility in Ft. 
Smith, Arkansas.

Cost optimization actions. This adjustment reflects 
charges incurred in connection with initiatives to optimize 
the cost structure of certain business units in response to 
changes in business conditions. The costs are primarily 
related to headcount reduction efforts, asset write-offs and 
certain contract termination costs.

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.

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 and future 
performance of the Company and therefore are excluded 
for comparability purposes.

Acquisition and integration related costs. These 

adjustments include costs directly related to the 
consummation of the acquisition process and those related 
to integrating businesses previously acquired. These costs 
are irregular in timing and as such may not be indicative 
of our past and future performance.

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted 

share are considered measures not calculated in 
accordance with GAAP, and therefore are non-GAAP 
measures. The non-GAAP financial information should 
not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

15

 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
measures of financial performance prepared in accordance 
with GAAP. The following table sets forth the 

reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings for the 
years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015: 

In thousands, except per share
Net income
Adjustments (pre-tax)

Fox River environmental matter
Pension settlement charge
Specialty Papers' environmental compliance
Airlaid capacity expansion costs
Cost optimization actions
Asset impairment charge
Timberland sales and related costs
Acquisition and integration related costs

Total adjustments (pre-tax)
Income taxes (1) (2)
Total after-tax adjustments
Adjusted earnings

Year ended December 31

2016

2015

Amount

Diluted EPS  

Amount

$

21,554    

$

0.49    

$

64,575    

Diluted EPS  
1.47  

$

40,000    
7,306    
8,348    
2,661    
3,534    
-    
-    
-    
61,849    
(22,719 )  
39,130    
60,684    

$

$

0.89    
1.38    

$

10,000    
-    
-    
50    
2,461    
1,201    
(20,867 )  
178    
(6,977 )  
1,328    
(5,649 )  
58,926    

$

(0.13 )
1.34  

(1) Tax effect for adjustments calculated primarily based on the tax rate of the jurisdiction in which each adjustment originated.
(2)

Includes release of $1.4 million of tax reserves on timberland sales in 2015.

Business Unit Performance

Year ended December 31
Dollars in millions

Net sales
Energy and related sales, net
Total revenue
Cost of products sold
Gross profit (loss)

SG&A
Loss (gains) on dispositions of plant,
 equipment and timberlands, net

Total operating income (loss)
Non-operating expense

Income (loss) before
   income taxes

Supplementary Data
Net tons sold (thousands)
Depreciation, depletion and
   amortization
Capital expenditures

Composite Fibers  
  2015  
2016  
 $ 541.5 
$ 517.0 
  — 
  — 
  541.5 
  517.0 
   434.4 
  416.4 
   107.1 
  100.6 
45.7 
46.3 

  Advanced Airlaid  
Materials

  2016  
 $ 244.3 
   — 
   244.3 
   209.5 
34.8 
8.4 

  2015  
 $ 244.6 
  — 
   244.6 
   215.7 
28.9 
7.6 

  Specialty Papers  
  2015  
  2016  
 $ 875.0 
 $ 843.6 
5.7 
6.1 
   880.7 
   849.7 
   804.5 
   752.6 
76.2 
97.1 
43.3 
55.9 

Other and
Unallocated

Total

  2016  
 $ — 
   — 
   — 
13.9 
(13.9)
80.1 

  2015  
 $ — 
   — 
   — 
9.2 
(9.2)
31.0 

  2016  
 $ 1,604.8 
6.1 
   1,610.9 
   1,392.3 
218.6 
190.7 

  2015  
 $ 1,661.1 
5.7 
   1,666.7 
   1,463.8 
203.0 
127.7 

  — 
54.3 
  — 

   — 
61.4 
   — 

   — 
26.4 
   — 

   — 
21.3 
   — 

   — 
41.2 
   — 

   — 
32.9 
   — 

0.2 
(94.2)
(16.9)

(21.1)
(19.1)
(17.8)

0.2 
27.7 
(16.9)

(21.1)
96.4 
(17.8)

$ 54.3 

 $ 61.4 

 $ 26.4 

 $ 21.3 

 $ 41.2 

 $ 32.9 

 $ (111.1)

 $ (36.9)

 $

10.8 

 $

78.6 

  151.8 

   153.8 

99.0 

96.0 

   794.3 

   802.2 

   — 

   — 

   1,045.1 

   1,051.9 

$ 27.8 
18.8 

 $ 26.2 
26.8 

 $

9.0 
36.8 

 $

8.8 
7.8 

 $ 26.3 
99.0 

 $ 26.0 
63.5 

 $

 $

2.7 
5.6 

2.2 
1.8 

 $

65.8 
160.2 

 $

63.2 
99.9  

The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding.

Business Units 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 or are included in “Other and Unallocated” in the 
Business Unit Performance table.  

16

Management evaluates 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. 
This presentation 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 percent
   of Net sales

Year ended
December 31

2016
$1,604,797 

2015
   $1,661,084 

  Change  
 $ (56,287)

6,141 
  1,610,938 
  1,392,335 
$ 218,603 

5,664 
     1,666,748 
     1,463,783 
   $ 202,965 

477 
(55,810)
(71,448)
 $ 15,638 

13.6%     

12.2%   

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

2016

2015

32.2%  
15.2 
52.6 
100.0%  

32.6%  
14.7 
52.7 
100.0%  

Net sales on a consolidated basis totaled $1,604.8 

million and $1,661.1 million in 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. The $56.3 million decrease was primarily 
driven by $30.8 million of lower selling prices and $11.5 
million of unfavorable currency translation. Shipping 
volumes decreased 0.6%.

Composite Fibers’ net sales decreased $24.5 
million, or 4.5%, primarily due to $7.2 million of lower 
selling prices and $11.1 million of unfavorable currency 
translation. Shipping volumes in this business unit 
decreased 1.3%.

Composite Fibers’ operating income for the year 
ended December 31, 2016 decreased $7.1 million to $54.3 
million compared to the year-ago period. The primary 
drivers are summarized in the following chart (in 
millions):

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales decreased 

$0.3 million in the year-over-year comparison as the 
impact from higher shipping volumes was substantially 
offset by $8.5 million of lower selling prices, from the 
contractual pass through of lower raw material costs. 
Shipping volumes increased 3.1% primarily due to higher 
shipments of hygiene, wipes and other consumer 
application products.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ operating income 
totaled $26.4 million, an increase of $5.1 million, or 
23.9% compared to the same period a year ago. The 
primary drivers are summarized in the following chart (in 
millions):

$9.0

$0.1

$26.4

$21.3

$(8.5)

$3.2

$1.3

2015
Operating
Income 

Selling
Price

Volume &
Mix

Operations
& Other

RM &
Energy
Costs

FX

2016
Operating
Income

Specialty Papers’ net sales decreased $31.4 million, 
or 3.6% due to a $15.1 million impact from lower selling 
prices. Shipping volumes decreased 1.0%. The business 
unit again outperformed the broader uncoated freesheet 
market which declined 1.9%.

Operating income totaled $41.2 million, an increase 

of $8.3 million compared to the year ended December 31, 
2015. The primary drivers are summarized in the 
following chart (in millions):

$32.9

$(15.1)

$16.3

$0.5

$41.2

$61.4

$(7.2)

$0.5

$(0.2)

$4.3

$(4.5)

$54.3

$5.8

$0.8

2015
Operating
Income 

Selling
Price

Volume &
Mix

Operations &
Other 

RM &
Energy Costs 

FX

2016
Operating
Income 

2015
Operating
Income

Selling
Price

Volume
& Mix

Operations &
Other

RM &
Energy
Costs

Net Power
Sales and
RECs

2016
Operating
Income

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
The following table summarizes Energy and related 

sales activity for 2016 and 2015:

In thousands
Energy sales
Costs to produce

Net

Renewable energy credits

Total

Year ended
December 31

2016

2015

$

$

3,613 
(3,972)  
(359)  
6,500 
6,141 

 $

 $

    Change  
(1,702)
456 
(1,246)
1,723 
477  

5,315 
 $
(4,428)   
887 
4,777 
5,664 

 $

We sell excess power generated by the Spring Grove, 
PA facility. 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.

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, totaled $94.2 million in the year ended 
December 31, 2016 compared with $19.1 million in the 
year ended December 31, 2015. The amounts reported as 
“Other and Unallocated” include charges of $40.0 million 
and $10.0 million recorded in 2016 and 2015, 
respectively, to increase our reserve for potential costs 
related to the Fox River environmental matter. These 
charges are not allocated to a business unit and are 
recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of 
income under the caption “Selling, general and 
administrative expenses.” This matter is more fully 
discussed in Item 8, Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data, Note 21. In addition, the comparison 
reflects $21.1 million of lower gains in 2016 than 2015 
from sales of timberlands. The remaining increase in 
Other and unallocated costs is due to the environmental 
compliance and capacity expansion projects, a pension 
settlement charge discussed below and a charge for cost 
optimization actions. 

18

Pension Expense    During 2016, pension expense 

totaled $12.8 million inclusive of a one-time pension 
settlement charge of $7.3 million related to the settlement 
of $24.2 million of benefits in connection with a 
voluntary program offered to deferred vested terminated 
participants. The following table summarizes the amounts 
of normal pension expense recognized, excluding the 
pension settlement charge, for the periods indicated:

In thousands
Recorded as:
Costs of products sold
SG&A expense
Total

Year ended
December 31

2016

2015

    Change  

$

$

2,346   
3,149   
5,495   

 $

 $

7,043   $
2,038    
9,081   $

(4,697)
1,111 
(3,586)

The amount of pension expense recognized each year 
is dependent on various actuarial assumptions and certain 
other factors, including discount rates and the fair value of 
our pension assets. Pension expense for the full year of 
2017 is expected to be approximately $5.3 million 
compared with $5.5 million, excluding the settlement 
charge in 2016.

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and 

Timberlands, net    During each of the past three years, 
we completed the following sales of assets:

Dollars in thousands
2016
Other

Total

2015
Timberlands
Other

Total

2014
Timberlands
Other

Total

  Acres    Proceeds    

Gain 
(loss)    

n/a   $
   $

 $
70 
70   $

(216) 
(216) 

 15,628   $ 23,917   $20,867   
246   
   $ 24,459   $21,113   

n/a   

542  

  2,753   $
n/a   
   $

5,062   $ 4,855   
6   
5,072   $ 4,861   

10  

Income taxes For the year ended December 31, 
2016, we recorded a $10.7 million benefit from income 
taxes on pretax income of $10.8 million. The comparable 
amounts in 2015 were a provision of $14.0 million and 
pretax income of $78.6 million. Tax expense in 2016 
includes a benefit of $14.9 million on the increase in our 
reserve for the Fox River matter and benefits of $4.1 
million primarily due to investment tax credits, release of 
reserves related to the completion of tax audits and statute 
closures and due to changes in statutory tax rates. The 
effective tax rate in each period reflects a greater 
proportion of earnings generated in lower tax foreign 
jurisdictions relative to the U.S. As a result of an expected 
U.S. pretax loss in 2017 primarily due to one-time start-
up related costs and depreciation of the significant 
investment for environmental compliance, we will likely 
record a valuation allowance against a portion of our 
deferred tax assets generated in the U.S. in 2017, thereby 
adversely impacting our effective tax rate.

 
   
 
 
 
     
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
     
 
    
    
      
 
 
  
 
  
      
      
   
 
   
 
  
      
      
   
 
 
   
 
  
      
      
   
 
 
   
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. On an annual basis, our euro denominated 
revenue exceeds euro expenses by an estimated €130 
million. For 2016 compared to 2015 the average currency 
exchange rate of the euro to U.S. dollar was essentially 
unchanged in the year over year comparison, although the 
British pound sterling to the dollar declined 
approximately 17%. With respect to the British pound 
sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine peso, we have 
differing amounts of inflows and outflows of these 
currencies, although to a lesser degree than the euro. As a 
result, 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 the year ended 
December 31, 2016.

In thousands

Net sales
Costs of products sold
SG&A expenses
Income taxes and other

Net income

Year ended
December 31, 2016
Favorable
(unfavorable)
    $

(11,502)
5,762 
1,284 
550 
(3,906)

    $

The above table only presents the financial reporting 
impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency 
exchange rates in 2016 were the same as 2015. It does not 
present the impact of certain competitive advantages or 
disadvantages of operating or competing in multi-
currency markets.

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.

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:

Year ended
December 31

In thousands, except per share
Net sales
Gross profit
Operating income
Net income
Earnings per diluted share

2015
$ 1,661,084 
202,965 
96,372 
64,575 
1.47 

2014
 $ 1,802,415  
235,154  
106,780  
69,246  
1.57  

Net sales on a consolidated basis 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.

The following table sets forth the reconciliation of 

net income to adjusted earnings for the years ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

19

   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
In thousands, except per share
Net income
Adjustments (pre-tax)

Fox River environmental matter
Airlaid capacity expansion costs
Cost optimization actions
Asset impairment charge
Timberland sales and related costs
Acquisition and integration related costs

Total adjustments (pre-tax)
Income taxes (1) (2)
Total after-tax adjustments
Adjusted earnings

Year ended December 31

2015

2014

Amount

Diluted EPS  

Amount

$

64,575    

$

1.47    

$

69,246    

Diluted EPS  
1.57  

$

10,000    
50    
2,461    
1,201    
(20,867 )  
178    
(6,977 )  
1,328    
(5,649 )  
58,926    

$

$

(0.13 )  
1.34    

$

-    
-    
516    
3,262    
(4,855 )  
1,056    
(21 )  
(756 )  
(777 )  
68,469    

$

(0.02 )
1.55  

(1) Tax effect for adjustments calculated based on the tax rate of the jurisdiction in which each adjustment originated.
(2)

Includes release of $1.4 million of tax reserves on timberland sales in 2015.

Business Unit Performance

Year ended December 31
Dollars in millions

Net sales
Energy and related sales, net
Total revenue
Cost of products sold
Gross profit (loss)

SG&A
Gains on dispositions of plant,

Composite Fibers  
  2014  
2015  
 $ 617.9 
$ 541.5 
  — 
  — 
  617.9 
541.5 
   498.0 
  434.4 
   119.9 
  107.1 
51.6 
45.7 

  Advanced Airlaid  
Materials

  2015  
 $ 244.6 
   — 
   244.6 
   215.7 
28.9 
7.6 

  2014  
 $ 281.7 
  — 
   281.7 
   247.6 
34.1 
8.8 

  Specialty Papers  
  2014  
  2015  
 $ 902.9 
 $ 875.0 
7.9 
5.7 
   910.8 
   880.7 
   821.8 
   804.5 
89.0 
76.2 
50.4 
43.3 

Other and
Unallocated

Total

  2015  
 $ — 
   — 
   — 
9.2 
(9.2)
31.0 

  2014  
 $ — 
   — 
   — 
7.8 
(7.8)
22.4 

  2015  
 $ 1,661.1 
5.7 
   1,666.8 
   1,463.8 
203.0 
127.7 

  2014  
 $ 1,802.4 
7.9 
   1,810.3 
   1,575.2 
235.2 
133.2 

 equipment and timberlands, net

Total operating income (loss)
Non-operating expense

  — 
61.4 
  — 

   — 
68.3 
   — 

   — 
21.3 
   — 

   — 
25.3 
   — 

   — 
32.9 
   — 

   — 
38.6 
   — 

(21.1)
(19.1)
(17.8)

(4.9)
(25.3)
(19.4)

(21.1)
96.4 
(17.8)

(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.

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

2015
$1,661,084 

2014
   $1,802,415 

  Change  
 $(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)

12.2%     

13.0%   

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

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.

20

 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
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 (in 
millions):

$68.3 

$(10.2)

$6.8 

$(2.5)

$7.3

$(8.2)

$61.4 

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 (in millions):

$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

FX

2015
Operating
Income

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales decreased 

$37.1 million due to $25.1 million of unfavorable 
currency translation and a 3.7% decline in shipping 
volumes.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ operating income for 

2015 declined $4.0 million compared to 2014. The 
primary drivers are summarized in the following chart (in 
millions):

$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 

2014
Operating
Income

Selling
Price

Volume
& Mix

Operations &
Other

RM &
Energy
Costs

Net Power
Sales and
RECs

2015
Operating
Income

The following table summarizes Energy and 

related sales for 2015 and 2014:

Year ended
December 31

In thousands
Energy sales
Costs to produce

Net

Renewable energy credits

Total

2015

$

$

5,315 
(4,428)  
887 
4,777 
5,664 

 $

 $

2014
11,886 
 $
(6,204)   
5,682 
2,245 
7,927 

    Change  
(6,571)
1,776 
(4,795)
2,532 
(2,263)

 $

We sell excess power generated by the Spring 
Grove, PA facility. 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. 

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 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

21

 
   
 
 
 
     
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
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     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 2016:

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.

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
Recorded as:
Costs of products sold
SG&A expense
Total

Year ended
December 31

2015

2014

    Change  

$

$

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. 

22

 
   
   
 
     
 
    
    
      
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
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 the capacity expansion project for 
Advanced Airlaid Materials. 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
   period

Year ended
December 31

2016

2015

$ 105,304 

   $ 99,837   

  116,110 
  (160,888)     
(3,019)     
(2,063)     
(49,860)     

     133,743   
(77,254) 
(48,016) 
(3,006) 
5,467   

$ 55,444 

   $ 105,304   

At December 31, 2016, we had $55.4 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, as of December 31, 2016, 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, $176.6 million is available 
under our revolving credit agreement, which matures in 
March 2020.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $116.1 
million in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared 
with $133.7 million a year ago. The decrease in cash from 
operations primarily reflects lower earnings and the 
reduction in one-time benefits in payables due to 
improved payment terms with suppliers partially offset by 
improvement in the timing of customer collections.

Net cash used by investing activities increased by 
$83.6 million in the year-over-year comparison primarily 
due to capital expenditures for Specialty Papers’ 
environmental compliance and Advanced Airlaid 
Materials’ capacity expansion projects which totaled 
$100.2 million in 2016 compared to $27.0 million in 
2015. Capital expenditures are expected to total between 
$125 million and $140 million for 2017 including 
approximately $10 million for the Specialty Papers’ 
environmental compliance projects and $45 million to 
$50 million for the Airlaid capacity expansion. 

Net cash used by financing activities totaled $3.0 
million in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared 
with a use of $48.0 million in 2015. The decrease in cash 
used by financing activities primarily reflects additional 

term loan borrowings and receipt of $5.6 million of 
government grants primarily related to our Specialty 
Papers’ environmental compliance and Airlaid capacity 
expansion projects in 2016.

The following table sets forth our outstanding long-

term indebtedness:

December 31

In thousands
Revolving credit facility, due Mar. 2020 $
5.375% Notes, due Oct. 2020
2.40% Term Loan, due Jun. 2022
2.05% Term Loan, due Mar. 2023
1.30% Term Loan, due Jun. 2023
1.55% Term Loan, due Sep. 2025

Total long-term debt

2016
61,595 
250,000 
8,282 
35,163 
9,788 
10,333 
375,161 

   $

Less current portion
Unamortized deferred issuance costs  

(8,961)     
(2,553)     

2015
58,792   
250,000 
10,109 
42,130 
— 
2,839 
363,870   
(7,366) 
(3,208)  

Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 363,647 

   $ 353,296   

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, 2016, the leverage ratio, as calculated in 
accordance with the definition in our amended credit 
agreement, was 2.2x, within the limits set forth in our credit 
agreement. Based on our expectations of future results of 
operations and capital needs, we do not believe the debt 
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, 2016, 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.

Financing activities includes cash used for common 

stock dividends which reflects a 4% increase in our 
quarterly cash dividend rate in 2016. In the year ended 
December 31, 2016, we used $21.6 million of cash for 
dividends on our common stock compared with $20.4 
million in 2015. Our 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.

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 material capital costs to comply with new air 
quality regulations including the U.S. EPA Best Available 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

23

 
   
     
   
 
  
      
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
    
 
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
 
    
 
Retrofit Technology rule (BART; otherwise known as the 
Regional Haze Rule) and the Boiler Maximum Achievable 
Control Technology rule (Boiler MACT). These rules 
required process modifications and/or installation of air 
pollution controls on boilers at two of our facilities. We 
converted or replaced five coal-fired boilers to natural gas 
and upgraded site infrastructure to accommodate the new 
boilers, including connecting to gas pipelines. Net of 
government grants, the total cost of these projects is 
estimated at $105 million, of which approximately $99.2 
million has been incurred through the end 2016.

As more fully discussed in Item 8 - Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 21 – 
Commitments, Contingencies and Legal Proceedings 
(“Note 21”), we are involved in the Lower Fox River in 
Wisconsin (the “Fox River”), an EPA Superfund site for 
which we remain potentially liable for certain response 
costs and long-term monitoring and maintenance related 
matters. During 2016 and 2015, we used $4.3 million and 
$9.1 million, respectively, for remediation activities. Based 
on the recent developments more fully discussed in Note 

21, it is conceivable the resolution of this matter may 
require us to spend in excess of $25 million in 2017. 
Although we are unable to determine with any degree of 
certainty the amount we may be required to spend, the 
recent developments provide greater clarity to the extent of 
such amounts. 

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 Note 21, 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, 2016 and 2015, 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.

1

Contractual Obligations    The following table sets forth contractual obligations as of December 31, 2016:

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,

Total

2017

  2018 to 2019  

  2020 to 2021  

$

$

433    $
23   
125   
56   
637    $

25    $
5   
88   
5   
123    $

51    $
7   
29 
11   
98    $

342    $
4   
6 
12   
364    $

2022 and 
beyond

15   
7   
2   
28   
52   

(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 and 
Supplementary Data, Note 17, “Long-term Debt.” The amounts set forth above include expected interest payments of $58 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  energy  supply  contracts.  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, 2016.

Primarily represents expected benefits to be paid pursuant to retirement medical plans and nonqualified pension plans. 

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 and Supplementary Data, Note 9, “Income Taxes”, such amounts totaled $14 million at December 31, 2016. 

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 

24

  
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
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, 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:
2014  

2016  

2015  

Pension plans
Weighted average
   discount rate for benefit
   expense

for benefit obligation
Expected long-term rate of
   return 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

4.65%  
4.43%  

4.21%  
4.65%  

5.20%
4.21%

7.75%  

8.00%  

8.00%

3.50%  

3.50%  

4.00%

4.38%  
4.18%  

3.89%  
4.38%  

4.52%
3.89%

6.50%  
4.50%  

6.80%  
4.50%  

7.65%
4.50%

2037 

2037 

2028  

(1)

(2)

For 2017, the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 
was reduced to 7.25%.

For 2017, the assumed rate of compensation increase was 
reduced to 3.00%.

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 – 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
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

Year Ended December 31

December 31, 2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021  

  Carrying Value 

  Fair Value  

At fixed interest rates – Bond
At fixed interest rates – Term Loans
At variable interest rates

  $250,000 
    59,247 
    61,595 

 $250,000 
   49,963 
   61,595 

 $250,000 
   40,034 
   61,595 

 $218,750 
   30,105 
   53,896 

 $
- 
   20,176 
- 

 $

  $

250,000 
63,566 
61,595 
375,161 

 $ 256,563 
66,110 
61,595 
  $ 384,268 

Weighted-average interest rate
On fixed rate debt – Bond
On fixed rate debt – Term Loans
On variable rate debt

5.375% 
1.89%   
2.06%   

5.375% 
1.89%   
2.06%   

5.375% 
1.88%   
2.06%   

5.375% 
1.86%   
2.06%   

  5.375% 

1.82%   
2.06%   

The table above presents the average principal 
outstanding and related interest rates for the next five 
years for debt outstanding as of December 31, 2016. 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, 2016, we had $372.6 million of long-term 
debt, net of deferred debt issuance costs. Approximately 
16.5% of our debt 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, 2016, the interest 
rate paid was 2.06%. 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 
Supplementary Data – Note 19.

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 an estimated €130 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.

26

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
   
 
 
    
 
   
 
 
    
 
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 officer 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, 2016, 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, 2016, 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.

The Company’s internal control over financial 

reporting as of December 31, 2016, has been audited by 
Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public 
accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing herein, 
which expresses an unqualified opinion on the 
effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2016.

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.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

27

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, 2016, 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, 2016, 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, 2016 of the Company and 
our report dated February 24, 2017 expressed  an 
unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial 
statements and financial statement schedule.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2017

28

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, 2016 
and 2015, 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, 2016. 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, 2016 and 2015, and the 
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016, 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, 2016, 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 24, 2017 expressed an 
unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control 
over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
February 24, 2017

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

29

P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Year ended December 31

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
Losses (gains) on dispositions of plant, equipment
       and timberlands, net

Operating income

Non-operating income (expense)

Interest expense
Interest income
Other, net

Total non-operating expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision (benefit)

Net income

Earnings per share

Basic
Diluted

Cash dividends declared per common share

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic
Diluted

2016
1,604,797   
6,141   
1,610,938   
1,392,335   
218,603   
190,694   

216   
27,693   

(15,822)  
206   
(1,271)  
(16,887)  
10,806   
(10,748)  
21,554   

0.49   
0.49   

0.50   

  $

  $

  $

  $

2015
1,661,084 
5,664 
1,666,748 
1,463,783 
202,965 
127,706 

(21,113)
96,372 

(17,464)
283 
(615)
(17,796)
78,576 
14,001 
64,575 

1.49 
1.47 

0.48 

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

2014
1,802,415 
7,927 
1,810,342 
1,575,188 
235,154 
133,235 

(4,861)
106,780 

(18,921)
159 
(635)
(19,397)
87,383 
18,137 
69,246 

1.60 
1.57 

0.44 

43,558   
44,129   

43,397 
43,942 

43,201 
44,066  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

30

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
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 $(335), $880 and $(1,281),
   respectively
 Unrecognized retirement obligations, net of
   taxes of $(7,247), $(2,920) and $20,730,
   respectively

Other comprehensive loss

Comprehensive income (loss)

2016

2015

2014

Year ended December 31

 $

21,554   

 $

64,575 

 $

69,246 

(27,407)  

(38,817)

(49,365)

1,725   

(2,581)

3,297 

11,562   
(14,120)  
7,434   

 $

5,782 
(35,616)
28,959 

 $

(33,445)
(79,513)
(10,267)

 $

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

31

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
    
    
   
 
  
 
  
    
    
   
 
  
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

In thousands

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful
   accounts: 2016 - $1,719;   2015 - $2,239)
Inventories
Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Total current assets

Plant, equipment and timberlands, net
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
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: 2016 - 10,812,341;   2015 - 10,941,944)
Capital in excess of par value
Retained earnings
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Less cost of common stock in treasury

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

December 31

2016

2015

  $

55,444   

 $

105,304 

152,989   
249,669   
36,157   
494,259   

775,898   
73,094   
56,259   
121,749   
1,521,259   

8,961   
164,345   
5,455   
25,000   
119,250   
323,011   

363,647   

54,995   

125,780   
867,433   

—   

544   
57,917   
962,884   
(204,606)  
816,739   
(162,913)  
653,826   
1,521,259   

 $

 $

 $

167,199 
247,214 
32,650 
552,367 

698,864 
76,056 
63,057 
110,072 
1,500,416 

7,366 
172,735 
5,231 
12,544 
106,444 
304,320 

353,296 

76,458 

103,095 
837,169 

— 

544 
54,912 
963,143 
(190,486)
828,113 
(164,866)
663,247 
1,500,416  

  $

  $

  $

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

32

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
    
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
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
Losses (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
Proceeds from government grants
Payments related to share-based compensation
   awards and other

Net cash used 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

2016

2015

2014

  $

21,554   

 $

64,575   

$

69,246 

65,826   

1,153
11,180   
—   
(22,055)  

216   
5,889   

8,372   
(10,778)  
(2,430)  
(8,174)  
43,195   
2,162   
116,110   

(160,158)  

70   
—   
(800)  
(160,888)  

2,891 

(136)  
19,428   
(8,205)  
—   
(21,589)  
5,582   

(990)  
(3,019)  
(2,063)  

(49,860)  

105,304   
55,444   

14,569   
14,020   

 $

 $

63,236   

70,555 

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)  

(22,294)

(1,329)
2,873 
(5,229)
— 

(20,443)  
421   

(2,015)
(48,016)  
(3,006)  

5,467   

99,837   
105,304   

16,256   
15,849   

$

$

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)

(30,720)

– 
12,592 
– 
(12,180)
(18,696)
— 

(1,877)
(50,881)
(2,152)

(23,045)

122,882 
99,837 

17,643 
24,139  

  $

  $

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

33

 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
    
 
   
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
    
    
   
   
 
 
 
  
 
P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

In thousands
Balance at January 1, 2014
Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive loss

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
401 (k) plans
Employee stock options exercised — net
Balance at December 31, 2014

Net income
Other comprehensive loss
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
Balance at December 31, 2015

Net income
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income

Tax effect on exercise of stock awards
Cash dividends declared ($0.50 per share)
Share-based compensation expense
Delivery of treasury shares

RSUs and PSAs
Employee stock options exercised — net
Balance at December 31, 2016

Common
Stock

$

544 

Capital in
Excess of
Par Value  
53,940 

 $

(14)

4,738 

(4,121)
1,318 
(1,519)
54,342 

843 

4,403 

(5,078)
838 
(436)
54,912 

58 

5,889 

(2,375)
(567)
57,917 

544 

544 

$

544 

 $

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss

 $

(75,357)

(79,513)

Treasury
Stock
 $ (163,980)

Retained
Earnings  
869,329 
69,246 

 $

(19,107)

(12,180)

2,363 
1,775 
1,647 
(170,375)

3,102 
2,010 
397 
(164,866)

919,468 

(154,870)

64,575 

(20,900)

(35,616)

963,143 

(190,486)

21,554 

(21,813)

(14,120)

 $

962,884 

 $

(204,606)

1,624 
329 
 $ (162,913)

 $

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

 $

684,476 
69,246 
(79,513)
(10,267)
(14)
(19,107)
4,738 
(12,180)

(1,758)
3,093 
128 
649,109 

64,575 
(35,616)
28,959 
843 
(20,900)
4,403 

(1,976)
2,848 
(39)
663,247 

21,554 
(14,120)
7,434 
58 
(21,813)
5,889 

(751)
(238)
653,826  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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.

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 the amount by which 
the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. 
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. 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

35

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.

Investment tax credits are accounted for by the flow-

through method, which results in recognition of the 
benefit in the year in which the credit become available. 

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 

36

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 
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 

March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 
No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 
718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment 
Accounting designed to simplify certain aspects of 
accounting for share-based awards. The new ASU 
requires entities to recognize as a component of income 
tax expense all excess tax benefits or deficiencies arising 
from the difference between compensation costs 
recognized and the intrinsic value at the time an option is 
exercised or, in the case of restricted stock and similar 
awards, the fair value upon vesting of an award. 
Previously such differences were recognized in additional 
paid in capital as part of an “APIC pool.” In addition, the 
ASU also requires entities to exclude excess tax benefits 
and tax deficiencies from the calculation of common 
share equivalents for purposes of calculating earnings per 
share. The new standard is required to be adopted, either 
prospectively or retrospectively, in the first quarter of 
2017. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will 
have a material impact on our reported results of 
operations or financial position.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-

02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU will require 
organizations that lease assets 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 
adoption is permitted. We are in the process of assessing 
the impact this standard will have on us and expect to 
follow a modified retrospective method provided for 
under the standard.

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 retrospectively 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. Based on our 
initial assessment, we do not expect this ASU will have a 
significant impact on the timing or amount of revenue 
recognition.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 
Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): 
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments 
that changes the impairment model for most financial 
instruments, including trade receivables from an incurred 
loss method to a new forward-looking approach, based on 
expected losses. Under the new guidance, an allowance is 
recognized based on an estimate of expected credit losses. 
This standard is effective for us in the first quarter of 
2020 and must be adopted using a modified retrospective 
transition approach. We are currently assessing the impact 
this standard may have on our results of operations and 
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.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

37

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 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
Net income
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

Year ended December 31   
  2016      2015    2014   
$21,554     $64,575   $69,246  

  43,558       43,397     43,201  

571      

545    

865  

  44,129       43,942     44,066  

$

0.49     $
0.49      

1.49   $
1.47    

1.60  
1.57  

The following table sets forth the potential common 

shares outstanding for stock options that were not 
included in the computation of diluted EPS for the period 
indicated, because their effect would be anti-dilutive:

In thousands
Potential common shares

Year ended December 31   
  2015     2014   
2016    
   277   
   678 
  596 

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.

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

2016

3,613 
(3,972)
(359)
6,500 
6,141 

 $

 $

5,315    $
(4,428) 
887   
4,777   
5,664    $

2014
11,886   
(6,204) 
5,682   
2,245   
7,927   

5.

GAIN ON DISPOSITIONS OF PLANT, 
EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS

During 2016, 2015 and 2014, we completed the 

following sales of assets:

Dollars in thousands
2016
Other

Total

2015
Timberlands
Other

Total

2014
Timberlands
Other

Total

  Acres    Proceeds    

Gain 
(loss)    

n/a    
   $

70 
70   $

(216) 
(216) 

 15,628   $ 23,917   $20,867   
246   
   $ 24,459   $21,113   

n/a   

542  

  2,753   $
n/a   
   $

5,062   $ 4,855   
6   
5,072   $ 4,861   

10  

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. No such charges were recorded in 2016. The 
trade name intangible asset was acquired in connection 
with our Composite Fibers business unit’s 2013 Dresden 

38

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
      
      
   
 
  
   
 
  
      
      
   
 
 
   
 
  
      
      
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
         
      
  
 
 
 
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, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

In thousands

Balance at January 1, 2016

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, 2016
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

Currency
translation
adjustments

Unrealized 
gain
(loss) on cash
flow hedges

Change in
pensions

Change in 
other
postretirement
defined benefit
plans

Total

$

(73,041)

 $

(225)

 $

(120,714)

 $

3,494 

 $

(190,486)

(27,407)

— 

(27,407)
(100,448)
(34,224)

(38,817)

— 

(38,817)
(73,041)
15,141 

(49,365)

— 

 $
 $

 $
 $

1,247 

478 

1,725 
1,500 
2,356 

1,620 

(4,201)

(2,581)
(225)
(941)

2,826 

471 

 $
 $

 $
 $

(4,334)

14,392 

10,058 
(110,656)
(120,260)

(12,995)

12,541 

(454)
(120,714)
(89,547)

 $
 $

 $
 $

2,086 

(582)

1,504 
4,998 
(2,742)

6,266 

(30)

6,236 
3,494 
(10)

 $
 $

 $
 $

(28,408)

14,288 

(14,120)
(204,606)
(154,870)

(43,926)

8,310 

(35,616)
(190,486)
(75,357)

(40,266)

(2,803)

(89,608)

9,553 

71 

10,095 

(49,365)
(34,224)

 $

3,297 
2,356 

 $

(30,713)
(120,260)

 $

(2,732)
(2,742)

 $

(79,513)
(154,870)

$
$

$
$

$

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 19)
(Gains) losses on cash flow hedges
Tax expense (benefit)

Net of tax

Retirement plan obligations (Note 11)
Amortization of deferred benefit pension plan items

Prior service costs

Actuarial losses

Settlement recognition

Tax expense (benefit)

Net of tax

Amortization of deferred benefit other plan items

Prior service costs

Actuarial losses

Tax expense (benefit)

Net of tax

Total reclassifications, net of tax

$

Year ended December 31
2015

2016

2014

$

551  $
(73)  
478   

(5,752) $
1,551   
(4,201)  

2,026   
672   
9,798   
3,373   
7,306   
23,175   
(8,783)  
14,392   

(150)  
(32)  
(621)  
(134)  
(937)  
355   
(582)  
14,288  $

2,300   
762   
12,745   
4,388   
—   
20,195   
(7,654)  
12,541   

(230)  
(50)  
190   
41   
(49)  
19   
(30)  
8,310  $

  Line Item in Statements of Income

  Costs of products sold
Income tax provision

  Costs of products sold
  Selling, general and administrative
  Costs of products sold
  Selling, general and administrative
  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

655 
(184)
471 

2,503 
830 
8,965 
3,086 
— 
15,384 
(5,831)
9,553 

(237)
(51)
331 
71 
114 
(43)
71 
10,095 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
    
    
  
  
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

Income tax provision
   (benefit)

Year ended December 31
2015

2014

2016

$

2,216 
(1,112)  

  10,203 
  11,307 

 $

5,047 
(1,680)
   12,536 
   15,903 

 $

3,291 
238 
   24,027 
   27,556 

  (24,411)  
(1,723)  
4,079 
  (22,055)  

(7,287)
564 
4,821 
(1,902)

(3,975)  
(147)  
(5,297)  
(9,419)  

$ (10,748)  

 $ 14,001 

 $ 18,137 

The following are the domestic and foreign 

components of pretax income (loss) from operations:

In thousands
United States
Foreign

Total pretax income

Year ended December 31
2015

2014

2016

$ (63,315)  
  74,121 
$ 10,806 

 $
2,382 
   76,194 
 $ 78,576 

 $
4,637   
   82,746   
 $ 87,383   

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
    2015  

2016  

  2014  

Federal income tax
   provision at statutory rate  
State income taxes,
   net of federal income tax
   benefit
Foreign income tax rate
   differential
Rate changes due to
   enacted legislation
Tax effect of credits
Provision for (resolution of )
    tax matters
Permanent differences on
   non-U.S. earnings
Valuation allowance
Other
Actual tax rate

35.0%  

35.0%  

35.0%

(15.0)

(96.3)

(6.7)
(30.3)

2.8 

0.3 

(8.6)

– 
(1.9)

(2.1)

0.2 

(5.0)

(2.2)
(2.0)

1.3 

- 
7.1 
3.9 
(99.5)%  

(4.4)
0.4 
(0.9)
17.8%  

(2.8)
(2.7)
(1.0)
20.8%  

40

The sources of deferred income taxes were as 

follows at December 31:

$

In thousands
Reserves
Environmental
Compensation
Post-retirement benefits
Research & development expenses
Inventories
Other
Tax carryforwards

Deferred tax assets
Valuation allowance

Net deferred tax assets

Property
Intangible assets
Pension
Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax liabilities

$

2016

4,625 
20,868 
8,950 
18,318 
6,949 
1,464 
993 
14,438 
76,605 
(4,066)
72,539 
(81,837)
(16,561)
(29,041)
(127,439)
(54,900)

2015

4,720 
7,211 
8,250 
19,476 
8,925 
3,445 
605 
8,413 
61,045 
(3,773)
57,272 
(84,009)
(17,748)
(26,885)
(128,642)
(71,370)

 $

 $

Non-current deferred tax assets and liabilities are 

included in the following balance sheet captions:

December 31

In thousands
Other assets

2016

$

95 

 $

Deferred income taxes

54,995 

2015

5,088 

76,458  

At December 31, 2016 we had federal, state and 

foreign tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards of 
$15.5 million, $77.8 million and $4.8 million, 
respectively. These NOL carryforwards are available to 
offset future taxable income, if any.  The federal NOL 
carryforward expires in 2036, state NOLs expire at 
various times and in various amounts beginning in 2017 
and through 2036. Certain foreign NOL carryforwards 
begin to expire after 2019.

The state and foreign NOL carryforwards and 
federal tax credits 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 federal tax credit 
carryforwards totaling $2.9 million which begin to expire 
in 2035, state tax credit carryforwards totaling $0.2 
million, which begin to expire in 2017, and foreign 
investment tax credits of $0.8 million which begin to 
expire after 2030.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had a 

valuation allowance of $4.1 million and $3.8 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. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, 
management considers all available positive and negative 
evidence in its analysis. Based on this analysis, we 

 
   
     
 
 
 
   
   
     
   
   
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
   
     
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
recorded a valuation allowance for the portion of deferred 
tax assets where the weight of available evidence 
indicated it is more likely than not that the deferred tax 
assets will not be realized.

Tax credits and other incentives reduce tax expense 

in the year the credits are claimed. We recorded tax 
credits of $1.1  million, $1.5 million and $1.8 million in 
2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, related to research and 
development credits and fuels tax credits. We also 
recognized $2.2 million related to investment tax credits 
in 2016.

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, unremitted 
earnings of subsidiaries outside the United States deemed 
to be indefinitely reinvested totaled $399.9 million and 
$338.6 million, respectively. Because the unremitted 
earnings of subsidiaries are deemed to be indefinitely 
reinvested as of December 31, 2016 and because we have 
no need for 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we had 

$14.2 million, $12.2 million and $14.9 million of gross 
unrecognized tax benefits, respectively. As of December 
31, 2016, if such benefits were to be recognized, 
approximately $11.3 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

2016

2015

2014

$

12.2 

 $

14.9 

 $

14.9 

Increases in tax positions
   for prior years
Decreases in tax positions
   for prior years
Acquisition related:

Purchase Accounting
Increases in tax positions
   for current year
Settlements
Lapse in statutes of
   limitation

Balance at December 31

$

2.0 

- 

0.7 

(1.4)  

(4.3)

(0.5)  

- 

1.9 
(0.2)  

- 

1.9 
- 

0.3 

3.4 
(1.3)  

(0.3)  
14.2 

 $

(0.3)
12.2 

(2.6)  
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

Open Tax Years

Examinations 
not yet 
initiated

Examination 
in progress  

2013 - 2016    

2012 - 2016    

N/A

2014

N/A

2010 - 2016    
2012 - 2016     2011 - 2013  
2014 - 2016     2011 - 2012  
2015 - 2016    

N/A

Philippines

2015 -2016     2013, 2014  
includes provincial or similar local jurisdictions, as applicable.

(1)

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 $0.9 million. Substantially all of this 
range relates to tax positions taken in the United Kingdom 
and in the U.S.

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

2016

$

 $

0.5 
(0.1)  
– 

0.6 
– 
– 

 $

0.6   
–   
–   

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

41

     
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
     
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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, 2016, there were 611,699 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 

Awards of 

Performance Share Awards (“PSAs”)
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, multi-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
Balance at January 1,
Granted
Forfeited
Shares delivered
Balance at December 31,

2016
  674,523 
  302,722 
  (148,232)
  (149,975)
  679,038 

2015
     888,942 
     164,666 
(92,183)
     (286,902)
     674,523 

2014
  1,001,814 
  178,882 
(47,379)
  (244,375)
  888,942  

Compensation expense

$

3,154 

   $

1,758 

   $

2,652  

2016

2015

2014

The amount granted in 2016, 2015 and 2014 

includes 199,693, 105,017 and 101,743 PSAs, 
respectively, exclusive of reinvested dividends. The 
performance period for the 2014 PSAs concluded on 
December 31, 2016 and, based on actual performance 
relative to target, no shares underlying the PSA were 
issued to participants. The weighted average grant date 
fair value per unit for awards in 2016, 2015 and 2014 was 
$18.08, $24.62 and $28.89, respectively. As of December 
31, 2016, unrecognized compensation expense for 
outstanding RSUs and PSAs totaled $5.4 million. The 
weighted average remaining period over which the 
expense will be recognized is 2.1 years.

42

 
   
 
   
 
  
  
    
  
 
  
  
 
     
     
 
Stock Only Stock Appreciation Rights 

The following table sets forth information related to outstanding 

SOSARS:

2016

2015

2014

SOSARS

Outstanding at January 1,
Granted
Exercised
Canceled / forfeited
Outstanding at December 31,

Exercisable at December 31,
Vested and expected to vest

Shares
2,199,742 
743,925 
(61,190)
(145,861)
2,736,616 
1,740,591 
2,725,611 

Wtd Avg 
Exercise Price  
17.82 
17.54 
10.70 
22.80 
17.64 
16.19 

  $

   $

Shares
1,864,707 
423,590 
(70,347)
(18,208)  

2,199,742 
1,504,599 
2,178,708 

$

Wtd Avg
Exercise Price  
$

16.20   
24.62 
14.12 
25.41 
17.82   
14.48   

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 

SOSAR Grants
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)

$

$

4.07 

3,013 

2.85%   
1.34%   
31.97%   
6 

  $

  $

7.46 

3,134 

$

$

9.81 

2,764 

1.94%     
1.64%     
36.38%     

6 

1.48%     
1.74%     
37.59%     

6 

$

2,735 

  $

2,645 

$

2,086 

Under terms of the SOSAR, the recipients receive 

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, 2016, the intrinsic value of SOSARs vested 
and expected to vest totaled $18.9 million and the 
remaining weighted average contractual life of 
outstanding SOSARs was 5.2 years.

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.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

43

 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
    
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
    
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
    
 
 
 
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
    
   
 
  
    
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
 
   
 
 
 
  
   
   
 
    
   
    
 
 
  
   
   
    
   
    
 
 
Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance 

sheets consist of the following as of December 31:

In millions

Other assets
Current liabilities
Other long-term
   liabilities

Net amount
   recognized

Pension Benefits
2016     
96.7 
   $
(2.0)     

2015      

89.1      $
(2.1)     

Other Benefits
2016

      2015  
- 
-      $
(3.2)
(3.2)     

  $

(36.0)     

(34.0)     

(44.7)     

(47.7)

  $

58.7 

   $

53.0      $

(47.9)    $ (50.9)

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
2016

      2015      

Other Benefits
2016

      2015  

$

14.8     $
165.9      

12.0 
185.0 

   $

(0.6)    $
(7.4)     

(0.8)
(4.8)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined 

benefit pension plans was $537.6 million and $526.7 
million at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The weighted-average assumptions used in 
computing the benefit obligations above were as follows:

  Pension Benefits
  2016  

   2015  

Other Benefits
2016  

    2015  

Discount rate –
   benefit
   obligation
Future
   compensation
   growth rate

4.43%     

4.65%     

4.18%      4.38%

3.00 

3.50 

– 

–  

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, 2016 ranged from 1.90% to 4.55% for 
pension plans and from 4.02% to 4.21% 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

2016

2015

  $

37.9 

   $

34.6 
– 

36.1 

33.1 
–  

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 
to certain retirees over age 65 to help defray the costs of 
Medicare. Claims are paid as reported.

In millions

2016     

2015      

2016

      2015  

  Pension Benefits

      Other Benefits

Change in
   Benefit
   Obligation
Balance at
   beginning of
   year
Service cost
Interest cost
Plan amendments
Participant
   contributions
Actuarial
   (gain)/loss
Benefits paid
One-time 
settlement
Effect of currency
   rate changes

Balance at end
   of year

  $

541.9 
10.5 
24.5 
5.5 

   $ 577.6      $
11.6       
23.3       
-       

51.0      $ 59.8 
1.4 
1.1       
2.0 
2.0       
- 
-       

- 

-       

1.0       

1.2 

17.0 
(22.9)     

(34.8)     
(34.8)     

(3.4)     
(3.8)     

(10.1)
(3.3)

(24.2)     

-       

(0.3)     

(1.0)     

-       

-       

- 

- 

  $

552.0 

   $ 541.9      $

47.9      $ 51.0 

Change in
   Plan Assets
Fair value of plan
   assets at
   beginning of year   $
Actual return
   on plan assets
Total contributions    
Benefits paid
One-time 
settlement
Fair value of plan
   assets at end
   of year
Funded status at
   end of year

  $

  $

594.9 

   $ 638.0      $

-      $

- 

60.8 
2.1 
(22.9)     

(10.3)     
2.0       
(34.8)     

-       
3.8       
(3.8)     

- 
3.3 
(3.3)

(24.2)     

-       

-       

610.7 

594.9       

-       

- 

- 

58.7 

   $

53.0      $

(47.9)    $ (51.0)

In 2016, the we recorded a pension settlement 

charge of $7.3 million and settled $24.2 million of 
benefits in connection with a voluntary program offered 
to deferred vested terminated participants.

44

 
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
    
   
   
   
 
     
         
         
         
 
     
     
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
    
    
   
   
    
 
 
     
 
 
   
   
 
 
     
 
 
 
   
    
 
 
   
 
 
   
   
   
    
   
   
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Net periodic benefit cost includes the following 

The weighted-average assumptions used in 

components:

In millions
Pension Benefits
Service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on plan
   assets
Amortization of prior
   service cost
Amortization of
   actuarial loss
One-time settlement
   charge

Total net periodic 
benefit cost

Other Benefits
Service cost
Interest cost
Amortization of prior
   service cost/(credit)
Amortization of
   actuarial loss

Total net periodic
   benefit cost

Year Ended December 31
2015

2014

2016

  $

   $

10.5 
24.5 

11.6      $
23.3       

10.4 
24.8 

(45.4)     

(46.0)     

(43.9)

2.7 

13.2 

7.3 

3.1       

3.3 

17.1       

12.1 

—       

  $

12.8 

   $

9.1      $

  $

   $

1.1 
2.0 

1.4      $
2.0       

(0.2)     

(0.3)     

(0.3)

(0.8)     

0.2       

  $

2.1 

   $

3.3      $

0.4 

4.1  

— 

6.7 

1.5 
2.5 

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 $2.8 million and 
$11.3 million, respectively. The comparable amounts of 
expected amortization for other benefit plans are a credit 
of $0.2 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations 
recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) were as 
follows:

In millions

Pension Benefits
Actuarial loss
Plan amendments
Recognized prior service cost
Recognized actuarial losses
Total recognized in other
   comprehensive loss
Total recognized in net periodic
   benefit cost and other
   comprehensive loss
Other Benefits
Actuarial (gain) loss
Amortization of prior service cost
Amortization of actuarial losses
Total recognized in other
   comprehensive (income) loss
Total recognized in net periodic
   benefit cost and other
   comprehensive (income) loss

    Year Ended December 31  

2016

2015

    $

1.4      $
5.5       
(2.7)     
(20.5)     

21.5 
— 
(3.1)
(17.1)

(16.3)     

1.3 

  $

(3.5)    $

10.4 

    $

(3.4)    $
0.2       
0.8       

(10.1)
0.3 
(0.2)

(2.4)     

(10.0)

  $

(0.3)    $

(6.7)

computing the net periodic benefit cost information above 
were as follows:

    Year Ended December 31
    2016  

    2015  

    2014  

Pension Benefits
Discount rate – benefit expense
Future compensation growth rate       3.50 
Expected long-term rate of return
   on plan assets

      7.75 

      4.65%      4.21%     5.20%
      4.00 

     4.00 

      8.00 

     8.00 

Other Benefits
Discount rate – benefit expense

      4.38%      3.89%     4.52%

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

2016

2015

6.50%   

6.80%

4.50 

2037 

4.50 

2037  

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

Increase   

  Decrease  

Post-retirement benefit obligation
Total of service and interest
   cost components

  $

3.8  

  $

(3.4)

0.3  

(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 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

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In millions
Domestic Equity
Large cap
Small and mid
   cap

International
   equity

REIT
Fixed income
Cash and
   equivalents
Total

December 31, 2015

Total

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

  $

175.1     $

58.4     $

116.7     $

68.7      

68.7      

-      

79.8      
31.9      
222.4      

42.2      
31.9      
32.3      

37.6      
-      
190.1      

17.0      
594.9     $

-      
233.5     $

17.0      
361.4     $

  $

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
-  

Cash Flow   We were not required to make 
contributions to our qualified pension plan in 2016 nor do 
we expect to make any to this plan in 2017. Benefit 
payments expected to be made in 2017 under our non-
qualified pension plans and other benefit plans are 
summarized below:

In thousands
Nonqualified pension plans
Other benefit plans

  $

1,991 
3,212  

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:

  $

In thousands
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 through 2026

Pension 
Benefits

  $

      Other Benefits  
3,212 
3,548 
4,013 
4,389 
4,488 
21,009  

36,885  
37,033  
36,520  
36,871  
36,871  
184,679  

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 $2.0 million, $2.1 million and 
$2.0 million in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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 targeted range of investment 
allocations of Plan assets is as follows:

Domestic Equity
International equity
Real Estate Investment
    Trusts (REIT)
Fixed income, cash
   and cash equivalents

Range

35% 
8 

-  
  -

2 

55 

  -

  -

45%
14 

6 

35  

Diversification of plan assets is achieved by:

i.

ii.

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

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.

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
Domestic Equity
Large cap
Small and mid
   cap

International
   equity

REIT
Fixed income
Cash and
   equivalents
Total

December 31, 2016

Total

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

  $

201.9     $

7.1     $

194.8     $

50.9      

50.9      

-      

79.5      
27.9      
237.7      

38.8      
27.9      
28.5      

40.7      
-      
209.2      

12.8      
610.7     $

-      
153.2     $

12.8      
457.5     $

  $

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
-  

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
        
        
        
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
     
        
        
        
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
12.

INVENTORIES

Inventories, net of reserves were as follows:

In thousands
Raw materials
In-process and finished
Supplies
Total

December 31

2016

66,359 
112,507 
70,803 
249,669 

   $

   $

2015

60,098 
115,874 
71,242 
247,214  

$

$

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 $21.3 million and $28.2 million higher 
than reported at December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively.

13. PLANT, EQUIPMENT AND TIMBERLANDS

Plant, equipment and timberlands at December 31 

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
Total

2016
192,877 
1,335,669 
142,110 
(1,036,825)
633,831 
137,665 
— 
4,402 
775,898 

$

$

2015
205,338 
1,305,067 
135,355 
(1,009,331)
636,429 
58,657 
579 
3,199 
698,864  

 $

 $

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, we had $24.3 

million and $13.4 million, respectively, of accrued capital 
expenditures.

14. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table sets forth information with 

respect to goodwill and other intangible assets:

over periods ranging from 14 years to 20 years. The 
following table sets forth information pertaining to 
amortization of intangible assets:

In thousands
Aggregate amortization
   expense:

Estimated amortization
   expense:
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021

   2016  

   2015  

   2014  

 $

4,852 

 $

5,340 

 $

6,136 

4,464 
4,464 
4,464 
4,336 
3,973 

The remaining weighted average useful life of 

intangible assets was 13.1 years at December 31, 2016.

15. OTHER LONG-TERM ASSETS

Other long-term assets consist of the following:

In thousands
Pension
Other

Total

December 31

2016

96,699 
25,050 
121,749 

$

$

2015

89,093 
20,979 
110,072  

 $

 $

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

$

17. LONG-TERM DEBT

December 31

2016

2015

$

48,306 

 $

35,079 

6,828 
211 
14,329 
49,576 
119,250 

 $

6,866 
2,921 
18,248 
43,330 
106,444  

December 31

Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

In thousands
Goodwill – Composite Fibers

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

2016
73,094 

6,155 

4,195 
35,874 
32,310 

1,377 
2,638 
82,549 
(26,290)
56,259 

$

$

$

2015
76,056 

6,155 

4,332 
37,625 
33,618 

1,403 
2,725 
85,858 
(22,801)
63,057  

 $

 $

 $

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 

December 31

In thousands
Revolving credit facility, due Mar. 2020 $
5.375% Notes, due Oct. 2020
2.40% Term Loan, due Jun. 2022
2.05% Term Loan, due Mar. 2023
1.30% Term Loan, due Jun. 2023
1.55% Term Loan, due Sep. 2025

Total long-term debt

2016
61,595 
250,000 
8,282 
35,163 
9,788 
10,333 
375,161 

   $

Less current portion
Unamortized deferred issuance costs  

(8,961)     
(2,553)     

2015
58,792   
250,000 
10,109 
42,130 
- 
2,839 
363,870   
(7,366) 
(3,208)  

Long-term debt, net of current portion $ 363,647 

   $ 353,296   

The amount set forth for Long-term debt, net of 

current portion as of December 31, 2015, has been 
restated to retroactively adopt ASU No. 2015-03, Interest 
- Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) Simplifying the 
Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This ASU required 
debt issuance costs to be presented as a direct deduction 
from the carrying value of the related debt instrument 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

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rather than as a deferred asset except for costs associated 
with a revolving line of credit. 

Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on April 15 and 
October 15.

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. On February 1, 2017, the 
Revolving Credit Agreement was further amended to, 
among other things, change the definition of earnings 
before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization 
(“EBITDA”) for purposes of calculating covenant 
compliance.

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 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, 2016, the leverage ratio, as 
calculated in accordance with the definition in our 
amended credit agreement was 2.2x. 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 Advanced Materials N.A., Inc., and Glatfelter 
Holdings, LLC (the “Guarantors”). Interest on the 5.375% 

48

The 5.375% Notes are redeemable, in whole or in 

part, at any time on or after October 15, 2016 at the 
redemption prices specified in the applicable 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, 2016, 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 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
May 4, 2016
Apr. 26, 2016

Original
Principal

Interest
Rate

  Maturity

€

42,700  
10,000  
2,608  
7,195  
10,000  

2.05% 
2.40% 
1.55% 
1.55% 
1.30% 

  Mar. 2023
Jun. 2022
Sep. 2025
Sep. 2025
Jun. 2023

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 $4.2 million at December 31, 2016. 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 2016.

  
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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

$

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

8,961
9,930
9,930
  321,525
9,930
14,885
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, 2016 and 2015, we had $5.1 

million and $5.3 million, respectively, 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.

18. 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:
2016

2015

In thousands
Variable rate debt
Fixed-rate bonds
2.40% Term loan
2.05% Term loan
1.30% Term Loan
1.55% Term loan

Total

Carrying
Value

Carrying
Value

61,595   $ 61,595     $

Fair
Value      

Fair
Value  
$
58,792   $ 58,792 
  250,000     256,563       250,000     250,938 
10,109     10,535 
42,130     42,886 
- 
2,524 
$ 375,161   $384,268     $ 363,870   $365,675  

8,282    
8,877      
35,163     37,089      
9,788     10,062      
10,333     10,082      

-    
2,839    

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 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 19. 

19. 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 or capital expenditures expected to be 
incurred over a maximum of nineteen 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, 
certain production costs or capital expenditures 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. With 
respect to hedges of forecasted raw material purchases or 
production costs, the amount deferred is subsequently 
reclassified into costs of products sold in the period that 
inventory produced using the hedged transaction affects 
earnings. For hedged capital expenditures, deferred gains 
or losses are reclassified and included in the historical 
cost of the capital asset and subsequently affect earnings 
as depreciation is recognized. 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:

In thousands
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
U.S. Dollar / Euro

December 31

2016

2015

10,373 

10,527 

699,279 
557,025 
43,951 
35,290 
15,379 

758,634 
542,063 
51,433 
34,649 
—  

These contracts have maturities of nineteen months 

or less.

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

49

   
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
 
     
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
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

2016

2015

— 
10,500 
— 
2,500 

3,500 
18,500 

— 
10,000 
— 
3,500 

12,500 
13,500  

These contracts have maturities of one month from 

the date originally entered into.

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

  2016  

     2015  

     2016  

     2015  

December 31

December 31

Balance sheet caption
Designated as
   hedging:
Forward foreign
   currency exchange
   contracts
Not designated as
   hedging:
Forward foreign
   currency exchange
   contracts

Prepaid Expenses
and Other
Current Assets

Other Current
Liabilities

$ 2,625 

   $

955 

   $ 1,493 

   $ 1,545 

$

60 

   $

68 

   $

104 

   $

49  

The amounts set forth in the table above represent 

the net asset or liability giving effect to rights of offset 
with each counterparty.

50

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
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

Year ended December 31

2016       2015       2014  

    $

(551)    $ 5,752 

   $

(655)

(166)

(152)     

184 

    $

806 

   $

599 

   $ 1,599  

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.

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 hedges
Reclassified to earnings

Balance at December 31,

2016

2015

(178)

 $

3,282 

1,509 
551 
1,882 

 $

2,292 
(5,752)
(178)

$

$

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.

20.

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

The following table summarizes outstanding shares 

of common stock:

In thousands
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

Year ended December 31
2015

2014

2016

43,420 
— 

43,054 
— 

43,130 
(464)

108 
— 

22 

206 
134 

26 

162 
116 

110 

43,550 

43,420 

43,054  

21. 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
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

  $

Leases

Other

  $

5,298  
3,706  
3,030  
2,472  
1,896  
7,270  

87,831 
23,584 
5,193 
3,115 
2,961 
1,890  

Other contractual obligations primarily represent 
minimum purchase commitments under energy supply 
contracts and other purchase obligations.

At December 31, 2016, required minimum annual 

payments due under operating leases and other similar 
contractual obligations aggregated $23.7 million and 
$124.6 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 Site has been subject to certain studies, 
demonstration projects and interim cleanups. The 
permanent cleanup, known as a “remedial action” under 
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, 
Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), 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 originally notified several entities 

that they were potentially responsible parties (“PRPs”); 
however, 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 Consumer 
Products, L.P. (“Georgia Pacific”) and NCR Corporation 
(“NCR”). In addition to the government claims, Appvion 
retains a claim against us and Georgia Pacific.

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, one of the PRPs, 
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 majority of that work to date has been 
funded or conducted by parties other than us, although 
before the UAO, we contributed to a project in that area 
and we have conducted about $13.4 million of cleanup 
work under the UAO in 2015 and 2016. The cleanup is 
expected to continue through 2018. However, as 
discussed below, under a proposed consent decree 
between the United States, Wisconsin, NCR and Appvion, 
Inc. (“Appvion”), we would not be responsible for any 
additional cleanup at the Site.

Litigation and Settlement.  In 2008, in an 
allocation action, NCR and Appvion sued us and many 
other defendants in an effort to allocate among the liable 
parties the costs of cleaning up this Site and compensating 
the Governments for their costs and the natural resource 
trustees for NRDs. This case has been called 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 

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

51

 
 
   
 
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
future costs incurred by any of the other parties net of an 
appropriate equitable adjustment for insurance recoveries.

On appeal, the United States Court of Appeals for 

the Seventh Circuit affirmed the district court’s ruling, 
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.

In 2010, in an enforcement action, the 
Governments sued us and other defendants for (a) an 
injunction to require implementation of the cleanup 
ordered by the 2007 UAO, (b) recovery of the 
Governments’ past and future costs of response, (c) 
recovery of NRDs, and (d) recovery of a declaration of 
liability for the Site. After appeals, the Governments did 
not obtain an injunction and they withdrew their claims 
for NRDs. The Governments obtained a declaration of our 
liability to comply with the 2007 UAO. The 
Governments’ costs claims remained pending.

On January 17, 2017, the United States filed a 

consent decree with the federal district court among the 
United States, Wisconsin, NCR, and Appvion under 
which NCR would agree to complete the remaining 
cleanup and both NCR and Appvion would agree not to 
seek to recover from us or anyone else any amounts they 
have spent or will spend, and we and others would be 
barred from seeking claims against NCR or Appvion. If 
the proposed consent decree is approved by the district 
court and if it were to withstand any appeal, then we 
would only face exposure to: (i) government past 
oversight costs, (ii) government future oversight costs, 
(iii) long term monitoring and maintenance, and (iv) 
depending on the reason, a further remedy if necessary in 
the event the currently ordered remedy fails, over 30 or 
more years, to achieve its objectives. Under the proposed 
consent decree, we would be liable for all past and future 
costs incurred by the Governments in addition to long 
term monitoring and maintenance with respect to OU1 
through OU4a. As the result of earlier settlements, 
Georgia Pacific is only jointly liable with us to the 
Governments for monitoring and maintenance costs 
incurred in the most downstream three miles of the river 
(“OU4b”) and the bay of Green Bay (“OU5”). In addition, 
we and Georgia Pacific have claims against each other to 
reallocate the costs that we have each incurred or will 
incur. In connection with the filing of the proposed 
consent decree, NCR and Appvion filed a request to stay 
the trial scheduled to commence in April 2017. The courts 
granted the stay.

52

Cost estimates. The January 17, 2017, proposed 

consent decree states that all parties combined have spent 
more than approximately $1 billion to date towards 
remedial actions and NRDs, of which we have 
contributed approximately $65 million. In addition, work 
to complete the remaining site remedy under the UAO is 
anticipated to cost approximately $200 million. If the 
consent decree were entered, we would no longer be 
exposed to reallocation of any of those amounts other 
than the portion contributed by Georgia Pacific, which 
Georgia Pacific claims to be about $145 million.

Under the proposed consent decree, we would 

remain responsible for the Governments’ unreimbursed 
past costs, which although they are in dispute, are 
represented to total approximately $34 million and the 
governments future costs. Furthermore, we, along with 
Georgia Pacific, would be responsible for long term 
monitoring and maintenance required pursuant to the 
Lower Fox River 100% Remedial Design Report dated 
December 2009 – Long Term Monitoring Plan (the 
“Plan”). The Plan requires long term monitoring of each 
of OU1 through OU5 over a period of 30 years. The 
monitoring activities consist of, among others, testing fish 
tissue, sampling water quality and sediment, and 
inspections of the engineered caps. Each operable unit is 
required to be monitored; however, in the event the 
consent decree is entered by the court, we believe the cost 
of portions of the plan would be subject to allocation 
between us and Georgia Pacific. Although we are unable 
to determine with certainty the timing of cash 
expenditures for the above matters, they are reasonably 
likely to extend over a period of at least 30 years.

Reserves for the Site.  As the result of the 
proposed consent decree, and assuming it is ultimately 
approved and stands on appeal, our assessment of the 
range of probable outcomes for this matter has changed. 
The higher end of our range of our exposure is now 
lower; however, the lower end of the range is higher. We 
increased our reserve by $40.0 million as of December 
31, 2016, to reflect our analysis of the range of potential 
outcomes in this matter and our current estimate of the 
most likely scenario. Our reserve is set forth below:

In thousands
Balance at January 1,

Payments
Accruals
Balance at December 31,

Year ended
December 31

2016

2015

  $

  $

17,105 
(4,317)
40,000 
52,788 

   $

   $

16,223 
(9,118)
10,000 
17,105  

The payments set forth above represent cash paid 

towards completion of remediation activities in 
connection with the 2016 and 2015 Work Plan. Of our 
total reserve for the Fox River, $25.0 million is recorded 
in the accompanying December 31, 2016 consolidated 
balance sheet under the caption “Environmental 

 
 
 
   
 
     
 
   
    
   
    
liabilities” and the remaining $27.8 million is recorded 
under the caption “Other long term liabilities.”

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, discussions with legal 
counsel, cost estimates for future monitoring and 
maintenance and other post-remediation costs to be 
performed at the Site, and substantially dependent on 
whether the January 17, 2017, consent decree is entered 
and the resolution of the allocation issues between 
Georgia Pacific and us, we believe it is reasonably 
possible that our costs associated with the Fox River 
matter could exceed the aggregate amounts accrued by 
amounts ranging from insignificant to $40 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. 
However, in the event the consent decree is not entered, 
the ultimate resolution of this matter would likely resort 
to extensive litigation involving various matters, 
including allocation of remedial action and related costs. 
In such a scenario, although we should ultimately bear a 
very small share, it is reasonably possible that our costs 

associated with the Fox River matter could exceed the 
aggregate amounts accrued by amounts ranging from 
insignificant to $150 million.

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 material adverse effect on our 
consolidated financial position, liquidity and results of 
operations and might result in a default under our loan 
covenants. If the proposed consent decree is not approved 
and a court grants relief requiring us individually either to 
perform directly or to contribute significant amounts 
towards remedial action downstream of OU1 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.

22.

SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

The following tables set forth profitability and other information by business unit:

For the year ended December 31, 2016
In millions
Net sales
Energy and related sales, net

Total revenue
Cost of products sold
Gross profit
SG&A
Loss 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

517.0 
— 
517.0 
416.4 
100.6 
46.3 

— 
54.3 
— 
54.3 

235.1 
27.8 
18.8 

Advanced
Airlaid
  Materials
 $

244.3 
— 
244.3 
209.5 
34.8 
8.4 

— 
26.4 
— 
26.4 

179.3 
9.0 
36.8 

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

Specialty
Papers

843.6 
6.1 
849.7 
752.6 
97.1 
55.9 

— 
41.2 
— 
41.2 

352.9 
26.3 
99.0 

  Other and
  Unallocated  
— 
 $
— 
— 
13.8 
(13.8)
80.1 

0.2 
(94.1)
(16.9)
(111.0)

8.6 
2.7 
5.6 

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

Total

1,604.8 
6.1 
1,610.9 
1,392.3 
218.7 
190.7 

0.2 
27.8 
(16.9)
10.9 

775.9 
65.8 
160.2  

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
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

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

$

$

$

$

$

$

Composite
Fibers

541.5 
— 
541.5 
434.4 
107.1 
45.7 

— 
61.4 
— 
61.4 

258.1 
26.2 
26.8 

Composite
Fibers

617.9 
— 
617.9 
498.0 
119.9 
51.6 

— 
68.3 
— 
68.3 

277.8 
29.7 
23.9 

Advanced
Airlaid
  Materials
 $

244.6 
— 
244.6 
215.7 
28.9 
7.6 

— 
21.3 
— 
21.3 

153.5 
8.8 
7.8 

 $

 $

Advanced
Airlaid
  Materials
 $

281.7 
— 
281.7 
247.6 
34.1 
8.8 

— 
25.3 
— 
25.3 

163.6 
9.1 
7.6 

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

Specialty
Papers

875.0 
5.7 
880.7 
804.5 
76.2 
43.3 

— 
32.9 
— 
32.9 

281.6 
26.0 
63.5 

Specialty
Papers

902.9 
7.9 
910.8 
821.8 
89.0 
50.4 

— 
38.6 
— 
38.6 

250.1 
29.9 
32.1 

  Other and
  Unallocated  
— 
 $
— 
— 
9.2 
(9.2)
31.0 

 $

 $

(21.1)
(19.1)
(17.8)
(36.9)

5.7 
2.2 
1.8 

  Other and
  Unallocated  
— 
 $
— 
— 
7.8 
(7.8)
22.4 

 $

 $

(4.9)
(25.3)
(19.4)
(44.7)

6.1 
1.9 
2.4 

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

 $

Total

1,661.1 
5.7 
1,666.7 
1,463.8 
203.0 
127.7 

(21.1)
96.4 
(17.8)
78.6 

698.9 
63.2 
99.9  

Total

1,802.4 
7.9 
1,810.3 
1,575.2 
235.1 
133.2 

(4.9)
106.8 
(19.4)
87.4 

697.6 
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.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
  
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.

Management evaluates 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. 
This presentation 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:



Food & Beverage filtration 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 labels, packaging 
liners, gift wrap, and other consumer product 
applications;

 Composite Laminate paper used in production 
of decorative laminates, furniture, and flooring 
applications; and



Technical Specialties a diverse line of special 
paper products used in applications such as 
electrical energy storage, transport and 
transmission, wipes, and other highly-
engineered fiber-based applications.

Composite Fibers’ revenue composition by market 
consisted of the following for the years indicated:

In thousands
Food & beverage
Wallcovering
Metallized
Composite laminates
Technical specialties and
   other

Total

2016

2014

2015
$ 258,463     $ 274,865     $ 296,304 
91,620       149,957 
80,839 
68,397      
38,159 
34,897      

90,767      
61,059      
35,107      

71,558      

52,592 
$ 516,954     $ 541,468     $ 617,851  

71,689      

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; and

other consumer products.

Advanced Airlaid Materials’ revenue composition by 
market consisted of the following for the years indicated:

In thousands
Feminine hygiene
Specialty wipes
Adult incontinence
Home care
Other

Total

2014

2016

2015
$ 173,902     $ 182,048     $ 216,836 
16,002 
17,586 
15,401 
15,848 
$ 244,262     $ 244,589     $ 281,673  

25,206      
12,281      
12,630      
20,243      

22,950      
10,720      
13,345      
15,526      

Our 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.

Specialty Papers’ revenue composition by market 

consisted of the following for the years indicated:

In thousands
Carbonless & forms
Engineered products
Envelope & converting
Book publishing
Other

Total

2014

2016

2015
$ 319,648     $ 349,831     $ 376,959 
  189,463       190,943       194,189 
  173,362       178,067       183,194 
  157,541       152,647       144,744 
3,805 
$ 843,582     $ 875,026     $ 902,891  

3,568      

3,538      

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

55

     
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
 
 
No individual customer accounted for more than 

10% of our consolidated net sales in 2016, 2015 and 
2014. However, one customer accounted for the majority 

of Advanced Airlaid Materials’ net sales in each of the 
past three years ended December 31, 2016.

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.

2016

2015

2014

In thousands
United States
Germany
United Kingdom
Canada
Other

Total

Net sales

918,567 
427,520 
78,759 
115,902 
64,049 
1,604,797 

$

$

 $

 $

Plant,
Equipment and
Timberlands – 
Net

391,977 
220,380 
51,903 
79,727 
31,911 
775,898 

Plant,
Equipment and
Timberlands – 
Net

287,447 
232,340 
62,931 
81,201 
34,945 
698,864 

Net sales

959,730 
444,009 
86,442 
118,568 
52,335 
1,661,084 

 $

 $

 $

 $

Plant,
Equipment and
Timberlands – 
Net

256,251 
257,311 
62,617 
82,774 
38,655 
697,608  

Net sales

980,933 
529,003 
103,219 
129,401 
59,859 
1,802,415 

 $

 $

 $

 $

23. 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., Glatfelter Advance Materials N.A., Inc., 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, 2016, 2015 and 2014 and our condensed consolidating balance sheets as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015. 

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the
year ended December 31, 2016

In thousands
Net sales
Energy and related sales, net

Total revenues

Costs of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative

expenses

Loss on dispositions of plant

equipment and timberlands, net

Operating income (loss)

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
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income

56

$

Parent

Company  
843,582 
6,141 
849,723 
763,109 
86,614 

  Guarantors  
75,000 
 $
— 
75,000 
70,991 
4,009 

 $

Non
Guarantors  
755,860 
— 
755,860 
627,880 
127,980 

Adjustments/
Eliminations  
(69,645)
 $
— 
(69,645)
(69,645)
— 

  Consolidated  
1,604,797 
 $
6,141 
1,610,938 
1,392,335 
218,603 

133,387 

(156)

57,463 

— 
4,165 

39 
70,478 

— 

— 
— 

190,694   

216 
27,693 

177 
(46,950)

(17,436)
687 
61,007 
(2,312)

41,946 
(5,004)
(26,558)
21,554 
(14,120)
7,434 

 $

$

(41)
4,177 
58,347 
(3,966)

58,517 
62,682 
1,675 
61,007 
(25,916)
35,091 

 $

(3,060)
57 
— 
5,007 

2,004 
72,482 
14,135 
58,347 
(25,176)
33,171 

 $

4,715 
(4,715)
(119,354)
— 

(119,354)
(119,354)
— 
(119,354)
51,092 
(68,262)

 $

(15,822)
206 
— 
(1,271)

(16,887)
10,806 
(10,748)
21,554 
(14,120)
7,434 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
In thousands
Net sales
Energy and related sales, net

Total revenues

Costs of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative

expenses

Gain 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

In thousands
Net sales
Energy and related sales, net

Total revenues

Costs of products sold

Gross profit

Selling, general and administrative
   expenses
Gain 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)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the
year ended December 31, 2015

$

Parent

Company  
875,026 
5,664 
880,690 
811,329 
69,361 

  Guarantors  
84,704 
 $
— 
84,704 
80,455 
4,249 

 $

Non
Guarantors  
779,380 
— 
779,380 
650,025 
129,355 

Adjustments/
Eliminations  
(78,026)
 $
— 
(78,026)
(78,026)
— 

  Consolidated    
1,661,084   
 $
5,664   
1,666,748   
1,463,783   
202,965   

71,751 

821 

55,134 

(19,720)
17,330 

(1,183)
4,611 

(210)
74,431 

— 

— 
— 

(18,147)
673 
61,946 
(3,389)

41,083 
58,413 
(6,162)
64,575 
(35,616)
28,959 

 $

— 
37,127 
24,737 
(1,471)

60,393 
65,004 
2,922 
62,082 
(41,010)
21,072 

 $

(36,859)
26 
— 
4,245 

(32,588)
41,843 
17,241 
24,602 
29,680 
54,282 

 $

37,542 
(37,543)
(86,683)
— 

(86,684)
(86,684)
— 
(86,684)
11,330 
(75,354)

 $

$

127,706   

(21,113)  
96,372   

(17,464)  
283   
—   
(615)  

(17,796)  
78,576   
14,001   
64,575   
(35,616)  
28,959   

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income for the
year ended December 31, 2014

$

Parent

Company  
902,892 
7,927 
910,819 
830,710 
80,109 

  Guarantors  
78,077 
 $
— 
78,077 
74,414 
3,663 

 $

Non
Guarantors  
897,363 
— 
897,363 
745,981 
151,382 

Adjustments/
Eliminations  
(75,917)
 $
— 
(75,917)
(75,917)
— 

  Consolidated  
1,802,415 
 $
7,927 
1,810,342 
1,575,188 
235,154 

67,086 

1,765 

64,384 

(3,545)
16,568 

(1,316)
3,214 

— 
86,998 

— 

— 
— 

(19,105)
638 
67,590 
(1,366)

47,757 
64,325 
(4,921)
69,246 
(79,513)
(10,267)

 $

— 
102,241 
(34,265)
317 

68,293 
71,507 
3,916 
67,591 
(40,704)
26,887 

 $

(102,571)
36 
— 
414 

(102,121)
(15,123)
19,142 
(34,265)
28,840 
(5,425)

 $

102,755 
(102,756)
(33,325)
— 

(33,326)
(33,326)
— 
(33,326)
11,864 
(21,462)

 $

$

133,235 

(4,861)
106,780 

(18,921)
159 
— 
(635)

(19,397)
87,383 
18,137 
69,246 
(79,513)
(10,267)

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

57

 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2016

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
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Parent

Company  

  Guarantors  

Non
Guarantors  

Adjustments/
Eliminations  

  Consolidated  

  $

5,082 
206,002 
360,521 
789,565 
123,010 
  $ 1,484,180 

  $

426,628 
283,686 
10,221 
109,819 
830,354 
653,826 
  $ 1,484,180 

 $

 $

 $

 $

1,461 
256,289 
31,455 
540,029 
— 
829,234 

26,085 
14,000 
(729)
313 
39,669 
789,565 
829,234 

 $

 $

 $

 $

48,901 
242,187 
383,922 
— 
128,092 
803,102 

135,961 
65,961 
45,503 
15,648 
263,073 
540,029 
803,102 

 $

— 
(265,663)
— 
(1,329,594)
— 
 $ (1,595,257)

 $

55,444 
438,815 
775,898 
— 
251,102 
 $ 1,521,259 

 $

(265,663)
— 
— 
— 
(265,663)
(1,329,594)
 $ (1,595,257)

 $

323,011 
363,647 
54,995 
125,780 
867,433 
653,826 
 $ 1,521,259 

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
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Parent

Company  

  Guarantors  

Non
Guarantors  

Adjustments/
Eliminations  

  Consolidated  

  $

59,130 
199,690 
286,334 
737,450 
106,586 
  $ 1,389,190 

  $

363,037 
247,075 
28,561 
87,270 
725,943 
663,247 
  $ 1,389,190 

 $

 $

 $

 $

465 
238,515 
1,114 
507,116 
— 
747,210 

9,725 
— 
(79)
— 
9,646 
737,564 
747,210 

 $

 $

 $

 $

45,709 
239,367 
411,416 
— 
142,599 
839,091 

162,081 
106,221 
47,976 
15,825 
332,103 
506,988 
839,091 

 $

— 
(230,509)
— 
(1,244,566)
— 
 $ (1,475,075)

 $

105,304 
447,063 
698,864 
— 
249,185 
 $ 1,500,416 

 $

(230,523)
— 
— 
— 
(230,523)
(1,244,552)
 $ (1,475,075)

 $

304,320 
353,296 
76,458 
103,095 
837,169 
663,247 
 $ 1,500,416 

58

 
 
 
 
     
       
       
       
       
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
       
       
       
       
   
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the year
ended December 31, 2016

In thousands
Net cash provided (used) by
Operating activities
Investing activities

Expenditures for purchases of plant, equipment and timberlands
Proceeds from disposals of plant, equipment and timberlands, net
Repayments from intercompany loans
Advances of intercompany loans
Intercompany capital contributed
Other

Total investing activities

Financing activities

Net long-term borrowings
Payments of borrowing costs
Payment of dividends to shareholders
Repayments of intercompany loans
Borrowings of intercompany loans
Intercompany capital (returned) received
Payment of intercompany dividend
Proceeds from government grants
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    

  $

33,109 

 $

1,275 

 $

81,726 

 $

— 

 $

116,110   

(104,595)
41 
— 
— 
(17,000)
(800)
(122,354)

36,000 
(136)
(21,589)
— 
18,330 
— 
— 
3,582 
(990)
35,197 
— 
(54,048)
59,130 
5,082 

 $

(30,682)
— 
15,601 
(18,330)
(500)
— 
(33,911)

14,000 
— 
— 
— 
— 
17,000 
632 
2,000 
— 
33,632 
— 
996 
465 
1,461 

 $

(24,881)
29 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(24,852)

(35,886)
— 
— 
(15,601)
— 
500 
(632)
— 
— 
(51,619)
(2,063)
3,192 
45,709 
48,901 

 $

— 
— 
(15,601)
18,330 
17,500 
— 
20,229 

— 
— 
— 
15,601 
(18,330)
(17,500)
- 
— 
— 
(20,229)
— 
— 
— 
— 

 $

(160,158)  
70   
—   
—   
—   
(800)  
(160,888)  

14,114   
(136)  
(21,589)  
—   
—   
—   
—   
5,582   
(990)  
(3,019)  
(2,063)  
(49,860)  
105,304   
55,444   

  $

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 disposals of 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 borrowing costs
Payment of dividends to shareholders
Repayments of intercompany loans
Borrowings of intercompany loans
Intercompany capital (returned) received
Proceeds from government grants
Payments related to share-based compensation awards and other

Total financing activities
Effect of exchange rate on cash
Net 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 
— 
421 
(2,166)
16,555 
— 
16,922 
42,208 
59,130 

 $

(109)
1,213 
57,855 
(49,230)
(300)
— 
— 
9,429 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
(10,100)
— 
— 
(10,100)
— 
(44)
509 
465 

 $

(34,515)
505 
— 
— 
— 
(224)
— 
(34,234)

(24,650)
— 
— 
(48,697)
— 
300 
— 
151 
(72,896)
(3,006)
(11,411)
57,120 
45,709 

 $

— 
— 
(57,855)
49,230 
(9,800)
— 
— 
(18,425)

— 
— 
— 
57,855 
(49,230)
9,800 
— 
— 
18,425 
— 
— 
— 
— 

 $

(99,889)  
24,459   
—   
—   
—   
(224)  
(1,600)  
(77,254)  

(24,650)  
(1,329)  
(20,443)  
—   
—   
—   
421   
(2,015)  
(48,016)  
(3,006)  
5,467   
99,837   
105,304   

  $

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

59

 
 
 
     
       
       
       
       
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
     
       
       
       
       
 
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
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 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 proceeds from indebtedness
Payments of note offering costs
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

24. QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)

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  

  $

In thousands,
except per share
First
Second
Third
Fourth

Net sales

Gross profit

Net income (loss)

2016
$ 402,218 
  406,413 
  405,301 
  390,865 

2015
 $ 417,469 
   410,803 
   419,960 
   412,852 

 $

2016
57,843 
42,723 
61,170 
56,867 

 $

2015
52,108 
32,833 
59,908 
58,116 

 $

2016
16,168 
1,965 
19,601 
(16,180)

 $

2015
13,925 
2,848 
13,504 
34,298 

Earnings (loss)
per share

2016

2015

 $

0.37 
0.04 
0.44 
(0.37)

 $

0.32 
0.06 
0.31 
0.78 

60

 
 
 
     
       
       
       
       
 
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
 
 
 
 
     
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
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, 2016, 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 11 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, 2016, 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 

AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

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 30, 2017. 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.

The information required under this Item is 
incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, 
to be dated on or about March 30, 2017.

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 30, 2017.

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 30, 2017.

ITEM 14 PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND 

SERVICES

The information required under this Item is 
incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement, 
to be dated on or about March 30, 2017.

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 2016 FORM 10-K

61

PART IV

ITEM 15 EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)

1.

Our Consolidated Financial Statements as follows are included in Part II, Item 8:
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

i.
ii.
iii. Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
iv. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014
v.
vi. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

2.

i.

Financial Statement Schedules (Consolidated) included in Part IV:
Schedule II -Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - For each of the three years ended December 31, 2016

(b) Exhibit Index

Exhibit 
Number

Description of Documents

Incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit
2.1

Filing

Form 10-Q filed 
May 9, 2013

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)

EDGAR).

Amended and Restated By-Laws of P. H. Glatfelter Company, as amended, dated December 15, 2016, filed 

herewith

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 

4.1

4.2

Subsidiary Guarantors named therein and US Bank National Association, as Trustee.

Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2015, by and among the Company, 

10.1

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.

First Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of February 1, 2017, by and 
among P. H. Glatfelter Company, the Lenders party thereto, and PNC Bank, National Association, in its 
capacity as administrative agent for the Lenders.

Loan Agreement, dated April 11, 2013, by and among Glatfelter Gernsbach GmbH & Co. KG. and IKB 

Deutsche Industriebank AG, Düsseldorf

Guaranty, dated April 17, 2013, executed by P. H. Glatfelter Company (as Guarantor) in favor of IKB 

Deutsche Industriebank AG.

P. H. Glatfelter Company Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated 

effective February 26, 2015**

P. H. Glatfelter Company Amended and Restated 2005 Management Incentive Plan, effective January 1, 

2015**

P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Long Term Disability Plan, dated February 25, 2014, between the 

registrant and certain employees** 

P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (amended and  restated effective 

January 1, 2010)** 

P. H. Glatfelter Company Supplemental Management Pension Plan (amended and  restated effective 

January 1, 2008)** 

Form of Top Management Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate**

Form of Non-Employee Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate**

Form of Stock-Only Stock Appreciation Right Award Certificate (form effective February 26, 2014)**

Form of Performance Share Award Certificate (form effective February 26, 2014)**

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate, form effective as of December 13, 2013**

Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate, dated as of December 13, 2013, for Dante C. Parrini**

10.1

10.1

10.2

10.4

10.1

10.1

10(c)

10(d)

10.2

10.3

10.3

10.2

10.(l)

10.1

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and Dante C. 

10.1

Parrini, dated July 2, 2010. ** 

Form 10-K filed 
March 13, 2008

Form 8-K filed 
October 3, 2012

Form 10-K filed
February 26, 2016
Form 8-K filed 
March 16, 2015

Form 8-K filed on 
February 6, 2017

Form 10-Q filed 
May 9, 2013
Form 10-Q filed 
May 9, 2013
Form 10-K filed 
February 27, 2015
Form 8-K filed 
May 8, 2015
Form 10-Q filed 
May 2, 2014
Form 10-K filed 
March 8, 2013
Form 10-K filed 
March 8, 2013
Form 8-K filed 
May 5, 2009
Form 8-K filed 
April 29, 2005
Form 10-Q filed 
May 2, 2014
Form 10-Q filed 
May 2, 2014
Form 10-K filed 
March 3, 2014
Form 8-K filed 
December 17, 2013
Form 8-K filed 
July 6, 2010

2.1

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

62

Exhibit 
Number

10.17

10.18
10.19

10.19
10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.25

10.25

Description of Documents

Incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit

Filing

Retention agreement between P. H. Glatfelter Company and Timothy R. Hess, dated January 7, 2017, filed 

herewith**

Restricted Stock Unit Award Certificate for Timothy R. Hess, dated as of January 6, 2017, filed herewith **
Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and certain 

employees, form effective as of August 5, 2013**

(A)Schedule of Change in Control Employment Agreements, filed herewith**

10(q)

Form 10-K filed 
March 3, 2014

Form of Change in Control Employment Agreement by and between P. H. Glatfelter Company and certain 

10(j)

10.1

10(k)

10(r)

10(t)

10.2

10(i)

Form 10-K filed
March 13, 2009
Form 8-K filed 
December 20, 2004
Form 10-K filed 
March 8, 2013
Form 10-K filed 
March 16, 2007
Form 10-K filed 
March 13, 2008
Form 8-K filed 
July 6, 2010
Form 10-K filed 
March 28, 1997

10.3(a)

Form 10-Q filed 
August 6, 2010

Form 10-Q filed 
August 6, 2010
Form 10-Q filed 
August 6, 2010
Form 10-Q filed 
August 6, 2010

10.3(d)

10.2

14

Form 8-K filed 
November 19, 2007
Form 10-K filed 
March 15, 2004

employees, form effective as of December 8, 2008**

Summary of Non-Employee Director Compensation (effective January 1, 2005)**

P. H. Glatfelter Company Deferred Compensation Plan for Directors, effective as of January 1, 2007**

Service Agreement, commencing on August 1, 2006, between the Registrant (through a wholly owned 

subsidiary) and Martin Rapp** 

Retirement Pension Contract, dated October 31, 2007, between Registrant (through a wholly owned 

subsidiary) and Martin Rapp**
Guidelines for Executive Severance**

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.)

10.25

(A)Agreed Supplement to Consent Decree between United States of America and the State of Wisconsin vs. P. H. 

10.3(b)

10.25

(B)Second Agreed Supplement to Consent Decree between United States of America and the State of Wisconsin 

10.3(c)

Glatfelter Company and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.)

10.26

10.27

14

21
23
31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

vs. P. H. Glatfelter Company and WTM I Company (f/k/a Wisconsin Tissue Mills Inc.)

(C)Amended Consent Decree for Remedial Design and Remedial Action at Operable Unit 1 of the Lower 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)
Administrative Order for Remedial Action dated November 13, 2007, issued by the United States 

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 
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

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

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

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
101.SCH
101.CAL
101.DEF
101.LAB
101.PRE

XBRL Instance Document, filed herewith
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema, filed herewith
XBRL Extension Calculation Linkbase, filed herewith
XBRL Extension Definition Linkbase, filed herewith
XBRL Extension Label Linkbase, filed herewith
XBRL Extension Presentation Linkbase, filed herewith

** Management contract or compensatory plan

GLATFELTER 2016 FORM 10-K

63

 
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 24, 2017

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

/s/ Dante C. Parrini
Dante C. Parrini
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ John P. Jacunski
John P. Jacunski
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer

/s/ David C. Elder
David C. Elder
Vice President, Finance 

/s/ Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown

/s/ Kathleen A. Dahlberg
Kathleen A. Dahlberg

/s/ Nicholas DeBenedictis
Nicholas DeBenedictis

/s/ Kevin M. Fogarty
Kevin M. Fogarty

/s/ J. Robert Hall
J. Robert Hall

/s/ Richard C. Ill
Richard C. Ill

/s/ Ronald J. Naples
Ronald J. Naples

/s/ Lee C. Stewart
Lee C. Stewart

Principal Executive Officer and Director

Principal Financial Officer

Chief Accounting Officer

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

February 24, 2017

64

Schedule II

P. H. GLATFELTER COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE

For each of the three years ended December 31, 2016
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

In thousands

Balance, beginning of year

Provision

Write-offs, recoveries and
   discounts allowed

Other (a)
Balance, end of year

$

$

2016

Doubtful Accounts
2015

2,239   

  $

2,703    $

32   

(497)  

(55)  

7   

(275)  

(196)  

1,719   

  $

2,239    $

Allowance for

2014

2016

2015

2014

Sales Discounts and Deductions

2,725    $
1,061   

(946)  
(137)  
2,703    $

1,593   

  $

1,809    $

4,283   

(4,368)  

(46)  

3,856   

(3,649)  

(423)  

1,462   

  $

1,593    $

1,810   

4,356   

(4,719)  

362   

1,809   

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 2016 FORM 10-K

65

 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 A G 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

   and Administration

   Supply Chain, Composite Fibers

Eileen L. Beck

Ramesh Shettigar

Vice President, Human Resources

Vice President & Treasurer

Christopher W. Astley

David C. Elder

Senior Vice President & Business Unit  

Vice President, Finance

John A. Stachowiak

Vice President, Internal Audit

   President, Advanced Airlaid Materials

Samuel L. Hillard

Amy R. Wannemacher

Timothy R. Hess

Vice President, Corporate Development 

Vice President, Tax

Senior Vice President & Business Unit  

   & Strategy

   President, Specialty Papers

Martin Rapp

Kent K. Matsumoto

Vice President, General Counsel &  

Senior Vice President & Business Unit  

   Corporate Secretary

   President, Composite Fibers 

Joseph J. Zakutney

Vice President and Chief Information Officer

D I R E C T O R S

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 

Procter & Gamble

President and Chief Executive Officer  

Triumph Group, Inc.

Ronald J. Naples

Chairman Emeritus

Kathleen A. Dahlberg

Chief Executive Officer 

G.G.I., Inc. 

Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc.

Quaker Chemical Corporation

J. Robert Hall

Chief Executive Officer

Ole Smoky Distillery

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

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 4, 2017, 9:00 a.m. Eastern

York County Heritage Trust,

Historical Society Museum

250 East Market Street, York, PA

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  

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

  
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 $1.6 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.

L O C A T I O N S

W O R L D   H E A D Q U A R T E R S

P. H. Glatfelter Company

96 South George Street

Suite 520

York, PA 17401

U.S.A.

U . S .   O P E R AT I N G   L O C AT I O N S

Spring Grove Facility*

228 South Main Street

Spring Grove, PA 17362

Chillicothe Facility*

232 East Eighth Street

Chillicothe, OH 45601

Fremont Facility

2275 Commerce Drive

Fremont, OH 43420

Fort Smith Facility

8201 Chad Colley Boulevard

Fort Smith, AR 72916

(production to begin late 2017)

I N T E R N AT I O N A L   O P E R AT I N G
L O C AT I O N S

S A L E S   O F F I C E - O N LY   
L O C AT I O N S

Gainesville, Georgia

200 Broad Street 

Suite 206

Gainesville, GA 30501

U.S.A.

Moscow, Russia

13 2-ya Zvenigorodskaya Street

Building 41 (Floor 9)

Moscow, 123022

Russia 

O T H E R   L O C AT I O N S

China

Room 501

Building 24 of Times Square

Suzhou Industrial Park

215028 Suzhou

People’s Republic of China

Gernsbach Facility*

Hördener Straße 5

76593 Gernsbach

Germany

Dresden Facility*

Bergstraße 76 

01099 Dresden 

Germany

Ober-Schmitten Facility*

Rhönstraße 13 

Ober-Schmitten

63667 Nidda

Germany

Scaër Facility*

BP 2

29390 Scaër

France

Lydney Facility*

Church Road

Lydney, Gloucestershire

GL15 5EJ

United Kingdom

Caerphilly Facility*

Pontygwindy Industrial Estate

Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan

CF83 3HU

United Kingdom

Gatineau Facility*

1680 rue Atmec

Gatineau, QC J8P 7G7

Canada

Falkenhagen Facility*

Gewerbepark Prignitz/Falkenhagen

Rolf-Hövelmann-Straße 10

16928 Pritzwalk

Germany

Newtech Pulp Facility

Bo. Maria Cristina

9217 Balo-I, Lanao del Norte

Philippines 

* Also a Sales Office

P .   H .   G L A T F E L T E R   C O M P A N Y      

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2016 Annual Report

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© 20 17 GLATFELTER