december31201110q.htm
 
 

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




FORM 10-Q


                                                          (Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2011

¨ 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
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)

IRS — Employer Identification No. 62-1518973

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


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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x
No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one).

Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer ¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company  ¨

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

Yes ¨
No x

As of February 1, 2012, there were outstanding 39,343,163 Common Shares of the Registrant.

 
 
 
1

 
 



INDEX
 
BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.



ITEM
 
PAGE
     
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
1.
Financial Statements:
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2011 and 2010
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
     
2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
     
3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
24
     
4.
Controls and Procedures
24
     
     
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
1.
Legal Proceedings
25
     
1A.
Risk Factors
25
     
2.
Change in Securities and Use of Proceeds
25
     
3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
25
     
4.
(Removed and Reserved)
25
     
5.
Other Information
25
     
6.
Exhibits
25
     
 
SIGNATURES
26
     




 
 
 
2

 
 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

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

(In thousands, except per share data)

   
 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net sales
 
$
227,097
 
$
209,516
 
$
467,164
 
$
411,591
 
Cost of goods sold
   
172,662
   
165,090
   
355,877
   
330,852
 
  Gross margin
   
54,435
   
44,426
   
111,287
   
80,739
 
                           
Selling, research and administrative expenses
   
11,348
   
11,836
   
23,687
   
23,507
 
Amortization of intangibles and other
   
500
   
486
   
996
   
965
 
Asset impairment loss
   
50,711
   
-
   
50,711
   
-
 
Goodwill impairment loss
   
2,425
   
-
   
2,425
   
-
 
Restructuring costs
   
-
   
570
   
-
   
1,122
 
Other operating income
   
-
   
(39
)
 
-
   
(46
)
  Operating income (loss)
   
(10,549
)
 
31,573
   
33,468
   
55,191
 
                           
Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs
   
(898
)
 
(1,717
)
 
(4,209
)
 
(5,314
)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
(3,649
)
 
-
   
(3,649
)
Gain (loss) on foreign exchange and other
   
(19
)
 
(199
)
 
483
   
(813
)
                           
Income (loss) before income taxes
   
(11,466
)
 
26,008
   
29,742
   
45,415
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
   
(6,027
)
 
8,955
   
(5,926
)
 
(36,063
)
                           
  Net income (loss)
 
$
(5,439
)
$
17,053
 
$
35,668
 
$
81,478
 
                           
Earnings (loss) per share
                         
  Basic
 
$
(0.14
)
$
0.42
 
$
0.89
 
$
2.03
 
  Diluted
 
$
(0.14
)
$
0.42
 
$
0.88
 
$
2.01
 
                           
Cash dividends per share
 
$
0.06
 
$
0.04
 
$
0.12
 
$
0.08
 
                           


See accompanying notes.



 
 
 
3

 
 



BUCKEYE TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

   
December 31
2011
 
June 30
2011
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
Assets
             
Current assets:
             
  Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
35,998
 
$
30,494
 
  Accounts receivable – net
   
136,571
   
140,582
 
  Inventories – net
   
106,756
   
91,024
 
  Deferred income taxes and other
   
14,328
   
12,216
 
    Total current assets
   
293,653
   
274,316
 
               
  Property, plant and equipment
   
1,091,083
   
1,151,045
 
  Less accumulated depreciation
   
(615,063
)
 
(620,577
)
    Property, plant and equipment – net
   
476,020
   
530,468
 
  Goodwill
   
-
   
2,425
 
  Deferred income taxes
   
48,670
   
32,741
 
  Intellectual property and other, net
   
14,138
   
29,901
 
Total assets
 
$
832,481
 
$
869,851
 
               
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
             
Current liabilities:
             
  Trade accounts payable
 
$
32,846
 
$
41,437
 
  Accrued expenses
   
40,323
   
71,722
 
  Other current liabilities
   
863
   
-
 
    Total current liabilities
   
74,032
   
113,159
 
               
  Long-term debt
   
86,840
   
96,921
 
  Accrued postretirement benefits
   
24,750
   
25,336
 
  Deferred income taxes
   
5,531
   
7,968
 
  Payable related to exchange of alternative fuel mixture credits
   
53,389
   
39,494
 
  Other liabilities
   
7,347
   
7,676
 
  Stockholders’ equity
   
580,592
   
579,297
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
832,481
 
$
869,851
 

See accompanying notes.



 
 
 
4

 
 



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

   
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Operating activities
       
 
   
  Net income
 
$
35,668
 
$
81,478
 
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
             
    Depreciation
   
25,817
   
24,106
 
    Amortization
   
1,306
   
1,318
 
    Loss on impairment of assets
   
50,711
   
-
 
    Loss on goodwill impairment
   
2,425
   
-
 
    Loss on early extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
3,649
 
    Deferred income taxes
   
(16,141
)
 
(65,855
)
    Noncurrent alternative fuel mixture credits refund payable
   
13,895
   
41,144
 
    Insurance proceeds applied to capital investments
   
-
   
(161
)
    Stock based compensation expense
   
2,211
   
2,135
 
    Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation
   
(1,553
)
 
(445
)
    Other
   
1,014
   
855
 
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
             
         Accounts receivable
   
537
   
6,462
 
         Income tax and alternative fuel mixture credits receivable
   
-
   
51,767
 
         Inventories
   
(18,793
)
 
(16,814
)
         Other assets
   
(2,888
)
 
1,829
 
         Accounts payable and other current liabilities
   
(40,815
)
 
(25,565
)
  Net cash provided by operating activities
   
53,394
   
105,903
 
Investing activities
             
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(24,299
)
 
(31,436
)
        Proceeds from insurance settlement related to capital investments
   
-
   
161
 
        Other
   
(126
)
 
(207
)
  Net cash used in investing activities
   
(24,425
)
 
(31,482
)
Financing activities
             
Net (payments) borrowings under lines of credit
   
(10,081
)
 
66,496
 
Payments of long-term debt and other
   
-
   
(140,000
)
Payments for debt issuance costs
   
-
   
(2,586
)
Payments related to early extinguishment of debt
   
-
   
(1,984
)
Purchase of treasury shares
   
(10,589
)
 
-
 
Excess tax benefit from stock based compensation
   
1,553
   
445
 
       Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
   
1,640
   
2,379
 
       Payment of dividend
   
(4,784
)
 
(3,222
)
       Other
   
(469
)
 
-
 
  Net cash used in financing activities
   
(22,730
)
 
(78,472
)
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
   
(735
)
 
7,082
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
5,504
   
3,031
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
30,494
   
22,121
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
35,998
 
$
25,152
 

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 United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 GAAP 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 six months ended December 31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.  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, 2011, which was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on August 29, 2011 (“Annual Report”).  Except as otherwise specified, references to a year indicate our fiscal year ending on June 30 of the year referenced and comparisons are to the corresponding period of the prior year.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report.
 
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 GAAP 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 in which 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, allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory reserves, income tax assets and liabilities and contingent liabilities.

NOTE 2:  SEGMENT INFORMATION

We report results for two segments, specialty fibers and nonwoven materials.  The specialty fibers segment consists of our chemical cellulose, customized fibers and fluff pulp product lines which are cellulosic fibers based on both wood and cotton.  The nonwovens materials segment consists of our airlaid plants and our converting plant.  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 tables:

Three Months Ended
December 31
     
Specialty
Fibers
 
Nonwoven
Materials
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Total
 
Net sales
   
2011
 
$
176,660
 
$
58,307
 
$
(7,870
)
$
227,097
 
     
2010
   
155,323
   
62,427
   
(8,234
)
 
209,516
 
Operating income (loss)
   
2011
   
41,920
   
2,765
   
(57,659
)
 
(12,974
)
     
2010
   
34,445
   
817
   
(3,689
)
 
31,573
 
Depreciation and amortization of
   
2011
   
8,325
   
4,009
   
957
   
13,291
 
  intangibles
   
2010
   
8,160
   
3,506
   
953
   
12,619
 
Total assets
   
2011
   
482,236
   
193,950
   
156,295
   
832,481
 
     
2010
   
498,015
   
211,874
   
134,657
   
844,546
 
Capital expenditures
   
2011
   
11,510
   
1,674
   
402
   
13,586
 
     
2010
   
17,362
   
1,789
   
369
   
19,520
 


 
6

 

Six Months Ended
December 31
     
Specialty
Fibers
 
Nonwoven
Materials
 
 
Corporate
 
 
Total
 
Net sales
   
2011
 
$
360,082
 
$
122,992
 
$
(15,910
)
$
467,164
 
     
2010
   
298,115
   
130,547
   
(17,071
)
 
411,591
 
Operating income (loss)
   
2011
   
85,751
   
5,093
   
(59,801
)
 
31,043
 
     
2010
   
56,585
   
5,420
   
(6,814
)
 
55,191
 
Depreciation and amortization of
   
2011
   
16,684
   
8,226
   
1,903
   
26,813
 
  intangibles
   
2010
   
15,947
   
7,233
   
1,892
   
25,072
 
Total assets
   
2011
   
482,236
   
193,950
   
156,295
   
832,481
 
     
2010
   
498,015
   
211,874
   
134,657
   
844,546
 
Capital expenditures
   
2011
   
20,495
   
3,363
   
441
   
24,299
 
     
2010
   
28,265
   
2,571
   
600
   
31,436
 

Management evaluates operating performance of the specialty fibers and nonwoven materials segments excluding amortization of intangibles, goodwill impairment, asset impairment, charges related to restructuring, unallocated at-risk compensation and unallocated stock-based compensation for executive officers and certain other employees.  Therefore, the corporate column includes operating elements such as segment eliminations, amortization of intangibles, asset impairment, goodwill impairment, charges related to restructuring, unallocated at-risk compensation and unallocated stock-based compensation for executive officers and certain other employees.  Corporate net sales represent 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.

NOTE 3:  ASSET IMPAIRMENT  LOSS

Americana, Brazil facility

As a result of a significant reduction in demand from a key customer at our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil cotton linter facility during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at this facility in accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” as of December 31, 2011.  The results of this test indicated that the Americana assets were impaired as the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value.  The fair value was based on the discounted projected cash flows from the continued operation of the waste water treatment facility plus the estimated value in exchange of the remaining assets.  Based on this evaluation, and after writing-off recoverable tax assets of $11,945 and inventory of $1,006, which at December 31, 2011 had minimal future use, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which have a carrying value of $42,007, were impaired and wrote them down to their fair value of $5,920, resulting in a total impairment charge of $49,038.  The impairment occurred in the second quarter of 2012 and is recorded in asset impairment loss on the consolidated statements of operations.

On January 12, 2012, we announced our decision to close our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil cotton linter pulp production line, effective immediately.  Our decision was due to the facility’s uncompetitive cost position for the products it makes, primarily driven by the high cost of its cotton linter raw material supply.  As a result of this closure, approximately 60 positions will be eliminated.  We will continue to operate the waste water treatment facility for the shared industrial site while we continue discussions with interested parties for the sale of the facility.

King, North Carolina facility

As a result of a decision to pursue the sale of the nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business in King, North Carolina during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the King facility in accordance with ASC 360, “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” as of December 31, 2011.  Our decision was due to Merfin Systems being a non-core business and our desire to redeploy the proceeds into strategic operations.  The results of the recoverability test indicated that the King facility’s assets were impaired as the estimated fair value was less than the carrying value.  The fair value was estimated based on the value in exchange for the facility.  Based on this evaluation, and after reducing the value of certain other assets by $391, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which have a carrying value of $1,434, were impaired and wrote them down to their fair value of $152, resulting in an impairment charge of $1,282 in the second quarter of 2012.  The total loss of $1,673 is recorded in asset impairment loss on the consolidated statements of operations at December 31, 2011.  In addition, the goodwill of $2,425 associated with this facility was considered impaired and was written off in the quarter resulting in an impairment charge of $2,425.  The carrying value of the assets remaining after the impairment charge totaling $6,576 and related liabilities of $863 for the Merfin System’s business have been reclassified on the balance sheet as other current assets and other current liabilities as of December 31, 2011, as the business is expected to be sold within the next twelve months.

On January 18, 2012, we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets and ongoing operations of the Merfin Systems business.

 
 
 
7

 
 

Goodwill and asset impairment loss summary table

The goodwill and asset impairment losses described above are summarized in the table below:

Goodwill and asset impairment loss
 
Net book value as of December 31, 2011
 
Revised net book value
as of December 31, 2011
 
Impairment loss for period ended
December 31, 2011
 
Americana, Brazil facility
                   
  Property, Plant & Equipment
 
$
42,007
 
$
5,920
 
$
36,087
 
  Inventory
   
1,214
   
208
   
1,006
 
  Recoverable taxes
   
14,019
   
2,074
   
11,945
 
    Totals
   
57,240
   
8,202
   
49,038
 
                     
King, North Carolina facility
                   
  Property, Plant & Equipment
   
1,434
   
152
   
1,282
 
  Goodwill
   
2,425
   
-
   
2,425
 
  Other current assets
   
2,391
   
2,000
   
391
 
    Totals
   
6,250
   
2,152
   
4,098
 
                     
    Grand Totals
 
$
63,490
 
$
10,354
 
$
53,136
 
                     

NOTE 4: RESTRUCTURING COSTS

During the second quarter of fiscal year 2011, we completed the consolidation of all production at our Delta, British Columbia, Canada airlaid facility on the newer of the two machines at that site, which resulted in the elimination of 34 positions.  During the three months and six months ended December 31, 2010, $370 and $922 were expensed, respectively.  In June 2011, we announced our decision to close the Delta plant at the end of calendar 2012.  This closure will result in additional restructuring costs in calendar year 2012.  During 2010, we implemented a restructuring program to sharpen our focus on key priorities which included reducing selling, research and administrative expenses.  During the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, $200 was expensed  related to this program.   Restructuring expenses are included in “Restructuring costs” in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

NOTE 5: ALTERNATIVE FUEL MIXTURE CREDITS / CELLULOSIC BIOFUEL CREDITS

On July 9, 2010, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel released legal advice concluding that black liquor sold or used before January 1, 2010 qualifies for the cellulosic biofuel credit (“CBC”).  Each gallon of black liquor produced and used as a fuel by us in our business operations during calendar 2009 qualified for CBC.  For the six months ended December 31, 2010, we recognized an income tax benefit in our consolidated statement of operations of $20,462 related to the CBC claimed for the period from January 1, 2009 to February 11, 2009 before we began mixing diesel with black liquor.

We also received Form 637 CB Registration approval during the year ended June 30, 2011, which included additional guidance on converting alternative fuel mixture credits (“AFMC”) for gallons of black liquor produced and used by us from February 12, 2009 through December 31, 2009, the time period that we mixed diesel with black liquor to claim AFMCs.  Converting the AFMCs to CBC for all gallons of the black liquor mixed with diesel would produce an additional benefit of approximately $56,278, less interest paid to the IRS.  Utilization of this additional benefit is dependent on cash tax liabilities subject to annual tax credit limitations on taxable income for tax years ending June 30, 2011 through June 30, 2016 when the credit carryforward period would expire.  We intend to amend our tax returns for 2009 and 2010, as necessary, to exchange the AFMC previously claimed during those years for the more advantageous CBC to the extent we believe the CBC can be utilized prior to expiration.

For the six months ended December 31, 2010, we recognized $31,162 of income tax benefit in our consolidated statement of operations related to the expected incremental benefit from exchanging previously claimed AFMC for CBC based upon our expected ability to utilize the CBC prior to expiration.  This amount is net of $1,521 of interest that would be owed the U.S. government for the use of funds from the date that the AFMC refunds, expected to be exchanged for CBC, were received to July 9, 2010 when the IRS ruled that these credits could be exchanged for CBC.

For the six months ended December 31, 2011, we recognized an additional $9,420, or $0.24 per diluted share, of income tax benefit in our consolidated statement of operations related to the expected incremental benefit from exchanging previously claimed AFMC for CBC based upon our updated expected ability to utilize the CBC prior to expiration.  This amount consists of an additional CBC benefit of $12,887, or $0.32 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2011 as a result of increases to the Company’s future projected taxable income which was offset by a reduction in CBC benefit of $3,467, or $0.09 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2011 as a result of consideration for a significant deduction regarding the Americana facility and the related impact on future taxable income.  We may recognize up to an additional $14,207 of tax benefit (less interest related to additional AFMC exchanges) if future earnings forecasts project that we will be able to utilize CBC prior to the expiration of the credit carryforward period on June 30, 2016.
 

 
 
8

 
Estimating the amount of the CBC benefit recognized requires us to make assumptions and estimates about future taxable income affecting the realization of these tax benefits. The key assumptions in estimating future profitability relate to future selling prices and volumes, operating reliability, raw material, energy, chemical and freight costs, and various other projected economic factors as reflected in our internal planning models including interest cost and the impact of currency exchange rates. These models take into account recent sales and cost data as well as macroeconomic drivers including gross domestic product growth, customer demand and industry capacity. Other assumptions affecting estimates of future taxable income include; significant book-to-tax differences impacting future credit utilization, cost recovery of existing and future capital assets and the domestic manufacturing deduction.  Our current forecasts of these book-to-tax differences are based on expected capital acquisitions and operating results.  Significant changes to any of these key assumptions could have a material impact on the estimate of CBC utilization.  As key factors in these models change in future periods, we will update our projections and revise the estimate of the CBC benefit expected to be utilized.  Such changes to the estimate may be significant.

As of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, we had recorded a liability of $86,825 and $57,850, respectively, related to the repayment of AFMC refunds to the U.S. government in exchange for CBC.  The current portion of the liability as of December 31, 2011and June 30, 2011 was $33,435 and $18,356, respectively, included in accrued expenses, and the noncurrent portion was $53,390 and $39,494, respectively.  We forecast expected repayment of the liability annually in amounts needed to generate sufficient CBC to offset each respective year’s cash tax liability subject to annual tax credit limitations imposed by law.  Based on our current forecasts, we anticipate the noncurrent liability to be paid during the period from fiscal year ending June 30, 2013 through fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.  Interest related to this payable subsequent to July 9, 2010 is recognized as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations.  For the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded $186 and $2,859 of interest expense, respectively.  For the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $600 and $1,150 of interest expense, respectively.

NOTE 6:  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, BICO fibers and latex binder are the principal raw materials 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 as of the dates indicated:
 
   
December 31,
2011
 
June 30,
2011
 
           
Raw materials
 
$
38,259
 
$
30,602
 
Finished goods
   
42,406
   
33,968
 
Storeroom and other supplies
   
26,091
   
26,454
 
  Total inventories
 
$
106,756
 
$
91,024
 

NOTE 7:  LONG-TERM DEBT

On October 22, 2010, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“credit facility”) which  increased our maximum committed borrowing capacity to $300,000 and extended the maturity date of the facility to October 22, 2015.  We used the proceeds from the credit facility to pay the outstanding balance on the former credit facility plus fees and expenses.  The interest rate applicable to borrowings under the credit facility is the agent’s prime rate plus 0.75% to 1.75%, or a LIBOR-based rate ranging from LIBOR plus 1.75% to LIBOR plus 2.75%, based on a grid related to our leverage ratio.  The current interest rate on the credit facility is LIBOR plus 1.75%.  The credit facility is secured by substantially all of our assets located in the United States.  There are no scheduled payments for the credit facility until its maturity period.  At December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, long-term debt consisted of borrowings outstanding against the credit facility of $86,840 and $96,921, respectively.

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 (“EBITDA”), and a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.  At December 31, 2011, we were in compliance with the financial covenants under the credit facility.

At December 31, 2011, we had $209,109 borrowing capacity under the credit facility.  The commitment fee on the unused portion of the credit facility is 0.375% per annum.
 

 
 
9

 
NOTE 8:  FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value

We estimate fair values in accordance with ASC 820. ASC 820 provides a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures required about fair value measurements.  Specifically, ASC 820 sets forth a definition of fair value and a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques.  ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.  Additionally, ASC 820 defines levels within the hierarchy as follows:

·  
Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in active markets;

·  
Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in inactive markets, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; and

·  
Level 3 – Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Such inputs typically reflect management’s estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
 
As of December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011, there were no significant financial instruments measured at fair value recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.

Financial Instruments not Recognized at Fair Value

Financial instruments not recognized at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, short-term debt, and long-term debt.  With the exception of long-term debt, the carrying amounts of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their short maturities.  The carrying value and fair value of long-term debt at December 31, 2011 were both $86,840 and at June 30, 2011 were both $96,921.  The fair value of the long-term debt at December 31, 2011 and June 30, 2011 approximates the carrying amount on those dates as all outstanding borrowings are under our credit facility which has variable interest rates that re-price frequently at current market rates.

Fair Value of Nonfinancial Assets and Nonfinancial Liabilities

We measure certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  These assets and liabilities include assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition or in a nonmonetary exchange and property, plant and equipment and intangible assets that are written down to fair value when they are held for sale or determined to be impaired.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we did not have any significant nonfinancial assets or nonfinancial liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in periods subsequent to initial recognition.

NOTE 9:  INSURANCE RECOVERIES

On June 17, 2010, our Foley Plant experienced a failure on our utility provider’s incoming line that sent a voltage surge to most of our electrical components, resulting in losses of variable frequency drives and other electrical control components.  This power failure caused an unplanned complete shutdown of the facility.  In July 2010, we experienced additional downtime when additional electrical control components damaged by the voltage surge failed.  In December 2010, we reached an agreement with our insurance carrier that determined our loss to be $5,719, including business interruption and property damage.  After satisfying our $2,000 deductible, we received a settlement of $3,719 which we recorded to cost of goods sold during the three months ended December 31, 2010.

In September 2010, one of the turbine generators at our Foley Plant suffered a winding insulation failure and the entire plant lost power.  In December 2010, we reached an agreement with our insurance carrier that determined our loss to be $2,353, including property damage and business interruption.  We received a settlement of $353, net of our deductible, which we recorded to cost of goods sold during the three months ended December 31, 2010.


 
 
 
10

 
 

NOTE 10:  COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income consist of the following:
  
 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Net income
 
$
(5,439
)
$
17,053
 
$
35,668
 
$
81,478
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments – net
   
(3,533
)
 
1,172
   
(23,720
)
 
12,900
 
Unrealized gains (losses) on hedging activities - net
   
-
   
76
   
-
   
(258
)
Comprehensive income, net of tax
 
$
(8,972
)
$
18,301
 
$
11,948
 
$
94,120
 
 
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment was due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the euro of ($3,955) and ($10,570), the Brazilian real of ($380) and ($2,085) and the Canadian dollar of $802 and ($11,065).
 
For the three and six months ended December 31, 2010, the change in the foreign currency translation adjustment was due to fluctuations in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the euro of ($1,953) and $7,381, the Brazilian real of $1,396 and $2,838 and the Canadian dollar of $1,729 and $2,681.

A rollforward of the amounts included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, net of taxes is shown below:
 
   
Hedging Activities
 
Foreign Currency Translation
 
Post-Employment Healthcare
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Balance at June 30, 2011
$
(253
)
$
60,918
 
$
(3,662
)
$
57,003
 
Changes in value
 
-
   
(23,720
)
 
-
   
(23,720
)
Reclassification into earnings
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
 
Balance at December 31, 2011
$
(253
)
 
37,198
   
(3,662
)
 
33,283
 
 

 
 
 
11

 
 

NOTE 11:  EARNINGS PER SHARE

Certain of our restricted stock awards granted are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable rights to dividends at the same rate as common stock.  As participating securities, we include these instruments in the earnings allocation in computing earnings per share (“EPS”) under the two-class method described in ASC 260.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method: 

   
Three Months Ended
December 31
 
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share:
                         
  Numerator:
                         
    Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
 
$
(5,439
)
$
17,053
 
$
35,668
 
$
81,478
 
    Less:  Distributed and undistributed income allocated to participating securities
   
-
   
(311
)
 
(520
)
 
(1,495
)
    Distributed and undistributed income available to shareholders
 
$
(5,439
)
$
16,742
 
$
35,148
 
$
79,983
 
                           
  Denominator:
                         
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
39,260
   
39,478
   
39,309
   
39,415
 
                           
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.14
)
$
0.42
 
$
0.89
 
$
2.03
 
                           
                           
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
                         
  Numerator:
                         
    Net income (loss) attributable to shareholders
 
$
(5,439
)
$
17,053
 
$
35,668
 
$
81,478
 
    Less:  Distributed and undistributed income allocated to participating securities
   
-
   
(311
)
 
(520
)
 
(1,495
)
    Distributed and undistributed income available to shareholders
 
$
(5,439
)
$
16,742
 
$
35,148
 
$
79,983
 
                           
  Denominator:
                         
    Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
39,260
   
39,478
   
39,309
   
39,415
 
    Effect of dilutive stock options and non-participating securities
   
-
   
506
   
470
   
435
 
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
39,260
   
39,984
   
39,779
   
39,850
 
                           
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
(0.14
)
$
0.42
 
$
0.88
 
$
2.01
 
                           

There were no stock options 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, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011.  There were 277,654 such options for the six months ended December 31, 2010.


NOTE 12:  SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

We recognize compensation expense for share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date.  Share-based payments include stock option awards, restricted stock awards and performance based restricted stock awards.  Total share-based compensation expense (a component of selling, research and administrative expenses) was $1,245 and $2,211 for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 and $1,200 and $2,135 for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2010.

During the three month period ended December 31, 2011 we granted 11,277 shares of restricted stock vesting over a three year period.  The fair value of the restricted stock was $31.04 per share, the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant.


 
 
 
12

 
 

NOTE 13:  INCOME TAXES

We file income tax returns with federal, state, local and foreign jurisdictions.  As of December 31, 2011, we remain subject to examinations of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2002 through June 30, 2011, Canadian income tax returns for the years ended June 30, 2004 through June 30, 2011 and German tax filings for the years ended June 30, 2004 through June 30, 2011.  We are currently under a US income tax audit for the years ended June 30, 2009 and June 30, 2010.

During the six months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded tax benefits of $9,420 for exchange of CBCs from AFMCs decreasing the $12,887 tax benefit recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2011 by $3,467 as a result of changes in our projections of future taxable income due to the anticipation of a significant deduction related to a loss on the investment in the Americana facility.  During the six months ended December 31, 2010, we recorded tax benefits of $20,462 for CBCs claimed on black liquor without diesel for the period January 1, 2009 through February 11, 2009, and $31,162 for exchange of CBCs from AFMCs.  See additional discussion at Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The net deferred tax asset balance changed from $29,485 as of June 30, 2011 to $47,852 as of December 31, 2011.  The most significant component of this change was due to the increase in the expected alternative fuel mixture credit conversion to cellulosic biofuel credits.

We decreased our valuation allowance related to state net operating loss carryforwards during the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 by $58 and $557, respectively, as a result of improved operating results in the respective state.

During the three and six months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded tax benefits of $904 and $1,654, respectively, for IRS Section 48 energy investment tax credits related to the Foley Energy Project.

During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded impairment charges related to our Americana facility in Brazil and our Merfin facility in North Carolina.  The tax benefits recorded for the impairment charges related to Americana and Merfin were $23,728 and $588, respectively.

Our effective tax rates for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 were 52.6% and (19.9)%, respectively.  Our effective tax rate for the same periods in 2010 were 34.4% and (79.4)%, respectively.  Our income tax expense (benefit) 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
December 31
 
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Expected tax expense at 35%
   
(4,013
)
 
9,103
 
10,410
 
15,895
 
Cellulosic biofuel credits – black liquor without diesel
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
(20,462
)
Cellulosic biofuel credits – exchanged from alternative fuel mixture credits
   
3,467
   
-
   
(9,420
)
 
(31,162
)
Impairment of assets
   
(5,718
)
 
-
   
(5,718
)
 
-
 
Energy investment tax credits
   
(904
)
 
(781
)
 
(1,654
)
 
(1,668
)
Change in valuation allowance
   
328
   
884
   
(139
)
 
1,696
 
Other
   
817
   
(251
)
 
601
   
(362
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(6,027
)
 
8,955
 
$
(5,926
)
$
(36,063
)

NOTE 14:  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
 
We provide medical, dental and life insurance postretirement plans covering certain U.S. employees who meet specified age and service requirements.  The components of net periodic benefit costs are as follows:

   
Three Months Ended
December 31
 
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Service cost for benefits earned
 
$
116
 
$
117
 
$
232
 
$
234
 
Interest cost on benefit obligation
   
320
   
316
   
640
   
632
 
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost
   
(129
)
 
(131
)
 
(258
)
 
(262
)
Actuarial loss
   
93
   
96
   
186
   
192
 
Total cost
 
$
400
 
$
398
 
$
800
 
$
796
 


 
 
 
13

 
 

NOTE 15:  CONTINGENCIES

Our operations are subject to extensive general and industry-specific federal, state, local and foreign environmental laws and regulations, particularly those relating to air and water quality, waste disposal and the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater. We devote significant resources to maintaining compliance with these laws and regulations.  Such environmental laws and regulations at the federal level include the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Clean Air Act of 1990, as amended, the Clean Water Act of 1972, as amended, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976, as amended, the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, as amended, and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, as amended.  These environmental regulatory programs are primarily administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).  In addition, the individual states and foreign countries in which we operate have adopted and may adopt in the future equivalent or more stringent environmental laws and regulations or have enacted their own parallel environmental programs.  We closely monitor our compliance with current environmental requirements and believe that we are in substantial compliance.

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, such as emissions of greenhouse gases, and general permitting requirements for our manufacturing facilities.  We also expect that we will continue to incur substantial costs to comply with such requirements.  Any failure on our part to comply with environmental laws or regulations could subject us to penalties or other sanctions that could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.  We cannot currently assess, however, the impact that more stringent environmental requirements may have on our operations or capital expenditure requirements.  We do not anticipate that capital expenditures in connection with matters relating to environmental compliance will have a material effect on our earnings during fiscal year 2012.

Our Foley Plant discharges treated wastewater into the Fenholloway River.  Under the terms of an agreement with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (“FDEP”), approved by 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 established a schedule for the filing of necessary permit applications and approvals to implement the following activities, among others: (i) make process changes within the Foley Plant to reduce the coloration of its wastewater discharge, (ii) restore certain wetlands areas, (iii) install a pipeline to 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 capital expenditures.  Based on the anticipated permit conditions, we expect to incur significant additional capital expenditures once final permits are issued.  

In August 2005 FDEP drafted a proposed renewal of the Buckeye National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit. The FDEP completed the required public notice, review and comment process and issued the formal Notice of Intent to Issue Permit in November 2005.  The proposed permit was challenged by some members of the public.  In January 2008, the pending administrative hearing was dismissed due to anticipated revisions to the permit based on additional studies and development of a total maximum daily load (“TMDL”) for the Fenholloway River.  The development of the TMDL is necessary because the EPA and FDEP have listed the Fenholloway River as an impaired water (not meeting all water quality standards) under the Clean Water Act for certain pollutants.  The additional studies necessary to support revisions to the permit were completed. As a result, we  filed  petitions with the FDEP for the establishment of  several Site-Specific Alternative Water Quality Criteria (“SSAC”) for the Fenholloway River.  The Florida Environmental Regulation Commission adopted a rule establishing a SSAC for the Fenholloway River and the Secretary of FDEP approved the other SSACs. SSACs require the approval of the EPA.  The FDEP forwarded the SSACs to EPA in September 2010 for their approval.  The revised draft NPDES permit to be issued by FDEP will be based upon modeling performed in conjunction with the EPA and the FDEP, will address the TMDL established for the Fenholloway River by the EPA and will also contain Water Quality Based Effluent Limits based on the new SSACs.  In a recent development, EPA has requested additional data for one parameter.  Gathering that data may delay issuance of that SSAC and the NPDES permit by a year.  When the FDEP issues the revised draft permit it will be subject to public comment and opportunity for requesting a hearing.

We expect to incur additional capital expenditures related to our wastewater treatment and discharge of between $40 million and $60 million over at least five years, possibly beginning as early as fiscal year 2014.  The amount and timing of these capital expenditures may vary depending on a number of factors including when the final NPDES permit is issued and its final terms and conditions.

The Foley Plant is also subject to FDEP and EPA air emission standards.  In 2007, new EPA boiler air emission regulations [boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology (“MACT”) standards] applicable to the bark boilers at the Foley Plant were vacated following a public legal challenge.  EPA re-proposed those regulations in April 2010 and issued final regulations in February 2011.  Due to significant feedback provided during the public comment period,  EPA has recognized that portions of the final boiler MACT regulations contain problematic provisions that will have to be resolved through the ‘reconsideration process’ allowed by the Clean Air Act.  These regulations may impact both bark boilers at the Foley Plant.  However, until the reconsideration process is completed, it will be difficult to predict the potential capital expenditures associated with these pending regulations.
 
 
 
 
14

 
 
On November 4, 2009, we received an Infraction Document from the São Paulo State Tax Authority with respect to our Americana Plant related to Brazilian state value-added taxes (“ICMS Taxes”) for the period of January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2008.  On December 4, 2009, we filed our objection to 2,471 real ($1,317 at December 31, 2011 exchange rates) of the taxes and penalties that were assessed.  On January 6, 2011, we filed with the Judicial Courts in Americana a petition and presented our arguments with respect to the ICMS taxes for the 2005 through 2008 period.  In the event that we are unsuccessful in the appeals process, we would incur interest expense in addition to taxes and penalties of approximately 1,654 real ($882 at December 31, 2011 exchange rates).  On August 9, 2010 Americana received an Infraction Document from the São Paulo State Tax Authority related to ICMS taxes for the period of January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009.  On September 3, 2010 we filed our objection to 774 real ($413 at December 31, 2011 exchange rates) of the taxes and penalties that were assessed.  On August 16, 2011 Americana received an Infraction Document from the Sao Paulo State Tax Authority related to ICMS taxes for the period of January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.  On September 14, 2011, we filed our objection to 783 real ($419 at December 31, 2011 exchange rates) of the taxes and penalties that were assessed.  The process for defending our objections and our petition will involve a lengthy appeals process and it could be several years before we reach resolution.  We believe we have meritorious defenses to this assessment and intend to defend our position vigorously.

We are involved in certain legal actions and claims arising in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, however, based upon information currently available, the ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not materially affect our consolidated results of operations or financial position.  We review outstanding claims and proceedings internally and with external counsel as necessary to assess probability of loss and for the ability to estimate loss.  These assessments are re-evaluated each quarter or as new information becomes available to determine whether a reserve should be established or if any existing reserve should be adjusted.  The actual cost of resolving a claim or proceeding ultimately may be substantially different than the amount of the recorded reserve.  In addition, because it is not permissible under GAAP to establish a litigation reserve until the loss is both probable and estimable, in some cases there may be insufficient time to establish a reserve prior to the actual incurrence of the loss (upon verdict and judgment at trial, for example, or in the case of a quickly negotiated settlement).

NOTE 16:  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On January 12, 2012, we announced the closure of our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil Cotton linter pulp production line.

On January 18, 2012 we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets and ongoing operations of our nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business, located in King, North Carolina.  On January 31, 2012 we completed the sale of Merfin Systems.

     On January 24, 2012, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock.  The dividend is payable on March 15, 2012 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 15, 2012.



 
 
 
15

 
 

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 discusses 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, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on August 29, 2011 ("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 (e.g., “2012”) indicate our fiscal year ending 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 three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 to the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2010.

Except for specific historical information, many of the matters discussed in this report may express or imply projections of revenues or expenditures, plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, expected future economic performance, or the expected outcome or impact of pending or threatened litigation.  These and similar statements regarding events or results which we expect will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those statements.  All forward-looking information is provided pursuant to the safe harbor established under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and should be evaluated in the context of these risks, uncertainties and other factors.  Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “trends,” “assumptions,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity,” “future,” “plans,” “goals,” “objectives,” “expectations,”   “near-term,” “long-term,” “projection,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “potential,” “regular,” “should,” “projects,” “forecasts” or “continue”  (or the negative or other derivatives of each of these terms) or similar terminology.

We believe the assumptions underlying any forward-looking statements are reasonable; however, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, actual results may differ materially from those projected in or implied by the forward-looking 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 large customers;
·  
fluctuation in the costs of raw materials and energy resources;
·  
competition;
·  
changes in the net benefit realized from the alternative fuel mixture credit and cellulosic biofuel credit;
·  
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.

Other factors and risks that may result in actual results differing from this forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, those contained in Part I, Item 1A of the Annual Report, which is incorporated herein by this reference, or from time to time, in our filings with the SEC, press releases and other communications.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made in this report, since the statements speak only as of the report’s date.  Except as may be required by law, we have no obligation, and do not intend, to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.  Readers are advised, however, to consult any future public disclosures that we may make on related subjects in reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC or in our other public disclosures.
 
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, 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.
 
 
 
16

 
 
Our strategy is to continue to strengthen our position as a leading supplier of cellulose-based specialty products.  The key focus areas for Buckeye over the next twelve months include maximizing cash flow, optimizing capacity utilization, completing  the Foley Energy Project, successful execution of the high-end specialty wood pulp expansion project, identifying new initiatives that support profitable, sustainable growth, addressing under-performing assets and accelerating the rate of change to a Lean Enterprise culture.  We plan to take a balanced approach in allocating capital between debt reduction, investment in high rate of return projects, and returning value to stockholders.

Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2011 were $227 million, an increase of $17 million or 8% versus net sales of $210 million during the same period in 2010 due to higher selling prices and increased North American specialty fibers shipment volume.   Average selling prices were up by about 20% on our high-end wood and cotton specialty pulp compared to the year-ago quarter while fluff pulp prices decreased by $47 per ton between these two periods.  Overall, shipment volume was up 1.5% compared to the year ago quarter as increased shipments from our North American wood and cotton specialty fibers plants were partially offset by reduced shipments from our Americana, Brazil cotton linter pulp plant, as we wound down operations there, and from our Nonwovens segment.

During the six months ended December 31, 2011, net sales were $467 million, an increase of  $56 million, or 14%, versus the six months ended December 31, 2010.  This increase was due to higher selling prices and shipment volume.  Year-to-date shipment volume was up 3% compared to the same period a year ago, with specialty fibers shipments up 4% and nonwovens shipment volume reduced by 9%.  On a year-to-date basis, average selling prices were up by more than 20% on our high-end wood and cotton high-end specialty pulp while fluff pulp prices decreased by $13 per ton compared to the same period a year ago.  Nonwovens selling prices were up about 2% year over year.

Operating loss for the three months ended December, 2011 was ($10.5) million, which was $42.1 million lower than the same period in 2010.  Asset and goodwill impairment losses related to the announced closure of our cotton linter pulp production line in Brazil and the announced sale of our Merfin converting business totaled $53.1 million during the quarter compared to zero impairment charges in the year ago period.  Gross margin improved by $10.0 million compared to the same period in 2010 as higher selling prices and increased North American specialty fibers shipment volume were more than enough to offset the impact of increased cotton linter raw material costs,  higher chemical costs in the current period and a $3.2 million benefit in the year ago period from insurance claim proceeds, net of expenses.  Gross margin improved from 21.2% to 24.0%.

For the six months ended December 31, 2011, operating income was $33.5 million, which was $21.7 million lower than the six months ended December 31, 2010.  Asset and goodwill impairment losses totaled $53.1 million during the period compared to zero impairment charges in the year ago period.  Gross margin improved by $30.5 million compared to the same period in 2010 as higher selling prices and increased North American specialty fibers shipment volume were more than enough to offset the impact of increased cotton linter raw material costs, and modestly higher chemical, transportation and factory direct costs in the current period and a $4.1 million benefit in the year ago period from insurance claim proceeds.  Gross margin improved from 19.6% to 23.8%.

We reported a net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2011 of $(5.4) million or $(0.14) per diluted share, compared to net income of  $17.1 million or $0.42 per diluted share in the same period a year ago.  The swing to a net loss for the quarter was driven by the $29.7 million negative impact of the non-cash asset and goodwill impairment charges, net of tax.  Partially offsetting the impact of the impairment charges were increased sales and improved gross margin primarily driven by higher selling prices.

Net earnings for the six months ended December 31, 2011 of  $35.7 million or $0.88 per diluted share, were down $45.8 million or $1.13 per diluted share compared to the six months ended December 31, 2010.  The variation in the net benefit from the cellulosic biofuel credit (CBC) accounted for $43.3 million or $1.09 per diluted share of this reduction in net income, while the non-cash asset and goodwill impairment charges accounted for an additional $29.7 million, net of tax, or $0.74 per share reduction.  The prior year period was negatively impacted by $3.4 million, net of tax, or $0.09 per share, by restructuring and early debt extinguishment costs.  The remaining $23.8 million or $0.59 per share improvement in net income was the result of increased sales and improved gross margin primarily driven by higher selling prices.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2011 of  $53.4 million was lower by $52.5 million compared to $105.9 million the same period a year ago.  Cash taxes were $76.1 million higher compared to the same six month period a year ago when we received federal tax refunds totaling $72.6 million, mostly relating to alternative fuel mixture credits and cellulosic biofuel credits.  The remaining $23.6 million year over year increase in cash flow from operations  was driven by increased sales revenue, improved margins, and lower cash interest costs.  Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $7.1 million compared to the same period last year as we spent $6.0 million in the prior year period to purchase about 8,000 acres of land adjacent to our Foley specialty wood pulp mill.  Out of the $53 million in net cash provided by operating activities during the first six months of fiscal year 2012, $24 million was invested back into the business in the form of capital expenditures, $10 million was applied to debt reduction, and $15 million was returned to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividends.
 
 
 
17

 
 
We have been making good progress on addressing under-performing assets.  In the Nonwovens business, we continue our efforts to transition the customers of our Delta, B.C., Canada airlaid plant to our other two nonwovens facilities following its closure.  It will take engineering, equipment installation, and product qualification to quantify the amount that can be transferred.  We have also started the process of marketing the land and building for sale.  We remain on schedule to close this facility in December 2012.  We also announced the sale of our non-core Merfin Systems business in North Carolina, which concluded on January 31, 2012.  In the Specialty Fibers business, we announced in January the closure of our cotton linter pulp production line in Brazil and continue discussions with multiple parties for the potential sale of this facility.  These moves will allow us to redirect cash and management focus from under-performing or non-core businesses into strategic investment and growth opportunities.

Results of Operations
 
Consolidated results
 
The following tables compare components of operating income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
 (millions)
Three Months Ended December 31
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
$
227.1
 
$
209.5
 
$
17.6
   
8.4
%
Cost of goods sold
 
172.7
   
165.1
   
7.6
   
4.6
%
Gross margin
 
54.4
   
44.4
   
10.0
   
22.5
%
Selling, research and administrative expenses
 
11.3
   
11.8
   
(0.5
)
 
(4.2
)%
Amortization of intangibles and other
 
0.5
   
0.5
   
-
   
-
 
Asset impairment loss
 
50.7
   
-
   
50.7
   
100.0
%
Goodwill impairment loss
 
2.4
   
-
   
2.4
   
100.0
%
Restructuring costs
 
-
   
0.6
   
(0.6
)
 
(100.0
)%
Other operating income
 
-
   
(0.1
)
 
0.1
   
(100.0
)%
Operating income
$
(10.5
)
$
31.6
 
$
(42.1
)
 
(133.2
)%
 
 (millions)
Six Months Ended December 31
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
$
467.2
 
$
411.6
 
$
55.6
   
13.5
%
Cost of goods sold
 
355.9
   
330.9
   
25.0
   
7.6
%
Gross margin
 
111.3
   
80.7
   
30.6
   
37.9
%
Selling, research and administrative expenses
 
23.7
   
23.5
   
0.2
   
0.9
%
Amortization of intangibles and other
 
1.0
   
1.0
   
-
   
-
 
Asset impairment loss
 
50.7
   
-
   
50.7
   
100.0
%
Goodwill impairment loss
 
2.4
   
-
   
2.4
   
100.0
%
Restructuring costs
 
-
   
1.1
   
(1.1
)
 
(100.0
)%
Other operating income
 
-
   
(0.1
)
 
0.1
   
(100.0
)%
Operating income
$
33.5
 
$
55.2
 
$
(21.7
)
 
(39.3
)%
 
Net sales for the three months ended December 31, 2011 were 8.4% higher than in the comparable prior year period.  Higher prices and improved product mix in both segments were partially offset by lower nonwoven materials volume.  Net sales for the six months ended December 31, 2011 were 13.5% higher than in the comparable prior year period mainly due to higher prices and higher volume in the specialty fibers segment, partially offset by lower volume in the nonwoven materials segment.

Gross margin was higher for the three months and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the comparable prior year periods.  The improvement was largely due to the higher selling prices.  Improved capacity utilization at our Memphis specialty cotton fibers plant also contributed to higher gross margin as we continued to experience improvement in the availability of cotton linters.  For both the three and six month periods, raw material costs were up significantly for our cotton specialty fibers compared to a year ago, but wood and nonwoven costs were only modestly higher.  Chemical and freight costs were higher for the three and six month periods.  The final insurance settlement related to the June 2010 power outage at our Foley Plant, net of related costs incurred, which added $3.2 million to our 3 months ended December 31, 2010 gross margin, was not repeated in the three months ended December 31, 2011.

As a result of a significant reduction in demand from a key customer at our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil cotton linter facility during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Americana facility.  After writing-off recoverable tax assets of $11.9 million and inventory of $1.0 million which we will not be able to use, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value resulting in a total impairment charge of $49.0 million during the quarter ended December 31, 2011.  On January 12, 2012, we announced our decision to close the cotton linter pulp production line at this facility.
 
 

 
 
18

 
As a result of a decision to pursue the sale of the nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business in King, North Carolina during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at Merfin Systems.  After reducing the value of certain other assets by $0.4 million, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation were impaired and wrote them down to their fair value of $0.2 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.3 million.  In addition we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million. On January 18, 2012, we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets and ongoing operations of Merfin Systems.

Selling, research and administrative expenses were virtually the same for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the same periods in the prior year.

Segment results
 
Although nonwoven materials, processes, customers, distribution methods and regulatory environment are 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 consists of our chemical cellulose, customized fibers and fluff pulp product lines which are cellulosic fibers based on both wood and cotton.  The nonwovens materials segment consists of our airlaid plants and our converting plant.  We make separate financial decisions and allocate resources based on the sales and operating income of each segment.  We allocate selling, research, and administrative 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, alternative fuel mixture credits, amortization of intangibles, and unallocated at-risk and stock-based compensation.
 
Specialty fibers
 
The following tables compare specialty fibers net sales and operating income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
176.7
 
$
155.3
 
$
21.4
   
13.8
%
Operating income
   
41.9
   
34.4
   
7.5
   
21.8
%

(millions)
 
Six Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
360.1
 
$
298.1
 
$
62.0
   
20.8
%
Operating income
   
85.8
   
56.6
   
29.2
   
51.6
%

Net sales were up for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the comparable prior year period.  Higher pricing for the high-end specialty wood and cotton fibers products compared to the same periods a year ago, and higher volume in both specialty cotton and specialty wood fibers were the main drivers of the improvement.  These improvements were partially offset by lower fluff pulp prices.  For the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 compared to the same periods ended December 31, 2010, fluff pulp pricing decreased by $47 per ton and $13 per ton, respectively.  Prices for high-end specialty wood grades were up about 20% for both the three and six month periods.  Prices for specialty cotton grades were also up about 20% for both the three and six month periods as higher costs for cotton linters were passed through based on provisions included in our long-term sales agreements.

Operating income increased by $7.5 million and $29.2 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the prior year comparable periods, with the improvement driven by higher pricing and volume.  .  Improved capacity utilization at our Memphis specialty cotton fibers plant contributed to higher gross margin as we continued to experience improvement in the availability of cotton linters. Partially offsetting these items were higher chemical and transportation costs.  The final insurance settlement related to the June 2010 power outage at our Foley Plant, which added $3.2 million to gross margin during the three months ended December 31, 2010, was not repeated during the three months ended December 31, 2011.

On January 12, 2012 we announced the closure of our Americana, Brazil cotton linter pulp production line, due to this facility’s uncompetitive cost position for the products it makes.  We will continue to operate the waste water treatment facility for the shared industrial site while we continue discussions with interested parties for the sale of the facility.


 
 
 
19

 
 

Nonwoven materials
 
The following tables compare nonwoven materials net sales and operating income for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
58.3
 
$
62.4
 
$
(4.1
)
 
(6.6
)%
Operating income
   
2.8
   
0.8
   
2.0
   
250.0
%

(millions)
 
Six Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
123.0
 
$
130.5
 
$
(7.5
)
 
(5.7
)%
Operating income
   
5.1
   
5.4
   
(0.3
)
 
(5.6
)%

Nonwoven materials sales decreased during the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the prior year comparable period.  Higher selling prices were more than offset by lower shipment volume.

Operating income increased $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2011 versus the comparable prior year period.  The lower shipments were more than offset by lower direct cost spending and favorable foreign exchange rates.  For the six months ended December 31, 2011, operating income was lower than the comparable prior year period.  The six months results were significantly impacted by a production issue that resulted in a large amount of non-prime product.  This reduced operating income by $2.2 million.  This negative impact was partially offset by favorable foreign exchange rates and higher selling prices.

We are making progress on the work to transition a portion of our current Delta customers to our other two nonwovens facilities following the planned closure of the Delta, BC facility in December 2012.  We are working closely with all Delta customers to meet their needs during the transition.

On January 31, 2012 we completed the sale of our Merfin Systems converting business to National Tissue Company, LLC.

Corporate
 
Our intercompany net sales elimination represents intercompany sales from our Florida and Memphis specialty fiber facilities to our airlaid nonwovens plants.  The unallocated at-risk compensation and unallocated stock-based compensation represent compensation for executive officers and certain other employees.

The following tables compare corporate net sales and operating (loss) income for the three months ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.

(millions)
 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
(7.9
)
$
(8.2
)
$
0.3
   
3.7
%
Operating (loss) income
   
(55.2
)
 
(3.7
)
 
(51.5
)
 
1,391.9
%

(millions)
 
Six Months Ended December 31
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
Change
 
% Change
 
Net sales
 
$
(15.9
)
$
(17.1
)
$
1.2
   
7.0
%
Operating (loss) income
   
(57.4
)
 
(6.8
)
 
(50.6
)
 
744.1
%


 
 
 
20

 
 

The operating loss for the three and six months ended December 31 consists of:

 
Three Months Ended December 31
 
Six Months Ended December 31
 
(millions)
2011
 
2010
 
2011
 
2010
 
Unallocated at-risk compensation
$
(0.4
)
$
(1.0
)
(1.4
)
$
(1.8
)
Unallocated stock-based compensation 
 
(1.2
)
 
(1.2
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(2.1
)
Intellectual property amortization
 
(0.5
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(1.0
)
Gross margin on intercompany sales
 
-
   
(0.4
)
 
0.3
   
(0.8
)
Asset impairment loss
 
(50.7
)
 
-
   
(50.7
)
 
-
 
Goodwill impairment loss
 
(2.4
)
 
-
   
(2.4
)
 
-
 
Restructuring costs
 
-
   
(0.6
)
 
-
   
(1.1
)
  Operating (loss) income 
$
(55.2
)
$
(3.7
)
$
(57.4
)
$
(6.8
)

Impairment activities

Americana, Brazil facility

As a result of  a significant reduction in demand from a key customer at our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil cotton linter facility during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the Americana facility.  Based on this evaluation, and after writing-off recoverable tax assets of $11.9 million and inventory of $1.0 million, which we will not be able to use, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, with a carrying value of $42.0 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $5.9 million, resulting in a total impairment charge of $49.0 million.

On January 12, 2012, we announced our decision to close our specialty fibers Americana, Brazil cotton linter pulp production line, effective immediately.  Our decision was due to the facility’s uncompetitive cost position for the products it makes, primarily driven by the high cost of its cotton linter raw material supply.  As a result of this closure, approximately 60 positions will be eliminated.  We will continue to operate the waste water treatment facility for the shared industrial site while we continue discussions with interested parties for the sale of the facility.

King, North Carolina facility

As a result of a decision to pursue the sale of the nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business in King, North Carolina during the quarter ended December 31, 2011, we evaluated the recoverability of the long-lived assets at the facility.  Based on this evaluation, and after reducing the value of certain other assets by $0.4 million, we determined that the long-lived assets associated with this operation, which have a carrying value of $1.4 million, were impaired and wrote them down to their estimated fair value of $0.2 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $1.3 million.  In addition, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $2.4 million.

On January 18, 2012, we announced that we signed a definitive agreement to sell the assets and ongoing operations of our nonwovens materials Merfin Systems converting business, located in King, North Carolina.  Our decision was due to Merfin Systems being a non-core business and our desire to redeploy the proceeds into strategic operations.

Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs

Net interest expense and amortization of debt costs decreased $0.8 million and $1.1 million, respectively, for the three and six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the prior year comparable periods.  Net interest expense for these periods decreased $0.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, due to the reduction in average debt outstanding of approximately $78 million and lower interest rates after the redemption in October 2010 of the last $140 million of our 8.5% 2013 senior notes.  During the six months ended December 31, 2011, these favorable reductions were partially offset as we recorded $2.9 million of interest expected to be paid to the U.S. government related to exchanging AFMC credits for CBC credits versus $1.2 million during the six months ended December 31, 2010.

Income tax

Our effective tax rates for the three and six month periods ended December 31, 2011 were 52.6% and (19.9)%, respectively.  Our effective tax rates for the same periods in the prior year were 34.4% and (79.4)%.


 
 
 
21

 
 

During the six months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded tax benefits of $9.4 million for exchange of CBCs from AFMCs decreasing the $12.9 million tax benefit recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2011 by $3.5 million as a result of changes in our projections of future taxable income due to the anticipation of a significant deduction related to a loss on the investment in the Americana facility.  During the six months ended December 31, 2010, we recorded tax benefits of $20.5 million for CBCs claimed on black liquor without diesel for the period January 1, 2009 through February 11, 2009, and $31.2 million for exchange of CBCs from AFMCs.  See additional discussion at Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

The net deferred tax asset balance changed from $29.5 million on June 30, 2011 to $47.9 million on December 31, 2011.  $14.5 million of the $18.4 million change was due to the increase in the expected alternative fuel mixture credit conversion to cellulosic biofuel credits.

During the three months ended December 31, 2011, we recorded impairment charges related to our Americana facility in Brazil and our Merfin facility in North Carolina.  The tax benefits recorded for the impairment charges related to Americana and Merfin were $23.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

Financial Condition
 
Liquidity and capital resources
 
On October 22, 2010, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (“credit facility”) which amended and restated the prior credit facility in its entirety.  The credit facility increased our maximum committed borrowing capacity to $300.0 million and extended our maturity date on such borrowings to October 22, 2015.  We used the proceeds from the credit facility to pay the outstanding balance on the prior credit facility plus fees and expenses.

On December 31, 2011, we had $36.0 million of cash and cash equivalents and $209.1 million borrowing capacity on our credit facility.

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, service our debt obligations and pay dividends for the next twenty-four months.

Treasury shares

At December 31, 2011, a total of 6.2 million shares have been repurchased under authorizations by our Board of Directors to repurchase up to 11.0 million shares of our common stock.  Repurchased shares are held as treasury stock and are available for general corporate purposes, including the funding of employee benefit and stock-related plans.  We repurchased 0.1 million shares during the three months ended December 31, 2011.


 
 
 
22

 
 

Cash Flow

The following table provides a summary of cash flows for the three month periods ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.
 
   
Six Months Ended
December 31
 
(millions)
 
2011
 
2010
 
Operating activities:
         
  Net income
 
$
35.7
 
$
81.5
 
  Noncash charges and credits, net
   
79.6
   
6.7
 
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net
   
(62.0
)
 
17.7
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities
   
53.3
   
105.9
 
               
Investing activities:
             
  Purchases of property, plant and equipment
   
(24.3
)
 
(31.4
)
  Other investing activities
   
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
    Net cash used in investing activities
   
(24.4
)
 
(31.5
)
               
Financing activities:
             
  Net (payments) borrowings under lines of credit
   
(10.1
)
 
66.5
 
  Net payments on long-term debt
   
-
   
(140.0
)
  Purchase of treasury shares
   
(10.6
)
 
-
 
  Net proceeds from sale of equity interests
   
1.6
   
2.4
 
  Payment of dividend
   
(4.8
)
 
(3.2
)
  Other
   
1.2
   
(4.2
)
    Net cash used in financing activities
   
(22.7
)
 
(78.5
)
               
Effect of foreign currency rate fluctuations on cash
   
(0.7
)
 
7.1
 
               
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5.5
 
$
3.0
 

Cash provided by operating activities
 
Cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended December 31, 2011 was $52.5 million less than for the comparable prior year period.  While gross margin was significantly higher relative to the same period a year ago, this was offset by an increase in working capital due mainly to receiving tax refunds of $72.6 million in fiscal year 2011 of which most was attributable to AFMC credits.
 
Net cash used in investing activities

Purchases of property, plant and equipment decreased $7.1 million during the six months ended December 31, 2011 versus the comparable prior year period.  Spending on the Foley Energy Project accounted for $2.7 million of our capital spending for the six months ended December 31, 2011 versus $10.2 million in the comparable prior year period.  Through December 31, 2011, we have spent $46.7 million ($44.8 million in capital and $1.9 million in expense) of this three-year, $49 million project.  The Foley Energy Project involves the installation of a steam turbine generator and upgrade of two recovery boilers, and is expected to save the equivalent of 200,000 barrels of oil per year and improve the energy self-sufficiency of our Foley mill from about 85% to about 95%.  In the six months ended December 31, 2010, we spent $6.0 million to purchase 8,100 acres bordering our Foley facility.  In October 2011, the Board of Directors approved the Foley Specialty Expansion Project which will add approximately 42,000 tons annually of high-end specialty production while reducing an equal amount of fluff pulp production.  This project will cost approximately $79 million of which $3.1 million has been spent and an additional $40 million is expected to be spent in the current fiscal year.  We now expect our capital spending will be approximately $105 million in fiscal year 2012.

Net cash used in financing activities

During the six months ended December 31, 2011, we paid cash dividends ($0.12 per share) in the aggregate amount of $4.8 million.  During the six months ended December 31, 2010, we paid cash dividends ($0.08 per share) in the aggregate amount of $3.2 million.


 
 
 
23

 
 

Contractual obligations
 
The following table summarizes our significant contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2011.  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
 
 
Contractual Obligations
 
 
Total
 
 
2012(1)
 
2013
and 2014
 
2015
and 2016
 
 
Thereafter
 
                       
Long-term obligations (2)
 
$
94.3
 
$
1.0
 
$
3.9
 
$
89.4
 
$
-
 
Operating lease obligations
   
1.2
   
0.7
   
0.4
   
0.1
   
-
 
Timber commitments
   
198.9
   
11.3
   
51.7
   
47.1
   
88.7
 
Other purchase commitments (3)
   
31.7
   
16.4
   
12.5
   
2.9
   
-
 
Total contractual cash obligations
 
$
326.1
 
$
29.4
 
$
68.5
 
$
139.5
 
$
88.7
 
(1)
 Cash obligations for the remainder of 2012.

(2)
Amounts include related interest payments.  Interest payments of $7.5 million for variable debt are based on the effective annual rate as of December 31, 2011 of 2.3%.

(3)
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 amounts necessary to fund post-retirement benefit obligations have not changed materially since June 30, 2011.  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 19, Employee Benefit Plans, to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report for further information.

 
Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires 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 considering 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.

    See Part II, Item 7 — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates and our consolidated financial statements and related notes in Part IV, Item 15 of our Annual Report for additional accounting policies and related estimates that we believe are the most critical to understanding our condensed consolidated financial statements, financial condition and results of operations and which require complex management judgment and assumptions, or involve uncertainties.  These critical accounting policies include those relating to allowance for doubtful accounts, deferred income taxes, depreciation and long-lived assets.

Item 3.                      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Part II, Item 7A of our Annual Report is incorporated herein by this reference.  There have been no material changes in our quantitative and qualitative market risks since June 30, 2011.

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 December 31, 2011 of 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, as of December 31, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purposes set forth in the definition thereof in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e).

There have been no changes (including corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses) during the quarter ended December 31, 2011 in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
 
24

 

 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings

 
Not applicable.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors

There have been no changes to the material risk facing our business from those disclosed in our Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2011.

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Board of Directors has authorized total repurchases of 11.0 million shares of common stock.  At December 31, 2011, we have remaining approximately 4.8 million shares authorized by our Board of Directors to repurchase.  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.  Below is a summary of our stock repurchases for the quarter ending December 31, 2011.

   
(a) Total number of shares purchased
   
 (b) Average price paid per share
   
(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs
   
(d) Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under plans or programs
 
                     
4,880,034 
   
October 1 – October 31, 2011
 
81,163
 
$
23.91
   
81,163
   
4,798,871
   
November 1 – November 30, 2011
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
4,798,871
   
December 1 – December  31, 2011
 
-
   
-
   
-
   
4,798,871
   
Total
 
81,163
 
$
23.91
   
81,163
   
4,798,871
   

Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 
Not applicable.

Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)

 
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Other Information

 
Not applicable.

Item 6.
Exhibits

See Exhibit Index immediately following signature page.

 
 
 
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: February 3, 2012
 
   
   
   
   
By:
  /s/ Steven G. Dean  
   
Steven G. Dean, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
   
Date: February 3, 2012
 
   


 
 
 
26

 
 

EXHIBIT INDEX

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
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema 
 


 
 
 
27