march3108tenq.htm

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




FORM 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March31, 2008

¨ 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.
Delaware
 
(state or other jurisdiction of incorporation)


Internal Revenue Service — Employer Identification No. 62-1518973

1001 Tillman Street, Memphis, TN 38112
901-320-8100


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

Yes x
No ¨

Indicate by check mark 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 whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨
No x

As of April 30, 2008, there were outstanding 39,194,628Common Shares of the Registrant.






INDEX
 
BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.



ITEM
 
PAGE
 
 
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
1.
Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Incomefor the Three and Nine Months Ended March31, 2008and 2007
3
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March31, 2008 and June 30, 2007
4
 
 
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the NineMonths Ended March31, 2008and 2007
5
 
 
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
 
 
 
2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
17
 
 
 
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
 
 
 
4.
Controls and Procedures
24
 
 
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.
Legal Proceedings
25
     
6.
Exhibits
25
     
 
SIGNATURES
26
 
 
 



2



Item 1.
Financial Statements
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 March 31
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Net sales
 
$
201,865
 
$
193,009
 
$
610,186
 
$
569,145
 
Cost of goods sold
   
167,664
   
160,070
 
 
493,351
 
 
477,853
 
Gross margin
   
34,201
   
32,939
 
 
116,835
 
 
91,292
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
   
11,470
   
11,680
 
 
34,740
 
 
34,047
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
   
468
   
500
 
 
1,390
 
 
1,638
 
Restructuring costs
   
-
   
1,201
 
 
96
 
 
1,224
 
Operating income
   
22,263
   
19,558
 
 
80,609
 
 
54,383
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs
   
(7,814
)
 
(10,020
)
 
(25,495
)
 
(31,211
)
Gain on sale of assets held for sale
   
-
   
-
 
 
-
 
 
355
 
Extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
(85
)
 
(535
)
 
(737
)
Foreign exchange and other
   
313
   
422
 
 
51
 
 
674
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income before income taxes
   
14,762
   
9,875
 
 
54,630
 
 
23,464
 
Income tax expense
   
4,340
   
3,302
 
 
16,845
 
 
9,264
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
10,422
 
$
6,573
 
$
37,785
 
$
14,200
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per share
           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
$
0.27
 
$
0.17
 
$
0.97
 
$
0.38
 
Diluted
 
$
0.26
 
$
0.17
 
$
0.96
 
$
0.37
 
                           
Weighted average shares for earnings per share
                         
Basic
   
39,011
   
37,887
 
 
38,902
 
 
37,750
 
Effect of diluted shares
   
361
   
555
 
 
458
 
 
298
 
Diluted
   
39,372
   
38,442
 
 
39,360
 
 
38,048
 

See accompanying notes.


3



BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 
 
March 31
2008
 
June 30
2007
 
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
20,835
 
$
14,790
 
Accounts receivable net
 
 
121,985
 
 
116,865
 
Inventories– net
 
 
103,531
 
 
86,777
 
Deferred income taxes and other
 
 
9,716
 
 
9,452
 
Total current assets
 
 
256,067
 
 
227,884
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment
 
 
1,069,362
 
 
1,016,299
 
Less accumulated depreciation
 
 
(524,405
)
 
(478,644
)
 
 
 
544,957
 
 
537,655
 
Goodwill
 
 
160,285
 
 
155,937
 
Intellectual property and other, net
 
 
29,947
 
 
30,346
 
Total assets
 
$
991,256
 
$
951,822
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
44,659
 
$
41,030
 
Accrued expenses
 
 
55,302
 
 
49,532
 
Current portion of capital lease obligation
 
 
459
 
 
399
 
Short-term debt
 
 
647
 
 
-
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
101,067
 
 
90,961
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
394,532
 
 
445,138
 
Accrued postretirement benefits
 
 
25,194
 
 
24,509
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
56,379
 
 
41,761
 
Capital lease obligation
 
 
-
 
 
356
 
Other liabilities
 
 
2,508
 
 
1,943
 
Stockholders’ equity
 
 
411,576
 
 
347,154
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
991,256
 
$
951,822
 

See accompanying notes.


4



BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)

 
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Operating activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
37,785
 
$
14,200
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 
38,079
 
 
36,454
 
Amortization
 
 
1,666
 
 
2,354
 
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
 
 
535
 
 
737
 
Deferred income taxes and other
 
 
13,591
 
 
4,350
 
Gain on sale of assets held for sale
 
 
-
 
 
(355
)
Loss on disposal of equipment
   
794
   
701
 
Provision for bad debts
   
(62
)
 
170
 
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation
   
(44
)
 
(6
)
Other
   
956
   
1,258
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
 
(1,316
) 
 
(1,523
)
Inventories
 
 
(13,955
) 
 
15,881
 
Other assets
 
 
(1,020
)
 
(754
)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities
 
 
3,714
 
 
6,631
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
80,723
 
 
80,098
 
Investing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(31,205
)
 
(26,235
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
 
 
-
 
 
521
 
Other
 
 
(253
)
 
(380
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(31,458
)
 
(26,094
)
 Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under lines of credit
 
 
64,204
 
 
368
 
Payments on long-term debt and other
   
(113,918
)
 
(50,127
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
 
 
(1,401
)
 
-
 
Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
   
5,742
   
2,308
 
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation
   
44
   
6
 
Net cash used in financing activities
 
 
(45,329
)
 
(47,445
)
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
2,109
 
 
204
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
6,045
 
 
6,763
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
14,790
 
 
8,734
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
20,835
 
$
15,497
 

See accompanying notes.


5



NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
(UNAUDITED)
 
(In thousands)
NOTE 1:
BASIS OF PRESENTATION
 
Our accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (including normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.  Operating results for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2008.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  For further information and a listing of our significant accounting policies, refer to the financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 7, 2007 (“Annual Report”).  Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ending June 30, 2008or ended June 30 of the year referenced and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year.
 
Translation adjustment
 
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 U.S. dollars at the rate of exchange in effect at the balance sheet date.  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.
 
Use of estimates
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesrequires 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.


6


NOTE 2:
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 administrative 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:

Three Months Ended
March 31
 
 
 
Specialty
Fibers
 
Nonwoven
Materials
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Total
 
Net sales
 
 
2008
 
$
150,928
 
$
58,157
 
$
(7,219
)
$
201,865
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
135,398
 
 
65,386
 
 
(7,775
)
 
193,009
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
2008
 
 
21,965
 
 
1,177
 
 
(879
)
 
22,263
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
15,948
 
 
5,873
 
 
(2,263
)
 
19,558
 
Depreciation and amortization of  intangibles
 
 
2008
 
 
8,492
 
 
3,791
 
 
854
 
 
13,137
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
7,901
 
 
3,898
 
 
844
 
 
12,643
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
2008
 
 
10,981
 
 
1,298
 
 
234
 
 
12,513
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
8,727
 
 
1,845
 
 
1,338
 
 
11,910
 


Nine Months Ended
March 31
 
 
 
Specialty
Fibers
 
Nonwoven
Materials
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Total
 
Net sales
 
 
2008
 
$
434,837
 
$
201,753
 
$
(26,403
)
$
610,186
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
400,399
 
 
192,841
 
 
(24,095
)
 
569,145
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
2008
 
 
69,920
 
 
14,404
 
 
(3,715
)
 
80,609
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
41,430
 
 
16,698
 
 
(3,745
)
 
54,383
 
Depreciation and amortization of intangibles
 
 
2008
 
 
24,664
 
 
12,264
 
 
2,542
 
 
39,470
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
23,458
 
 
12,034
 
 
2,649
 
 
38,141
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
2008
 
 
27,369
 
 
2,742
 
 
1,094
 
 
31,205
 
 
 
 
2007
 
 
20,383
 
 
2,842
 
 
3,010
 
 
26,235
 
 
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, non-allocated administrative costs, impairment of long-lived assets and charges related to restructuring.  Corporate net sales represent the elimination of intersegment sales included in the specialty fibers reporting segment. Intersegment sales areat current market prices.


7


NOTE 3: RESTRUCTURING COSTS AND ASSETS HELD FOR SALE
 
During fiscal 2007, we entered into a restructuring program that complementedour operations’ consolidations and involvedconsolidation in our European sales offices, product and market development and corporate overhead.  The total cost of this program was$1,358and wascompleted during the three months ended September 30, 2007.  The remaining accrual of $116 will be paid over the next six months.  As a result of this restructuring, 22positions wereeliminated which will provide annual savings over $2,000.
  
Period Ended March 31, 2008
Accrual
Balance as of
December 31, 2007
Additional
Charges
Impact of
Foreign
Currency
Payments
Accrual
Balance as of
March 31, 2008
Program Charges
 to Date
2007 Restructuring Program
Severance and employee benefits
     Specialty fibers
$
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
 
$
-
$
791
     Corporate
-
-
-
-
 
-
432
Other miscellaneous expenses
   
     Specialty fibers
108
-
8
-
 
116
135
Total 2007 Program
$
108
$
-
$
8
$
-
 
$
116
$
1,358
In December 2006, the remaining assets located at our Glueckstadt facility were sold for $520. Since we previously had written the value of these assets down to $165, we recorded a gain on sale of assets held for sale of $355 during the nine months ended March 31, 2007.

NOTE 4: 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 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.
 
The components of inventory consist of the following:
 
 
 
March 31
2008
 
June 30
2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw materials
 
$
31,378
 
$
25,816
 
Finished goods
 
 
49,199
 
 
39,335
 
Storeroom and other supplies
 
 
22,954
 
 
21,626
 
 
 
$
103,531
 
$
86,777
 


8


NOTE 5:                       DEBT

The components of long-term debt consist of the following:

 
 
March 31
2008
 
June 30
2007
 
Senior Notes due:
 
 
 
 
 
2013
 
$
200,000
 
$
200,000
 
Senior Subordinated Notes due:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2008
 
 
-
 
 
59,948
 
2010
 
 
131,044
 
 
151,568
 
Credit facility
 
 
63,488
 
 
33,622
 
 
 
$
394,532
 
$
445,138
 

Senior Notes- During September2003, we placed privately $200,000 in aggregate principal amount of 8.5% Senior Notes due October 1, 2013.  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 ofour 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.

Senior Subordinated Notes- During July 1996, we completed a public offering of $100,000 in aggregate principal amount of 9.25% unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes due September 15, 2008 (the “2008 Notes”).  On September 17, 2007, we redeemed the remaining $60,000 of the 2008 Notes.  As a result of this redemption, we wrote off the remaining balance of deferred financing costs and unamortized discount related to the 2008 Notes.

During June 1998, we completed a private placement of $150,000in aggregateprincipal amount of 8% unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes(the “2010 Notes”)due October 15, 2010.  In fiscal year 1999, we exchanged these outstanding notes for public notes with the same terms.  These notes have been redeemable at our option, in whole or in part, at any time since October 15, 2006, at a redemption price of 100% of principal amount together with accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption.
 
On September 24, 2007, we redeemed $20,000 of the 2010 Notes.  As a result of this redemption, we wrote off a portion of the deferred financing costs and unamortized discount related to the 2010 Notes.

Revolving Credit Facility- On July 25, 2007, we established a $200,000 senior secured revolving credit facility with a maturity date of July 25, 2012.  This facility amendedand restated ourexisting credit facility.  Initially, we used proceeds from this new credit facility and cash from operations to pay the outstanding balance on the former credit facility plus fees and expenses.  The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the revolver is the agent’s prime rate plus 0.25% to 1.00% for daily borrowings or a LIBOR-based rate ranging from LIBOR plus 1.25% to LIBOR plus 2.00% for longer-term borrowings.  Our current interest rates are at the lowest end of these ranges available under the revolver.  We usedproceeds from this facility to redeem the remaining $60,000 of our 2008 notesandto redeem $20,000 of the 2010 notes in September2007.  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 total leverage ratio of consolidated total debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, orEBITDA, and minimum ratio of consolidated EBITDA to consolidated interest expense.  As of March 31, 2008, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit facility.
 
As of March 31, 2008, we had $131,045 available on the revolving credit facility.  The commitment fee, on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility, ranges from 0.25% to 0.40% per annum based on a grid related to our leverage ratio.   During the nine months ended March 31, 2008, we expensed $176 as early extinguishment of debt related to the write-off of deferred financing costs for the former term loan.

On September 17, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement for $30,000 of debt under our revolving credit facility maturing on September 17, 2009.  The swap involves the exchange of interest payments from a floating-rate three month LIBOR plus the applicable margin on the revolving credit facility to a fixed rate of 4.79% plus the same applicable margin.  This arrangement qualifies as a cash flow hedge under SFAS 133.  Therefore, the net effect from the interest rate swap is being recorded as part of interest expense.  During the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008, the swap reduced our interest expense by $6 and $77, respectively.
 

9


NOTE 6:
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
The components of comprehensive income consist of the following:
 
 
 
ThreeMonths Ended
March 31
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
             
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
10,422
 
$
6,573
 
$
37,785
 
$
14,200
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments net
   
(675
)
 
4,044
 
 
21,747
 
 
437
 
Unrealized losses on hedging activities
   
(591
)
 
-
   
(1,076
)
 
-
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
9,156
 
$
10,617
 
$
58,456
 
$
14,637
 
 
For the threeand nine monthsended March 31, 2008, the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment wasdue to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the euro of $6,624 and $13,450, the Brazilian real of $(533) and $4,108and the Canadian dollar of $(6,766) and $4,189, respectively.
 
For the three and nine months ended March 31, 2007, the change in the foreign currency translation adjustmentwasprimarily due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the euro of $714 and $3,031,the Brazilian real of $2,903 and $2,649and the Canadian dollar of $774and $(5,201), respectively.

NOTE 7:
INCOME TAXES

 On July 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.  FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for income taxes by prescribing the minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.  As a result of the adoption, we recorded an adjustment of approximately $878 to reduce the opening balance of retained earnings.  At adoption, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1,806.  Cumulative potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits at the date of adoption totaled $164.  We include interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income before income taxes.  All unrecognized tax benefits at adoption would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized.

We file income tax returns with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2008, we remainedsubject to examinations of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2002 through June 30, 2007Canadian income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2002 through June 30, 2007 and German tax filings for the years ended June 30, 2003 through June 30, 2007

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008was 29.4%and 30.8% versus 33.4%and 39.5%, respectively, for the same periodsin 2007.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the main reasons for the decrease were the identification of additional research and development tax credits for the fiscal years ended from June 30, 2003 through June 30, 2007.  The rate decreasefor the ninemonth period ended March 31, 2008resultedfrom a German tax rate reduction enacted in July 2007, lower losses in Brazil, for which we recorded a 100% valuation allowance and the previously discussed item that impacted the three month period.  Our income tax expense differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes due to the following:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
           
 
 
 
 
 
Expected tax expense at 35%
 
$
5,167
 
$
3,456
 
$
19,121
 
$
8,212
 
German tax rate change
   
-
   
-
   
(2,245
)
 
-
 
Domestic manufacturing deduction
   
(182
)
 
-
   
(182
)
 
-
 
R&D tax credits
   
(810
)
 
-
   
(810
)
 
-
 
Effect of foreign operations
   
193
   
821
 
 
115
 
 
431
 
Extraterritorial income benefit
   
-
   
(393
)
 
-
   
(606
)
Brazilian valuation allowance
   
472
   
355
   
1,319
   
2,494
 
Other
   
(500
)
 
(937
) 
 
(473
)
 
1,267
 
Income tax expense
 
$
4,340
 
$
3,302
 
$
16,845
 
$
9,264
 


10


NOTE 8: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
We provide medical, dental and life insurance postretirement plans covering certain U.S.employees who meet specified age and service requirements.  Pursuant to an amendment, effective January 1, 2006, Medicare eligible retirees age 65 or older are no longer covered under the self-funded plan.  Instead, they are provided a subsidy towards the purchase of supplemental insurance.  The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
2008
 
2007
 
Service cost for benefits earned
 
$
151
 
$
150
 
$
453
 
$
449
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
   
350
   
352
 
 
1,051
 
 
1,056
 
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
   
(251
)
 
(251
)
 
(752
)
 
(752
)
Actuarial loss
   
146
   
142
 
 
437
 
 
426
 
Total cost
 
$
396
 
$
393
 
$
1,189
 
$
1,179
 

NOTE 9: CONTINGENCIES

On January 3, 2008, K.T. Equipment (International)(K.T.), Inc. filed a claim in the United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, against us, in which K.T. alleged that webreached ourobligation under the Stac-Pac® acquisition agreement to pay K.T.a contingent promissory note in the principal amount of $5,000plus accrued interest of approximately $2,508 as of March 31, 2008.  Payment of the contingent note was dependent on the satisfaction of certain specified conditions relating to the rights obtained by uswith regard to the intellectual property assets.   When these conditions were not met pursuant to the terms of the Stac-Pac® acquisition agreement, wecanceled the contingent note in the year ended June 30, 2007, as reported in our 10-K filed September 7, 2007.  Webelieve wehavemeritorious defenses to K.T.’s claim and intend to vigorously defend against the claim.

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, and some members of the public have also challenged the permit.   Based on the requirements anticipated inthe proposed permit, we expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately$12.5 million dollars over the next four years (beginning fiscal year 2008) on in-plant process changes, and additional capital expenditures of at least $50 million dollars over at least five years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal year 2012.  The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors including when the permit is issued and whether there are any further changes to the proposed permit.  The revised permit may also include a condition requiring additionalstudies that could result in additional treatment costs beyond those expected under the previously proposedpermit. The EPA and FDEP have listed the Fenholloway Riveras an 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.  See Note 20 “Contingencies” to the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007.
 



11


NOTE 10: 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 thatdo not guarantee the senior notes. Each subsidiary guarantor is 100% owned directly or indirectly by us and all guarantees are full and unconditional.
 
Our supplemental financial information and our guarantor subsidiaries and non-guarantor subsidiaries for the senior notes arepresented in the following tables.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2008

 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
32,029
 
$
133,671
 
$
44,071
 
$
(7,906
)
$
201,865
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
29,193
 
 
105,013
 
 
41,273
 
 
(7,815
)
 
167,664
 
Gross margin
 
 
2,836
 
 
28,658
 
 
2,798
 
 
(91
)
 
34,201
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
(4,610
)
 
14,099
 
 
2,449
 
 
-
 
 
11,938
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income(loss)
 
 
7,446
 
 
14,559
 
 
349
 
 
(91
)
 
22,263
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) and amortization of debt
 
 
(8,117
)
 
142
 
 
161
 
 
-
 
 
(7,814
)
Other income (expense), including equity income (loss) in affiliates
 
 
3,979
 
 
(30
)
 
485
 
 
(4,121
)
 
313
 
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
 
8,319
 
 
(6,495
)
 
(1,824
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
11,627
 
 
8,176
 
 
(829
)
 
(4,212
)
 
14,762
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense
 
 
1,205
 
 
2,843
 
 
249
 
 
43
 
 
4,340
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
10,422
 
$
5,333
 
$
(1,078
)
$
(4,255
)
$
10,422
 
 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NineMonths Ended March 31, 2008

 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
87,756
 
$
399,710
 
$
152,165
 
$
(29,445
)
$
610,186
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
77,041
 
 
309,265
 
 
136,401
 
 
(29,356
)
 
493,351
 
Gross margin
 
 
10,715
 
 
90,445
 
 
15,764
 
 
(89
)
 
116,835
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
(14,127
)
 
41,552
 
 
8,705
 
 
-
 
 
36,130
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
69
 
 
-
 
 
27
 
 
-
 
 
96
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income
 
 
24,773
 
 
48,893
 
 
7,032
 
 
(89
)
 
80,609
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income (expense) and amortization of debt
 
 
(25,887
)
 
26
 
 
366
 
 
-
 
 
(25,495
)
Other income (expense), including equity income (loss) in affiliates
 
 
31,423
 
 
161
 
 
(155
)
 
(31,913
)
 
(484
)
Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
 
24,982
 
 
(19,509
)
 
(5,473
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
55,291
 
 
29,571
 
 
1,770
 
 
(32,002
)
 
54,630
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
17,506
 
 
10,137
 
 
(558
)
 
(10,240
)
 
16,845
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
37,785
 
$
19,434
 
$
2,328
 
$
(21,762
)
$
37,785
 

12


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
29,329
 
$
123,376
 
$
48,870
 
$
(8,566
)
$
193,009
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
24,987
 
 
99,807
 
 
43,751
 
 
(8,475
)
 
160,070
 
Gross margin
 
 
4,342
 
 
23,569
 
 
5,119
 
 
(91
)
 
32,939
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
2,341
 
 
8,140
 
 
1,699
 
 
-
 
 
12,180
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
473
 
 
51
 
 
677
 
 
-
 
 
1,201
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
1,528
 
 
15,378
 
 
2,743
 
 
(91
)
 
19,558
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net interest income(expense) and amortization ofdebt
 
 
(10,150
)
 
12
 
 
118
 
 
-
 
 
(10,020
)
     Other income(expense), including equityincome  (loss)in affiliates
 
 
12,642
 
 
(11
)
 
443
 
 
(12,737
)
 
337
 
     Intercompany interest income (expense)
 
 
7,057
 
 
(4,798
)
 
(2,259
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income(loss) before income taxes
 
 
11,077
 
 
10,581
 
 
1,045
 
 
(12,828
)
 
9,875
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
 
 
4,504
 
 
2,912
 
 
1,169
 
 
(5,283
)
 
3,302
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
6,573
 
$
7,669
 
$
(124
)
$
(7,545
)
$
6,573
 


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
NineMonths Ended March 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net sales
 
$
90,035
 
$
362,818
 
$
142,880
 
$
(26,588
)
$
569,145
 
Cost of goods sold
 
 
75,131
 
 
300,037
 
 
129,044
 
 
(26,359
)
 
477,853
 
Gross margin
 
 
14,904
 
 
62,781
 
 
13,836
 
 
(229
)
 
91,292
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses, and other
 
 
6,260
 
 
24,096
 
 
5,329
 
 
-
 
 
35,685
 
Restructuring and impairment costs
 
 
473
 
 
51
 
 
700
 
 
-
 
 
1,224
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
8,171
 
 
38,634
 
 
7,807
 
 
(229
)
 
54,383
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Net interest income (expense) and amortization of debt
 
 
(31,312
)
 
(87
)
 
188
 
 
-
 
 
(31,211
)
     Other income (expense), including equityincome (loss)in affiliates
 
 
29,148
 
 
(81
)
 
1,309
 
 
(30,084
)
 
292
 
     Intercompany interest income  (expense)
 
 
21,369
 
 
(14,527
)
 
(6,842
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
27,376
 
 
23,939
 
 
2,462
 
 
(30,313
)
 
23,464
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense(benefit)
 
 
13,176
 
 
7,344
 
 
3,294
 
 
(14,550
)
 
9,264
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
 
$
14,200
 
$
16,595
 
$
(832
)
$
(15,763
)
$
14,200
 



13


 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31, 2008

 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
588
 
$
74
 
$
20,173
 
$
-
 
$
20,835
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
 
16,011
 
 
75,320
 
 
30,654
 
 
-
 
 
121,985
 
Inventories, net
 
 
23,532
 
 
58,619
 
 
22,397
 
 
(1,017
)
 
103,531
 
Other current assets
 
 
2,798
 
 
6,477
 
 
441
 
 
-
 
 
9,716
 
Intercompany accounts receivable
 
 
-
 
 
85,817
 
 
-
 
 
(85,817
)
 
-
 
Total current assets
 
 
42,929
 
 
226,307
 
 
73,665
 
 
(86,834
)
 
256,067
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
58,884
 
 
328,919
 
 
157,154
 
 
-
 
 
544,957
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
 
 
37,110
 
 
27,347
 
 
112,709
 
 
-
 
 
177,166
 
Intercompany notes receivable
 
 
372,717
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(372,717
)
 
-
 
Other assets, including investment in subsidiaries
 
 
393,199
 
 
261,433
 
 
115,949
 
 
(757,515
)
 
13,066
 
Total assets
 
$
904,839
 
$
844,006
 
$
459,477
 
$
(1,217,066
)
$
991,256
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
8,165
 
$
29,881
 
$
6,613
 
$
-
 
$
44,659
 
Other current liabilities
 
 
22,950
 
 
19,280
 
 
14,178
 
 
-
 
 
56,408
 
Intercompany accounts payable
 
 
74,374
 
 
-
 
 
11,443
 
 
(85,817
)
 
-
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
105,489
 
 
49,161
 
 
32,234
 
 
(85,817
)
 
101,067
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
394,532
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
394,532
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(15,751
)
 
55,058
 
 
17,072
 
 
-
 
 
56,379
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
 
8,993
 
 
16,679
 
 
2,030
 
 
-
 
 
27,702
 
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
-
 
 
259,947
 
 
112,770
 
 
(372,717
)
 
-
 
Stockholders’/invested equity
 
 
411,576
 
 
463,161
 
 
295,371
 
 
(758,532
)
 
411,576
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
904,839
 
$
844,006
 
$
459,477
 
$
(1,217,066
)
$
991,256
 


14



 
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of June 30, 2007

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
Consolidating
Adjustments
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
6,329
 
$
447
 
$
8,014
 
$
-
 
$
14,790
 
Accounts receivable, net
 
 
 15,147
 
 
 71,753
 
 
29,965
 
 
 -
 
 
116,865
 
Inventories, net
 
 
 18,468
 
 
 48,739
 
 
 20,501
 
 
(931
)
 
86,777
 
Other current assets
 
 
 2,724
 
 
 5,690
 
 
 1,038
 
 
 -
 
 
 9,452
 
Intercompany accounts receivable
 
 
 -
 
 
 96,305
 
 
 -
 
 
 (96,305
)
 
-
 
Total current assets
 
 
 42,668
 
 
 222,934
 
 
 59,518
 
 
 (97,236
)
 
 227,884
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
 58,941
 
 
 328,480
 
 
 150,234
 
 
 -
 
 
 537,655
 
Goodwill and intangibles, net
 
 
15,805
 
 
 49,786
 
 
 108,361
 
 
 -
 
 
 173,952
 
Intercompany notes receivable
 
 
 304,310
 
 
-
 
 
 -
 
 
 (304,310
)
 
 -
 
Other assets, including investment in subsidiaries
 
 
 451,638
 
 
 327,254
 
 
 99,443
 
 
(866,004
)
 
 12,331
 
Total assets
 
$
 873,362
 
$
928,454
 
$
 417,556
 
$
 (1,267,550
)
$
951,822
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade accounts payable
 
$
 7,799
 
$
 25,473
 
$
 7,758
 
$
 -
 
$
41,030
 
Other current liabilities
 
 
 18,843
 
 
 17,684
 
 
 13,409
 
 
(5
)
 
 49,931
 
Intercompany accounts payable
 
 
 84,733
 
 
 -
 
 
 11,571
 
 
 (96,304
)
 
 -
 
Total current liabilities
 
 
 111,375
 
 
 43,157
 
 
 32,738
 
 
 (96,309
)
 
 90,961
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 445,138
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
 -
 
 
445,138
 
Deferred income taxes
 
 
(38,450
)
 
 61,034
 
 
 19,177
 
 
-
 
 
41,761
 
Other long-term liabilities
 
 
 8,145
 
 
 16,976
 
 
 1,687
 
 
 -
 
 
 26,808
 
Intercompany notes payable
 
 
 -
 
 
 193,789
 
 
 110,520
 
 
 (304,309
)
 
-
 
Stockholders’/invested equity
 
 
 347,154
 
 
 613,498
 
 
 253,434
 
 
 (866,932
)
 
 347,154
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
 873,362
 
$
 928,454
 
$
 417,556
 
$
 (1,267,550
)
$
951,822
 



15



CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NineMonths Ended March31, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by operations 
 
$
44,019
 
$
25,515
 
$
11,189
 
$
80,723
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(4,092
)
 
(25,339
)
 
(1,774
)
 
(31,205
)
Other
 
 
-
 
 
(253
)
 
-
 
 
(253
)
Net cash used in investingactivities
 
 
(4,092
)
 
(25,592
)
 
(1,774
)
 
(31,458
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowingsunder line of credit
 
 
63,569
 
 
-
 
 
635
 
 
64,204
 
Net payments on long-term debt and other
   
(107,836
)
 
(296
)
 
-
   
(108,132
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
 
 
(1,401
)
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
(1,401
)
Net cash provided by(used in)financing activities
 
 
(45,668
)
 
(296
)
 
635
 
 
(45,329
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
2,109
 
 
2,109
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(5,741
) 
 
(373
) 
 
12,159
 
 
6,045
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
6,329
 
 
447
 
 
8,014
 
 
14,790
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
588
 
$
74
 
$
20,173
 
$
20,835
 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NineMonths Ended March 31, 2007
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Buckeye Technologies Inc.
 
Guarantors
US
Subsidiaries
 
Non-
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
 
 
Consolidated
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operations
 
$
61,699
 
$
24,310
 
$
(5,911
) 
$
80,098
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(5,327
)
 
(18,200
)
 
(2,708
)
 
(26,235
)
Other
 
 
-
 
 
(379
)
 
520
 
 
141
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(5,327
)
 
(18,579
)
 
(2,188
)
 
(26,094
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Netpayments under line of credit
 
 
368
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
368
 
Net borrowings (payments)onlong-term debt and other
 
 
(59,664
)
 
(4,862
)
 
14,405
 
 
(50,121
)
Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
   
2,308
   
-
   
-
   
2,308
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
 
(56,988
)
 
(4,862
)
 
14,405
 
 
(47,445
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
204
 
 
204
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
 
(616
)
 
869
 
 
6,510
 
 
6,763
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
 
1,535
 
 
162
 
 
7,037
 
 
8,734
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
919
 
$
1,031
 
$
13,547
 
$
15,497
 



16



Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("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 accompanying unaudited financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2007("Annual Report"), which include additional information about our significant accounting policies, practices and transactions that underlie our financial results. Our MD&A is composed of four major sections: Executive Summary, Results of Operations, Financial Condition, and Critical Accounting Policies.
 
Except as otherwise specified, references to years indicate our fiscal year ending June 30, 2008or ended June 30 of the year referenced and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year.  The following discussion includes a comparison of the results of operations for the threeand ninemonths ended March 31, 2008to the threeand ninemonths ended March 31, 2007.
 
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, food casings, cigarette filters, rayon filaments, acetate plastics, thickeners and papers.  Our products are produced in the United States, Canada, Germanyand 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, evaluate external growth opportunities that match our specialty market focusand continue to reduce debt.

We had another good quarter, with earnings substantially improved from the year ago period, even though our operating performance fell short of our expectations.  Highlights for the quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago include:
·  
Net sales increased 4.6% to $201.9 million
·  
Gross margin was down slightly from 17.1% to 16.9%
·  
Operating income was $22.3 million versus $19.6 million in the same quarter last year
·  
Taxes were reduced by $0.8 million due to identification of additional R&D tax credits
·  
Long-term debt fell to $394.5 million at quarter-end, reducing net interest expense and amortization of debt costs by $2.2 million.
·  
Net income increased 59% to $10.4 million

While sales for the quarter were up about 5% compared to the same period a year ago, sales were down $9 million for the January-March quarter compared to the October-December quarter.  Sales for our Nonwovens segment were off $14 million compared to the October-December quarter mainly due to the previously announced volume loss with a large customer at the beginning of January.   This reduction in sales was about $2 million higher than we had previously indicated, primarily due to weaker than expected sales into the North American wet wipes market during the quarter.   We continue to see strong demand and a strong pricing environment for our products in the Specialty Fibers segment of our business, where sales were up $3 million for the quarter compared to the October-December quarter.  However, our Specialty Fibers sales were about $3.5 million lower than expected from our Perry, Florida wood cellulose facility due to unplanned maintenance outages and delayed shipments due to outbound ocean vessel availability issues.   Also, sales of our UltraFiber 500TM  product were down $1.1 million from the October-December quarter, due to the normal seasonal construction slow-down and the housing slump.

We implemented selling price increases averaging about 8% on January 1, 2008 across our wood specialty fibers business and cotton specialty fibers prices were up about 7% on the average for the January-March quarter compared to the October-December quarter.  Fluff pulp prices were up $14 per ton for the same periods, and Nonwovens selling prices were essentially unchanged.  These selling price increases added $7.8 million to operating income for the quarter compared to the October-December quarter.  However, in spite of these healthy price increases, our gross margin dropped from 19.9% in the October-December quarter to 16.9% in the January-March quarter due to higher raw material, chemicals, energy and transportation costs and lower production volumes for Nonwovens and at our Florida wood cellulose facility.   Raw material costs were up $3.4 million between these two quarters, with $2.8 million of this coming from higher costs for cotton fibers.   Chemicals, energy (fossil fuels and purchased electrical power), and transportation costs were each up about $1 million from the October-December quarter to the January-March quarter.
 
17

Transitioning our Americanaplant to a profitable operation continues to be a challenge as our sales out of that facility are constrained due to limited raw material supply.   While our operating loss is down significantly year over year for both the three month and nine month periods, over the past four quarters our operating loss at Americanahas stayed fairly constant in the range of $0.8 million to $1.0 million per quarter, and we have been operating close to cash breakeven during that time.   Over the past four quarters we have raised our selling prices aggressively to cover rapidly escalating cotton fiber prices.  Between the October-December quarter and the January-March quarter, selling prices were up 10% and cotton linter costs were up 9%.   We expect these increases between the January-March quarter and the April-June quarter to be 9% for selling prices and 32% for cotton linters, as our annual purchase agreements for cotton linters expire from last year.   We expect Americana’s operating loss in the April-June quarter to remain in the $0.8 million to $1.0 million range. We do not expect that we can keep our loss from deteriorating in the July-September quarter and beyond unless these cost increases on cotton linters reverse themselves soon.
 
We are moving forward on our Foley Energy Project initiative.  The savings potential of this continues to grow with the trend toward mandates on renewable energy sources and with oil prices rising.  Total capital expenditures of $45 million over a three year period have been approved for this project, which was based on a design goal of an equivalent reduction of over 200,000 barrels of oil annually.  Additionally, upon the successful implementation of the initiative, we should be capable of producing excess energy and electricity using only biomass.

The housing downturn is continuing to impact our rate of growth and revenue of UltraFiber500TMto ready mix suppliers.  We currently anticipate revenue growth of approximately 10% over our last fiscal year.

Strong cash flow generation enabled us to reduce debt by $50.0million during the ninemonths ended March 31, 2008.  We have reduced our debt by $76.1 million over the past twelve months.  As a result, our net interest expense for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 was down $2.2 million and $5.7 million, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended March 31, 2007.  Our effective tax rate for the quarter, which was 29.4% versus 33.4% in the same quarter last year, benefitedby $0.8million from the identification of additional R&D tax credits for the 2003 – 2007 fiscal years.
 
Results of Operations
 
Consolidated results
 
The following table compares components of operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008and 2007.
 (millions)
Three Months Ended March 31
 
NineMonths Ended March 31
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
2008
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
$
201.9
 
$
193.0
 
$
8.9
   
4.6
%
$
610.2
 
$
569.1
 
$
41.1
 
 
7.2
%
Cost of goods sold
 
167.7
   
160.1
   
7.6
   
4.7
 
 
493.4
 
 
477.9
 
 
15.5
 
 
3.2
 
Gross margin
 
34.2
   
32.9
   
1.3
   
4.0
   
116.8
 
 
91.2
 
 
25.6
 
 
28.1
 
Selling, research and administrative expenses
 
11.5
   
11.6
   
(0.1
)
 
(0.9
)
 
34.7
 
 
34.0
 
 
0.7
 
 
2.1
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
 
0.4
   
0.5
   
(0.1
)
 
(20.0
)
 
1.4
 
 
1.6
 
 
(0.2
) 
 
(12.5
)
Restructuring costs
 
-
   
1.2
   
(1.2
)
 
(100.0
)
 
0.1
 
 
1.2
 
 
(1.1
)
 
(91.7
) 
Operating income
$
22.3
 
$
19.6
 
$
2.7
   
13.8
%
$
80.6
 
$
54.4
 
$
26.2
 
 
48.2
%
 
Three Months Ended March 31
Sales were $201.9 million, up $8.9 million or 4.6% over the same period last year.   Selling prices were significantly higher, up 9.4% on the average compared to the same period a year ago and accounting for $18.1 million in incremental sales year over year.   Sales volumes have declined year over year, accounting for a reduction in sales of $12.7 million compared to the same period in 200, partially offsetting the impact of higher prices.  This reduction in volume was mostly due to the previously announced volume loss with a large customer in our Nonwovens segment.

Gross margin was $34.2 million, up only $1.3 million compared to the same period a year ago, as increased costs offset most of the benefits realized from the $18.1 million in higher selling prices.   As a percent of sales, gross margin fell slightly from 17.1% to 16.9% year over year.  Our costs were significantly higher versus the same period in 2007.  Raw material prices were up $8.7 million year over year, with cotton fiber costs accounting for $6.8 million of this increase.   Costs were also up for chemicals ($1.8 million), energy ($1.4 million) and transportation costs ($1.4 million) over the same period a year ago.    Lower capacity utilization in Nonwovens accounted for an additional $3.6 million cost increase from the same period a year ago.

    Selling, research and administrative expenses were approximately the same versus the same period in 2007.


18


Nine MonthsEnded March 31
Year-to-date sales were up $41.1 million or 7.2% over the same period in 2007.   Selling prices were significantly higher, up 11.6% on the average compared to the same period a year ago and accounting for $48.1 million in incremental sales year over year.   Sales volumes have declined year over year, accounting for a reduction in sales of $17.3 million compared to the same period in 2007, partially offsetting the favorable price increases.  There were two factors driving this decline in sales volume. Constraints on production levels at our two cotton linter pulp mills due to limited availability of cotton linters resulted in a combined 7% reduction in shipment volume year over year from those mills.    In addition, Nonwovens shipment volume was down 4% year over year as a result of the loss of business with a large customer in January.

Year-to-date gross margin was $116.8 million, up $25.6 million or 28.1% compared to the same period in 2007.   As a percent of sales, gross margin improved from 16.0% to 19.1% year over year.  Selling price increases of $48.1 million were high enough to more than offset the impact of higher costs for raw materials and the impact of lower shipment and production volumes.  Our  raw material costs were higher year over year ($18.7 million), mainly in our cotton specialty fibers ($11.2 million) and nonwoven materials ( $5.8 million) businesses.  The raw material cost increase in our nonwovens business was driven by higher costs for wood pulp, synthetic fibers and latex binder.   Increased chemical costs ($3.6 million) overall were partially offset by the favorable impacts of lower wood and chemical usage ($4.3 million) at our Perry, Florida specialty wood fibers facility, and reduced waste at our nonwovens plants.

Selling, research and administrative expenses increased slightly versus the same period in 2007.  The increase was due to higher anticipated bonus payments based on our improved results.

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 administrative (SRA) expenses to each segment, and we use the resulting operating income to measure the performance of the segments. We exclude items that are not included in measuring business performance, such as unallocated administrative expenses, amortization of intangibles, restructuring costs, asset impairment and intercompany profit eliminations and report these under our corporate segment.
 
Specialty fibers
 
The following table compares specialty fibers net sales and operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008and 2007.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
150.9
 
$
135.4
 
$
15.5
 
 
11.4
%
Operating income
 
 
22.0
 
 
15.9
 
 
6.1
 
 
38.4
%


(millions)
 
NineMonths Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
434.8
 
$
400.4
 
$
34.4
 
 
8.6
%
Operating income
 
 
69.9
 
 
41.4
 
 
28.5
 
 
68.8
%

Net sales increased due to higher prices for the three months ended March 31, 2008versus the same period in 2007.  For the nine months ended March 31, 2008 versus the same period in 2007, net sales were up due to higher prices, but this was slightly offset by lower shipment volume, mainly at our Memphiscotton facility.  Selling prices were up approximately 9% for the three-month period on our wood specialty products as a result of price increases implemented in January and are approximately 7% higher for the nine-month period.  Prices were up approximately 15% and 11% for the three and nine month periods, respectively, on our cotton specialty products due to price increases implemented over the course of the year.  Fluff pulp pricing increasedbyabout $100 and $115, respectively, per toncompared to the same three and nine month periods in 2007.
 
During the three months ended March 31, 2008, operating income improved by $6.1 million or 38.4% compared to the same period in 2007.   For the three month period, the favorable impact of higher selling prices ($17.6 million) was partially offset by higher raw material costs ($6.8 million).   Most of the increase in raw material costs was for cotton fibers, for which costs were up 46% year over year.  Higher selling prices for cotton specialty products were sufficient to offset these higher cotton fiber costs and overall operating income at our specialty cotton mills was about flat compared to the year ago quarter.   Higher prices on specialty wood fibers and fluff pulp together with reductions in raw materials, chemicals and energy usage were sufficient to more than offset an increase in wood fiber costs, higher chemicals and energy costs and higher direct cost spending at our Perry, Floridaspecialty wood mill.

19

During the ninemonths ended March 31, 2008, operating income improved by $28.5 million or 68.8% compared to the same period in 2007.   For the nine month period, the favorable impact of higher selling prices ($46.5 million) was partially offset by higher raw material costs ($12.9 million).   Most of the increase in raw material costs was for cotton fibers, for which costs were up 30% year over year.  Higher selling prices for cotton specialty products were sufficient to offset these higher cotton fiber costs and overall operating income year-to-date at our specialty cotton mills was about flat compared to the same period a year ago as reductions in chemical usage and direct cost spending at these mills were enough to offset the negative impact of increased chemical costs, a stronger Brazilian currency and lower volumes at the Memphis mill caused by limited cotton fiber supplies.   Higher prices on specialty wood fibers and fluff pulp together with reductions in usage of  raw materials, chemicals and energy were sufficient to more than offset a 4% increase in wood fiber costs, along with higher chemicals, energy and transportation costs and higher direct cost spending at our Perry, Floridaspecialty wood mill.
 
Our operating loss at Americana during the three months ended March 31, 2008 versus the three months ended March 31, 2007 was reduced by $1.3 million, as higher selling prices (23%), improved operating rates and significant reductions in the plant’s fixed direct costs more than offset the impacts of higher cotton linter costs (46%), increased natural gas prices and a strengthening Brazilian currency (1.74 vs. 2.12 BRL / USD).  Over the past four quarters, our operating loss at Americana, while reduced significantly over the prior year, has stayed fairly constant in the range of $0.8 million to $1.0 million per quarter, and we have been operating close to cash breakeven during that time.   Between the October-December quarter and the January-March quarter, selling prices were up 10% and cotton linter costs were up 9%.   We expect these increases between the January-March quarter and the April-June quarter to be 9% for selling prices and 32% for cotton linters, as our annual purchase agreements for cotton linters expire from last year.   We expect Americana’s operating loss in the April-June quarter to remain in the $0.8 million to $1.0 million range. We do not expect that we can keep our loss from deteriorating in the July-September quarter and beyond unless these cost increases on cotton linters reverse themselves soon.

Raw material availability in our specialty cotton fiber business continues to limit production.  The harvest of the cotton crop was smaller this year in North America.  The cotton crop in Brazilthis year was up 40% from the prior year, but the amount of seed delinted and crushed for oil will not increase as much as we had hoped.  We are strengthening relationships with existing raw material suppliers to increase delinting capacity and assisting with their expansion plans.  This looks positive, but will take time to implement.  Improving our lint supply is a top priority.  As more lint becomes available, we intend to ramp up production levels at our cotton fiber facilities.  For the rest of calendar year 2008, we expect to continue to operate the Americana, Brazilfacility at its current rate of approximately 2,200 tons per month due to constraints on raw material availability assuming we are able to purchase sufficient cotton linters at a reasonable price.  The Memphis, Tennesseefacility is expected torun at approximately75%to 80%of capacity for the rest of the calendaryear due to the constraints of the North American cotton crop.

Nonwoven materials
 
The following tablescompare nonwoven materials net sales and operating income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008and 2007.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
58.2
 
$
65.4
 
$
(7.2
) 
 
(11.0)
%
Operating income
 
 
1.2
 
 
5.9
 
 
(4.7
) 
 
(79.7)
%

(millions)
 
NineMonths Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
201.8
 
$
192.8
 
$
9.0
 
 
                 4.7
%
Operating income
 
 
14.4
 
 
16.7
 
 
(2.3
) 
 
(13.8)
%

Nonwoven materials sales decreased during the three months ended March 31, 2008 versus the same period in 2007 due mainly to the loss of a significant volume of business with a long-time customer.  Partially offsetting the volume loss during the three month period were improved pricing and improved product mix.  During the nine months ended March 31, 2008, sales increased versus the same period in 2007.  The losses previously mentioned were partially offset by strong volume in the first two quarters of the fiscal year.  Also offsetting the lower volume during the nine month period were improved pricing and improved product mix which contributed $4.7 million and $3.6 million, respectively,to the sales increase.  The strengthening of the euro provided $3.2 million and $8.5 million, respectively,for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 to the increased revenues.

Operating income decreased by $4.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 versus the same period in 2007, primarily due to the loss of business mentioned above.   The impact of higher selling prices (up about 2% year over year), favorable product mix and the strengthened euro partially offset the impact of higher raw material costs for fluff pulp, bi-componentfiber and latex binder, and higher energy and transportation costs.


20


Operating income decreased by $2.3 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 versus the same period in 2007.  The impact of higher selling prices (up about 2% year over year), favorable product mix, reduced wasteand the strengthened euro was not enough to offset the negative impacts of lost volume, higher raw material costs for fluff pulp, bi-componentfiber and latex binder, and higherenergy transportation costs.

In February we reduced the operating shifts from seven to five at our Canadian nonwovens facility due to the loss of significant volume.  We have recently replaced a sizable portion of that lost businessand we plan to add one shift back to our Canadian facilityas the business ramps up.  We anticipate that sales revenue and operating income for the nonwovens business will increase by about $3million and $1 million, respectively, in the quarter ending June 30, 2008 versus the quarter ended March 31, 2008.

Corporate
 
The following tables compare corporate net sales and operating loss for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
(7.2
) 
$
(7.8
) 
$
0.6
 
 
7.7
%
Operatingloss
 
 
(0.9
) 
 
(2.3
) 
 
1.4
 
 
60.9
%


(millions)
 
NineMonths Ended March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
(26.4
) 
$
(24.1
) 
$
(2.3
) 
 
(9.5)
%
Operatingloss
 
 
(3.7
) 
 
(3.7
) 
 
-
 
 
-
 

Our intercompany net sales elimination represents intercompany sales from our Floridaand Memphisspecialty fiber facilities to our airlaid nonwovens plants.  The operating loss for the corporate segment for the three months ended March 31, 2008 decreased by $1.4 million compared to the same period in 2007 because we recorded $1.2 million in restructuring expenses in the prior year period and none in the current year period.   The total loss of $3.7 million for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 consists of $2.2 million in unallocated at-risk compensation for executive officers and certain other employees, $1.4 million in intellectual property amortization expenses and $0.1 million in restructuring expenses.

Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs
 
Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs decreased $2.2million and $5.7 million for the three and nine monthsending March 31, 2008, respectively,versus the same period in the prior year.  Net interest expense decreased primarily due todebt reduction of $76.1 million at March 31, 2008 versus March 31, 2007.  The weighted average effective interest rate on our variable rate debt decreased from 7.5% at March 31, 2007to 5.2% at March 31, 2008.
 
 Income tax

 On July 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions ofFASB Interpretation No. (“FIN”) 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.  As a result of the adoption, we recorded an adjustment of approximately $0.9 million to reduce the opening balance of retained earnings.  At adoption, our unrecognized tax benefits totaled $1.8 million.  Cumulative potential interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits at the date of adoption totaled $0.2 million.  We include interest and penalties related to income tax matters as a component of income before income taxes.  All unrecognized tax benefits at adoption would affect the effective tax rate, if recognized.

We file income tax returns with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions. As of March 31, 2008, we remainedsubject to examinations of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2002 through June 30, 2007Canadian income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2002 through June 30, 2007 and German tax filings for the yearsended June 30,2003 through June 30, 2007

Our effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2008was 29.4%and 30.8% versus 33.4%and 39.5%, respectively, for the same periodsin 2007.  During the three months ended March 31, 2008, the main reasons for the decrease were the identification of additional research and development tax credits for the fiscal years ended from June 30, 2003 through June 30, 2007.  The rate decreasefor the ninemonth period ended March 31, 2008resultedfrom a German tax rate reduction enacted in July 2007, lower losses in Brazil, for which we recorded a 100% valuation allowance and the previously discussed item that impacted the three month period.  Our effective rate may vary in future quarters due to the amount and source of income, results of tax audits and changes in tax legislation. We currently expect the effective tax rate for the 2008fiscal year to be 32.0%.


21


Financial Condition
 
Liquidity and capital resources
 
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 March 31, 2008,and believe we will continue to remain in compliancefor the foreseeable future.
 
On March 31, 2008, we had $20.8million of cash and cash equivalents and $131.0million borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility. The portion of this capacity that we mayborrow, if any,will depend on our financial results and ability to comply with certain borrowing conditions under the revolving credit facility.  As of March 31, 2008, our liquidity, including available borrowings and cash and cash equivalents,was approximately $151.8million.
 
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 Flow

The following table provides a summary of cash flows for the ninemonth periods ended March 31, 2008and March 31, 2007.
 
 
 
NineMonths Ended
March 31
 
(millions)
 
2008
 
2007
 
Operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
Net income
 
$
37.8
 
$
14.2
 
Noncash charges and credits, net
 
 
55.5
 
 
45.7
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
 
 
(12.6
) 
 
20.2
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
 
80.7
 
 
80.1
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
 
 
(31.2
)
 
(26.2
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
   
-
   
0.5
 
Other investing activities
 
 
(0.3
) 
 
(0.4
)
Net cash used in investing activities
 
 
(31.5
)
 
(26.1
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under lines of credit
 
 
64.2
 
 
0.4
 
Payments on long-term debt and other
   
(113.9
)
 
(50.1
)
Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
   
5.8
   
2.3
 
Payments for debt issuance costs
 
 
(1.4
)
 
-
 
Netcashused in financing activities
 
 
(45.3
)
 
(47.4
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
 
 
2.1
 
 
0.2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
6.0
 
$
6.8
 

Cash provided by operating activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended March 31, 2008 was virtually the same as the same period in 2007.  While net income improved by $23.6 million, there was a negative $29.8million change due to an increase in inventories in the ninemonths ended March31, 2008compared to a decrease in inventories in theninemonths ended March31, 2007.  An increase in deferred income taxes of $9.2 million, due to increased profits in the U.S.where we have a net operating loss offsetting profits, improved our cash position.
 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment increased to $31.2 million during the ninemonths ended March 31, 2008versus $26.2 million during the same period in 2007primarily due to various maintenance and energy capital projects at our Perry, Floridaspecialty fibers facility. We expect that our total capital expenditures will be approximately $50million for fiscal 2008.
 
22

Net cash used in financing activities 
 
During the three months ended September 30, 2007, we established a $200 million senior secured revolving credit facility with a maturity date of July 25, 2012.  This facility amended and restated our existing credit facility.  Initially, we used the proceeds from this new credit facility and cash from operations to pay the outstanding balance on the former credit facility plus fees and expenses.  We also used proceeds from this facility to redeem the remaining $60 million of our 2008 notes and to redeem $20 million of the 2010 notes in mid-September 2007.    We reduced our debt by $49.7 million during the nine months ended March 31, 2008, and we intend to continue to use cash from operations to reduce our debt and to fund a modest increase in capital spending.  However, due to bond interest payments due in April and increased capital spending on the Foley energy project we expect our debt to increase slightly during the April-June quarter.

Treasury stock
 
Our board of directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 6 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. We have not repurchased any shares of our common stock since fiscal year 2001. Through March 31, 2008, we had repurchased a total of 5,009,300 shares under the current board authority.

Contractual obligations
 
There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations since our disclosure in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. The following table summarizes our significant contractual cash obligations as of March 31, 2008. 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.

 
Payments Due by Period
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
Fiscal
2008 (1)
 
Fiscal 2009
and 2010
 
Fiscal 2011
and 2012
 
 
Thereafter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term obligations (2)
 
$
523.1
 
$
17.0
 
$
61.4
 
$
172.7
 
$
272.0
 
Capital lease obligationsand short-term debt (3)
 
 
0.5
 
 
0.1
 
 
0.4
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Operating lease obligations
 
 
4.9
 
 
0.5
 
 
3.2
 
 
1.2
 
 
-
 
Timber commitments
 
 
32.2
 
 
2.8
 
 
23.7
 
 
5.7
 
 
-
 
Linter commitments(4)
 
 
20.3
 
 
20.3
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
 
-
 
Other purchase commitments (5)
 
 
32.9
 
 
12.6
 
 
10.8
 
 
5.5
 
 
4.0
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
613.9
 
$
53.3
 
$
99.5
 
$
185.1
 
$
276.0
 

(1)
 Cash obligations for the remainder of fiscal 2008.

(2)
Amounts include related interest payments. Interest payments for variable debt of $63.5million are based on the effective rate as of March 31, 2008of 5.2% per annum.

(3)
Capital lease and short-term debt obligations represent principal and interest payments.

(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.
 
Note:
The cash flow to fund post-retirement benefit obligations has not materially changed since June 30, 2007.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 12, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statementsin our fiscal 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-Kfor further information.
 


23


 
Critical Accounting Policies
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United Statesrequires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements.  Management bases these estimates and assumptions on historical data and trends, current fact patterns, expectations and other sources of information they believe are reasonable.  In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used.  We maintain a thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the many estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information.

The four critical accounting policies that we believe either require the most managerial judgment, or involve the selection or application of alternative accounting policies, and that are material to our financial statements are those relating to allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income taxes, depreciation and long-lived assets.  Further information regarding our “Critical Accounting Policies” can be found in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report. 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 registered public accounting firm. In addition, Note 1 to the financial statements in our Annual Report contains a summary of our significant accounting policies.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
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.  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 and energy resources; competition; changes in fair values of long-lived assets; inability to predict the scope of future environmental compliance costs or liabilities; inability to predict the scope of future restructuring 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. For additional factors that could impact future results, please see our Annual Report.
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
As of March 31, 2008, there have been no material changes in our market risk since the disclosure in our Annual Report.  We continue to have raw material availability issues in our specialty cotton fibers business in both North America and Brazil.  For the near term, this raw material availability will limit growth and increase our production costs.  While we have global operations, the majority of our transactions are denominated in U.S. dollars.  The principal foreign currency exchange rate risks to which we are exposed are in the Canadian dollar, Brazilian real and European euro.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation as of March 31, 2008of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”).  Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
 
No changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 


24



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Items 1A, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are not applicable and have been omitted.
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

On January 3, 2008, K.T. Equipment (International)(K.T.), Inc. filed a claim in the United States District Court, Western District of Tennessee, against us, in which K.T. alleged that webreached ourobligation under the Stac-Pac® acquisition agreement to pay K.T.a contingent promissory note in the principal amount of $5millionplus accrued interest of approximately $2.5millionas of March 31, 2008.  Payment of the contingent note was dependent on the satisfaction of certain specified conditions relating to the rights obtained by uswith regard to the intellectual property assets.  When these conditions were not met pursuant to the terms of the Stac-Pac® acquisition agreement, wecanceled the contingent note in the year ended June 30, 2007, as reported in our 10-K filed September 7, 2007.  Webelieve wehavemeritorious defenses to K.T.’s claim and intend to vigorously defend against the claim.

Item 6.
Exhibits

31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer


25



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: May 5, 2008
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By:
  /s/ Steven G. Dean
 
 
 
Steven G. Dean, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
 
Date: May 5, 2008
 
 
 



26