Annual Report on Form 10-K June 30, 2006

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
 
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006

or

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Transition Period From ____ to ____

Commission file number: 33-60032

Buckeye Technologies Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
62-1518973
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, Tennessee
 
38112
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (901) 320-8100

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of Each Class
 
Name of Each Exchange on which Registered
Common Stock, par value $0.1 per share
 
New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act
Yes ¨ No x
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 x
Note - Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer” or “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one).
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will 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. x

Indicate by a check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

As of December 31, 2005, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting common equity held by non-affiliates, computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, was approximately $277.2 million.

As of August 25, 2006, there were outstanding 37,901,334 Common Shares of the Registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s 2006 Annual Proxy Statement to be filed with the commission in connection with the 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III and IV.
  



 
INDEX
 
BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.


ITEM
 
PAGE
 
PART I
 
1.
Business
3
1a.
Risk Factors
8
1b.
Unresolved Staff Comments
10
2.
Properties
11
3.
Legal Proceedings
11
4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
11
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
5.
Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock, Related Security Holder Matters
13
6.
Selected Financial Data
13
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
15
7a.
Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk
29
8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
30
9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
30
9a.
Controls and Procedures
30
9b.
Other
31
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
10.
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
32
11.
Executive Compensation
33
12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
33
13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
33
14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
33
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
34
 
Signatures
35
 
 
 
 
OTHER
 
 
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedules
F-1
 
 
 



2


 
PART I
Item 1. Business
 
General
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc. is a leading producer of value-added cellulose-based specialty products, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. We believe that we have leading positions in many of the high-end niche markets in which we compete. We utilize our expertise in polymer chemistry, leading research and development and advanced manufacturing facilities to develop and produce innovative and proprietary products for our customers. We sell our products to a wide array of technically demanding niche markets in which we believe our proprietary products, manufacturing processes and commitment to customer technical service give us a competitive advantage. We are the only manufacturer in the world offering cellulose-based specialty products made from both wood and cotton and utilizing wetlaid and airlaid technologies. As a result, we believe we produce and market a broader range of cellulose-based specialty products than any of our competitors. We produce precisely tailored products designed to meet individual customer requirements. Our focus on specialty niche markets allows us to establish long-term supply positions with key customers. We operate manufacturing facilities in the United States, Canada, Germany and Brazil.

Cellulose is a natural fiber derived from trees and other plants that is used in the manufacture of a wide array of products. The total cellulose market generally can be divided into two categories: commodity and specialty. Manufacturers use commodity cellulose to produce bulk paper and packaging materials, the markets for which are very large but highly cyclical. Specialty cellulose is used to impart unique chemical or physical characteristics to a diverse range of highly engineered products. Specialty cellulose generally commands higher prices, and demand for specialty cellulose is less cyclical than commodity cellulose. We believe the more demanding performance requirements for products requiring specialty cellulose limit the number of participants in our niche markets. Our focus on niche specialty cellulose markets has enabled us to maintain positive cash flows even during cyclical downturns in the commodity cellulose markets.
 
Company History
 
We and our predecessors have participated in the specialty cellulose market for over 80 years and have developed new uses for many cellulose-based products. We began operations as an independent company on March 16, 1993, when we acquired the cellulose manufacturing operations of Procter & Gamble located in Memphis, Tennessee and Perry, Florida (the Foley Plant), with Procter & Gamble retaining a 50% limited partnership interest in the Foley Plant. We became a public company in November of 1995 and simultaneously acquired and redeemed Procter & Gamble’s remaining interest in the Foley Plant.
 
In May 1996, we acquired the specialty cellulose business of Peter Temming AG located in Glueckstadt, Germany. In September 1996, we acquired Alpha Cellulose Holdings, Inc., a specialty cellulose producing facility located in Lumberton, North Carolina. In May 1997, we acquired Merfin International Inc., a leading manufacturer of airlaid nonwovens with facilities located in Canada, Ireland and the United States. In October 1999, we acquired essentially all of the assets of Walkisoft, UPM-Kymmene’s airlaid nonwovens business. The acquisition of Walkisoft added manufacturing facilities in Steinfurt, Germany and Gaston County, North Carolina. In March 2000, we acquired the intellectual property rights to the Stac-Pac™ folding technology. In August 2000, we acquired the cotton cellulose business of Fibra, S.A. located in Americana, Brazil. In calendar 2001, we commenced operating the world’s largest airlaid nonwovens machine at our Gaston, North Carolina facility and started up a cosmetic cotton fiber line at our Lumberton, North Carolina facility.

Due to a decline in demand for cotton content paper, in August 2003, we closed the specialty cotton papers portion of our Lumberton, North Carolina facility. Due to excess airlaid production capacity around the globe we closed our single-line airlaid nonwovens facility in Cork, Ireland during July 2004. In December 2005, we ceased production at our cotton linter pulp facility in Glueckstadt, Germany. In conjunction with this closure, we upgraded the capability of our Americana, Brazil manufacturing facility. This expansion was completed during fiscal year 2006. See Note 4, Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Lumberton, North Carolina; Cork, Ireland; and Glueckstadt, Germany closures.

We are incorporated in Delaware and our executive offices are located at 1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, Tennessee. Our telephone number is (901) 320-8100.


3


Products
 
Our product lines can be broadly grouped into four categories: chemical cellulose, customized fibers, fluff pulp and nonwoven materials. We manage these products within two reporting segments: specialty fibers and nonwoven materials. The chemical cellulose and customized fibers are derived from wood and cotton cellulose materials using wetlaid technologies. Fluff pulps are derived from wood using wetlaid technology. Wetlaid technologies encompass cellulose manufacturing processes in which fibers are deposited using water. Airlaid nonwoven materials are derived from wood pulps, synthetic fibers and other materials using airlaid technology. Airlaid technology utilizes air as a depositing medium for fibers, one benefit of which is an increased ability as compared to wetlaid processes to mix additional feature-enhancing substances into the material being produced. A breakdown of our major product categories, percentage of sales, product attributes and applications is provided below.

 
Product Groups
% of Fiscal 2006 Sales
Value Added Attributes
Market for End Use Applications
Specialty Fibers
Chemical Cellulose
 
Food casings
 
Rayon industrial
cord
 
High purity cotton
ethers
   
 
Film for liquid
crystal displays 
 
32%
 
 
 
Purity and strength
 
Strength and heat stability
 
 
High viscosity, purity and safety
 
 
 
Transparency/clarity, strength and
purity
 
 
 
Hot dog and sausage casings
 
High performance tires and hose reinforcement
 
Personal care products, low fat dairy products, pharmaceuticals and construction materials
 
Laptop and desktop computers and
television screens
Customized Fibers
 
Filters
  
Specialty cotton
papers
  
Cosmetic Cotton
 
Buckeye UltraFiber 500â
17%
 
 
High porosity and product life
 
Color permanence and tear resistance
 
 
Absorbency, strength and softness
 
Finishing and crack reduction
 
 
Automotive, laboratory and industrial filters
 
Personal stationery, premium letterhead and currency
 
Cotton balls and cotton swabs
 
Concrete (residential slab on grade)
Fluff Pulp 
 
Fluff pulp
18%
 
 
Absorbency and fluid transport
 
 
Disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence products
Nonwoven Materials 
 
Airlaid nonwovens
 
 
33%
 
 
Absorbency, fluid management and wet strength
 
 
 
Feminine hygiene products, specialty wipes and mops, tablecloths, napkins, placemats, incontinence products and food pads

See Note 17, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on products.


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Raw Materials

Slash pine timber and cotton fibers are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our specialty fibers products. These materials represent the largest components of our variable costs of production. The region surrounding the Foley Plant has a high concentration of slash pine timber, which enables us to purchase adequate supplies of a species well suited to our products at an attractive cost. In order to be better assured of a secure source of wood at reasonable prices, we have entered into timber purchase agreements which allow us to purchase a portion of our wood at market prices that are fixed annually or current market prices as stated in the agreements. Additional information is included in Note 19, Commitments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We purchase cotton fiber either directly from cottonseed oil mills or indirectly through agents or brokers. We purchase the majority of our requirements of cotton fiber for the Memphis and Lumberton plants domestically. The majority of the cotton fiber processed in the Americana plant comes from within Brazil.

Fluff pulp is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of our nonwoven materials products. Approximately 60% of our fluff pulp usage is supplied internally and the remainder is purchased from several other suppliers. In addition to fluff pulp, these products are comprised of synthetic fibers, latex polymers, absorbent powders and carrier tissue depending on grade specifications. These materials are also purchased from multiple sources.

The cost and availability of slash pine timber, cotton fiber, and fluff pulp are subject to market fluctuations caused by supply and demand factors. We do not foresee material constraints from pricing or availability for any of our key raw materials.

Our manufacturing processes especially for specialty fibers, requires significant amounts of fuel oil and natural gas. These manufacturing inputs are subject to significant changes in prices and availability, which could adversely impact our future operating results.
 
Sales and Customers

Our products are marketed and sold through a highly trained and technically skilled in-house sales force. We maintain sales offices in the United States and Europe. Our worldwide sales are diversified by geographic region as well as end-product application. Our sales are distributed to customers in approximately 60 countries around the world. Our fiscal 2006 sales reflect this geographic diversity, with 42% of sales in North America, 38% of sales in Europe, 10% of sales in Asia, 4% of sales in South America and 6% in other regions. Approximately 83% of our worldwide sales, for fiscal 2006, were denominated in U.S. dollars. Our products are shipped by rail, truck and ocean carrier. Geographic segment data and product sales data are included in Note 17, Segment Information, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Sales by geographical destination for the three years ended June 30, 2006 were as follows:

(in millions)
Sales by Destination
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
United States
 
$
230
 
 
32
%
$
235
 
 
33
%
$
194
 
 
30
%
Italy
 
 
66
 
 
9
 
 
56
 
 
8
 
 
47
 
 
7
 
Germany
 
 
59
 
 
8
 
 
63
 
 
9
 
 
59
 
 
9
 
Canada
 
 
47
 
 
6
 
 
48
 
 
7
 
 
40
 
 
6
 
Japan
 
 
38
 
 
5
 
 
38
 
 
5
 
 
39
 
 
6
 
Spain
 
 
25
 
 
3
 
 
23
 
 
3
 
 
22
 
 
3
 
Mexico
 
 
25
 
 
3
 
 
16
 
 
2
 
 
21
 
 
3
 
France
 
 
22
 
 
3
 
 
19
 
 
3
 
 
21
 
 
3
 
Brazil
 
 
21
 
 
3
 
 
26
 
 
4
 
 
22
 
 
3
 
All other
 
 
194
 
 
27
 
 
189
 
 
26
 
 
191
 
 
28
 
Total
 
$
728
 
 
100
%
$
713
 
 
100
%
$
657
 
 
100
%

The high-end, technically demanding specialty niche markets that we serve require a higher level of sales and technical service support than do commodity product sales. Our sales, product development and customer service professionals work with customers in their plants to design products tailored precisely to their product needs and manufacturing processes. In addition to an in-house sales force, we also utilize outside sales agents in some parts of the world.
 

5


Procter & Gamble is our largest customer, accounting for 13% of our fiscal 2006 net sales. Nonwoven materials account for approximately 60% of the total sales to Procter & Gamble. No other customer accounted for greater than 6% of our fiscal 2006 net sales.

Research and Development

Our research and development activities focus on developing new products, improving existing products, and enhancing process technologies to further reduce costs and respond to environmental needs. We have research and development pilot plant facilities in Memphis, and we employ engineers, scientists and technicians who are focused on advanced products and new applications to drive future growth. Our pilot plant facilities allow us to produce, test and deliver breakthrough products to the market place on a more cost-effective basis while minimizing interruptions to the normal production cycles of our operating plants.

Research and development costs of $9.2, $8.8 million and $9.5 million were charged to expense as incurred for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
 
Competition
 
There are relatively few specialty fibers producers when compared with the much larger commodity paper pulp markets. The technical demands and unique requirements of the high-purity chemical cellulose or customized fiber pulp user tend to differentiate suppliers on the basis of their ability to meet the customer’s particular set of needs, rather than focusing only on pricing. The high-purity chemical cellulose and customized fiber markets are less subject to price variation than commodity paper pulp markets. Major competitors include Archer-Daniels-Midland, Borregaard, Rayonier, Tembec and Weyerhaeuser. A major competitor closed its high-purity wood cellulose mill in July 2003, which we estimate represented 18% of the high-purity wood cellulose market. This closure provided us with an opportunity to increase our volume in these markets.

We believe that the number of producers is unlikely to grow significantly given the substantial investment to enter the mature specialty fibers market and sufficient existing capacity.

Although demand for fluff pulp is generally stable, fluff pulp prices tend to vary together with commodity paper pulp prices because fluff pulp is often produced in mills that also produce commodity paper pulp. Our strategy is to reduce our exposure to fluff pulp by increasing our sales of more specialized wood cellulose into new and existing markets. We also use about 43,000 metric tons of fluff pulp from our Foley plant annually as a key raw material in our airlaid nonwovens operations. We currently produce less than 10% of the world’s supply of fluff pulp. Major competitors include Bowater, International Paper, Koch Industries, Rayonier and Weyerhaeuser,

Demand for airlaid nonwovens grew significantly in the 1990’s. Since then, significant capacity expansion in 2001, primarily in North America, resulted in the market being oversupplied. Buckeye is the leading supplier of airlaid nonwoven materials worldwide. The markets we compete in also utilize nonwovens materials produced with technologies other than airlaid such as spunlace. Major nonwovens competitors include Ahlstrom, BBA Nonwovens, Concert Industries, Duni, Koch Industries, Kimberly Clark and PGI.

The closure of our Cork, Ireland plant in July 2004 improved airlaid industry capacity utilization in Europe and improved our competitive position there. We successfully transitioned more than half of Cork's business to other airlaid production sites. There is limited availability of airlaid nonwoven capacity in Europe, while the North American industry is operating in an environment of excess supply.

Intellectual Property
 
At June 30, 2006 and 2005, we had intellectual property assets recorded totaling $25.2 and $27.6 million, respectively. These amounts include patents (including application and defense costs), licenses, trademarks, and tradenames the majority of which were obtained in the acquisition of airlaid nonwovens businesses and Stac-Pacâ technology. We intend to protect our patents and file applications for any future inventions that are deemed to be important to our business operations. The Stac-Pacâ packaging technology, a proprietary system for packaging low-density nonwoven materials in compressed cube-shaped bales, is an example of technology we acquired to further differentiate us from our airlaid nonwovens competitors. Stac-Pacâ bales facilitate our customers’ high-speed production lines with a continuous flow of material. Stac-Pacâ units also reduce freight costs by compressing more material in a bale than can be shipped in a traditional roll form, which enables us to ship the bales more effectively in trucks and containers. Additional information is included in Note 1, Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Inflation
 
We believe that inflation has not had a material effect on our results of operations or on our financial condition during recent periods.
 
6

Seasonality

Our business has generally not been seasonal to a substantial extent. However, somewhat lower specialty fiber volume is shipped in the July - September quarter.

Employees
 
As of August 25, 2006, we employed approximately 1,600 employees, of whom approximately 1,130 are employed at our facilities in the United States. Approximately 55% of the U.S. employees are represented by unions at two plants in Perry, Florida; and Memphis, Tennessee. On October 21, 2003, the union at our Foley Plant ratified a new labor agreement effective through March 31, 2008. The agreement for the Memphis Plant is in effect through March 18, 2009. The union at our Canadian facility ratified a new labor agreement effective through June 30, 2009. A national union provides employee representation for non-management workers at our specialty fibers plant in Americana, Brazil.

During fiscal 2003, the Lumberton Plant’s hourly employees elected to be represented by a union. A two-year labor agreement was ratified on May 1, 2004. The employees at the Lumberton plant petitioned the National Labor Relations Board and effective May 3, 2006, revoked union certification. The Lumberton Plant hourly employees are no longer represented by a union.

A works council provides employee representation for non-management workers at our nonwoven materials plant in Steinfurt, Germany.

Our plants in Gaston and King, North Carolina are not unionized.

None of our facilities has had labor disputes or work stoppages in recent history. The Foley and Memphis Plants have not experienced any work stoppages due to labor disputes in over 30 years and 50 years, respectively. We consider our relationships with our employees and their representative organizations to be good. An extended interruption of operations at any of our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business.
 
Environmental Regulations and Liabilities
 
Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations. We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements (including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions) and will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements. Because it is difficult to predict the scope of future requirements, we can offer no assurance that we will not incur material environmental compliance costs or liabilities in the future. Our failure to comply with environmental laws or regulations could subject us to penalties or other sanctions which could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. Additional information is included in Note 20, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Other Information

Our website is www.bkitech.com. We make available, free of charge, through our website under the heading “Investor Relations,” annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those filed or furnished, pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The information on our website is not part of or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

These reports are also available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such materials with, or furnish such materials to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC. The public may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Station Place, 100 F Street NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. In addition, the SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically by us, which are available at http://www.sec.gov.

Safe Harbor Provisions
 
This document contains both historical and forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather reflect management’s current expectations concerning future results and events.
 

7


These forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will" or other similar words or phrases. Similarly, statements that describe management’s objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance and achievements expressed or implied by these statements.
 
The following important factors, among others, could affect future results, causing these results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements: pricing fluctuations and worldwide economic conditions; dependence on a single customer; fluctuation in the costs of raw materials; competition; inability to predict the scope of future environmental compliance costs or liabilities; and the ability to obtain additional capital, maintain adequate cash flow to service debt as well as meet operating needs.

The forward-looking statements included in this document are only made as of the date of this document and we do not have any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
 
Item 1a. Risk Factors
 
In addition to the risks and uncertainties discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K (particularly in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), the following are some important factors that could materially impact our results of operations and financial condition.

Risks related to our business

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health.

As of June 30, 2006, our total debt was approximately $522 million and our total debt, as a percentage of total capitalization, was 64%. Our level of debt could have a significant adverse future effect on our business. For example:

-  
we may have limited ability to borrow additional amounts for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our growth strategy, research and development costs or other purposes;

-  
a substantial portion of our cash flow may be used to pay principal and interest on our debt, which will reduce the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other purposes;

-  
our senior secured credit facility covenants require us to meet certain financial objectives and impose other restrictions on business operations. These covenants and the covenants contained in the indentures governing our senior subordinated notes will limit our ability to borrow additional funds or dispose of assets and limit our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in our business;

-  
we may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in general economic, industry and competitive conditions and adverse changes in government regulation;

-  
our high debt level and the various covenants contained in the indentures related to our senior notes, senior subordinated notes and the documents governing our other existing indebtedness may place us at a relative competitive disadvantage as compared to certain of our competitors;

-  
our borrowings under our senior secured credit facility are at floating rates of interest, which could result in higher interest expense in the event of an increase in interest rates.

Our ability to pay principal of and interest on our senior notes and senior subordinated notes, to service our other debt and to refinance indebtedness when necessary depends on our financial and operating performance, each of which is subject to prevailing economic conditions and to financial, business and other factors beyond our control.

We cannot assure you that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that we will be able to obtain sufficient funding to satisfy all of our obligations. If we are unable to pay our debts, we will be required to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets, refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness or selling additional equity capital. However, we cannot assure you that any alternative strategies will be feasible at the time or prove adequate. Also, certain alternative strategies will require the consent of our senior secured lenders before we engage in any such strategy.


8


If our significant customer changes its purchasing habits, our business could be adversely impacted.

Procter & Gamble is our largest single customer. We supply Procter & Gamble with fluff pulp and airlaid nonwovens. While Procter & Gamble has previously accounted for a higher percentage of our total revenues, sales to Procter & Gamble accounted for approximately 13% of our sales in fiscal year 2006. In the event that Procter & Gamble fails to continue to purchase these products from us in substantial volume, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Compliance with extensive general and industry specific environmental laws and regulations requires significant resources, and the significant associated costs may adversely impact our business.

Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations. We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements (including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions) and will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with these requirements. Because it is difficult to predict the scope of future requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not in the future incur material environmental compliance costs or liabilities.

The Foley Plant, located in Perry, Florida, discharges treated wastewater into the Fenholloway River. Under the terms of an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”), approved by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) in 1995, we agreed to a comprehensive plan to attain Class III (“fishable/swimmable”) status for the Fenholloway River under applicable Florida law (the “Fenholloway Agreement”). The Fenholloway Agreement requires us, among other things, to (i) make process changes within the Foley Plant to reduce the coloration of its wastewater discharge, (ii) restore certain wetlands areas, (iii) relocate the wastewater discharge point into the Fenholloway River to a point closer to the mouth of the river, and (iv) provide oxygen enrichment to the treated wastewater prior to discharge at the new location. We have completed the process changes within the Foley Plant as required by the Fenholloway Agreement. In making these in-plant process changes, we incurred significant expenditures, and, as discussed in the following paragraph, we expect to incur significant additional capital expenditures to comply with the remaining obligations under the Fenholloway Agreement.
 
Based on the requirements, we expect to incur additional capital expenditures of approximately $60 million over 8 to 10 years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal year 2007. The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors. For additional information on environmental matters, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. These possible expenditures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Because approximately 68% of our sales are to customers outside the United States, we are subject to the economic and political conditions of foreign nations.

We have manufacturing facilities in four countries and sell products in approximately 60 countries. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006, sales of our products outside the United States represented approximately 68% of our sales. The global economy and relative strength or weakness of the U. S. dollar can have a significant impact on our sales. In addition, although approximately 83% of our sales are denominated in U.S. dollars, it is possible that as we expand globally, we will face increased risks associated with operating in foreign countries, including:

-  
the risk that foreign currencies will be devalued or that currency exchange rates will fluctuate;

-  
the risk that limitations will be imposed on our ability to convert foreign currencies into U.S. dollars or on our foreign subsidiaries' ability to remit dividends and other payments to the United States;

-  
the risk that our foreign subsidiaries will be required to pay withholding or other taxes on remittances and other payments to the United States or that the amount of any such taxes will be increased;

-  
the risk that certain foreign countries may experience hyperinflation;

and

-  
the risk that foreign governments may impose or increase investment or other restrictions affecting our business.

Exposure to commodity products creates volatility in pricing and profits.

If our research and development efforts do not result in the commercialization of new, proprietary products, we will continue to have significant exposure to fluff pulp, which could result in volatility in sales prices and profits.


9


Our failure to maintain satisfactory labor relations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

If our negotiations with the representatives of the unions, to which many of our employees belong, are not successful, our operations could be subject to interruptions at many of our facilities. As of August 25, 2006, we employed approximately 1,600 employees, of whom approximately 1,130 are employed at our facilities in the United States. Approximately 55% of the U.S. employees are represented by unions at two plants in Perry, Florida; and Memphis, Tennessee. On October 21, 2003, the union at our Foley Plant ratified a new labor agreement effective through March 31, 2008. The agreement for the Memphis Plant is in effect through March 18, 2009. The union at our Canadian facility ratified a new labor agreement effective through June 30, 2009.

Works councils provide employee representation for non-management workers at our specialty fibers plant in Americana, Brazil, and our nonwoven materials plant in Steinfurt, Germany. Our plants in Gaston, Lumberton and King, North Carolina are not unionized.

None of our facilities has had labor disputes or work stoppages in recent history. The Foley and Memphis Plants have not experienced any work stoppages due to labor disputes in over 30 years and 50 years, respectively. We consider our relationships with our employees and their representative organizations to be good. An extended interruption of operations at any of our facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Risks related to our industry

We are subject to the cyclicality of our industry.

The demand and pricing of our products, particularly fluff pulp, are influenced by the much larger market for papermaking pulps which is highly cyclical. The markets for most cellulose and absorbent products are sensitive to both changes in general global economic conditions and to changes in industry capacity. Both of these factors are beyond our control. The price of these products can fluctuate significantly when supply and demand become imbalanced for any reason. Our financial performance can be heavily influenced by these pricing fluctuations and the general cyclicality of the industries in which we compete. We cannot assure you that current prices will be maintained, that any price increases will be achieved, or that industry capacity utilization will reach favorable levels. The demand, cost and prices for our products may thus fluctuate substantially in the future and downturns in market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Competition and surplus capacity could adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

The markets for our products are all competitive. Actions by competitors can affect our ability to sell our products and can affect the volatility of the prices at which our products are sold. Other actions by competitors, such as reducing costs or adding low-cost capacity, may adversely affect our competitive position in the products we manufacture and, consequently, our sales, operating income and cash flows.

Market fluctuations in the availability and cost of energy and raw materials are beyond our control and may adversely impact our business.

Energy, chemicals, and raw material costs, including fuel oil, natural gas, electricity, cotton linters, wood, and caustic and other chemicals are a significant operating expense. The prices and availability of raw materials and energy can be volatile and are susceptible to rapid and substantial changes due to factors beyond our control such as changing economic conditions, currency fluctuations, weather conditions, political unrest and instability in energy-producing nations, and supply and demand considerations. For example, energy and chemical costs have increased substantially which has resulted in increased production costs for our products. Increases in production costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition to increased costs, it is possible that a disruption in supply of natural gas or other fossil fuels could limit our ability to operate our facilities.

Market fluctuations in the availability and cost of transportation are beyond our control and may adversely impact our business.

 Our business depends on the transportation of a large number of products, both domestically and internationally. In the United States, an increase in transportation rates or fuel surcharges and/or a reduction in transport availability in truck and rail could negatively impact our ability to provide products to our customers in a timely manner. While we have had adequate transportation availability, there is no assurance that such availability can continue to be effectively managed in the future.

Item 1b. Unresolved Staff Comments
 
None.


10


Item 2. Properties

Corporate Headquarters. Our corporate headquarters, research and development laboratories, and pilot plants are located in Memphis, Tennessee.
 
Specialty Fiber Plants
 
Memphis Plant. The Memphis Plant is located on approximately 75 acres adjacent to the headquarters complex and has a capacity of approximately 100,000 annual metric tons of cotton cellulose. The facility currently operates at approximately 80% of capacity.
 
Foley Plant. The Foley Plant is located at Perry, Florida, on a 2,900 acre site and has a capacity of approximately 465,000 annual metric tons of wood cellulose. In connection with the acquisition of the Foley Plant, we also own 13,000 acres of real property near the plant site. As of June 30, 2006, the Foley Plant operated at 100% capacity.
 
Lumberton Plant. The Lumberton Plant is located in Lumberton, North Carolina on a 65-acre site and has a capacity of approximately 8,000 annual metric tons of cosmetic cotton fiber. As of June 30, 2006, the Lumberton Plant is operated at 90% of capacity.
 
Americana Plant. The Americana Plant is located in the city of Americana in the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil on 27 acres and is part of a multi-business industrial site. As of June 30, 2006, it was operating at approximately 50% of capacity as we ramp up production to its full capacity of approximately 40,000 annual metric tons of cotton cellulose.

Nonwovens Plants

The stated capacity of airlaid nonwovens machines is based upon an assumed mix of products. The flexible nature of the airlaid technology allows for a wide range of materials to be produced. Machine production capability has typically been lower than the stated capacity, often by factors of 10-20%, when adjusted to reflect the actual product mix. Based on current product mix, utilization of our airlaid machines worldwide, as of June 30, 2006, was operating at approximately 75% of capacity.

All of our airlaid nonwovens sites have proprietary Stac-Pac™ folding technology, which allows us to efficiently produce compressed bales that facilitate customers’ high-speed production lines with a continuous flow of materials and facilitate more efficient shipping.

Delta Plant. The Delta Plant is located in Delta, British Columbia on a 12-acre industrial park site and has a total capacity of approximately 30,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens (26,000 based on current production mix) from two production lines.

Steinfurt Plant. The Steinfurt Plant is located in Steinfurt, Germany on an 18-acre site and has a total capacity of approximately 30,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens from two production lines.

Gaston Plant. The Gaston Plant is located in Gaston County near Mt. Holly, North Carolina on an 80-acre site and has a total capacity of approximately 60,000 annual metric tons of airlaid nonwovens (48,000 annual metric tons based on current production mix) from two production lines.

King Plant. The King Plant is located in King, North Carolina and converts airlaid materials and wetlaid papers into wipes, towels and tissues for industrial and commercial uses.

We own our corporate headquarters, the Memphis Plant, the Foley Plant, the Lumberton Plant, the Gaston Plant, the Delta, Canada Plant, the Steinfurt, Germany Plant and the Americana, Brazil Plant. We lease buildings that house the King, North Carolina Plant, the sales offices in Europe and distribution facilities in Savannah, Georgia. All of the facilities located in the United States are pledged as collateral for certain debt agreements.

We believe that our specialty fibers and nonwoven materials manufacturing facilities and administrative buildings are adequate to meet current operating demands.


11


Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. We believe that such litigation and claims will be resolved without material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operation.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None

12


PART II
Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Stock and Related Security Holder Matters
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BKI. There were approximately 4,400 shareholders on August 25, 2006, based on the number of record holders of our common stock and an estimate of the number of individual participants represented by security position listings. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common stock.
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
High
 
Low
 
High
 
Low
 
First quarter (ended September 30)
 
$
 10.08
 
$
7.75
 
$
11.93
 
$
9.40
 
Second quarter (ended December 31)
 
 
8.33
 
 
 7.18
 
 
13.30
 
 
9.66
 
Third quarter (ended March 31)  
 
 
10.27
 
 
 7.89
 
 
13.30
 
 
10.22
 
Fourth quarter (ended June 30)  
 
 
9.10
 
 
 6.97
 
 
10.97
 
 
7.38
 

We did not make any dividend payments during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 or 2005, and have no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. We repurchased no shares of our common stock during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2006 or 2005. Due to certain debt agreements we are limited in our ability to make dividend distributions and share repurchases in the future. The amount available will depend on our financial results and ability to comply with certain conditions under our most restrictive debt agreements at the time of distribution or repurchase.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data
 
Selected Financial Data
In thousands, except per share data
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006(a)
 
2005(b)
 
2004 (c)
 
2003 (d)
 
2002 (e)
 
Operating Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
728,485
 
$
$712,782
 
$
656,913
 
$
641,082
 
$
635,218
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
44,420
 
 
57,601
 
 
(19,079
)
 
4,496
 
 
26,429
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect of changes in accounting, net of tax
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
5,720
 
 
-
 
 
(11,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
1,980
 
 
20,204
 
 
(38,190
)
 
(24,894
)
 
(26,004
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
$
(0.67
)
$
(0.74
)
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
$
(0.67
)
$
(0.74
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pro forma amounts (f)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
1,980
 
$
20,204
 
$
(43,910
)
$
(23,513
)
$
(13,899
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
$
(0.64
)
$
(0.40
)
Diluted
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
$
(0.64
)
$
(0.40
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance sheet data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
$
949,553
 
$
949,737
 
$
970,823
 
$
1,097,855
 
$
1,134,737
 
Total long-term debt (including current portion)
 
$
522,090
 
$
538,982
 
$
606,748
 
$
664,475
 
$
701,218
 
                                 
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges (g)
 
$
(497
)
 
 1.4x
 
$
(69,522 
)
$
 (41,439
)
$
(24,167
)

(a) Includes a pretax charge of $5,616 ($3,497 after tax) for restructuring and impairment costs. (See Notes 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 5, Restructuring Costs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.). Includes a pretax charge of $151 ($95 after tax) for loss on early extinguishment of debt.

( b)  Includes a pretax charge of $16,905 ($9,392 after tax) for restructuring and impairment costs. (See Notes 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 5, Restructuring Costs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.). Includes a pretax charge of $242 ($153 after tax) for loss on early extinguishment of debt. Includes a pretax gain of $7,203 ($4,682 after tax) for gain on sale of assets held for sale. During fiscal 2005, the IRS completed an audit of our tax return for fiscal year 2002. With the conclusion of this audit, we released the reserve on a tax deduction we claimed relating to our investment in our former facility in Cork, Ireland and recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $5,481 to our provision for income taxes.


13


(c) Includes a pretax charge of $51,853 ($33,522 after tax) for restructuring and impairment costs. (See Note 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 5, Restructuring Costs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.) Includes $4,940 ($3,112 after tax) for loss on early extinguishment of debt. Includes $5,720 ($0.15 per share), net of tax, cumulative effect of change in accounting relating to a change in the way we account for planned maintenance activities at our Perry, Florida facility. (See Note 3, Change in Accounting, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(d) Includes a pretax charge of $38,139 ($24,678 after tax) for restructuring and impairment costs.

(e) Includes a pretax charge of $11,589 ($7,596 after tax) for restructuring and impairment costs. Includes $11,500 ($0.33 per share) cumulative effect of a change in accounting relating to a goodwill impairment charge for our converting plant at King, North Carolina under the transition rules of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard, No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

(f) Pro forma amounts reflect net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share as if the changes in accounting
methods were applied retroactively.

(g) Earnings were inadequate to cover fixed charges during fiscal years 2006, 2004, 2003 and 2002. Amounts reflect the deficit of earnings to fixed charges. See Exhibit 12.1 for computation.

14


Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition ("MD&A") summarizes the significant factors affecting our results of operations, liquidity, capital resources and contractual obligations, as well as discussing our critical accounting policies. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, and other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our MD&A is composed of four major sections; Executive Summary, Results of Operations, Financial Condition and Critical Accounting Policies.
 
Executive Summary
 
Buckeye manufactures and distributes value-added cellulose-based specialty products used in numerous applications, including disposable diapers, personal hygiene products, engine, air and oil filters, concrete reinforcing fibers, food casings, rayon filaments, acetate plastics, thickeners and papers. Our products are produced in the United States, Canada, Germany and Brazil, and we sell these products in approximately 60 countries worldwide. We generate revenues, operating income and cash flows from two reporting segments: specialty fibers and nonwoven materials. Specialty fibers are derived from wood and cotton cellulose materials using wetlaid technologies. Our nonwoven materials are derived from wood pulps, synthetic fibers and other materials using an airlaid process.

Our strategy is to continue to strengthen our position as a leading supplier of cellulose-based specialty products. We believe that we can continue to expand market share, improve profitability and decrease our exposure to cyclical downturns by pursuing the following strategic objectives: focus on technically demanding niche markets, develop and commercialize innovative proprietary products, strengthen long-term alliances with customers, provide our products at an attractive value, and significantly reduce our debt.

We earned net income of $2.0 million for fiscal year 2006. These operating results included restructuring and impairment charges related to the closure of our Glueckstadt, Germany specialty fiber facility, impairment expenses related to our closed facility in Lumberton, North Carolina, and early extinguishment of debt totaling of $5.8 million ($3.6 million after tax). Net sales for fiscal year 2006 were $728.5 million, a 2.2% increase over the $712.8 million achieved in fiscal year 2005.

During fiscal year 2006, higher energy, chemical and transportation costs compressed our margins. Although some energy-related costs have retreated recently, energy, chemical and transportation costs were more than $32 million higher during fiscal year 2006 than they were during the same period in 2005, offsetting higher sales due to strong demand for specialty products. The hurricanes that devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast had a large impact on our costs. While none of our operations suffered serious physical damage, the disruptions caused by the storms and the impact of already high energy, chemical and transportation costs caused earnings to fall significantly below those earned during fiscal year 2005. Manufacturing difficulties at our large specialty wood pulp facility in Perry, Florida and transportation issues also negatively impacted our business during fiscal year 2006.

As a result of these extraordinarily high costs, we implemented product price surcharges of up to 5% on our products. This surcharge was effective for most of our products manufactured in the United States (excluding fluff pulp) from October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006. In addition to the surcharge, we implemented further price increases in January of 2006 averaging 8% on specialty wood cellulose products.

We removed the product price surcharge effective April 1, 2006 due to the return of natural gas pricing to more normal levels. Price increases for specialty fibers and nonwoven materials were implemented effective April 1, 2006. These price increases and the reduced energy costs offset the reduction in revenue from the elimination of the product price surcharge.

Although the price increases discussed above were sufficient to maintain our margins in the high end segments of our markets, pricing on fluff pulp for fiscal year 2006 was slightly below the level we achieved during fiscal year 2005. This combination of low prices and higher costs during fiscal year 2006 resulted in our operating profit on fluff pulp being about $13 million below the levels achieved in fiscal year 2005. This decline in operating profit for fluff pulp more than offset the profitability improvements in our high end specialty wood products and nonwoven materials.

During fiscal year 2006, we completed the upgrade of our cotton cellulose manufacturing facility in Americana, Brazil and are now producing product for market sales. Prior to the transition of the facility to market production, we were manufacturing product for an on-site customer under an arrangement in which the customer provided raw materials and paid us a manufacturing fee. We ceased this toll manufacturing arrangement in November 2005. The combination of start-up costs incurred this fiscal year and the loss of the profitability from the tolling operations we received during the same periods in fiscal 2005 resulted in a negative impact of approximately $11 million before tax during fiscal year 2006. Although we expect improvement, we believe that operating performance for the Americana facility during fiscal year 2007 will still compare negatively to the operating performance of our toll manufacturing configuration during the same period in 2005.

 

15


In spite of the higher costs, we are encouraged by progress on several fronts:

o  
We continued to generate strong cash flows during the year with $58.7 million cash generated from operations, enabling us to complete the upgrade of the Americana facility and reduce debt and capital leases by $16.9 million during fiscal year 2006.

o  
In January 2006, we established two new organizations within Buckeye.

§  
Marketing - The mission of the organization is to bring new products to the market on an accelerated schedule. The new organization is focused on improving our marketing capability and increasing the speed at which we commercialize new products.

§  
Lean Enterprise - The mission is to lead our efforts in lowering costs, reducing working capital and eliminating waste. This new organization is responsible for the implementation of the “Lean Enterprise” methodology throughout our operations. The new organization is focused on improving work processes to ensure that all activities bring value to our customers. Our near-term objective is to improve gross margins by one percentage point through lean improvements.

o  
We continue to establish our global sales and distribution network for UltraFiber 500TM, a revolutionary concrete-reinforcing fiber. UltraFiber 500TM is a niche product for the building industry and a great example of the new product initiatives we are undertaking to reduce our dependency on fluff pulp. Sales reached approximately $3 million in fiscal 2006 and our goal is to exceed $15 million in fiscal 2007.

o  
Our plan to transition the specialty fibers production previously supplied by Glueckstadt, Germany to our lower-cost manufacturing facilities in Memphis, Tennessee and Americana, Brazil is proceeding. We believe we are well-positioned to supply cotton-based specialty fiber products from our facilities in Memphis and Americana, with a significantly more favorable cost structure once we reach full production at the Americana facility.

The combination of new product initiatives, strong demand in important markets, and an improved, lower cost manufacturing configuration gives us optimism that we can generate future growth in sales and profitability. Like other manufacturing firms, we are still being negatively impacted by high costs for energy, chemicals, transportation and other materials. These issues will slow progress in the short-term, but our longer-term outlook remains favorable.

16


Results of Operations

Consolidated results
 
The following table compares the components of consolidated operating income (loss) for the three fiscal years ended June 30, 2006.
 
(millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
Net sales
 
$
728.5 
 
$
712.8
 
$
656.9
 
$
15.7 
 
$
55.9
 
 
 %
 
9
%
Cost of goods sold
 
 
628.7 
 
 
592.7
 
 
579.5
 
 
36.0 
 
 
13.2
 
 
 
 
2
 
Gross margin
 
 
99.8 
 
 
120.1
 
 
77.4
 
 
(20.3 
 
42.7
 
 
(17 
)
 
55
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
 
 
47.8 
 
 
43.3
 
 
42.4
 
 
4.5 
 
 
0.9
 
 
10 
 
 
2
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
 
 
2.0 
 
 
2.3
 
 
2.2
 
 
(0.3 
 
0.1
 
 
(13 
)
 
5
 
Impairment and restructuring costs
 
 
5.6 
 
 
16.9
 
 
51.9
 
 
(11.3 
 
(35.0
)
 
67
 
 
67
 
Operating income (loss)
 
$
44.4 
 
$
57.6
 
$
(19.1
)
$
 (13.2
$
76.7
 
 
(23 
)% 
 
*
 %
*Percent change is not meaningful.

Net sales increased during fiscal year 2006 primarily due to improved pricing and mix on our products. Demand for high-end specialty fibers helped drive prices higher throughout the year. Higher shipment volumes and increased pricing drove sales of nonwoven materials higher during fiscal year 2006. Additionally, the implementation of the product price surcharge effective October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006 had a positive impact on revenues. The product price surcharge improved revenues by $4.7 million for fiscal year 2006. Net sales improved overall during fiscal 2005 due primarily to increased pricing and improved mix in both specialty fibers and nonwoven materials.

As mentioned in the executive summary, cost of goods sold and gross margins were negatively impacted by high costs related to increases in the pricing of energy, chemicals and transportation. During fiscal year 2006, these costs were higher by approximately 28% versus fiscal year 2005. 

During fiscal 2005, cost of goods sold increased by 2% on an overall volume increase of approximately 2%. This consistency was the result of two offsetting factors. Increased chemical and energy-related costs began impacting our facilities during the year. These increases were offset by the absence of several additional specialty fibers charges related to unusual events and special circumstances, including an extended maintenance shutdown at our Perry, Florida specialty fibers facility that occurred during fiscal 2004.

Increases in selling, research and administrative expenses during fiscal 2006 also had a negative impact on our operating margins. Expenses related to the establishment of an UltraFiber 500TM sales force and distribution network, the expensing of share-based payments and the expensing of previously capitalized patent costs contributed to increased costs. 

During fiscal 2005, selling, research and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increased accounting and consulting fees related to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley. External costs related to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley exceeded $2.0 million for fiscal 2005. This increase was partially offset by the absence of $3.3 million of bad debt expense incurred during fiscal 2004 as a result of the bankruptcy filing of a large specialty fibers customer.

As part of the announced closure of the Glueckstadt, Germany specialty fibers facility, we continued to incur restructuring expenses during fiscal year 2006. We incurred $3.5 million of expenses during fiscal year 2006. We expect to incur only minimal additional costs related to this restructuring. During fiscal year 2006, we reclassified the land, buildings and equipment at the Glueckstadt facility to assets held for sale. Additionally, we reevaluated the fair value less cost to sell and recognized an impairment charge of $1.6 million. During June 2006, we sold the land, the buildings and a majority of the equipment.

Further discussion of revenue, operating trends, impairment and restructuring costs can be found later in this MD&A. Additional information on the impairment and restructuring programs and charges may also be found in Note 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 5, Restructuring Costs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.


17


Segment results
 
Although nonwoven materials, processes, customers, distribution methods and regulatory environment are very similar to specialty fibers, we believe it is appropriate for nonwoven materials to be disclosed as a separate reporting segment from specialty fibers. The specialty fibers segment is an aggregation of cellulosic fibers based on both wood and cotton. We make separate financial decisions and allocate resources based on the sales and operating income of each segment. We allocate selling, research, and administration expense to each segment, and we use the resulting operating income to measure the performance of the two segments. We exclude items that are not included in measuring business performance, such as restructuring costs, asset impairment, amortization of intangibles and certain financing and investing costs.
 
Specialty fibers
 
The following table compares specialty fibers net sales and operating income for the three years ended June 30, 2006.
 
(millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
Net sales
 
 $
515.9 
 
$
513.6
 
$
461.4
 
 $
2.3 
 
$
$52.2
 
 
%
 
11
%
Operating income
 
 
35.8 
 
 
64.1
 
 
28.2
 
 
(28.3 
 
35.9
 
 
(44 
)
 
127
 

Although demand for our high-end specialty fibers products and the implementation of a product price surcharge pushed pricing higher during fiscal year 2006, the favorable earnings impact of higher prices was offset by lower volumes due to the closure of our Glueckstadt, Germany cotton specialty fibers facility, the start-up of market operations of our Americana, Brazil facility and production and transportation issues at our Perry, Florida facility. Net sales increased during fiscal 2005 primarily due to an increase in specialty wood shipment volume and higher selling prices for both wood and cotton based products.

Average fluff pulp pricing declined by less than 1% during fiscal year 2006 versus fiscal year 2005. Although we experienced pricing softness for fluff pulp during the year, in the most recently completed quarter fluff pulp prices trended upward. For fiscal year 2006, fluff pulp sales accounted for 18% of our consolidated sales. 

Strong demand in our high-end markets allowed us to raise prices during the year to partially offset higher costs for energy, chemicals and transportation. However, due to the rapid and continued increase in costs along with the slightly lower prices for fluff pulp, we were unable to maintain our margins at the same level as those realized during fiscal year 2005.

Our specialty fibers manufacturing costs for chemicals, energy and transportation increased by approximately $30.5 million during fiscal year 2006 as compared to fiscal year 2005. While we made some progress to recover a portion of these costs through reductions in raw material usage, increased pricing for our products and the implementation of a product price surcharge from October 1, 2005 through March 31, 2006, these abnormally high energy, chemical and transportation prices will continue to put pressure on our margins during fiscal 2007. Although the natural gas component of our energy costs is returning to normal pricing levels, our other energy related costs (including chemicals and transportation) still remain higher than normal.

In addition to recovering margins through increased pricing, we are also working on ways to reduce manufacturing costs. When natural gas prices were abnormally high, we transitioned our energy supply from natural gas to fuel oil where possible. Although natural gas is a very efficient energy source, market price volatility may make it more economical to purchase fuel oil at certain times. We will continue to look for alternatives to reduce costs and recover margins. Our new lean enterprise initiative, discussed in the executive summary, is focused on reducing costs by focusing on efficient processes that add value for our customers.

We were also negatively impacted by high manufacturing costs associated with maintenance outages at our specialty fibers facility in Perry, Florida. We incurred an unplanned lime kiln outage, requiring an increase in purchased materials. Additionally, we installed new chemical recycling equipment to improve our efficiency and further minimize our environmental impact. During these outages, we lost production at the facility. In addition to the fixed costs of the facility being spread over fewer tons of production, we also lost production of our high end specialty wood products, which impacted our sales volumes, both of which adversely affected our gross margins. The total impact of these outages was approximately $3.0 million for the year.


18


We are continuing to make progress with developing our capability to supply a wider range of products based on cotton cellulose to customers worldwide by upgrading the capability of our Americana, Brazil manufacturing facility. Because Brazil benefits from low manufacturing costs and a regional raw material supply, we anticipate that, when we reach full capacity, this facility will be a significant contributor to our profitability. We completed the upgrade and began the process of qualifying our facility with our customers during January of 2006. With the cessation of tolling production in late November to facilitate the upgrade, we continued incurring pre-production expenses without offsetting revenue. During fiscal year 2006, the net impact of the Americana startup decreased before tax earnings by approximately $11 million versus fiscal year 2005. We expect to continue to incur start-up and transition costs during the remainder of the calendar year as we qualify the plant and ramp up volume. Based on current progress, we believe the plant in Americana will be operating profitably by the third quarter of fiscal year 2007.
 
During fiscal year 2005, rising energy and chemical prices pushed manufacturing costs higher. The allocation of sales, research and administrative costs related to the implementation of Sarbanes-Oxley regulations also offset the improvement in pricing, mix, and volume during fiscal 2005. In spite of the increase in costs, operating income substantially improved during fiscal 2005 based on the strong improvement in sales and the absence of several additional charges related to unusual events and special situations that occurred during fiscal 2004. These unusual events and special situations included: the planned maintenance shutdown of our Perry, Florida facility ($9.6 million), the bankruptcy of a large customer ($3.3 million), the ratification of a new labor agreement that included a one-time retroactive payment ($0.8 million), and higher costs associated with reduced production at our Perry, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee specialty fibers facilities.
 
Nonwoven materials
 
The following table compares nonwoven materials net sales and operating income for the three years ended June 30, 2006.
 
(millions)
 
Year Ended June 30
 
$ Change
 
Percent Change
 
 
 
 
2006
 
 
2005
 
 
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
2006/
2005
 
2005/
2004
 
Net sales
 
 $
240.9 
 
$
226.5
 
$
217.6
 
 $
14.4 
 
$
$8.9
 
 
 %
 
4
%
Operating income
 
 
15.9 
 
 
13.0
 
 
7.6
 
 
2.9 
 
 
5.4
 
 
22 
 
 
71
 

Improvements in the mix, selling prices and volumes for our nonwoven materials resulted in an increase in net sales during fiscal year 2006 versus fiscal year 2005. In an effort to offset rising prices for raw materials and other manufacturing costs, we implemented sales price increases during the year. Effective October 1, 2005, we implemented a product pricing surcharge for most of our products manufactured in the United States to offset higher energy related costs. Increased demand for high-end napkins and other tabletop products in our European markets contributed to an improved mix. Due to a decline in the cost for natural gas, we removed the surcharge effective April 1, 2006. Decreased energy costs and the implementation of permanent price increases effective April 1, 2006 allowed us to maintain our margins in spite of the removal of the surcharge. These improvements in net sales were partially offset by the strengthening of the US dollar versus the euro during fiscal year 2006 compared to fiscal year 2005. The majority of products sold at our Steinfurt facility are denominated in euros and translated to US dollars for consolidation.

The increase in net sales during fiscal 2005 was due to improved pricing and mix, and the relative strength of the euro versus the U.S. dollar. Although we ceased production at our Cork, Ireland facility in July, 2004 we continued shipping inventory from Cork through November and completed the transition of a majority of Cork’s sales to our other nonwoven materials facilities.

Improved pricing, mix and increased volumes overcame higher raw materials and other manufacturing costs to improve operating margins during the year. Higher revenues offset increased costs for energy, chemical and transportation, which drove costs approximately $2.2 million higher for fiscal year 2006 than they were during fiscal year 2005. Additionally, the stronger Canadian dollar created further pressure on operating costs at our nonwoven materials facility in Delta, British Columbia. 

Operating income improved significantly for fiscal 2005 versus fiscal year 2004. The improvement was primarily due to higher selling prices and the closure of our high cost Cork, Ireland facility. Overall, our nonwoven materials business supported similar shipment and production volume with one less manufacturing facility for the majority of the year. Our Gaston, North Carolina facility continued to show improvement in its operating performance compared to the prior year due to significant increases in shipment volume and the resulting improvement in capacity utilization. These improvements were partially offset by price increases on raw materials and other manufacturing costs. The cost of fluff pulp, bi-component fibers, and binder materials increased during fiscal 2005.
 


19


Restructuring and impairment activities
 
During the three years ended June 30, 2006, we entered into various restructuring programs, which resulted in restructuring and impairment charges. In order to continue to provide both specialty fibers and nonwoven materials at attractive values, we will continue to look for ways to reduce costs and optimize our operating structure. The following table summarizes restructuring expense by program and impairment charges for the three years ended June 30, 2006. Following the table is an explanation of the programs and the resulting impairment charges. For further explanation of these charges, see Note 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, and Note 5, Restructuring Costs, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
Total
(millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Charges
Impairment charges
 
2.1
 
$
12.3
 
$
45.9
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restructuring costs
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2005 Restructuring program
 
$
3.5
 
$
3.0
 
$
-
 
$
6.5
2004 Restructuring program
 
 
-
 
 
1.2
 
 
1.8
 
 
3.0
2003 Restructuring program - phase 2
 
 
-
 
 
0.3
 
 
3.2
 
 
3.5
2003 Restructuring program - phase 1
 
 
-
 
 
0.1
 
 
1.0
 
 
1.1
Total restructuring costs
 
$
3.5
 
$
4.6
 
$
6.0
 
$
14.1

2005 Restructuring program and impairments 

In January 2005, we announced our decision to discontinue producing cotton linter pulp at our Glueckstadt, Germany facility. Our decision was due to a combination of factors that had increased the plant’s costs to a level at which it was uneconomical to continue operations. The most significant factor impacting cost at the site was the substantial strengthening of the euro over calendar 2003 and 2004. Specialty fibers are normally priced and sold in U.S. dollars around the world. As a majority of Glueckstadt’s costs were denominated in euros, this substantial strengthening had a negative impact on Glueckstadt’s cost position. Additionally, Glueckstadt’s process water, waste treatment and energy costs were more than twice the cost of these utilities at our Memphis, Tennessee cotton-based specialty fibers facility.

Faced with these difficulties, we reduced the number of employees at the facility from approximately 150 to approximately 100 and operated at 55% of capacity during calendar year 2004. After careful consideration, we decided to close and cease production at Glueckstadt in December 2005. We believe that the closure of our Glueckstadt facility and transfer of the majority of its cotton-based specialty fiber production to our Memphis, Tennessee and Americana, Brazil facilities will yield a more competitive cost structure.

Based on our inability to recover the remaining value of the long-lived assets at the Glueckstadt, Germany facility, we determined that these long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $15.3 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $3.0 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $12.3 million ($6.5 million after tax), during fiscal year 2005.

During fiscal year 2006, we began to actively market the land and buildings, and the equipment which had carrying values of $1.6 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Current markets and third party interest for the land and buildings indicated we would not be able to recover the carrying value through the sales process. Therefore, we wrote down the carrying value of the land and buildings to their fair value less costs to sell of $0.1 million and recorded an additional impairment charge of $1.5 million during fiscal year 2006. Subsequent to this impairment, we sold the land and building for $0.1 million.

As of June 30, 2006, management reevaluated its estimate of fair value less the cost to sell the remaining equipment and determined an additional impairment should be recognized for equipment with a carrying value of $0.3 million. Therefore, we wrote down the carrying value of the remaining equipment to its fair value less costs to sell of $0.2 million and recorded an impairment charge of $0.1 million. Although we believe the current carrying value less cost to sell represents the fair value of the equipment, it is possible the actual results of a sale could materially differ from amounts estimated.

The closure of the Glueckstadt facility resulted in the termination of 103 employees, and restructuring expenses related to the closure of $6.5 million over fiscal year 2005 and 2006. We expect this consolidation to enable us to improve our overall specialty fibers operating results by approximately $9 million annually.


20


In anticipation of the closure of the facility, customers increased their inventories to ensure a smooth transition as they qualified material supplied from our Memphis, Tennessee facility. Due to the increased demand, we were able to increase pricing and make incremental sales from inventory. Additionally, as a result of the impairment of the Glueckstadt plant and equipment, there was a decrease in depreciation expense during fiscal year 2006.

2004 Restructuring program and impairments
 
During March 2004, our Board of Directors approved the discontinuation of production of nonwoven materials at our Cork, Ireland facility. While the demand for nonwoven products grew at a rate in the low to mid-single digits on an annualized basis, the growth in demand was not sufficient to utilize the existing capacity fully. As such, industry participants rationalized production by idling plants and closing facilities.

Due to excess production capacity around the globe, we operated Cork below its productive capacity from its inception in 1998. Because of its location and small size, our cost to produce at Cork was higher than at our other locations. Due to these issues, we decided to close the Cork facility and consolidate production at our three other nonwoven manufacturing facilities. Production at Cork ceased in July 2004. Closing our Cork facility reduced our nonwovens capacity by about 10%.

We continued to meet customer needs for nonwoven materials by producing these products at our facilities in Delta, British Columbia, Canada; Steinfurt, Germany; and Gaston County, North Carolina. This consolidation reduced working capital needs, and we began to realize fully the on-going cost benefit from operating one less facility during the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The closure of the Cork facility and related reorganization of the nonwoven materials segment resulted in the termination of 89 employees and resulted in restructuring expenses totaling $3.0 million. We do not expect additional expenses related to this program.

Our commitment to discontinue production represented an indicator of impairment, and subsequently we evaluated the value of the property, plant, and equipment associated with the Cork facility. We determined that these long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $48.4 million were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $5.4 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $43.0 million. During fiscal 2004, we also impaired certain equipment and other capitalized costs at other facilities of $2.9 million. In late December 2004, we completed the sale of the Cork facility building for $13.4 million (see Gain on sale of assets held for sale for further discussion).

2003 Restructuring programs (phase 1 and phase 2) and impairments

In April 2003, we announced the discontinuation of production of cotton linter pulp at our specialty fibers Lumberton, North Carolina facility due to the decline in demand for cotton content paper. We completed this partial closure in August 2003 but continue to produce cosmetic cotton products at the Lumberton site. This decision reflects a steady decline in demand in the cotton fiber paper industry, which has contracted by more than one-third since the late 1990’s. While cotton linter pulp is one of our core businesses, current demand did not economically justify operating a facility that could only produce products for paper applications.

To meet our customers’ needs, we consolidated our cotton linter pulp production at our larger Memphis, Tennessee and Glueckstadt, Germany facilities. In conjunction with the consolidation, we initiated the first phase of a restructuring program designed to deliver cost reductions through reduced expenses across the company, the main component of which was the partial closure of our Lumberton, North Carolina facility. This phase of restructuring resulted in the elimination of approximately 100 positions within the specialty fibers segment. The resulting increase in facility utilization enabled us to improve our operating results by approximately $6 million annually. This more efficient operating configuration began to reduce our cost of goods sold beginning in January 2004. This closure reduced our working capital needs by approximately $10 million.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we entered into a second phase of this restructuring program. This phase of the program enabled us to improve our operating results by approximately $6 million annually through reduced salaries, benefits, other employee-related expenses and operating expenses. As a result of this restructuring, 78 positions were eliminated. These positions include manufacturing, sales, product development and administrative functions throughout the organization.

During fiscal year 2006, we began to actively market idled cotton linter pulping equipment which had a carrying value of $1.5 million. Management evaluated its estimate of fair value less the cost to sell the assets and determined an impairment should be recognized for the equipment. We wrote down the carrying value of the equipment to its fair value less costs to sell of $1.0 million and recorded an impairment charge of $0.5 million during fiscal year 2006. Subsequent to this impairment, we sold the equipment for net proceeds of $1.0 million.


21


Interest expense and amortization of debt costs 

Interest expense and amortization of debt costs decreased $1.2 million for fiscal year 2006 versus fiscal year 2005. Our decrease in average outstanding debt had a positive impact on interest expense during the period. Also contributing to the improvement was the impact of capitalizing interest for the Americana facility capital improvements. The total amount of interest capitalized during fiscal year 2006, related to the Americana project, was $1.3 million. These improvements were partially offset by higher variable interest rates. The weighted average effective interest rate on our variable rate debt increased from 5.3% at June 30, 2005 to 7.2% at June 30, 2006. See Note 9, Debt, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of variable interest rates.

We incurred interest expense and amortization of debt costs of $45.1 million in fiscal 2005, down $2.2 million from fiscal 2004. This improvement was primarily the result of lower average debt levels during fiscal 2005 and the absence of interest costs from holding $150 million of senior subordinated notes due 2005 and $200 million of senior notes due 2013 concurrently for 30 days during the first half of the fiscal 2004. These improvements were partially offset by higher average variable interest rates during fiscal 2005.

Loss on early extinguishment of debt costs

Fiscal year 2006 - On September 26, 2005 we used borrowings on our revolving credit facility to redeem $15 million of our senior subordinated notes due in 2008. As a result of this partial extinguishment, we wrote-off a portion of deferred financing costs, resulting in non-cash expense of $0.2 million during fiscal year 2006.

Fiscal year 2005 - On March 23, 2005 we used cash on hand to redeem $20 million of our senior subordinated notes due in 2008. As a result of this partial extinguishment, we wrote-off a portion of deferred financing costs, resulting in non-cash expense of $0.2 million during fiscal year 2005.

Fiscal year 2004 - On November 5, 2003, we established a $220 million senior secured credit facility. This facility amended and restated our then existing $215 million revolving credit facility. We used the proceeds of the new credit facility to pay the outstanding balance on the former revolving credit facility plus transaction fees and expenses. During fiscal 2004, $1.6 million was expensed related to the early extinguishment of the previous credit facility.

On September 22, 2003, we placed privately $200 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due in 2013. The notes are unsecured obligations and rank senior to any of our subordinated debt. The notes are guaranteed by our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are also guarantors on our senior secured indebtedness. We used the net proceeds from the private placement to redeem our $150 million senior subordinated notes due 2005. As a result of the extinguishment, $3.3 million was expensed during fiscal 2004. These expenses included a $2.1 million call premium and $1.2 million related to the write-off of deferred financing costs.

See Note 9, Debt, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the debt issuance and related extinguishment.

Gain on sale of assets held for sale 

In July 2004, we ceased production of nonwoven materials at our Cork, Ireland facility. Subsequent to the July 2004 closure of the facility, we began to actively market the building and equipment with carrying values of $4.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively. In late December of 2004, we completed the sale of the Cork facility building to the Port of Cork Company for $13.4 million. Although the carrying values of these assets were based on appraisals and available market information at the time of the impairment in March of 2004, the purchase of this building for strategic purposes by the Port of Cork Company was not contemplated in those appraisals. As a result of the sale and disposition of the building and equipment for net proceeds after decommissioning and other expenses of $13.1 million, we recognized a net gain of $7.2 million ($4.7 million net of tax) during fiscal year 2005.
 
Foreign exchange and other

Foreign exchange and other in fiscal 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $(0.4) million, $(0.6) million and $0.3 million, respectively. The expense in fiscal 2006 was primarily due to foreign currency losses as a result of the strengthening of the Canadian dollar during the fiscal year. The expense in fiscal 2005 was primarily due to $0.5 million of expenses related to amending our senior secured credit facility and other financing related costs.

 

22


Income tax expense
 
Our effective tax rate for 2006 was approximately (189%) versus (2%) in fiscal 2005 and 37% in fiscal 2004.

Effective June 22, 2006, many of the tax measures introduced in the 2006 Canadian Federal budget were passed into law. Included in the budget was a reduction in the general corporate tax rate to 20.5% for 2008, 20% for 2009, and 19% for 2010 and later years. As a result, the company remeasured its Canadian deferred tax balances based on the reversal pattern of the company’s temporary differences, resulting in a $0.8 million net tax benefit.

Our Brazilian valuation allowance increased in 2006 due to larger losses associated with the slower than expected start-up of the Americana, Brazil operations.

Effective for transactions occurring after September 30, 2000 the Internal Revenue Service enacted the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion.  The income exclusion provides for a reduction of gross income by a percentage of qualifying foreign trade income. In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was signed into law. In order to comply with international trade rules, the Act repealed the current tax treatment for extraterritorial income. Effective for transactions entered into after December 31, 2004, the extraterritorial income exclusion is subject to a phase-out which will be completed on December 31, 2006.  For transactions during calendar years 2005 and 2006, the income exclusion will be 80% and 60% of the exclusion otherwise allowed, respectively. Our extraterritorial income exclusion benefit was reduced in fiscal 2006 due to this phase-out and will continue to decrease through the final phase-out during fiscal 2007.

The Act provides a tax deduction for domestic manufacturers.  The deduction will be phased in during fiscal years 2006 through 2010. Due to the company’s U.S. net operating loss position, this deduction had no impact to fiscal year 2006. See Note 13, Income Taxes, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of income taxes.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the IRS completed an audit of our tax return for fiscal year 2002. With the conclusion of this audit, we released the reserve on a tax deduction we claimed relating to our investment in our former facility in Cork, Ireland and recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $5.5 million to our provision for income taxes.

Cumulative effect of change in accounting 

Historically, we accrued in advance expenses related to planned extended maintenance shutdowns at our Perry, Florida facility. However, as of July 1, 2003, we changed our method of accounting from the accrue in advance method to the direct expense method. The effect of applying the new method for the year ended June 30, 2004 was a decrease in net loss composed of a profit increase of $9.1 million pre-tax ($5.7 million net-of-tax reported as a cumulative effect of accounting change), offset by $8.5 million ($5.4 million net-of-tax) in additional cost of goods sold compared to what would have been expensed in fiscal 2004 under the accrue in advance methodology.

The total cost of the related planned maintenance activity performed in 2004 was $9.6 million. Historically, we perform planned extended maintenance shutdowns at our Perry, Florida facility in two to five year intervals. Due to variability in the timing and activities associated with our planned extended maintenance shutdowns, it is difficult to predict the future costs of these activities. See Note 3, Change in Accounting, in the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of this change in accounting.


23


Financial Condition

Our financial condition continued to improve during fiscal year 2006. We are committed to reducing our debt, strengthening our operations and continuing to improve our profitability and cash flow.

Liquidity and capitalization
 
We have the following major sources of financing: senior secured credit facility, senior notes and senior subordinated notes. Our senior secured credit facility, senior notes and senior subordinated notes contain various covenants. We were in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2006 and believe we will continue to remain in compliance for the foreseeable future. These sources of financing are described in detail in Note 9, Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
Our total debt and capital leases decreased $16.9 million to $522.1 million at June 30, 2006 from $539.0 million at June 30, 2005. From June 30, 2004 to June 30, 2005, total debt decreased by $67.7 million. Our total debt as a percentage of our total capitalization was 64.3% at June 30, 2006 as compared to 66.7% at June 30, 2005 and 72.6% at June 30, 2004.
 
On June 30, 2006, we had $8.7 million of cash and cash equivalents and $62.6 million borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility. The portion of this capacity that we could borrow will depend on our financial results and ability to comply with certain borrowing conditions under the revolving credit facility. As of June 30, 2006, our liquidity, including available borrowings and cash and cash equivalents was approximately $71.3 million. Management believes this is sufficient liquidity to meet the needs of the business. We believe we will continue to have positive cash flow and these borrowing conditions are not expected to impact our operating or investing activities, or our ability to service our debt obligations.
 
Treasury stock 
 
Our Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 6.0 million shares of our common stock. Under this authorization, we will hold the repurchased shares as treasury stock and such shares will be available for general corporate purposes, including the funding of employee benefit and stock-related plans. In fiscal 2006, we repurchased no shares of our common stock. Through June 30, 2006, we had repurchased a total of 5,009,300 shares under the current board authority.

Cash Flow

While we can offer no assurances, we believe that our cash flow from operations, together with current cash and cash equivalents, will be sufficient to fund necessary capital expenditures, meet operating expenses and service our debt obligations for the foreseeable future. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $8.7 million at June 30, 2006, compared to $9.9 million at June 30, 2005 and $27.2 million at June 30, 2004. The following table provides a summary of cash flows for the three years ended June 30, 2006.

(millions)
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
2.0
 
$
20.2
 
$
(38.2
)
Noncash charges and credits, net
 
 
49.3
 
 
58.3
 
 
72.6
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
 
7.4
 
 
0.1
 
 
31.3
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
58.7
 
 
78.6
 
 
65.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(45.6
)
 
(45.3
)
 
(31.9
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
   
1.2
 
 
13.6
   
0.3
 
Other investing activities
   
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.6
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(44.9
)
 
(32.2
)
 
(32.2
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings (payments) under lines of credit
   
0.4
   
0.4
   
(224.0
)
Proceeds from debt issuances
 
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
350.0
 
Payments on long-term debt and other
   
(16.8
)
 
(67.7
)
 
(178.3
)
Other financing activities, net
   
0.5
   
2.4
   
(4.6
)
Net cash used in financing activities
   
(15.9
)
 
(64.9
)
 
(56.9
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
   
0.9
   
1.2
 
 
0.7
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
(1.2
$
 (17.3
)
$
(22.7
)


24


Cash provided by operating activities

The $19.9 million decrease in cash flows from operating activities in 2006 was primarily the result of the decrease in net income in fiscal year 2006. This decrease was partially offset by general improvements in working capital during fiscal 2006. Although the closure of our Glueckstadt, Germany cotton cellulose facility improved working capital in fiscal 2006, this improvement was partially offset by increased working capital requirements at our Americana, Brazil specialty fibers facility as we moved away from the previous tolling arrangement toward new market production. We believe there are still opportunities to reduce working capital requirements and improve cash flow during fiscal year 2007.
 
The $12.9 million improvement in cash flows from operating activities in 2005 was primarily the result of improvements in net income in fiscal 2005. Due to an overall reduction in working capital during fiscal 2004, there was limited cash generation ability from changes in operating assets and liabilities during fiscal 2005.
 
Net cash used in investing activities 

 Purchases of property, plant and equipment were consistent during fiscal 2006 and 2005, but were higher than fiscal year 2004, primarily due to expenditures related to the project to add full market capability to our Americana, Brazil cotton cellulose facility. The total cost of this facility improvement excluding capitalized interest was approximately $31 million, of which approximately $20 million was spent during fiscal 2006 and $11 million was spent during fiscal 2005. We expect further spending related to the Americana facility upgrade will be minimal. Although the Americana project is completed, we expect efficiency improvement and energy savings projects, maintenance capital, and environmental spending will result in total capital expenditures of approximately $45 million for fiscal 2007.

We expect to incur significant capital expenditures in the future to comply with remaining environmental obligations at our Perry, Florida specialty fibers facility. Based on current estimates we expect expenditures of approximately $60 million over 8 - 10 years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal 2007. See Note 20, Contingencies, to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
During fiscal 2005, we sold the Cork, Ireland building and equipment for net proceeds of $13.1 million. These proceeds offset the increase in capital expenditures during the year.
 
During fiscal 2004, in addition to our basic capital maintenance expenditures of approximately $25 million, we made expenditures at our Foley plant for a planned maintenance shutdown and capital expenditures at our Memphis, Tennessee facility to provide the capability to manufacture cotton cellulose products previously manufactured at our Lumberton, North Carolina facility. The low level of capital spending achieved during 2004 was due to an overall effort to reduce capital expenditures and the lack of any major construction projects during those years.
 
Net cash used in financing activities 

During fiscal year 2006 we used cash from operations to finance the capital investments we made at our Americana, Brazil facility, and to redeem, at par, $15 million principal amount of our high interest rate, 9.25%, senior subordinated notes due in 2008. We intend to continue to redeem portions of the remaining $65 million of these notes ahead of their maturity in the fall of 2008. These partial redemptions will be limited by available cash and our capacity to make restricted cash payments under our other debt instruments. We are focused on debt reduction with an intermediate term objective of a 50/50 debt to equity balance in our capital structure.

During fiscal year 2005, we used cash from operating activities to reduce the principal balances on our debt and capital leases by $67.7 million. We called, at par, $20 million of our high interest rate, 9.25%, senior subordinated notes due in 2008. (See Note 9, Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.)


25


Contractual Obligations
 
The following table summarizes our significant contractual cash obligations as of June 30, 2006. Certain of these contractual obligations are reflected in our balance sheet, while others are disclosed as future obligations under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
 
(millions)
 
Payments Due by Period (6)
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
Less than
1 year
 
 
1-3 years
 
 
3-5 years
 
Greater than
5 years
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term obligations (1)
 
$
726.8
 
$
43.3
 
$
158.4
 
$
299.6
 
$
225.5
 
Capital lease obligations (2)
 
 
1.5
 
 
0.7
 
 
0.8
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Operating lease obligations (2)
 
 
2.2
 
 
1.4
 
 
0.7
 
 
0.1
 
 
-
 
Timber commitments (3)
 
 
58.6
 
 
13.1
 
 
25.3
 
 
20.2
 
 
-
 
Linter commitments (4)
 
 
9.3
 
 
9.3
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Other purchase commitments (5)
 
 
12.7
 
 
11.0
 
 
1.7
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
811.1
 
$
78.8
 
$
186.9
 
$
319.9
 
$
225.5
 

(1) Amounts include related interest payments. Interest payments for variable debt of $98.7 million are based on the effective rate as of June 30, 2006 of 7.2%. See Note 9, Debt, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on interest rates.

(2) Capital lease obligations represent principal and interest payments. See Note 10, Leases, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
 
(3) See Note 19, Commitments, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

(4) Linter commitments are take-or-pay contracts made in the ordinary course of business that usually are less than one year in length.

(5) The majority of other purchase commitments are take-or-pay contracts made in the ordinary course of business related to utilities and raw material purchases.

(6) Less than one year references fiscal 2007; 1-3 years references fiscal 2008 and 2009; 3-5 years references fiscal 2010 and 2011.

Note:
Additionally, the cash flow to fund postretirement benefit obligations has an expected net present value of $22.5 million. The actuarially estimated annual benefit payments net of retiree contributions are as follows: 2007 - $1.5 million; 2008-2009 - $3.3 million; 2010 - 2011 - $3.4 million; and 2012 through 2016 - $9.2 million. These obligations are not included in the table above as the total obligation is based on the present value of the payments and would not be consistent with the contractual cash obligations disclosures included in the table above. See Note 15, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.


26


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

This discussion and analysis is based upon our consolidated financial statements. Our critical and significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1, Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Some of our accounting policies require us to make significant estimates and assumptions about future events that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and the accompanying notes. Future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty. Therefore, the determination of estimates underlying our financial statements requires the exercise of management’s judgment. Actual results could differ from those estimates, and any such differences may be material to our financial statements. Our management exercises critical judgment in the application of our accounting policies in the following areas, which significantly affect our financial condition and results of operation. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and with our independent auditors.

Allowance for doubtful accounts

We provide an allowance for receivables we believe we may not collect in full. Management evaluates the collectibility of accounts based on a combination of factors. In circumstances in which we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (i.e., bankruptcy filings or substantial downgrading of credit ratings), we record a specific reserve. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts based on our historical collection experience. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due could be reduced by a material amount.

Bad debt expense for fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $0.1 million, $1.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively. During fiscal 2004, a significant customer filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result, we recorded an increase in our estimate for bad debts of $3.3 million during fiscal 2004.

Deferred income taxes and other liabilities

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement and the tax law treatment of certain items. Realization of certain components of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax assets to the amount we believe is more likely than not to be realized. These valuation allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income levels and are based on our judgment, estimates and assumptions regarding those future events.

In fiscal 2006, we increased the valuation allowances recorded against certain foreign and state net operating losses by approximately $3.8 million, since we believe it more likely than not that these assets will not result in a future tax benefit.

In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net deferred tax assets in the future, we would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to income in the period that such determination is made. Conversely, if we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying amounts, we would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through an increase to income in the period that such determination is made.

We record our world-wide tax provision based on the tax rules and regulations in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Significant managerial judgment is required in determining our effective tax rate and evaluating our tax positions.  Where we believe that the deduction of an item is supportable for income tax purposes, the item is deducted in our income tax returns.  However, where treatment of an item is uncertain, tax contingency reserves are recorded based upon the expected most probable outcome taking into consideration the specific tax regulations and facts of each matter.  These reserves are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.  We adjust these reserves when an identifiable event occurs that changes the most probable outcome.

Depreciation

We provide for depreciation on our production machinery and equipment at our cotton cellulose and airlaid nonwovens plants using the units-of-production depreciation method. Under this method, we calculate depreciation based on the expected total productive hours of the assets and, in any case, subject to a minimum level of depreciation. We review our estimate of total productive hours at least annually. If the estimated productive hours of these assets change based on changes in utilization and useful life assumptions, we adjust depreciation expense per unit of production accordingly. We use the straight-line method for determining depreciation on our other capital assets. During fiscal 2004, based on changes in utilization estimates, we increased depreciation expense by $0.2 million. We had no changes in estimates or assumptions during fiscal 2006 or 2005.


27


Long-lived assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets that are held and used, recoverability is evaluated based on the undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying value of the assets are determined not be recoverable, then an impairment is recognized. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value. Estimated fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or estimated net realizable value.

Based on the estimated fair values of long-lived assets, we have recorded impairment charges of $2.1 million, $12.3 million, and $45.9 million for years ended June 30, 2006, 2005, and 2004, respectively. If circumstances change, our estimated fair values may be impacted and have a material effect on our reported financial position and results of operations. See Note 4, Impairment of Long-lived Assets and Assets Held for Sale, of our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information concerning impairment charges.

We have made acquisitions in the past that included a significant amount of goodwill and other intangible assets. We adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (SFAS 142), and, as a consequence, discontinued the amortization of goodwill. Under the guidelines of SFAS 142, goodwill is subject to an annual impairment test based on its estimated fair value. Unless circumstances otherwise dictate, we perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter. We will continue to amortize other intangible assets that meet certain criteria over their useful lives. We utilize the present value of expected net cash flows to determine the estimated fair value of our reporting units. This present value model requires management to estimate future net cash flows, the timing of these cash flows and an appropriate discount rate (or weighted average cost of capital) representing the time value of money and the inherent risk and uncertainty of future cash flows. The discount rate, adjusted for inflation, is based on independently calculated beta risks for a composite group of companies, our target capital mix and an estimated market risk premium. The assumptions used in estimating future cash flows were consistent with the reporting unit’s internal planning. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, goodwill of the reporting unit is not impaired. The determination of an impairment loss is complex and requires that we make many assumptions and estimates. If our estimates of future cash flows or the underlying assumptions and estimates change, we may need to record impairment losses in the future. See Note 1, “Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on long-lived assets.

28


Item 7a. Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, raw material costs and the price of certain commodities used in our production processes. To reduce such risks, we selectively use financial instruments. All hedging transactions are authorized and executed pursuant to clearly defined policies and procedures. Further, we do not enter into financial instruments for trading purposes.

The following risk management discussion and the estimated amounts generated from the sensitivity analyses are forward-looking statements of market risk, assuming that certain adverse market conditions occur. Actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected results due to actual developments in the global financial markets. The analysis methods used to assess and mitigate risks discussed below should not be considered projections of future events or losses.

A discussion of our accounting policies for risk management is included in Note 1, Accounting Policies, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Interest Rates

The fair value of our long-term public debt is based on an average of the bid and offer prices at year-end. The fair value of the credit facility approximates its carrying value due to its variable interest rate. The carrying value of other long-term debt approximates fair value based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing instruments. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt at June 30, 2006 were $522.1 million and $497.3 million and at June 30, 2005 were $539.0 million and $535.6 million, respectively. Market risk is estimated as the potential change in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates and would amount to $9.5 million increase in the fair value of long-term debt.

We had $98.7 million of variable rate long-term debt outstanding at June 30, 2006. At this borrowing level, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates would have a $1.0 million unfavorable impact on our pre-tax earnings and cash flows. The primary interest rate exposures on floating rate debt are with respect to European interbank rates and U.S. prime rates.

Foreign Currency Exchange Rates

Foreign currency exposures arising from transactions include firm commitments and anticipated transactions denominated in a currency other than an entity’s functional currency. Buckeye and our subsidiaries generally enter into transactions denominated in their respective functional currencies. Our primary foreign currency exposure arises from foreign-denominated revenues and costs and their translation into U.S. dollars. The primary currencies to which we are exposed include the euro, Canadian dollar and the Brazilian real.

We generally view as long-term our investments in foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar. As a result, we do not generally hedge these net investments. However, we use capital structuring techniques to manage our net investment in foreign currencies as considered necessary. The net investment in foreign subsidiaries translated into dollars using the year-end exchange rates is $196.9 million and $185.1 million at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The potential foreign currency translation loss from investment in foreign subsidiaries resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates amounts to approximately $17.9 million at June 30, 2006. This change would be reflected in the equity section of our consolidated balance sheet in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The primary foreign currency exposures on our long-term investments are with the euro, Canadian dollar and the Brazilian real.

Cost of Raw Materials

Amounts paid by us for wood, cotton fiber and fluff pulp represent the largest component of our variable costs of production. The availability and cost of these materials are subject to market fluctuations caused by factors beyond our control, including weather conditions. Significant decreases in availability or increases in the cost of wood or cotton fiber to the extent not reflected in prices for our products, could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Commodities
 
We are dependent on commodities in our production process. Natural gas, electricity, fuel oil, caustic and other chemicals are just some of the commodities that our processes rely upon. Exposure to these commodities can have a significant impact on our operating performance.

In order to minimize market exposure, we may use forward contracts to reduce price fluctuations in a desired percentage of forecasted purchases of fossil fuels over a period of generally less than one year. There were no fossil fuel contracts outstanding at June 30, 2006 or 2005 requiring fair value treatment.

29



Exposure to commodity products also creates volatility in pricing. If our research and development efforts do not result in the commercialization of new, proprietary products, we will continue to have significant exposure to fluff pulp and other commodity products, which could result in volatility in sales prices and profits.

Industry Cyclicality

The demand and pricing of our products, particularly fluff pulp, are influenced by the much larger market for papermaking pulps which is highly cyclical. The markets for most cellulose-based products are sensitive to both changes in general global economic conditions and to changes in industry capacity. Both of these factors are beyond our control. The price of these products can fluctuate significantly when supply and demand become imbalanced for any reason. Financial performance can be heavily influenced by these pricing fluctuations and the general cyclicality of the industries in which we compete. It is not certain that current prices will be maintained, that any price increases will be achieved, or that industry capacity utilization will reach favorable levels. The demand, cost and prices for our products may thus fluctuate substantially in the future and downturns in market conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Contingencies

Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with such requirements. We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements (including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions) and will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements. Given the uncertainties associated with predicting the scope of future requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not in the future incur material environmental compliance costs or liabilities. For additional information on environmental matters, see Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Annual Report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting our operations, markets, products, services and prices and other factors. The forward-looking statements included in this document are only made as of date of this document and we undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

See Index to Financial Statements on page F-1.
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
We had no changes in or disagreements with Ernst & Young LLP, our independent auditors.
 
Item 9a. Controls and Procedures

Management’s Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to Buckeye management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive and financial officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of June 30, 2006 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
Management’s report on our internal control over financial reporting is presented on page F-3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The report of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting is presented on page F-4 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 

30


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 
During our fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2006, no change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Item 9b. Other Information
 
None.
 


31


PART III
 
Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Directors and Executive Officers

Information regarding members of the Board of Directors will be presented in our 2006 Annual Proxy Statement for the 2006 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated herein by reference.

Executive Officers of the Registrant
 
The names, ages and positions held by our executive officers on August 25, 2006 are:
 
Name
Age
Position
Elected to Present Position
John B. Crowe
59
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
July 2006
Kristopher J. Matula
43
President, Chief Operating Officer
July 2006
Charles S. Aiken
56
Sr. Vice President, Manufacturing
October 2003
Jeffery T. Cook
44
Sr. Vice President, Marketing
February 2006
Sheila Jordan Cunningham
54
Sr. Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
April 2000
Steven G. Dean
50
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
July 2006
Douglas L. Dowdell
48
Sr. Vice President, Specialty Fibers
February 2006
William M. Handel
60
Sr. Vice President, Lean Enterprise
February 2006
Paul N. Horne
51
Sr. Vice President, Product and Market Development
February 2006

John B. Crowe
Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Mr. Crowe has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since July 1, 2006. He served as President and Chief Operating Officer from April 2003 to July 2006. Mr. Crowe was elected as a director of Buckeye in August 2004. He served as Senior Vice President, Wood Cellulose from January 2001 to April 2003. He served as Vice President, Wood Cellulose Manufacturing from January 1998 to January 2001. Prior to joining the Company, he was Executive Vice President/General Manager of Alabama River Pulp and Alabama Pine Pulp Operations, a division of Parsons and Whittemore, Inc. and was Vice President and Site Manager of Flint River Operations, a subsidiary of Weyerhauser Company. From 1979 to 1992, he was an employee of Procter & Gamble.

Kristopher J. Matula
President, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Matula has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since July 1, 2006. He served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from October 2003 to July 2006. Mr. Matula served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens and Corporate Strategy from April 2003 to October 2003. He served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens from January 2001 to April 2003. He served as Senior Vice President, Commercial - Absorbent Products from July 1997 to January 2001 and as Vice President, Corporate Strategy from April 1996 to July 1997. Prior to joining Buckeye in 1994, he held various positions with Procter & Gamble and General Electric.

Charles S. Aiken
Senior Vice President, Manufacturing
Mr. Aiken has served as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing since October 1, 2003. He served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens Manufacturing from April 2000 to October 2003. He served as Vice President, Business Systems from April 1998 to April 2000 and as Vice President, Foley Plant from June 1995 to April 1998. He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1977 to March 1993.

Jeffery T. Cook
Senior Vice President, Marketing
Mr. Cook has served as Senior Vice President, Marketing since February 1, 2006.   He served as Senior Vice President, Product and Market Development from February 2005 to February 2006. Mr. Cook served as Vice President, Product and Market Development from July 2003 to February 2005. He served as Vice President of Research and Development, Wood Cellulose from August 1999 to July 2003. He was an employee of Procter and Gamble from 1988 to 1998.

Sheila Jordan Cunningham
Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
Ms. Cunningham has served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since April 2000. She served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary from April 1998 to April 2000. She served as Assistant General Counsel from March 1997 and as Secretary from July 1997 to April 1998. Prior to joining the Company, she was a partner in the law firm of Baker, Donelson, Bearman & Caldwell from 1988 to March 1997.

32


Steven G. Dean
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Dean has served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since July 1, 2006. He served as Vice President and Controller from February 2006 to July 2006. Mr. Dean served as Company Controller from December 2005 to February 2006. Previously, he served as Controller for Buckeye's Specialty Fibers Division from December 2004 to November 2005 and Controller for Buckeye's Nonwovens Division from August 2001 to November 2004. Prior to joining Buckeye in 1999, he held various financial management positions with Thomas & Betts and Hewlett-Packard.

Douglas L. Dowdell
Senior Vice President, Specialty Fibers
Mr. Dowdell has served as Senior Vice President, Specialty Fibers since February 1, 2006.  He served as Senior Vice President, Nonwovens from February 2005 to February 2006. Mr. Dowdell served as Vice President, Nonwovens from October 2003 to February 2005. He served as Vice President, Absorbent Wood Fiber Sales from February 2002 to October 2003. He served as Vice President, Nonwovens Business Development from February 2001 to February 2002. He served as Vice President, Absorbent Products Business Development from August 2000 to February 2001. Prior to August 2000 he held several positions in the Company including: Manager, Absorbent Fiber Sales; Manager, Business Development; and Manager, Wood Procurement. He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1988 to March 1993.

William M. Handel
Senior Vice President, Lean Enterprise
Mr. Handel has served as Senior Vice President, Lean Enterprise since February 1, 2006.  He served as Senior Vice President, Human Resources from April 2000 to February 2006. Mr. Handel served as Vice President, Human Resources from November 1995 to April 2000 and as Human Resources Manager from March 1993 to November 1995. He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1974 to March 1993.

Paul N. Horne
Senior Vice President, Product and Market Development
Mr. Horne has served as Senior Vice President, Product and Market Development since February 1, 2006.  He served as Senior Vice President, Cotton Cellulose from January 2001 to February 2006. Mr. Horne served as Senior Vice President, Commercial - Specialty Cellulose from July 1997 to January 2001 and as Vice President, North and South American Sales from October 1995 to July 1997. He was an employee of Procter & Gamble from 1982 to March 1993.

Code of Business Conduct & Ethics

We have a Code of Business Conduct & Ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer and senior financial officers. Our Code of Business Conduct & Ethics is available in the corporate governance section of the investor relations page of our website, www.bkitech.com. In addition, we intend to post in the corporate governance section of the investor relations page of our website information regarding any amendment to, or waiver from, the provisions of our Code of Business Conduct & Ethics to the extent such disclosure is required. The information on our website, however, does not form part of this Report.
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation

Information relating to this item will be included in our 2006 Annual Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Information relating to this item will be included under the captions “Buckeye Stock Ownership”, “Executive Compensation” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our 2006 Annual Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Information relating to this item will be included in our 2006 Annual Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
 
Information regarding principal accountant fees and services will be included in our 2006 Annual Proxy Statement and is incorporated by reference herein.
 



33


PART IV
 
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)
(1)
Financial Statements
   
- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1.
 
(2)
Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
- See Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Schedule on page F-1. All other financial statement schedules are omitted as the information is not required or because the required information is presented in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
 
(3)
Listing of Exhibits. See exhibits listed under Item 15 (b).

Exhibit 15 (b). Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K

Exhibit
 
Incorporation by Reference or
Numbers
Description
Filed Herewith
     
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q for quarter ended December 31, 1997
3.1(a)
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit 3.1(a) to Form S-4 file no. 333-59267, filed on July 16, 1998
3.2
Amended and Restated By-laws
Exhibit 3.2 to Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2006
4.1
First Amendment to the Rights Agreement
Form 8-A to Form 10-K dated June 30, 1997
4.2
Indenture for 9 ¼% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, dated July 12, 1996
Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-3 file no. 333-05139 filed on June 4, 1996
4.3
Indenture for 8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2010, dated June 11, 1998
Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-4 file no. 333-59267, filed on July 16, 1998
4.4
Indenture for 8 ½%Senior Notes due 2013, dated September 22, 2003
Exhibit 4.4 to Form S-4, file no. 333-110091, filed on October 30, 2003
10.1
Amended and Restated 1995 Management Stock Option Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K dated June 30, 1998
10.2
Second Amended and Restated 1995 Incentive and Nonqualified Stock Option Plan for Management Employees
Exhibit 10.2 to Form S-4 file no. 333-59267, filed on July 16, 1998
10.3
Form of Management Stock Option Subscription Agreement
Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-K dated June 30, 1998
10.4
Form of Stock Option Subscription Agreement
Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K dated June 30, 1998
10.5
Amended and Restated Formula Plan for Non-Employee Directors
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated December 31, 2000
10.6
Amendment No. 1 to Timberlands Agreement dated January 1, 1999 by and Between Buckeye Florida, Limited Partnership and Foley Timber and Land Company. Certain portions of the Agreement have been omitted pursuant to an Application for Confidential Treatment dated October 30, 1995
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q/A dated March 31, 1999
10.7
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated November 5, 2003 among the Registrant; Fleet National Bank; Fleet Securities Inc.; Citigroup Global Markets Inc.; UBS Security LLC; Citibank N.A.; UBS, AG Stanford Branch; and the other lenders party thereto
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated September 30, 2003
10.8
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement Amendment No. 1, dated March 15, 2005
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated March 31, 2005
10.9
Form of Change in Control Agreement, dated August 8, 2006
Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated August 11, 2006
12.1
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
Filed herewith
21.1
Subsidiaries
Filed herewith
23.1
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Filed herewith
31.1
Section 302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Filed herewith
31.2
Section 302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Filed herewith
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Filed herewith
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Filed herewith


34


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
By:
/s/ John B. Crowe
 
John B. Crowe, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
August 31, 2006

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By:
/s/ John B. Crowe
 
John B. Crowe, Director, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
August 31, 2006

By:
/s/ David B. Ferraro
 
David B. Ferraro, Director
Date:
August 31, 2006

By:
/s/ Katherine Buckman Gibson
 
Katherine Buckman Gibson, Director
Date:
August 31, 2006
 
By:
/s/ Henry F. Frigon
 
Henry F. Frigon, Director
Date:
August 31, 2006

By:
/s/ Red Cavaney
 
Red Cavaney, Director
Date:
August 31, 2006

By:
/s/ Lewis E. Holland
 
Lewis E. Holland, Director
Date:
August 31, 2006
 
By:
/s/ Steven G. Dean
 
Steven G. Dean, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:
August 31, 2006

By:
/s/ Elizabeth J. Welter
 
Elizabeth J. Welter, Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Date:
August 31, 2006
 

 
35



BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SCHEDULE

 
PAGE
 
 
Report of Management
F-2
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
F-3
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-4
Financial Statements as of June 30, 2006, June 30, 2005 and for the Three Years Ended June 30, 2006:
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
F-6
Consolidated Balance Sheets
F-7
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-10
Schedule:
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, on Financial Statement Schedule
F-37
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
F-38



F-1


 
Report of Management

The management of Buckeye Technologies Inc. is committed to providing financial reports that are complete, accurate and easily understood.

The consolidated financial statements and financial information included in this report have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and in the opinion of management fairly and completely present the Company’s financial results. Our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP, has examined our financial statements and expressed an unqualified opinion.

Ensuring the accuracy of financial statements starts at the top of the Company. Our Board of Directors provides oversight as the representative of the stockholders. Our Audit Committee, consisting entirely of independent Directors, meets regularly with management, internal audit and the independent auditors to review our financial reports.

The Company’s senior management, our corporate leadership team, is actively involved in all aspects of the business. This group understands key strategies and monitors financial results. We maintain a system of internal control which provides reasonable assurance that transactions are accurately recorded and assets are safeguarded. All of the Company’s officers and financial executives adhere to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and provide written confirmation of their compliance annually.

Our Company was built on a foundation of integrity and honesty. We take responsibility for the quality and accuracy of our financial reporting.

 
 
 
/s/ John B. Crowe
/s/ Kristopher J. Matula
/s/ Steven G. Dean
John B. Crowe
Kristopher J. Matula
Steven G. Dean
Chairman of the Board and
President and
Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Operating Officer
Chief Financial Officer


F-2




Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our internal control over financial reporting includes, among other things: defined policies and procedures for conducting and governing our business, a written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics adopted by our Board of Directors and applicable to all directors and all officers and employees of Buckeye and our subsidiaries, sophisticated information systems for processing transactions and a properly staffed and professional internal audit department. Mechanisms are in place to monitor the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting and actions are taken to correct identified deficiencies. Our procedures for financial reporting include the active involvement of senior management, our Audit Committee and a staff of highly qualified financial and legal professionals.

Management, with the participation of our principal executive and financial officers, assessed our internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, the end of our fiscal year. Management based its assessment on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria).

Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of June 30, 2006.

Our independent registered public accounting firm, Ernst & Young LLP, audited management’s assessment and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Ernst & Young has issued their report concurring with management’s assessment, which is included in this Annual Report on Form 10 - K.

 
 
/s/ John B. Crowe
/s/ Steven G. Dean
John B. Crowe
Steven G. Dean
Chair of the Board and
Vice President and
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Financial Officer
 


F-3


 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Buckeye Technologies Inc.

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Buckeye Technologies Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). Buckeye Technologies Inc.’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. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of 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, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, 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 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that Buckeye Technologies Inc. maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, Buckeye Technologies Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006 of Buckeye Technologies Inc. and our report dated August 31, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

 

Memphis, Tennessee                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 31, 2006


F-4

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Buckeye Technologies Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with 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, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006, in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of Buckeye Technologies Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated August 31, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

As discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for planned maintenance activities in 2004.

 

Memphis, Tennessee                               /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 31, 2006

F-5

 
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Net sales
 
$
 728,485
 
$
712,782
 
$
656,913
 
Cost of goods sold
   
628,687
 
 
592,726
 
 
579,472
 
Gross margin
 
 
99,798
 
 
120,056
 
 
77,441
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
 
 
47,762
 
 
43,270
 
 
42,423
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
 
 
2,000
 
 
2,280
 
 
2,244
 
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
 
2,090
 
 
12,326
 
 
45,908
 
Restructuring costs  
 
 
 3,526
 
 
4,579
 
 
5,945
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 44,420
 
 
57,601
 
 
(19,079
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Interest income
 
 
635
 
 
943
 
 
923
 
 Interest expense and amortization of debt costs
 
 
 (43,868
 
(45,142
)
 
(47,284
)
 Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 
 (151
 
(242
)
 
(4,940
)
 Gain on sale of assets held for sale
 
 
-
 
 
7,203
 
 
-
 
 Foreign exchange and other
 
 
 (352
 
(649
)
 
273
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in
accounting
 
 
684
 
 
19,714
 
 
(70,107
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
 
 
 (1,296
 
(490
)
 
(26,197
)
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting 
 
 
1,980
 
 
20,204
 
 
(43,910
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting (net of tax of $3,359) 
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
5,720
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
1,980
 
$
20,204
 
$
(38,190
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of change in
accounting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
Diluted
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 -
 
$
-
 
$
0.15
 
Diluted
 
$
 -
 
$
-
 
$
0.15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
Diluted
 
$
0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares for earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
 
 
37,622
 
 
37,447
 
37,075
 
Diluted
 
 
 37,658
 
 
 37,598
 
37,075
 
 
 
See accompanying notes.

F-6


Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
8,734
 
$
$ 9,926
 
Accounts receivable - trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,904 in 2006 and $5,602 in 2005
 
 
 110,218
 
 
116,006
 
Accounts receivable - other
 
 
 3,880
 
 
2,209
 
Inventories
 
 
 98,567
 
 
107,895
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 4,176
 
 
3,584
 
Prepaid expenses and other
 
 
 4,297
 
 
6,884
 
Total current assets  
 
 
229,872
 
 
246,504
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
531,898
 
 
525,931
 
Goodwill
 
 
149,106
 
 
139,430
 
Intellectual property and other, net
 
 
 38,677
 
 
37,872
 
Total assets
 
$
949,553
 
$
$949,737
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
32,973
 
$
37,226
 
Accrued expenses
 
 
 48,416
 
 
48,401
 
Current portion of capital lease obligation  
 
 
627
 
 
685
 
Current portion of long-term debt
 
 
 1,294
 
 
1,376
 
Total current liabilities  
 
 
 83,310
 
 
87,688
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 519,414
 
 
535,539
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
 
 
19,367
 
 
19,206
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 35,686
 
 
34,660
 
Capital lease obligation
 
 
 755
 
 
1,382
 
Other liabilities
 
 
 1,304
 
 
1,673
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 10, 19, and 20)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding
 
 
 
 
-
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 43,142,770 shares issued; 37,901,334 and 37,586,409 shares outstanding at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively
 
 
 431
 
 
431
 
Additional paid-in capital
 
 
 49,274
 
 
52,446
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
 
 
 33,819
 
 
16,791
 
Retained earnings
 
 
277,733
 
 
275,753
 
Treasury shares, 5,241,436 and 5,556,361 shares at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively
 
 
 (71,540
 
(75,832
)
Total stockholders’ equity  
 
 
 289,717
 
 
269,589
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
 949,553
 
$
949,737
 
 
See accompanying notes.

F-7


Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
 
 
Common
stock
 
 
Additional
paid-in
capital
 
Accumulated
other
comprehensive
income (loss)
 
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 
 
 
Treasury
shares
 
 
 
 
Total
 
Balance at June 30, 2003
 
$
431
 
$
55,235
 
$
(3,410
)
$
293,739
 
$
(84,111
)
$
261,884
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(38,190
)
 
-
 
 
(38,190
)
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
2,841
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
2,841
 
Comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(35,349
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of 326,219 shares of common stock
 
 
-
 
 
(1,782
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
4,416
 
 
2,634
 
Tax benefit from stock-based awards
 
 
-
 
 
105
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
105
 
Termination of restricted stock
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
Amortization of deferred stock compensation
 
 
-
 
 
36
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
36
 
Directors stock compensation (4,469 shares)
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
40
 
 
40
 
Balance at June 30, 2004
 
$
431
 
$
53,594
 
$
(569
)
$
255,549
 
$
(79,660
)
$
229,345
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
20,204
 
 
-
 
 
20,204
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
17,360
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
17,360
 
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
37,564
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of 279,698 shares of common stock
 
 
-
 
 
(1,470
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
3,791
 
 
2,321
 
Tax benefit from stock-based awards
 
 
-
 
 
245
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
245
 
Termination of restricted stock
 
 
 
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Amortization of deferred stock compensation
 
 
-
 
 
77
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
77
 
Directors stock compensation (3,439 shares)
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
40
 
 
40
 
Balance at June 30, 2005
 
$
431
 
$
52,446
 
$
16,791
 
$
275,753
 
$
(75,832
)
$
269,589
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss):
     
 
                   
 
 
   
 
Net income
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,980
 
 
-
 
 
1,980
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
17,028
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
17,028
 
Comprehensive income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 19,008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Issuance of 313,670 shares of common stock
 
 
-
 
 
(3,733
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
4,282
 
 
549
 
Stock-based compensation expense
 
 
-
 
 
561
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
561
 
Directors stock compensation (1,255 shares)
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
10
 
 
10
 
Balance at June 30, 2006
 
$
431
 
$
49,274 
 
$
33,819
 
$
277,733
 
$
(71,540
)
$
289,717 
 
 
                                   
 
 See accompanying notes.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



F-8


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
1,980
 
$
$20,204
 
$
(38,190
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(5,720
)
Impairment of long-lived assets
 
 
 2,090
 
 
12,326
 
 
45,908
 
Depreciation and depletion
 
 
 46,903
 
 
45,964
 
 
45,675
 
Amortization
 
 
 3,336
 
 
3,477
 
 
4,227
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 
 151
 
 
242
 
 
4,940
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
 (5,464
 
4,510
 
 
(27,340
)
Non-cash tax benefit
 
 
-
 
 
(5,481
)
 
-
 
Gain on sale of assets held for sale
 
 
 -
 
 
(7,203
)
 
-
 
Provision for bad debts
 
 
 123
 
 
1,372
 
 
4,010
 
Other
 
 
 2,192
 
 
3,150
 
 
867
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
 
 8,535
 
 
(5,971
)
 
11,716
 
Inventories
 
 
 10,900
 
 
(1,504
)
 
29,838
 
Other assets
 
 
 (5,954
 
463
 
 
(2,301
)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
 
 (6,071
 
7,072
 
 
(7,974
)
Net cash provided by operating activities  
 
 
 58,721
 
 
78,621
 
 
65,656
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
 (45,591
 
(45,329
)
 
(31,871
)
Proceeds from sales of assets
 
 
 1,163
 
 
13,648
 
 
309
 
Other
 
 
 (467
)
 
(567
)
 
(683
)
Net cash used in investing activities  
 
 
 (44,895
 
(32,248
)
 
(32,245
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings (payments) under revolving line of credit
 
 
 350
 
 
400
 
 
(224,026
)
Issuance of long-term debt
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
350,000
 
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
 
 
 (16,813
 
(67,758
)
 
(178,333
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
 
 
 -
 
 
(5
)
 
(9,070
)
Payments related to early extinguishment of debt
 
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
(2,115
)
Proceeds from termination of swap
 
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
4,000
 
Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
 
 
 549
 
 
2,468
 
 
2,667
 
Net cash used in financing activities  
 
 
 (15,914
 
(64,895
)
 
(56,877
)
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
 896
 
 
1,213
 
 
724
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 (1,192
 
(17,309
)
 
(22,742
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 
 
 9,926
 
 
27,235
 
 
49,977
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 
$
 8,734
 
$
9,926
 
$
27,235
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
See accompanying notes.


F-9


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(In thousands, except share data)

NOTE 1: ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Description and Basis of Presentation
 
 Our financial statements are consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Technologies Inc. We manufacture and distribute value-added cellulose-based specialty products used in numerous applications including disposable diapers, personal hygiene products, engine air and oil filters, food casings, rayon filament, acetate plastics, thickeners and papers.

Fiscal Year
 
Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ended June 30, 2006 or ended June 30 of the year referenced.

Reclassifications
 
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year classifications.

Principles of Consolidation
 
 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Buckeye Technologies Inc. and our subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
We consider cash equivalents to be temporary cash investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Inventories
 
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The costs of manufactured cotton-based specialty fibers and costs for nonwoven raw materials are generally determined on the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis. Other manufactured products and raw materials are generally valued on an average cost basis. Manufactured inventory costs include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Slash pine timber, cotton fibers and chemicals are the principal raw materials used in the manufacture of our specialty fiber products. Fluff pulp is the principal raw material used in our nonwoven materials products. We take physical counts of inventories at least annually, and we review periodically the provision for potential losses from obsolete, excess or slow-moving inventories.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
We provide an allowance for receivables we believe we may not collect in full. Management evaluates the collectibility of accounts based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where we are aware of a specific customer’s inability to meet its financial obligations (i.e., bankruptcy filings or substantial downgrading of credit ratings), we record a specific reserve. For all other customers, we recognize reserves for bad debts based on our historical collection experience. If circumstances change (i.e., higher than expected defaults or an unexpected material adverse change in a major customer’s ability to meet its financial obligations), our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due could differ by a material amount.

Property, Plant and Equipment
 
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. Cost includes the interest cost associated with significant capital additions. Interest capitalized for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $1,866, $418 and $67, respectively. Depreciation on production machinery and equipment at the cotton cellulose and airlaid nonwovens plants is determined by the units-of-production method which is based on the expected productive hours of the assets, subject to a minimum level of depreciation. The straight line method is used for determining depreciation on other capital assets. Depreciation under the straight-line method is computed over the following estimated useful lives: buildings—30 to 40 years; machinery and equipment—3 to 20 years. Depreciation and amortization expense includes the amortization of assets under capital lease.

F-10


Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment when circumstances indicate the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. For assets that are to be held and used, impairment is recognized when the estimated fair value is less than their carrying value. If impairment exists, an adjustment is made to write the asset down to its fair value, and a loss is recorded as the difference between the carrying value and fair value. Fair values are determined based on quoted market values, discounted cash flows or internal and external appraisals, as applicable. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. See Note 4 for information concerning impairment charges.


Goodwill is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of tangible and identifiable intangible net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill of businesses acquired is specifically identified to the reporting units to which the businesses belong. We have determined that our reporting units for Goodwill are the same as our operating segments before aggregation. See Note 17, “Segment Reporting,” for further discussion of our operating segments. Goodwill is reviewed at least annually for impairment. Unless circumstances otherwise dictate, we perform our annual impairment testing in the fourth quarter. No impairment was recorded during the years ending June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004. The change in goodwill resulted from changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

Intellectual Property and Other
 
At June 30, 2006 and 2005, we had intellectual property totaling $25,173 and $27,576, respectively, which includes patents (including application and defense costs), licenses, trademarks, and tradenames, the majority of which were obtained in the acquisition of airlaid nonwovens businesses and Stac-Pac™ technology. Intellectual property is amortized by the straight-line method over 5 to 20 years and is net of accumulated amortization of $14,519 and $12,288 at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Intellectual property amortization expense of $2,000, $2,280 and $2,244 was recorded during the years June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Estimated amortization expense for the five succeeding fiscal years follows: $1,924 in 2007, $1,929 in 2008, $1,929 in 2009, $1,929 in 2010 and $1,929 in 2011.
 
Deferred debt costs of $7,534 and $9,148 at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively are amortized by the effective interest method over the life of the related debt and are net of accumulated amortization of $6,901 and $5,810 at June 30, 2006 and 2005, respectively. We recorded amortization of deferred debt costs of $1,487, $1,556 and $1,960 during the years ending June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Income Taxes
 
We provide for income taxes under the liability method. Accordingly, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. No provision is made for U.S. income taxes applicable to undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. It is not practicable to compute the potential deferred tax liability associated with these undistributed foreign earnings.

Risk Management
 
We are exposed to certain market risks as a part of our ongoing business operations and use derivative financial instruments, where appropriate, to manage these risks. Derivatives are financial instruments whose value is derived from one or more underlying financial instruments. Examples of underlying instruments are currencies, commodities and interest rates. With the adoption of SFAS 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," in 2001, we record the fair value of all outstanding derivatives in other assets or other liabilities. Gains and losses related to non-designated instruments or the ineffective portion of any hedge are recorded in various costs and expenses, depending on the nature of the derivative.
 
We periodically use derivatives and other financial instruments to hedge exposures to fossil fuels, interest rates and currency risks. For hedges which meet the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. (“SFAS”) 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, criteria, we formally designate and document the instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, as well as the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking each hedge transaction. Because of the high degree of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instruments are generally offset by changes in the value or cash flows of the underlying exposures being hedged.

From time to time, we utilize forward foreign exchange contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 138. Mark-to-market gains and losses for forward foreign exchange contracts are recorded in foreign exchange and other.


F-11


Derivatives are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. At June 30, 2006 and 2005, we had no derivatives outstanding.

Credit Risk
 
We have established credit limits for each customer. We generally require the customer to provide a letter of credit for export sales in high-risk countries. Credit limits are monitored routinely.
 
Environmental Costs
 
Liabilities are recorded when environmental assessments are probable and the cost can be reasonably estimated. Generally, the timing of these accruals coincides with the earlier of completion of a feasibility study or our commitment to a plan of action based on the then known facts.

Revenue Recognition
 
We recognize revenue when the following criteria are met: persuasive evidence of an agreement exists, delivery has occurred, our price to the buyer is fixed and determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. Delivery is not considered to have occurred until the customer takes title and assumes the risks and rewards of ownership. The timing of revenue recognition is largely dependent on shipping terms. Discounts and allowances reduce net sales and are comprised of trade allowances, cash discounts and sales returns.

Shipping and Handling Costs
 
Amounts related to shipping and handling which are billed to a customer in a sale transaction have been classified as revenue. Costs incurred for shipping and handling have been classified as costs of goods sold.

Foreign Currency Translation
 
Management has determined that the local currency of our German, Canadian, and Brazilian subsidiaries is the functional currency, and accordingly European euro, Canadian dollar, and Brazilian real denominated balance sheet accounts are translated into United States dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at fiscal year end. Income and expense activity for the period is translated at the weighted average exchange rate during the period. Translation adjustments are included as a separate component of stockholders' equity, and are the only component of other comprehensive income.
 
Transaction gains and losses that arise from exchange rate fluctuations on transactions denominated in a currency other than the local functional currency are included in “Other income (expense)” in the results of operations. Transaction gains and (losses) of $(551), $(226), and $224 were recorded during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

Use of Estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.
 
Changes in estimates are recognized in accordance with the accounting rules for the estimate, which is typically in the period when new information becomes available to management. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially differ from amounts estimated include: impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill), allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, income tax liabilities, and contingent liabilities.

Earnings Per Share
 
Basic earnings per share has been computed based on the average number of common shares outstanding excluding restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share reflects the increase in average common shares outstanding that would result from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards calculated using the treasury stock method. Diluted loss per share amounts for 2004 were calculated using the same denominator as used in the basic loss per share calculation as the inclusion of dilutive securities in the denominator would have been anti-dilutive.

Stock-Based Compensation
 
On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payments (“SFAS 123(R)”), which is a revision of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based Compensation (“SFAS 123”). SFAS 123(R) supersedes Accounting Principles Bulletin 25 (“APB 25”), Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and amends SFAS 95, Statement of Cash Flows. Generally, the approach in SFAS 123(R) is similar to the approach described in
 
F-12

SFAS 123.  However, SFAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and restricted stock awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values.  SFAS 123(R) eliminates the alternative to use the intrinsic value method of accounting that was provided in SFAS 123, which generally resulted in no compensation expense recorded in the financial statements related to the issuance of share-based awards to employees. SFAS 123(R) requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. SFAS 123(R) establishes fair value as the measurement objective in accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all companies to apply a fair-value-based measurement method in accounting for generally all share-based payment transactions with employees.

On July 1, 2005 (the first day of our 2006 fiscal year), we adopted SFAS 123(R). We adopted SFAS 123(R) using a modified prospective application, as permitted under SFAS 123(R). Accordingly, prior period amounts have not been restated. Under this application, we are required to record compensation expense for all share-based awards granted after the date of adoption and for the unvested portion of previously granted share-based awards that remain outstanding at the date of adoption.

On June 7, 2005, prior to our adoption of FSAS 123(R), the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the acceleration of vesting of out-of-the-money options with an exercise price greater than $8.32 to purchase shares of our common stock that remained unvested at June 30, 2005. The acceleration of vesting of these out-of-the-money options was undertaken primarily to eliminate any future compensation expense we would otherwise recognize in our income statement with respect to these options with the implementation of SFAS 123(R). We estimate the compensation expense, before tax, which was avoided as a result of the acceleration, would have totaled approximately $4,900 (approximately $2,100 in 2006, $1,400 in 2007, $800 in 2008 and $600 in 2009) based on fair value calculations using the Black-Scholes methodology.
The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and earnings (loss) per share had compensation expense for the employee stock-based awards been recorded during fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year 2004 based on the fair value method under SFAS 123(R).

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) as reported
 
 
$
$20,204
 
$
(38,190
)
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method, net of related tax effect
 
 
 
(4,856
)
 
(1,511
)
Pro forma net income (loss)
 
 
$
$15,348
 
$
(39,701
)
Earnings (loss) per share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic - as reported
 
 
$
$ 0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
Basic - pro forma
 
 
$
$ 0.41
 
$
(1.07
)
Diluted - as reported
 
 
$
$ 0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
Diluted - pro forma
 
 
$
$ 0.41
 
$
(1.07
)
 
Stock-based compensation expense for fiscal year 2006 was $561 ($365 after tax and $0.01 per share). See Note 11 for a discussion of the assumptions underlying the pro forma calculations above.

NOTE 2: RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

The FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes,” on July 13, 2006. The new rules will be effective for us in fiscal 2008. The interpretation provides a consistent framework for accounting for tax positions in accordance with SFAS 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes.” At this time, we have not completed our review and assessment of the impact of adoption of FIN 48.

NOTE 3: CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING
 
Planned Maintenance Activities
 
Through June 30, 2003, we accounted for major planned maintenance activities at our specialty fiber plant in Perry, Florida by accruing the cost of the maintenance activities over the period between each planned maintenance activity (the accrue in advance method), which ranged from two to five year intervals. All other facilities expensed maintenance costs as incurred.

During fiscal 2004, we re-evaluated this critical accounting policy and, effective July 1, 2003, changed our method of accounting from the accrue in advance method to the direct expense method. Under the new accounting method, maintenance costs are expensed as incurred. We believe the new method is preferable in this circumstance because the maintenance liability is not recorded until there is an obligating event (when the maintenance event is actually being performed). The direct expense method eliminates significant estimates and judgments inherent under the accrual method, and it is the predominant method used in the industry.
 
F-13

The effect of applying the new method for the year ended June 30, 2004 was a decrease in net loss of $349 or $0.01 per share. This decrease in net loss is composed of a profit increase of $9,079 pre-tax ($5,720 net-of-tax reported as a cumulative effect of accounting change), offset by $8,525 ($5,371 net-of-tax) in additional cost of goods sold compared to what would have been expensed in fiscal 2004 under the accrue in advance methodology. The total cost of the related planned maintenance activity performed in 2004 was $9,582.
 
Reported basic and diluted loss per share for fiscal 2004 was $(1.03). Excluding the cumulative effect of the accounting change, the basic and diluted loss per share was $(1.18).

NOTE 4: IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
 
Lumberton, North Carolina Facility
 
During fiscal year 2006, we began to actively market idled cotton linter pulping equipment at our Lumberton, North Carolina facility which had a carrying value of $1,451. Management determined that the classification as held for sale criteria in SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets (“SFAS 144”), had been met. Accordingly, management evaluated its estimate of fair value less the cost to sell the assets and determined an impairment should be recognized for the equipment. Current markets and third party interest for the equipment indicated we would not be able to recover the carrying value through the sales process. Therefore, we wrote down the carrying value of the equipment to its fair value less costs to sell of $963 and recorded an impairment charge of $488 during fiscal year 2006. Subsequent to this impairment, we sold the equipment for net proceeds of $963.

Glueckstadt, Germany Facility

In January 2005, we announced our decision to discontinue producing cotton linter pulp at our Glueckstadt, Germany facility. Our decision was due to a combination of factors that had increased the plant’s costs to a level at which it is uneconomical to continue operations. The most significant factor impacting cost at the site was the substantial strengthening of the euro over calendar 2003 and 2004. Specialty fibers are normally priced and sold in U.S. dollars around the world. As a majority of Glueckstadt’s costs were denominated in euros, this substantial strengthening had a negative impact on Glueckstadt’s cost position. Additionally, Glueckstadt’s process water, waste treatment and energy costs were more than twice the cost of these utilities at our Memphis, Tennessee cotton-based specialty fibers facility. Faced with these difficulties, we reduced the number of employees at the facility from approximately 150 to approximately 100 and operated at 55% of capacity during calendar year 2004. Based on these factors, we ceased production at Glueckstadt in December of 2005. We believe that the closure of our Glueckstadt facility and transfer of the majority of its cotton-based specialty fiber production to our Memphis, Tennessee and Americana, Brazil facilities will yield a more competitive cost structure.  
 
During fiscal 2005 we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Glueckstadt facility in accordance with SFAS 144. Based on this evaluation, we determined that these long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $15,280 (net of $2,977 of foreign currency translation adjustment), were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $2,954, resulting in an impairment charge of $12,326. This fair value was based on the remaining service potential of the facility through its expected closure in the second quarter of fiscal 2006, plus the estimated salvage value, as we did not believe the facility could be economically utilized for its intended purpose by us or a third party. The fair value analysis used a discount rate incorporating time value of money, expectations about timing and amount of future cash flows, and an appropriate risk premium.

During fiscal year 2006, we began to actively market the land and buildings, and the equipment which had carrying values of $1,600 and $496, respectively. Management determined that the classification as held for sale criteria in SFAS 144 had been met. Accordingly, management reevaluated its estimate of fair value less the cost to sell the assets and determined an additional impairment should be recognized for the land and buildings. Current markets and third party interest for the land and buildings indicated we would not be able to recover the carrying value through the sales process. Therefore, we wrote down the carrying value of the land and buildings to their fair value less costs to sell of $121 and recorded an impairment charge of $1,469 during fiscal year 2006. Subsequent to this impairment, we sold the land and building for $127. As of June 30, 2006, management re-evaluated its estimate of fair value less the cost to sell the remaining assets and determined an additional impairment should be recognized for equipment with a carrying value of $297. Therefore, we wrote down the carrying value of the remaining equipment to its fair value less costs to sell of $165 and recorded an impairment charge of $132.

The carrying value of the equipment was classified in property, plant and equipment as of June 30, 2005 and has been reclassified to current assets held for sale and is presented under the “Prepaid expenses and other” caption in the balance sheet as of June 30, 2006.


F-14


Cork, Ireland Facility
 
During fiscal 2004, we initiated the discontinuation of production of nonwoven materials at our Cork, Ireland facility. Due to excess production capacity around the globe, we had operated Cork below its productive capacity since the plant started up in 1998. Because of its location and small size, our cost to produce at Cork was higher than it was at our other locations. Therefore, management made the decision to close the Cork facility and consolidate production at our three other nonwoven materials manufacturing facilities. Production at Cork ceased during July of 2004. Closing our Cork facility reduced our nonwovens capacity by about 10%.  
 
In accordance with SFAS 144 we evaluated the value of the property, plant, and equipment associated with the Cork facility. Under this guidance, we determined that those long-lived assets, with a carrying amount of $48,359 (net of $6,914 of foreign currency translation adjustment), were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $5,409, resulting in an impairment charge of $42,950 during fiscal 2004. Fair value was based on the estimated salvage value of the Cork facility as we did not believe the facility could be utilized for its intended purpose. The salvage value incorporated assumptions that marketplace participants would likely use in estimating the fair value of the Cork facility
 
Subsequent to the July 2004 closure of the facility, we began to actively market the building and equipment with carrying values of $4,494 and $1,505, respectively, and reclassified them as assets held for sale. In late December of 2004, we completed the sale of the building to the Port of Cork Company for $13,408. Although the carrying values of these assets were based on appraisals and available market information at the time of the impairment in March of 2004, the purchase of this building for strategic purposes by the Port of Cork Company was not contemplated in those appraisals. As a result of the sale and disposition of the building and equipment for net proceeds of $13,134 (net of $1,897 of decommissioning and selling costs), we recognized a net gain of $7,203 ($4,682 net of tax and $0.12 per share net of tax) during fiscal 2005. The gain is presented under the “Gain on sale of assets held for sale” caption in the statement of operations.

Other Facilities
 
During fiscal 2004, we also impaired certain equipment and other capitalized costs at specialty fibers facilities in the United States. These assets consisted of equipment that was replaced with more cost effective technology, engineering costs and capitalized interest for a long delayed project, and assets related to idled equipment. In evaluating these assets with a total carrying amount of $3,209, it was determined that the carrying value was not recoverable and the estimated fair value was $251. We recognized an impairment charge of $2,958.
 
NOTE 5: RESTRUCTURING COSTS
 
During fiscal 2003 we initiated the first phase of a restructuring program designed to deliver cost reductions through reduced expenses across our company. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we entered into a second phase of our restructuring program. This program was a continuation of the program initiated in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 and enabled us to improve our operating results through reduced salaries, benefits, other employee-related expenses and operating expenses. As a result of this restructuring, 78 positions were eliminated. These positions included manufacturing, sales, product development and administrative functions throughout the organization. We do not expect any additional payments related to this phase of the restructuring program.
 
During fiscal 2005, we entered into another restructuring program. As part of this program, we discontinued production of cotton-based specialty fibers at our Glueckstadt, Germany facility during December 2005. The closure of the Glueckstadt facility resulted in the termination of 103 employees.


F-15


Restructuring expenses are included in “Restructuring costs” in our consolidated statements of operations. The additional charges below reflect severance and employee benefits accrued over the retention period, and other miscellaneous expenses which are expensed as incurred. Accrual balances are included in “Accrued expenses” in the consolidated balance sheet. The following table summarizes the expenses and accrual balances by reporting segments for the year ended June 30, 2006.

 
 
 
 
Year Ended June 30, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrual
Balance
as of
June 30,
2005
 
 
Additional
Charges
 
 
Adjustments
 
 
Impact
of
Foreign
Currency
 
 
Payments
 
 
Accrual
Balance
as of
June 30,
2006
 
 
Total
Program
Charges
to Date
2003 Restructuring Program-Phase 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and employee benefits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty fibers
 
$
13
 
$
10
 
 
-
 
$
(1
$
(22
)
$
-
 
$
1,894
Nonwovens materials
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
39
Corporate
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,514
Total 2003 Program-Phase 2
 
 
13
 
 
10
 
 
-
 
 
(1
 
(22
)
 
-
 
 
3,447
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2005 Restructuring Program
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty fibers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Severance and employee benefits
 
 
2,311
 
 
2,624
 
 
-
 
 
20
 
 
(4,946
)
 
9
 
 
5,096
Other miscellaneous expenses
 
 
147
 
 
1,018
 
 
(126
)
 
5
 
 
(1,033
)
 
11
 
 
1,497
Total 2005 Program
 
 
2,458
 
 
3,642
 
 
(126
)
 
25
 
 
(5,979
)
 
20
 
 
6,593
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total All Programs
 
$
2,471
 
$
3,652
 
$
(126
)
$
24
 
$
(6,001
)
$
20
 
$
10,040
 
NOTE 6: INVENTORIES
 
Components of inventories
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
$
30,028 
 
$
33,433
 
Finished goods
 
 
45,759 
 
 
53,353
 
Storeroom and other supplies
 
 
22,780 
 
 
21,109
 
 
 
$
98,567 
 
$
107,895
 

NOTE 7: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
 
Components of property, plant and equipment
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Land and land improvements
 
$
16,209 
 
$
16,521
 
Buildings
 
 
131,521 
 
 
125,917
 
Machinery and equipment
 
 
794,522 
 
 
717,014
 
Construction in progress
 
 
15,425 
 
 
43,518
 
 
 
 
957,677 
 
 
902,970
 
Accumulated depreciation
 
 
(425,779 
 
(377,039
)
 
 
$
531,898 
 
$
525,931
 


F-16


NOTE 8: ACCRUED EXPENSES
 
Components of accrued expenses
 
 
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income taxes
 
$
4,357 
 
$
1,981
 
Interest
 
 
11,323 
 
 
11,136
 
Retirement plans
 
 
6,258 
 
 
5,924
 
Salaries and incentive pay
 
 
4,430 
 
 
6,855
 
Customer incentive programs
 
 
4,895 
 
 
4,017
 
Vacation pay
 
 
5,033 
 
 
4,786
 
Other
 
 
12,120 
 
 
13,702
 
 
 
$
48,416 
 
$
48,401
 

NOTE 9: DEBT
 
Components of long-term debt
 
 
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
Senior Notes due:
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
$
200,000
 
$
$200,000
 
Senior Subordinated Notes due:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008
 
 
64,902
 
 
79,832
 
2010
 
 
152,059
 
 
152,558
 
Credit Facilities
 
 
98,747
 
 
99,525
 
Other
 
 
5,000
 
 
5,000
 
 
 
 
520,708
 
 
536,915
 
Less current portion
 
 
1,294
 
 
1,376
 
 
 
$
 519,414
 
$
$535,539
 
 
Senior Notes
 
During September 2003, we placed privately $200,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% senior notes due October 1, 2013 (the “2013 Notes”). In fiscal year 2004, we exchanged these outstanding notes for public notes with the same terms. The notes are unsecured obligations and are senior to any of our subordinated debt. The notes are guaranteed by our direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries that are also guarantors on our senior secured indebtedness. The senior notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or part, at any time on or after October 1, 2008, at redemption prices varying from 104.25% of principal amount to 100% of principal amount on or after October 1, 2011, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. We used the net proceeds from the private placement to redeem our $150,000 senior subordinated notes due 2005, make a permanent reduction of $40,000 to our revolving credit facility and pay the related transaction costs. Total costs for the issuance of these notes were $5,274 and will be amortized over the life of the senior notes using the effective interest method.

On September 22, 2003, we called the senior subordinated notes due in 2005. These notes were redeemed on October 22, 2003. During fiscal 2004, $3,300 was expensed related to the early extinguishment of the $150,000 senior subordinated notes due 2005. These expenses included a $2,115 call premium and $1,185 related to the write-off of deferred financing costs.

Senior Subordinated Notes
 
During July 1996, we completed a public offering of $100,000 principal amount of 9.25% unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes due September 15, 2008 (the “2008 Notes”). These notes have been redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time since September 15, 2004, at a redemption price of 100% of principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
During fiscal year 2005, we redeemed $20,000 of the 2008 Notes. During fiscal year 2006, we called and redeemed an additional $15,000 of the 2008 Notes. As a result of these redemptions, we wrote off a portion of the deferred financing costs and unamortized discount related to the redeemed bonds. During fiscal year 2006 and 2005, we recorded non-cash expenses of $151 and $242, respectively related to the early extinguishment of debt.

On October 16, 2003, we successfully completed a solicitation of consents from holders of our 2008 Notes to amend this indenture to conform certain provisions of the 2008 Notes to the provisions in our notes due in 2010 and to current market practice. This amendment allowed us to refinance our revolving credit facility in the fall of calendar 2003 (discussed later in this note).
 
F-17

During June 1998, we completed a private placement of $150,000 principal amount of 8% unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes due October 15, 2010. In fiscal 1999, we exchanged these outstanding notes for public notes with the same terms. These notes are redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time on or after October 15, 2003, at redemption prices varying from 104% of principal amount to 100% of principal amount on or after October 15, 2006, together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
Under the indentures governing our senior subordinated notes, as well as the indenture that governs our senior notes, our ability to incur additional debt is limited. Under these indentures, additional debt must be incurred as so-called “ratio debt” or, alternatively, must be permitted in form and amount as “Permitted Indebtedness.” In order to incur ratio debt, a specified consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (as defined in the indentures) must equal or exceed 2:1 (measured on a rolling four-quarter basis). Falling below the 2:1 ratio does not breach any covenant or constitute an event of default under any of our debt agreements. Currently, we exceed the required 2:1 ratio and as a result, are not limited to the “ratio debt” restrictions under the indentures governing the senior notes and the senior subordinated notes.
 
Interest Rate Swap
 
In May 2001, we entered into an interest rate swap on $100,000 of 8% fixed rate notes maturing in October 2010. The swap converted interest payments from a fixed rate to a floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.97%. This arrangement qualified as a fair value hedge under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. As such, the net effect from the interest rate swap was recorded as part of interest expense. On October 15, 2003, the swap counter party exercised its right to change the termination date of the swap from October 15, 2010 to October 15, 2003. By exercising this right, the swap counter party paid us $4,000 as an early termination fee, which is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense through October 15, 2010. At June 30, 2006 and 2005 the unamortized portion of the termination fee was recorded as an increase in debt of $2,452 and $3,024, respectively. During the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, the swap reduced our interest expense by $572, $571 and $1,848, respectively and will continue to reduce interest expense through the amortization period of the termination fee.

Revolving Credit Facility
 
On November 5, 2003, we established a $220,000 senior secured credit facility (the “credit facility”), comprised of a $70,000 revolving credit facility (the “revolver”) maturing on September 15, 2008 and a $150,000 term loan (the “term loan”) with serial maturities of $249 with final payment at maturity. The term loan maturity date is March 15, 2008, unless we retire or refinance the 2008 Notes, with a due date after October 15, 2010, in which case the maturity date would be April 15, 2010.
 
The term loan also requires an annual excess cash flow payment (as defined under the credit agreement). Based on fiscal 2006 results, we are required to make an excess cash flow payment during fiscal 2007 of $296. During fiscal 2006, we made an excess cash flow payment of $378 based on fiscal 2005 performance and additional voluntary payments of $2,002. Total payments on the term loan, including required principal payments, during fiscal 2006 were $3,378.
 
We had $98,747 outstanding on this facility ($95,747 on the term loan and $3,000 on the revolving credit facility) at an average variable interest rate of 7.2% as of June 30, 2006. The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the revolver is the agent’s prime rate plus 1.50% to 1.75%, or a LIBOR-based rate ranging from LIBOR plus 2.50% to LIBOR plus 3.25%. Effective March 15, 2005, the interest rate applicable to the term loan is the agent’s prime rate plus 1.00% or a LIBOR-based rate plus 2.00%. The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets located in the United States.
 
The credit facility contains covenants customary for financing of this type. The financial covenants include: maximum ratio of consolidated net senior secured debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense and minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA minus capital expenditures and taxes to consolidated fixed charges; as well as limitations on capital expenditures, share repurchases and dividend payments. During fiscal year 2006, we were in compliance with these financial covenants.
 
As of June 30, 2006, we had $62,625 of borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility. The portion of this capacity that we could borrow on a particular date will depend on our financial results and ability to comply with certain borrowing conditions under the revolving credit facility. The commitment fee, on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility, ranges from 0.40% to 0.50% per annum. Total costs for the issuance of the new facility were approximately $3,300 and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the life of the facility. The unamortized issuance costs are presented under the “Intellectual property and other, net” caption on the balance sheet. During fiscal 2004, $1,640 was expensed related to the early extinguishment of the previous credit facility.


F-18


Other Debt

On March 1, 2000, we purchased certain technology from Stac-Pac Technologies Inc. In connection with the purchase, we entered into an unsecured promissory note with Stac-Pac Technologies Inc. The principal amount of the note is $5,000 and bears interest at a rate of 7%. In accordance with the purchase agreement, we are entitled to withhold or retain the final installment of the purchase price until and unless there is final resolution of patent rights and to cancel the final installment of the purchase price if the patent rights in certain jurisdictions are not resolved according to the terms of the purchase agreement. As of June 30, 2006, these patent rights were not resolved. Therefore, the principal amount of the note remains unpaid and has been classified as long-term debt. As of June 30, 2006, we have accrued interest on the note of $1,867.
 
Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the next five fiscal years and beyond are as follows: 2007-$1,294, 2008-$5,998, 2009-$68,998, 2010-$92,457, 2011-$150,000 and thereafter $200,000. The 2007 maturities consist of the term loan serial maturities of $998 and an excess cash flow payment of $296. Terms of long-term debt agreements require compliance with certain covenants including interest coverage ratios, and limitations on restricted payments and levels of indebtedness. At June 30, 2006, the amount available for the payment of dividends and/or the acquisition of treasury stock was limited. Under our most restrictive debt agreements the amount available for the payment of dividends and/or the acquisition of treasury stock will depend on our financial results and ability to comply with certain conditions.
 
Total cash interest payments for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $44,303, $44,358 and $47,783, respectively.
 
We had no off-balance sheet financing except for operating leases as disclosed in Note 10.

NOTE 10: LEASES
 
Capital Leases  
 
In October 2001, we entered into capital lease agreements for certain airlaid nonwovens plant equipment. The total cost of the assets covered by these agreements was $4,284. As of June 30, 2006, the accumulated depreciation on these assets was $692. At June 30, 2006, our future minimum lease payments, including interest totaling $152, for these assets were as follows: 2007—$717; 2008—$449; 2009—$368; 2010—$0. Amortization of assets recorded under capital lease agreements is included in depreciation expense.
 
Operating Leases

We lease office and warehouse facilities and equipment under various operating leases. Operating lease expense was $2,940, 3,371 and $3,960 during the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The commitments under the operating leases at June 30, 2006 were as follows: 2007—$1,421; 2008—$538; 2009—$182; 2010—$58; 2011—$47 and thereafter—$0.

NOTE 11: COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
Stock Compensation Plans

Our stock option plans provide for the granting of either incentive or nonqualified stock options to employees and non-employee directors. Options are subject to terms and conditions determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors, and generally are exercisable in increments of 20% per year beginning one year from date of grant and expire ten years from date of grant. During fiscal year 2006, our employee stock option plans and our director plan expired, and no further options can be granted under these plans.

On June 7, 2005, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Buckeye Technologies Inc. approved the acceleration of vesting of out-of-the-money options with an exercise price greater than $8.32 to purchase shares of common stock of Buckeye Technologies Inc. that remained unvested at June 30, 2005. Options to purchase 898,150 shares of common stock were subject to this acceleration (see Note 1).


F-19


We use the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to calculate the fair value of options for determining our option related compensation expense. The key assumptions for this valuation method include the expected life of the option, stock price volatility, risk-free interest rate, dividend yield and forfeiture rate. Many of these assumptions are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The table below indicates the key assumptions used in the option valuation calculations for options granted during fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004 and a discussion of our methodology for developing each of the assumptions used in the valuation model:
 
 
2006
2005
2004
Expected lives
6.3 years
5.9 years
7.8 years
Expected volatility
55%
49%
49%
Risk-free interest rate
4.4%
3.7%
4.1%
Forfeiture rate
11%
-
-
 
Expected Lives -   This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding. Options granted have a maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Expected Volatility -   This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. We use actual changes in the market value of our stock to calculate the volatility assumption. We calculate daily market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-Free Interest Rate -   This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term approximating the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Dividend Yield -   We did not make any dividend payments during the last five fiscal years and we have no plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate - This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense. The forfeiture rate is based on our historic forfeiture experience.  Prior to the implementation of SFAS 123(R), we accounted for forfeitures when they occurred.

The following table summarizes information about our stock option plans for the years ended June 30:
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise
Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of year
 
 
 4,765,150
 
$
13.57
 
 
5,046,750
 
$
13.35
 
 
4,833,950
 
$
13.60
 
Granted at market
 
 
 358,000
 
 
 7.64
 
 
100,000
 
 
10.57
 
 
845,000
 
 
10.72
 
Granted below market
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
36,000
 
 
7.60
 
Exercised
 
 
 (73,500
 
 7.47
 
 
(270,800
)
 
8.22
 
 
(318,200
)
 
8.04
 
Forfeited
 
 
(4,000
 
7.62
 
 
(67,600
)
 
11.98
 
 
(163,200
)
 
12.08
 
Expired
   
(805,250
)
 
12.75
   
(43,200
)
 
16.93
   
(186,800
)
 
16.89
 
Outstanding at end of year
 
 
 4,240,400
 
$
 13.34
 
 
4,765,150
 
$
13.57
 
 
5,046,750
 
$
13.35
 
Exercisable at end of year
 
 
 3,854,800
 
$
 13.91
 
 
4,716,350
 
$
13.64
 
 
3,638,484
 
$
14.13
 

  Using the Black-Scholes valuation method calculated under the assumptions indicated above, the weighted-average fair value of the grants at market was $4.37, $5.32 and $6.24 per option in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of the grants below market was $7.19 in 2004. As of June 30, 2006, the total future compensation cost related to non-vested stock option grants was $1,210 over a weighted average period of 1.8 years. The aggregate intrinsic value of vested options outstanding at June 30, 2006 was $45.
 

F-20


Since our stock option plans expired during fiscal 2006, there are no options available for grant at June 30, 2006. There were 319,200 and 308,400 shares reserved for grants of options at June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The following summary provides information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at June 30, 2006:
 
 
 
Outstanding
 
Exercisable
 
Exercise Price
 
 
 
Options
 
Average Exercise Price
 
Average Remaining Life (Years)
 
 
 
Options
 
Average Exercise Price
$ 6.50-$12.00
 
 
2,291,400
 
$
10.24
 
 
7.1
 
 
1,905,800
 
$
10.76
$12.01-$18.00
 
 
1,897,792
 
 
16.83
 
 
2.1
 
 
1,897,792
 
 
16.83
$18.01-$24.00
 
 
51,208
 
 
23.04
 
 
3.5
 
 
51,208
 
 
23.04
Total
 
 
4,240,400
 
$
13.34
 
 
4.8
 
 
3,854,800
 
$
13.91

Stock options and restricted stock awards that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share in the future, which were not included in the fully diluted computation because the grant prices were greater than the average market price of common shares for the period, were 4,411,466, 4,245,071 and 3,801,640 for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. In addition, during 2004 even those shares that ordinarily would have been included in diluted shares were not, due to the net loss incurred during 2004, as the inclusion of dilutive securities in the denominator for losses would have been anti-dilutive.
 
Restricted Stock Plan
 
The following table summarizes information about our restricted stock plan for the years ended June 30:
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Price
 
 Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Price
 
 Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Price
 
Nonvested at beginning of year
 
 
51,440
 
$
12.49
 
 
42,998
 
$
12.64
 
 
75,737
 
$
13.18
 
Granted at market
 
 
 240,170
 
 
 7.31
 
 
8,898
 
 
11.79
 
 
8,019
 
 
9.80
 
Vested
 
 
 -
 
 
-
 
 
(282
)
 
(10.94
)
 
(40,038
)
 
14.11
 
Forfeited
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(174
)
 
(11.79
)
 
(720
)
 
8.54
 
Nonvested at end of year
 
 
 291,610
 
$
8.23
 
 
51,440
 
$
12.49
 
 
42,998
 
$
12.64
 

In August 1997, the Board of Directors authorized a restricted stock plan and set aside 800,000 treasury shares to fund this plan. At June 30, 2006, 338,526 restricted shares had been awarded since inception of the plan. The weighted-average fair value of restricted stock awards is the closing price of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on the date of the grant. Although the restricted stock may be voted by the recipient, the restricted stock may not be sold, pledged or otherwise transferred before the recipient’s death or the recipient’s retirement from Buckeye. Therefore, the vesting period is from the date of grant to the date each employee reaches age 62 (the retirement age defined in the plan). Based on historic experience, the forfeiture rate used for employees whose vesting period is greater than 10 years is 15% and no forfeiture rate is applied for employees whose vesting period is less than 10 years. As of June 30, 2006, the total future compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock awards was $1,640 over a weighted average period of 9.5 years.
 
Treasury Shares
 
 The Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of 6,000,000 shares of common stock. Repurchased shares will be held as treasury stock and will be available for general corporate purposes, including the funding of employee benefit and stock-related plans. No shares were repurchased during 2006, 2005 and 2004. A total of 5,009,300 shares have been repurchased through June 30, 2006.
 

F-21


NOTE 12: COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE

The calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the years June 30:
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
 1,980
 
$
20,204
 
$
(38,190
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
 
 
 37,622
 
 
37,447
 
 
37,075
 
Effect of diluted shares
 
 
 36
 
 
151
 
 
-
 
Weighted-average common and common equivalent shares outstanding
 
 
 37,658
 
 
37,598
 
 
37,075
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of change in accounting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
Diluted
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.18
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 -
 
$
-
 
$
0.15
 
Diluted
 
$
 -
 
$
-
 
$
0.15
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)
Diluted
 
$
 0.05
 
$
0.54
 
$
(1.03
)

NOTE 13: INCOME TAXES
 
The components of income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting were taxed under the following jurisdictions:
 
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Domestic
 
$
 2,505
 
$
18,881
 
$
(76,210
)
Foreign
 
 
 (1,821
 
833
 
 
6,103
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting
 
$
 684
 
$
19,714
 
$
(70,107
)

Income tax expense (benefit) before cumulative effect of change in accounting:

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Current tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
$
 435
 
$
503
 
$
(2,676
)
Foreign
 
 
 4,458
 
 
185
 
 
4,695
 
State and other
 
 
 (120
 
41
 
 
(876
)
Current tax expense
 
 
 4,773
 
 
729
 
 
1,143
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax expense (benefit):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
 
 
 (2,133
 
7,204
 
 
(24,861
)
Foreign
 
 
 (2,048
 
(2,724
)
 
(1,057
)
State and other
 
 
 (1,381
 
515
 
 
(1,422
)
Deferred tax expense
 
 
 (5,562
 
4,995
 
 
(27,340
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noncurrent
 
 
 (507
 
(6,214
)
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
 
$
 (1,296
$
(490
)
$
(26,197
)

Noncurrent tax relates primarily to matters not resolved with various taxing authorities.


F-22


The difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and a tax determined by applying the applicable U.S. federal statutory income tax rate to income (loss) before income taxes and the cumulative effect of the change in accounting is reconciled as follows:
 
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected tax expense (benefit)
 
$
239
 
 
35.0
%
$
6,900
 
 
35.0
%
$
(24,537
)
 
35.0
%
Extraterritorial income exclusion
 
 
 (1,542
 
(225.4
)
 
(1,034
)
 
(5.2
)
 
(1,155
)
 
1.6
 
Effect of foreign operations
 
 
110 
 
 
16.0
 
 
(1,851
)
 
(12.9
)
 
(713
)
 
1.0
 
Change in tax reserves
 
 
 362
 
 
52.9
 
 
(6,214
)
 
(31.5
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
Change in valuation allowance
 
 
 3,842
 
 
561.7
 
 
1,145
 
 
9.3
 
 
1,746
 
 
(2.5
)
Correction of prior year provision
   
(1,711
)
 
(250.1
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Canadian tax rate change
   
(791
)
 
(115.6
)
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
State taxes and other, net
 
 
 (1,805
 
(263.9
)
 
564
 
 
2.8
 
 
(1,538
)
 
2.3
 
Income tax benefit
 
$
(1,296
 
(189.4
)%
$
(490
)
 
(2.5
)%
$
(26,197
)
 
37.4
%

Effective June 22, 2006, many of the tax measures introduced in the 2006 Canadian Federal budget were passed into law. Included in the budget was a reduction in the general corporate tax rate to 20.5% for 2008, 20% for 2009, and 19% for 2010 and later years. As a result, the company remeasured its Canadian deferred tax balances based on the reversal pattern of our temporary differences, resulting in a $0.8 million net tax benefit.

The increase for fiscal year 2006 in our valuation allowance is primarily due to the allowance for losses of the Americana, Brazil operations.

Effective for transactions occurring after September 30, 2000 the Internal Revenue Service enacted the Extraterritorial Income Exclusion.  The income exclusion provides for a reduction of gross income by a percentage of qualifying foreign trade income. In October 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the Act) was signed into law. In order to comply with international trade rules, the Act repealed the current tax treatment for extraterritorial income. Effective for transactions entered into after December 31, 2004, the extraterritorial income exclusion is subject to a phase-out which will be completed on December 31, 2006.  For transactions during calendar years 2005 and 2006, the income exclusion will be 80% and 60% of the exclusion otherwise allowed, respectively. Our extraterritorial income exclusion benefit was reduced in fiscal 2006 due to this phase-out and will continue to decrease through the final phase-out during fiscal 2007.

The Act provides a tax deduction for domestic manufacturers.  The deduction will be phased in during fiscal years 2006 through 2010. Due to the company’s U.S. net operating loss position, this deduction had no impact to fiscal year 2006.
 
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the IRS completed an audit of our tax return for fiscal year 2002. With the conclusion of this audit, we released the reserve on a tax deduction we claimed relating to our investment in our former facility in Cork, Ireland and recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $5,481 to our provision for income taxes.


F-23


The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
$
(88,606
$
(87,623
)
Inventory
 
 
 (884
 
(467
)
Other
 
 
 (17,108
 
(18,246
)
Total deferred tax liabilities
 
 
 (106,598
 
(106,336
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Postretirement benefits
 
 
 7,034
 
 
7,036
 
Inventory costs
 
 
 141
 
 
943
 
Net operating losses
 
 
 63,373
 
 
50,933
 
Nondeductible reserves
 
 
 1,960
 
 
2,692
 
Credit carryforwards
 
 
 9,810
 
 
10,510
 
Other
 
 
 2,835
 
 
8,959
 
Total deferred tax assets
 
 
 85,153
 
 
81,073
 
Valuation allowances
 
 
 (10,065
 
(5,813
)
Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances
 
 
 75,088
 
 
75,260
 
Net deferred tax liability
 
$
 (31,510
$
(31,076
)

The valuation allowances at June 30, 2006 and 2005 relate specifically to net operating losses in certain state and foreign operations. Based on the future reversal of deferred tax liabilities and the actions management has taken and will continue to take to improve financial performance, management believes it is more likely than not that the net deferred tax assets recorded at June 30, 2006 will be fully utilized after consideration of the valuation allowance recorded.
 
Taxes paid net of refunds received resulted in no cash tax expense for fiscal year 2006. We paid cash income taxes of $3,075 and $3,828 during the years ended June 30, 2005 and 2004, respectively.

At June 30, 2006, the net operating loss asset is based on foreign net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $35,298, which have no expiration date and federal and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $127,872 and $161,835, respectively which expire between 2017 and 2026. Additionally, included in the credit carryforward asset of $9,810 at June 30, 2006, we have a minimum tax carryforward of $6,717 which has an indefinite life and general business credits which will expire between 2020 and 2026.

NOTE 14: DERIVATIVES
 
We periodically use derivative instruments to reduce financial risk in three areas: interest rates, foreign currency and commodities. The notional amounts of derivatives do not represent actual amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus, are not a measure of our exposure through our use of derivatives.

In May 2001, we entered into an interest rate swap on $100,000 of 8% fixed rate notes maturing in October 2010. The swap converted interest payments from a fixed rate to a floating rate of LIBOR plus 1.97%. The arrangement was considered a hedge of a specific borrowing, and differences paid and received under the arrangement were recognized as adjustments to interest expense. This agreement, which was accounted for as a fair value hedge, decreased interest expense by $572, $571 and $1,848 for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. On October 15, 2003, the swap counter party exercised its right to change the termination date of the swap from October 15, 2010 to October 15, 2003. By exercising this right, the swap counter party paid us $4,000 as an early termination fee, which is being amortized as a reduction to interest expense through October 15, 2010. At June 30, 2006 and 2005, the unamortized portion of the termination fee was recorded as an increase in debt of $2,452 and $3,024, respectively.

From time to time, we utilize forward foreign exchange contracts for the sale or purchase of foreign currencies. These contracts are not designated as hedging instruments and do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under the provisions of SFAS No. 133 and SFAS No. 138. Mark-to-market gains and losses for forward foreign exchange contracts are recorded in foreign exchange and other. We had no outstanding forward sale or purchase contracts as of June 30, 2006 and June 30, 2005. We had no mark-to-market adjustments for forward foreign exchange contracts during fiscal years 2006, 2005, and 2004.
 
In order to minimize market exposure, at times we use forward contracts to reduce price fluctuations in a desired percentage of forecasted purchases of fossil fuel over a period of generally less than one year. There were no fossil fuel contracts outstanding at June 30, 2006, 2005 or 2004 requiring fair value treatment.
 
F-24

We may be exposed to losses in the event of nonperformance of counterparties but do not anticipate such nonperformance.

NOTE 15: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
Defined Contribution Plans
 
We have defined contribution retirement plans covering certain U.S. employees. We contribute 1% of the employee's gross compensation plus 1/2% for each year of service up to a maximum of 11% of the employee's gross compensation. During fiscal 2005 we implemented an additional retirement plan for U.S. employees. We match employees’ voluntary contributions to their retirement accounts up to the lesser of $2,000 per year or 2% of their eligible gross earnings. Contribution expense for the retirement plans for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $7,153, $6,743 and $5,744, respectively.
 
Postretirement Healthcare Plans
 
We also provide medical, dental, and life insurance postretirement plans covering certain U.S. employees who meet specified age and service requirements. Certain employees who met specified age and service requirements on March 15, 1993 are covered by their previous employer and are not covered by these plans. Our current policy is to fund the cost of these benefits as payments to participants as required. We have established cost maximums to more effectively control future medical costs. Effective July 1, 2002, we amended our postretirement medical plan to among other things reduce the level of cost maximums per eligible employee. Effective January 1, 2006, Medicare eligible retirees age 65 or older will not continue coverage under the self-funded plan. Instead they are provided a subsidy towards the purchase of supplemental insurance. This amendment reduced the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation by $4,089. The benefit is being amortized over 7.75 years.

  The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
 
 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Service cost for benefits earned
 
$
629 
 
$
703
 
$
753
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
 
 
1,258 
 
 
1,432
 
 
1,252
 
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit
 
 
(1,055 
 
(1,125
)
 
(1,125
)
Actuarial loss
 
 
 597
 
 
389
 
 
335
 
Total cost
 
$
1,429
 
$
1,399
 
$
1,215
 

The following table provides a reconciliation of the changes in the plans’ benefit obligations over the two-year period ending June 30, 2006, and a statement of the plans’ funded status as of June 30, 2006 and 2005:
 
 
 
June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 
 
 
 
Obligation at beginning of year
 
$
22,567 
 
$
22,541
 
Service cost
 
 
629 
 
 
703
 
Interest cost
 
 
1,258 
 
 
1,432
 
Participant contributions
 
 
328 
 
 
320
 
Actuarial loss
 
 
(703
 
2,927
 
Benefits paid
 
 
 (1,620
)
 
(1,267
)
Amendment
 
 
 
 
(4,089
)
Underfunded status at end of year
 
 
22,459 
 
 
22,567
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrecognized prior service credit
 
 
5,550 
 
 
6,605
 
Unrecognized loss
 
 
(8,643
 
(9,943
)
Other
 
 
1,536
 
 
1,358
 
Net amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheet
 
$
20,902
 
$
20,587
 
 
The amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets as of June 30, 2006 and 2005 includes $1,535 and $1,381, respectively which is classified in accrued expenses as the amount of benefits expected to be paid in fiscal year 2007 and 2006, respectively. Expected annual benefit payments net of retiree contributions are as follows: 2007 - $1,535; 2008 - $1,627; 2009 - $1,665; 2010 - $1,655 and 2011 - $1,701. The measurement date used to perform the benefit obligation analysis was May 1, 2006.
 

F-25


The weighted average annual assumed rate of increase in the per capita cost of covered benefits (i.e. health care cost trend rate) for the medical plans is 9.0% for 2007 and is assumed to decrease gradually to 5.0% in 2011 and remain level thereafter. Due to the benefit cost limitations in the plan, the health care cost trend rate assumption does not have a significant effect on the amounts reported.
 
Weighted average actuarial discount rate assumptions for our U.S. postretirement healthcare plan, which comprise substantially all of our projected benefit obligation, are as follows:
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Discount rate%
   
6.25
%
 
5.75
%
 
6.50
%
 
We use currently available high quality long-term corporate bond indices to determine the appropriate discount rate. Due to the long-term nature of these indexes, they have a similar maturity to expected benefit payments.
 
The Medicare Modernization Act will provide prescription drug benefits to Medicare eligible participants effective January 1, 2006. Since our plan only provides a subsidy toward supplemental Medicare insurance coverage, there is no impact on our plan as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act.

NOTE 16: SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER
 
Net sales to The Procter & Gamble Company and its affiliates for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were 13%, 14% and 16%, respectively, of total net sales. Nonwoven materials accounted for 60%, 56% and 48% of these sales in fiscal years 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The remainder of these sales were derived from the specialty fiber segment.

NOTE 17: SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
We report results for two segments, specialty fibers and nonwoven materials. The specialty fiber segment is an aggregation of cellulosic fibers based on both wood and cotton. Management makes financial decisions and allocates resources based on the sales and operating income of each segment. We allocate selling, research, and administration expenses to each segment and management uses the resulting operating income to measure the performance of the segments. The financial information attributed to these segments is included in the following table:  
 
 
 
 
 
Specialty
Fibers
 
Nonwoven Materials
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Total
 
Net sales
 
 
2006
 
$
515,855
 
$
240,873
 
$
(28,243
)
$
728,485
 
 
 
 
2005
 
 
513,588
 
 
226,492
 
 
(27,298
)
 
712,782
 
 
 
 
2004
 
 
461,360
 
 
217,641
 
 
(22,088
)
 
656,913
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
2006
 
 
 35,842
 
 
 15,919
 
 
 (7,341
 
 44,420
 
 
 
 
2005
 
 
64,148
 
 
12,963
 
 
(19,510
)
 
57,601
 
 
 
 
2004
 
 
28,198
 
 
7,580
 
 
(54,857
)
 
(19,079
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
2006
 
 
 29,945
 
 
 15,835
 
 
 3,398
 
 
 49,178
 
 of intangibles
 
 
2005
 
 
28,159
 
 
16,904
 
 
3,388
 
 
48,451
 
 
 
 
2004
 
 
27,662
 
 
17,150
 
 
3,321
 
 
48,133
 
Total assets
 
 
2006
 
 
473,899
 
 
276,589
 
 
 199,065
 
 
 949,553
 
 
 
 
2005
 
 
467,736
 
 
285,338
 
 
196,663
 
 
949,737
 
 
 
 
2004
 
 
464,294
 
 
297,864
 
 
208,665
 
 
970,823
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
2006
 
 
 42,410
 
 
 1,939
 
 
 1,242
 
 
 45,591
 
 
 
 
2005
 
 
39,356
 
 
3,690
 
 
2,283
 
 
45,329
 
 
 
 
2004
 
 
28,909
 
 
2,662
 
 
300
 
 
31,871
 

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Management evaluates operating performance of the specialty fibers and nonwoven materials segments, excluding amortization of intangibles, the impact of impairment of long-lived assets and charges related to restructuring. Therefore, the corporate segment includes operating elements such as segment eliminations, amortization of intangibles, impairment of long-lived assets and charges related to restructuring. Corporate net sales represents the elimination of intersegment sales included in the specialty fibers reporting segment. We account for intersegment sales as if the sales were to third parties, that is, at current market prices. Certain partially impaired assets are included in the total assets for the reporting segments, but the associated asset impairment charges are included in the corporate category. These asset impairment charges and the segments they relate to are discussed further in Note 4. Corporate assets primarily include cash, goodwill and intellectual property.
 

F-26


Operating income in 2004 for specialty fibers includes $9,582 of expense related to an extended maintenance shutdown at our Perry, Florida facility. This shutdown was the first in five years. Historically, we accrued expenses related to extended maintenance shutdowns; however, as of July 1, 2003, we changed our method of accounting from the accrue in advance method to the direct expense method. See Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
 
Our identifiable product lines are chemical cellulose, customized fibers, fluff pulp and nonwoven materials. Chemical cellulose is used to impart purity, strength and viscosity in the manufacture of diverse products such as food casings, rayon filament, acetate fibers, thickeners for consumer products, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Customized fibers are used to provide porosity, color permanence, strength and tear resistance in filters, premium letterhead, currency paper and personal stationery as well as absorbency and softness in cotton balls and cotton swabs. Fluff pulp and nonwoven materials are used to increase absorbency and fluid transport in products such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence products. Additionally, nonwoven materials are used to enhance fluid management and strength in wipes, tabletop items, food pads, household wipes and mops. The following provides relative net sales to unaffiliated customers by product line:

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Chemical cellulose
 
 
32
%
 
32
%
 
32
%
Customized fibers
 
 
17
 
 
18
 
 
17
 
Fluff pulp
 
 
18
 
 
18
 
 
18
 
Nonwoven materials
 
 
33
 
 
32
 
 
33
 
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
We are domiciled in the United States and have manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Germany and Brazil. The following provides a summary of net sales to unaffiliated customers, based on point of origin, long-lived assets by geographic areas and net sales by point of destination:

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
Net sales by point of origin:
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
United States
 
$
539,233
 
 
74
%
$
503,367
 
 
71
%
 
436,722
 
 
66
%
Germany
 
 
120,970
 
 
17
 
 
133,088
 
 
19
 
 
129,426
 
 
20
 
Other
 
 
68,282
 
 
9
 
 
76,327
 
 
10
 
 
90,765
 
 
14
 
Total
 
$
728,485
 
 
100
%
$
712,782
 
 
100
%
$
656,913
 
 
100
%

 
 
Year Ended June 30
 
Net sales by point of destination:
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
 
Europe
 
$
274,157
 
 
38
%
$
271,806
 
 
38
%
 
261,137
 
 
40
%
North America
 
 
302,527
 
 
42
 
 
299,192
 
 
42
 
 
255,427
 
 
39
 
Asia
 
 
76,851
 
 
10
 
 
70,390
 
 
10
 
 
75,882
 
 
11
 
South America
 
 
25,865
 
 
4
 
 
29,091
 
 
4
 
 
27,018
 
 
4
 
Other
 
 
49,085
 
 
6
 
 
42,303
 
 
6
 
 
37,449
 
 
6
 
Total
 
$
728,485
 
 
100
%
$
712,782
 
 
100
%
$
656,913
 
 
100
%

 
As of June 30
 
 
2006
 
2005
 
2004
Long-lived assets by geographical area:
 
 
 
 
 
United States
 
$
464,637
 
$
482,113
 
$
489,019
Canada
 
 
134,102
 
 
125,099
 
 
118,639
Germany
 
 
54,658
 
 
59,294
 
 
76,572
Brazil
 
 
66,195
 
 
36,633
 
 
19,133
Other
 
 
89
 
 
94
 
 
5,464
Total long-lived assets
 
$
719,681
 
$
703,233
 
$
708,827

NOTE 18: RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENSES
 
Research and development costs of $9,182, $8,785 and $9,457 were charged to expense as incurred for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.


F-27


NOTE 19: COMMITMENTS
 
Under two separate agreements expiring at various dates through December 31, 2010, we are required to purchase certain timber from specified tracts of land that is available for harvest. The contract price under the terms of these agreements are fixed annually based on market prices. At June 30, 2006, estimated annual purchase obligations were as follows: 2007—$13,100; 2008—$12,300; 2009—$13,000; 2010—$13,400; 2011—$6,800. Purchases under these agreements for the years ended June 30, 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $12,978; $13,672 and $9,166, respectively.

NOTE 20: CONTINGENCIES
 
Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations. We expect that, due to the nature of our operations, we will be subject to increasingly stringent environmental requirements (including standards applicable to wastewater discharges and air emissions) and will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with these requirements. Because it is difficult to predict the scope of future requirements, there can be no assurance that we will not incur material environmental compliance costs or liabilities in the future.

The Foley Plant, located in Perry, Florida, discharges treated wastewater into the Fenholloway River. Under the terms of an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”), approved by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (“the EPA”) in 1995, we agreed to a comprehensive plan to attain Class III (“fishable/swimmable”) status for the Fenholloway River under applicable Florida law (the “Fenholloway Agreement”). The Fenholloway Agreement requires us, among other things, to (i) make process changes within the Foley Plant to reduce the coloration of its wastewater discharge, (ii) restore certain wetlands areas, (iii) relocate the wastewater discharge point into the Fenholloway River to a point closer to the mouth of the river, and (iv) provide oxygen enrichment to the treated wastewater prior to discharge at the new location. We have completed the process changes within the Foley Plant as required by the Fenholloway Agreement. In making these in-plant process changes, we incurred significant expenditures, and, as discussed in the following paragraph, we expect to incur significant additional capital expenditures to comply with the remaining obligations under the Fenholloway Agreement.
 
The EPA objected to the draft National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit prepared in connection with the Fenholloway Agreement and requested additional environmental studies to identify possible alternatives to the relocation of the wastewater discharge point. The studies’ focus was to determine if more cost effective technologies are available to address both Class III water quality standards for the Fenholloway River and the anticipated EPA “cluster rules” applicable to wastewater discharges from dissolving kraft pulp mills, like the Foley Plant. While these studies were being conducted, implementation of the non in-plant process changes required by the Fenholloway Agreement was deferred. The studies have been completed, and the EPA provided comments to FDEP on the steps that would be required to overcome the EPA’s objections to the draft NPDES permit. In August 2005 FDEP redrafted the Buckeye NPDES permit to address the EPA’s comments, and has completed the required public review and comment process. The formal Notice of Intent to Issue Permit was issued in November 2005. The proposed permit was subsequently challenged by some members of the public and an administrative hearing to address the issues is expected to occur during the second or third quarter of fiscal 2007. The redrafted permit recognizes that the in-plant process changes already completed and the additional process changes planned as part of the draft NPDES permit will satisfy the EPA’s cluster rule requirements applicable to dissolving kraft pulp mills. Based on the requirements of the draft permit, we expect to incur additional capital expenditures of approximately $60 million over 8 - 10 years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal year 2007. The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors including when the permit is issued and whether the upcoming hearing results in changes to the proposed permit. A proposed permit condition requiring certain studies could result in additional treatment costs beyond these expected under the draft permit.
 
The EPA and FDEP have listed the Fenholloway River as impaired water (not meeting all applicable water quality standards) under the Clean Water Act for certain pollutants. The permitting proceedings discussed above are expected to address these water-quality issues.
 
The EPA has issued air emission standards applicable to the Foley Plant. In addition, the EPA has issued boiler air emission standards that are applicable to the Foley Plant. Compliance plans have been developed and are currently undergoing agency review. If the compliance plans are approved as proposed, these new standards will not have a material adverse effect on our financial statements as a whole.

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management that such litigation and claims will be resolved without a materially adverse effect on our financial statements as a whole.


F-28


NOTE 21: FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
For certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, the carrying amounts approximate fair value due to their short maturities. The fair value of our long-term public debt is based on an average of the bid and offer prices. The fair value of the credit facilities approximates its carrying value due to its variable interest rate. The carrying value of other long-term debt approximates fair value based on our current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing instruments. The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt and capital leases at June 30, 2006 were $522,090 and $497,256, respectively and at June 30, 2005 were $538,982 and $535,568, respectively. 

NOTE 22: QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Quarter
 
Second Quarter
 
Third Quarter
 
Fourth Quarter
 
Year ended June 30, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
165,456
 
$
188,254
 
$
181,407
 
$
193,368
 
Gross margin
 
 
24,193
 
 
 25,708
 
 
24,344
 
 
25,553
 
Operating income
 
 
10,305
 
 
 12,736
 
 
9,763
 
 
11,616
 
Net income (loss)
 
 
(289
 
 1,854
 
 
(795
 
1,210
 
Earnings (loss) per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
(0.01
$
0.05
 
$
(0.02
$
0.03
 
Diluted
 
$
(0.01
$
0.05
 
$
(0.02
$
0.03
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
 
$
167,323
 
$
180,622
 
$
180,910
 
$
183,927
 
Gross margin
 
 
29,629
 
 
31,147
 
 
30,210
 
 
29,070
 
Operating income
 
 
18,104
 
 
7,423
 
 
17,905
 
 
14,169
 
Net income
 
 
4,415
 
 
2,913
 
 
4,094
 
 
8,782
 
Earnings per share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.08
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.23
 
Diluted
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.08
 
$
0.11
 
$
0.23
 
 
(1) During the second quarter of fiscal 2005, we incurred impairment charges of $12,010 related to the announced closure of our Glueckstadt, Germany facility. Also during the quarter, we recorded a gain on sale of assets held for sale of $7,203. See Note 4 for further information on both of these items.

(2) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the IRS completed an audit of our tax return for fiscal year 2002. With the conclusion of this audit, we released the reserve on a tax deduction we claimed relating to our investment in our former facility in Cork, Ireland and recorded a non-cash tax benefit of $5,481 to our provision for income taxes. We also recorded an additional tax benefit of $733 resulting from a net change in our contingency reserves.

NOTE 23: CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The guarantor subsidiaries presented below represent our subsidiaries that are subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the indenture governing the senior notes and that guarantee the notes, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis. The non-guarantor subsidiaries presented below represent the foreign subsidiaries and the receivables subsidiary which do not guarantee the senior notes. Each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned directly or indirectly by Buckeye Technologies Inc. and all guarantees are full and unconditional.
 
Supplemental financial information for Buckeye Technologies Inc. and our guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries for the senior notes is presented in the following tables. 

F-29



STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ending June 30, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
109,164
 
$
461,613
 
$
190,984
 
$
(33,276 
)
$
728,485
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
 94,527
 
 
 395,369
 
 
 172,403
 
 
 (33,612
)
 
 628,687
 
Gross margin  
 
 
 14,637
 
 
 66,244
 
 
 18,581
 
 
 336
 
 
 99,798
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
12,977
 
 
 29,021
 
 
 7,764
 
 
 -
 
 
 49,762
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
 1
 
 
 498
 
 
 5,117
 
 
-
 
 
 5,616
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
 
 1,659
 
 
 36,725
 
 
 5,700
 
 
 336
 
 
 44,420
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense and amortization of debt
 
 
 (45,187
)
 
 311
 
 
 1,643
 
 
 -
 
 
 (43,233
)
Other income/(expense), including equity income in
affiliates
 
 
17,596
 
 
 69
 
 
 (632
)
 
 (17,536
)
 
 (503
)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
 
 
 28,340
 
 
 (19,809
)
 
 (8,531
)
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) before income taxes
 
 
 2,408
 
 
 17,296
 
 
 (1,820
)
 
 (17,200
)
 
 684
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense/(benefit)
 
 
428
 
 
 1,889
 
 
 2,407
 
 
 (6,020
)
 
 (1,296
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
 1,980
 
$
 15,407
 
$
 (4,227
)
$
 (11,180
)
$
1,980
 

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ending June 30, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
105,112
 
$
426,330
 
$
210,634
 
$
(29,294
)
$
712,782
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
86,203
 
 
350,516
 
 
185,078
 
 
(29,071
)
 
592,726
 
Gross margin  
 
 
18,909
 
 
75,814
 
 
25,556
 
 
(223
)
 
120,056
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
12,219
 
 
24,629
 
 
8,702
 
 
-
 
 
45,550
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
-
 
 
166
 
 
16,739
 
 
-
 
 
16,905
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
6,690
 
 
51,019
 
 
115
 
 
(223
)
 
57,601
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense and amortization of debt
 
 
(44,997
)
 
118
 
 
680
 
 
-
 
 
(44,199
)
Other income/(expense), including equity income in
affiliates
 
 
29,751
 
 
20
 
 
6,948
 
 
(30,407
)
 
6,312
 
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
 
 
29,727
 
 
(22,817
)
 
(6,910
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) before income taxes
 
 
21,171
 
 
28,340
 
 
833
 
 
(30,630
)
 
19,714
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense/(benefit)
 
 
967
 
 
10,514
 
 
(332
)
 
(11,639
)
 
(490
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
20,204
 
$
17,826
 
$
1,165
 
$
(18,991
)
$
20,204
 

F-30


STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Year ending June 30, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
88,914
 
$
370,399
 
$
224,150
 
$
(26,550
)
$
656,913
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
71,623
 
 
330,153
 
 
203,521
 
 
(25,825
)
 
579,472
 
Gross margin  
 
 
17,291
 
 
40,246
 
 
20,629
 
 
(725
)
 
77,441
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
14,753
 
 
22,022
 
 
7,892
 
 
-
 
 
44,667
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
1,596
 
 
4,533
 
 
45,724
 
 
-
 
 
51,853
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
942
 
 
13,691
 
 
(32,987
)
 
(725
)
 
(19,079
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense and amortization of debt
 
 
(45,554
)
 
(294
)
 
(513
)
 
-
 
 
(46,361
)
Other income/(expense), including equity income in
affiliates
 
 
(49,884
)
 
279
 
 
198
 
 
44,740
 
 
(4,667
)
Intercompany interest income/(expense)
 
 
32,135
 
 
(23,646
)
 
(8,489
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) before income taxes and cumulative effect change in
    accounting
 
 
(62,361
)
 
(9,970
)
 
(41,791
)
 
44,015
 
 
(70,107
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
(24,171
)
 
(4,179
)
 
(14,907
)
 
17,060
 
 
(26,197
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income/(loss) before cumulative effect of change in
accounting 
 
 
(38,190
)
 
(5,791
)
 
(26,884
)
 
26,955
 
 
(43,910
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting (net of tax)
 
 
-
 
 
5,720
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
5,720
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
(38,190
)
$
(71
)
$
(26,884
)
$
26,955
 
$
(38,190
)


F-31



BALANCE SHEETS
As of June 30, 2006

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
1,535
 
$
162
 
$
7,037
 
$
-
 
$
8,734
 
Accounts receivable, net  
 
 
 17,395
 
 
 66,207
 
 
30,496
 
 
 -
 
 
114,098
 
Inventories
 
 
 24,680
 
 
 53,756
 
 
 20,573
 
 
(442
)
 
98,567
 
Other current assets  
 
 
 2,422
 
 
 4,845
 
 
 1,206
 
 
 -
 
 
 8,473
 
Intercompany accounts receivable
 
 
 -
 
 
 57,105
 
 
 -
 
 
 (57,105
)
 
-
 
Total current assets
 
 
 46,032
 
 
 182,075
 
 
 59,312
 
 
 (57,547
)
 
 229,872
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
 55,440
 
 
 329,020
 
 
 147,438
 
 
 -
 
 
 531,898
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
 
 
 20,913
 
 
 51,730
 
 
 101,636
 
 
 -
 
 
 174,279
 
Intercompany notes receivable
 
 
 342,478
 
 
-
 
 
 -
 
 
 (342,478
)
 
 -
 
Other assets, including investment in subsidiaries
 
 
 304,581
 
 
 337,654
 
 
 93,066
 
 
(721,797
)
 
 13,504
 
Total assets
 
$
 769,444
 
$
900,479
 
$
 401,452
 
$
 (1,121,822
)
$
949,553
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
 4,857
 
$
 21,077
 
$
 7,039
 
$
 -
 
$
32,973
 
Other current liabilities
 
 
 20,416
 
 
 17,390
 
 
 12,530
 
 
1
 
 
 50,337
 
Intercompany accounts payable
 
 
 52,297
 
 
 -
 
 
 4,808
 
 
 (57,105
)
 
 -
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
 77,570
 
 
 38,467
 
 
 24,377
 
 
 (57,104
)
 
 83,310
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 519,414
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
519,414
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(48,099
)
 
 64,030
 
 
 19,755
 
 
-
 
 
35,686
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
 
 6,414
 
 
 13,476
 
 
 1,536
 
 
 -
 
 
 21,426
 
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
 -
 
 
 201,993
 
 
 140,485
 
 
 (342,478
)
 
-
 
Stockholders’/invested equity
 
 
 214,145
 
 
 582,513
 
 
 215,299
 
 
 (722,240
)
 
 289,717
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
 769,444
 
$
 900,479
 
$
 401,452
 
$
 (1,121,822
)
$
949,553
 



F-32


BALANCE SHEETS
As of June 30, 2005

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
860
 
$
151
 
$
8,915
 
$
-
 
$
9,926
 
Accounts receivable, net  
 
 
16,147
 
 
70,636
 
 
31,432
 
 
-
 
 
118,215
 
Inventories
 
 
21,745
 
 
57,932
 
 
28,997
 
 
(779
)
 
107,895
 
Other current assets  
 
 
4,521
 
 
3,995
 
 
1,952
 
 
-
 
 
10,468
 
Intercompany accounts receivable
 
 
-
 
 
22,741
 
 
-
 
 
(22,741
)
 
-
 
Total current assets
 
 
43,273
 
 
155,455
 
 
71,296
 
 
(23,520
)
 
246,504
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
55,720
 
 
342,455
 
 
127,756
 
 
-
 
 
525,931
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
 
 
20,962
 
 
53,827
 
 
92,217
 
 
-
 
 
167,006
 
Intercompany notes receivable
 
 
333,295
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(333,295
)
 
-
 
Other assets, including investment in subsidiaries
 
 
301,239
 
 
323,095
 
 
113,840
 
 
(727,878
)
 
10,296
 
Total assets
 
$
754,489
 
$
874,832
 
$
405,109
 
$
(1,084,693
)
$
949,737
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
7,213
 
$
20,841
 
$
9,172
 
$
-
 
$
37,226
 
Other current liabilities
 
 
20,450
 
 
18,094
 
 
11,918
 
 
-
 
 
50,462
 
Intercompany accounts payable
 
 
20,179
 
 
-
 
 
2,562
 
 
(22,741
)
 
-
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
47,842
 
 
38,935
 
 
23,652
 
 
(22,741
)
 
87,688
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
535,539
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
535,539
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(43,918
)
 
62,764
 
 
15,814
 
 
-
 
 
34,660
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
 
6,822
 
 
14,081
 
 
1,358
 
 
-
 
 
22,261
 
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
-
 
 
212,620
 
 
120,675
 
 
(333,295
)
 
-
 
Stockholders’/invested equity
 
 
208,204
 
 
546,432
 
 
243,610
 
 
(728,657
)
 
269,589
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
754,489
 
$
874,832
 
$
405,109
 
$
(1,084,693
)
$
949,737
 


F-33


STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ending June 30, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operations 
 
$
 29,990
 
$
 29,445
 
$
 (714
$
 58,721
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(4,899
 
(18,627
 
(22,065 
 
 (45,591
)
Other
 
 
 -
 
 
505
 
 
 191
 
 
 696
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
 (4,899
 
 (18,122
 
 (21,874
 
 (44,895
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under revolving line of credit
 
 
 350
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
 350
 
Net borrowings (payments) on long-term debt and other
 
 
(24,766
 
 (11,312
 
 19,810
 
 
 (16,268
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 
 (24,416
 
 (11,312
 
 19,810
 
 
 (15,918
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
 900
 
 
 900
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
 675
 
 
 11
 
 
 (1,878
 
 (1,192
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
860
 
 
 151
 
 
 8,915
 
 
 9,926
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
 1,535
 
$
162
 
$
 7,037
 
$
 8,734
 

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ending June 30, 2005
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operations 
 
$
20,746
 
$
50,824
 
$
7,051
 
$
78,621
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(6,354
)
 
(25,330
)
 
(13,645
)
 
(45,329
)
Other  
 
 
-
 
 
(550
)
 
13,631
 
 
13,081
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(6,354
)
 
(25,880
)
 
(14
)
 
(32,248
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under revolving line of credit
 
 
400
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
400
 
Net payments on long-term debt and other
 
 
(28,678
)
 
(24,896
)
 
(11,721
)
 
(65,295
)
Net cash used in financing activities
 
 
(28,278
)
 
(24,896
)
 
(11,721
)
 
(64,895
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
1,213
 
 
1,213
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(13,886
)
 
48
 
 
(3,471
)
 
(17,309
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
14,746
 
 
103
 
 
12,386
 
 
27,235
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
860
 
$
151
 
$
8,915
 
$
9,926
 

 
F-34

 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Year ending June 30, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operations 
 
$
3,925
 
$
(5,806
)
$
67,537
 
$
65,656
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(6,524
)
 
(22,971
)
 
(2,376
)
 
(31,871
)
Other  
 
 
-
 
 
(377
)
 
3
 
 
(374
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(6,524
)
 
(23,348
)
 
(2,373
)
 
(32,245
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net payments under revolving line of credit
 
 
(209,124
)
 
-
 
 
(14,902
)
 
(224,026
)
Payments for debt issuance and extinguishment
 
 
(11,185
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(11,185
)
Net issuance of (payments on) long-term debt and other
 
 
211,579
 
 
24,908
 
 
(58,153
)
 
178,334
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 
(8,730
)
 
24,908
 
 
(73,055
)
 
(56,877
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
724
 
 
724
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(11,329
)
 
(4,246
)
 
(7,167
)
 
(22,742
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
26,075
 
 
4,349
 
 
19,553
 
 
49,977
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
14,746
 
$
103
 
$
12,386
 
$
27,235
 


F-35



 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Buckeye Technologies Inc.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Buckeye Technologies Inc. as of June 30, 2006 and 2005, and for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2006, and have issued our report thereon dated August 31, 2006 (included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K). Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a) in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.


 

Memphis, Tennessee       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
August 31, 2006


F-36



SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS


 
Column B
 
Column C
 
Column D
 
Column E
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Description
 
Balance
at
Beginning
of
Period
 
 
Additions
Charged
to
Expenses
 
 
 
 
 
Deductions
 
Balance
at
End
of
Period
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 20, 2006
 
$
 5,602
 
$
123
 
$
(3,821(a
$
1,904
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 20, 2005
 
$
4,240
 
$
1,372
 
$
(10)(a
)
$
5,602
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2004
 
$
721
 
$
4,010
 
$
(491)(a
)
$
4,240
 
                           
Allowance for maintenance shutdowns
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
Year ended June 20, 2006
 
$
 -
 
$
-
 
$
-(d
$
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 20, 2005
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
-(d
)
$
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2004
 
$
9,881
 
$
-
 
$
9,881(d
)
$
-
 
                           
Accrual for restructuring
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 20, 2006
 
$
 2,471
 
$
3,526
 
$
 (6,103)(b
$
20
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 20, 2005
 
$
2,134
 
$
4,579
 
$
(4,242)(b
)
$
2,471
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2004
 
$
1,624
 
$
5,945
 
$
(5,435)(b
)
$
2,134
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred tax assets valuation allowance
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2006
 
$
 5,813
 
$
3,842 
 
$
 410(c
$
10,065 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2005
 
$
4,125
 
$
1,145
 
$
543(c
)
$
5,813
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended June 30, 2004
 
$
2,439
 
$
1,746
 
$
(60)(c
)
$
4,125
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(a)    Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries, translation adjustments and changes in quality claims. Quality claims are recorded as reduction in sales.
(b)    Severance payments, lease cancellations, relocation expenses, and miscellaneous other expenses.
(c)    Impact of change in exchange rate between Brazilian reals and US dollars.
(d)    Payments made during plant shut downs were $9,881 in 2004. Effective July 1, 2003, we changed our method of accounting for planned maintenance activities from the
accrue in advance method to the direct expense method. For further discussion of this change, see Note 3 of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-37