UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): September 3, 2021

 

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware  

1-40718

 

86-2596371

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, Tennessee

 

38197

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (901) 519-8000

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the Registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol

 

Name of Exchange

on which Registered

Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share   SLVM   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.405) or Rule 12b-2 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.12b-2).

Emerging growth company  ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

Senior Notes

On September 3, 2021, Sylvamo Corporation (the “Company”), issued and sold $450 million aggregate principal amount of its 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”), which Notes are guaranteed by International Paper Company (“International Paper”) until the consummation of International Paper’s previously announced proposed spin-off of the Company (the “Spin-Off”). The Notes have been issued under the Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2021 (the “Indenture”), among the Company, International Paper, as guarantor, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (the “Trustee”). The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering, together with borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (as defined below) and cash on hand in excess of $100 million, to make a special payment to International Paper prior to the Spin-Off.

Interest on the Notes will accrue at the rate of 7.000% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on March 1, 2022.

Ranking

The Notes and guarantees are the Company’s and each subsidiary guarantor’s (as defined below) senior unsecured obligations and will rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s and such subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future senior indebtedness (including the senior secured credit facilities expected to be entered into comprising (i) a $450.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), (ii) a $450.0 million term loan “B” facility (the “Term Loan B Facility”) and (iii) a $520.0 million term loan “F” facility (the “Term Loan F Facility” and together with the Term Loan B Facility, the “Term Loan Facilities”; and the Term Loan Facilities, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”)) and senior in right of payment to any of their future subordinated obligations. The Notes and guarantees are effectively subordinated to all existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company and each subsidiary guarantor (including the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of all subsidiaries that do not guarantee the Notes.

Guarantees

The Notes are initially guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by International Paper (the “International Paper Guarantee”). As of the date of the consummation of the Spin-Off (the “Spin-Off Effective Date”), the International Paper Guarantee will terminate and be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged. In addition, each of the Company’s Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) (x) that is a borrower or a guarantor under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities or certain other credit agreements and that is a Domestic Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) or a subsidiary organized in an Approved Jurisdiction (as defined in the Indenture) (other than a Domestic Subsidiary that is a FSHCO (as defined in the Indenture) or that is a subsidiary of a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time, (a “CFC”) other than a CFC organized in an Approved Jurisdiction) or (y) that is a guarantor under Certain Capital Markets Debt (as defined in the Indenture) will guarantee on a senior unsecured basis the Notes. Such subsidiary guarantors are collectively referred to herein as the “subsidiary guarantors,” and such subsidiary guarantees are collectively referred to herein as the “subsidiary guarantees.” These subsidiary guarantees are subject to release under specified circumstances.

 

2


Optional Redemption

At any time prior to September 1, 2024, the Company may, at any time and from time to time, upon notice, redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes (including the aggregate principal amount of any additional notes of the same series), issued under the Indenture, at its option, at a redemption price equal to 107.00% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the rights of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date) (each, an “Equity Offering Redemption”), with funds in an aggregate amount not exceeding the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by the Company after the Spin-Off Effective Date; provided that at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes originally issued under the Indenture (including the aggregate principal amount of any additional notes of the same series) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption (unless all Notes are otherwise repurchased or redeemed substantially concurrently with the corresponding Equity Offering Redemption); provided, further, that such Equity Offering Redemption occurs within 180 days after the date on which any such related Equity Offering is consummated.

The Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to September 1, 2024, at the option of the Company, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the applicable make-whole premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

On or after September 1, 2024, the Company may redeem all or a part of the Notes, at its option, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, on the Notes to be redeemed to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on September 1 of the years indicated below:

 

Period

   Percentage  

2024

     103.500

2025

     101.750

2026 and thereafter

     100.000

Special Mandatory Redemption

If (x) the Spin-Off has not been consummated on or prior to January 4, 2022 (the “Outside Date”), (y) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Company notifies the Trustee in writing that International Paper will not effect the consummation of the Spin-Off by the Outside Date or (z) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Board of Directors of International Paper has made a public announcement that it has determined not to proceed with the Spin-Off, (the earliest such date, the “Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Date”), then the Company will be required to cause notice of a special mandatory redemption to be mailed or sent electronically to holders of the Notes within 15 days after the Special Mandatory Redemption Trigger Date and to redeem all outstanding Notes on the 15th day (or, if such day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter) following the earlier of (x) the date such notice is mailed or sent electronically or (y) the deadline for mailing or sending such notice (the “Special Mandatory Redemption Date”) at a special mandatory redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the Special Mandatory Redemption Date.

 

3


Change of Control

Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined in the Indenture), each holder of the Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase some or all of such holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the repurchase date (subject to the right of holders of Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to the repurchase date).

Covenants

The Indenture contains covenants limiting, among other things, the Company’s ability and the ability of most of its subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares; pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of the Company’s or its subsidiaries’ capital stock or make investments or other restricted payments; create restrictions on the ability of the Company’s restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends to the Company or make certain other intercompany transfers; sell certain assets; create liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets; and enter into certain transactions with its affiliates.

Events of Default

The Indenture also provides for events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on the Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.

The foregoing descriptions of the Indenture and the Notes do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Indenture and the Notes, copies of which are incorporated herein by reference and attached hereto as Exhibits 4.1 and 4.2.

Form 10 and Related Information Statement

On September 3, 2021, the registration statement on Form 10, as amended (File No. 001-40718) (the “Registration Statement”) filed by the Company registering its common stock, par value $1.00 per share, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, was declared effective.

In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company entered into the following agreements, forms of which were previously filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement:

 

   

Temporary Occupancy Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein; and

 

   

Lease Agreement (La Mirada), dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

   

Corrugated Packaging Supply Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

   

Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.4 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

   

Fiber Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.5 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

 

4


The terms and conditions of such agreements are the same as the terms and conditions of such agreements previously reported in the Registration Statement.

Item 2.03 Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant.

The information set forth above under Item 1.01 related to the Notes is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.

Item 8.01. Other Events

The Registration Statement includes as an exhibit thereto a preliminary information statement. On September 3, 2021, the Registration Statement was declared effective. The final information statement, dated September 3, 2021, is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
Number
  

Description

4.1    Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2021, among Sylvamo Corporation, International Paper Company, as Guarantor and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee.
4.2    Form of 7.000% Senior Note due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto).
10.1    Temporary Occupancy Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC.
10.2    Lease Agreement (La Mirada), dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC.
10.3    Corrugated Packaging Supply Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper and Sylvamo North America, LLC.
10.4    Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper Company and Sylvamo North America, LLC.
10.5    Fiber Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 1, 2021, between International Paper and Sylvamo North America, LLC.
99.1    Information Statement of Sylvamo Corporation, dated September 3, 2021.

 

5


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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION
By:  

/s/ Matthew Barron

Name: Matthew Barron
Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Date: September 3, 2021

Exhibit 4.1

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION

as Issuer

 

 

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

as guarantor

 

 

INDENTURE

Dated as of September 3, 2021

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,

as Trustee

$450,000,000

7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

ARTICLE I

 

DEFINITIONS AND INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

 

SECTION 1.1

  Definitions      1  

SECTION 1.2

  Other Definitions      52  

SECTION 1.3

  Rules of Construction      54  

SECTION 1.4

  Incorporation by Reference of TIA      55  

SECTION 1.5

  Limited Condition Transaction      55  

ARTICLE II

 

THE NOTES

 

SECTION 2.1

  Forms Generally      57  

SECTION 2.2

  Form of Trustee’s Certificate of Authentication      58  

SECTION 2.3

  Restrictive and Global Note Legends      58  

SECTION 2.4

  Amount Unlimited      61  

SECTION 2.5

  Denominations      61  

SECTION 2.6

  Execution, Authentication and Delivery and Dating      61  

SECTION 2.7

  Temporary Notes      62  

SECTION 2.8

  Registrar and Paying Agent      62  

SECTION 2.9

  Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Notes      64  

SECTION 2.10

  Payment of Interest Rights Preserved      64  

SECTION 2.11

  Persons Deemed Owners      65  

SECTION 2.12

  Cancellation      66  

SECTION 2.13

  Computation of Interest      66  

SECTION 2.14

  CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, etc      66  

SECTION 2.15

  Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes      66  

SECTION 2.16

  Special Transfer Provisions      68  

SECTION 2.17

  [Reserved]      71  

SECTION 2.18

  Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust      71  

SECTION 2.19

  Lists of Holders of the Notes      71  

ARTICLE III

 

COVENANTS

 

SECTION 3.1

  Payment of Notes      71  

SECTION 3.2

  Reports and Other Information      72  

 

i


SECTION 3.3

  Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock      73  

SECTION 3.4

  Limitation on Restricted Payments      82  

SECTION 3.5

  Liens      89  

SECTION 3.6

  Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries      89  

SECTION 3.7

  Asset Sales      92  

SECTION 3.8

  Transactions with Affiliates      97  

SECTION 3.9

  Change of Control      101  

SECTION 3.10

  Additional Guarantors      103  

SECTION 3.11

  [Reserved]      104  

SECTION 3.12

  Compliance Certificate; Statement by Officers as to Default      104  

SECTION 3.13

  [Reserved]      105  

SECTION 3.14

  [Reserved]      105  

SECTION 3.15

  Covenant Suspension      105  

ARTICLE IV

 

MERGER; CONSOLIDATION OR SALE OF ASSETS

 

SECTION 4.1

  When the Issuer May Merge or Otherwise Dispose of Assets      107  

ARTICLE V

 

REDEMPTION OF NOTES

 

SECTION 5.1

  Applicability of Article      108  

SECTION 5.2

  Right of Redemption      110  

SECTION 5.3

  Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee of Optional and Mandatory Redemptions      110  

SECTION 5.4

  Notice of Redemption      111  

SECTION 5.5

  Deposit of Redemption Price      112  

SECTION 5.6

  Notes Payable on Redemption Date      112  

SECTION 5.7

  Notes Redeemed in Part      113  

SECTION 5.8

  Offer to Repurchase      113  

SECTION 5.9

  Special Mandatory Redemption      115  

SECTION 5.10

  Segregated Account      115  

ARTICLE VI

 

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

 

SECTION 6.1

  Events of Default      115  

SECTION 6.2

  Acceleration      117  

SECTION 6.3

  Other Remedies      118  

SECTION 6.4

  Waiver of Past Defaults      118  

 

ii


SECTION 6.5

  Control by Majority      118  

SECTION 6.6

  Limitation on Suits      119  

SECTION 6.7

  [Reserved]      119  

SECTION 6.8

  Collection Suit by Trustee      119  

SECTION 6.9

  Trustee May File Proofs of Claim      119  

SECTION 6.10

  Priorities      120  

SECTION 6.11

  Undertaking for Costs      120  

ARTICLE VII

 

TRUSTEE

 

SECTION 7.1

  Duties of Trustee      120  

SECTION 7.2

  Rights of Trustee      122  

SECTION 7.3

  Individual Rights of Trustee      123  

SECTION 7.4

  Disclaimer      124  

SECTION 7.5

  Notice of Defaults      124  

SECTION 7.6

  Compensation and Indemnity      124  

SECTION 7.7

  Replacement of Trustee      125  

SECTION 7.8

  Successor Trustee by Merger      126  

SECTION 7.9

  Eligibility; Disqualification      126  

SECTION 7.10

  Limitation on Duty of Trustee      126  

ARTICLE VIII

 

DISCHARGE OF INDENTURE; DEFEASANCE

 

SECTION 8.1

  Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance      127  

SECTION 8.2

  Conditions to Defeasance      128  

SECTION 8.3

  Application of Trust Money      129  

SECTION 8.4

  Repayment to the Issuer      129  

SECTION 8.5

  Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations      130  

SECTION 8.6

  Reinstatement      130  

ARTICLE IX

 

AMENDMENTS

 

SECTION 9.1

  Without Consent of Holders      130  

SECTION 9.2

  With Consent of Holders      131  

SECTION 9.3

  Effect of Consents and Waivers      133  

SECTION 9.4

  Notation on or Exchange of Notes      133  

SECTION 9.5

  Trustee to Sign Amendments      133  

SECTION 9.6

  Net Short Holders      134  

 

iii


ARTICLE X

 

GUARANTEES

 

SECTION 10.1

  Guarantees      136  

SECTION 10.2

  Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge      138  

SECTION 10.3

  Right of Contribution      140  

SECTION 10.4

  No Subrogation      141  

ARTICLE XI

 

INTERNATIONAL PAPER GUARANTEE

 

SECTION 11.1

  Unconditional Guarantee      141  

SECTION 11.2

  Limitation of International Paper’s Liability      143  

SECTION 11.3

  Release of International Paper Guarantee      143  

SECTION 11.4

  Contribution      144  

SECTION 10.4

  No Subrogation      144  

ARTICLE XII

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

SECTION 12.1

  Notices      144  

SECTION 12.2

  Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent      146  

SECTION 12.3

  Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion      146  

SECTION 12.4

  Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar      147  

SECTION 12.5

  Days Other than Business Days      147  

SECTION 12.6

  Governing Law; Jurisdiction      147  

SECTION 12.7

  Waiver of Jury Trial      147  

SECTION 12.8

  No Recourse Against Others      147  

SECTION 12.9

  Successors      147  

SECTION 12.10

  Multiple Originals; Electronic Signatures      148  

SECTION 12.11

  Variable Provisions      148  

SECTION 12.12

  Table of Contents; Headings      148  

SECTION 12.13

  Force Majeure      148  

SECTION 12.14

  USA Patriot Act      148  

SECTION 12.15

  Communication by Holders with Other Holders      148  

SECTION 12.16

  Severability      149  

SECTION 12.17

  FATCA      149  

EXHIBITS

 

EXHIBIT A    Form of Note
EXHIBIT B    Form of Certificate of Beneficial Ownership
EXHIBIT C    Form of Regulation S Certificate
EXHIBIT D    Form of Position Representation

 

 

iv


INDENTURE, dated as of September 3, 2021, as amended or supplemented from time to time (this “Indenture”), among SYLVAMO CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY, a New York corporation, the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time parties hereto and THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as trustee (in such capacity, the “Trustee”).

Recitals of the Issuer

WHEREAS, the Issuer has duly authorized the creation of an issue of $450,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Issuer’s 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Initial Notes” and unless otherwise specified, together with any Additional Notes issued pursuant to Sections 2.4, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.15(d), 2.15(e) or 5.7 hereunder, the “Notes”);

WHEREAS, International Paper and the Guarantors have duly authorized the guarantee, on a senior unsecured basis, of the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration or otherwise, of all the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes, whether for payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, expenses, indemnification or otherwise; and

WHEREAS, the Issuer, International Paper and Guarantors have duly authorized the execution and delivery of this Indenture (as defined herein);

NOW, THEREFORE, each party hereto agrees as follows for the benefit of the other parties and for the equal and ratable benefit of the Holders (as defined herein) of the Notes:

ARTICLE I

Definitions and Incorporation by Reference

SECTION 1.1 Definitions.

Acquired Indebtedness” means, with respect to any specified Person:

(1) Indebtedness of any other Person existing at the time such other Person is merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into or became a Restricted Subsidiary of such specified Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person merging, amalgamating or consolidating with or into, or becoming a Subsidiary of such specified Person; and

(2) Indebtedness secured by a Lien encumbering any asset acquired by such specified Person.

Acquired Indebtedness shall be deemed to be Incurred on the date of the related acquisition of assets from any Person or the date the acquired Person became a Restricted Subsidiary.


Additional Notes” means notes issued under this Indenture in addition to the Initial Notes (other than notes issued pursuant to Section 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 2.15(d), 2.15(e) or 5.7).

Affiliate” of any specified Person means any other Person directly or indirectly Controlling or Controlled by or under direct or indirect common Control with such specified Person. “Control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “Controlling,” “Controlled by” and “under common Control with”), as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise.

Applicable Premium” means, with respect to any Note on any applicable Redemption Date, the greater of:

(1) 1.0% of the then outstanding principal amount of such Note; and

(2) the excess, if any, of

(a) the present value at such Redemption Date calculated as of the date of the applicable redemption notice of (i) the redemption price of such Note at September 1, 2024 (such redemption price being set forth in the table in Exhibit A hereto) plus (ii) all required remaining scheduled interest payments due on the Note through September 1, 2024 (excluding accrued but unpaid interest to (but not including) the redemption date), computed using a discount rate equal to the Treasury Rate plus 50 basis points; over

(b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Note.

The Applicable Premium shall be calculated by the Issuer or on behalf of the Issuer by such Person as the Issuer shall designate and the Trustee shall have no duty to confirm or verify any such calculation.

Approved Jurisdiction” means each of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Brazil and the Republic of Finland and any other jurisdiction designated as such under the New Credit Agreement.

asset” means any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

Asset Sale” means:

(1) the sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions) of property or assets (including by way of a Sale/Leaseback Transaction) of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary; or

 

2


(2) the issuance or sale of Equity Interests (other than Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries issued in compliance with Section 3.3 and directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) (whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions),

(each of the foregoing referred to in this definition as a “disposition”), in each case, other than:

(a) a sale, exchange or other disposition of cash, Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities, or of obsolete, damaged, unnecessary, unsuitable, surplus or worn out equipment, or other assets, in the ordinary course of business, or dispositions of property no longer used, useful or economically practicable to maintain in the conduct of the business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any intellectual property or other intellectual property rights to lapse or become abandoned);

(b) the sale, conveyance, lease or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer or any Guarantor in compliance with Article IV or any disposition that constitutes a Change of Control;

(c) any Restricted Payment that is permitted to be made, and is made, pursuant to Section 3.4 (including any transaction specifically excluded from the definition of the term “Restricted Payments,” including pursuant to the exceptions contained in the definition thereof and the parenthetical exclusion of such definition, and any Permitted Investment);

(d) any disposition of assets, or issuance or sale of Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, in a single transaction or series of related transactions, with an aggregate Fair Market Value (on the date a legally binding commitment for such disposition was entered into) of less than $50.0 million;

(e) (i) any transfer or other disposition of property or assets or issuance or sale of Equity Interests by a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to the Issuer or by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer and (ii) dispositions by any Restricted Subsidiary of its Equity Interests constituting directors’ qualifying shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extend required by applicable law;

(f) the creation of any Lien permitted under this Indenture;

(g) any issuance, sale, pledge or other disposition of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary;

 

3


(h) the sale, lease, assignment, license, sublicense or sublease of inventory, equipment, accounts receivable, notes receivable or other current assets held for sale in the ordinary course of business or the conversion of accounts receivable to notes receivable or dispositions or discounts of accounts receivable in connection with the collection or compromise thereof;

(i) the lease, assignment, license, sublicense or sublease of any real or personal property in the ordinary course of business or that would not materially interfere with the required use of such property by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(j) a sale or transfer of Receivables Assets, or participations therein, and related assets (i) to any Person in a Qualified Receivables Factoring or (ii) to a Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Financing or in factoring or similar transactions;

(k) a transfer of Receivables Assets (or a fractional undivided interest therein) by a Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Financing;

(l) the contemporaneous exchange, in the ordinary course of business, of property for property of a like kind, to the extent that the property received in such exchange is of a Fair Market Value at least equivalent to the Fair Market Value of the property exchanged;

(m) (i) non-exclusive licenses, sublicenses or cross-licenses of intellectual property, other intellectual property rights or other general intangibles and (ii) exclusive licenses, sublicenses or cross-licenses of intellectual property, other intellectual property rights or other general intangibles in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(n) the sale in a Sale/Leaseback Transaction of any property acquired after the Issue Date; provided that such sale is for at least Fair Market Value;

(o) the surrender or waiver of obligations of trade creditors or customers or other contract rights that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer or compromise, settlement, release or surrender of a contract, tort or other litigation claim, arbitration or other disputes;

(p) dispositions arising from foreclosures, condemnations, eminent domain, seizure, nationalization or any similar action with respect to assets, dispositions of property subject to casualty events;

(q) dispositions of Investments (including Equity Interests) in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, customary buy/sell arrangements or rights of first refusal between the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;

 

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(r) to the extent allowable under Section 1031 of the Code, any exchange of like property (excluding any boot thereon) for use in a Similar Business;

(s) dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Asset Sale are reasonably promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;

(t) dispositions by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Disqualified Stock (including any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness) to the extent permitted by Section 3.3;

(u) dispositions by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Permitted Warrant Transaction substantially concurrently with any issuance or sale of Permitted Convertible Indebtedness permitted hereunder;

(v) dispositions by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries of assets that are necessary or advisable, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, in order to obtain the approval of any governmental authority to consummate or avoid the prohibition or other restrictions on the consummation of any Asset Sale permitted under Section 3.7 or any Investment permitted under Section 3.4 or any Permitted Investment; and

(w) (i) any disposition to effectuate the pre-Spin-Off reorganization pursuant to the Spin-Off Documents and (ii) any other disposition to International Paper or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to Spin-Off Documents.

For the avoidance of doubt, the unwinding of Swap Contracts or Permitted Bond Hedge Transactions shall not be deemed to constitute an Asset Sale.

Bankruptcy Law” means (i) Title 11, United States Code, or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors and (ii) any applicable Luxembourg law relating to the opening of any bankruptcy proceedings (faillite), insolvency proceedings, proceedings for voluntary or judicial liquidation (liquidation volontaire ou judiciaire), composition with creditors (concordat préventif dela faillite), moratorium or reprieve from payment (sursis de paiement), controlled management (gestion contrôlée), general settlement with creditors or reorganization or similar proceedings affecting the rights of creditors generally (including, without limitation, the appointment of any Custodian or any proceedings for the relief against debtors in scenarios in which the relevant Issuer or Significant Subsidiary is unable to pay its creditors (cessation de paiement) and unable to obtain credit (ébranlement de credit) or any other similar or analogous proceedings in any jurisdiction.

 

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Board of Directors” means as to any Person, the board of directors or managers, sole member or managing member, or other governing body, as applicable, of such Person (or, if such Person is owned or managed by a single entity, the board of directors or managers, sole member or managing member or other governing body of such entity) or any duly authorized committee thereof.

Brazil Payment Agreement” means the Brazil Payment Agreement between a subsidiary of the Issuer and a subsidiary of International Paper with respect to required payments in the event of any direct or indirect transfer, subject to certain exceptions for immaterial transfers, of Brazilian eucalyptus forest plantations by Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which agreement is in substantially the form incorporated by reference into the Offering Memorandum.

Brazil Receivables Factoring Program” means Qualified Receivables Factoring related to Receivables Assets of one or more Restricted Subsidiaries organized under the Laws of Brazil.

Business Day” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law to close in New York City or, with respect to any payments to be made under this Indenture, the place of payment.

Capital Stock” means:

(1) in the case of a corporation, corporate stock;

(2) in the case of an association or business entity, any and all shares, interests, participations, rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock;

(3) in the case of a partnership or limited liability company, partnership or membership interests (whether general or limited); and

(4) any other interest or participation that confers on a Person the right to receive a share of the profits and losses of, or distributions of assets of, the issuing Person (it being understood and agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that “cash-settled phantom appreciation programs” in connection with employee benefits that do not require a dividend or distribution shall not constitute Capital Stock).

Capitalized Lease Obligation” means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a capital lease that would at such time be required to be capitalized and reflected as a liability on a balance sheet (excluding the footnotes thereto) in accordance with GAAP.

Cash Equivalents” means:

(1) U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, pounds sterling, euros or the national currency of any participating member state of the European Union (as it is constituted on the Issue Date), Australian dollars and, with respect to any Foreign Subsidiaries, other currencies held by such Foreign Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(2) securities issued or directly guaranteed or insured by the government of the United States or any country that is a member of the European Union (as it is constituted on the Issue Date) or any agency or instrumentality thereof in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

(3) money market deposits, certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of two years or less from the date of acquisition, bankers’ acceptances, in each case with maturities not exceeding two years, and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any lender under the New Credit Agreement or any other commercial bank having capital and surplus in excess of $250.0 million in the case of domestic banks or $100.0 million (or the dollar equivalent thereof) in the case of foreign banks;

(4) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (2) and (3) above and clause (6) below entered into with any financial institution meeting the qualifications specified in clause (3) above or securities dealers of recognized national standing;

(5) commercial paper or variable or fixed rate notes issued by a corporation or other Person (other than an Affiliate of the Issuer) rated at least “P-2” or “A-2” or the equivalent thereof by either Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) and in each case maturing within two years after the date of acquisition, and commercial paper or variable or fixed rate notes issued by or guaranteed by any lender under the New Credit Agreement or any bank holding company owning any such lender;

(6) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of America or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an Investment Grade Rating from either Moody’s or S&P (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition;

(7) Indebtedness issued by Persons with a rating of “A” or higher from S&P or “A-2” or higher from Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency) in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition, and securities of marketable short-term money market and similar highly liquid funds having assets in excess of $250.0 million;

(8) investment funds investing at least 95.0% of their assets in investments of the types described in clauses (1) through (7) above and (9) and (10) below;

(9) Investments with average maturities of 36 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moody’s (or reasonably equivalent ratings of another internationally recognized ratings agency); and

 

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(10) in the case of investments by any Foreign Subsidiary or investments made in a country outside the United States of America, other investments of comparable tenor and credit quality to those described in the foregoing clauses (1) through (9) customarily utilized in the countries where such Foreign Subsidiary is located or in which such investment is made.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clause (1) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clause (1) as promptly as practicable and in any event within 10 Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.

Cash Management Services” means any of the following (a) treasury services, (b) credit card, debit card, merchant card, purchasing card or stored value card services (including, without limitation, the processing of payments and other administrative services with respect thereto), (c) cash management services (including, without limitation, controlled disbursements, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, netting, overdrafts, zero balance arrangements, cash sweeps, depository, lockbox, stop payment, electronic funds transfer, information reporting, temporary advances, wire transfer and interstate depository network services) and (d) other banking products or services as may be requested by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than letters of credit and other than loans and advances except indebtedness arising from services described in clauses (a) through (c) of this definition).

CFC” means a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Code.

Change of Control” means:

(x) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Issuer ceases to be a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of International Paper; and

(y) after the Spin-Off Effective Date, any of the following:

(a) an event or series of events by which any “person” or “group” becomes the “beneficial owner” (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934), directly or indirectly, of Voting Stock representing 50% or more of the voting power of all Voting Stock of the Issuer; or

(b) (i) the direct or indirect sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition, in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to any “person” or “group” or (ii) the merger, amalgamation or consolidation of the Issuer with another Person; provided that a transaction where the holders of all classes of Voting Stock of the Issuer immediately prior to such transaction own, directly or indirectly, Voting Stock representing more than 50% of the voting power of all the Voting Stock of the transferee person or group (in the case of clause (i)) or the Person surviving such merger, amalgamation or consolidation (in the case of clause (ii)), immediately after such transaction shall not be a Change of Control pursuant to this clause (b).

 

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As used in this definition, the terms “person” and “group” shall have the meanings as used in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but excluding any employee benefit plan of such person or its Subsidiaries, and any Person acting in its capacity as trustee, agent or other fiduciary or administrator of any such plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (A) the transfer of assets between or among the Restricted Subsidiaries and the Issuer shall not itself constitute a Change of Control; and (B) a “person” or “group” shall not be deemed to have beneficial ownership of securities subject to a stock purchase agreement, merger agreement or similar agreement (or voting or option agreement related thereto) until the consummation of the transactions contemplated by such agreement so long as such person or group does not have the right to control the voting of such securities prior to the consummation of such transactions.

Clearstream” means Clearstream Banking Société Anonyme.

CoBank” means CoBank, ACB, a federally chartered instrumentality of the United States.

CoBank Equities” means all of Issuer’s cash patronage, stock and other equities in CoBank acquired in connection with its patronage loan from CoBank (or its affiliate), and proceeds thereof.

Code” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

Company Order” means a written request or order signed in the name of the Issuer by any Officer of the Issuer.

Consolidated EBITDA” means of any Person for any period, Consolidated Net Income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period plus, without duplication and to the extent deducted (or, in the case of clauses (7) and (9), not included) in calculating such Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of:

(1) provisions for taxes based on income (or similar taxes in lieu of income taxes), profits, capital (or equivalents), including federal, foreign, state or local, franchise, excise and similar taxes and foreign withholding taxes of such Person paid or accrued during such period including taxes reimbursed to International Paper pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement;

(2) Consolidated Interest Expense and, to the extent not reflected in such Consolidated Interest Expense, any net losses on hedging obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk (or minus any net gains thereon to the extent included in calculating such Consolidated Net Income for such period), amortization or write-off of debt discount and debt issuance costs and commissions, premiums, discounts and other fees and charges associated with Indebtedness (including Consolidated Interest Expense of, and purchase discount fees in respect of any Receivables Financing incurred by, such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for that period);

 

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(3) depreciation and amortization expense and impairment charges (including deferred financing fees, capitalized software expenditures, intangibles (including goodwill), organization costs and amortization of unrecognized prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses related to pensions and other post-employment benefits);

(4) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring expenses or losses (including fees, expenses and charges (and amortization thereof) associated with the Transactions), losses on sales of accounts receivable pursuant to a Receivables Financing, and restructuring and integration costs (whether or not classified as restructuring costs, charges or expenses on the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer) or reserves, including any severance costs, costs associated with office and facility openings, closings and consolidations, relocation costs and other non-recurring business optimization expenses);

(5) any other non-cash charges, expenses or losses (except to the extent such charges, expenses or losses represent an accrual of or reserve for cash expenses in any future period or an amortization of a prepaid cash expense paid in a prior period);

(6) transaction costs, fees, losses and expenses (in each case whether or not any transaction is actually consummated) (including any other transactions in connection therewith and any reorganization expenses, those relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and those payable in connection with the sale of Capital Stock, the incurrence of Indebtedness permitted by Section 3.3, transactions permitted by Article IV, Asset Sales permitted by Section 3.7, or any Investment permitted by Section 3.4);

(7) the amount of cost savings and other operating improvements and synergies projected by the Issuer in good faith to be realized as a result of any acquisition or Asset Sale (including the termination or discontinuance of activities constituting such business) of business entities or assets, constituting a division or line of business of any business entity, division or line of business that is the subject of any such acquisition or Asset Sale, or from any operational change taken or committed to be taken during such period (in each case calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as though such cost savings and other operating improvements and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions to the extent already included in the Consolidated Net Income for such period; provided that such cost savings, operating improvements and synergies are reasonably anticipated to result from any action taken or expected to be taken within 18 months following such acquisition, disposition or operational change; provided, further, that the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of pro forma synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements pursuant to the proviso to this definition, shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period prior to giving effect to such synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements for such period;

 

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(8) cash expenses relating to earn outs and similar obligations;

(9) to the extent not otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income, proceeds of business interruption insurance in an amount representing the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace (whether or not received so long as the Issuer in good faith expects to receive the same within one year from the date of the underlying loss (it being understood that (x) to the extent not actually received within such year, such proceeds shall be deducted in calculating Consolidated EBITDA for the applicable period and (y) to the extent received in a subsequent period, such amount shall not be added in calculating Consolidated EBITDA in such subsequent period));

(10) any extraordinary, unusual or nonrecurring, exceptional, special or infrequent gain, loss or charge (including fees, expenses and charges (or any amortization thereof) associated with the Transactions (other than for the avoidance of doubt interest incurred on Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to the Transactions) or any acquisition, merger or consolidation, whether or not completed), any severance (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include retention, integration or excess pension or other excess charges), relocation, consolidation, closing, integration, facilities opening, business optimization, transition or restructuring costs, charges or expenses (whether or not classified as restructuring costs, charges or expenses on the consolidated financial statements of the Issuer), any signing, retention or completion bonuses, and any costs associated with curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans; and

(11) the amount of any loss attributable to non-controlling interests;

minus, to the extent reflected as income or a gain in the statement of such Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of:

(a) any extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring income or gains; and

(b) any other non-cash income or gains (other than the accrual of revenue in the ordinary course), but excluding any such items (i) in respect of which cash was received in a prior period or will be received in a future period or (ii) which represent the reversal in such period of any accrual of, or reserve for, anticipated cash charges in any prior period where such accrual or reserve is no longer required, all as determined on a consolidated basis;

 

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provided that for purposes of calculating Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, (A) the Consolidated EBITDA of any Person or properties constituting a division or line of business of any business entity, division or line of business, in each case, acquired by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period and including any synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements to the extent reasonably anticipated to result from any action taken or expected to be taken within 18 months following such acquisition, disposition or operational change, or of any Subsidiary designated as a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, shall be included on a Pro Forma Basis for such period (but assuming the consummation of such acquisition or such designation, as the case may be, occurred on the first day of such period) (provided that the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of pro forma synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements, when aggregated with the aggregate amount of adjustments in respect of pro forma synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements pursuant to clause (7) above, shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA for such period prior to giving effect to such pro forma synergies, cost savings and other operating improvements for such period) and (B) the Consolidated EBITDA of any Person or properties constituting a division or line of business of any business entity, division or line of business, in each case, disposed of by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period, or of any Subsidiary designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period, shall be excluded for such period (assuming the consummation of such Asset Sale or such designation, as the case may be, occurred on the first day of such period).

Unless otherwise qualified, all references to “Consolidated EBITDA” in this Indenture shall refer to Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer.

Consolidated Interest Expense” means, of any Person for any period, (a) total cash interest expense (including that attributable to Capitalized Lease Obligations) of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries, minus (b) the sum of (i) total cash interest income of such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period (excluding any interest income earned on receivables due from clients), in each case determined in accordance with GAAP plus (ii) any one time financing fees (to the extent included in such Person’s consolidated interest expense for such period), including, with respect to the Issuer, those paid in connection with the initial issuance or any amendment of any Indebtedness. Unless otherwise qualified, all references to “Consolidated Interest Expense” in this Indenture shall refer to Consolidated Interest Expense of the Issuer.

Consolidated Net Income” means, of any Person for any period, the consolidated net income (or loss) attributable to such Person and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that in calculating Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, there shall be excluded:

(1) the income (or loss) of any Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or is merged into or consolidated with the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries,

 

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(2) the income (or loss) of any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary (including any income (or loss) from investments recorded in such Person under the equity method of accounting), except to the extent that any such income is actually received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in the form of dividends or similar distributions or other payments (which dividends and distributions or other payments shall be included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income),

(3) solely for purposes of determining the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 3.4(a)(C)(1), any income (but not loss) of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Guarantors) if such Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Issuer or a Guarantor by operation of the terms of such Restricted Subsidiary’s articles, charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute or governmental rule or regulation applicable to such Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions that have been waived or otherwise released), except that the Issuer’s equity in the net income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period will be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of cash or Cash Equivalents actually distributed (or to the extent converted, or having the ability to be converted, into cash or Cash Equivalents) (subject, in the case of a dividend to another Restricted Subsidiary, to the limitation contained in this clause),

(4) any income (loss) for such period attributable to the early extinguishment of Indebtedness or Swap Contracts,

(5) (x) any gain or loss realized upon the sale, abandonment or other disposition of any asset of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (including pursuant to any sale/leaseback transaction) that is not sold, abandoned or otherwise disposed of in the ordinary course of business (as determined by the Issuer in good faith) and (y) any gain or loss realized upon the disposal, abandonment or discontinuation of operations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of),

(6) any extraordinary gain or loss for the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period,

(7) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles,

(8) any unrealized gains or losses in respect of Swap Contracts,

(9) any unrealized foreign currency transaction gains or losses, including in respect of Indebtedness of any Person denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of such Person,

(10) (i) any non-cash compensation charge arising from any grant of limited liability company interests, stock, stock options or other equity based awards and (ii) expenses related to non-cash compensation related expenses,

 

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(11) to the extent otherwise included in Consolidated Net Income, any unrealized foreign currency translation or transaction gains or losses, including in respect of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary,

(12) any non-cash charge, expense or other impact attributable to application of the purchase or recapitalization method of accounting (including the total amount of depreciation and amortization, cost of sales or other non-cash expense resulting from the write-up of assets to the extent resulting from such purchase or recapitalization accounting adjustments), non-cash charges for deferred tax valuation allowances and non-cash gains, losses, income and expenses resulting from fair value accounting required by the applicable standard under GAAP,

(13) to the extent covered by insurance and actually reimbursed (or the Issuer has determined that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will be reimbursed by the insurer and such amount is not denied by the applicable insurer in writing within 180 days and is reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction in any future calculation of Consolidated Net Income for any amount so added back to the extent not so reimbursed within such 365 day period)), any expenses, charges or losses with respect to liability or casualty events,

(14) charges, losses, lost profits, expenses or write-offs to the extent indemnified or insured by a third party, including expenses covered by indemnification provisions in any agreement in connection with any acquisition permitted by Section 3.4, to the extent actually reimbursed (or the Issuer has determined that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will be indemnified or reimbursed by the insurer or applicable third party and such amount is not denied by the applicable insurer or third party in writing within 180 days and is indemnified or reimbursed within 365 days of the date of such evidence (with a deduction in any future calculation of Consolidated Net Income for any amount so added back to the extent not so indemnified or reimbursed within such 365 day period)), and

(15) the tax impact, if applicable, of the exclusion of any item pursuant to the foregoing clauses (1) through (14).

Unless otherwise qualified, all references to “Consolidated Net Income” in this Indenture shall refer to Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer.

Consolidated Senior Secured Debt” means, as of any date of determination, an amount equal to Consolidated Total Debt that is secured by a Lien (other than Liens consisting of property or assets held in defeasance or deposited in trust for redemption, repayment, retirement, satisfaction, discharge or defeasance or similar arrangement for the benefit of the indebtedness secured thereby) as of such date.

 

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Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Senior Secured Debt as of the date of determination to (b) Four Quarter EBITDA; provided that, for purposes of the foregoing calculation, in the event that the Issuer shall classify Indebtedness that is secured by Liens on property or assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred on the date of determination as Incurred (A) in part as Ratio Debt and/or pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)(II) and/or Section 3.3(b)(xv) and (B) in part pursuant to one or more other clauses of Section 3.3(b) that do not require compliance with a financial ratio or test (including the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio and/or the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio) (as provided in Section 3.3(c)(x)), any calculation of Consolidated Senior Secured Debt pursuant to this definition on such date (but not in respect of any future calculation following such date) shall not include any such Indebtedness (and shall not give effect to any repayment, repurchase, redemption, satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or other acquisition, retirement or discharge of Consolidated Senior Secured Debt from the proceeds thereof) to the extent Incurred pursuant to any such other clause of Section 3.3(b) specified in clause (B) above. For purposes of calculating the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio, at all times on or prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, pro forma effect will be given to the consummation of the Spin-Off.

Consolidated Total Debt” means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition or similar Investment), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, obligations in respect of all drawn and unreimbursed letters of credit, Capitalized Lease Obligations, purchase money Indebtedness and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments and any Ratio Tested Committed Amount; provided that any Indebtedness incurred under any Receivables Financing shall be excluded for purposes of any debt ratio calculation.

Consolidated Total Debt Ratio” means, as of any date of determination, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Debt as of the date of determination to (b) Four Quarter EBITDA. For purposes of calculating the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio, at all times on or prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, pro forma effect will be given to the consummation of the Spin-Off.

Contingent Obligations” means, with respect to any Person, any obligation of such Person guaranteeing any leases, dividends or other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness (“primary obligations”) of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, including, without limitation, any obligation of such Person, whether or not contingent:

(1) to purchase any such primary obligation or any property constituting direct or indirect security therefor,

(2) to advance or supply funds:

 

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(a) for the purchase or payment of any such primary obligation; or

(b) to maintain working capital or equity capital of the primary obligor or otherwise to maintain the net worth or solvency of the primary obligor; or

(3) to purchase property, securities or services primarily for the purpose of assuring the owner of any such primary obligation of the ability of the primary obligor to make payment of such primary obligation against loss in respect thereof.

Corporate Trust Office” shall be at the address of the Trustee specified in Section 12.1 or such other address as to which the Trustee may give notice to the Issuer or Holders pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 12.1.

Covenant Adjustment Date” means the earliest of: (i) the date on which (x) a court of competent jurisdiction has issued a final, non-appealable determination with respect to the Specified Disclosed Litigation (including as a result of a decision by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries not to pursue an available appeal) and (y) any taxes, interest, penalties and governmental court charges (including any judgment in respect of such amounts) payable by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries as a result of such determination have been satisfied in full; (ii) the date on which governmental authorities in Brazil irrevocably abandon and relinquish, or otherwise irrevocably cease to pursue, the Specified Disclosed Litigation; and (iii) the date on which (x) the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries has settled the Specified Disclosed Litigation (including by becoming party to an applicable amnesty program) and (y) any amounts payable by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to the settlement agreement have been satisfied in full; provided that, in the case of clauses (i) and (iii), (A) International Paper has satisfied in full its obligation to reimburse/indemnify the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement and (B) any Liens placed on the assets of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries by the governmental authorities in Brazil relating to the Specified Disclosed Litigation have been released.

Credit Agreement” means (i) the New Credit Agreement, including any notes, mortgages, guarantees, collateral documents, instruments and agreements executed in connection therewith, as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, renewed or otherwise modified from time to time, and as replaced (whether or not upon termination, and whether with the original lenders or otherwise), restructured, repaid, refunded, refinanced or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement or indenture or commercial paper facilities with banks or other institutional lenders or investors extending the maturity thereof, refinancing, replacing or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under such agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or any successor or replacement agreement or agreements or indenture or indentures or increasing the amount loaned or issued thereunder or altering the maturity thereof (provided that such increase in borrowings is permitted under Section 3.3) and (ii) whether or not the New Credit Agreement remains outstanding, if designated by the Issuer to be included in the definition of “Credit Agreement,” one or more debt facilities, indentures or commercial paper facilities providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, notes, debentures, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit.

 

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Custodian” means any receiver, trustee, assignee, liquidator, custodian, supervisory commissioner, trustee commissaire, juge-commissaire, curateur, juge délégué or similar official under any Bankruptcy Law.

Default” means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.

Depositary” or “DTC” means The Depository Trust Company, its nominees and their respective successors and assigns, or such other depository institution hereinafter appointed by the Issuer.

Designated Non-cash Consideration” means non-cash consideration received by the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with an Asset Sale that is so designated as Designated Non-cash Consideration pursuant to an Officer’s Certificate, less the amount of cash or Cash Equivalents received in connection with a subsequent sale of or collection on such Designated Non-cash Consideration.

Disinterested Directors” means, with respect to any Affiliate Transaction, one or more members of the Board of Directors of the Issuer having no material direct or indirect financial interest in or with respect to such Affiliate Transaction. A member of any such Board of Directors shall not be deemed to have such a financial interest by reason of such member’s holding Capital Stock of the Issuer or any options, warrants or other rights in respect of such Capital Stock.

Disqualified Stock” means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock of such Person that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or for which it is redeemable or exchangeable), in each case, at the option of the holder thereof or upon the happening of any event:

(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale; provided that the relevant asset sale or change of control provisions, taken as a whole, are no more favorable in any material respect to holders of such Capital Stock than the asset sale and change of control provisions applicable to the Notes and any purchase requirement triggered thereby may not become operative until compliance with the asset sale and change of control provisions applicable to the Notes (including the purchase of any Notes tendered pursuant thereto));

(2) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; or

(3) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof, in whole or in part;

 

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in each case prior to the date that is 91 days after the earlier of the maturity date of the Notes and the date the Notes are no longer outstanding; provided, however, that only the portion of Capital Stock that so matures or is mandatorily redeemable, is so convertible or exchangeable or is so redeemable at the option of the holder thereof prior to such date shall be deemed to be Disqualified Stock; provided, further, however, that if such Capital Stock is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants or independent contractors of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants or independent contractors such Capital Stock shall not constitute Disqualified Stock solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Issuer or its Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s, officer’s, director’s, manager’s, consultant’s or independent contractor’s termination, death or disability; provided, further, that any class of Capital Stock of such Person that by its terms authorizes such Person to satisfy its obligations thereunder by delivery of Capital Stock that is not Disqualified Stock shall not be deemed to be Disqualified Stock.

Domestic Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

Electronic Means” means the following communications methods: e-mail, facsimile transmission, secure electronic transmission containing applicable authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys issued by the Trustee, or another method or system specified by the Trustee as available for use in connection with its services under this Indenture.

Equity Interests” means Capital Stock and all warrants, options or other rights to acquire Capital Stock (but excluding any Capital Stock that arises only by reason of the happening of a contingency or any debt security that is convertible into, or exchangeable for, Capital Stock).

Equity Offering” means any public or private sale after the Issue Date of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer, other than:

(1) public offerings with respect to the Issuer’s common stock registered on Form S-4 or Form S-8 or successor form thereto; and

(2) issuances to any Subsidiary of the Issuer.

Euroclear” means Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of the Euroclear system.

Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

Existing Bilateral Letter of Credit” means that certain GARANTIE AUTONOME A PREMIERE DEMANDE N° 306386/21, dated March 2, 2021, issued by the BNP Paribas naming SVD 87 as beneficiary, as the same may be amended, modified, restated or supplemented from time to time; provided that the aggregate face amount shall not exceed €50,000,000 at any time (including after giving effect to any automatic increases).

 

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Factoring Transaction” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to which the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may sell, convey, assign or otherwise transfer Receivables Assets (which may include a backup or precautionary grant of security interest in such Receivables Assets so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred or purported to be so sold, conveyed, assigned or otherwise transferred, and a security interest over the account or accounts where the relevant obligors with respect to such Receivables Assets are directed to make payments) to any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Person that is a Subsidiary meets the qualifications in clauses (1) through (3) of the definition of “Receivables Subsidiary.”

Fair Market Value” means, with respect to any asset or property on any date of determination, the value of the consideration obtainable in a sale of such asset or property in an arm’s-length transaction between a willing seller and a willing buyer (as determined in good faith by the senior management or the Board of Directors of the Issuer, whose determination will be conclusive for all purposes under this Indenture and the Notes).

Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio” means, as of the date of any determination, the ratio of (1) Four Quarter EBITDA to (2) Fixed Charges for such period calculated on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that, in the event that the Issuer shall classify Indebtedness Incurred or Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock issued on the date of determination as Incurred or issued (A) in part as Ratio Debt and/or pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)(II) and/or Section 3.3(b)(xv) and (B) in part pursuant to one or more clauses of Section 3.3 that do not require compliance with a financial ratio or test (including the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio and/or the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio) (as provided in Section 3.3(c)(x)), any calculation of Fixed Charges pursuant to this definition on such date (but not in respect of any future calculation following such date) shall not include any such Indebtedness or Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock issued (and shall not give effect to any repayment, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition, retirement or discharge of Indebtedness from the proceeds thereof) to the extent Incurred pursuant to any such other clause of Section 3.3(b) specified in clause (B) above. For purposes of calculating the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, (a) at all times on or prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, pro forma effect will be given to the consummation of the Spin-Off and (b) from and after the Spin-Off Effective Date, such calculation shall be made with respect to the Issuer and the Restricted Subsidiaries.

Fixed Charges” means, for any period, the sum of:

(1) Consolidated Interest Expense of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, and

(2) the product of (a) all cash dividend payments (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) for such period on any series of Preferred Stock or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries held by Persons other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary and (b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one minus the then current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, expressed as a decimal, in each case, on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.

 

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Fixed GAAP Date” means the Issue Date; provided that at any time after the Issue Date, the Issuer may by written notice to the Trustee elect to change the Fixed GAAP Date to be the date specified in such notice, and upon such notice, the Fixed GAAP Date shall be such date for all periods beginning on and after the date specified in such notice.

Fixed GAAP Terms” means (a) the definitions of the terms “Capitalized Lease Obligation,” “Consolidated EBITDA,” “Consolidated Interest Expense,” “Consolidated Net Income,” “Consolidated Senior Secured Debt,” “Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio,” “Consolidated Total Debt,” “Consolidated Total Debt Ratio,” “Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio,” “Fixed Charges” and “Indebtedness,” (b) all defined terms in this Indenture to the extent used in or relating to any of the foregoing definitions, and all ratios and computations based on any of the foregoing definitions, and (c) any other term or provision of this Indenture or the Notes that, at the Issuer’s election, may be specified by the Issuer by written notice to the Trustee from time to time; provided that the Issuer may elect to remove any term from constituting a Fixed GAAP Term.

Foreign Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of the Issuer which is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia.

Four Quarter EBITDA” means, as of any date of determination, Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the most recently ended four fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are available immediately preceding such date, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis.

FSHCO” means a Subsidiary that has no material assets other than Equity Interests (or Equity Interests and debt) of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are CFCs (other than Foreign Subsidiaries organized in an Approved Jurisdiction).

GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America as in effect on the Fixed GAAP Date (for purposes of the Fixed GAAP Terms) and as in effect from time to time (for all other purposes of this Indenture), including those set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession (but excluding the policies, rules and regulations of the SEC applicable only to public companies); provided that the Issuer may at any time elect by written notice to the Trustee to so use IFRS in lieu of GAAP for financial reporting purposes and, upon any such notice, references herein to GAAP shall thereafter be construed to mean (a) for periods beginning on and after the date specified in such notice, IFRS as in effect on the date specified in such notice (for purposes of the Fixed GAAP Terms) and as in effect from time to time (for all other purposes of this Indenture) and (b) for prior periods, GAAP as defined in the first sentence of this definition. All ratios and computations based on GAAP contained in this Indenture shall be computed in conformity with GAAP.

 

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guarantee” means, as to any Person, a guarantee (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business), direct or indirect, in any manner (including, without limitation, letters of credit and reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), of all or any part of any Indebtedness or other obligations.

Guarantee” means any guarantee of the Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes by any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in accordance with the provisions of this Indenture.

Guarantors” means, collectively, each Subsidiary Guarantor; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Person from its Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture, such Person shall immediately cease to be a Guarantor.

Holder” or “Noteholder” means the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the Note Registrar’s books.

IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

Incur” means, with respect to any Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien, to issue, assume, enter into any guarantee of, incur or otherwise become liable, for such Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien, as applicable; and the terms “Incurs,” “Incurred,” and “Incurrence” shall have a correlative meaning; provided that any Indebtedness, Capital Stock or Lien of a Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (whether by merger, amalgamation, consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary.

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication:

(1) the principal of any indebtedness of such Person, whether or not contingent, (a) in respect of borrowed money, (b) evidenced by bonds, notes, debentures or similar instruments, (c) in respect of letters of credit or similar instruments (or, without duplication, reimbursement agreements in respect thereof), (d) representing the deferred and unpaid purchase price of any property (including Capitalized Lease Obligations), except (i) any such balance that constitutes a trade payable, accrued expense or similar obligation to a trade creditor, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any earn-out obligation until and unless the payment of which has been determined by such Person in good faith to be probable (in the amount so determined), (e) obligations under or in respect of Receivables Financings, and (f) all obligations attributable to Synthetic Leases related to tangible property;

 

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(2) to the extent not otherwise included, any guarantee by such Person of the Indebtedness of another Person (other than by endorsement of negotiable instruments for collection in the ordinary course of business); and

(3) to the extent not otherwise included, Indebtedness of another Person secured by a Lien on any asset owned by such Person (whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person); provided, however, that the amount of such Indebtedness will be the lesser of (a) the Fair Market Value of such asset at such date of determination, and (b) the amount of such Indebtedness of such other Person;

provided, however, that such amount shall only apply for each of clauses (1)(a), (1)(b), (1)(d) and (1)(f) above, if and to the extent any of the foregoing Indebtedness would appear as a liability on an unconsolidated balance sheet of such Person prepared in accordance with GAAP (but excluding contingent liabilities which appear only in a footnote to a balance sheet).

For the avoidance of doubt, and without limitation of the foregoing, (x) the term “Indebtedness” shall not include any letter of credit that secured performance, bonds that secure performance, surety bonds or similar instruments that are issued in the ordinary course of business, (y) neither the obligations of the Issuer under any Permitted Warrant Transaction nor the obligations of the Issuer under any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction shall constitute Indebtedness and (z) Permitted Convertible Indebtedness shall at all times prior to the repurchase, conversion or payment thereof be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof and shall not include any reduction or appreciation in value of the shares and/or cash deliverable upon conversion thereof.

Indenture” has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.

Independent Financial Advisor” means an accounting, appraisal or investment banking firm or consultant, in each case of nationally recognized standing that is, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, qualified to perform the task for which it has been engaged.

Initial Notes” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Initial Purchasers” means the initial purchasers listed in the Offering Memorandum under the heading “Plan of Distribution.”

Interest Payment Date” means, when used with respect to any Note and any installment of interest thereon, the date specified in such Note as the fixed date on which such installment of interest is due and payable, as set forth in such Note.

International Paper” means International Paper Company, a New York corporation.

Investment Grade Rating” means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moody’s and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or an equivalent rating by any other Rating Agency.

 

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Investment Grade Securities” means:

(1) securities issued or directly and fully guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof (other than Cash Equivalents);

(2) securities that have an Investment Grade Rating, but excluding any debt securities or instruments constituting loans or advances among the Issuer and its Subsidiaries;

(3) investments in any fund that invests at least 95.0% of its assets in investments of the type described in clauses (1) and (2) above and clause (4) below which fund may also hold immaterial amounts of cash pending investment and/or distribution; and

(4) corresponding instruments in countries other than the United States customarily utilized for high quality investments and in each case with maturities not exceeding two years from the date of acquisition.

Investments” means, with respect to any Person, all investments by such Person in other Persons (including Affiliates) in the form of (a) loans (including guarantees of Indebtedness), (b) advances or capital contributions (excluding accounts receivable, trade credit and advances or other payments made to customers, dealers, suppliers and distributors and payroll, commission, travel and similar advances to officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants and independent contractors made in the ordinary course of business), and (c) purchases or other acquisitions for consideration of Indebtedness, Equity Interests or other securities issued by any other Person. If the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary sells or otherwise disposes of any Equity Interests of any Restricted Subsidiary, or any Restricted Subsidiary issues any Equity Interests, in either case, such that, after giving effect to any such sale or disposition, such Person is no longer a Subsidiary of the Issuer, the Issuer shall be deemed to have made an Investment on the date of any such sale or other disposition equal to the Fair Market Value of the Equity Interests of and all other Investments in such Restricted Subsidiary retained. In no event shall a guarantee of an operating lease of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary be deemed an Investment. For purposes of the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary” and Section 3.4:

(1) “Investments” shall include the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of a Subsidiary of the Issuer at the time that such Subsidiary is designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that upon a redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer shall be deemed to continue to have a permanent “Investment” in an Unrestricted Subsidiary in an amount (if positive) equal to:

(a) the Issuer’s “Investment” in such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation less

 

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(b) the portion (proportionate to the Issuer’s equity interest in such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation; and

(2) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of such transfer.

The amount of any Investment outstanding at any time (including for purposes of calculating the amount of any Investment outstanding at any time under Section 3.4, and otherwise determining compliance with Section 3.4) shall be the original cost of such Investment (determined, in the case of any Investment made with assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, based on the Fair Market Value of the assets invested and without taking into account subsequent increases or decreases in value), reduced by any dividend, distribution, interest payment, return of capital, repayment or other amount received in cash by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Investment, and in the case of an Investment in any Person, shall be net of any Investment by such Person in the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary.

Issue Date” means the date on which the Initial Notes are originally issued.

Issuer” means Sylvamo Corporation, and any successor in interest thereto.

Lien” means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest, preference, priority or encumbrance of any kind in respect of such asset, whether or not filed, recorded or otherwise perfected under applicable law (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any lease in the nature thereof, or any option or other agreement to sell).

Limited Condition Transaction” means (i) any acquisition, including by way of merger, amalgamation, consolidation or other business combination or the acquisition of Capital Stock or otherwise, of any assets, business or Person, or any other Investment by one or more of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries permitted by this Indenture, in each case, whose consummation is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing or (ii) any redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock requiring notice in advance of such redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment.

Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Net Cash Proceeds” means the aggregate cash proceeds (using the Fair Market Value of any Cash Equivalents) received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Asset Sale (including, without limitation, any cash received in respect of or upon the sale or other disposition of any Designated Non-cash Consideration received in any Asset Sale and any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as and when received, and including any proceeds received as a result of unwinding any related Swap Contracts in connection with such transaction

 

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but excluding the assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness relating to the disposed assets or other consideration received in any other non-cash form), net of the cash costs relating to such Asset Sale and the sale or disposition of such Designated Non-cash Consideration (including, without limitation, legal, accounting and investment banking fees, and brokerage and sales commissions and other payments made to International Paper to satisfy contractual obligations under the Brazil Payment Agreement), and any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements related thereto), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on Indebtedness required (other than pursuant to Section 3.7(b)) to be paid as a result of such transaction, any costs associated with unwinding any related Swap Contracts in connection with such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after such sale or other disposition thereof, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction.

Net Short Holder” means any Notes Beneficial Owner (alone or together with its Affiliates (but subject to clause (vi) below)) (other than (x) any Notes Beneficial Owner that is a Regulated Bank and (y) any Initial Purchaser and any Affiliate of an Initial Purchaser that is not a Regulated Bank) that, as a result of its (or its Affiliates’ (but subject to clause (vi) below)) interest, whether held directly or through any intermediary, in any total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract (other than any such total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract entered into pursuant to bona fide market making activities), has a net short position with respect to the Notes. For purposes of determining whether a Notes Beneficial Owner (alone or together with its Affiliates (but subject to clause (vi) below)) has a “net short position” on any date of determination: (i) derivative contracts with respect to the Notes and such contracts that are the functional equivalent thereof shall be counted at the notional amount thereof in U.S. dollars, (ii) notional amounts in other currencies shall be converted to the U.S. dollar equivalent thereof by such Notes Beneficial Owner in a commercially reasonable manner consistent with generally accepted financial practices and based on the prevailing conversion rate (determined on a mid-market basis) on the date of determination, (iii) derivative contracts in respect of an index that includes the Issuer or any of the Guarantors or any instrument issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors shall not be deemed to create a short position with respect to the Notes, so long as (x) such index is not created, designed, administered or requested by such Notes Beneficial Owner or its Affiliates (other than its Excluded Affiliates) and (y) the Issuer and Guarantors and any instrument issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors, collectively, shall represent less than 5% of the components of such index, (iv) derivative transactions that are documented using either the 2014 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions or the 2003 ISDA Credit Derivatives Definitions (collectively, the “ISDA CDS Definitions”) shall be deemed to create a short position with respect to the Notes if such Notes Beneficial Owner or its Affiliates (other than its Excluded Affiliates) is a protection buyer or the equivalent thereof for such derivative transaction and (x) the Notes are a “Reference Obligation” under the terms of

 

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such derivative transaction (whether specified by name in the related documentation, included as a “Standard Reference Obligation” on the most recent list published by Markit, if “Standard Reference Obligation” is specified as applicable in the relevant documentation or in any other manner), (y) the Notes would be a “Deliverable Obligation” under the terms of such derivative transaction or (z) the Issuer or any of the Guarantors (or any of their successors) is designated as a “Reference Entity” under the terms of such derivative transactions, (v) credit derivative transactions or other derivatives transactions not documented using the ISDA CDS Definitions shall be deemed to create a short position with respect to the Notes if such transactions are functionally equivalent to a transaction that offers such Notes Beneficial Owner or its Affiliates (other than its Excluded Affiliates) protection in respect of the Notes, or as to the credit quality of the Issuer or any of the Guarantors (or any of their successors) other than, in each case, as part of an index so long as (x) such index is not created, designed, administered or requested by such Notes Beneficial Owner or its Affiliates (other than its Excluded Affiliates) and (y) the Issuer and Guarantors and any instrument issued or guaranteed by the Issuer or any of the Guarantors, collectively, shall represent less than 5% of the components of such index and (vi) in connection with any amendment, supplement, waiver or modification of this Indenture or the Notes, as well as any other request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver under this Indenture, each Notes Beneficial Owner shall either (A) reasonably inquire as to whether its Screened Affiliates have any interest in the Notes and/or any applicable total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract, and such Screened Affiliates’ interests therein shall only be included in determining whether such Notes Beneficial Owner (alone or together with its Affiliates) is a Net Short Holder to the extent determined from such reasonable inquiry or (B) provide a certification or deemed certification to the Trustee and the Issuer that such Notes Beneficial Owner is not coordinating or acting in concert with any of its Affiliates (other than any Affiliates designated in writing by such Notes Beneficial Owner whose interests in the Notes and/or any applicable total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract shall be included in determining whether such Notes Beneficial Owner is a Net Short Holder (each a “Designated Affiliate”)) with respect to its interest in the Notes and/or any applicable total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract, in which case the interests of the Affiliates (other than any Designated Affiliates) of such Notes Beneficial Owner in any Notes and/or any applicable total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract shall not be included in determining whether such Notes Beneficial Owner is a Net Short Holder (any such Affiliate in clause (A) or (B) above (other than any Designated Affiliates) whose Notes and/or any applicable total return swap, total rate of return swap, credit default swap or other derivative contract are not included in determining whether such Notes Beneficial Owner is a Net Short Holder, an “Excluded Affiliate”).

New Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement to be entered into in connection with the Transactions as described in the Offering Memorandum under “Description of Other Indebtedness – Senior Secured Credit Facilities,” as amended, restated, supplemented, waived, renewed or otherwise modified from time to time.

Non-Guarantor Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor.

 

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Non-U.S. Person” means a Person who is not a U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S).

Notes” has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.

Notes Beneficial Owner” means a Person who is a beneficial owner of interests in the Notes (including Additional Notes, if any).

Notes Custodian” means the custodian with respect to the Global Notes (as appointed by the Depositary), or any successor Person thereto and shall initially be the Trustee.

Obligations” means any principal, interest (including any interest accruing subsequent to the filing of a petition in bankruptcy, reorganization or similar proceeding at the rate provided for in the documentation with respect thereto, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim under applicable state, U.S. federal or foreign law), premium, penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements (including, without limitation, reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances), damages and other liabilities payable under the documentation governing any Indebtedness; provided that Obligations with respect to the Notes shall not include fees or indemnification in favor of other third parties other than the Trustee and the Holders.

Offering Memorandum” means the offering memorandum related to the offering of Initial Notes, dated August 20, 2021.

Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, any Executive Vice President, Senior Vice President or Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary (or any person serving the equivalent function of any of the foregoing) of such Person (or the general partner, managing member or sole member of such Person) or any individual designated as an “Officer” for purposes of this Indenture by the Board of Directors of such Person (or the general partner, managing member or sole member of such Person).

Officer’s Certificate” means a certificate signed on behalf of the Issuer by an Officer of the Issuer that meets the requirements set forth in this Indenture.

Opinion of Counsel” means a written opinion from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee. The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Issuer.

Outstanding” or “outstanding,” when used with respect to Notes means, as of the date of determination, all Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered under this Indenture, except:

(i) Notes theretofore cancelled by the Trustee or delivered to the Trustee for cancellation;

(ii) Notes for whose payment or redemption money in the necessary amount has been theretofore deposited with the Trustee or any Paying Agent in trust for the Holders of such Notes, provided that, if such Notes are to be redeemed, notice of such redemption has been duly given pursuant to this Indenture or provision therefor reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee has been made; and

 

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(iii) Notes in exchange for or in lieu of which other Notes have been authenticated and delivered pursuant to this Indenture.

A Note does not cease to be Outstanding because the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer holds the Note; provided that in determining whether the Holders of the requisite amount of Outstanding Notes have given any request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver hereunder (other than in respect of any such action pursuant to Section 9.2(b), which requires the consent of each Holder of an affected Note), Notes owned by the Issuer or any Affiliate of the Issuer shall be disregarded and deemed not to be Outstanding, except that, for the purpose of determining whether the Trustee shall be protected in relying on any such request, demand, authorization, direction, notice, consent or waiver, only Notes which a Responsible Officer actually knows are so owned shall be so disregarded. Notes so owned that have been pledged in good faith may be regarded as Outstanding if the pledgee establishes to the reasonable satisfaction of the Trustee the pledgee’s right to act with respect to such Notes and that the pledgee is not the Issuer or an Affiliate of the Issuer.

Pari Passu Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary other than Subordinated Indebtedness.

Paying Agent” means any Person authorized by the Issuer to pay the principal of (and premium, if any) or interest on any Notes on behalf of the Issuer. The Trustee will initially act as Paying Agent for the Notes.

Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction” means any call or capped call option (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Issuer’s common stock (or other securities or property following a merger event, reclassification or other change of the common stock of the Issuer) purchased by the Issuer in connection with the issuance of any Permitted Convertible Indebtedness and settled in common stock of the Issuer (or such other securities or property), cash or a combination thereof (such amount of cash determined by reference to the price of the Issuer’s common stock or such other securities or property), and cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock of the Issuer; provided that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such transaction shall be such as are customary for transactions of such type (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Issuer, or a committee thereof, in good faith).

Permitted Convertible Indebtedness” means senior, unsecured Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary that is convertible into shares of common stock of the Issuer (or other securities or property following a merger event, reclassification or other change of the common stock of the Issuer), cash or a combination thereof (such amount of cash determined by reference to the price of the Issuer’s common stock or such other securities or property), and cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock of the Issuer.

Permitted Investments” means:

 

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(1) any Investment in cash and Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities and Investments that were Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities when made;

(2) any Investment in the Issuer (including the Notes) or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(3) any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in the Issuer or any other Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer;

(4) any Investment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in a Person that is primarily engaged in a Similar Business if as a result of such Investment (a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, or (b) such Person, in one transaction or a series of related transactions, is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer (and any Investment held by such Person that was not acquired by such Person in contemplation of so becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or in contemplation of such merger, consolidation, amalgamation, transfer, conveyance or liquidation);

(5) any Investment in securities or other assets (including promissory notes and non-cash consideration) received in connection with an Asset Sale made pursuant to Section 3.7 or any other disposition of assets not constituting an Asset Sale;

(6) any Investment (v) existing on the Issue Date, (w) contemplated to be existing on the Spin-Off Effective Date, (x) made pursuant to binding commitments in effect on the Issue Date or the Spin-Off Effective Date, (y) made pursuant to the Spin-Off Documents, or (z) that modifies, replaces, refinances, refunds, renews or extends any Investment described under either of the immediately preceding clauses (x) and (y); provided that any such Investment is in an amount that does not exceed the amount modified, replaced, refinanced, refunded, renewed or extended, except as contemplated pursuant to the terms of such Investment in existence on the Issue Date or the Spin-Off Effective Date or as otherwise permitted under this definition or Section 3.4;

(7) loans and advances to, or guarantees of Indebtedness of, employees, directors, officers, managers, consultants or independent contractors in the ordinary course of business, in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (7) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed $15.0 million;

(8) loans and advances to officers, directors, employees, managers, consultants and independent contractors for business-related travel and entertainment expenses, moving and relocation expenses and other similar expenses, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(9) any Investment (x) acquired by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) in exchange for any other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary in connection with or as a result of a bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable, or (b) as a result of a foreclosure or other remedial action by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to any Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any Investment in default and (y) received in compromise or resolution of (a) obligations of trade creditors or customers that were incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, including pursuant to any plan of reorganization or similar arrangement upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of any trade creditor or customer, or (b) litigation, arbitration or other disputes;

(10) Swap Contracts and Cash Management Services permitted under Section 3.3(b)(x);

(11) Investments consisting of any bid, performance or similar project related bonds, parent company performance guarantees, bank performance guaranties or surety bonds or performance letters of credit, together with any payment thereunder;

(12) additional Investments by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (12) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $85.0 million and (y) 3.0% of Total Assets; provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (12) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (12);

(13) any transaction to the extent it constitutes an Investment that is permitted and made in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.8(c) (except transactions described in clause (ii), (iii), (iv), (xi) or (xii) of Section 3.8(c));

(14) Investments the payment for which consists of Qualified Equity Interests; provided, however, that such Equity Interests will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 3.4(a)(C);

(15) Investments consisting of the leasing, licensing, sublicensing or contribution of intellectual property pursuant to joint marketing arrangements with other Persons;

(16) Investments consisting of purchases or acquisitions of inventory, supplies, materials and equipment or purchases, acquisitions, licenses, sublicenses, leases or subleases of intellectual property, other assets or other rights, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(17) any Investment in a Receivables Subsidiary or any Investment by a Receivables Subsidiary in any other Person in connection with a Qualified Receivables Financing, including Investments of funds held in accounts permitted or required by the arrangements governing such Qualified Receivables Financing or any related Indebtedness;

(18) Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer acquired after the Issue Date or of an entity merged or amalgamated into or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in a transaction that is not prohibited by Article IV after the Issue Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation;

(19) repurchases of the Notes;

(20) guarantees of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred under Section 3.3 and Obligations relating to such Indebtedness, and guarantees in the ordinary course of business;

(21) advances, loans or extensions of trade credit in the ordinary course of business by the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries;

(22) Investments consisting of purchases and acquisitions of assets or services in the ordinary course of business;

(23) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of Uniform Commercial Code Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and Uniform Commercial Code Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers;

(24) Investments to the extent such Investments consist of prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and lease, utility and workers’ compensation, performance and other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(25) accounts receivable, security deposits and prepayments and other credits granted or made in the ordinary course of business and any Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and others, including in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts and disputes with or judgments against, such account debtors and others, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

(26) Investments acquired as a result of a foreclosure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any secured Investments or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in default;

(27) Investments resulting from pledges and deposits that are Permitted Liens;

 

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(28) acquisitions of obligations of one or more directors, officers or other employees or consultants of the Issuer, or any Subsidiary of the Issuer in connection with such director’s, officer’s, employee’s or consultant’s acquisition of Equity Interests of the Issuer, so long as no cash is actually advanced by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to any such director, officer, employee or consultant in connection with the acquisition of any such obligations;

(29) guarantees of operating leases (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding Capitalized Lease Obligations) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case, entered into by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;

(30) Investments consisting of the redemption, purchase, repurchase or retirement of any Equity Interests permitted by Section 3.4;

(31) Investments consisting of guarantees in the ordinary course of business to support the obligations of any Restricted Subsidiary under its worker’s compensation and general insurance agreements;

(32) Investments resulting from the forgiveness or conversion to Equity Interests of any Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 3.3;

(33) the purchase of any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction by the Issuer and the performance of its obligations thereunder;

(34) Investments held to meet obligations of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries to pay benefits under non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plans maintained for the benefit of employees in the ordinary course of its business and consistent with past practice or ordinary course industry norms;

(35) any Investment by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Similar Business in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (35) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $140.0 million and (y) 5.0% of Total Assets; provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (35) is made in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer at the date of the making of such Investment and such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (35);

(36) Investments in joint ventures of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (36) that are at the time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (i) $55.0 million and (ii) 2.0% of Total Assets; provided, however, that if any Investment pursuant to this clause (36) is made in any joint venture that is not a Restricted Subsidiary at the date of the making of such Investment and such joint venture becomes a Restricted Subsidiary after such date, such Investment shall thereafter be deemed to have been made pursuant to clause (2) above and shall cease to have been made pursuant to this clause (36);

 

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(37) intercompany current liabilities owed to Unrestricted Subsidiaries or joint ventures incurred in the ordinary course of business in connection with the cash management operations of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries; and

(38) the CoBank Equities and any other stock or securities of, or Investments in, CoBank or its investment services or programs.

Permitted Liens” means, with respect to any Person:

(1) Liens Incurred in connection with workers’ compensation laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation or other social security legislation, or in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of Indebtedness) or leases or subleases to which such Person is a party, or to secure public or statutory obligations of such Person or to secure surety, judgment, stay, customs or appeal bonds or other obligations of a like nature to which such Person is a party, or as security for contested taxes or import duties or for the payment of rent, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business;

(2) (A) Liens imposed by law, such as carriers’, warehousemen’s, landlords’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, construction contractors’, mechanics’ or other similar Liens, in each case for sums not yet overdue by more than 60 days or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other proceedings for review (or which, if due and payable, are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are being maintained, to the extent required by GAAP (or, for Foreign Subsidiaries, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that are applicable in their respective jurisdiction of organization)), and (B) Liens placed on the assets of any Subsidiary organized under the Laws of Brazil by any governmental authority in Brazil relating to the Specified Disclosed Litigation and/or good faith deposits made in the ordinary course of business to secure the performance of bids, lawsuits, judicial and/or administrative proceedings;

(3) Liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies (i) which are not yet overdue by more than 60 days or (ii) which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves are being maintained to the extent required by GAAP (or, for Foreign Subsidiaries, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles that are applicable in their respective jurisdiction of organization), or for property taxes on property such Person or one of its Subsidiaries has determined to abandon if the sole recourse for such tax, assessment, charge, levy or claim is to such property;

 

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(4) Liens in favor of issuers of performance and surety bonds, bid, indemnity, warranty, release, judgment, appeal or similar bonds or with respect to regulatory requirements or letters of credit or bankers’ acceptances issued and completion guarantees provided for, in each case, pursuant to the request of and for the account of such Person in the ordinary course of its business and Liens securing the Existing Bilateral Letter of Credit;

(5) survey exceptions, encumbrances, ground leases, easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights-of-way, servitudes, sewers, electric lines, drains, telegraph and telephone and cable television lines, gas and oil pipelines and other similar purposes, or zoning, building codes or other restrictions (including, without limitation, minor defects or irregularities in title and similar encumbrances) as to the use of real properties or Liens which do not in the aggregate materially adversely interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of such Person;

(6) Liens Incurred to secure Obligations in respect of Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (i), (iv), (v), (xix)(x), (xx), (xxiii), (xxviii) or (xxxii) of Section 3.3(b) and, solely in respect of Refinancing Indebtedness of Obligations in respect of Indebtedness Incurred (or unutilized commitments in respect of Indebtedness) pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(i) or any successive Refinancing of such Indebtedness, Section 3.3(b)(xiv) and, in each case, obligations secured ratably thereunder; provided that, (x) in the case of Section 3.3(b)(iv), such Lien extends only to the assets and/or Capital Stock, the acquisition, lease, construction, repair, replacement or improvement of which is financed thereby and any replacements, additions, accessions and improvements thereto and any income, profits or proceeds thereof (collectively, the “Improvements”); and (y) in the case of Section 3.3(b)(xx) and Section 3.3(b)(xxiii), such Lien does not extend to the property or assets (or income or profits therefrom) of any Restricted Subsidiary other than a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary or Foreign Subsidiary, as the case may be;

(7) Liens of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries existing on the Issue Date (or contemplated to be existing on the Spin-Off Effective Date) and Liens Incurred under the Spin-Off Documents (other than Liens Incurred to secure Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement) and any renewal or extensions thereof;

(8) Liens on assets of, or Equity Interests in, a Person at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming such a Subsidiary; provided, further, that such Liens are limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus Improvements on such property or assets) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the Liens arose, could secure) the obligations to which such Liens relate; provided, further, that for purposes of this clause (8), if a Person other than the Issuer is the Successor Company with respect thereto, any Subsidiary thereof shall be deemed to become a Subsidiary of the Issuer, and any property or assets of such Person or any such Subsidiary shall be deemed acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, when such Person becomes such Successor Company;

 

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(9) Liens on assets at the time the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer acquired the assets, including any acquisition by means of a merger, amalgamation or consolidation with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer; provided, however, that such Liens are not created or Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such acquisition; provided, further, that such Liens are limited to all or part of the same property or assets (plus Improvements on such property or assets) that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the Liens arose, could secure) the obligations to which such Liens relate; provided, further, that for purposes of this clause (9), if a Person other than the Issuer is the Successor Company with respect thereto, any Subsidiary thereof shall be deemed to become a Subsidiary of the Issuer, and any property or assets of such Person or any such Subsidiary shall be deemed acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, when such Person becomes such Successor Company;

(10) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer permitted to be Incurred in accordance with Section 3.3 and Liens on property of any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary securing Indebtedness in respect of any Non-Guarantor Subsidiary;

(11) Liens securing Swap Contracts Incurred in compliance with Section 3.3;

(12) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds of any Person securing such Person’s obligations in respect of bankers’ acceptances or letters of credit entered into in the ordinary course of business issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods;

(13) leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses, occupancy agreements or assignments of or in respect of real or personal property;

(14) Liens arising from, or from Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings regarding, leases or consignments entered into by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(15) Liens in favor of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(16) (i) Liens on Receivables Assets (and in the case of Foreign Subsidiaries, bank accounts into which proceeds of accounts receivables are paid) Incurred in connection with a Qualified Receivables Factoring or a Qualified Receivables Financing permitted by Section 3.3(b)(xxii) and (ii) Liens securing Indebtedness or other obligations of any Receivables Subsidiary;

(17) (i) deposits made or other security provided in the ordinary course of business to secure liability to insurance carriers or under self-insurance arrangements in respect of such obligations and (ii) liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

 

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(18) (i) Liens on Equity Interests in and assets of a Foreign Subsidiary securing Indebtedness or other obligations of a Foreign Subsidiary permitted by Section 3.3(b)(xxiii) and (ii) Liens on Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents) securing Indebtedness of such Unrestricted Subsidiary;

(19) grants of intellectual property, software and other technology licenses that do not materially detract from or interfere with the Issuer’s use of such assets;

(20) judgment and attachment Liens not giving rise to an Event of Default pursuant to Section 6.1(vii) and notices of lis pendens and associated rights related to litigation being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been made;

(21) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of goods entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(22) Liens Incurred to secure Cash Management Services and other “bank products” (including those described in Section 3.3(b)(x));

(23) Liens to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a whole, or in part, of any Indebtedness secured by any Lien referred to in clauses (7), (8), (9) and (11) of this definition; provided, however, that (x) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the same property or assets that secured (or, under the written arrangements under which the original Lien arose, could secure) the original Lien (plus Improvements on such property or assets), and (y) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not increased to any amount greater than the sum of (A) the outstanding principal amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under clauses (7), (8), (9) and (11) of this definition at the time the original Lien became a Permitted Lien under this Indenture, and (B) an amount necessary to pay the Related Costs in connection therewith, related to such Refinancing;

(24) other Liens securing obligations the principal amount of which does not exceed the greater of (x) $85.0 million and (y) 3.0% of Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;

(25) Liens (i) on the Equity Interests or assets of a joint venture to secure Indebtedness of such joint venture permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 3.3, (ii) consisting of customary rights of first refusal and tag, drag and similar rights in joint venture agreements and agreements with respect to Subsidiaries that are not Wholly Owned Subsidiaries or (iii) consisting of any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) in favor of a joint venture party with respect to Equity Interests of, or assets owned by, any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

 

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(26) Liens on equipment of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer granted in the ordinary course of business to the Issuer’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s client at which such equipment is located;

(27) Liens created for the benefit of (or to secure) all of the Notes or the Guarantees;

(28) Liens on property or assets used to redeem, defease or to satisfy and discharge Indebtedness; provided that such redemption, defeasance or satisfaction and discharge is not prohibited by this Indenture;

(29) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation and exportation of goods;

(30) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code, or any comparable or successor provision, on items in the course of collection; (ii) attaching to pooling, commodity trading accounts or other commodity brokerage accounts Incurred in the ordinary course of business; and (iii) in favor of banking or other financial institutions or entities, or electronic payment service providers, arising as a matter of law encumbering deposits (including the right of set-off) and which are within the general parameters customary in the banking or finance industry;

(31) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks or other Persons not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness; (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations Incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries; or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

(32) any encumbrance or restriction (including put and call arrangements) with respect to capital stock of any joint venture or similar arrangement pursuant to any joint venture or similar agreement;

(33) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;

(34) Liens on vehicles or equipment of the Issuer or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries granted in the ordinary course of business;

(35) Liens arising solely by virtue of any statutory or common law provision or customary business provision (including Liens created pursuant to contractual arrangements and general terms and conditions of banks) relating to banker’s liens, rights of setoff or similar rights;

 

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(36) Liens (i) solely on cash advances and any cash earnest money deposits made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or other agreement in respect of any Permitted Investment or Investment permitted pursuant to Section 3.4, (ii) on cash in escrows established for an adjustment in purchase price or liabilities or indemnities for dispositions or an acquisition of property or other Investment, to the extent the relevant disposition, acquisition or Investment is in respect of any Permitted Investment or permitted pursuant to Section 3.4;

(37) the prior rights of consignees and their lenders under consignment arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(38) Liens on securities that are the subject of repurchase agreements constituting Cash Equivalents or Investment Grade Securities;

(39) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts Incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;

(40) rights reserved or vested in any Person by the terms of any lease, license, franchise, grant or permit held by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or by a statutory provision, to terminate any such lease, license, franchise, grant or permit, or to require annual or periodic payments as a condition to the continuance thereof;

(41) restrictive covenants affecting the use to which real property may be put; provided that the covenants are complied with;

(42) security given to a public utility or any municipality or governmental authority when required by such utility or authority in connection with the operations of that Person in the ordinary course of business;

(43) zoning by-laws and other land use restrictions, including, without limitation, site plan agreements, development agreements and contract zoning agreements;

(44) receipt of progress payments and advances from customers in the ordinary course of business to the extent same creates a Lien on the related inventory and proceeds thereof;

(45) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments permitted by clause (1) of the definition of “Permitted Liens” that constitute repurchase obligations;

(46) Liens securing obligations in respect of trade-related letters of credit permitted under the covenant described under Section 3.3 and covering the goods (or the documents of title in respect of such goods) financed by such letters of credit and the proceeds and products thereof;

 

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(47) Liens arising by virtue of the rendition, entry or issuance against the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, or any property of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, of any judgment, writ, order or decree to the extent the rendition, entry, issuance or continued existence of such judgment, writ, order or decree (or any event or circumstance relating thereto) has not resulted in the occurrence of an Event of Default hereunder;

(48) Liens in favor of U.S. governmental authorities on deposit accounts in connection with auctions conducted on behalf of such governmental authorities in the ordinary course of business; provided that such Liens apply only to the amounts actually obtained from auctions conducted on behalf of such governmental authorities;

(49) Liens on cash and Cash Equivalents consisting of proceeds of Indebtedness permitted hereunder issued by the Issuer or a Subsidiary under any indenture or similar debt instrument, pursuant to customary escrow arrangements that require the release of such cash and Cash Equivalents within 150 days after the date that such escrow is established and funded, provided that such Liens extend solely to the account in which such cash and Cash Equivalents are deposited and are solely in favor of the holders of such Indebtedness (or any agent or trustee for such Person or Persons);

(50) Liens on cash and Cash Equivalents that are earmarked to be used to satisfy, defease or discharge Indebtedness; provided that (w) such cash and Cash Equivalents are deposited into an account from which payment is to be made, directly or indirectly, to the Person or Persons holding the Indebtedness that is to be satisfied, defeased or discharged, (x) such Liens extend solely to the account in which such cash and Cash Equivalents are deposited and are solely in favor of the Person or Persons holding the Indebtedness (or any agent or trustee for such Person or Persons) that is to be satisfied, defeased or discharged and (y) the satisfaction, defeasance or discharge of such Indebtedness is permitted hereunder;

(51) Liens on the Investments permitted by clause (31) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” securing the obligations described therein;

(52) Liens in favor of a trustee or agent in an indenture or similar document relating to any Indebtedness to the extent such Liens secure only customary compensation and reimbursement obligations of such trustee or agent;

(53) any Lien for the purposes of Section 12(3) of the Personal Property Securities Act (PPSA) of Australia that does not secure payment or performance of an obligation;

(54) Liens in connection with sales of receivables in connection with energy service company projects;

 

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(55) Liens on cash proceeds of Indebtedness (and on the related escrow accounts) in connection with the issuance of such Indebtedness into (and pending the release from) a customary escrow arrangement, to the extent such Indebtedness is Incurred in compliance with Section 3.4; and

(56) CoBank’s statutory Lien in the CoBank Equities.

For purposes of determining compliance with this definition, (v) a Lien need not be Incurred solely by reference to one category of Permitted Liens described in this definition but may be Incurred under any combination of such categories (including in part under one such category and in part under any other such category), (w) in the event that a Lien (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of one or more of such categories of Permitted Liens, the Issuer shall, in its sole discretion, classify or reclassify such Lien (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this definition, (x) the principal amount of Indebtedness secured by a Lien outstanding under any category of “Permitted Liens” shall be determined after giving effect to the application of proceeds of any such Indebtedness to refinance any such other Indebtedness, (y) if any Liens securing Indebtedness are Incurred to Refinance Liens securing Indebtedness initially Incurred (or, Lien securing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Liens securing Indebtedness initially Incurred) in reliance on a category of “Permitted Liens” measured by reference to a percentage of Total Assets or Four Quarter EBITDA at the time of Incurrence, and such Refinancing would cause the percentage of Total Assets or Four Quarter EBITDA restriction to be exceeded if calculated based on the Total Assets or Four Quarter EBITDA on the date of such Refinancing, such percentage of Total Assets or Four Quarter EBITDA restriction shall not be deemed to be exceeded (and such newly Incurred Liens shall be deemed permitted) to the extent the principal amount of such Indebtedness secured by such newly Incurred Liens does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness secured by such Liens being Refinanced, plus the Related Costs Incurred or payable in connection with such Refinancing and (z) if any Liens securing Indebtedness are Incurred to Refinance Liens securing Indebtedness initially Incurred (or, Liens securing Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Liens securing Indebtedness initially Incurred) in reliance on a category of “Permitted Liens” measured by reference to a fixed dollar amount, such fixed dollar amount shall not be deemed to be exceeded (and such newly Incurred Liens shall be deemed permitted) to the extent the principal amount of such Indebtedness secured by such newly Incurred Liens does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness secured by such Liens being Refinanced, plus the Related Costs Incurred or payable in connection with such Refinancing.

Permitted Warrant Transaction” means any call option, warrant or right to purchase (or substantively equivalent derivative transaction) relating to the Issuer’s common stock (or other securities or property following a merger event, reclassification or other change of the common stock of the Issuer) sold by the Issuer substantially concurrently with any purchase by the Issuer of a Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction and settled in common stock of the Issuer (or such other securities or property), cash or a combination thereof (such amount of cash determined by reference to the price of the Issuer’s common stock or such other securities or property), and cash in lieu of fractional shares of common stock of the Issuer; provided that the terms, conditions and covenants of each such transaction shall be such as are customary for transactions of such type (as determined by the Board of Directors of the Issuer, or a committee thereof, in good faith).

 

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Person” means any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision thereof or any other entity.

Place of Payment” means a city or any political subdivision thereof in which any Paying Agent appointed pursuant to Article II is located.

Predecessor Notes” of any particular Note means every previous Note evidencing all or a portion of the same debt as that evidenced by such particular Note; and, for the purposes of this definition, any Note authenticated and delivered under Section 2.9 in lieu of a mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note shall be deemed to evidence the same debt as the mutilated, lost, destroyed or stolen Note.

Preferred Stock” means any Equity Interest with preferential right of payment of dividends or upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Pro Forma Basis,” and “Pro Forma Effect” means, for purposes of the calculation of any test, financial ratio, basket or covenant under this Indenture (including the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio, the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio and the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and the calculation of Four Quarter EBITDA) as of any date, that pro forma effect will be given to each Specified Transaction that has occurred during the four consecutive fiscal quarter period being used to calculate such test, financial ratio, basket or covenant (the “Reference Period”), and/or subsequent to the end of the Reference Period but no later than the date of such calculation; provided that “Pro Forma Basis” and “Pro Forma Effect” in respect of any Specified Transaction shall be calculated in good faith in a reasonable manner in accordance with the terms of this Indenture. For purposes of making any computation referred to in the preceding sentence, each Specified Transaction and the following transactions in connection therewith (to the extent applicable) shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the Reference Period: (a) historical income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person, if any, subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or a designation of a Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a purchase or other acquisition of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of any Person, or of assets constituting a business unit, a line of business or division of such Person, or of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests in a Person or a designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, shall be included, (b) any repayment, repurchase, retirement, redemption, satisfaction, and discharge or defeasance of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, and (c) any Indebtedness Incurred or assumed by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination (taking into account any hedging obligations applicable to such Indebtedness if such hedging obligation has a remaining term in excess of 12 months).

 

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Public Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness consisting of bonds, debentures, notes or other similar debt securities issued in (x) a public offering under the Securities Act or (y) a private placement to institutional investors that is underwritten for resale in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act (or Rule 144A and Regulation S) whether or not it includes registration rights entitling the holders of such debt securities to registration thereof with the SEC for public resale. The term “Public Indebtedness” (i) shall not include the Notes and (ii) for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be construed to include any Indebtedness issued to institutional investors in a direct placement of such Indebtedness that is not underwritten by an intermediary (it being understood that, without limiting the foregoing, a financing that is distributed to not more than ten Persons (provided that multiple managed accounts and affiliates of any such Persons shall be treated as one Person for the purposes of this definition) shall be deemed not underwritten), or any Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement, commercial bank or similar Indebtedness, Receivables Financing, Capitalized Lease Obligation or recourse transfer of any financial asset or any other type of Indebtedness Incurred in a manner not customarily viewed as a “securities offering.”

QIB” means any “qualified institutional buyer” (as defined in Rule 144A).

Qualified Equity Interests” means Equity Interests of the Issuer other than Disqualified Stock.

Qualified Receivables Factoring” means any Factoring Transaction that meets the following conditions:

(1) such Factoring Transaction is non-recourse to, and does not obligate, the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, or their respective assets (other than Receivables Assets) in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings; provided that the Brazil Receivables Factoring Program need not meet the requirements of this clause (1);

(2) all sales, conveyances, assignments or contributions of Receivables Assets by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary are made at Fair Market Value in the context of a Factoring Transaction (as determined in good faith by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer); and

(3) such Factoring Transaction (including financing terms, covenants, termination events (if any) and other provisions thereof) is on market terms at the time such Factoring Transaction is first entered into or acquired (as determined in good faith by the Issuer or any direct or indirect parent of the Issuer) (in the case of the Brazil Receivables Factoring Program taking into account the recourse nature of such transaction, where applicable) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.

 

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The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) to secure any Credit Agreement shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Factoring.

Qualified Receivables Financing” means any Receivables Financing of a Receivables Subsidiary that meets the following conditions:

(1) the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall have determined in good faith that such Qualified Receivables Financing (including financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions) is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries;

(2) all sales, conveyances, assignments or contributions of Receivables Assets by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Receivables Subsidiary are made at Fair Market Value (as determined in good faith by the Issuer); and

(3) the financing terms, covenants, termination events and other provisions thereof shall be market terms (as determined in good faith by the Issuer) and may include Standard Securitization Undertakings.

The grant of a security interest in any accounts receivable of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Receivables Subsidiary) to secure any Credit Agreement shall not be deemed a Qualified Receivables Financing.

Rating Agency” means (1) each of Moody’s and S&P and (2) if Moody’s or S&P ceases to rate the Notes for reasons outside of the Issuer’s control, a “nationally recognized statistical rating organization” within the meaning of Section 3 under the Exchange Act selected by the Issuer as a replacement agency for Moody’s or S&P, as the case may be.

Receivables Assets” means accounts receivable (whether now existing or arising in the future) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, and any assets related thereto including, without limitation, all collateral securing such accounts receivable, all contracts and all guarantees or other obligations in respect of such accounts receivable, proceeds of such accounts receivable and other assets which are customarily transferred or in respect of which security interests are customarily granted in connection with asset securitization or factoring transactions involving accounts receivable and any Swap Contracts entered into by the Issuer or any such Subsidiary in connection with such accounts receivable.

Receivables Financing” means any transaction or series of transactions that may be entered into by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to which the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries may sell, convey or otherwise transfer to (a) a Receivables Subsidiary (in the case of a transfer by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries), and (b) any other Person (in the case of a transfer by a Receivables Subsidiary), or may grant a security interest in, any Receivables Assets.

 

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Receivables Repurchase Obligation” means (i) any obligation of a seller of receivables in a Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing to repurchase receivables arising as a result of a breach of a representation, warranty or covenant or otherwise, including as a result of a receivable or portion thereof becoming subject to any asserted defense, dispute, off-set or counterclaim of any kind as a result of any action taken by, any failure to take action by or any other event relating to the seller or (ii) any right of a seller of receivables in a Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing to repurchase defaulted receivables for the purposes of claiming sales tax bad debt relief.

Receivables Subsidiary” means a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer (or another Person formed for the purposes of engaging in a Qualified Receivables Financing with the Issuer in which the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer makes an Investment and to which the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer transfers Receivables Assets) which engages in no activities other than in connection with the financing of Receivables Assets of the Issuer and its Subsidiaries, all proceeds thereof and all rights (contractual or other), collateral and other assets relating thereto, and any business or activities incidental or related to such business, and which is designated by the Board of Directors of the Issuer (as provided below) as a Receivables Subsidiary and:

(1) no portion of the Indebtedness or any other obligations (contingent or otherwise) of which (i) is guaranteed by the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer (excluding guarantees of obligations (other than the principal of, and interest on, Indebtedness) pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings), (ii) is recourse to or obligates the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer in any way other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings, or (iii) subjects any property or asset of the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof, other than pursuant to Standard Securitization Undertakings;

(2) with which neither the Issuer nor any other Subsidiary of the Issuer has any material contract, agreement, arrangement or understanding other than on terms which the Issuer reasonably believes to be no less favorable to the Issuer or such Subsidiary than those that might be obtained at the time from Persons that are not Affiliates of the Issuer; and

(3) to which neither the Issuer nor any other Subsidiary of the Issuer has any obligation to maintain or preserve such entity’s financial condition or cause such entity to achieve certain levels of operating results.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall be evidenced to the Trustee by filing with the Trustee a certified copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing conditions.

Redemption Price” means the “redemption price” as such term is deemed in Exhibit A hereto.

 

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Refinance” means to extend, renew, refund, refinance, replace, repay, prepay, redeem, repurchase, retire, defease or discharge, and “Refinancing,” “Refinances” and “Refinanced” shall have correlative meanings.

Regulated Bank” means (x) a banking organization with a consolidated combined capital and surplus of at least $5.0 billion that is (i) a U.S. depository institution the deposits of which are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; (ii) a corporation organized under section 25A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act of 1913; (iii) a branch, agency or commercial lending company of a foreign bank operating pursuant to approval by and under the supervision of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System under 12 CFR part 211; (iv) a non-U.S. branch of a foreign bank managed and controlled by a U.S. branch referred to in clause (iii); or (v) any other U.S. or non-U.S. depository institution or any branch, agency or similar office thereof supervised by a bank regulatory authority in any jurisdiction or (y) any Affiliate of a Person set forth in clause (x) to the extent that (1) all of the Capital Stock of such Affiliate is directly or indirectly owned by either (I) such Person set forth in clause (x) or (II) a parent entity that also owns, directly or indirectly, all of the Capital Stock of such Person set forth in clause (x) and (2) such Affiliate is a securities broker or dealer registered with the SEC under Section 15 of the Exchange Act.

Regulation S” means Regulation S promulgated under the Securities Act.

Regulation S Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C hereto.

Related Business Assets” means assets (other than cash or Cash Equivalents) used or useful in a Similar Business; provided that any assets received by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets transferred by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary will not be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of securities of a Person, unless such Person is, or upon receipt of the securities of such Person, such Person would become, a Restricted Subsidiary.

Related Costs” means the aggregate amount of any fees, underwriting discounts, accrued and unpaid interest, premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs and other costs, fees, discounts and expenses.

Replacement Assets” means (1) substantially all the assets of a Person primarily engaged in a Similar Business or (2) a majority of the Voting Stock of any Person primarily engaged in a Similar Business that will become, on the date of acquisition thereof, a Restricted Subsidiary.

Responsible Officer,” when used with respect to the Trustee, means any officer within the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee including any vice president, assistant vice president, assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, trust officer or any other officer of the Trustee who customarily performs functions similar to those performed by the Persons who at the time shall be such officers, and also means, with respect to a particular corporate trust matter, any other officer to whom such matter is referred because of his knowledge of and familiarity with the particular subject, in each case, having direct responsibility for the administration of this Indenture or the Notes.

 

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Restricted Investment” means an Investment other than a Permitted Investment.

Restricted Period” means, in relation to the Initial Notes, the 40 consecutive days beginning on and including the later of (A) the day on which the Initial Notes are offered to persons other than distributors (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) and (B) the Issue Date; and, in relation to any Additional Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend, it means the comparable period of 40 consecutive days.

Restricted Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary of a Person other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary of such Person. Unless otherwise indicated in this Indenture, all references to Restricted Subsidiaries shall mean Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer.

Rule 144” means Rule 144 promulgated under the Securities Act.

Rule 144A” means Rule 144A promulgated under the Securities Act.

S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC business, or any successor to the rating agency business thereof.

Sale/Leaseback Transaction” means an arrangement relating to property now owned or hereafter acquired by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary whereby the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary transfers such property to a Person and the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary leases it from such Person, other than leases between the Issuer and a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer or between Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer.

Screened Affiliate” means any Affiliate of a Holder (i) that makes investment decisions independently from such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate, (ii) that has in place customary information screens between it and such Holder and any other Affiliate of such Holder that is not a Screened Affiliate and such screens prohibit the sharing of information with respect to the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, (iii) whose investment policies are not directed by such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holder in connection with its investment in the Notes, and (iv) whose investment decisions are not influenced by the investment decisions of such Holder or any other Affiliate of such Holder that is acting in concert with such Holder in connection with its investment in the Notes.

SEC” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Secured Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness secured by a Lien.

Securities Act” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

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Significant Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that would be a “significant subsidiary” of the Issuer within the meaning of Rule 1-02 under Regulation S-X promulgated by the SEC.

Similar Business” means any business engaged or proposed to be engaged in by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Issue Date and any business or other activities that are similar, ancillary, complementary, incidental or related to, or an extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged on the Issue Date.

Special Payment” means a cash distribution or payment on or before the Spin-Off Effective Date by the Issuer to International Paper or one or more of International Paper’s Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount not to exceed the excess of (A) the proceeds of the term facilities under the New Credit Agreement, the revolving credit facility under the New Credit Agreement drawn in connection with the Transactions and the Notes (not including Additional Notes), net of related fees, discounts and expenses, together with cash and Cash Equivalents of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries over (B) $100.0 million.

Special Record Date” for the payment of any Defaulted Interest means a date fixed by the Trustee pursuant to Section 2.10.

Specified Disclosed Litigation” means the Brazilian tax matter described in Note 10 to the Issuer’s unaudited financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2021 included in the Offering Memorandum.

Specified Transaction” means any Incurrence or repayment, repurchase, redemption, satisfaction and discharge, defeasance or other acquisition, retirement or discharge of Indebtedness (excluding Indebtedness Incurred for working capital purposes other than pursuant to the New Credit Agreement) or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, any Investment that results in a Person becoming a Subsidiary, any designation of a Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, any acquisition or any Asset Sale or other disposition that results in a Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Subsidiary of the Issuer, any investment constituting an acquisition of assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of another Person by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, any disposition of a business unit, line of business or division of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, the cessation of the operations of a business unit, line of business or division of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case whether by merger, consolidation, amalgamation or otherwise or any operational change or any material restructuring of the Issuer or implementation of initiative or other event that by the terms of this Indenture requires “Pro Forma Compliance” with a test or covenant thereunder or requires or permits a test or covenant to be calculated on a “Pro Forma Basis” or to be given “Pro Forma Effect.” “Specified Transaction” shall also include any Investment or Asset Sale made by any Person that subsequently became a Restricted Subsidiary or was merged with or into the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries since the beginning of any applicable Reference Period.

 

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Spin-Off” means the distribution of at least 80.1% of the shares of common stock of the Issuer to shareholders of International Paper.

Spin-Off Documents” means the Separation and Distribution Agreement, in substantially the form incorporated by reference into the Offering Memorandum, by and between International Paper and the Issuer (the “Separation and Distribution Agreement”) and the various other agreements by and between International Paper and the Issuer or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in substantially the forms incorporated by reference into the Offering Memorandum, in each case as modified as described in the Offering Memorandum under “—Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

Spin-Off Effective Date” means the date of the consummation of the Spin-Off.

Standard Securitization Undertakings” means representations, warranties, covenants, indemnities and guarantees of performance entered into by the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer which the Issuer has determined in good faith to be customary in a Factoring Transaction or a Receivables Financing including, without limitation, those relating to the servicing of the assets of a Receivables Subsidiary, it being understood that any Receivables Repurchase Obligation shall be deemed to be a Standard Securitization Undertaking.

Stated Maturity” means, with respect to any security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency has occurred).

Subordinated Indebtedness” means (a) with respect to the Issuer, any Indebtedness of the Issuer which is by its terms expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes, and (b) with respect to any Guarantor, any Indebtedness of such Guarantor which is by its terms expressly subordinated in right of payment to its Guarantee.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (1) any corporation, association or other business entity (other than a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity) of which more than 50.0% of the total voting power of the Voting Stock is at the time of determination owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof and (2) any partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or similar entity of which (x) more than 50.0% of the capital accounts, distribution rights, total equity and voting interests or general and limited partnership interests, as applicable, are owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by such Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, whether in the form of membership, general, special or limited partnership interests or otherwise, and (y) such Person or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Person is a controlling general partner or otherwise controls such entity.

 

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Subsidiary Guarantor” means each Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that executes this Indenture as a Guarantor on the Issue Date and each other Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that Incurs a Guarantee of the Notes; provided that upon the release or discharge of such Person from its Guarantee in accordance with this Indenture, such Person automatically ceases to be a Guarantor.

Swap Contract” means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement, including any obligations or liabilities under any such master agreement.

Synthetic Lease” means, as to any Person, any lease (including leases that may be terminated by the lessee at any time) of any property (whether real, personal or mixed) (a) that is accounted for as an operating lease under GAAP and (b) in respect of which the lessee retains or obtains ownership of the property so leased for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, other than any such lease under which such Person is the lessor.

Tax Matters Agreement” means the Tax Matters Agreement, to be dated on or before the Spin-Off Effective Date, between International Paper and the Issuer, which agreement is substantially in the form incorporated by reference into the Offering Memorandum (as modified as described in the Offering Memorandum under “—Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions – Tax Matters Agreement”), which, among other matters, governs the allocation of liabilities in connection with the Specified Disclosed Litigation.

Threshold Amount” means $100.0 million or its foreign currency equivalent.

TIA” means the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. Sections 77aaa-77bbbb) as in effect on the Issue Date.

Total Assets” means the total assets of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as shown on the consolidated balance sheet of the Issuer as of the most recently completed fiscal quarter.

 

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Transactions” means, collectively, any or all of the following: (i) the Spin-Off and all other transactions pursuant to, and the execution, delivery and performance of, the Spin-Off Documents (including the Special Payment and the internal reorganization described therein), (ii) the entry into this Indenture, and related documents and the offer and issuance of the Notes, (iii) the entry into the New Credit Agreement and the making of the initial credit extensions thereunder and (iv) all other transactions relating to any of the foregoing (including payment of fees and expenses related to any of the foregoing).

Treasury Rate” means, with respect to a Redemption Date, the weekly average yield to maturity at the time of computation of United States Treasury securities with a constant maturity (as compiled and published in the most recent Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15 that has become publicly available at least two Business Days prior to the date of the applicable redemption notice (or, if such Statistical Release is no longer published, any publicly available source of similar market data)) most nearly equal to the period from such Redemption Date to September 1, 2024; provided, however, that if the period from such Redemption Date to September 1, 2024 is not equal to the constant maturity of a United States Treasury security for which a weekly average yield is given, the Treasury Rate shall be obtained by linear interpolation (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth of a year) from the weekly average yields of United States Treasury securities for which such yields are given, except that if the period from September 1, 2024 to such Redemption Date is less than one year, the weekly average yield on actually traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year shall be used.

Trustee” means the respective party named as such in this Indenture until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means the successor.

Unrestricted Subsidiary” means:

(1) any Subsidiary of the Issuer that at the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Board of Directors of the Issuer in the manner provided below; and

(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Subsidiary of the Issuer (including any existing Subsidiary and any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary of the Issuer but excluding the Issuer) to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary unless such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or owns or holds any Lien on any property of, the Issuer or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer that is not a Subsidiary of the Subsidiary to be so designated; provided, however, that the Subsidiary to be so designated and its Subsidiaries do not at the time of designation have any Indebtedness pursuant to which the lender or investor has recourse to any of the assets of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, further, however, that either:

(a) the Subsidiary to be so designated has total consolidated assets of $1,000 or less; or

 

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(b) if such Subsidiary has consolidated assets greater than $1,000, then such designation would be permitted under the covenant described in Section 3.4.

The Board of Directors of the Issuer may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect to such designation and any related transactions:

(x) (1) the Issuer could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be equal to or greater than such ratio immediately prior to such designation; and

(y) no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Issuer shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of the Issuer giving effect to such designation and an Officer’s Certificate certifying that such designation complied with the foregoing provisions.

U.S. Government Obligations” means securities that are:

(1) direct obligations of the United States of America for the timely payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged; or

(2) obligations of a Person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States of America the timely payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States of America, which, in each case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and shall also include a depository receipt issued by a bank (as defined in Section 3(a)(2) of the Securities Act) as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligations or a specific payment of principal of or interest on any such U.S. Government Obligations held by such custodian for the account of the holder of such depository receipt; provided that (except as required by law) such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligations or the specific payment of principal of or interest on the U.S. Government Obligations evidenced by such depository receipt.

Voting Stock” of any Person as of any date means the Capital Stock of such Person that is at the time entitled to vote (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) in the election of the Board of Directors of such Person.

Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, at any date, the quotient obtained by dividing (1) the sum of the products of the number of years from the date of determination to the date of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or redemption or similar payment with respect to such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock multiplied by the amount of such payment, by (2) the sum of all such payments.

 

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Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary” means any Wholly Owned Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary.

Wholly Owned Subsidiary” of any Person means a direct or indirect Subsidiary of such Person 100.0% of the outstanding Capital Stock or other ownership interests of which (other than directors’ qualifying shares or shares or interests required to be held by foreign nationals or other third parties to the extent required by applicable law) shall at the time be owned by such Person or by one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

SECTION 1.2 Other Definitions.

 

Term

  

Defined in Section

“2002 Law”    10.2(f)
“Accounts Regulation”    10.2(f)
“Affiliate Transaction”    3.8(a)
“Agent Members”    2.15(b)
“Asset Sale Offer”    3.7(d)
“Authentication Order”    2.6
“Certain Capital Markets Debt”    3.10(a)
“Certificate of Beneficial Ownership”    2.16(b)(3)
“Change of Control Offer”    3.9(b)
“Change of Control Payment”    3.9(a)
“Change of Control Payment Date”    3.9(b)(iii)

“Consolidated Tax Payments”

“Control”

  

3.8(c)(xv)

1.1

“covenant defeasance option”

“Covenant Satisfaction Officer’s Certificate”

  

8.1(b)

9.6(b)

“Covenant Suspension Event”    3.15(a)

“Defaulted Interest”

“Directing Holder”

  

2.10

9.6(a)

“disposition”    1.1
“Distribution Compliance Date”    2.1
“EDGAR”    3.2(a)
“Event of Default”    6.1

“Excess Proceeds”

“Final Decision”

  

3.7(d)

9.6(a)

“Finnish Companies Act”    10.2(g)
“Global Notes”    2.1
“Guarantor Obligations”    10.1(a)
“Improvements”    1.1
“Increased Amount”    3.5(c)

 

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Term

  

Defined in Section

“International Paper Guarantee”

  

11.1(a)

“International Paper Guarantee Obligations”    11.1(a)
“Intra-Group Liabilities”    10.2(f)
“LCA Election”    1.5(b)
“LCT Determination Date”    1.5
“legal defeasance option”    8.1(b)
“Luxembourg Guarantor”    10.2(f)
“Minimum Denomination”    2.5
“Note Register” and “Note Registrar”    2.8
“Noteholder Direction”    9.6(a)
“Offer Amount”    5.8(a)
“Offer Period”    5.8(a)
“Offer to Repurchase”    5.8
“Outside Date”    5.9(a)
“Permanent Regulation S Global Notes”    2.1
“Permitted Debt”    3.3(b)

“Physical Notes”

“Position Representation”

  

2.1

9.6(a)

“primary obligations” and “primary obligor”    1.1
“Private Placement Legend”    2.3
“protected purchaser”    2.9
“Purchase Date”    5.8(a)
“Ratio Debt”    3.3(a)
“Ratio Tested Committed Amount”    3.3(b)(i)(A)(II)
“Redemption Date”    5.4
“Reference Period”    1.1
“Refinancing Indebtedness”    3.3(b)(xiv)

“Refunding Capital Stock”

“Regular Record Date”

  

3.4(b)(ii)(a)

Exhibit A

“Regulation S Global Notes”    2.1
“Regulation S Note Exchange Date”    2.16(b)(3)
“Regulation S Physical Notes”    2.1
“Resale Restriction Termination Date”    2.3
“Restricted Payments”    3.4(a)
“Retired Capital Stock”    3.4(b)(ii)(a)
“retiring Trustee”    7.7
“Reversion Date”    3.15(b)
“Rule 144A Global Notes”    2.1

“Rule 144A Physical Notes”

“Segregated Account”

  

2.1

5.10

“Successor Company”    4.1(a)(i)
“Successor Guarantor”    4.1(b)(A)
“Suspended Covenants”    3.15(a)

 

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Term

  

Defined in Section

“Suspension Period”    3.15(b)
“Temporary Regulation S Global Notes”    2.1

“Unpaid Amount”

“Verification Covenant”

“Verification Covenant Officer’s Certificate”

  

3.4(b)(ii)(c)

9.6(a)

9.6(b)

SECTION 1.3 Rules of Construction. Unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) a term has the meaning assigned to it;

(b) an accounting term not otherwise defined has the meaning assigned to it in accordance with GAAP;

(c) “or” is not exclusive;

(d) “including” means including without limitation;

(e) words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular;

(f) (i) unsecured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinate or junior to secured Indebtedness merely by virtue of its nature as unsecured Indebtedness and (ii) secured Indebtedness shall not be deemed to be subordinated or junior to other secured Indebtedness merely because it has a junior priority with respect to the same collateral;

(g) references to sections of, or rules under, the Securities Act or Exchange Act shall be deemed to include substitute, replacement or successor sections or rules adopted by the SEC from time to time;

(h) unless the context otherwise requires, any reference to an “Article,” “Section” or “clause” refers to an Article, Section or clause, as the case may be, of this Indenture;

(i) the words “herein,” “hereof’ and “hereunder” and any other words of similar import refer to this Indenture as a whole and not any particular Article, Section, clause or other subdivision;

(j) notwithstanding any provision of this Indenture, no provision of the TIA shall apply or be incorporated by reference into this Indenture or the Notes, except as specifically set forth in this Indenture; and

(k) A reference in this Indenture to:

(1) a “director”, “manager” or “officer” of such person includes a director (administrateur) or a manager (gérant);

 

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(2) “collateral” includes, without limitation, any hypothèque, nantissement, gage, privilège, accord de transfert de propriété à titre de garantie, gage sur fonds de commerce, sûreté réelle, droit de rétention and any type of real security or agreement or arrangement having a similar effect; and

(3) a “set-off” or similar action includes, without limitation and for the purposes of Luxembourg law, legal set-off.

SECTION 1.4 Incorporation by Reference of TIA. Whenever this Indenture refers explicitly to a provision of the TIA, such provision is incorporated by reference in and made a part of this Indenture to the extent such provision is specifically and expressly set forth in this Indenture as being applicable. Any terms incorporated by reference in this Indenture that are explicitly defined by the TIA, defined explicitly by any TIA reference to another statute or defined explicitly by SEC rule under the TIA, have the meanings so assigned to them therein.

SECTION 1.5 Limited Condition Transaction.

In connection with any action being taken in connection with a Limited Condition Transaction, for purposes of:

(a) determining compliance with any provision of this Indenture which requires that no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, has occurred, is continuing or would result from any such action, as applicable, such condition shall, at the option of the Issuer, be deemed satisfied, so long as no Default or Event of Default, as applicable, exists on the date (the “LCT Determination Date”) (x) a definitive agreement for such Limited Condition Transaction is entered into, (y) in connection with an acquisition to which the United Kingdom City Code on Takeovers and Mergers (or any equivalent thereof under laws, rules or regulations in any other applicable jurisdiction) applies, on which a “Rule 2.7 announcement” of a firm intention to make an offer in respect of a target of a Limited Condition Transaction is made (or the equivalent notice under such equivalent laws, rules or regulations in such other applicable jurisdiction) or (z) notice of redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is given and not as of any later date as would otherwise be required under this Indenture (it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has exercised its option under this Section 1.5(a), and any Default or Event of Default occurs following the effective date on which the applicable Limited Condition Transaction was entered into and prior to the consummation of such Limited Condition Transaction, any such Default or Event of Default shall be deemed to not have occurred or be continuing for purposes of determining whether any action being taken in connection with such Limited Condition Transaction is permitted hereunder); and

(b)

(i) any calculation of the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio, the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio or the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio or any other financial measure, or any amount based on Total Assets, Four Quarter EBITDA or a percentage of Total Assets or Four Quarter EBITDA, or any other determination under any basket or ratio under this Indenture; or

 

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(ii) any other determination as to whether any such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any financing thereof) complies with the covenants or agreements contained in this Indenture;

in each case, at the option of the Issuer (the Issuer’s election to exercise such option in connection with any Limited Condition Transaction, an “LCA Election”), may be made as of the LCT Determination Date, and, to the extent so made, will not be required to be made at any later date as would otherwise be required under this Indenture; provided that (1) the determinations in clauses (a) and (b) shall give Pro Forma Effect to such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any Incurrence or discharge of Indebtedness and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) and, (2) compliance with such ratios, baskets or amounts (and any related requirements and conditions) shall not be determined or tested at any time after the LCT Determination Date for such Limited Condition Transaction and any actions or transactions related thereto (including any Incurrence or discharge of Indebtedness and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof).

For purposes of determining compliance with any ratio, basket or amount on the LCT Determination Date, Consolidated Interest Expense for purposes of the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio will be calculated using an assumed interest rate based on the indicative interest margin contained in any financing commitment documentation with respect to such Indebtedness or, if no such indicative interest margin exists, as determined by the Issuer in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive.

For the avoidance of doubt, if the Issuer has made an LCA Election and any of the ratios, baskets or amounts for which compliance was determined or tested as of the LCT Determination Date are exceeded as a result of fluctuations in any such ratio, basket or amount, including due to fluctuations in Consolidated EBITDA of the Issuer or the Person subject to such Limited Condition Transaction or any applicable currency exchange rate, at or prior to the consummation of the relevant transaction or action, such baskets, ratios or amounts will not be deemed to have been exceeded as a result of such fluctuations.

If the Issuer has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Transaction, then in connection with any subsequent calculation of any ratio, basket or amount (unless the definitive agreement for, or firm offer in respect of, such Limited Condition Transaction (in the case of an acquisition or Investment) is terminated or expires without its consummation or such notice of redemption, repurchase, defeasance, satisfaction and discharge or repayment is revoked or expires without consummation) shall be calculated both (1) giving Pro Forma Effect to such Limited Condition Transaction and any related transactions (including any Incurrence or discharge of Indebtedness and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) and (2) assuming such Limited Condition Transaction and other transactions in connection therewith (including any Incurrence or discharge of Indebtedness and Liens and the use of proceeds thereof) have not been consummated.

 

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ARTICLE II

The Notes

SECTION 2.1 Forms Generally. The Initial Notes and Additional Notes and the Trustee’s certificate of authentication relating thereto shall be in substantially the forms set forth, or referenced, in this Article II and Exhibit A annexed hereto (as such forms may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4). Exhibit A is hereby incorporated in and expressly made a part of this Indenture. The Notes may have such appropriate notations, legends, endorsements, identifications and other similar variations as are required or permitted by law, stock exchange rule or depositary rule or usage, agreements to which the Issuer is subject, if any, or other customary usage, or as may consistently herewith be determined by the Officers of the Issuer executing such Notes, as evidenced by such execution (provided always that any such notation, legend, endorsement, identification or variation is in a form acceptable to the Issuer). Each Note shall be dated the date of its authentication. The terms of the Notes set forth in Exhibit A are part of the terms of this Indenture. Any portion of the text of any Note may be set forth on the reverse thereof, with an appropriate reference thereto on the face of the Note.

Initial Notes and any Additional Notes offered and sold in reliance on Rule 144A shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent global Notes in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (as such form may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4), unless the Issuer otherwise notifies the Trustee in writing, except as otherwise permitted herein. Such Global Notes shall be referred to collectively herein as the “Rule 144A Global Notes,” and shall be deposited with the Notes Custodian for credit to an account of an Agent Member and shall be duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The aggregate principal amount of any Rule 144A Global Notes may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made on the records of the Notes Custodian as hereinafter provided.

Initial Notes and any Additional Notes offered and sold in offshore transactions in reliance on Regulation S under the Securities Act shall be issued in the form of one or more permanent global Notes in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (as such form may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4) (the “Permanent Regulation S Global Notes”), unless the Issuer notifies the Trustee in writing that such global Notes should be issued in temporary form, in which case such global Notes shall be issued in the form of one or more temporary global Notes in substantially the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (as such form may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4) (the “Temporary Regulation S Global Notes” and, together with the Permanent Regulation S Global Notes, the “Regulation S Global Notes”). The Regulation S Global Notes shall be deposited with the Notes Custodian for credit to an account of an Agent Member holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream and shall be duly executed by the Issuer and authenticated by the Trustee as hereinafter provided. The aggregate principal amount of a Regulation S Global Note may from time to time be increased or decreased by adjustments made in the records of the Notes Custodian as hereinafter provided.

 

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Following the expiration of the distribution compliance period set forth in Regulation S (the “Distribution Compliance Date”) with respect to any Temporary Regulation S Global Note, beneficial interests in such Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall be exchanged as provided in Sections 2.15 and 2.16 for beneficial interests in Permanent Regulation S Global Notes, except as otherwise permitted herein. Simultaneously with the authentication of such Permanent Regulation S Global Note, the Trustee shall cancel the related Temporary Regulation S Global Note.

Subject to the limitations on the issuance of certificated Notes set forth in Sections 2.15 and 2.16, Notes issued pursuant to Section 2.8 in exchange for or upon transfer of beneficial interests (x) in a Rule 144A Global Note shall be in the form of permanent certificated Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (as such form may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4) (the “Rule 144A Physical Notes”) or (y) in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note or in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note (if any) on or after the Regulation S Note Exchange Date, with respect to any Temporary Regulation S Global Note, shall be in the form of permanent certificated Notes substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A hereto (as such form may be modified in accordance with Section 2.4) (the “Regulation S Physical Notes”), respectively, as hereinafter provided.

The Rule 144A Physical Notes and Regulation S Physical Notes shall be construed to include any certificated Notes issued in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 5.7, and the Rule 144A Global Notes and Regulation S Global Notes shall be construed to include any global Notes issued in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 or 5.7. The Rule 144A Physical Notes and the Regulation S Physical Notes, together with any other certificated Notes issued and authenticated pursuant to this Indenture, are sometimes collectively herein referred to as the “Physical Notes.” The Rule 144A Global Notes and the Regulation S Global Notes, together with any other global Notes that are issued and authenticated pursuant to this Indenture, are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Global Notes.”

SECTION 2.2 Form of Trustees Certificate of Authentication. The Notes will have endorsed thereon a Trustee’s certificate of authentication in substantially the following form:

This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

                                                                                                                                   
as Trustee
By:                                                                                                                          
  

Authorized Officer

Dated:                                                                                                                      

SECTION 2.3 Restrictive and Global Note Legends. Each Global Note and Physical Note (and all Notes issued in exchange therefor or substitution thereof) shall bear the following legend set forth below (the “Private Placement Legend”) on the face thereof until the Private Placement Legend is removed or not required in accordance with Section 2.16(4):

 

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THIS SECURITY HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE US SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. NEITHER THIS SECURITY NOR ANY INTEREST OR PARTICIPATION HEREIN MAY BE REOFFERED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, TRANSFERRED, PLEDGED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH REGISTRATION OR UNLESS SUCH TRANSACTION IS EXEMPT FROM, OR NOT SUBJECT TO, SUCH REGISTRATION. THE HOLDER OF THIS SECURITY, BY ITS ACCEPTANCE HEREOF, AGREES ON ITS OWN BEHALF AND ON BEHALF OF ANY INVESTOR ACCOUNT FOR WHICH IT HAS PURCHASED SECURITIES, TO OFFER, SELL OR OTHERWISE TRANSFER SUCH SECURITY, PRIOR TO THE DATE (THE “RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE”) THAT IS [IN THE CASE OF RULE 144A NOTES: ONE YEAR AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF, THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE OF THE ISSUANCE OF ANY ADDITIONAL NOTES AND THE LAST DATE ON WHICH THE ISSUER OR ANY AFFILIATE OF THE ISSUER WAS THE OWNER OF THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY)][IN THE CASE OF REGULATION S NOTES: 40 DAYS AFTER THE LATER OF THE ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE HEREOF AND THE DATE ON WHICH THIS SECURITY (OR ANY PREDECESSOR OF SUCH SECURITY) WAS FIRST OFFERED TO PERSONS OTHER THAN DISTRIBUTORS (AS DEFINED IN RULE 902 OF REGULATION S) IN RELIANCE ON REGULATION S], ONLY (A) TO THE ISSUER OR ANY SUBSIDIARY THEREOF, (B) PURSUANT TO A REGISTRATION STATEMENT THAT HAS BEEN DECLARED EFFECTIVE UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, (C) FOR SO LONG AS THE SECURITIES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR RESALE PURSUANT TO RULE 144A UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (“RULE 144A”), TO A PERSON IT REASONABLY BELIEVES IS A “QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER” AS DEFINED IN RULE 144A THAT PURCHASES FOR ITS OWN ACCOUNT OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL BUYER TO WHOM NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE TRANSFER IS BEING MADE IN RELIANCE ON RULE 144A, (D) PURSUANT TO OFFERS AND SALES TO NON-U.S. PERSONS THAT OCCUR OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, WITHIN THE MEANING OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, OR (E) PURSUANT TO ANOTHER AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT, SUBJECT TO THE ISSUER’S AND THE TRUSTEE’S RIGHT PRIOR TO ANY SUCH OFFER, SALE OR TRANSFER PURSUANT TO CLAUSES (D) OR (E) TO REQUIRE CERTIFICATION AND/OR OTHER INFORMATION SATISFACTORY TO EACH OF THEM. THIS LEGEND WILL BE REMOVED UPON THE EARLIER OF THE TRANSFER OF THIS SECURITY PURSUANT TO CLAUSE (B) ABOVE OR THE REQUEST OF THE HOLDER AFTER THE RESALE RESTRICTION TERMINATION DATE. THE HOLDER WILL, AND EACH SUBSEQUENT HOLDER IS REQUIRED TO, NOTIFY THE PURCHASER OF THIS SECURITY OF THE RESALE RESTRICTIONS REFERRED TO IN THIS PARAGRAPH.

 

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BY ITS ACQUISITION OF THIS SECURITY, THE HOLDER HEREOF WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE REPRESENTED AND WARRANTED THAT EITHER (1) NO PORTION OF THE ASSETS USED BY SUCH HOLDER TO ACQUIRE OR HOLD THIS SECURITY CONSTITUTES THE ASSETS OF AN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN THAT IS SUBJECT TO TITLE I OF THE U.S. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY ACT OF 1974, AS AMENDED (“ERISA”), OF A PLAN, INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT OR OTHER ARRANGEMENT THAT IS SUBJECT TO SECTION 4975 OF THE U.S. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED (THE “CODE”) OR PROVISIONS UNDER ANY OTHER FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. OR OTHER LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO SUCH PROVISIONS OF ERISA OR THE CODE (“SIMILAR LAWS”), OR OF AN ENTITY WHOSE UNDERLYING ASSETS ARE CONSIDERED TO INCLUDE “PLAN ASSETS” OF ANY SUCH PLAN, ACCOUNT OR ARRANGEMENT, OR (2) THE ACQUISITION AND HOLDING OF THIS SECURITY BY SUCH HOLDER WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A NON-EXEMPT PROHIBITED TRANSACTION UNDER SECTION 406 OF ERISA OR SECTION 4975 OF THE CODE OR A SIMILAR VIOLATION UNDER ANY APPLICABLE SIMILAR LAWS, AND NONE OF THE COMPANY, THE INITIAL PURCHASERS OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES HAS ACTED AS A FIDUCIARY OF, NOR HAS BEEN RELIED UPON FOR ANY INVESTMENT ADVICE BY, SUCH HOLDER WITH RESPECT TO ITS DECISION TO ACQUIRE AND HOLD THIS SECURITY.

Any Regulation S Global Note shall also bear the following legend on the face thereof:

BY ITS ACQUISITION HEREOF, THE HOLDER HEREOF REPRESENTS THAT IT IS NOT A U.S. PERSON, NOR IS IT PURCHASING FOR THE ACCOUNT OF A U.S. PERSON, AND IS ACQUIRING THIS SECURITY IN AN OFFSHORE TRANSACTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT.

Each Global Note shall also bear the following legend on the face thereof:

UNLESS THIS CERTIFICATE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY, A NEW YORK CORPORATION (“DTC”) TO THE ISSUER OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR PAYMENT, AND ANY CERTIFICATE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR IN SUCH OTHER NAME AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC (AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO. OR TO SUCH OTHER ENTITY AS IS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF DTC), ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL INASMUCH AS THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.

 

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TRANSFERS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS IN WHOLE, BUT NOT IN PART, TO NOMINEES OF CEDE & CO. OR TO A SUCCESSOR THEREOF OR SUCH SUCCESSOR’S NOMINEE AND TRANSFERS OF PORTIONS OF THIS GLOBAL NOTE SHALL BE LIMITED TO TRANSFERS MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 2.15 AND 2.16 OF THE INDENTURE (AS DEFINED HEREIN).

Any Temporary Regulation S Global Note shall also bear the following legend on the face thereof:

EXCEPT AS SPECIFIED IN THE INDENTURE, BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN THIS TEMPORARY REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE WILL NOT BE EXCHANGEABLE FOR INTERESTS IN THE PERMANENT REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE OR ANY OTHER NOTE REPRESENTING AN INTEREST IN THE NOTES REPRESENTED HEREBY WHICH DO NOT CONTAIN A LEGEND CONTAINING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, UNTIL THE EXPIRATION OF THE “40 DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD” (WITHIN THE MEANING OF RULE 903(b)(2) OF REGULATION S UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT). DURING SUCH 40 DAY DISTRIBUTION COMPLIANCE PERIOD, BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP INTERESTS IN THIS TEMPORARY REGULATION S GLOBAL NOTE MAY NOT BE SOLD, PLEDGED OR TRANSFERRED TO A U.S. PERSON OR FOR THE ACCOUNT OR BENEFIT OF A U.S. PERSON.

SECTION 2.4 Amount Unlimited. The aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be authenticated and delivered and Outstanding under this Indenture is not limited, subject to compliance with the covenants set forth in this Indenture. Provisions relating to the Initial Notes are set forth in Exhibit A attached hereto which is hereby incorporated in, and expressly made part of, this Indenture. Any Additional Notes issued under this Indenture shall have the same terms as the Initial Notes in all respects except that the issue date, the issue price and the initial interest payment date may differ. Any such Additional Notes shall be consolidated with and form a single series with the Initial Notes; provided that if any Additional Notes are not fungible with the Notes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such Additional Notes will have a separate “CUSIP” or “ISIN” number.

SECTION 2.5 Denominations. The Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form, without coupons, and only in minimum denominations of $2,000 (the “Minimum Denomination”), and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

SECTION 2.6 Execution, Authentication and Delivery and Dating. The Notes shall be executed on behalf of the Issuer by one Officer thereof. The signature of any such Officer on the Notes may be manual, electronic or by facsimile.

Notes bearing the manual, electronic or facsimile signature of an individual who was at any time an Officer of the Issuer shall bind the Issuer, notwithstanding that such individual has ceased to hold such office prior to the authentication and delivery of such Notes or did not hold such office at the date of such Notes.

 

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At any time and from time to time after the execution and delivery of this Indenture, the Issuer may deliver Notes executed by the Issuer to the Trustee for authentication; and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver (i) Initial Notes for original issue in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $450.0 million and (ii) Additional Notes from time to time for original issue in aggregate principal amounts specified by the Issuer, upon a written order of the Issuer in the form of an Officer’s Certificate of the Issuer (an “Authentication Order”). Such Officer’s Certificate shall specify the amount of Notes to be authenticated and the date on which the Notes are to be authenticated, the “CUSIP,” “ISIN,” “Common Code” or other similar identification numbers of such Notes, if any, whether the Notes are to be Notes or Additional Notes and whether the Notes are to be issued as one or more Global Notes or Physical Notes and such other information as the Issuer may include or the Trustee may reasonably request.

All Notes shall be dated the date of their authentication.

No Note shall be entitled to any benefit under this Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless there appears on such Note a certificate of authentication substantially in the form provided for herein executed by the Trustee by manual, facsimile or electronic signature, and such certificate upon any Note shall be conclusive evidence, and the only evidence, that such Note has been duly authenticated and delivered hereunder.

SECTION 2.7 Temporary Notes. Until definitive Notes are ready for delivery, the Issuer may prepare and upon receipt of an Authentication Order the Trustee shall authenticate temporary Notes. Temporary Notes shall be substantially in the form of definitive Notes but may have variations that the Issuer considers appropriate for temporary Notes. If temporary Notes are issued, the Issuer will cause definitive Notes to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of definitive Notes, the temporary Notes shall be exchangeable for definitive Notes upon surrender of the temporary Notes at the office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment, without charge to the Holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary Notes the Issuer shall execute and upon receipt of an Authentication Order the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver in exchange therefor a like principal amount of definitive Notes of authorized denominations. Until so exchanged the temporary Notes shall in all respects be entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture as definitive Notes of the same series and tenor.

SECTION 2.8 Registrar and Paying Agent. The Issuer shall cause to be kept at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee a register (the register maintained in such office and in any other office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment being herein sometimes collectively referred to as the “Note Register”) in which, subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, the Issuer shall provide for the registration of Notes and of transfers of Notes. The Issuer may have one or more co-registrars. The term “Note Registrar” includes any co-registrars.

 

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The Issuer may have one or more additional paying agents, and the term “Paying Agent” shall include any additional Paying Agent.

The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as “Note Registrar” and “Paying Agent” in connection with the Notes, until such time as it has resigned or a successor has been appointed. The Issuer may change the Paying Agent or Note Registrar for the Notes without prior notice to the Holders of Notes. The Issuer may enter into an appropriate agency agreement with any Note Registrar or Paying Agent not a party to this Indenture. Any such agency agreement shall implement the provisions of this Indenture that relate to such agent. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee in writing of the name and address of any such agent. If the Issuer fails to appoint or maintain a Note Registrar or Paying Agent, the Trustee shall act as such and shall be entitled to appropriate compensation therefor pursuant to Section 7.6. The Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer may act as Paying Agent, Note Registrar or transfer agent.

Upon surrender for transfer of any Note at the office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment, in compliance with all applicable requirements of this Indenture and applicable law, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, in the name of the designated transferee or transferees, one or more new Notes of the same series, of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount.

At the option of the Holder, Notes may be exchanged for other Notes, of any authorized denominations and of a like tenor and aggregate principal amount, upon surrender of the Notes to be exchanged at such office or agency. Whenever any Notes are so surrendered for exchange, the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, the Notes that the Holder making the exchange is entitled to receive.

All Notes issued upon any transfer or exchange of Notes shall be the valid obligations of the Issuer, evidencing the same debt, and entitled to the same benefits under this Indenture, as the Notes surrendered upon such transfer or exchange.

Every Note presented or surrendered for transfer or exchange shall (if so required by the Issuer or the Trustee) be duly endorsed, or be accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Note Registrar duly executed, by the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing.

No service charge shall be made for any registration, transfer or exchange of Notes, but the Issuer and/or Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection therewith.

The Issuer shall not be required (i) to issue, transfer or exchange any Note during a period beginning at the opening of business 15 Business Days before the day of the sending of a notice of redemption (or purchase) of Notes selected for redemption (or purchase) under Section 5.3(b) and ending at the close of business on the day of such sending, or (ii) to transfer or exchange any Note so selected for redemption (or purchase) in whole or in part.

 

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SECTION 2.9 Mutilated, Destroyed, Lost and Stolen Notes. If a mutilated Note is surrendered to the Note Registrar or if the Holder of a Note claims that the Note has been lost, destroyed or wrongfully taken, the Issuer shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a replacement Note if the requirements of Section 8-405 of the Uniform Commercial Code are met, such that the Holder (a) satisfies the Issuer or the Trustee within a reasonable time after such Holder has notice of such loss, destruction or wrongful taking and the Note Registrar does not register a transfer prior to receiving such notification, (b) makes such request to the Issuer or the Trustee prior to the Note being acquired by a protected purchaser as defined in Section 8-303 of the Uniform Commercial Code (a “protected purchaser”) and (c) satisfies any other reasonable requirements of the Trustee. If required by the Trustee or the Issuer, such Holder shall furnish an indemnity bond sufficient in the judgment of (i) the Trustee to protect the Trustee and (ii) the Issuer to protect the Issuer, the Trustee, a Paying Agent and the Note Registrar from any loss that any of them may suffer if a Note is replaced.

In case any such mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Note has become or is about to become due and payable, the Issuer in its discretion may, instead of issuing a new Note, pay such Note.

Upon the issuance of any new Note under this Section 2.9, the Issuer may require the payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in relation thereto and any other expenses (including the fees and expenses of the Trustee) connected therewith.

Every new Note issued pursuant to this Section 2.9 in lieu of any destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall constitute an original additional contractual obligation of the Issuer, whether or not the destroyed, lost or stolen Note shall be at any time enforceable by anyone, and shall be entitled to all the benefits of this Indenture equally and ratably with any and all other Notes duly issued hereunder.

The provisions of this Section 2.9 are exclusive and shall preclude (to the extent lawful) all other rights and remedies with respect to the replacement or payment of mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes.

SECTION 2.10 Payment of Interest Rights Preserved. Interest on any Note that is payable, and is punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the Person in whose name that Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest specified in Exhibit A hereto.

Any interest on any Note that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (“Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder; and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at its election, as provided in clause (1) or clause (2) below:

 

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(1) The Issuer may elect to make payment of any Defaulted Interest to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest, which shall be fixed in the following manner. The Issuer shall notify the Trustee and Paying Agent in writing of the amount of Defaulted Interest proposed to be paid on each Note and the date of the proposed payment, and at the same time the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or Paying Agent an amount of money equal to the aggregate amount proposed to be paid in respect of such Defaulted Interest or shall make arrangements reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee or Paying Agent for such deposit prior to the date of the proposed payment, such money when deposited to be held in trust for the benefit of the Persons entitled to such Defaulted Interest as provided in this clause (1). Thereupon the Trustee shall fix a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest which shall be not more than 15 nor less than 10 days prior to the date of the proposed payment and not less than 10 days after the receipt by the Trustee and the Paying Agent of the notice of the proposed payment. The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer of such Special Record Date and, in the name and at the expense of the Issuer, shall cause notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor to be mailed, first-class postage prepaid, to each Holder at such Holder’s address as it appears in the Note Register, or sent electronically, not less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date or otherwise in accordance with DTC procedures. Notice of the proposed payment of such Defaulted Interest and the Special Record Date therefor having been so given, such Defaulted Interest shall be paid to the Persons in whose names the Notes (or their respective Predecessor Notes) are registered on such Special Record Date and shall no longer be payable pursuant to the following clause (2).

(2) The Issuer may make payment of any Defaulted Interest in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, if, after notice given by the Issuer to the Trustee and the Paying Agent of the proposed payment pursuant to this clause (2), such payment shall be deemed practicable by the Trustee.

Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.10, each Note delivered under this Indenture upon transfer of or in exchange for or in lieu of any other Note of the same series shall carry the rights to interest accrued and unpaid, and to accrue, that were carried by such other Note.

SECTION 2.11 Persons Deemed Owners. The Issuer, International Paper, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and any agent of any of them may treat the Person in whose name any Note is registered as the owner of such Note for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any), and (subject to Section 2.10) interest on, such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not such Note be overdue, and none of the Issuer, International Paper, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor any agent of any of them shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

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SECTION 2.12 Cancellation. All Notes surrendered for payment, redemption, transfer, exchange or conversion shall, if surrendered to any Person other than the Trustee, be delivered to the Trustee and, if not already cancelled, shall be promptly cancelled by it. The Issuer may at any time deliver to the Trustee for cancellation any Notes previously authenticated and delivered hereunder that the Issuer may have acquired in any manner whatsoever, and all Notes so delivered shall be promptly cancelled by the Trustee. No Notes shall be authenticated in lieu of or in exchange for any Notes cancelled as provided in this Section 2.12, except as expressly permitted by this Indenture. All cancelled Notes held by the Trustee shall be disposed of by the Trustee in accordance with its customary procedures (subject to the record retention requirements of the Exchange Act).

SECTION 2.13 Computation of Interest. Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360 day year consisting of twelve 30-day months.

SECTION 2.14 CUSIP Numbers, ISINs, etc. The Issuer in issuing the Notes may use “CUSIP” numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers (if then generally in use), and if so, the Trustee may use the CUSIP numbers, ISINs and “Common Code” numbers in notices of redemption or exchange as a convenience to Holders; provided, however, that any such notice may state that no representation is made as to the correctness or accuracy of such numbers printed in the notice or on the Notes; that reliance may be placed only on the other identification numbers printed on the Notes; and that any redemption shall not be affected by any defect in or omission of such numbers. The Issuer should promptly notify the Trustee, in writing, of any change in any “CUSIP,” “ISIN” or “Common Code” number, but failure to so notify the Trustee shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer.

SECTION 2.15 Book-Entry Provisions for Global Notes.

(a) Each Global Note initially shall (i) be registered in the name of the Depositary for such Global Note or the nominee of such Depositary, in each case for credit to the account of an Agent Member, and (ii) be delivered to the Notes Custodian. Neither the Issuer nor any of its agents shall have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests of a Global Note, or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

(b) Members of, or participants in, the Depositary (“Agent Members”) shall have no rights under this Indenture with respect to any Global Note held on their behalf by the Depositary, or the Notes Custodian, or under such Global Notes. The Depositary may be treated by the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Trustee and any agent of any of them as the absolute owner of the Global Notes for all purposes whatsoever. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing herein shall prevent the Issuer, any other obligor upon the Notes, the Trustee or any agent of any of them from giving effect to any written certification, proxy or other authorization furnished by the Depositary or impair, as between the Depositary and its Agent Members, the operation of customary practices governing the exercise of the rights of a beneficial owner of any Note. The registered Holder of a Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action that a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

 

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The Holder of any Global Note may grant proxies and otherwise authorize any Person, including Agent Members and Persons that may hold interests through Agent Members, to take any action which a Holder is entitled to take under this Indenture or the Notes.

(c) Transfers of a Global Note shall be limited to transfers of such Global Note in whole, but, subject to the immediately succeeding sentence, not in part, to the Depositary, its successors or their respective nominees. Interests of beneficial owners in a Global Note may not be transferred or exchanged for Physical Notes unless (i) the Issuer has consented thereto in writing, or such transfer or exchange is made pursuant to the next sentence, and (ii) such transfer or exchange is in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures of the Depositary and the provisions of Sections 2.8 and 2.16. Subject to the limitation on issuance of Physical Notes set forth in Section 2.16(3), Physical Notes shall be transferred to all beneficial owners in exchange for their beneficial interests in the relevant Global Note, if (i) the Depositary notifies the Issuer at any time that it is unwilling or unable to continue as Depositary for the Global Notes and a successor depositary is not appointed within 120 days; (ii) the Depositary ceases to be registered as a “Clearing Agency” under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and a successor depositary is not appointed within 120 days; or (iii) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing with respect to the Notes and the Trustee has received a written request from the Depositary to issue Physical Notes.

(d) In connection with any transfer or exchange of a portion of the beneficial interest in any Global Note to beneficial owners for Physical Notes pursuant to Section 2.15(c), the Note Registrar shall record on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of such Global Note in an amount equal to the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, one or more Physical Notes of like tenor and principal amount of authorized denominations.

(e) In connection with a transfer of an entire Global Note to beneficial owners pursuant to Section 2.15(c), the applicable Global Note shall be deemed to be surrendered to the Trustee for cancellation, and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver, to each beneficial owner identified by the Depositary, in exchange for its beneficial interest in the applicable Global Note, an equal aggregate principal amount of Rule 144A Physical Notes (in the case of any Rule 144A Global Note) or Regulation S Physical Notes (in the case of any Regulation S Global Note), as the case may be, of authorized denominations.

(f) The transfer and exchange of a Global Note or beneficial interests therein shall be effected through the Depositary, in accordance with this Indenture (including applicable restrictions on transfer set forth in Section 2.16) and the applicable rules and procedures therefor of the Depositary. Any beneficial interest in one of the Global Notes that is transferred to a Person who takes delivery in the form of an interest in a different Global Note will, upon transfer, cease to be an interest in such Global Note and become an interest in the other Global Note and, accordingly, will thereafter be subject to all transfer restrictions, if any, and other procedures

 

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applicable to beneficial interests in such other Global Note for as long as it remains such an interest. A transferor of a beneficial interest in a Global Note shall deliver to the Note Registrar a written order given in accordance with the Depositary’s applicable rules and procedures containing information regarding the participant account of the Depositary to be credited with a beneficial interest in the relevant Global Note (or shall otherwise comply with the then applicable rules and procedures of the Depositary). Subject to Section 2.16, the Note Registrar shall, in accordance with such instructions, instruct the Depositary to credit to the account of the Person specified in such instructions a beneficial interest in such Global Note and to debit the account of the Person making the transfer the beneficial interest in the Global Note being transferred.

(g) Any Physical Note delivered in exchange for an interest in a Global Note pursuant to Section 2.15(c) shall, unless such exchange is made on or after the Resale Restriction Termination Date applicable to such Note and except as otherwise provided in Section 2.3 and Section 2.16, bear the Private Placement Legend.

(h) Notwithstanding the foregoing, through the Restricted Period, a beneficial interest in a Regulation S Global Note may be held only through designated Agent Members holding on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream unless delivery is made in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 2.16.

SECTION 2.16 Special Transfer Provisions.

(1) Transfers to Non-U.S. Persons. The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a Note that is a Restricted Security (within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act) to any Non-U.S. Person: The Note Registrar shall register such transfer if it complies with all other applicable requirements of this Indenture (including Section 2.8), and

(a) if (x) such transfer is after the relevant Resale Restriction Termination Date with respect to such Note or (y) the proposed transferor has delivered to the Note Registrar and the Issuer and the Trustee a Regulation S Certificate and, unless otherwise agreed by the Issuer and the Trustee, an Opinion of Counsel, certifications and other information satisfactory to the Issuer and the Trustee, and

(b) if the proposed transferor is or is acting through an Agent Member holding a beneficial interest in a Global Note, upon receipt by the Note Registrar and the Issuer and the Trustee of (x) the certificate, opinion, certifications and other information, if any, required by clause (a) above and (y) written instructions given in accordance with the procedures of the Note Registrar and of the Depositary;

whereupon (i) the Note Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and (if the transfer does not involve a transfer of any Outstanding Physical Note) a decrease in the principal amount of the relevant Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest in the relevant Global Note to be transferred, and (ii) either (A) if the proposed transferee is or is acting through an Agent Member holding a beneficial interest in a relevant Regulation S Global Note, the Note Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of such Regulation S Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the beneficial interest being so transferred or (B) otherwise the Issuer shall execute and the Trustee shall authenticate and deliver one or more Physical Notes of like tenor and amount.

 

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(2) Transfers to QIBs. The following provisions shall apply with respect to the registration of any proposed transfer of a Note that is a Restricted Security (within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act) to a QIB (excluding transfers to Non-U.S. Persons): The Note Registrar shall register such transfer if it complies with all other applicable requirements of this Indenture (including Section 2.8), and

(a) if such transfer is being made by a proposed transferor who has checked the box provided for on the form of such Note stating, or has otherwise certified to the Note Registrar and the Issuer and the Trustee in writing, that the sale has been made in compliance with the provisions of Rule 144A to a transferee who has signed the certification provided for on the form of such Note stating, or has otherwise certified to Note Registrar and the Issuer and the Trustee in writing, that it is purchasing such Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a QIB within the meaning of Rule 144A, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as it has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon its foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A; and

(b) if the proposed transferee is an Agent Member, and the Note to be transferred consists of a Physical Note that after transfer is to be evidenced by an interest in a Global Note or consists of a beneficial interest in a Global Note that after the transfer is to be evidenced by an interest in a different Global Note, upon receipt by the Note Registrar of written instructions given in accordance with the Depositary’s and the Note Registrar’s procedures, whereupon the Note Registrar shall reflect on its books and records the date and an increase in the principal amount of the transferee Global Note in an amount equal to the principal amount of the Physical Note or such beneficial interest in such transferor Global Note to be transferred, and the Trustee shall cancel the Physical Note so transferred or reflect on its books and records the date and a decrease in the principal amount of such transferor Global Note, as the case may be.

(3) Limitation on Issuance of Physical Notes. No Physical Note shall be exchanged for a beneficial interest in any Global Note, except in accordance with Section 2.15 and this Section 2.16.

A beneficial owner of an interest in a Regulation S Global Note shall not be permitted to exchange such interest for a Physical Note (any such exchange being limited, in any case, to the circumstances set forth in Section 2.15(c)) or (in the case of such interest in a Temporary Regulation S Global Note) an interest in a Permanent Regulation S Global Note until a date, which must be after the Distribution Compliance Date, on which the Issuer receives a certificate of beneficial ownership substantially in the form of Exhibit B from such beneficial owner (a “Certificate of Beneficial Ownership”). Such date, as it relates to a Regulation S Global Note, is herein referred to as the “Regulation S Note Exchange Date.”

 

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(4) Private Placement Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes not bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Note Registrar shall deliver Notes that do not bear the Private Placement Legend. Upon the transfer, exchange or replacement of Notes bearing the Private Placement Legend, the Note Registrar shall deliver only Notes that bear the Private Placement Legend unless (i) the requested transfer is after the relevant Resale Restriction Termination Date with respect to such Notes, (ii) upon written request of the Issuer after there is delivered to the Note Registrar an Opinion of Counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Issuer) to the effect that neither such legend nor the related restrictions on transfer are required in order to maintain compliance with the provisions of the Securities Act, (iii) with respect to a Regulation S Global Note (on or after the Resale Restriction Termination Date with respect to such Regulation S Global Note) or Regulation S Physical Note, in each case with the agreement of the Issuer, or (iv) such Notes are sold or exchanged pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act.

(5) Other Transfers. The Note Registrar shall effect and register, upon receipt of a written request from the Issuer to do so, a transfer not otherwise permitted by this Section 2.16, such registration to be done in accordance with the otherwise applicable provisions of this Section 2.16, upon the furnishing by the proposed transferor or transferee of a written Opinion of Counsel (which opinion and counsel are satisfactory to the Issuer) to the effect that, and such other certifications or information as the Issuer or the Trustee may require to confirm that, the proposed transfer is being made pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

A Note that is a Restricted Security (within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act) may not be transferred other than as provided in this Section 2.16. A beneficial interest in a Global Note that is a Restricted Security (within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act) may not be exchanged for a beneficial interest in another Global Note other than through a transfer in compliance with this Section 2.16.

(6) General. By its acceptance of any Note bearing the Private Placement Legend, each Holder of such a Note acknowledges the restrictions on transfer of such Note set forth in this Indenture and in the Private Placement Legend and agrees that it will transfer such Note only as provided in this Indenture.

The Note Registrar shall retain copies of all letters, notices and other written communications received pursuant to Section 2.15 or this Section 2.16 (including all Notes received for transfer pursuant to Section 2.16). The Issuer shall have the right to require the Note Registrar to deliver to the Issuer, at the Issuer’s expense, copies of all such letters, notices or other written communications at any reasonable time upon the giving of reasonable written notice to the Note Registrar.

 

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In connection with any transfer of any Note, the Trustee, the Note Registrar and the Issuer shall be entitled to receive, shall be under no duty to inquire into, may conclusively presume the correctness of, and shall be fully protected in relying upon the certificates, opinions and other information referred to herein (or in the forms provided herein, attached hereto or to the Notes, or otherwise) received from any Holder and any transferee of any Note regarding the validity, legality and due authorization of any such transfer, the eligibility of the transferee to receive such Note and any other facts and circumstances related to such transfer.

SECTION 2.17 [Reserved].

SECTION 2.18 Paying Agent to Hold Money in Trust. The Issuer shall require each Paying Agent other than the Trustee to agree in writing that the Paying Agent shall hold in trust for the benefit of the Holders or the Trustee all money held by the Paying Agent for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes. The Issuer at any time may require a Paying Agent to pay all money held by such Paying Agent to the Trustee. Upon payment over to the Trustee, the Paying Agent (if other than the Issuer or a Guarantor) shall have no further liability for the money delivered to the Trustee. If the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer acts as Paying Agent, it shall segregate and hold in a separate trust fund for the benefit of the Holders all money held by it as Paying Agent.

SECTION 2.19 Lists of Holders of the Notes. The Trustee shall preserve in as current a form as is reasonably practicable the most recent list available to it of the names and addresses of Holders. If the Trustee is not the Note Registrar, the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee at least seven Business Days before each Interest Payment Date and at such other times as the Trustee may request in writing a list in such form and as of such date as the Trustee may reasonably require of the names and addresses of Holders, including the aggregate principal amount of the Notes held by each Holder thereof.

ARTICLE III

Covenants

SECTION 3.1 Payment of Notes. The Issuer shall promptly pay the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes on the dates and in the manner provided in the Notes and in this Indenture. Principal, premium, if any, and interest shall be considered paid on the date due if by 11:00 a.m. (New York City time) on such date the Trustee or the Paying Agent holds in accordance with this Indenture money sufficient to pay all principal, premium, if any, and interest then due and the Trustee or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, is not prohibited from paying such money to the Holders on that date pursuant to the terms of this Indenture.

The Issuer shall pay interest on overdue principal at the rate specified therefor in the Notes.

 

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Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Indenture, the Issuer may, to the extent it is required to do so by law, deduct or withhold income or other similar taxes imposed by the United States of America from principal or interest payments hereunder.

SECTION 3.2 Reports and Other Information.

(a) So long as any Notes are outstanding and whether or not the Issuer is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Issuer shall furnish to the Holders, or file with the SEC for public availability through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval System (or any successor system) (“EDGAR”) no later than 15 days after the dates specified below (or no later than 15 days after the date on which the Form 10-Q is due after taking into account the transition period applicable to the first Form 10-Q following the Spin-Off Effective Date):

(i) within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (or, solely with respect to the fiscal year ending December 31, 2021, 120 days), an annual report as would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 10-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports;

(ii) within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year, a quarterly report as would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 10-Q if the Issuer were required to file such reports; and

(iii) within 5 days after the period then in effect under the rules and regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act with respect to the filing of a Current Report on Form 8-K after the occurrence of an event required to be therein reported, a current report as would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if the Issuer were required to file such reports.

(b) If the Issuer has designated any of its Subsidiaries as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and if any such Unrestricted Subsidiary or group of Unrestricted Subsidiaries, if taken together as one Subsidiary, would constitute a Significant Subsidiary of the Issuer, then the annual and quarterly reports required by Sections 3.2(a)(i) and 3.2(a)(ii) above shall include a presentation of selected financial metrics (in the Issuer’s sole discretion) of such Unrestricted Subsidiaries as a group in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” or other comparable section.

(c) If the Issuer does not file reports containing such information with the SEC, the Issuer shall make available the information required by Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act and such reports to the Trustee under this Indenture, to any Holder and, upon request, to any beneficial owner of the Notes, in each case by posting such information on its website or an online data system and shall make such information readily available to any Holder or any bona fide prospective investor in the Notes (which prospective investors will be limited to “qualified institutional buyers” within the meaning of Rule 144A of the Securities Act that certify their status as such to the reasonable satisfaction of the Issuer); provided that the Issuer may require

 

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that any such person that accesses such information agree to treat such information as confidential or access such information on a password-protected online data system that requires a confidentiality acknowledgment; provided, further, that the Issuer shall post such information thereon and make readily available any password or other login information to any Holder, beneficial owner, prospective holder, securities analyst or market maker.

(d) In addition, to the extent not satisfied by any of the foregoing, the Issuer shall furnish to Holders and prospective investors in the Notes, upon their request, any information required to be delivered pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act.

(e) Delivery of such reports, information and documents to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.2 is for informational purposes only, and the Trustee’s receipt thereof shall not constitute actual or constructive notice of any information contained therein or determinable from information contained therein, including the Issuer’s compliance with any of its covenants under this Indenture (as to which the Trustee is entitled to certificates). The Trustee shall not be obligated to monitor or confirm, on a continuing basis or otherwise, the Issuer’s compliance with the covenants or with respect to any reports or other documents filed with the SEC or EDGAR or any website under this Indenture, or participate in any conference calls.

SECTION 3.3 Limitation on Incurrence of Indebtedness and Issuance of Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock.

(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, Incur any Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue any shares of Disqualified Stock and the Issuer will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to issue any shares of Preferred Stock; provided, however, that the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary may Incur Indebtedness (including Acquired Indebtedness) or issue shares of Disqualified Stock and any Restricted Subsidiary may issue shares of Preferred Stock, in each case if the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, calculated as of the date on which such additional Indebtedness is Incurred or such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is issued and determined on a Pro Forma Basis for the Incurrence (including the use of proceeds thereof) and any related transactions, would be equal to or greater than 2.00 to 1.00; provided, further, that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock Incurred or issued by Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries pursuant to the foregoing, together with the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock Incurred or issued by Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries under Sections 3.3(b)(xv)(B), 3.3(b)(xx) and 3.3(b)(xxxi) and any Refinancing Indebtedness incurred under Section 3.3(b)(xiv) in respect of any of the foregoing, shall not exceed the greater of $165.0 million and 6.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding (any such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, “Ratio Debt”).

(b) The foregoing limitations will not apply to (collectively, “Permitted Debt”):

 

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(i) the Incurrence by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries of (A) Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement and any other Credit Agreement, the guarantees thereof and the issuance and creation of letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances thereunder (with letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances being deemed to have a principal amount equal to the face amount thereof), up to the sum of (I) an aggregate outstanding principal amount not to exceed $970.0 million outstanding at any one time plus the greater of (i) $250.0 million and (ii) 50.0% of Four Quarter EBITDA and (II) an additional aggregate principal amount which, after giving Pro Forma Effect to such Incurrence (including the use of proceeds thereof) and any related transactions (or, at the Issuer’s option, on the date of the initial borrowing of such Indebtedness or entry into the definitive agreement providing the commitment to fund such Indebtedness after giving Pro Forma Effect to the Incurrence of the entire committed amount of such Indebtedness and any related transactions (such committed amount, a “Ratio Tested Committed Amount”), in which case such Ratio Tested Committed Amount may thereafter be borrowed and reborrowed, in whole or in part, from time to time, without further compliance with this clause (i)) would not cause the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio to exceed 2.20 to 1.00; provided that any Indebtedness Incurred under clause (II) of this clause (i) shall be deemed to be Consolidated Senior Secured Debt , whether or not so secured, solely for purposes of calculating the Consolidated Senior Secured Debt Ratio in connection with the Incurrence thereof and (B) Indebtedness outstanding under one or more credit or financing agreements with a revolving financing component (to the extent of such component) not to exceed at any time outstanding $450.0 million;

(ii) the Incurrence by the Issuer and the Guarantors of Indebtedness represented by the Notes (not including any Additional Notes) issued on the Issue Date and the Guarantees thereof;

(iii) Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding (or Incurred pursuant to any commitment outstanding) on the Issue Date (or contemplated to be existing on the Spin-Off Effective Date as described in the Offering Memorandum) (other than Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or in respect of the Notes Incurred under Section 3.3(b)(ii) above);

(iv) (i) Indebtedness (including Capitalized Lease Obligations and mortgage financings as purchase money obligations) Incurred by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, Disqualified Stock issued by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and Preferred Stock issued by any Restricted Subsidiaries of the Issuer to finance all or any part of the purchase, lease, construction, installation, repair or improvement of property (real or personal), plant or equipment or other fixed or capital assets (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of any Person owning such assets) and (ii) Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to Refinance Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to this clause (iv) (for the avoidance of doubt Indebtedness Incurred under another provision of this Section 3.3(b) to Refinance Indebtedness under clause (iv)(i) shall not count toward the cap below in this clause (iv)), in an aggregate amount or liquidation preference, including all Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred and Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued pursuant to this clause (iv), not to exceed the greater of (a) $195.0 million and (b) 7.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding;

 

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(v) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries constituting reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments issued in the ordinary course of business or with respect to the Existing Bilateral Letter of Credit, including, without limitation, (i) letters of credit or performance or surety bonds in respect of workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits (whether current or former) or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance, or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers’ compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits (whether current or former) or property, casualty or liability insurance and (ii) guarantees of Indebtedness Incurred by customers in connection with the purchase or other acquisition of equipment or supplies in the ordinary course of business;

(vi) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock arising from agreements of the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries providing for indemnification, earn-outs, adjustment of purchase or acquisition price, incentive, non-compete, consulting or similar obligations and other Contingent Obligations, in each case, Incurred in connection with the acquisition or disposition of any business, assets, Subsidiary of the Issuer or other Investment in accordance with the terms of this Indenture;

(vii) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer to a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) if the Issuer or a Guarantor Incurs or issues such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock owing to a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary in excess of $5.0 million, such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock is subordinated in right of payment to the Issuer’s Obligations with respect to the Notes or the Guarantee of such Guarantor and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event which results in any such Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock not permitted by this clause (vii);

(viii) shares of Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary issued to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) if a Guarantor issues such Preferred Stock owing to a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary in excess of $5.0 million, such Preferred Stock is subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Guarantor and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary that holds such shares of Preferred Stock of another Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such shares of Preferred Stock (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an issuance of shares of Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (viii);

 

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(ix) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (x) if a Guarantor Incurs or issues such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock owing to a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary in excess of $5.0 million, such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is subordinated in right of payment to the Guarantee of such Guarantor and (y) any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock or any other event that results in any Restricted Subsidiary lending such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any other subsequent transfer of any such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (except to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary) shall be deemed, in each case, to be an Incurrence of such Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock not permitted by this clause (ix);

(x) (x) Cash Management Services or (y) Swap Contracts Incurred not for speculative purposes;

(xi) obligations (including reimbursement obligations with respect to letters of credit or bank guarantees or similar instruments) in respect of customs, self-insurance, performance, government, bid, appeal and surety bonds and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(xii) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer and Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference that, when aggregated with the principal amount or liquidation preference of all other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock then outstanding and Incurred pursuant to this clause (xii), does not exceed the greater of (x) $125.0 million and (y) 4.5% of Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;

(xiii) any guarantee by (x) a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of another Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, (y) the Issuer or a Guarantor of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or another Guarantor and (z) the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness or other obligations of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case, to the extent the Incurrence of such Indebtedness or other obligations is permitted under the terms of this Indenture;

(xiv) the Incurrence by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that serves to Refinance any Indebtedness Incurred (or unutilized commitments in respect of Indebtedness to the extent such commitments were treated as incurred Indebtedness) or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary as permitted under Sections 3.3(a) or 3.3(b)(i)(A) (provided that Refinancing of such Indebtedness pursuant to this clause (xiv) shall not “refresh” any basket in such Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)), Section 3.3(b)(ii), Section 3.3(b)(iii) or Section 3.3(b)(xv) or this Section 3.3(b)(xiv) or any Indebtedness Incurred (or commitments

 

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established) or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to so Refinance such Indebtedness (or unutilized commitments in respect of such Indebtedness to the extent such commitments were treated as incurred Indebtedness), Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, including, in each case, any additional Indebtedness Incurred or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to pay the Related Costs in connection therewith (subject to the following proviso, “Refinancing Indebtedness”) prior to its respective maturity; provided, however, that such Refinancing Indebtedness:

(1) has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is not less than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being Refinanced (which, in the case of bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or other interim debt, shall be determined by reference to the notes or loans into which such bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or other interim debt are converted or for which such bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or interim debt are exchanged at maturity, and may be subject to other customary offers to repurchase or mandatory prepayments upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and customary acceleration rights after an event of default) or, if earlier, the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Notes;

(2) has a Stated Maturity which is no earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced (which, in the case of bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or other interim debt, shall be determined by reference to the notes or loans into which such bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or other interim debt are converted or for which such bridge loans or extendable bridge loans or interim debt are exchanged at maturity, and may be subject to other customary offers to repurchase or mandatory prepayments upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and customary acceleration rights after an event of default) or, if earlier, the Stated Maturity of the Notes;

(3) to the extent that such Refinancing Indebtedness Refinances (i) Subordinated Indebtedness, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Subordinated Indebtedness or (ii) Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, such Refinancing Indebtedness is Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, respectively; and

(4) shall not include Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or a Guarantor;

(xv) (A) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (i) of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries assumed in connection with an acquisition of any assets (including Capital Stock), business or Person and (ii) of any Person that is acquired by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or merged into or consolidated or amalgamated with the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of this Indenture, and, in the case of this clause (A), not Incurred in contemplation of such

 

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acquisition, merger, consolidation or amalgamation, and (B) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries Incurred in connection with an acquisition of any assets (including Capital Stock), business or Person; provided, however, that after giving Pro Forma Effect to such acquisition, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or any related transactions, either:

(1) the Issuer would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness pursuant to the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in Section 3.3(a); or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio would be equal to or greater than such ratio immediately prior to giving Pro Forma Effect to such acquisition, merger, consolidation, amalgamation or any related transactions;

provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock that may be Incurred or issued by Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries pursuant to the foregoing clause (xv)(B), together with the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries outstanding under Section 3.3(a) and Sections 3.3(b)(xx) and 3.3(b)(xxxi) and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing Incurred under Section 3.3(b)(xiv), shall not exceed the greater of $165.0 million and 6.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding;

(xvi) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or other financial institution of a check, draft or similar instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary course of business;

(xvii) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary supported by a letter of credit or bank guarantee issued pursuant to any Credit Agreement incurred pursuant to Section 3.3(a) or Section 3.3(b)(i), to the extent such letter of credit has not been terminated and is in a principal amount not in excess of the stated amount of such letter of credit or bank guarantee;

(xviii) [reserved];

(xix) Indebtedness of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary consisting of (x) the financing of insurance premiums or (y) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

(xx) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount, when combined with the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries outstanding under Section 3.3(a) and Sections 3.3(b)(xv)(B) and 3.3(b)(xxxi), shall not exceed the greater of (x) $165.0 million and (y) 6.0% of Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;

 

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(xxi) Indebtedness of a joint venture to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary and to the other holders of Equity Interests or participants of such joint venture, to the extent the percentage of the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness of such joint venture owed to such holders of its Equity Interests or participants of such joint venture does not exceed the percentage of the aggregate outstanding amount of the Equity Interests of such joint venture held by such holders or such participant’s participation in such joint venture;

(xxii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock Incurred in a Qualified Receivables Financing or a Qualified Receivables Factoring that is not recourse to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary (except for Standard Securitization Undertakings) other than a Receivables Subsidiary or a Person described in the definition of “Factoring Transaction,” in an amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $210.0 million and (y) 7.5% of Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;

(xxiii) Indebtedness or Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary in an amount not to exceed the greater of (x) $60.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Total Assets, at any one time outstanding;

(xxiv) Indebtedness consisting of Indebtedness issued by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to future, current or former officers, directors, managers, employees, consultants and independent contractors thereof, or any Restricted Subsidiary, or their respective estates, heirs, family members, spouses or former spouses, in each case to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Issuer to the extent permitted under the covenant described under Section 3.4;

(xxv) customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods purchased in the ordinary course of business;

(xxvi) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with bankers’ acceptances, discounted bills of exchange, warehouse receipts or similar facilities, or the discounting or factoring of receivables for credit management purposes, in each case Incurred or undertaken in the ordinary course of business;

(xxvii) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that the net proceeds thereof are promptly deposited with the Trustee or other applicable trustee to satisfy and discharge the Notes or exercise the Issuer’s legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, in each case, in accordance with this Indenture or other Indebtedness in accordance with the documentation governing such Indebtedness;

(xxviii) (i) guarantees Incurred in the ordinary course of business by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and not in respect of Indebtedness for borrowed money and (ii) Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or their respective Affiliates as a result of leases entered into by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business (and not for financing purposes);

 

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(xxix) [Reserved];

(xxx) Indebtedness of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owing to an Unrestricted Subsidiary; provided that, any such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with respect to the Notes and the related Guarantees and is in an aggregate outstanding principal amount at the time of incurrence thereof not to exceed under this clause (xxx) the greater of (i) $60.0 million and (ii) 2.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding;

(xxxi) guarantees of Indebtedness of any joint venture in an aggregate principal amount, when combined with the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock and Preferred Stock of Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries outstanding under Section 3.3(a) and Sections 3.3(b)(xv)(B) and 3.3(b)(xx), shall not exceed the greater of (x) $165.0 million and (y) 6.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding; and

(xxxii) Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred to finance or assumed in connection with an acquisition of any assets (including Capital Stock), business or Person, or any other Investment in accordance with this Indenture, in an aggregate principal amount or liquidation preference that does not exceed the greater of (x) $60.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Total Assets at any one time outstanding.

(c) For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 3.3, (w) in the event that an item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Debt or is entitled to be Incurred pursuant to Section 3.3(a), the Issuer shall, in its sole discretion, at the time of Incurrence, divide, classify or reclassify, or at any later time divide, classify or reclassify, such item of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock (or any portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 3.3; provided that all Indebtedness (and any undrawn commitments) (1) under the New Credit Agreement Incurred on or prior to, and outstanding on, the Spin-Off Effective Date as described in the Offering Memorandum shall be deemed to have been Incurred pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)(I) or 3.3(b)(i)(B) as applicable and the Issuer shall not be permitted to reclassify all or any portion of such Indebtedness (or such commitments) Incurred on or prior to, and outstanding on, the Spin-Off Effective Date pursuant to Sections 3.3(b)(i)(A)(I) or 3.3(b)(i)(B); provided, further, that (if the Issuer shall so determine) any Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to clauses (iv), (xii), (xx), (xxiii), (xxx), (xxxi) or (xxxii) of Section 3.3(b) shall cease to be deemed outstanding for purposes of any such clause but shall instead be deemed Incurred for the purposes of Section 3.3(a) from and after the first date on which the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary could have Incurred such Indebtedness under Section 3.3(a) without reliance on such clause; (x) unless the context otherwise requires or states, in the event that Indebtedness could be Incurred in part under Section 3.3(a) and/or Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)(II) and/or Section 3.3(b)(xv) (other than by reason of clause (2) of the proviso to Section 3.3(b)(xv)), the Issuer, in its sole discretion, may classify a portion of such Indebtedness as having been Incurred under Section 3.3(a) and/or Section 3.3(b)(i)(A)(II) and/or Section 3.3(b)(xv) and thereafter the remainder of such

 

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Indebtedness as having been Incurred under any other clause of Section 3.3(b); (y) if any Indebtedness is Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness initially Incurred (or, Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness initially Incurred) in reliance on any provision of this Section 3.3 measured by reference to a percentage of Four Quarter EBITDA or Total Assets, and such Refinancing would cause the percentage of Four Quarter EBITDA or Total Assets restriction to be exceeded if calculated based on the Four Quarter EBITDA or Total Assets on the date of such Refinancing, such percentage of Four Quarter EBITDA or Total Assets restriction shall not be deemed to be exceeded (and such newly Incurred Indebtedness shall be deemed permitted) to the extent the principal amount of such newly Incurred Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced, plus the Related Costs Incurred or payable in connection with such Refinancing; and (z) if any Indebtedness is Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness initially Incurred (or, Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance Indebtedness initially Incurred) in reliance on any provision of this Section 3.3 measured by a dollar amount, such dollar amount shall not be deemed to be exceeded (and such newly Incurred Indebtedness shall be deemed permitted) to the extent the principal amount of such newly Incurred Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness being Refinanced, plus the Related Costs Incurred or payable in connection with such Refinancing. Accrual of interest or dividends, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest or dividends in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, the payment of dividends on Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock in the form of additional shares of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the same class, the accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference and increases in the amount of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock for purposes of this covenant (or any category of Permitted Liens described in the definition thereof). Guarantees of, or obligations in respect of letters of credit relating to, Indebtedness that are otherwise included in the determination of a particular amount of Indebtedness shall not be included in the determination of such amount of Indebtedness, provided that the Incurrence of the Indebtedness represented by such guarantee or letter of credit, as the case may be, was in compliance with this covenant.

(d) For purposes of determining compliance with any provision of this Section 3.3 (or any category of Permitted Liens described in the definition thereof) measured by a dollar amount or by reference to a percentage of Four Quarter EBITDA or Total Assets, in each case, the principal amount of Indebtedness denominated in a foreign currency shall be calculated based on the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date such Indebtedness was Incurred or Liens securing such Indebtedness were granted, in the case of term debt, or first committed or first Incurred (or granted) (whichever yields the lower U.S. dollar-equivalent), in the case of revolving credit debt or delayed draw debt, or first issued, in the case of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock; provided that if such Indebtedness is Incurred (or commitments established) or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to Refinance other Indebtedness (or unutilized commitments in respect of such Indebtedness), Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock denominated in a foreign currency, and such Refinancing would cause the applicable provision of this Section 3.3 (or category of Permitted Liens) to be exceeded if calculated at the relevant currency exchange rate in effect on the date of such Refinancing, such provision of this Section

 

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3.3 (or category of Permitted Liens) shall be deemed not to have been exceeded to the extent the principal amount of such newly Incurred Indebtedness does not exceed the principal amount of such Indebtedness or the maximum fixed repurchase price amount of such Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock, as the case may be, being Refinanced (plus the Related Costs in connection therewith).

(e) The principal amount of any Indebtedness Incurred (or commitments established) and the maximum fixed repurchase price amount of Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued to Refinance other Indebtedness (or unutilized commitments in respect of such Indebtedness), if Incurred in a different currency from the Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock being Refinanced, shall be calculated for all purposes under this Indenture (including for purposes of the definition of “Permitted Liens”) based on the currency exchange rate applicable to the currencies in which such respective Indebtedness (or unutilized commitments in respect of such Indebtedness), Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock is denominated that is in effect on the date of such Refinancing.

SECTION 3.4 Limitation on Restricted Payments.

(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly:

(i) declare or pay any dividend or make any payment or distribution on account of the Issuer’s or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries’ Equity Interests, including any payment made in connection with any merger or consolidation involving the Issuer (other than (A) dividends or distributions by the Issuer payable solely in Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer; or (B) dividends or distributions by a Restricted Subsidiary so long as, in the case of any dividend or distribution payable on or in respect of any class or series of securities issued by a Restricted Subsidiary other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary receives at least its pro rata share of such dividend or distribution in accordance with its Equity Interests in such class or series of securities);

(ii) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Equity Interests of the Issuer, including in connection with any merger or consolidation;

(iii) make any voluntary principal payment on, or voluntarily redeem, repurchase, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value, in each case, prior to any scheduled repayment, sinking fund payment or maturity, any Subordinated Indebtedness (other than the payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement of (A) Subordinated Indebtedness in anticipation of satisfying a sinking fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in each case due within one year of the date of such payment, redemption, repurchase, defeasance, acquisition or retirement and (B) Indebtedness permitted under Section 3.3(b)(vii) or Section 3.3(b)(ix)); or

 

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(iv) make any Restricted Investment; (all such payments and other actions set forth in clauses (i) through (iv) above being collectively referred to as “Restricted Payments”), unless, at the time of such Restricted Payment:

(A) no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof;

(B) immediately after giving effect to such transaction and any related transactions on a Pro Forma Basis, the Issuer could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt; and

(C) such Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate amount of all other Restricted Payments made by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (including Restricted Payments permitted by Section 3.4(b)(i), but excluding all other Restricted Payments permitted by Section 3.4(b)), is less than the sum of, without duplication,

(1) (x) $100.0 million plus (y) 50.0% of the Consolidated Net Income of the Issuer for the period (taken as one accounting period) beginning on the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the Spin-Off Effective Date occurs to the end of the Issuer’s most recently ended fiscal quarter for which internal financial statements are available at the time of such Restricted Payment, or, in the case that such Consolidated Net Income for such period is a deficit, minus 100.0% of such deficit, plus

(2) 100.0% of the aggregate net proceeds, including cash and the Fair Market Value of assets (other than cash), received by the Issuer after the Spin-Off Effective Date from the issue or sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer, including such Qualified Equity Interests issued upon exercise of warrants or options, plus

(3) 100.0% of the aggregate amount of contributions to the capital of the Issuer received in cash and the Fair Market Value of assets (other than cash) after the Spin-Off Effective Date, plus

(4) the principal amount of any Indebtedness, or the liquidation preference or maximum fixed repurchase price, as the case may be, of any Disqualified Stock, in each case, of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary thereof (other than Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock issued to a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) issued after the Spin-Off Effective Date that, in each case, has been converted into or exchanged for Qualified Equity Interests in the Issuer, plus

(5) 100.0% of the aggregate amount received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash and the Fair Market Value of assets (other than cash) received by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from

 

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(A) the sale or other disposition (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer) of Restricted Investments made after the Spin-Off Effective Date by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries and from repurchases and redemptions of such Restricted Investments from the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries by any Person (other than the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and from repayments of loans or advances which constituted Restricted Investments (other than to the extent the Restricted Investment was made pursuant to Section 3.4(b)(vii)), or

(B) the sale (other than to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary or an employee stock ownership plan or trust established by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary) of the Capital Stock of an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Spin-Off Effective Date, plus

(6) in the event any Unrestricted Subsidiary of the Issuer has been redesignated as a Restricted Subsidiary or has been merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys its assets to, or is liquidated into, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer, in each case after the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Fair Market Value of the Investment of the Issuer in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation, combination or transfer (or of the assets transferred or conveyed, as applicable), other than in each case to the extent that the designation of such Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary was made pursuant to Section 3.4(b)(vii) or constituted a Permitted Investment.

(b) The provisions of Section 3.4(a) will not prohibit:

(i) the payment of any dividend or distribution or consummation of any redemption within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof or the giving of a redemption notice related thereto, if at the date of declaration or notice such payment would have complied with this Section 3.4;

(ii) (a) the redemption, repurchase, retirement or other acquisition of any Equity Interests (“Retired Capital Stock”) of the Issuer, or Subordinated Indebtedness, in exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the issuance or sale of, Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or contributions to the equity capital (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Issuer (collectively, including any such contributions, “Refunding Capital Stock”);

(b) the declaration and payment of accrued dividends on the Retired Capital Stock out of the proceeds of the issuance or sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Issuer or to an employee stock ownership plan or any trust established by the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries) of Refunding Capital Stock; and

(c) if immediately prior to the retirement of the Retired Capital Stock, the declaration and payment of dividends thereon was permitted pursuant to this Section 3.4 and has not been made as of such time (the “Unpaid Amount”), the declaration and payment of dividends on the Refunding Capital Stock (other than Refunding Capital Stock the proceeds of which were used to redeem, repurchase, retire or otherwise acquire any Equity Interests of the Issuer) in an aggregate amount no greater than the Unpaid Amount;

 

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(iii) the payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated Indebtedness made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the Incurrence of, Refinancing Indebtedness thereof;

(iv) the purchase, retirement, redemption or other acquisition (or Restricted Payments to the Issuer to finance any such purchase, retirement, redemption or other acquisition) for value of Equity Interests (including related stock appreciation rights or similar securities) of the Issuer held directly or indirectly by any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager, consultant or independent contractor of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer or their estates, heirs, family members, spouses or former spouses or permitted transferees (including for all purposes of this clause (iv), Equity Interests held by any entity whose Equity Interests are held by any such future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager, consultant or independent contractor or their estates, heirs, family members, spouses or former spouses or permitted transferees) pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or other agreement or arrangement or any stock subscription or shareholder or similar agreement; provided, however, that, except with respect to non-discretionary purchases not to exceed $5.0 million per calendar year, the aggregate amounts paid under this clause (iv) shall not exceed $30.0 million in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being permitted to be carried over for the next two succeeding calendar years); provided, further, however, that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:

(a) the cash proceeds received by the Issuer from the issuance or sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer, to any future, present or former employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants or independent contractors of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries that occurs after the Spin-Off Effective Date; provided that the amount of such cash proceeds utilized for any such repurchase, retirement, other acquisition or dividend will not increase the amount available for Restricted Payments under Section 3.4(a)(C); plus

(b) the cash proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Issuer or its Restricted Subsidiaries after the Spin-Off Effective Date; plus

(c) the amount of any cash bonuses otherwise payable to employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants or independent contractors of the Issuer or its Subsidiaries that are foregone in return for the receipt of Qualified Equity Interests; less

(d) the amount of cash proceeds described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 3.4(b)(iv) previously used to make Restricted Payments pursuant to this Section 3.4(b)(iv); provided that the Issuer may elect to apply all or any portion of the aggregate increase contemplated by clauses (a), (b) and (c) of this Section 3.4(b)(iv) in any calendar year;

 

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provided that, cancellation of Indebtedness owing to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary from any future, current or former officer, director, employee, manager, consultant or independent contractor (or any permitted transferees thereof) of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries thereof, in connection with a repurchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer from such Persons will not be deemed to constitute a Restricted Payment for purposes of this covenant or any other provisions of this Indenture;

(v) the declaration and payment of dividends or distributions to holders of any class or series of Disqualified Stock of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any class or series of Preferred Stock of any Restricted Subsidiaries issued or Incurred after the Issue Date in accordance with Section 3.3;

(vi) Restricted Payments by the Issuer following the Spin-Off Effective Date in order to effectuate regularly scheduled dividend payments in an amount not to exceed $50.0 million in any fiscal year of the Issuer;

(vii) other Restricted Payments (including loans or advances) in an aggregate amount in any fiscal year not to exceed (net of repayments of any such loans or advances) $50.0 million;

(viii) the payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to provisions similar to Section 3.7 and Section 3.9; provided that, prior to such payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value, the Issuer (or a third party to the extent permitted by this Indenture) shall have made a Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as the case may be, with respect to the Notes as a result of such Change of Control or Asset Sale, as the case may be, and shall have paid, repurchased, redeemed, defeased, acquired or retired all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn in connection with such Change of Control Offer or Asset Sale Offer, as the case may be;

(ix) repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options, warrants or similar equity incentive awards if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options, warrants or similar equity incentive awards, (ii) repurchases of Equity Interests to fund payments made or expected to be made by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of withholding taxes payable or expected to be payable by any future, present or former director, officer, employee, manager, consultant, agent or independent contractor of the Issuer or

 

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any Subsidiary of the Issuer (or their respective Affiliates, estates or immediate family members) in connection with the exercise of stock options or the grant, vesting or delivery of Equity Interests, and the corresponding payments of such taxes and (iii) loans or advances to officers, directors, employees, managers, consultants, agents and independent contractors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Issuer; provided that no cash is actually advanced pursuant to this clause (iii) other than to pay taxes due in connection with such purchase, unless immediately repaid;

(x) Investments relating to any Receivables Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, are necessary or advisable to effect a Receivables Financing or any repurchases or other transactions in connection therewith;

(xi) payments or distributions to satisfy dissenters’ rights, pursuant to or in connection with a consolidation, merger, amalgamation or transfer of assets that complies with the provisions of this Indenture;

(xii) any Restricted Payments attributable to, or arising in connection with, (i) the Transactions (including the Special Payment) or pursuant to the Spin-Off Documents, and (ii) any other transactions pursuant to agreements or arrangements in effect on the Issue Date or contemplated to be existing on the Spin-Off Effective Date on substantially the terms described in the Offering Memorandum or any amendment, modification or supplement thereto or replacement thereof, as long as the terms of such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced is not materially more disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the Board of Directors to the Holders, taken as a whole, than the terms of such agreement or arrangement described in this Offering Memorandum;

(xiii) the payment of cash in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares of Equity Interests in connection with any merger, consolidation, amalgamation or other business combination, or in connection with any dividend, distribution or split of, or upon exercise, conversion or exchange of Equity Interests, warrants, options or other securities exercisable or convertible into, Equity Interests of the Issuer;

(xiv) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate amount, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (xiv) that are at the time outstanding not to exceed the greater of (x) $60.0 million and (y) 2.0% of Total Assets outstanding at any one time;

(xv) (1) any Restricted Payment of the kind described in clauses (i) and (ii) of the definition thereof; provided that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related transactions the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00; and (2) any Restricted Payment of the kind described in clauses (iii) and (iv) of the definition thereof; provided that on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related transactions the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio would be equal to or less than 3.00 to 1.00;

(xvi) the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries may pay the premium in respect of, and otherwise perform its obligations under, any Permitted Bond Hedge Transaction;

 

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(xvii) the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make any payments required by the terms of, and otherwise perform its obligations under, any Permitted Warrant Transaction (including, without limitation, making payments due upon exercise and settlement or termination thereof); and

(xviii) Consolidated Tax Payments;

provided, however, that at the time of, and after giving effect to, any Restricted Payment of the type described in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the definition thereof permitted under Section 3.4(b)(vii) and Section 3.4(b)(xv), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would occur as a consequence thereof. For purposes of Section 3.4(b)(ix) above, taxes shall include all interest, additions to tax, and penalties with respect thereto;

provided, further, that prior to the Covenant Adjustment Date, no Restricted Payments (other than under clause (xii) above) shall be permitted to be made except for Restricted Payments not to exceed $25.0 million in any calendar year, which shall be increased to (x) $60.0 million in any calendar year if, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related transactions, the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio would be less than 2.50:1.00 and greater than or equal to 2.00:1.00 and (y) $90.0 million in any calendar year if, on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Restricted Payment and any related transactions, the Consolidated Total Debt Ratio would be less than 2.00:1.00; it being understood that Restricted Payments made pursuant to this second proviso shall be permitted only to the extent permitted under the other provisions of this Section 3.4 and this second proviso is not intended to, and shall not, provide Restricted Payments capacity not otherwise permitted by this Section 3.4.

(c) As of the Issue Date, all of the Issuer’s Subsidiaries are Restricted Subsidiaries. The Issuer will not permit any Unrestricted Subsidiary to become a Restricted Subsidiary except pursuant to the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary.” For purposes of designating any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, all outstanding Investments by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (except to the extent repaid) in the Subsidiary so designated will be deemed to be Restricted Payments or Permitted Investments in an amount determined as set forth in the last sentence of the definition of “Investments.” Such designation will only be permitted if a Restricted Payment or Permitted Investment in such amount would be permitted at such time and if such Subsidiary otherwise meets the definition of an Unrestricted Subsidiary. Unrestricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to any of the covenants set forth in this Indenture.

(d) For purposes of this Section 3.4, if any Investment or Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) would be permitted pursuant to one or more provisions described above and/or one or more of the exceptions contained in the definition of “Permitted Investments,” the Issuer may divide and classify such Investment or Restricted Payment (or a portion thereof) in any manner that complies with this Section 3.4.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, this Indenture shall not restrict any redemption or other payment by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary made as a mandatory principal redemption or other payment in respect of permitted Subordinated Indebtedness pursuant to an “AHYDO saver” provision of any agreement or instrument in respect of such permitted Subordinated Indebtedness, and the Issuer’s determination in good faith of the amount of any such “AHYDO saver” mandatory principal redemption or other payment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes under this Indenture.

 

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SECTION 3.5 Liens.

(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create, Incur or suffer to exist any Lien securing Indebtedness (other than Permitted Liens) on any asset or property of the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, unless (1) in the case of Liens securing Subordinated Indebtedness, the Notes and any applicable Guarantee are secured by a Lien on such property or assets and the proceeds thereof that is senior in priority to such Liens; or (2) in all other cases, the Notes and the applicable Guarantee are secured by a Lien on such property or assets and the proceeds thereof equally and ratably with or prior to such Liens.

(b) Any Lien which is granted to secure the Notes or such Guarantee under Section 3.5(a) shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged at the same time as the release of the Lien (other than a release following enforcement of remedies in respect of such Lien or the Obligations secured by such Lien) that gave rise to the obligation to secure the Notes or such Guarantee under Section 3.5(a).

(c) With respect to any Lien securing Indebtedness that was permitted to secure such Indebtedness at the time of the Incurrence of such Indebtedness, such Lien shall also be permitted to secure any Increased Amount of such Indebtedness. The “Increased Amount” of any Indebtedness shall mean any increase in the amount of such Indebtedness in connection with any accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value, the accretion or amortization of original issue discount, the payment of interest in the form of additional Indebtedness with the same terms, accretion of original issue discount or liquidation preference, the Related Costs Incurred or payable in connection therewith and increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies or increases in the value of property securing Indebtedness.

SECTION 3.6 Dividend and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting Subsidiaries. The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Guarantors) to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or consensual restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than the Guarantors) to:

(a) (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions to the Issuer or any Guarantor on its Capital Stock; or (ii) pay any Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or any Guarantor;

(b) make loans or advances to the Issuer or any Guarantor; or

(c) sell, lease or transfer any of its assets to the Issuer or any Guarantor; except in each case for such encumbrances or restrictions existing under or by reason of:

 

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(i) contractual encumbrances or restrictions of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or their respective properties in effect on the Issue Date, or the Spin-Off Effective Date pursuant to the Spin-Off Documents, including pursuant to the New Credit Agreement and the other documents relating to the New Credit Agreement, related Swap Contracts and Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(iii);

(ii) this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees thereof;

(iii) applicable law or any applicable rule, regulation or order (including court or administrative orders);

(iv) any agreement or other instrument of a Person acquired by or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary that is designated a Restricted Subsidiary which was in existence at the time of such acquisition (or at the time it merges, amalgamates or consolidates with or into the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or is designated a Restricted Subsidiary) or assumed in connection with the acquisition of assets from such Person (but, in each case, not created in contemplation thereof);

(v) customary (as determined by the Issuer in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive) encumbrances or restrictions contained in contracts or agreements for the sale of assets applicable to such assets pending consummation of such sale, including customary restrictions with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of Capital Stock or assets of such Restricted Subsidiary;

(vi) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business;

(vii) customary (as determined by the Issuer in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive) provisions in (x) joint venture agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business with respect to the Equity Interests subject to the joint venture and (y) operating or other similar agreements, asset sale agreements and stock sale agreements entered into in connection with the entering into of such transaction, which limitation is applicable only to the assets that are the subject of those agreements;

(viii) purchase money obligations for property acquired and Capitalized Lease Obligations entered into in the ordinary course of business, to the extent such obligations impose restrictions of the nature discussed in Section 3.6(c) on the property so acquired;

(ix) customary (as determined by the Issuer in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive) provisions contained in leases, sub-leases, licenses, sublicenses, contracts and other similar agreements entered into in the ordinary course of business to the extent such obligations impose restrictions on the property subject to such lease, sub-lease, license, sublicense, contract or other similar agreement;

 

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(x) any encumbrance or restriction effected in connection with a Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing that, in the good faith determination of the Issuer, are necessary or advisable to effect such Qualified Receivables Factoring or Qualified Receivables Financing;

(xi) other Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer that is Incurred subsequent to the Issue Date pursuant to Section 3.3; if (i) the encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such agreement or instrument taken as a whole are not materially less favorable to the Holders of the Notes than the encumbrances and restrictions contained in this Indenture (as determined in good faith by the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive), or (ii) the Issuer determines in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive, that such encumbrance or restriction will not materially affect the Issuer’s ability to make principal or interest payments on the Notes;

(xii) any encumbrance or restriction contained in Secured Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred pursuant to Section 3.3 and Section 3.5 to the extent limiting the right of the debtor to dispose of the assets securing such Indebtedness;

(xiii) any encumbrance or restriction arising or agreed to in the ordinary course of business, not relating to any Indebtedness, and that, individually or in the aggregate, (x) do not detract from the value of the property or assets of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary in any manner material to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary or (y) do not materially impair the Issuer’s ability to make future principal or interest payments on the Notes, in each case under this clause (xiii), as determined by the Issuer in good faith;

(xiv) customary (as determined by the Issuer in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive) provisions in joint venture agreements or arrangements and other similar agreements or arrangements relating solely to the applicable joint venture;

(xv) existing under, by reason of or with respect to Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing that Refinancing Indebtedness are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those contained in the agreements governing the Indebtedness being Refinanced; and

(xvi) any encumbrances or restrictions imposed by any amendments, modifications, restatements, renewals, increases, supplements, refundings, replacements or refinancings of the contracts, instruments or obligations referred to in clauses (i) through (xv) of this Section 3.6; provided that such encumbrances and restrictions contained in any such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing are, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, not materially more restrictive, taken as a whole, than the encumbrances and restrictions prior to such amendment, modification, restatement, renewal, increase, supplement, refunding, replacement or refinancing.

 

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For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 3.6, (i) the priority of any Preferred Stock in receiving dividends or liquidating distributions prior to dividends or liquidating distributions being paid on common stock shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make distributions on Capital Stock and (ii) the subordination of loans or advances made to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer to other Indebtedness Incurred by the Issuer or any such Restricted Subsidiary shall not be deemed a restriction on the ability to make loans or advances.

SECTION 3.7 Asset Sales.

(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, cause or make an Asset Sale, unless:

(i) the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, receives consideration (including by way of relief from, or by any other Person assuming responsibility for, any liabilities, contingent or otherwise) at the time of such Asset Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (on the date a legally binding commitment for such Asset Sale was entered into) of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of; and

(ii) with respect to an Asset Sale pursuant to this covenant the Net Cash Proceeds from which exceed $50.0 million, at least 75.0% of the consideration therefor, together with all other Asset Sales since the Issue Date (on a cumulative basis) received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, is in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents or Replacement Assets; provided, however, that the amount of:

(1) any liabilities (as shown on the Issuer’s most recent consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto, or if incurred, accrued or increased subsequent to the date of such balance sheet, such liabilities that would have been reflected on the Issuer’s consolidated balance sheet or in the footnotes thereto if such incurrence, accrual or increase had taken place on or prior to the date of such balance sheet, as determined by the Issuer) of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the Notes or the Guarantees or that are assumed by the transferee of any such assets or Equity Interests (or are otherwise extinguished in connection with the transactions relating to such Asset Sale) pursuant to a written agreement that releases or indemnifies the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from such liabilities;

(2) any notes or other obligations or other securities or assets received by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents, or by their terms are required to be satisfied for cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days of the receipt thereof; and

 

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(3) any Designated Non-cash Consideration received by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in such Asset Sale having an aggregate Fair Market Value, taken together with all other Designated Non-cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (3) that is at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (x) $70.0 million and (y) 2.5% of Total Assets (with the Fair Market Value of each item of Designated Non-cash Consideration being measured on the date a legally binding commitment for such disposition (or, if later, for the payment of such item) was entered into and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);

shall each be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for the purposes of this clause (ii).

(b) Within 545 days after the Issuer’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may apply an amount equal to the Net Cash Proceeds from such Asset Sale, at its option:

(i) to reduce Obligations under the New Credit Agreement and, in the case of revolving loans, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(ii) to reduce Obligations under Indebtedness (other than Subordinated Indebtedness) that is secured by a Lien, which Lien is permitted by this Indenture and, in the case of revolving loans, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto;

(iii) to reduce Obligations under (x) Pari Passu Indebtedness of the Issuer or the Guarantors (provided that if the Issuer or any Guarantor shall so reduce such Obligations under Pari Passu Indebtedness other than the Notes, the Issuer will (A) equally and ratably reduce Obligations under the Notes as provided in Article V or through open-market purchases (to the extent such purchases are at or above 100.0% of the principal amount thereof) or (B) make an offer (in accordance with the procedures set forth below for an Asset Sale Offer) to all Holders to purchase at a purchase price equal to no less than 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, the principal amount of Notes that would be redeemed under clause (A) above) or (y) Indebtedness of a Non-Guarantor Subsidiary, in each case, other than Indebtedness owed to the Issuer or another Restricted Subsidiary (and, in the case of revolving loans, to correspondingly reduce commitments with respect thereto);

(iv) to make an investment in any one or more businesses (provided that if such investment is in the form of the acquisition of Equity Interests of a Person, such Person is, or becomes as a result of such acquisition, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer), assets (other than working capital assets), or capital expenditures, in each case used or useful in a Similar Business;

 

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(v) to make an investment in any one or more businesses (provided that if such investment is in the form of the acquisition of Equity Interests of a Person, such Person is, or becomes as a result of such acquisition, a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer) or assets (other than working capital assets) that replace the businesses and/or assets that are the subject of such Asset Sale; or

(vi) any combination of the foregoing;

provided that (x) the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be deemed to have applied the Net Cash Proceeds pursuant to the provisions described in clauses (iv) and (v) of this Section 3.7(b) if and to the extent that, within 545 days after the receipt of the Net Cash Proceeds of an Asset Sale, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, has entered into and not abandoned or rejected a binding agreement to make an investment pursuant to the provision described in clauses (iv) and (v) of this Section 3.7(b), and that investment is thereafter completed within 730 days following receipt of such Net Cash Proceeds, and (y) the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary may elect to make an investment pursuant to clauses (iv) or (v) of this Section 3.7(b) prior to receiving Net Cash Proceeds attributable to any given Asset Sale (provided that such investment shall be made no earlier than the earliest of execution of a definitive agreement for the relevant Asset Sale, and consummation of the relevant Asset Sale) and deem the amount so invested to be applied pursuant to and in accordance with either or both of such clauses with respect to such Asset Sale.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that (i) the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sale by a Foreign Subsidiary is not applied by such Subsidiary in accordance with Section 3.7(b) and (ii) repatriation to the United States of any or all of the Net Cash Proceeds of any Asset Sales by such Foreign Subsidiary (x) is prohibited or delayed by applicable local law or (y) would have a material adverse tax consequence (taking into account any foreign tax credit or other net benefit actually realized in connection with such repatriation that would not otherwise be realized), as determined by the Issuer in its sole discretion, the portion of such Net Cash Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied in compliance with this Section 3.7; provided that clause (x) of this Section 3.7(c) shall apply to such amounts for so long, but only for so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Issuer hereby agreeing to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law, applicable organizational impediments or other impediment to permit such repatriation), and if such repatriation of any of such affected Net Cash Proceeds is permitted under the applicable local law and is not subject to clause (y) of this Section 3.7(c), the portion of such Net Cash Proceeds so affected will then be required to be applied (net of additional taxes that would be payable or reserved against if such net cash proceeds were then repatriated) in compliance with this Section 3.7. The time periods set forth in this Section 3.7 shall not start until such time as the Net Cash Proceeds may be repatriated (whether or not such repatriation actually occurs).

 

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(d) Pending the final application of any such amount of Net Cash Proceeds, the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce Indebtedness under a revolving credit facility, if any, or otherwise invest or utilize such Net Cash Proceeds in any manner not prohibited by this Indenture. Any amount of the Net Cash Proceeds from any Asset Sale that is not invested or applied as provided and within the time period set forth in Section 3.7(b) will be deemed to constitute “Excess Proceeds”; provided that any amount of proceeds offered to Holders pursuant to Section 3.7(b)(iii)(x) or pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer made at any time after the Asset Sale shall be deemed to have been applied as required and shall not be deemed to be Excess Proceeds without regard to the extent to which such offer is accepted by the Holders. When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $50.0 million, the Issuer shall make an offer (an “Asset Sale Offer”) to all Holders of Notes and, if required by the terms of any Pari Passu Indebtedness, to all holders of such Pari Passu Indebtedness, to purchase the maximum principal amount of such Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness, as appropriate, on a pro rata basis, that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at an offer price in cash in an amount equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof (or in the event such Pari Passu Indebtedness was issued with original issue discount, 100.0% of the accreted value thereof), plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any (or such lesser price, if any, as may be provided by the terms of such Pari Passu Indebtedness), to (but not including) the date fixed for the closing of such offer, in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Indenture and the agreement governing such Pari Passu Indebtedness. The Issuer will commence an Asset Sale Offer with respect to Excess Proceeds within 30 Business Days after the date that Excess Proceeds exceed $50.0 million by transmitting electronically or by mailing to the Holders the notice required pursuant to the terms of this Indenture, with a copy to the Trustee, or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC. The Issuer may satisfy the foregoing obligations with respect to such Net Cash Proceeds from an Asset Sale by making an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Cash Proceeds at any time prior to the expiration of the application period or by electing to make an Asset Sale Offer with respect to such Net Cash Proceeds before the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $50.0 million.

(e) To the extent that the aggregate amount of Notes and any other Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise surrendered in connection with an Asset Sale Offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the Issuer may use any remaining Excess Proceeds for any purpose not otherwise prohibited by this Indenture. If the aggregate principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness tendered or otherwise surrendered by holders thereof exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the Trustee shall select the Notes and the Issuer or its agent shall select such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased in the manner described below. Upon completion of any such Asset Sale Offer, the amount of Excess Proceeds shall be reset at zero. To the extent the Excess Proceeds exceed the outstanding aggregate principal amount of the Notes (and, if required by the terms thereof, all Pari Passu Indebtedness), the Issuer need only make an Asset Sale Offer up to the outstanding aggregate principal amount of Notes (and any such Pari Passu Indebtedness), and any additional Excess Proceeds shall not be subject to this Section 3.7 and shall be permitted to be used for any purpose in the Issuer’s discretion.

(f) The Issuer will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 under the Exchange Act and any other securities laws and regulations to the extent such laws or regulations are applicable in connection with the purchase of the Notes pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the provisions of this Indenture, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Indenture by virtue thereof.

 

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(g) The provisions under this Indenture relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to purchase the Notes as a result of an Asset Sale, including the definition of “Asset Sale,” may be waived or modified at any time (including after Net Cash Proceeds have been received) with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

(h) If more Notes are tendered pursuant to an Asset Sale Offer than the Issuer is required to purchase, selection of such Notes for purchase will be made in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed (to the extent the Trustee knows of such listing) or if such Notes are not listed, on a pro rata basis (with adjustments so that only Notes in denominations of the Minimum Denomination or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof shall be purchased), by lot or by such other method as the Trustee shall deem fair and appropriate (and in such manner as complies with applicable legal requirements); provided that the selection of Notes for purchase shall not result in a Noteholder with a principal amount of Notes less than the Minimum Denomination. No Note will be repurchased in part if less than the Minimum Denomination of such Note would be left outstanding.

(i) Notices of an Asset Sale Offer shall be mailed by first class mail, postage prepaid, or sent electronically, at least 10 days but not more than 60 days before the purchase date to each Holder of Notes at such Holder’s registered address or otherwise in accordance with DTC procedures, except that such notice may be delivered more than 60 days prior to the purchase date if such purchase is delayed because the receipt by the Issuer of the relevant Net Cash Proceeds has been delayed, in which case the purchase date shall be the date on which the Net Cash Proceeds are received; provided that the notice period for any Asset Sale Offer shall not be less than the minimum period required by applicable law. If any Note is to be purchased in part only, any notice of purchase that relates to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has been or is to be purchased.

(j) A new Note in principal amount equal to the unpurchased portion of any Note purchased in part will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the purchase date, unless the Issuer defaults in payment of the purchase price, interest shall cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof purchased.

(k) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Asset Sales that are necessary or advisable (as determined by the Issuer in good faith) in order to consummate any acquisition of any Person, business or assets or any Investment or are of non-core assets acquired in connection with any acquisition of any Person, business or assets or any Investment, shall not be subject to the requirements set forth in Section 3.7(a)(i) and Section 3.7(a)(ii).

 

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SECTION 3.8 Transactions with Affiliates.

(a) The Issuer will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make any payment to, or sell, lease, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its assets to, or purchase any property or assets from, or enter into or make or amend any transaction or series of transactions, contract, agreement, understanding, loan, advance or guarantee with, or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Issuer involving aggregate consideration in excess of $20.0 million (each of the foregoing, an “Affiliate Transaction”), unless:

(i) such Affiliate Transaction is on terms that are not materially less favorable to the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary than those that could have been obtained in a comparable transaction by the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary with an unrelated Person on an arm’s-length basis; and

(ii) with respect to any Affiliate Transaction or series of related Affiliate Transactions involving aggregate consideration in excess of $50.0 million, the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a resolution adopted in good faith by the majority of the Board of Directors of the Issuer, approving such Affiliate Transaction, together with an Officer’s Certificate certifying such resolution.

(b) For purposes of Section 3.8(a), any Affiliate Transaction shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements set forth in Section 3.8(a) if such Affiliate Transaction is approved by a majority of the Disinterested Directors.

(c) The provisions of Section 3.8(a) will not apply to the following:

(i) (a) transactions between or among the Issuer and/or one or more of its Restricted Subsidiaries (or an entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of such transaction), and/or (b) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, transactions between International Paper and its Subsidiaries;

(ii) (a) Restricted Payments permitted by this Indenture (including any transaction specifically excluded from the definition of the term “Restricted Payments,” including pursuant to the exceptions contained in the definition thereof and the parenthetical exclusions of such definition) and (b) Permitted Investments (except transactions described in clause (13) of the definition of “Permitted Investments”);

(iii) transactions in which the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, as the case may be, delivers to the Trustee a letter from an Independent Financial Advisor stating that such transaction is fair to the Issuer or such Restricted Subsidiary from a financial point of view or meets the requirements of Section 3.8(a)(i);

(iv) payments, loans, advances or guarantees (or cancellation of loans, advances or guarantees) to future, present or former employees, officers, directors, managers, consultants or independent contractors of the Issuer or any Subsidiary or guarantees in respect thereof for bona fide business purposes or in the ordinary course of business;

 

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(v) the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under, (A) any agreement or arrangement (x) as in effect on the Issue Date or (y) pursuant to the Spin-Off Documents (including the Transactions) or (B) any amendment, modification or supplement to the agreements referenced in clause (A) above or any replacement thereof, as long as the terms of such agreement or arrangement, as so amended, modified, supplemented or replaced are not materially more disadvantageous to the Holders when taken as a whole compared to the applicable agreements or arrangements as in effect on the Issue Date or the Spin-Off Effective Date;

(vi) the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under the terms of any stockholders or similar agreement (including any registration rights agreement or purchase agreement related thereto) to which it is a party as of the Issue Date or similar transactions, arrangements or agreements which it may enter into thereafter; provided, however, that the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of its obligations under, any future amendment to any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement or under any similar transaction, arrangement or agreement entered into after the Issue Date shall only be permitted by this clause (vi) to the extent that the terms of any such existing transaction, arrangement or agreement, together with all amendments thereto, taken as a whole, or new transaction, arrangement or agreement are not otherwise more disadvantageous to the Holders in any material respect, in the good faith judgment of the Issuer, when taken as a whole as compared with the original transaction, arrangement or agreement as in effect on the Issue Date or the Spin-Off Effective Date;

(vii) transactions with customers, clients, suppliers, joint venture partners or purchasers or sellers of goods or services, in each case, in the ordinary course of business and otherwise in compliance with the terms of this Indenture, which are fair to the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries (as reasonably determined by the Issuer) or are on terms at least as favorable as might reasonably have been obtained at such time from an unaffiliated party (as reasonably determined by the Issuer);

(viii) any transaction effected as part of a Qualified Receivables Factoring or a Qualified Receivables Financing;

(ix) the sale, issuance or transfer of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer; and (ii) any transaction to the extent the consideration paid by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary is (x) Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer or (y) proceeds from the issuance or sale of Qualified Equity Interests of the Issuer;

(x) any contribution to the equity capital of the Issuer (other than Disqualified Stock);

(xi) any transaction with a Person (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary owns an Equity Interest in or otherwise controls such Person; provided that no Affiliate of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries other than the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary shall have a beneficial interest or otherwise participate in such Person;

 

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(xii) transactions between the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and any Person that would constitute an Affiliate Transaction solely because such Person is a director or such Person has a director which is also a director of the Issuer; provided, however, that such director abstains from voting as a director of the Issuer on any matter involving such other Person;

(xiii) any Guarantees issued by the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for the benefit of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is permitted under Section 3.3 and (ii) guarantees, indemnities, bankers acceptances, surety bonds and letters of credit issued by, or for the account of, and Liens granted for the benefit of, the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary for the benefit of the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case otherwise permitted by Section 3.3 or Section 3.5;

(xiv) transactions to effect the Transactions and the payment of all transaction, underwriting, commitment and other fees and expenses related to the Transactions;

(xv) any payments or other transaction pursuant to any tax sharing agreement between the Issuer and any other Person with which the Issuer files a consolidated tax return or with which the Issuer is part of a consolidated group for tax purposes; provided that (i) such payments shall not exceed the amount of any taxes that the Issuer and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay on a separate company basis, or on a consolidated basis as if the Issuer had filed a consolidated return on behalf of an affiliated group of which it were the common parent and of which the includable subsidiaries were members and (ii) payments with respect to the taxable income of Unrestricted Subsidiaries shall be permitted only to the extent that cash distributions were made by any Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary for such purpose (“Consolidated Tax Payments”);

(xvi) the issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment arrangements and other compensation arrangements, equity purchase agreements, stock options, long-term incentive plans, stock appreciation rights plans, participation plans and stock ownership plans or similar employee benefit plans approved by the Board of Directors of the Issuer or of a Restricted Subsidiary, as appropriate, in good faith;

(xvii) any employment, consulting, service or termination agreement, or customary reimbursement and indemnification arrangements, entered into by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with current, former or future officers, directors, employees, managers, consultants and independent contractors of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) any subscription agreement or similar agreement pertaining to the repurchase of Equity Interests pursuant to put/call rights or similar rights with current, former or future officers, directors, employees, managers, consultants and independent

 

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contractors of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries and (iii) any payment of compensation or other employee compensation, benefit plan or arrangement, or any health, disability or similar insurance plan which covers current, former or future officers, directors, employees, managers, consultants and independent contractors of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries (including amounts paid pursuant to any management equity plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, stock option or similar plans and any successor plan thereto and any supplemental executive retirement benefit plans or arrangements), in each case, in the ordinary course of business or as otherwise approved in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Issuer or of a Restricted Subsidiary, as appropriate;

(xviii) (i) investments by Affiliates in Indebtedness or Equity Interests of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, so long as the investment is being offered by the Issuer or such Subsidiary generally to other non-affiliated third party investors on the same or more favorable terms, and (ii) transactions with Affiliates solely in their capacity as holders of Indebtedness or Equity Interests of the Issuer or any of its Subsidiaries, to the extent such transaction is with all holders of such class (and there are such non-Affiliate holders) and such Affiliates are treated no more favorably than all other holders of such class generally;

(xix) the existence of, or the performance by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of their obligations under the terms of, any customary registration rights agreement to which they are a party or become a party in the future;

(xx) (i) transactions with joint ventures for the purchase or sale of goods, equipment and services entered into in the ordinary course of business and (ii) any payments to or from, and transactions with any joint venture or any variable interest entity in the ordinary course of business and consistent with past practice (including, without limitation, any Cash Management Services related thereto);

(xxi) any lease entered into between the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Affiliate of the Issuer in the ordinary course of business;

(xxii) intellectual property licenses in the ordinary course of business;

(xxiii) the Special Payment; and

(xxiv) (i) Guarantees and any bid, performance or similar project related bonds, company performance guarantees, bank performance guaranties or surety bonds or performance letters of credit, by the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the benefit of joint ventures, Unrestricted Subsidiaries and variable interest entities, to the extent otherwise permitted by this Indenture and (ii) Liens described in clause (25) of the definition of “Permitted Liens.”

 

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SECTION 3.9 Change of Control.

(a) Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder will have the right to require the Issuer to purchase all or any part of such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash (the “Change of Control Payment”) equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling prior to or on the purchase date), except to the extent the Issuer has previously elected to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Article V.

(b) Prior to or within 30 days following any Change of Control, except to the extent that the Issuer has exercised its right to redeem all of the Notes pursuant to Article V, the Issuer shall deliver a notice (a “Change of Control Offer”) to each Holder, with a copy to the Trustee, or otherwise in accordance with the procedures of DTC, describing:

(i) that a Change of Control has occurred or may occur and that such Holder has, or upon such occurrence will have, the right to require the Issuer to purchase such Holder’s Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on a record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the purchase date);

(ii) the transaction or transactions that constitute or are expected to constitute such Change of Control;

(iii) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than 10 days nor later than 60 days from the date such notice is given, except that such notice may be given more than 60 days prior to the purchase date if the purchase date is delayed as provided in Section 3.9(b)(vii)) (the “Change of Control Payment Date”); provided that the notice period for any Change of Control Offer shall not be less than the minimum period required by applicable law;

(iv) that any Note not properly tendered will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest;

(v) that unless the Issuer defaults in the payment of the Change of Control Payment, all Notes accepted for payment pursuant to the Change of Control Offer will cease to accrue interest on the Change of Control Payment Date;

(vi) that if the Issuer is purchasing less than all of the Notes, the Holders of the remaining Notes will be issued new Notes and such new Notes will be equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered. The unpurchased portion of the Notes must be equal to the Minimum Denomination or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof;

(vii) if such notice is delivered prior to the occurrence of a Change of Control, stating that the Change of Control Offer is conditional on the occurrence of such Change of Control and that the Change of Control Payment Date may, in the Issuer’s discretion, be delayed until such time as the Change of Control has occurred; and

 

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(viii) the other instructions and procedures determined by the Issuer, consistent with this Section 3.9, that a Holder must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 3.9, the Issuer will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer upon a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in this Indenture applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by the Issuer and purchases all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change of Control Offer.

(d) A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of Control, and conditioned upon such Change of Control.

(e) If Holders of not less than 90.0% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in a Change of Control Offer and the Issuer, or any third party making a Change of Control Offer in lieu of the Issuer pursuant to this Section 3.9, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, the Issuer or such third party will have the right, upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 60 days following such purchase pursuant to the Change of Control Offer, to redeem all Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price in cash equal to 101.0% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest to but excluding the date of the redemption.

(f) The Issuer will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of Rule 14e-1 of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to this Section 3.9. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of this Section 3.9, the Issuer will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this Section 3.9 by virtue of such compliance.

(g) On the Change of Control Payment Date, the Issuer will, to the extent permitted by law:

(i) accept for payment all Notes issued by the Issuer or portions thereof validly tendered pursuant to the Change of Control Offer;

(ii) deposit with the Paying Agent an amount equal to the aggregate Change of Control Payment in respect of all Notes or portions thereof so tendered; and

(iii) deliver, or cause to be delivered, to the Trustee for cancellation the Notes so accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that such Notes or portions thereof have been tendered to and purchased by the Issuer.

 

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(h) The provisions of this Indenture relating to the Issuer’s obligation to make an offer to purchase the Notes as a result of a Change of Control, including the definition of “Change of Control,” may be waived or modified at any time with the written consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding.

SECTION 3.10 Additional Guarantors.

(a) If, after the Issue Date, (a) (1) any Restricted Subsidiary that is a Domestic Subsidiary or organized in an Approved Jurisdiction (including any newly formed, newly acquired or newly redesignated Restricted Subsidiary, but excluding any Domestic Subsidiary that is a FSHCO or a Subsidiary of a CFC (other than a CFC organized in an Approved Jurisdiction)) that is not then a Guarantor enters into any guarantee of or otherwise Incurs any Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or any other Credit Agreement which is entered into or guaranteed by the Issuer or a Guarantor or (2) any Restricted Subsidiary (including any newly formed, newly acquired or newly redesignated Restricted Subsidiary, but excluding any Receivables Subsidiary) that is not then a Guarantor guarantees any Public Indebtedness of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries which is a Guarantor, in each case, with an aggregate principal amount in excess of $100.0 million (“Certain Capital Markets Debt”) or (b) the Issuer otherwise elects to have any Restricted Subsidiary become a Guarantor, then, in each such case, the Issuer shall cause such Restricted Subsidiary, (in the case of clause (a) above, within 30 days (or 90 days in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Domestic Subsidiary or that is a FSHCO or a Domestic Subsidiary of a CFC) of the date that such Indebtedness has been guaranteed, or otherwise Incurred) to execute and deliver to the Trustee a supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor under this Indenture governing the Notes providing for a Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary that (in the case of clause (a) above) ranks pari passu (on an unsecured basis) with such Indebtedness or such guarantee of such Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement, such other Credit Agreement or such Certain Capital Markets Debt so Incurred or provided by such Restricted Subsidiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (w) no Guarantee by a Receivables Subsidiary shall be required solely as a result of the Incurrence of Indebtedness, Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock by such Receivables Subsidiary in a Qualified Receivables Financing or a Qualified Receivables Factoring in accordance with Section 3.3(b)(xxii), (x) no Guarantee shall be required as a result of any Indebtedness or guarantee of Indebtedness that existed at the time such Person became a Restricted Subsidiary if the Indebtedness or guarantee was not Incurred in connection with, or in contemplation of, such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, and (y) no Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to become a Guarantor if, in the good faith determination of the Issuer (which determination shall be conclusive), the provision by such Restricted Subsidiary of a Guarantee could reasonably be expected to give rise to or result in:

(i) any violation of applicable law that cannot be avoided or otherwise prevented through measures reasonably available to the Issuer (including any reasonably available “whitewash” procedures or similar procedures that would be required in order to enable such Guarantee to be provided in accordance with applicable law);

 

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(ii) any liability (criminal, civil, administrative or other) for any of the officers, directors or shareholders of the Issuer or any Subsidiary thereof (including such Guarantor);

(iii) any violation of the provisions of any joint venture or other material agreement, in each case in effect on the Issue Date and not entered into in contemplation of avoiding a requirement to guarantee the Notes, governing or binding upon the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary;

(iv) any material risk of any such violation or liability;

(v) any cost, expense, liability or obligation (except, in each case, with respect to taxes) other than routine and immaterial out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with (x) any governmental or regulatory filings required as a result of such Guarantee or (y) any “whitewash” procedures (or similar procedures that would be required in order to enable such Guarantee to be provided in accordance with applicable law) undertaken in connection with such Guarantee; or

(vi) any material adverse tax consequence, including an obligation to pay additional amounts in respect thereof, other than a material adverse tax consequence under Section 956 of the Code attributable to the provision of a Guarantee by a Person organized in an Approved Jurisdiction.

(b) Each Guarantee by a Restricted Subsidiary will be limited to an amount in U.S. dollars or to the equivalent in local currency, if mandatory under the applicable law, not to exceed the maximum amount that can be guaranteed by such Restricted Subsidiary without rendering the Guarantee, as it relates to such Restricted Subsidiary, voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Indenture, each Note Guarantee of a Subsidiary Guarantor organized in a jurisdiction outside the United States shall be in such form and substance, and subject to such terms, conditions, limitations, qualifications and restrictions as may be necessary or appropriate (in the good faith determination of the Issuer, which determination shall be conclusive) by reason of or to comply with any applicable law, rule or regulation.

(c) Each Guarantee by a Subsidiary Guarantor shall be released upon the terms and in accordance with the provisions of Article X.

SECTION 3.11 [Reserved].

SECTION 3.12 Compliance Certificate; Statement by Officers as to Default. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Issuer ending after the Issue Date, an Officer’s Certificate to the effect that to the best knowledge of the signer thereof on behalf of the Issuer, the Issuer is or is not in default in the performance and observance of any of the terms, provisions and conditions of this Indenture (without regard to any period of grace or requirement of notice provided hereunder) and, if the Issuer (through its own action or omission or through the action or omission of any Guarantor as applicable) shall be in default, specifying all such defaults and the nature and status thereof of which such signer may have knowledge.

 

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So long as any of the Notes are outstanding, the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days upon any Officer becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default (unless such Default or Event of Default has been cured or waived within such 30 day period), written notice specifying such Default or Event of Default and what action the Issuer is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto. The Trustee will not be deemed to have notice or knowledge of any Defaults or Events of Default unless a Responsible Officer of the Trustee shall have received a written notice of such an event at its Corporate Trust Office and such notice references the Notes and this Indenture and states that it is a “Notice of Default.”

SECTION 3.13 Spin-Off Transactions.

Notwithstanding any of the covenants or obligations of the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in this Article III or Article IV, any action taken by any of the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary necessary to consummate the Spin-Off and the other Transactions as described in the Offering Memorandum shall be permitted under those covenants and obligations without restriction.

SECTION 3.14 [Reserved].

SECTION 3.15 Covenant Suspension.

(a) If on any date following the Spin-Off Effective Date (i) the Notes have Investment Grade Ratings from both Rating Agencies, and (ii) no Default has occurred and is continuing under this Indenture (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a “Covenant Suspension Event”), the Guarantees will be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged and the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries will not be subject to the covenants or provisions contained in Section 3.3, Section 3.4, Section 3.6, Section 3.7, Section 3.8, Section 3.10, Section 4.1(a)(iv), Section 4.1(a)(v) and Section 4.1(b) (collectively, the “Suspended Covenants”).

(b) In the event that the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture for any period of time pursuant to Section 3.15(a), and on any subsequent date (the “Reversion Date”) the Issuer obtains actual knowledge that one or both of the Rating Agencies has withdrawn their Investment Grade Rating or downgraded the rating assigned to the Notes below an Investment Grade Rating, then the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants under this Indenture with respect to future events. The period of time between the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event and the Reversion Date is referred to in this Indenture as the “Suspension Period.”

(c) Upon the occurrence of a Covenant Suspension Event, the amount of Excess Proceeds from Net Cash Proceeds shall be reset at zero.

 

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(d) With respect to Restricted Payments made after the Reversion Date, the amount of Restricted Payments made will be calculated as though Section 3.4 had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; provided that no Subsidiaries may be designated as Unrestricted Subsidiaries during the Suspension Period. All Indebtedness Incurred, or Disqualified Stock or Preferred Stock issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been Incurred or issued pursuant to Section 3.3(b)(iii). In addition, for purposes of Section 3.8, all agreements and arrangements entered into by the Issuer and any Restricted Subsidiary with an Affiliate of the Issuer during the Suspension Period prior to such Reversion Date will be deemed to have been entered into on or prior to the Issue Date and for purposes of Section 3.6, all contracts entered into during the Suspension Period prior to such Reversion Date that contain any of the restrictions contemplated by Section 3.6 will be deemed to have been existing on the Issue Date.

(e) During the Suspension Period, any reference in the definitions of “Permitted Liens” and “Unrestricted Subsidiary” to Section 3.3 or any provision thereof shall be construed as if Section 3.3 were in effect during the Suspension Period.

(f) Notwithstanding that the Suspended Covenants may be reinstated, no Default or Event of Default will be deemed to have occurred as a result of any actions taken by the Issuer or any Subsidiary (including for the avoidance of doubt any failure to comply with the Suspended Covenants) or other events that occurred during any Suspension Period (or upon termination of the Suspension Period or after that time arising out of events that occurred or actions taken during the Suspension Period) and the Issuer and any Subsidiary will be permitted, without causing a Default or Event of Default or breach of any kind under this Indenture, to honor, comply with or otherwise perform any contractual commitments or obligations entered into during a Suspension Period following a Reversion Date and to consummate the transactions contemplated thereby.

(g) The Trustee will have no obligation to (i) independently determine, monitor or verify if such events have occurred, (ii) make any determination regarding the impact of actions taken during the Suspension Period on the Issuer and its Subsidiaries’ future compliance with their covenants or (iii) notify the Holders of any Covenant Suspension Event or Reversion Date. The Issuer shall give the Trustee written notice of any Covenant Suspension Event not later than fifteen Business Days after such Covenant Suspension Event has occurred, but failure to so notify the Trustee shall not invalidate any Covenant Suspension Event and shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer or prevent the Issuer from subsequently delivering such notice. In the absence of such notice, the Trustee may assume the Suspended Covenants apply and are in full force and effect. The Issuer shall give the Trustee written notice of any occurrence of a Reversion Date not later than fifteen Business Days after such Reversion Date, but failure to so notify the Trustee shall not invalidate the occurrence of the Reversion Date and shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer or prevent the Issuer from subsequently delivering such notice. After any such notice of the occurrence of a Reversion Date, the Trustee shall assume the Suspended Covenants apply and are in full force and effect.

 

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ARTICLE IV

Merger; Consolidation or Sale of Assets

SECTION 4.1 When the Issuer May Merge or Otherwise Dispose of Assets.

(a) The Issuer may not consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not the Issuer is the surviving Person), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets in one or more related transactions to any Person unless:

(i) the Issuer is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or winding up (if other than the Issuer) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia (the Issuer or such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Company”);

(ii) the Successor Company (if other than the Issuer) expressly assumes all the obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes pursuant to a supplemental indenture or other appropriate document or instrument;

(iii) immediately after giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an obligation of the Successor Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such transaction as having been Incurred by the Successor Company or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing;

(iv) immediately after giving Pro Forma Effect to such transaction and any related transactions, either:

(1) the Issuer (or, if applicable, the Successor Company) would be permitted to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness as Ratio Debt; or

(2) the Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio for the Issuer (or the Successor Company, if applicable) and its Restricted Subsidiaries would be equal to or greater than such ratio for the Issuer (or the Successor Company, if applicable) and its Restricted Subsidiaries immediately prior to giving Pro Forma Effect to such transaction and any related transactions;

(v) if the Successor Company is other than the Issuer, each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to the transactions described above, shall have by supplemental indenture confirmed that its Guarantee shall apply to such Person’s obligations under this Indenture and the Notes; and

 

 

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(vi) the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or disposition complies with the provisions described in this Section 4.1(a); provided that (x) in giving such opinion such counsel may rely on an Officer’s Certificate as to compliance with the foregoing clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 4.1(a) and as to matters of fact, and (y) no Opinion of Counsel will be required for a transaction described in the second sentence of the immediately following paragraph.

The Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes, and the Issuer will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and the Notes. Notwithstanding the foregoing clauses (iii) and (iv) of this Section 4.1(a), (a) any Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate or amalgamate with, merge into or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or part of its assets to the Issuer, (b) the Issuer may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with an Affiliate of the Issuer incorporated or organized solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing the Issuer in another state of the United States or the District of Columbia to the extent the principal amount of Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby (unless such increase is permitted by this Indenture), (c) the Issuer may convert (including by way of merger, consolidation or amalgamation) into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or trust organized or existing under the laws of a jurisdiction in the United States, and (d) the Issuer may change its name. Any Investment expressly permitted under the definition of “Permitted Investments” or otherwise pursuant to Section 3.4 may be structured as a merger, amalgamation or consolidation so long as it complies with this covenant, to the extent applicable.

(b) Subject to Section 10.2, each Guarantor will not, and the Issuer will not permit any Guarantor to, consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into (whether or not such Guarantor is the surviving corporation), or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets in one or more related transactions to, any Person unless such consolidation, merger, amalgamation, winding up, sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition is made in compliance with Section 3.7 or does not constitute an Asset Sale (other than pursuant to clause (b) of the definition of “Asset Sale”), or unless:

(A) such Guarantor is the surviving Person or the Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or winding up (if other than such Guarantor) or to which such sale, assignment, transfer, lease, conveyance or other disposition will have been made is a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia, or any other member country of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or of the European Union (such Person, as the case may be, being herein called the “Successor Guarantor”);

(B) the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Guarantor) expressly assumes all the obligations of such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee pursuant to a supplemental indenture or other documents or instruments; and

 

 

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(C) the Successor Guarantor (if other than such Guarantor) shall have delivered or caused to be delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such consolidation, merger, amalgamation or disposition complies with the provisions described in this Section 4.1(b); provided that (x) in giving such opinion such counsel may rely on an Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact, and (y) no Opinion of Counsel will be required for a transaction described in the second sentence of the immediately following paragraph.

Subject to Article X, the Successor Guarantor will succeed to, and be substituted for, such Guarantor under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee, and such Guarantor will automatically be released and discharged from its obligations under this Indenture and such Guarantor’s Guarantee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.1(b), (1) a Guarantor may merge, consolidate or amalgamate with an Affiliate of the Issuer incorporated or organized solely for the purpose of reincorporating or reorganizing such Guarantor in another state or jurisdiction, to the extent the principal amount of Indebtedness of the Issuer and its Restricted Subsidiaries is not increased thereby (unless such increase is permitted by this Indenture), (2) a Guarantor may consolidate, merge or amalgamate with or into or wind up into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties and assets to, another Guarantor or the Issuer, (3) a Guarantor may convert (including by way of merger, consolidation or amalgamation) into a corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or trust organized or existing under the laws of the jurisdiction of organization of such Guarantor or the laws of a jurisdiction in the United States, (4) a Guarantor may change its name and (5) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate into any Guarantor; provided, in the case of this clause (5), that the surviving Person is or becomes a Guarantor upon consummation of such merger, amalgamation or consolidation.

(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Transactions and any other transaction entered into in connection with, and for purposes of effecting, the Spin-Off as described in the Offering Memorandum shall not be subject to this covenant.

(d) For purposes of Section 4.1, the sale, lease, conveyance, assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of one or more Subsidiaries of the Issuer, which assets, if held by the Issuer instead of such Subsidiaries, would constitute all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the Issuer.

ARTICLE V

Redemption of Notes

SECTION 5.1 Applicability of Article. Notes that are redeemable in whole or in part before their Stated Maturity shall be redeemable in accordance with their terms and in accordance with this Article V.

 

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SECTION 5.2 Right of Redemption.

(a) Notes may be redeemed, in whole at any time, or in part from time to time, subject to the conditions and at the Redemption Prices set forth in Exhibit A, which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this Indenture, together with accrued and unpaid interest to (but not including) the applicable redemption date.

(b) In connection with any redemption of Notes (including with the net cash proceeds of an Equity Offering), any such redemption or notice thereof may, at the Issuer’s discretion, be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by the Issuer in its sole discretion) of one or more conditions precedent, including, but not limited to, consummation of any related Equity Offering or Change of Control. In addition, if such redemption or notice is subject to satisfaction of one or more conditions precedent, such notice may state that, in the Issuer’s discretion, the redemption date may be delayed until such time as any or all such conditions shall be satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion), or such redemption may not occur and such notice may be rescinded in the event that any or all such conditions shall not have been (or, in the Issuer’s sole determination, may not be) satisfied (or waived by the Issuer in its sole discretion) by the redemption date, or by the redemption date so delayed.

SECTION 5.3 Election to Redeem; Notice to Trustee of Optional and Mandatory Redemptions.

(a) If the Issuer elects to redeem Notes pursuant to Section 5.2 the Issuer shall furnish to the Trustee, at least five Business Days for Global Notes and 10 calendar days for Physical Notes before notice of redemption is required to be sent or caused to be sent to Holders pursuant to Section 5.4, an Officer’s Certificate setting forth (i) the paragraph or subparagraph of such Note and/or Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the redemption shall occur, (ii) the Redemption Date, (iii) the principal amount of the Notes to be redeemed and (iv) the Redemption Price, but failure to so notify the Trustee shall not invalidate any notice given in accordance with Section 5.4, and shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default by the Issuer. The Issuer may also include a request in such Officer’s Certificate that the Trustee give the notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at its expense and setting forth the information to be stated in such notice as provided in Section 5.4. The Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee such documentation and records as shall enable the Trustee to select the Notes to be redeemed pursuant to this Section 5.3.

(b) If less than all of the Notes are to be redeemed at any time, the Trustee shall select Notes for redemption in compliance with the requirements of the depository and the principal national securities exchange, if any, on which such Notes are listed (so long as the Trustee knows of such listing), or if such Notes are not so listed, in accordance with the applicable procedures of the depository on a pro rata basis or by lot (and in such manner as complies with applicable legal requirements) in integral multiples of $1,000; provided that the selection of Notes for redemption shall not result in a Holder with a principal amount of Notes less than the Minimum Denomination. If any Note is to be purchased or redeemed in part only, the notice of purchase or redemption relating to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof that has

 

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been or is to be purchased or redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon cancellation of the original Note. On and after the applicable Redemption Date, interest will cease to accrue on Notes or portions thereof called for redemption so long as the Issuer has deposited with the Paying Agent funds sufficient to pay the principal of and premium, if any, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, on the Notes to be redeemed.

(c) The Trustee shall promptly notify the Issuer in writing of the Notes selected for redemption and, in the case of any Notes selected for partial redemption, the principal amount thereof to be redeemed.

(d) For all purposes of this Indenture, unless the context otherwise requires, all provisions relating to redemption of Notes shall relate, in the case of any Note redeemed or to be redeemed only in part, to the portion of the principal amount of such Note which has been or is to be redeemed.

SECTION 5.4 Notice of Redemption. The Issuer shall give or cause to be given in accordance with the procedures of the Depositary a notice of redemption to each Holder whose Notes are to be redeemed not less than 10 nor more than 60 days prior to a date fixed for redemption (a “Redemption Date”). At the Issuer’s written request delivered at least 15 days (or such shorter period as shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee) prior to the Redemption Date, the Trustee may give notice of redemption in the Issuer’s name and at the Issuer’s expense; provided, however, that redemption notices may be given more than 60 days prior to a Redemption Date, but not more than a year, prior to such event, if the notice is issued in connection with Article VIII, or if the redemption date is delayed as provided for in Section 5.2(b).

All notices of redemption shall be prepared by the Issuer and shall state:

(a) the Redemption Date,

(b) the Redemption Price and the amount of accrued interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 5.6, if any,

(c) if less than all outstanding Notes are to be redeemed, the identification of the particular Notes (or portion thereof) to be redeemed, as well as the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be redeemed and the aggregate principal amount of Notes to be outstanding after such partial redemption,

(d) in case any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice which relates to such Note shall state that on and after the Redemption Date, upon surrender of such Note, the Holder shall receive, without charge, a new Note or Notes of authorized denominations for the principal amount thereof remaining unredeemed,

 

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(e) that on the Redemption Date, the Redemption Price (and accrued interest to, but excluding, the Redemption Date payable as provided in Section 5.6, if any) shall become due and payable upon each such Note, or the portion thereof, to be redeemed, and, unless the Issuer defaults in making the redemption payment, that interest on Notes called for redemption (or the portion thereof) shall cease to accrue on and after said date,

(f) the place or places where such Notes are to be surrendered for payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any,

(g) the name and address of the Paying Agent,

(h) that Notes called for redemption must be surrendered to the Paying Agent to collect the Redemption Price,

(i) the CUSIP number, and that no representation is made as to the accuracy or correctness of the CUSIP number, if any, listed in such notice or printed on the Notes, and

(j) the Section of this Indenture pursuant to which the Notes are to be redeemed.

SECTION 5.5 Deposit of Redemption Price. Prior to 11:00 a.m. New York City time, on any Redemption Date, the Issuer shall deposit with the Trustee or with a Paying Agent (or, if the Issuer or any Subsidiary of the Issuer is acting as its own Paying Agent, segregate and hold in trust as provided in Section 2.18) an amount of money sufficient to pay the Redemption Price of, and accrued interest on, all the Notes which are to be redeemed on that date.

SECTION 5.6 Notes Payable on Redemption Date. Notice of redemption having been given as aforesaid, the Notes so to be redeemed shall, on the Redemption Date, become due and payable at the Redemption Price therein specified (together with accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date), and from and after such date (unless the Issuer shall default in the payment of the Redemption Price and accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date) such Notes shall cease to bear interest. Upon surrender of any such Note for redemption in accordance with said notice, such Note shall be paid by the Issuer at the Redemption Price, together with accrued interest, if any, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date (subject to the rights of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date).

If any Note called for redemption shall not be so paid upon surrender thereof for redemption, the principal (and premium, if any) shall, until paid, bear interest from the Redemption Date at the rate borne by the Notes.

If a Redemption Date is on or after a Regular Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, the accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name the Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date, and no further interest shall be payable to Holders whose Notes shall be subject to redemption by the Issuer.

 

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SECTION 5.7 Notes Redeemed in Part. Any Note which is to be redeemed only in part (pursuant to the provisions of this Article V) shall be surrendered at the office or agency of the Issuer maintained for such purpose pursuant to Section 2.8 (with, if the Issuer so requires due endorsement by, or a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer duly executed by, the Holder thereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing), and the Issuer shall execute, and the Trustee upon receipt of an Authentication Order shall authenticate and make available for delivery to the Holder of such Note at the expense of the Issuer, a new Note or Notes, of any authorized denomination as requested by such Holder, in an aggregate principal amount equal to and in exchange for the unredeemed portion of the principal of the Note so surrendered; provided that each such new Note shall be in the Minimum Denomination and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof.

SECTION 5.8 Offer to Repurchase. In the event that, pursuant to Section 3.7, the Issuer is required to commence an offer to all Holders to purchase the Notes, including an Asset Sale Offer (an “Offer to Repurchase”), it shall follow the procedures specified below.

(a) The Offer to Repurchase shall remain open for the period provided for in Section 3.7(i) (the “Offer Period”). No later than five Business Days after the termination of the Offer Period (the “Purchase Date”), the Issuer shall apply all Excess Proceeds or Net Cash Proceeds, as applicable (the “Offer Amount”), to the purchase of Notes and such Pari Passu Indebtedness, if any (in each instance, on a pro rata basis, if applicable), or, if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes and other Indebtedness tendered in response to the Offer to Repurchase. Payment for any Notes so purchased shall be made pursuant to Section 3.1.

(b) If the Purchase Date is on or after a Regular Record Date and on or before the related Interest Payment Date, any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, shall be paid to the Person in whose name a Note is registered at the close of business on such Regular Record Date, and no additional interest shall be payable to Holders who tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Repurchase.

(c) Upon the commencement of an Offer to Repurchase, the Issuer shall send electronically, or mail by first class mail, a notice to the Trustee and each of the Holders. The notice shall contain all instructions and materials necessary to enable such Holders to tender Notes pursuant to the Offer to Repurchase. The notice, which shall govern the terms of the Offer to Repurchase, shall state:

(i) that the Offer to Repurchase is being made pursuant to this Section 5.8 and Section 3.7, and the length of time the Offer to Repurchase shall remain open;

(ii) the Offer Amount, the purchase price and the Purchase Date;

(iii) that any Note not tendered or accepted for payment shall continue to accrue interest;

(iv) that, unless the Issuer defaults in making such payment, any Note accepted for payment pursuant to the Offer to Repurchase shall cease to accrue interest after the Purchase Date;

 

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(v) that Holders electing to have a Note purchased pursuant to an Offer to Repurchase may elect to have Notes purchased in the Minimum Denomination or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof only;

(vi) that Holders electing to have Notes purchased pursuant to any Offer to Repurchase shall be required to surrender the Note, with the form entitled “Option of Holder to Elect Purchase” attached to the Notes completed, or transfer by book-entry transfer, to the Issuer, a Depositary, if appointed by the Issuer, or a Paying Agent at the address specified in the notice at least five Business Days before the Purchase Date;

(vii) that Holders shall be entitled to withdraw their election if the Issuer or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, receives, not later than on the expiration of the Offer Period, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter setting forth the name of the Holder, the principal amount of Notes the Holder delivered for purchase and a statement that such Holder is withdrawing his election to have such Notes purchased;

(viii) that, if the aggregate principal amount of Notes and, if applicable, Pari Passu Indebtedness, if any, surrendered by Holders thereof exceeds the Offer Amount, the Trustee shall select the Notes and, if applicable, the Issuer shall select such Pari Passu Indebtedness to be purchased or prepaid, on a pro rata basis based on the principal amount of Notes and Pari Passu Indebtedness, if any, surrendered (with such adjustments as may be deemed appropriate by the Issuer so that only Notes in the Minimum Denomination, or integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof, shall be purchased); and

(ix) that Holders whose Notes were purchased only in part shall be issued new Notes equal in principal amount to the unpurchased portion of the Notes surrendered (or transferred by book-entry transfer).

(d) On or before the Purchase Date, the Issuer shall, to the extent lawful, accept for payment, on a pro rata basis to the extent necessary, the Offer Amount of Notes or portions thereof tendered pursuant to the Offer to Repurchase, or if less than the Offer Amount has been tendered, all Notes tendered, and the Issuer shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Trustee the Notes properly accepted together with an Officer’s Certificate stating that such Notes or portions thereof were accepted for payment by the Issuer in accordance with the terms of this Section 5.8. The Issuer or the Paying Agent, as the case may be, shall promptly (but in any case not later than five days after the Purchase Date) mail or deliver to each tendering Holder an amount equal to the purchase price of the Notes tendered by such Holder and accepted by the Issuer for purchase, and the Issuer shall promptly issue a new Note, and the Trustee, upon written request from the Issuer, shall authenticate and mail or deliver (or cause to be transferred by book entry) such new Note to such Holder, in a principal amount equal to any unpurchased portion of the Note surrendered. Any Note not so accepted shall be promptly mailed or delivered by the Issuer to the Holder thereof. The Issuer shall publicly announce the results of the Offer to Repurchase on the Purchase Date.

 

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SECTION 5.9 Special Mandatory Redemption.

(a) In the event (x) the Spin-Off has not been consummated on or prior to January 4, 2022 (the “Outside Date”), (y) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Issuer notifies the Trustee in writing that International Paper will not effect the consummation of the Transaction by the Outside Date or (z) prior to the Spin-Off Effective Date, the Board of Directors of International Paper has made a public announcement that it has determined not to proceed with the Spin-Off (the earliest of clauses (x), (y) and (z), the “special mandatory redemption trigger date”), then the Issuer shall be required to redeem all outstanding Notes on the special mandatory redemption date at a special mandatory redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to, but not including, the special mandatory redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

(b) The Issuer shall cause notice of a special mandatory redemption to be mailed (or with respect to global notes, to the extent permitted or required by applicable procedures or regulations of the depository, sent electronically), with a copy to the Trustee, within 15 days after the special mandatory redemption trigger date to each Holder of Notes at its registered address. The “special mandatory redemption date” will be the 15th day (or, if such day is not a business day, the first business day thereafter) following the earlier of (x) the date such notice is mailed or sent electronically or (y) the deadline for mailing or sending such notice. If funds sufficient to pay the special mandatory redemption price of the Notes on the special mandatory redemption date (plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but not including, the special mandatory redemption date) are deposited with the Trustee on or before such special mandatory redemption date, the Notes will cease to bear interest on and after the special mandatory redemption date.

SECTION 5.10 Segregated Account. The net proceeds of the Initial Notes shall, prior to the making of the Special Payment, be held by the Issuer in a segregated deposit or securities account established by the Issuer at a nationally recognized commercial bank (the “Segregated Account”). The Segregated Account will not be subject to a control agreement or any escrow arrangements. The Issuer and International Paper agree that the net proceeds of the Notes will not be used prior to the consummation of the Spin-Off for any purpose other than the making of the Special Payment.

ARTICLE VI

Defaults and Remedies

SECTION 6.1 Events of Default. Each of the following is an “Event of Default”:

(i) a default in any payment of interest on any Note when due continued for 30 days;

(ii) a default in the payment of principal or premium, if any, of any Note when due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required purchase, upon acceleration or otherwise;

 

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(iii) the failure by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to comply for 60 days after receipt of the written notice referred to below with any of its obligations, covenants or agreements (other than a default pursuant to clause (i) or clause (ii) of this Section 6.1) contained in the Notes or this Indenture; provided that, in the case of a failure to comply with Section 3.2, such period of continuance of such default or breach shall be 180 days after written notice described in this clause (iii) has been given;

(iv) the failure by the Issuer or any Restricted Subsidiary to pay the principal amount of any Indebtedness for borrowed money (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money owing to the Issuer or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Issuer) within any applicable grace period after final maturity or the acceleration of any such Indebtedness by the holders thereof because of a default, in each case, if the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid at final maturity or accelerated exceeds the Threshold Amount;

(v) the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary pursuant to or within the meaning of any Bankruptcy Law:

(1) commences a voluntary case;

(2) consents to the entry of an order for relief against it in any voluntary case;

(3) consents to the appointment of a Custodian of it or for any substantial part of its property; or

(4) makes a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;

or takes any comparable action under any foreign laws relating to insolvency;

(vi) a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any Bankruptcy Law that:

(1) is for relief against the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary in an involuntary case;

(2) appoints a Custodian of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary or for any substantial part of its property; or

(3) orders the winding up or liquidation of the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary; or any similar relief is granted under any foreign laws and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days;

 

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(vii) failure by the Issuer or any Significant Subsidiary to pay final and non-appealable judgments aggregating in excess of the Threshold Amount (net of any amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies issued by solvent insurance companies), which judgments are not discharged, waived or stayed for a period of 90 days after such judgment becomes final and, in the event such judgment is covered by insurance, an enforcement proceeding has been commenced by any creditor upon such judgment or decree which is not promptly stayed; provided that, in the case of any judgment in the Specified Disclosed Litigation, no default or event of default shall be deemed to exist under this clause (vii) unless the amount that is due under any payment schedule remains unpaid and exceeds the Threshold Amount;

(viii) the Guarantee of a Significant Subsidiary or, prior to the consummation of the Spin-Off, the International Paper Guarantee ceases to be in full force and effect (except as contemplated by the terms thereof or of this Indenture), or any Guarantor that is a Significant Subsidiary or, prior to the consummation of the Spin-Off, International Paper denies in writing that it has any further liability under its Guarantee or the International Paper Guarantee, as applicable, or gives written notice to such effect, other than by reason of the termination or discharge of this Indenture or the release of any such Guarantee or the International Paper Guarantee, as applicable, in accordance with this Indenture, and such Default continues for 30 days;

(ix) the failure by the Issuer to timely mail a notice of the special mandatory redemption, if applicable, and to pay the redemption price on the special mandatory redemption date, if any, as described above under Section 5.9; or

(x) the failure of the Spin-Off to be consummated within 2 Business Days of the making of the Special Payment.

The foregoing will constitute Events of Default whatever the reason for any such Event of Default and whether it is voluntary or involuntary or is effected by operation of law or pursuant to any judgment, decree or order of any court or any order, rule or regulation of any administrative or governmental body.

However, a default under Section 6.1(iii) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes notify in writing the Issuer (and if given by the Holders, the Trustee) of the default and such default is not cured within the times specified in Section 6.1(iii) after receipt of such notice.

The Trustee shall not be charged with knowledge of any Default or Event of Default with respect to the Notes unless a written notice of such Default or Event of Default shall have been given to a Responsible Officer of the Trustee by the Issuer or any Holder of Notes.

SECTION 6.2 Acceleration. If an Event of Default (other than an Event of Default specified in clause (v) or (vi) of Section 6.1 with respect to the Issuer) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders of at least 25.0% in principal amount of outstanding Notes by written notice to the Issuer (and if given by the Holders, the Trustee), in either case specifying on such notice the respective Event of Default and that such notice is a “notice of acceleration,” may declare the principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon the effectiveness of such a declaration, such principal and interest will be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default arising from Section 6.1(v) or Section 6.1(vi), with respect to the Issuer, occurs, the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on all the Notes will become immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any Holders.

 

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SECTION 6.3 Other Remedies. If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may pursue any available remedy to collect the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes or to enforce the performance of any provision of the Notes, this Indenture (including sums owed to the Trustee and its agents and counsel), the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees.

The Trustee may maintain a proceeding even if it does not possess any of the Notes or does not produce any of them in the proceeding. A delay or omission by the Trustee or any Holder in exercising any right or remedy accruing upon an Event of Default shall not impair the right or remedy or constitute a waiver of or acquiescence in the Event of Default. No remedy is exclusive of any other remedy. All available remedies are cumulative.

SECTION 6.4 Waiver of Past Defaults. The Holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Notes by notice to the Trustee may, on behalf of the Holders of all of the Notes, waive, rescind or cancel any declaration of an existing or past Default or Event of Default and its consequences under this Indenture if such waiver, rescission or cancellation would not conflict with any judgment or decree, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of interest on, or the principal of, the applicable Notes (other than such nonpayment of principal or interest that has become due as a result of such acceleration). Upon any such waiver, such Default shall cease to exist, and any Event of Default arising therefrom shall be deemed to have been cured for every purpose of this Indenture; but no such waiver shall extend to any subsequent or other Default or impair any right consequent thereon.

In the event of any Event of Default arising from Section 6.1(iv), such Event of Default and all consequences thereof (excluding, however, any resulting payment default) will be annulled, waived and rescinded, automatically and without any action by the Trustee or the Holders, if prior to 30 days after such Event of Default arose, the Issuer delivers an Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee stating that (x) the Indebtedness that is the basis for such Event of Default has been discharged or (y) the holders of such Indebtedness have, in accordance with the documentation governing such Indebtedness, rescinded the acceleration giving rise to such Event of Default.

SECTION 6.5 Control by Majority. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding Notes may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or this Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other Holder (provided that the Trustee shall not have an affirmative duty to determine whether the direction is prejudicial to any Holder) or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability. Prior to taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee will be entitled to security and/or indemnification satisfactory to the Trustee in its sole discretion against all losses, liabilities and expenses that may be caused by taking or not taking such action.

 

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SECTION 6.6 Limitation on Suits. The Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have provided the Trustee with indemnity and/or security satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense. Except to institute suit for the enforcement of payment of principal and interest on any Note of such Holder or after the Stated Maturity for such principal or interest, no Holder may pursue any remedy with respect to this Indenture or the Notes unless:

(i) such Holder has previously given the Trustee written notice that an Event of Default is continuing;

(ii) Holders of at least 25.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes have requested in writing that the Trustee pursue the remedy;

(iii) such Holders have offered the Trustee security and/or indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee in respect of any loss, liability or expense;

(iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of security or indemnity; and

(v) the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a written direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day period.

SECTION 6.7 [Reserved].

SECTION 6.8 Collection Suit by Trustee. If an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(i) or (ii) occurs and is continuing, the Trustee may recover judgment in its own name and as trustee of an express trust against the Issuer for the whole amount then due and owing (together with interest on any unpaid interest to the extent lawful) and the amounts provided for in Section 7.6.

SECTION 6.9 Trustee May File Proofs of Claim. The Trustee may file such proofs of claim and other papers or documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Trustee (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and counsel) and the Holders allowed in any judicial proceedings relative to the Issuer, its Subsidiaries or their respective creditors or properties and, unless prohibited by law or applicable regulations, may vote on behalf of the Holders (pursuant to the written direction of Holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding Notes) in any election of a trustee in bankruptcy or other Person performing similar functions, and any Custodian in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Holder to make payments to the Trustee and, in the event that the Trustee shall consent to

 

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the making of such payments directly to the Holders, to pay to the Trustee any amount due it for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee, its agents and its counsel, and any other amounts due the Trustee under Section 7.6. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to authorize the Trustee to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Holder any plan or reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Notes or the rights of any Holder thereof, or to authorize the Trustee to vote in respect of the claim of any Holder in such proceeding.

SECTION 6.10 Priorities. The Trustee shall pay out any money or property received by it in the following order:

First: to the Trustee for amounts due under Section 7.6 and Section 8.5;

Second: to Holders for amounts due and unpaid on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, ratably, without preference or priority of any kind, according to the amounts due and payable on the Notes for principal, premium, if any, and interest, respectively; and

Third: to the Issuer or, to the extent the Trustee receives any amount for any Guarantor, to such Guarantor as a court of competent jurisdiction shall direct.

The Trustee may fix a record date and payment date for any payment to Holders pursuant to this Section 6.10. At least 15 days before such record date, the Issuer (or the Trustee) shall send to each Holder and the Trustee a notice that states the record date, the payment date and amount to be paid.

SECTION 6.11 Undertaking for Costs. In any suit for the enforcement of any right or remedy under this Indenture or in any suit against the Trustee for any action taken or omitted by it as Trustee, a court in its discretion may require the filing by any party litigant in the suit of an undertaking to pay the costs of the suit, and the court in its discretion may assess reasonable costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, against any party litigant in the suit, having due regard to the merits and good faith of the claims or defenses made by the party litigant. This Section 6.11 does not apply to a suit by the Trustee or a suit by Holders of more than 10.0% in outstanding principal amount of the Notes.

ARTICLE VII

Trustee

SECTION 7.1 Duties of Trustee.

(a) If an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Trustee shall exercise the rights and powers vested in it by this Indenture and use the same degree of care and skill in its exercise as a prudent Person would exercise or use under the circumstances in the conduct of such Person’s own affairs; provided that if an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee shall not be under any obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders have provided the Trustee indemnity, security and/or prefunding satisfactory to the Trustee in its sole discretion against any loss, liability or expense the Trustee may incur.

 

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(b) Except during the continuance of an Event of Default of which a Responsible Officer has received written notice, the Trustee:

(i) undertakes to perform such duties and only such duties as are specifically set forth in this Indenture and no implied covenants or obligations shall be read into this Indenture against the Trustee; and

(ii) in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct on its part, may conclusively rely, as to the truth of the statements and the correctness of the opinions expressed therein, upon certificates or opinions furnished to the Trustee under this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees, as applicable. However, in the case of any such certificates or opinions which by any provisions hereof are specifically required to be furnished to the Trustee, the Trustee shall examine such certificates and opinions to determine whether or not they conform to the requirements of this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees as the case may be (but need not confirm or investigate the accuracy of mathematical calculations or other facts stated therein).

(c) The Trustee shall not be relieved from liability for its own grossly negligent action, its own grossly negligent failure to act or its own willful misconduct, except that:

(i) this Section 7.1(c) does not limit the effect of Section 7.1(b);

(ii) the Trustee shall not be liable for any error of judgment made in good faith by a Responsible Officer or Responsible Officers unless it is proved in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction that the Trustee was grossly negligent in ascertaining the pertinent facts; and

(iii) the Trustee shall not be liable with respect to any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in accordance with a direction received by it pursuant to Section 6.5.

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for interest on any money received by it except as the Trustee may agree in writing with the Issuer.

(e) Money held in trust by the Trustee need not be segregated from other funds except to the extent required by law.

(f) No provision of this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee or the Guarantees shall require the Trustee to expend or risk its own funds or otherwise incur any financial liability in the performance of any of its duties hereunder or thereunder or in the exercise of any of its rights or powers, if it shall have reasonable grounds to believe that repayment of such funds or indemnity satisfactory to it against such risk or liability is not reasonably assured to it.

 

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(g) Every provision of this Indenture relating to the conduct or affecting the liability of or affording protection to the Trustee shall be subject to the provisions of this Section 7.1 and Section 7.2.

(h) The Trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers vested in it by this Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders unless such Holders shall have provided to the Trustee security, prefunding and/or indemnity satisfactory to it against the costs, expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and liabilities that might be incurred by the Trustee in compliance with such request or direction.

SECTION 7.2 Rights of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee may conclusively rely and shall be protected in acting upon any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, notice, request, direction, consent, order, judgment, bond or any other paper, electronic communication or document believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed, sent or presented by the proper Person or Persons. The Trustee need not investigate any fact or matter stated in such document.

(b) Before the Trustee acts or refrains from acting, it may require an Officer’s Certificate or an Opinion of Counsel or both. The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith in reliance on an Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel.

(c) The Trustee may act through its attorneys, custodians, nominees and agents and shall not be responsible for the misconduct or negligence of or for the supervision of any agent, custodians, nominees or attorney appointed with due care.

(d) The Trustee shall not be liable for any action it takes or omits to take in good faith which it believes to be authorized or within its rights or powers, provided that such conduct does not constitute willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction.

(e) The Trustee may consult with counsel of its selection, and the advice or Opinion of Counsel with respect to legal matters relating to this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees shall be full and complete authorization and protection from liability in respect to any action taken, omitted or suffered by it hereunder or under the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees in good faith and in accordance with the advice or opinion of such counsel.

(f) The Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into any statement, warranty or representation, or the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, notice, request, direction, consent, order, bond or other paper or document made or in connection with this Indenture; moreover, the Trustee shall not be bound to make any investigation into (i) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other

 

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terms or conditions set forth herein, (ii) the occurrence of any default, or the validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Indenture or any other agreement, instrument or document, or (iii) the facts or matters stated in any resolution, certificate, statement, instrument, opinion, report, notice, request, direction, consent, order, judgment, bond, debenture, note other evidence of indebtedness or other paper or document, but the Trustee, in its discretion, may make such further inquiry or investigation into such facts or matters as it may see fit, and, if the Trustee shall determine to make such further inquiry or investigation, it shall be entitled to examine the books, records and premises of the Issuer, personally or by agent or attorney and shall incur no liability or additional liability of any kind by reason of such inquiry or investigation.

(g) [Reserved].

(h) In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for special, indirect, incidental, punitive or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including, but not limited to, loss of profit) irrespective of whether the Trustee has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.

(i) The rights, privileges, protections, immunities and benefits given to the Trustee, including, without limitation, its right to be indemnified, are extended to, and shall be enforceable by, the Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder, and each agent, custodian and other Person employed to act hereunder.

(j) The Trustee may request that the Issuer deliver a certificate setting forth the names of individuals and/or titles of officers authorized at such time to take specified actions pursuant to this Indenture.

(k) The Trustee shall not have any duty (i) to see to any recording, filing, or depositing of this Indenture or any agreement referred to herein, or to see to the maintenance of any such recording or filing or depositing or to any rerecording, re-filing or redepositing of any thereof or (ii) to see to any insurance.

(l) The permissive rights of the Trustee enumerated in this Indenture shall not be construed as a duty.

(m) The Trustee shall not be required to give any bond or surety in respect of the execution of the trusts and powers under this Indenture.

SECTION 7.3 Individual Rights of Trustee.

(a) The Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or pledgee of Notes and may otherwise deal with the Issuer, International Paper, the Guarantors or their Affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not Trustee. Any Paying Agent, Note Registrar, co-registrar or co-Paying Agent may do the same with like rights. However, the Trustee must comply with Section 7.9.

 

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(b) In addition, the Trustee shall be permitted to engage in transactions with the Issuer; provided, however, that if the Trustee acquires any conflicting interest the Trustee must (i) eliminate such conflict within 90 days of acquiring such conflicting interest, or (ii) resign.

(c) To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Trustee shall not be deemed to have a conflicting interest by virtue of being a trustee under this Indenture with respect to Initial Notes and Additional Notes, or a trustee under any other indenture between the Issuer and the Trustee.

SECTION 7.4 Disclaimer. The Trustee shall not be responsible for and makes no representation as to the validity or adequacy of this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee or the Guarantees, it shall not be accountable for the Issuer’s use of the Notes or the proceeds from the Notes, and it shall not be responsible for any statement of the Issuer in this Indenture or in any document issued in connection with the sale of the Notes or in the Notes other than the Trustee’s certificate of authentication or for the use or application of any funds received by any Paying Agent other than the Trustee.

SECTION 7.5 Notice of Defaults. If a Default occurs and is continuing and a Responsible Officer of the Trustee has received written notice thereof, the Trustee shall deliver to each Holder notice of the Default within 90 days after it actually receives such written notice. Except in the case of a Default in the payment of principal of, or premium (if any) or interest on, any Note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and to the extent the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interests of the Holders of the Notes.

SECTION 7.6 Compensation and Indemnity. The Issuer shall pay to the Trustee from time to time such compensation for their services as the parties shall agree in writing from time to time. The Trustee’s compensation shall not be limited by any law on compensation of a trustee of an express trust. The Issuer shall reimburse the Trustee upon request for all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred or made by it, including, but not limited to, costs of collection, costs of preparing and reviewing reports, certificates and other documents, costs of preparation and mailing or delivering of notices to Holders and reasonable costs of counsel, in addition to the compensation for its services. Such expenses shall include the reasonable compensation and expenses, disbursements and advances of the Trustee’s agents, counsel, accountants and experts. The Issuer shall indemnify the Trustee or any predecessor Trustee in each of its capacities hereunder (including Paying Agent and Note Registrar), and each of their officers, directors, employees, counsel and agents, and hold them harmless against any and all loss, liability or expense (including, but not limited to, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) incurred by it in connection with the administration of this trust and the performance of their duties hereunder and under the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees, including the costs and expenses of enforcing this Indenture (including this Section 7.6), the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees and of defending itself against any claims (whether asserted by any Holder, the Issuer or otherwise). The Trustee shall notify the Issuer promptly of any third party claim or claim by any Holder for which the Trustee may seek indemnity, provided that failure by the Trustee to so notify the Issuer shall not relieve the Issuer of its obligations hereunder. The Issuer shall defend such claim and the Trustee may have separate counsel and the Issuer shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses of such counsel. The Issuer need not reimburse any expense or indemnify against any loss, liability or expense incurred by the Trustee as a result of its own willful misconduct or gross negligence as determined in a final non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction .

 

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To secure the Issuer’s payment obligations in this Section 7.6, the Trustee shall have a lien prior to the Notes on all money or property held or collected by the Trustee other than money or property held in trust to pay principal of and interest on particular Notes. The right of the Trustee to receive payment of any amounts due under this Section 7.6 shall not be subordinate to any other liability or indebtedness of the Issuer.

The Issuer’s obligations pursuant to this Section 7.6 and any lien arising hereunder shall survive the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture and the resignation or removal of the Trustee. When the Trustee incurs expenses after the occurrence of a Default specified in Section 6.1(v) or (vi) with respect to the Issuer, the expenses are intended to constitute administrative expenses for purposes of priority under any Bankruptcy Law.

Pursuant to Section 10.1, the obligations of the Issuer hereunder are jointly and severally guaranteed by the Guarantors. Pursuant to Section 11.1, the obligations of the Issuer hereunder prior to completion of the Spin-Off on the Spin-Off Effective Date are guaranteed by International Paper.

SECTION 7.7 Replacement of Trustee. The Trustee may resign at any time upon at least 30 days’ notice by so notifying the Issuer in writing. The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes may remove the Trustee by so notifying the Issuer and the Trustee in writing at least 30 days prior to the requested date of removal and may appoint a successor Trustee. The Issuer shall remove the Trustee if

(i) the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.9;

(ii) the Trustee is adjudged bankrupt or insolvent;

(iii) a receiver or other public officer takes charge of the Trustee or its property; or

(iv) the Trustee otherwise becomes incapable of acting.

If the Trustee resigns or is removed by the Issuer or by the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes and such Holders do not reasonably promptly appoint a successor Trustee, or if a vacancy exists in the office of Trustee for any reason (the Trustee in such event being referred to herein as the “retiring Trustee”), the Issuer shall promptly appoint a successor Trustee.

 

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A successor Trustee shall deliver a written acceptance of its appointment to the retiring Trustee and to the Issuer. Thereupon the resignation or removal of the retiring Trustee shall become effective, and the successor Trustee shall have all the rights, powers and duties of the Trustee under this Indenture. The successor Trustee shall send a notice of its succession to Holders. The retiring Trustee shall promptly transfer all property held by it as Trustee to the successor Trustee, subject to the lien provided for in Section 7.6. All costs reasonably incurred in connection with any such resignation or removal hereunder shall be borne by the Issuer.

If a successor Trustee does not take office within 60 days after the retiring Trustee resigns or is removed, the retiring Trustee at the expense of the Issuer or the Holders of at least 10.0% in principal amount of the Notes may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the appointment of a successor Trustee.

If the Trustee fails to comply with Section 7.9, unless the Trustee’s duty to resign is stayed, any Holder may petition any court of competent jurisdiction for the removal of the Trustee and the appointment of a successor Trustee.

Notwithstanding the replacement of the Trustee pursuant to this Section 7.7, the Issuer’s obligations under Section 7.6 shall continue for the benefit of the retiring Trustee.

SECTION 7.8 Successor Trustee by Merger. If the Trustee consolidates with, merges or converts into, or transfers all or substantially all its corporate trust business or assets to, another corporation or banking association, the resulting, surviving or transferee corporation without any further act shall be the successor Trustee.

In case at the time such successor or successors by merger, conversion or consolidation to the Trustee shall succeed to the trusts created by this Indenture, any of the Notes shall have been authenticated but not delivered, any such successor to the Trustee may adopt the certificate of authentication of any predecessor trustee, and deliver such Notes so authenticated; and in case at that time any of the Notes shall not have been authenticated, any successor to the Trustee may authenticate such Notes either in the name of any predecessor hereunder or in the name of the successor to the Trustee; and in all such cases such certificates shall have the full force which it is anywhere in the Notes or in this Indenture provided that the certificate of the Trustee shall have.

SECTION 7.9 Eligibility; Disqualification. The Trustee shall have a combined capital and surplus of at least $50 million as set forth in its most recent filed annual report of condition.

SECTION 7.10 Limitation on Duty of Trustee. The Trustee shall not have any duty to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms of this Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees by the Issuer, International Paper, the Guarantors or any other Person.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

Discharge of Indenture; Defeasance

SECTION 8.1 Discharge of Liability on Securities; Defeasance.

(a) This Indenture and all the Notes will be discharged and will cease to be of further effect (except as to surviving rights of registration of transfer or exchange of Notes and certain rights of the Trustee and the Issuer’s obligations with respect thereto, as expressly provided for in this Indenture) when:

(i) either (x) all the Notes theretofore authenticated and delivered (except Notes which have been replaced or paid pursuant to Section 2.9 and Notes for whose payment money has theretofore been deposited in trust or segregated and held in trust by the Issuer and thereafter repaid to the Issuer or discharged from such trust) have been delivered to the Trustee for cancellation or (y) all of the Notes not previously delivered to the Trustee for cancellation (A) have become due and payable, (B) will become due and payable at their Stated Maturity within one year or (C) have been called for redemption or are to be called for redemption within one year under arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the giving of notice of redemption by the Trustee in the name, and at the expense, of the Issuer, and the Issuer or any Guarantor has irrevocably deposited or caused to be deposited with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations in an amount sufficient (without reinvestment) to pay and discharge the entire Indebtedness on the Notes not theretofore delivered to the Trustee for cancellation, for principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes to the date of deposit (in the case of Notes that have become due and payable), redemption or their Stated Maturity, as the case may be;

(ii) the Issuer and/or the Guarantors have paid all other sums then due and payable under this Indenture; and

(iii) the Issuer has delivered to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that all conditions precedent under this Indenture relating to the satisfaction and discharge of this Indenture have been complied with; provided that any such counsel may rely on any Officer’s Certificate as to matters of fact (including as to compliance with the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii)).

(b) Subject to Sections 8.1(a)(iii) and 8.2, the Issuer at any time may terminate (i) all of the Issuer’s obligations under the Notes and this Indenture and have each Guarantor’s obligation discharged with respect to its Guarantee and cure all then-existing Events of Default (“legal defeasance option”) or (ii) its obligations under Article III (other than Section 3.1) and the operation of Section 4.1 (other than Sections 4.1(a)(i) and 4.1(a)(ii)) and Sections 6.1(iii) (with respect to any Default under Article III (other than Section 3.1)), 6.1(iv), 6.1(v) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only), 6.1(vi) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only), 6.1(vii) and 6.1(viii) (“covenant defeasance option”). The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. In the event that the Issuer terminates all of its obligations under the Notes and this Indenture by exercising its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option, the obligations of each Guarantor under its Guarantee of the Notes shall be terminated simultaneously with the termination of such obligations.

 

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If the Issuer exercises its legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto. If the Issuer exercises its covenant defeasance option, payment of the Notes so defeased may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default specified in Section 6.1(iii) (with respect to any Default by the Issuer or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries with any of its obligations under Article III other than Section 3.1), 6.1(iv), 6.1(v) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only), 6.1(vi) (with respect to Significant Subsidiaries of the Issuer only), 6.1(vii) and 6.1(viii).

Upon satisfaction of the conditions set forth herein and upon request of the Issuer, the Trustee shall acknowledge in writing the discharge of those obligations that the Issuer terminates.

(c) Notwithstanding clauses (a) and (b) above, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 2.8, 2.9, 2.15, 2.16, 2.18, 2.19, 7.6, 7.7 and in this Article VIII shall survive until the Notes have been paid in full. Thereafter, the Issuer’s obligations in Sections 7.6, 8.5 and 8.6 shall survive such satisfaction and discharge.

SECTION 8.2 Conditions to Defeasance.

(a) The Issuer may exercise its legal defeasance option or its covenant defeasance option only if:

(i) the Issuer irrevocably deposits in trust with the Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations (sufficient (without reinvestment) in the opinion of a nationally recognized certified public accounting firm) for the payment of principal, premium (if any) and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be (provided that if such redemption is pursuant to the second paragraph of Section 2 of the Notes (a form of which is attached as Exhibit A hereto), (x) the amount of money or U.S. Government Obligations that the Issuer must irrevocably deposit or cause to be deposited shall be determined using an assumed Applicable Premium calculated as of the date of such deposit, as calculated by the Issuer in good faith, and (y) the Issuer must irrevocably deposit or cause to be deposited additional money in trust on the Redemption Date, as required by Section 5.5, as necessary to pay the Applicable Premium as determined as of the date of the applicable redemption notice);

(ii) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee a certificate from a nationally recognized firm of independent accountants expressing their opinion that the payments of principal and interest when due and without reinvestment on the deposited U.S. Government Obligations plus any deposited money without investment shall provide cash at such times and in such amounts as shall be sufficient to pay principal, premium, if any, and interest when due on all the Notes to maturity or redemption, as the case may be;

(iii) 91 days pass after the deposit is made and during the 91-day period no Default specified in Section 6.1(v) or Section 6.1(vi) with respect to the Issuer occurs which is continuing at the end of the period;

 

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(iv) the deposit does not constitute a default under any other agreement binding on the Issuer;

(v) in the case of the legal defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel stating that (1) the Issuer has received from, or there has been published by, the Internal Revenue Service a ruling, or (2) since the date of this Indenture there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that, and based thereon such Opinion of Counsel shall confirm that, the beneficial owners of the Notes shall not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and shall be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred;

(vi) in the case of the covenant defeasance option, the Issuer shall have delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that the beneficial owners of the Notes shall not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance and shall be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred; and

(vii) the Issuer delivers to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent to the defeasance and discharge of the Notes to be so defeased and discharged as contemplated by this Article VIII have been complied with.

Before or after a deposit, the Issuer may make arrangements satisfactory to the Trustee for the redemption of such Notes at a future date in accordance with Article V.

SECTION 8.3 Application of Trust Money. The Trustee shall hold in trust money or U.S. Government Obligations deposited with it pursuant to this Article VIII. It shall apply the deposited money and the money from U.S. Government Obligations through the Paying Agent and in accordance with this Indenture to the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes.

SECTION 8.4 Repayment to the Issuer. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, the Trustee shall deliver or pay to the Issuer from time to time upon Company Order any money or U.S. Government Obligations held by it as provided in this Article VIII which, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants expressed in a written certification thereof delivered to the Trustee, are in excess of the amount thereof which would then be required to be deposited to effect legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, as applicable; provided that the Trustee shall not be required to liquidate any U.S. Government Obligations in order to comply with the provisions of this Section 8.4.

Subject to any applicable abandoned property law, the Trustee and the Paying Agent shall pay to the Issuer any money held by them for the payment of principal of or interest on the Notes that remains unclaimed for two years, and, thereafter, Holders entitled to the money must look to the Issuer for payment as general creditors.

 

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SECTION 8.5 Indemnity for U.S. Government Obligations. The Issuer shall pay and shall indemnify the Trustee against any tax, fee or other charge imposed on or assessed against deposited U.S. Government Obligations or the principal and interest received on such U.S. Government Obligations.

SECTION 8.6 Reinstatement. If the Trustee or Paying Agent is unable to apply any money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII by reason of any legal proceeding or by reason of any order or judgment of any court or governmental authority enjoining, restraining or otherwise prohibiting such application, the obligations of the Issuer and each Guarantor under this Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees shall be revived and reinstated as though no deposit had occurred pursuant to this Article VIII until such time as the Trustee or Paying Agent is permitted to apply all such money or U.S. Government Obligations in accordance with this Article VIII; provided, however, that, if any of the Issuer or the Guarantors has made any payment of interest on or principal of any Notes because of the reinstatement of its obligations, the Issuer or any Guarantor, as the case may be, shall be subrogated to the rights of the Holders of such Notes to receive such payment from the money or U.S. Government Obligations held by the Trustee or Paying Agent.

ARTICLE IX

Amendments

SECTION 9.1 Without Consent of Holders. Notwithstanding Section 9.2 hereof, this Indenture, the Notes and Guarantees may be amended or supplemented by the Issuer, any Guarantor (with respect to its Guarantee of the Notes) and the Trustee without notice to or consent of any Holder:

(i) to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency;

(ii) to conform the text of this Indenture, the Guarantees or the Notes (including any Additional Notes) to the “Description of Notes” under the Offering Memorandum;

(iii) to comply with Article IV;

(iv) to provide for the assumption by a successor Person of the obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under this Indenture and the Notes or Guarantee, as the case may be, in a transaction that is permitted under Article IV;

(v) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes;

(vi) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes;

 

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(vii) to secure the Notes;

(viii) to confirm and evidence the release, termination or discharge of any Guarantee or Lien with respect to or securing the Notes when such release, termination or discharge is provided for under this Indenture or the Notes;

(ix) to add to the covenants of the Issuer for the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power herein conferred upon the Issuer or any Guarantor;

(x) to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any Holder in any material respect, as determined in good faith by the Issuer;

(xi) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the qualification of this Indenture under the TIA;

(xii) to make any amendment to the provisions of this Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes as permitted by this Indenture, including, without limitation, to facilitate the issuance and administration of the Notes; provided that (i) compliance with this Indenture as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in violation of the Securities Act or any applicable securities law and (ii) such amendment does not materially and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes;

(xiii) to evidence and provide for the acceptance of appointment by a successor Trustee, provided that the successor Trustee is otherwise qualified and eligible to act as such under the terms of this Indenture; or

(xiv) to provide for or confirm the issuance of Notes or Additional Notes.

SECTION 9.2 With Consent of Holders.

(a) This Indenture, the Notes and the Guarantees may be amended or supplemented by the Issuer, any Guarantor (with respect to its Guarantee of the Notes) and the Trustee with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes then outstanding (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes) and any existing or past Default or compliance with any provisions of such documents may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding, in each case, other than Notes beneficially owned by the Issuer or its Affiliates (including, without limitation, consents obtained in connection with a purchase of, or tender offer or exchange offer for, Notes).

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions in Section 9.2(a), without the consent of each Holder of an outstanding Note affected (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any Notes held by Affiliates), no amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to this Indenture may:

 

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(i) reduce the percentage of the aggregate principal amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;

(ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on any Note;

(iii) reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity of any Note;

(iv) waive a Default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, or interest on the Notes, except a rescission of acceleration of the Notes by the Holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Notes and a waiver of the payment default that resulted from such acceleration;

(v) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed in accordance with Article V or 3.9; provided that any amendment to the minimum notice requirement for redemptions, and any amendment or waiver of the covenants under the Sections 3.7 and 3.9, may be made with the consent of the Holders of at least a majority in principal amount of Notes then outstanding;

(vi) make any Note payable in money other than that stated in such Note;

(vii) modify the legal right of any Holder of any Note to receive payment of principal of and interest on such Note on or after the respective Stated Maturity for such principal or interest payment dates for such interest expressed in such Note, or to institute suit for the enforcement of any such payment on or after such respective Stated Maturity or interest payment dates;

(viii) make any change to or modify the ranking of the Notes that would adversely affect the Holders;

(ix) except as expressly permitted by this Indenture, modify the Guarantees of International Paper or any Significant Subsidiary in any manner adverse in any material respect to the Holders;

(x) make any material change in the provisions described under Sections 5.9 and/or 5.10 hereof; or

(xi) make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions of this Indenture that require each Holder’s consent, as described in clauses (i) through (x) above.

(c) It shall not be necessary for the consent of the Holders under this Section 9.2 to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment, but it shall be sufficient if such consent approves the substance thereof.

(d) After an amendment under this Section 9.2 becomes effective, the Issuer shall send to the Holders of Notes a notice briefly describing such amendment. The failure of the Issuer to send such notice, or any defect therein, shall not in any way impair or affect the validity of an amendment under this Section 9.2.

 

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SECTION 9.3 Effect of Consents and Waivers. A consent to an amendment or a waiver by a Holder of a Note shall bind the Holder and every subsequent Holder of that Note or portion of the Note that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Note, even if notation of the consent or waiver is not made on the Note. After an amendment or waiver becomes effective, it shall bind every Holder unless it makes a change described in clauses (i) through (xi) of Section 9.2(b), in which case the amendment or waiver or other action shall bind each Holder who has consented to it and every subsequent Holder that evidences the same debt as the consenting Holder’s Notes. An amendment or waiver made pursuant to Section 9.2 shall become effective upon receipt by the Trustee of the requisite number of written consents.

The Issuer may, but shall not be obligated to, fix a record date for the purpose of determining the Holders entitled to give their consent or take any other action described above or required or permitted to be taken pursuant to this Indenture. If a record date is fixed, then notwithstanding the immediately preceding paragraph, those Persons who were Holders at such record date (or their duly designated proxies), and only those Persons, shall be entitled to give such consent or to take any such action, whether or not such Persons continue to be Holders after such record date.

SECTION 9.4 Notation on or Exchange of Notes. If an amendment changes the terms of a Note, the Issuer may require the Holder of such Note to deliver it to the Trustee. The Trustee, at the direction of the Issuer, may place an appropriate notation on the Note regarding the changed terms and return it to the Holder. Alternatively, if the Issuer or the Trustee so determines, the Issuer in exchange for the Note shall issue and the Trustee shall authenticate a new Note that reflects the changed terms. Failure to make the appropriate notation or to issue a new Note shall not affect the validity of such amendment.

SECTION 9.5 Trustee to Sign Amendments. The Trustee shall sign any amendment, supplement or waiver authorized pursuant to this Article IX if the amendment, supplement or waiver does not, in the sole determination of the Trustee, adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the Trustee. If it does, the Trustee may but need not sign it. In signing any amendment, supplement or waiver pursuant to this Article IX, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive, and (subject to Sections 7.1 and 7.2) shall be fully protected in relying upon, an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel stating that such amendment, supplement or waiver is authorized or permitted by or complies with this Indenture, that all conditions precedent to such amendment required by this Indenture have been complied with and that such amendment, supplement or waiver is the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Issuer, enforceable against the Issuer in accordance with its terms, subject to customary exceptions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Opinion of Counsel will be required for the Trustee to execute any amendment or supplement adding a new Guarantor under this Indenture. For the avoidance of doubt, no Officer’s Certificate or Opinion of Counsel shall be required for the execution of any (x) supplemental indenture pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(ii) or (y) Guarantor supplemental indenture.

 

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SECTION 9.6 Net Short Holders.

(a) Any notice of default, notice of acceleration or instruction to the Trustee to provide a notice of Default, notice of acceleration or take any other action (a “Noteholder Direction”) provided by any one or more Holders (each, a “Directing Holder”) must be accompanied by a written representation (in a form set forth in Exhibit D hereto) from each such Holder delivered to the Issuer and the Trustee that such Holder is not (or, in the case such Holder is DTC or its nominee, that such Holder is being instructed solely by beneficial owners that are not) a Net Short Holder (a “Position Representation”), which representation, in the case of a Noteholder Direction relating to the delivery of a notice of Default shall be deemed repeated at all times until the resulting Event of Default is cured or otherwise ceases to exist or the Notes are accelerated. In addition, each Directing Holder must, at the time of providing a Noteholder Direction, covenant to provide the Issuer with such other information as the Issuer may reasonably request from time to time in order to verify the accuracy of such Directing Holder’s Position Representation within five business days of request therefor (a “Verification Covenant”). In any case in which the Holder is DTC or its nominee, any Position Representation or Verification Covenant required hereunder shall be provided by the beneficial owner of the Notes in lieu of DTC or its nominee, and DTC shall be entitled to rely on such Position Representation and Verification Covenant in delivering its direction to the Trustee.

(b) If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Notes, the Issuer determines in good faith that there is a reasonable basis to believe a Directing Holder was, at any relevant time, in breach of its Position Representation and provides to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate (a “Verification Covenant Officer’s Certificate”) stating that the Issuer has initiated litigation in a court of competent jurisdiction seeking a determination that such Directing Holder was, at such time, in breach of its Position Representation, and seeking to invalidate any Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction, the cure period with respect to such Default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to such Event of Default shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy stayed pending a final and non-appealable determination of a court of competent jurisdiction on such matter (a “Final Decision”). Once such Officer’s Certificate has been provided to the Trustee, the Trustee shall take no further action pursuant to the related Noteholder Direction until it has received written notice of a Final Decision. If, following the delivery of a Noteholder Direction, but prior to acceleration of the Notes, the Issuer provides to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate stating that a Final Decision has been made that a Directing Holder failed to satisfy its Verification Covenant, the cure period with respect to such Default shall be automatically stayed and the cure period with respect to any Event of Default that resulted from the applicable Noteholder Direction shall be automatically reinstituted and any remedy stayed until such time as the Issuer provides the Trustee with an Officer’s Certificate that the Verification Covenant has been satisfied (a “Covenant Satisfaction Officer’s Certificate”); provided that the Issuer shall promptly deliver such Officer’s Certificate to the Trustee upon becoming aware that the Verification Covenant has been satisfied. Any breach of the Position Representation (as confirmed by a Final Decision) shall result in such Net Short Holder’s participation in such Noteholder Direction being disregarded; and if, without the participation of such Net Short Holder, the percentage of Notes held by the remaining Holders that provided such Noteholder Direction would have been

 

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insufficient to validly provide such Noteholder Direction, such Noteholder Direction shall be void ab initio, with the effect that such Event of Default shall be deemed never to have occurred, acceleration voided and the Trustee shall be deemed not to have received such Noteholder Direction or any notice of such Default or Event of Default; provided, however, this shall not invalidate any indemnity or security provided by the Directing Holders to the Trustee which obligations shall continue to survive.

(c) Notwithstanding anything in clauses (a) and (b) to the contrary, any Noteholder Direction delivered to the Trustee during the pendency of an Event of Default as the result of a bankruptcy or similar proceeding shall not require compliance with the foregoing clauses (a) and (b).

(d) For the avoidance of doubt, the Trustee shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any Noteholder Direction, Position Representation, Verification Covenant, Officer’s Certificate or other document delivered to it pursuant to the foregoing clauses (a) and (b), shall have no duty to inquire as to or investigate the accuracy of any Position Representation, enforce compliance with any Verification Covenant, verify any statements in any Officer’s Certificate delivered to it or otherwise make calculations, investigations or determinations with respect to whether a Holder is a Net Short Holder or otherwise and shall have no liability for ceasing to take any action or staying any remedy or otherwise failing to act in accordance with a Noteholder Direction during the pendency of litigation or a Noteholder Direction after a Verification Covenant Officer’s Certificate has been provided to it but prior to the receipt of a Covenant Satisfaction Officer’s Certificate. The Trustee shall have no liability to the Issuer, any Holder or any other Person in acting in good faith on a Noteholder Direction or to determine whether any Holder has delivered a Position Representation.

(e) With their acquisition of the Notes, each Holder and subsequent purchaser of the Notes consents to the delivery of its Position Representation by the Trustee to the Issuer in accordance with this Section 9.6.

(f) The Issuer hereby waives any and all claims, in law and/or in equity, against the Trustee, and agrees not to commence any legal proceeding against the Trustee in respect of, and agrees that the Trustee will not be liable for any action that the Trustee takes in accordance with Section 9.6, or arising out of or in connection with following instructions or taking actions in accordance with a Noteholder Direction.

(g) In calculating whether Holders of the requisite percentage in aggregate principal amount of outstanding Notes are providing or have provided a Notice of Direction, Notes held by Net Short Holders shall be excluded in the numerator but included in the denominator.

(h) The Issuer hereby confirms that any and all other actions that the Trustee takes or omits to take under this Section 9.6 and all fees, costs expenses of the Trustee and its agents and counsel arising hereunder and in connection herewith shall be covered by the Issuer’s indemnifications under Section 7.6.

 

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ARTICLE X

Guarantees

SECTION 10.1 Guarantees.

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article X, each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, irrevocably, fully and unconditionally guarantees, as guarantor and not as a surety, with each other Guarantor, to each Holder of the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the Trustee the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and all other Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes (including, without limitation, interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Issuer, or any Guarantor whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding and the obligations under Section 7.6) (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “Guarantor Obligations”). Each Guarantor agrees (to the extent lawful) that the Guarantor Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from it, and that it shall remain bound under this Article X notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any Guarantor Obligation.

(b) Each Guarantor waives (to the extent lawful) presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the Guarantor Obligations and also waives (to the extent lawful) notice of protest for nonpayment. Each Guarantor waives (to the extent lawful) notice of any default under the Notes or the Guarantor Obligations.

(c) Without prejudice to the foregoing, any Guarantor incorporated under the laws of the Federative Republic of Brazil further waives and renounces, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights and/or benefits it may have under Articles 333, sole paragraph, 366, 827, 829, 830, 834, 835, 837, 838 and 839 of Law No. 10,406, dated January 10, 2002, as amended from time to time, and Articles 130 and 794 of Law No. 13,105, dated March 16, 2015, as amended from time to time.

(d) Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein constitutes a Guarantee of payment when due (and not a Guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder to any security held for payment of the Guarantor Obligations.

(e) Except as set forth in Section 10.2 and Article VIII, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the Guarantor Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not (to the extent lawful) be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Guarantor Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor herein shall not (to the extent lawful) be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (a) the failure of

 

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any Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder for the Guarantor Obligations or any of them; (e) the failure of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy against any other Guarantor; (f) any change in the ownership of the Issuer; (g) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the Guarantor Obligations; or (h) any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or would otherwise operate as a discharge of such Guarantor as a matter of law or equity.

(f) Each Guarantor agrees that its Guarantee herein shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the Guarantor Obligations or such Guarantor is released from its Guarantee in compliance with Section 4.1, Section 10.2 and Article VIII, as applicable. Each Guarantor further agrees that its Guarantee herein shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the Guarantor Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.

(g) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay any of the Guarantor Obligations when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Trustee or the Trustee on behalf of the Holders an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such Guarantor Obligations then due and owing and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such Guarantor Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) (including interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to the Issuer or any Guarantor whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding).

(h) Each Guarantor further agrees that, as between such Guarantor, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the Guarantor Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in this Indenture for the purposes of its Guarantee herein, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such acceleration in respect of the Guarantor Obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any such declaration of acceleration of such Guarantor Obligations, such Guarantor Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantor for the purposes of this Guarantee.

(i) Each Guarantor also agrees to pay any and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or the Holders in enforcing any rights under this Section 10.1.

 

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(j) Neither the Issuer nor the Guarantors shall be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect any Guarantee or any release, termination or discharge thereof and any such notation shall not be a condition to the validity of any Guarantee.

SECTION 10.2 Limitation on Liability; Termination, Release and Discharge.

(a) Any term or provision of this Indenture to the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall be limited to the maximum amount in U.S. dollars or to the equivalent in local currency, if mandatory under the applicable law, as shall, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of such Guarantor and after giving effect to any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any other Guarantor in respect of the obligations of such other Guarantor under its Guarantee or pursuant to its contribution obligations under this Indenture, result in the obligations of such Guarantor under its Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally. In addition, the obligations of any Guarantor organized outside the United States of America may be limited, as set forth in the supplemental indenture pursuant to which the relevant Restricted Subsidiary becomes a Guarantor, as necessary or appropriate to (1) comply with applicable law, (2) avoid any general legal limitations such as general statutory limitations, financial assistance, maintenance of share capital, corporate benefit, “thin capitalization” rules, retention of title claims or similar matters or (3) avoid a conflict with the fiduciary duties of such company’s directors, contravention of any legal prohibition or regulatory condition, or the material risk of personal or criminal liability for any officers or directors (in each case as determined by the Issuer in its sole discretion).

(b) A Guarantee by a Guarantor shall be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged, and each Guarantor and its obligations under the Guarantee and this Indenture shall be released and discharged upon:

(1) the sale, exchange, disposition or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation or dissolution) of (x) Capital Stock of such Guarantor, after which the applicable Guarantor is no longer a Restricted Subsidiary, or (y) all or substantially all the assets of such Guarantor, in any case, if such sale, exchange, disposition or other transfer (including through merger, consolidation or dissolution) is not prohibited by this Indenture;

(2) the Issuer designating such Guarantor to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with the provisions set forth in Section 3.4 and the definition of “Unrestricted Subsidiary”;

(3) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary that after the Issue Date is required to guarantee the Notes pursuant to Section 3.10, the release or discharge of the Guarantee by such Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Issuer or the relevant Restricted Subsidiary (or, if such release or discharge occurs substantially concurrently with the release of the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary or will occur as a result of

 

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the release of the Guarantee of such Restricted Subsidiary) or the repayment of the Indebtedness, in each case, that resulted in the obligation to guarantee the Notes, except if such release or discharge is by or as a result of payment in connection with the enforcement of remedies under such other guarantee (it being understood that a release or discharge subject to contingent reinstatement is still a release or discharge, and that if any such other guarantee is so reinstated, such Guarantee shall also be reinstated to the extent that such Restricted Subsidiary would then be required to provide a guarantee pursuant to Section 3.10);

(4) the Issuer’s exercise of its legal defeasance option or covenant defeasance option as described under Article VIII or if the Issuer’s obligations under this Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of this Indenture; or

(5) the release or discharge of direct obligations of such Guarantor, or the guarantee by such Guarantor of the obligations, under the New Credit Agreement (or, if such release or discharge occurs substantially concurrently with the release of the Guarantee of such Guarantor or will occur as a result of the release of the Guarantee of such Guarantor), except a discharge or release by or as a result of payment in connection with the enforcement of remedies under such guarantee (it being understood that a release or discharge subject to contingent reinstatement is still a release or discharge, and that if any such other direct obligation or guarantee is so reinstated, such Guarantee shall also be reinstated to the extent that such Guarantor would then be required to provide a guarantee pursuant to Section 3.10).

(c) The Issuer will have the right, upon 10 days’ written notice to the Trustee (or, such shorter period as may be agreed to by the Trustee), to cause any Guarantor that has not guaranteed any Indebtedness under the New Credit Agreement or any Credit Agreement or any Certain Capital Markets Debt to be unconditionally released and discharged from all obligations under its Guarantee, and such Guarantee shall thereupon automatically and unconditionally terminate and be discharged and of no further force or effect.

(d) If any Guarantor is released from its Guarantee, any of its Subsidiaries that are Guarantors shall be released from their Guarantees, if any.

(e) If the Issuer requests, at its option, confirmation from the Trustee of a release pursuant to Section 10.2(b), the Issuer shall deliver to the Trustee an Officer’s Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that all conditions precedent provided for in this Indenture relating to such transaction have been complied with.

(f) Limitations under Luxembourg law. The guarantee under this Article X granted by any Guarantor which is incorporated and established in Luxembourg (a “Luxembourg Guarantor”) shall be limited at any time to an aggregate amount not exceeding the higher of: (a) 95% of such Luxembourg Guarantor’s own funds (capitaux propres) (as referred to in article 34 of the Luxembourg law dated 19 December 2002 on the commercial register and annual accounts, as amended (the “2002 Law”) and as implemented by the Grand-Ducal regulation dated 18

 

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December 2015 setting out the form and the content of the presentation of the balance sheet and profit and loss account (the “Accounts Regulation”)) determined as at the date on which a demand is made under the Guarantee, increased by an amount equal to any Intra-Group Liabilities; and (b) 95% of such Luxembourg Guarantor’s own funds (capitaux propres) (as referred to in article 34 of the 2002 Law as implemented by the Accounts Regulation) determined as at the date of the supplemental indenture pursuant to which such Guarantor became a Guarantor, increased by an amount equal to any Intra-Group Liabilities.

For the purpose of this Section 10.2(f), “Intra-Group Liabilities” shall mean any amounts owed by the relevant Luxembourg Guarantor to the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any other Subsidiary of the Issuer and that have not been financed (directly or indirectly) by the proceeds from the Notes.

The limitation under this Section 10.2(f) shall not apply: (i) in respect of any amounts due under this Indenture or the Notes by the Issuer if the Issuer is a direct or indirect subsidiary of that Luxembourg Guarantor; and (ii) in respect of any amounts due under this Indenture or the Notes by the Issuer (if the Issuer is not a direct or indirect subsidiary of that Luxembourg Guarantor) which have been on-lent to or made available by whatever means, directly or indirectly, to that Luxembourg Guarantor or any of its direct or indirect subsidiaries.

The amounts due by each Luxembourg Guarantor under this Article X shall be reduced by any amount paid by such Luxembourg Guarantor pursuant to the Guaranty (as defined in the New Credit Agreement).

(g) Limitations under Finnish law. Notwithstanding anything set out contrary in this Article X, the obligations of a Guarantor incorporated in Finland shall be limited if, and only to the extent, required by the application of the mandatory provisions of the Finnish Companies Act (624/2006, as amended) (in Finnish: osakeyhtiölaki) (the “Finnish Companies Act”) regulating (i) unlawful financial assistance, as provided in Chapter 13, Section 10 of the Finnish Companies Act or (ii) unlawful distribution of assets, as provided in Chapter 13, Section 1 of the Finnish Companies Act.”

SECTION 10.3 Right of Contribution. Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that any such Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made on the obligations under its Guarantee, such Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against the Issuer or any other Guarantor who has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. The provisions of this Section 10.3 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of each Guarantor to the Trustee and the Holders, and each Guarantor shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by such Guarantor hereunder.

 

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SECTION 10.4 No Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by each Guarantor hereunder, no Guarantor shall be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Trustee or any Holder against the Issuer or any other Guarantor or any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the Trustee or any Holder for the payment of the Guarantor Obligations, nor shall any Guarantor seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Issuer or any other Guarantor in respect of payments made by such Guarantor hereunder, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holders by the Issuer on account of the Guarantor Obligations are paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to any Guarantor on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the Guarantor Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by such Guarantor in trust for the Trustee and the Holders, segregated from other funds of such Guarantor, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by such Guarantor, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by such Guarantor (duly indorsed by such Guarantor to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against the Guarantor Obligations.

ARTICLE XI

International Paper Guarantee

SECTION 11.1 Unconditional Guarantee

(a) Subject to the provisions of this Article XI, International Paper hereby fully and unconditionally guarantees (such guarantee to be referred to herein as the “International Paper Guarantee”), as guarantor and not as a surety, to each Holder of the Notes, to the extent lawful, and the Trustee the full and punctual payment when due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes and all other Obligations of the Issuer under this Indenture and the Notes (including, without limitation, interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy, or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding, relating to the Issuer or International Paper whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding and the obligations under Section 7.6) (all the foregoing being hereinafter collectively called the “International Paper Guarantee Obligations”). International Paper agrees (to the extent lawful) that the International Paper Guarantee Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, without notice or further assent from it, and that it shall remain bound under this Article XI notwithstanding any extension or renewal of any International Paper Guarantee Obligation.

(b) International Paper waives (to the extent lawful) presentation to, demand of, payment from and protest to the Issuer of any of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations and also waives (to the extent lawful) notice of protest for nonpayment. International Paper waives (to the extent lawful) notice of any default under the Notes or the International Paper Guarantee Obligations.

(c) International Paper further agrees that the International Paper Guarantee constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (and not a guarantee of collection) and waives any right to require that any resort be had by any Holder to any security held for payment of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations.

 

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(d) Except as set forth in Sections 11.2 and 11.3, the obligations of International Paper hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason (other than payment of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations in full), including any claim of waiver, release, surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not (to the extent lawful) be subject to any defense of setoff, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever or by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations or otherwise. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of International Paper herein shall not (to the extent lawful) be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (a) the failure of any Holder to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy against the Issuer or any other person under this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement or otherwise; (b) any extension or renewal of any thereof; (c) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of any of the terms or provisions of this Indenture, the Notes or any other agreement; (d) the release of any security held by any Holder for the International Paper Guarantee Obligations or any of them; (e) the failure of any Holder to exercise any right or remedy against any other party; (f) any change in the ownership of the Issuer; (g) any default, failure or delay, willful or otherwise, in the performance of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations; or (h) any other act or thing or omission or delay to do any other act or thing which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of International Paper or would otherwise operate as a discharge of International Paper as a matter of law or equity.

(e) International Paper agrees that the International Paper Guarantee shall remain in full force and effect until payment in full of all the International Paper Guarantee Obligations or International Paper is released from the International Paper Guarantee in compliance with Section 11.3. International Paper further agrees that the International Paper Guarantee shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by any Holder upon the bankruptcy or reorganization of the Issuer or otherwise.

(f) In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right which any Holder has at law or in equity against any party by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Issuer to pay any of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, by redemption or otherwise, International Paper hereby promises to and shall, upon receipt of written demand by the Trustee, forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, in cash, to the Trustee or the Trustee on behalf of the Holders an amount equal to the sum of (i) the unpaid amount of such International Paper Guarantee Obligations then due and owing and (ii) accrued and unpaid interest on such International Paper Guarantee Obligations then due and owing (but only to the extent not prohibited by law) (including interest accruing after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or the commencement of any insolvency, reorganization or like proceeding relating to the Issuer or International Paper whether or not a claim for post-filing or post-petition interest is allowed in such proceeding).

(g) International Paper further agrees that, as between International Paper, on the one hand, and the Holders, on the other hand, (x) the maturity of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations guaranteed hereby may be accelerated as provided in this Indenture for the purposes of the International Paper Guarantee, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition

 

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preventing such acceleration in respect of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations guaranteed hereby and (y) in the event of any such declaration of acceleration of such International Paper Guarantee Obligations, such International Paper Guarantee Obligations (whether or not due and payable) shall forthwith become due and payable by International Paper for the purposes of the International Paper Guarantee.

(h) International Paper also agrees to pay any and all reasonable costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) incurred by the Trustee or the Holders in enforcing any rights under this Section 11.1.

(i) Neither the Issuer nor International Paper shall be required to make a notation on the Notes to reflect the International Paper Guarantee or any release, termination or discharge thereof and any such notation shall not be a condition to the validity of the International Paper Guarantee.

SECTION 11.2 Limitation of International Paper’s Liability

(a) International Paper, and by its acceptance hereof each Holder, hereby confirms that it is the intention of all such parties that the International Paper Guarantee not constitute a fraudulent transfer or conveyance for purposes of any Bankruptcy Law, the Uniform Fraudulent Conveyance Act, the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act or any similar Federal or state law. To effectuate the foregoing intention, the Holders and International Paper hereby irrevocably agree that the obligations of International Paper under the International Paper Guarantee shall be limited to the maximum amount in U.S. dollars as will, after giving effect to all other contingent and fixed liabilities of International Paper, result in the obligations of International Paper under the International Paper Guarantee not constituting a fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer under federal or state law and not otherwise being void or voidable under any similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally.

SECTION 11.3 Release of International Paper Guarantee

(a) The International Paper Guarantee will be automatically and unconditionally released in all respects, International Paper shall have no further obligations or responsibilities under this Indenture or the Notes and the International Paper Guarantee shall have no further force and effect without any action on the part of the Trustee, the Holders of the Notes, the Issuer, or International Paper under this Indenture, upon the completion of the Spin-Off on the Spin-Off Effective Date.

(b) The Trustee shall deliver an appropriate instrument evidencing the release of the International Paper Guarantee following the completion of the Spin-Off on the Spin-Off Effective Date upon receipt of a request by the Issuer or International Paper accompanied by an Officer’s Certificate and Opinion of Counsel certifying as to the compliance with this Section 11.3.

 

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SECTION 11.4 Contribution. If International Paper makes a payment or distribution under the International Paper Guarantee, it shall have the right to seek and receive contribution from and against the Issuer. The provisions of this Section 11.4 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of International Paper to the Trustee and the Holders, and International Paper shall remain liable to the Trustee and the Holders for the full amount guaranteed by International Paper hereunder.

SECTION 11.5 No Subrogation. Notwithstanding any payment or payments made by International Paper hereunder, International Paper shall not be entitled to be subrogated to any of the rights of the Trustee or any Holder against the Issuer or any collateral security or guarantee or right of offset held by the Trustee or any Holder for the payment of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations, nor shall International Paper seek or be entitled to seek any contribution or reimbursement from the Issuer in respect of payments made by International Paper hereunder, until all amounts owing to the Trustee and the Holders by the Issuer on account of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations are paid in full. If any amount shall be paid to International Paper on account of such subrogation rights at any time when all of the International Paper Guarantee Obligations shall not have been paid in full, such amount shall be held by International Paper in trust for the Trustee and the Holders, segregated from other funds of International Paper, and shall, forthwith upon receipt by International Paper, be turned over to the Trustee in the exact form received by International Paper (duly indorsed by International Paper to the Trustee, if required), to be applied against the International Paper Guarantee Obligations.

ARTICLE XII

Miscellaneous

SECTION 12.1 Notices. Notices given by publication shall be deemed given on the first date on which publication is made, and notices given by first-class mail, postage prepaid, shall be deemed given five calendar days after mailing. Any notice or communication shall be in writing and delivered in person, by facsimile, email or mailed by first-class mail addressed as follows:

if to the Issuer or any Guarantor:

prior to June 30, 2022:

Sylvamo Corporation

6400 Poplar Avenue

Tower 1, 8th Floor

Memphis, TN 38197

E-Mail: michele.scott@sylvamo.com and Phillip.sisneros@sylvamo.com

Attention: Michele Scott / Phillip Sisneros

on or after June 30, 2022:

Sylvamo Corporation

6077 Primacy Parkway

Memphis, Tennessee 38119

E-Mail: michele.scott@sylvamo.com and Phillip.sisneros@sylvamo.com

Attention: Michele Scott / Phillip Sisneros

 

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if to the Trustee:

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

500 Ross Street, 12th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

E-Mail: rebecca.norton@bnymellon.com

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration—Sylvamo Corp. 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

if to International Paper:

International Paper

6400 Poplar Avenue

Tower 4, 7th Floor

Memphis, TN 38197

E-Mail: jenny.borden@ipaper.com

Attention: Jenny Borden

The Issuer or the Trustee by notice to the other may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications.

Any notice or communication mailed to a Holder shall be mailed to the Holder at the Holder’s address as it appears on the registration books of the Note Registrar and shall be deemed sufficiently given if so mailed within the time prescribed.

Failure to mail a notice or communication to a Holder or any defect in it shall not affect its sufficiency with respect to other Holders. If a notice or communication is mailed in the manner provided above, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

The Trustee shall have the right to accept and act upon instructions, including funds transfer instructions (“Instructions”) given pursuant to this Indenture, and delivered using Electronic Means; provided, however, that the Issuer shall provide to the Trustee an incumbency certificate listing officers with the authority to provide such Instructions (“Authorized Officers”) and containing specimen signatures of such Authorized Officers, which incumbency certificate shall be amended by the Issuer whenever a person is to be added or deleted from the listing. If the Issuer elects to give the Trustee Instructions using Electronic Means and the Trustee in its discretion elects to act upon such Instructions, the Trustee’s understanding of such Instructions shall be deemed controlling. The Issuer understands and agrees that the Trustee cannot determine the identity of the actual sender of such Instructions and that the Trustee shall conclusively presume that directions that purport to have been sent by an Authorized Officer listed on the incumbency certificate provided to the Trustee have been sent by such Authorized Officer. The Issuer shall be responsible for ensuring that only Authorized Officers transmit such Instructions to the Trustee and that the Issuer and all Authorized Officers are solely responsible to safeguard

 

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the use and confidentiality of applicable user and authorization codes, passwords and/or authentication keys upon receipt by the Issuer. The Trustee shall not be liable for any losses, costs or expenses arising directly or indirectly from the Trustee’s reliance upon and compliance with such Instructions notwithstanding such directions conflict or are inconsistent with a subsequent written instruction. The Issuer agrees: (i) to assume all risks arising out of the use of Electronic Means to submit Instructions to the Trustee, including without limitation the risk of the Trustee acting on unauthorized Instructions, and the risk of interception and misuse by third parties; (ii) that it is fully informed of the protections and risks associated with the various methods of transmitting Instructions to the Trustee and that there may be more secure methods of transmitting Instructions than the method(s) selected by the Issuer; (iii) that the security procedures (if any) to be followed in connection with its transmission of Instructions provide to it a commercially reasonable degree of protection in light of its particular needs and circumstances; and (iv) to notify the Trustee immediately upon learning of any compromise or unauthorized use of the security procedures.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture or any Note, where this Indenture or any Note provides for notice of any event (including any notice of redemption or purchase) to a Holder of a Global Note (whether by mail or otherwise), such notice shall be sufficiently given if given to the Depositary for such Note (or its designee) pursuant to the standing instructions from such Depositary.

SECTION 12.2 Certificate and Opinion as to Conditions Precedent. Upon any request or application by the Issuer to the Trustee to take or refrain from taking any action under this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to receive from the Issuer:

(i) an Officer’s Certificate in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of the signers, all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Indenture relating to the proposed action have been complied with; and

(ii) an Opinion of Counsel in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee stating that, in the opinion of such counsel, all such conditions precedent have been complied with.

SECTION 12.3 Statements Required in Certificate or Opinion. Each certificate or opinion with respect to compliance with a covenant or condition provided for in this Indenture shall include:

(i) a statement that the individual making such certificate or opinion has read such covenant or condition;

(ii) a brief statement as to the nature and scope of the examination or investigation upon which the statements or opinions contained in such certificate or opinion are based;

 

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(iii) a statement that, in the opinion of such individual, he has made such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable him to express an informed opinion as to whether or not such covenant or condition has been complied with; and

(iv) a statement as to whether or not, in the opinion of such individual, such covenant or condition has been complied with.

In giving such Opinion of Counsel, counsel may rely as to factual matters on an Officer’s Certificate or on certificates of public officials.

SECTION 12.4 Rules by Trustee, Paying Agent and Registrar. The Trustee may make reasonable rules for action by, or a meeting of, Holders. The Note Registrar and the Paying Agent may make reasonable rules for their functions.

SECTION 12.5 Days Other than Business Days. If a payment date is not a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, and no interest shall accrue for the intervening period. If a Regular Record Date is not a Business Day, the Regular Record Date shall not be affected.

SECTION 12.6 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Indenture, the Notes, the International Paper Guarantee and the Guarantees shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York. The parties hereby (i) irrevocably submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, the city of New York, (ii) waive any objection to laying of venue in any such action or proceeding in such courts, and (iii) waive any objection that such courts are an inconvenient forum or do not have jurisdiction over any party.

SECTION 12.7 Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE ISSUER, INTERNATIONAL PAPER, THE GUARANTORS AND THE TRUSTEE HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS INDENTURE, THE NOTES OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

SECTION 12.8 No Recourse Against Others. No manager, managing director, director, officer, employee, incorporator or holder of any equity interests in the Issuer, any Subsidiary, as such, will have any liability for any obligations of the Issuer or any Guarantor under the Notes or this Indenture or any Guarantee or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their creation. Each Holder of Notes by accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the Notes.

SECTION 12.9 Successors. All agreements of the Issuer, International Paper and each Guarantor in this Indenture and the Notes shall bind their respective successors. All agreements of the Trustee in this Indenture shall bind its successors.

 

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SECTION 12.10 Multiple Originals; Electronic Signatures. The parties may sign any number of copies of this Indenture. Each signed copy shall be an original, but all of them together represent the same agreement. One signed copy is enough to prove this Indenture. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Indenture by telecopier, facsimile or other electronic transmission (i.e. a “.pdf’ or “.tif’) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart thereof. The words “execution,” “signed,” “signature,” and words of similar import in this Indenture and the Note shall be deemed to include electronic or digital signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same effect, validity, and enforceability as manually executed signatures or a paper-based recordkeeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for under applicable law, including the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 (15 U.S.C. §§ 7001-7006), the Electronic Signatures and Records Act of 1999 (N.Y. State Tech. §§ 301-309), or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Trustee is not under any obligation to agree to accept electronic signatures in any form or in any format unless expressly agreed to by such Trustee pursuant to procedures approved by such Trustee.

SECTION 12.11 Variable Provisions. The Issuer initially appoints the Trustee as Paying Agent and Note Registrar and Notes Custodian with respect to any Global Notes.

SECTION 12.12 Table of Contents; Headings. The table of contents, cross-reference sheet and headings of the Articles and Sections of this Indenture have been inserted for convenience of reference only, are not intended to be considered a part hereof and shall not modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

SECTION 12.13 Force Majeure. In no event shall the Trustee be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the performance of its obligations hereunder arising out of or caused by, directly or indirectly, forces beyond its control, including, without limitation, strikes, work stoppages, accidents, acts of war or terrorism, pandemics, epidemics, civil or military disturbances, nuclear or natural catastrophes or acts of God, and interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, communications or computer (software and hardware) services or the unavailability of the Federal Reserve Bank wire or telex or other wire or communication facility; it being understood that the Trustee shall use reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking industry to resume performance as soon as practicable under the circumstances.

SECTION 12.14 USA Patriot Act. The parties hereto acknowledge that in accordance with Section 326 of the USA Patriot Act the Trustee and the Responsible Officers, like all financial institutions, and in order to help fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering, are required to obtain, verify, and record information that identifies each person or legal entity that establishes a relationship or opens an account.

SECTION 12.15 Communication by Holders with Other Holders. The rights of Holders to communicate with other Holders with respect to their rights under this Indenture or under the Notes, and the corresponding rights and privileges of the Trustee, shall be as provided by the TIA.

 

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SECTION 12.16 Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision hereof invalid, it will be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity, so that the remainder of the provision and this Indenture will continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 12.17 FATCA.

(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Indenture, the Trustee shall be entitled to make a deduction or withholding from any payment that it makes under this Indenture for or on account of any present or future taxes, duties or charges if and to the extent so required by any applicable tax law, in which event the Trustee shall make such payment after such deduction or withholding has been made and shall account to the relevant governmental authorities for the amount so deducted or withheld, and shall have no obligation to gross up any payment hereunder or pay any additional amount as a result of such tax, duty or charge.

(2) The Issuer hereby covenants with the Trustee that upon the reasonable request of the Trustee it will provide the Trustee with sufficient information that the Issuer has in its possession so as to enable the Trustee to determine whether or not the Trustee is obliged, in respect of any payments to be made by it pursuant to this Indenture, to make any deduction or withholding pursuant to an agreement described in Section 1471(b) of the Code or otherwise imposed pursuant to Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and any regulations, or agreements thereunder, or official interpretations thereof, or any intergovernmental agreement between the United States and another jurisdiction facilitating the implementation thereof (or any law implementing such an intergovernmental agreement).

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Indenture to be duly executed as of the date first written above.

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION, as Issuer
By:  

/s/ Matthew Barron

  Name: Matthew Barron
  Title: Vice President and Assistant Secretary

[Signature Page to Indenture]


INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Errol A. Harris

  Name: Errol A. Harris
  Title: Vice President and Treasurer

[Signature Page to Indenture]


THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A., as Trustee
By:  

/s/ Lawrence M. Kusch

  Name: Lawrence M. Kusch
  Title: Vice President

[Signature Page to Indenture]


EXHIBIT A

[Insert Legends As Applicable]

Form of Note

(FACE OF NOTE)

SYLVAMO CORPORATION

7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

CUSIP NO. [87133L AA8]1/[U7858L AA6]2

ISIN No. [US87133LAA89]3/[USU7858LAA62]4

No. $[__________]

Sylvamo Corporation, a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (and its successors and assigns) (the “Issuer”), promises to pay to Cede & Co., or its registered assigns, the principal sum of $_____ ([__________] United States dollars) [(or such lesser or greater amount as shall be outstanding hereunder from time to time in accordance with Sections 2.15 and 2.16, as applicable, of the Indenture referred to on the reverse hereof)]5 (the “Principal Amount”) on September 1, 2029.

Interest Payment Dates: March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing on March 1, 2022.

Regular Record Dates: February 15 and August 15 of each year.

Reference is hereby made to the further provisions of this Note set forth on the reverse hereof, which further provisions shall for all purposes have the same effect as if set forth at this place.

Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the Trustee referred to on the reverse hereof by manual, facsimile or electronic signature, this Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.

 

1 

Insert for Initial Rule 144A Note only.

2 

Insert for Initial Regulation S Note only.

3 

Insert for Initial Rule 144A Note only.

4 

Insert for Initial Regulation S Note only.

5 

Include only if the Note is issued in global form.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Issuer has caused this instrument to be duly executed.

 

SYLVAMO CORPORATION
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

 

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This is one of the Notes referred to in the within-mentioned Indenture.

 

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.,
as Trustee
By:  

 

  Authorized Officer
Dated:  

 

 

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(REVERSE OF NOTE)

This Note is one of the duly authorized issue of 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 of the Issuer (herein called the “Notes”), issued under an Indenture, dated as of September 3, 2021 (herein called the “Indenture,” which term shall have the meaning assigned to it in such instrument), among the Issuer, International Paper, the Subsidiary Guarantors from time to time parties thereto and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (herein called the “Trustee,” which term includes any successor trustee under the Indenture), and reference is hereby made to the Indenture for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Issuer, any other obligor upon this Note, the Trustee and the Holders of the Notes and of the terms upon which the Notes are, and are to be, authenticated and delivered. The terms of the Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those explicitly made a part of the Indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, as in effect from time to time (the “TIA”). The Notes are subject to all such terms, and Holders are referred to the Indenture and any applicable provision of the TIA for a statement of such terms. To the maximum extent permitted by law, in the case of any conflict between the provisions of this Note and the Indenture, the provisions of the Indenture shall control. Any Additional Notes issued under the Indenture shall be consolidated with and form a single series with the Initial Notes. All terms used in this Note that are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Indenture.

1. Principal and Interest

The Issuer shall pay the principal of this Note on September 1, 2029.

Interest on the Outstanding Principal Amount will accrue at the rate of 7.000% per annum and shall be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year, commencing March 1, 2022 (each, an “Interest Payment Date”). Interest on this Note will accrue from the most recent date to which interest on this Note or any of its Predecessor Notes has been paid or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid, from the Issue Date. [Interest on this Note will accrue (or will be deemed to have accrued) from the most recent date to which interest on this Note or any of its Predecessor Notes has been paid or duly provided for or, if no such interest has been paid, from __________, __________.]6

Interest on the Notes shall be computed on the basis of a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months. The interest so payable, and punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date shall, as provided in the Indenture, be paid to the Person in whose name this Note (or one or more Predecessor Notes) is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such interest, which shall be the February 15 and August 15 (a “Regular Record Date”), as the case may be, immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date. Any interest on the Notes that is payable, but is not punctually paid or duly provided for, on any Interest Payment Date (“Defaulted Interest”) shall forthwith cease to be payable to the registered Holder

 

 

6 

Include only for Additional Notes.

 

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on the relevant Regular Record Date by virtue of having been such Holder; and such Defaulted Interest may be paid by the Issuer, at their election, to the Person in whose name the Notes (or one or more Predecessor Notes) are registered at the close of business on a Special Record Date for the payment of such Defaulted Interest to be fixed by the Trustee, notice whereof shall be given to Holders not more than 15 days nor less than 10 days prior to such Special Record Date, or at any time in any other lawful manner not inconsistent with the requirements of any securities exchange on which the Notes may be listed, and upon such notice as may be required by such exchange, all as more fully provided in Section 2.10 of the Indenture.

2. Redemption

On and after September 1, 2024, the Issuer may redeem the Notes, at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon notice as described in Section 5.4 of the Indenture, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount), plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant Interest Payment Date falling prior to or on the Redemption Date), if redeemed during the 12-month period commencing on September 1 of the years set forth below:

 

Redemption Period

   Price  

2024

     103.500

2025

     101.750

2026 and thereafter

     100.000

In addition, at any time prior to September 1, 2024, the Issuer may redeem the Notes at its option, in whole at any time or in part from time to time, upon notice as described in Section 5.4 of the Indenture, at a redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed plus the Applicable Premium, and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the applicable Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant Regular Record Date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the Redemption Date).

Notwithstanding the foregoing, at any time and from time to time, upon notice as described in Section 5.4 of the Indenture, prior to September 1, 2024, the Issuer may redeem in the aggregate up to 40.0% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Notes (calculated after giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) with an amount equal to the net cash proceeds of one or more Equity Offerings by the Issuer after the Spin-Off Effective Date at a redemption price (expressed as a percentage of the principal amount thereof) equal to 107.00%, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to (but not including) the Redemption Date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date falling prior to or on the Redemption Date) (each an “Equity Offering Redemption”); provided, however, that if Notes are redeemed pursuant to this paragraph, an aggregate principal amount of Notes equal to at least 50.0% of the original aggregate principal amount of Notes (calculated giving effect to any issuance of Additional Notes) must remain

 

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outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such redemption of Notes (unless all Notes are otherwise repurchased or redeemed substantially concurrently with the corresponding Equity Offering Redemption); provided, further, that such Equity Offering Redemption must occur within 180 days after the date on which any such related Equity Offering is consummated. Any amount payable in any such redemption may be funded from any source. Any notice of any such redemption may be given prior to completion of the related Equity Offering.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with any tender for or other offer to purchase any Notes, if Holders of not less than 90.0% in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes validly tender and do not withdraw such Notes in such tender or other offer and the Issuer, or any third party making such a tender or other offer in lieu of the Issuer, purchases all of the Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn by such Holders, all of the holders of the Notes will be deemed to have consented to such tender or other offer and accordingly, the Issuer or such third party will have the right upon not less than 10 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice, given not more than 30 days following such purchase date, to redeem all (but not less than all) Notes that remain outstanding following such purchase at a price equal to the price offered to each other Holder in such tender offer plus, to the extent not included in the tender or other offer payment, accrued and unpaid interest, if any, thereon, to, but excluding, the Redemption Date.

3. Method of Payment

Payment of the principal of (and premium, if any) and interest on this Note will be made at the Corporate Trust Office of the Trustee, or such other office or agency of the Issuer maintained for that purpose; provided, however, that at the option of the Issuer, payment of interest may be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account designated to the Issuer by the Person entitled thereto or by check mailed to the address of the Person entitled thereto as such address shall appear in the Note Register.

4. Guarantees and International Paper Guarantee

This Note may hereafter be entitled to the International Paper Guarantee and certain other senior Guarantees made for the benefit of the Holders. Reference is made to Article X and Article XI of the Indenture for terms relating to such Guarantees and the International Paper Guarantee, including the release, termination and discharge thereof. Neither the Issuer nor any Subsidiary Guarantor nor International Paper shall be required to make any notation on this Note to reflect the International Paper Guarantee or any Guarantee or any such release, termination or discharge.

5. Sinking Fund

The Notes will not be entitled to the benefit of a sinking fund.

6. Defeasance

 

A-6


The Indenture contains provisions for defeasance at any time of the entire Indebtedness of this Note or certain restrictive covenants and certain Events of Default with respect to this Note, in each case upon compliance with certain conditions set forth in the Indenture.

7. Denominations

The Notes shall be issuable only in fully registered form, without coupons, and only in denominations of the Minimum Denomination and any integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount of Notes, as requested by the Holder surrendering the same.

8. Governing Law

THE INDENTURE AND THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

9. Miscellaneous

No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Issuer, which is absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and any premium and interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the coin or currency, herein prescribed.

As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set forth, the transfer of this Note is registrable in the Note Register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the office or agency of the Issuer in a Place of Payment, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer in form satisfactory to the Issuer and the Note Registrar, duly executed by the Holder hereof or such Holder’s attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or more new Notes of like tenor, of authorized denominations and for the same aggregate principal amount, will be issued to the designated transferee or transferees.

No service charge shall be made for any such registration, transfer or exchange, but the Issuer and/or the Trustee may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any transfer tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith.

The Issuer, International Paper, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent and any agent of any of them may treat the Person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for the purpose of receiving payment of principal of (and premium, if any), and (subject to Section 2.10 of the Indenture) interest on, such Note and for all other purposes whatsoever, whether or not this Note be overdue, and none of the Issuer, International Paper, any Subsidiary Guarantor, the Trustee, the Paying Agent nor any agent of any of them shall be affected by notice to the contrary.

 

A-7


[FORM OF CERTIFICATE OF TRANSFER]

FOR VALUE RECEIVED the undersigned holder hereby sell(s), assign(s) and transfer(s) unto

Insert Taxpayer Identification No.

(Please print or typewrite name and address including zip code of assignee)

 

 

 

 

the within Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting and appointing

 

 

attorney to transfer such Note on the books of the Issuer with full power of substitution in the premises.

Check One

 

(a) this Note is being transferred in compliance with the exemption from registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, provided by Rule 144A thereunder.

or

 

(b) this Note is being transferred other than in accordance with (a) above and documents are being furnished which comply with the conditions of transfer set forth in this Note and the Indenture.

If neither of the foregoing boxes is checked, the Trustee or other Note Registrar shall not be obligated to register this Note in the name of any Person other than the Holder hereof unless and until the conditions to any such transfer of registration set forth herein and in Section 2.16 of the Indenture shall have been satisfied.

Date: _______________

NOTICE: The signature to this assignment must correspond with the name as written upon the face of the within-mentioned instrument in every particular, without alteration or any change whatsoever.

Signature Guarantee: _______________________

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Note Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Note Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

A-8


TO BE COMPLETED BY PURCHASER IF (a) ABOVE IS CHECKED.

The undersigned represents and warrants that it is purchasing this Note for its own account or an account with respect to which it exercises sole investment discretion and that it and any such account is a “qualified institutional buyer” within the meaning of Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and is aware that the sale to it is being made in reliance on Rule 144A and acknowledges that it has received such information regarding the Issuer as the undersigned has requested pursuant to Rule 144A or has determined not to request such information and that it is aware that the transferor is relying upon the undersigned’s foregoing representations in order to claim the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A.

 

Dated:                                                                              

  

 

   NOTICE: To be executed by an executive officer

 

A-9


OPTION OF HOLDER TO ELECT PURCHASE

If you wish to have this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.7 or 3.9 of the Indenture, check the box:☐.

If you wish to have a portion of this Note purchased by the Issuer pursuant to Section 3.7 or 3.9 of the Indenture, state the amount below:

$_____

Date: __________

Your Signature: ______________________________________________

(Sign exactly as your name appears on the other side of this Note)

Signature Guarantee:     ______________________________________

Signatures must be guaranteed by an “eligible guarantor institution” meeting the requirements of the Note Registrar, which requirements include membership or participation in the Security Transfer Agent Medallion Program (“STAMP”) or such other “signature guarantee program” as may be determined by the Note Registrar in addition to, or in substitution for, STAMP, all in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

 

A-10


SCHEDULE OF INCREASES OR DECREASES IN GLOBAL NOTE

The following increases or decreases in this Global Note have been made:

 

Date of Exchange

  

Amount of

decreases in

principal amount

of this Global

Note

  

Amount of

increases in

principal amount

of this Global

Note

  

Principal amount
of this Global
Note following
such decreases
or increases

  

Signature of
authorized
officer of Trustee
or Notes
Custodian

 

 

A-11


EXHIBIT B

Form of Certificate of Beneficial Ownership

On or after [__________], 20[____]

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

500 Ross Street, 12th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

E-Mail: rebecca.norton@bnymellon.com

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration - Sylvamo Corp. 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

Re: Sylvamo Corporation (the “Issuer”)

7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

This letter relates to $__________ principal amount of Notes represented by the offshore [temporary] global note certificate (the “[Temporary] Regulation S Global Note”). Pursuant to Section 2.16(2) of the Indenture dated as of September 3, 2021 relating to the Notes (as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), we hereby certify that (1) we are the beneficial owner of such principal amount of Notes represented by the [Temporary] Regulation S Global Note and (2) we are either (i) a Non-U.S. Person to whom the Notes could be transferred in accordance with Rule 903 or 904 of Regulation S (“Regulation S”) promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) or (ii) a U.S. Person who purchased securities in a transaction that did not require registration under the Act.

You, the Issuer and counsel for the Issuer are entitled to rely upon this letter and are irrevocably authorized to produce this letter or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceedings or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

Very truly yours,
[Name of Holder]
By:  

 

  Authorized Signature

 

 

B-1


EXHIBIT C

Form of Regulation S Certificate

Regulation S Certificate

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A.

500 Ross Street, 12th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

E-Mail: rebecca.norton@bnymellon.com

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration—Sylvamo Corp. 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

Re: Sylvamo Corporation (the “Issuer”)

7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In connection with our proposed sale of $__________ aggregate principal amount of Notes, we confirm that such sale has been effected pursuant to and in accordance with Regulation S (“Regulation S”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and accordingly, we hereby certify as follows:

1. The offer of the Notes was not made to a person in the United States (unless such person or the account held by it for which it is acting is excluded from the definition of “U.S. person” pursuant to Rule 902(k)(2)(vi) or 902(k)(2)(i) of Regulation S under the circumstances described in Rule 902(h)(3) of Regulation S) or specifically targeted at an identifiable group of U.S. citizens abroad.

2. Either (a) at the time the buy order was originated, the buyer was outside the United States or we and any person acting on our behalf reasonably believed that the buyer was outside the United States or (b) the transaction was executed in, on or through the facilities of a designated offshore securities market, and neither we nor any person acting on our behalf knows that the transaction was pre-arranged with a buyer in the United States.

3. No directed selling efforts have been made in the United States in contravention of the requirements of Rule 903(a) (2) or Rule 904(a)(2) of Regulation S, as applicable.

4. The proposed transfer of Notes is not part of a plan or scheme to evade the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

5. If we are a dealer or a person receiving a selling concession or other fee or remuneration in respect of the Notes, and the proposed transfer takes place before the end of the distribution compliance period under Regulation S, or we are an officer or director of the Issuer or a distributor, we certify that the proposed transfer is being made in accordance with the provisions of Rules 903 and 904 of Regulation S.

 

C-1


6. If the proposed transfer takes place before the end of the distribution compliance period under Regulation S, the beneficial interest in the Notes so transferred will be held immediately thereafter through Euroclear (as defined in such Indenture) or Clearstream (as defined in such Indenture).

7. We have advised the transferee of the transfer restrictions applicable to the Notes.

You, the Issuer and counsel for the Issuer are entitled to rely upon this Certificate and are irrevocably authorized to produce this Certificate or a copy hereof to any interested party in any administrative or legal proceeding or official inquiry with respect to the matters covered hereby. Terms used in this certificate have the meanings set forth in Regulation S.

 

Very truly yours,
[NAME OF SELLER]
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
  Address:

Date of this Certificate:                     , 20

 

 

C-2


EXHIBIT D

Form of Position Representation

___, 20__

Sylvamo Corporation

[ADDRESS]

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A.

500 Ross Street, 12th Floor

Pittsburgh, PA 15262

Attention: Corporate Trust Administration—Sylvamo Corp. 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029

[                ] (the “Issuer”), and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”) have heretofore executed an indenture, dated as of [                ], 2021 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, the “Indenture”), providing for the issuance of the Issuer’s 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Notes”). All terms used herein and not otherwise defined shall have the meaning ascribed to such term under the Indenture.

This letter constitutes a Position Representation in connection with a Noteholder Direction delivered pursuant to Section 9.6(a) of the Indenture, whereby the undersigned, as Directing Holder, represents to the Issuer and the Trustee that [it is not a Net Short Holder]/[it is being instructed solely by beneficial owners that are not Net Short Holders].

 

By:  

 

  Name: [Holder]
  Title:

 

D-1

Exhibit 10.1

TEMPORARY OCCUPANCY AGREEMENT

This Temporary Occupancy Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into effective as of the 1st day of September, 2021 (“Effective Date”) by and between International Paper Company, a New York corporation (“OWNER”), and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (“OCCUPANT”), on the following terms:

AGREEMENTS:

OWNER hereby agrees to allow OCCUPANT to enter upon, occupy and use the premises defined to be approximately 40,493 usable square feet (the “Premises”) of an approximately 210,000 square foot building owned by OWNER (the “Building”) located at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38197, Tower I, Floors 8 and 9 said Premises and Project being further designated on Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein for a period of time commencing on September 1, 2021 (“Commencement Date”) and continuing through March 31, 2022 (“Term”). Thereafter, at OWNER’S discretion and subject to OWNER’S sole approval, the Term may renew on a month-to-month basis until OCCUPANT receives a certificate of occupancy or other approval indicating OCCUPANT’S new headquarters is ready for use and possession. The Premises shall be used solely for office use.

For and in consideration of the grant by OWNER to OCCUPANT of the right to enter, occupy and use the Premises, OWNER and OCCUPANT hereby covenant and agree as follows:

1. Insurance. Prior to entry onto the Premises, OCCUPANT shall deliver to OWNER an insurance certificate from OCCUPANT’s insurance carrier or insurance agent/broker, satisfying the following requirements:

 

  (a)

The insurance certificate must reflect minimum insurance coverage as follows:

 

  (i)

Worker’s Compensation Insurance, in minimum statutory limit amounts for the State of Tennessee;

 

  (ii)

Employer’s Liability Insurance, in an amount not less than $500,000;

 

  (iii)

General Liability Insurance in the amount of not less than $1,000,000, combined single limit coverage per occurrence; and

 

  (iv)

Commercial Property Insurance covering full replacement cost of OCCUPANT’s property. Such insurance shall include a waiver of subrogation by the insurer and all rights based upon an assignment from its insured, against the OWNER, its officers, directors, employees, managers, agents, invitees, and contractors in connection with any loss or damage thereby insured against.

 

  (b)

OWNER shall be named as an “Additional Insured” to the extent of the indemnification required of OCCUPANT hereunder on the above-described general liability policy.

 

  (c)

OWNER agrees to obtain and maintain commercial property insurance covering the full replacement cost of the Building.


2. Indemnification.

(a) OCCUPANT hereby agrees at OCCUPANT’s cost, to defend, indemnify and hold OWNER, its trustees, officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and demands for personal injury, including death of persons (including the officers, agents and employees of OCCUPANT and OCCUPANT’s contractors, subcontractors and materialmen, regardless of tier), and/or for destruction of or damage to property, to the extent any such injuries, deaths or damages to property are caused or contributed to by the negligence or willful misconduct of OCCUPANT (including any of the officers, agents or employees of OCCUPANT, and any of OCCUPANT’s contractors, subcontractors or materialmen), and arise out of, as a result of or in connection with the negligence or willful misconduct in the entry, occupation or use of the Premises or the Project by OCCUPANT, or the performance of any work performed by or contracted for by OCCUPANT in the Premises. OCCUPANT further covenants and agrees to indemnify, defend and hold OWNER harmless from any and all mechanic’s and materialmen’s liens and/or claims of any contractors, subcontractors or materialmen claiming by, through or under OCCUPANT with respect to any work performed, or labor, materials or supplies provided, in connection with any work performed by or for OCCUPANT on or with respect to the Premises or the Project.

(b) OWNER hereby agrees at OWNER’s cost, to defend, indemnify and hold OCCUPANT, its trustees, officers, agents and employees, harmless from and against any and all claims, actions, liabilities, losses, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and demands for personal injury, including death of persons (including the officers agents and employees of OWNER and OWNER’s contractors, subcontractors and materialmen), and/or destruction of or damage to property, to the extent any such injuries, deaths or damages to property are caused or contributed to by the negligence or willful misconduct of OWNER (including any of the officers, agents or employees of OWNER, and any of OWNER’s contractors, subcontractors or materialmen), and arise out of, as a result of or in connection with the ownership or entry into the Premises or the Project by OWNER, or the performance of any work performed by or for OWNER on the Premises.

3. Rent and Operating Expenses. In consideration for OCCUPANT’s right to use the Premises for the Term as herein provided, OCCUPANT shall pay to OWNER a gross monthly rent in the amount of One Hundred Eighty Thousand, Six Hundred Sixty-Six and 67/100 Dollars ($180,666.67) (“Rent”) to be due and payable to OWNER on or before the first day of each calendar month. Gross Monthly Rent shall be prorated daily for any portion of a month included in the Term. Rent shall be sent or delivered to OWNER at the address set forth below.

4. Access to Premises.

(a) From and after the Commencement Date, OCCUPANT, its agents, employees, invitees, and guests shall have access to the Premises and reasonable ingress and egress to common and public areas of the Building twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week; provided, however, OWNER, by reasonable regulation and on reasonable prior notice to OCCUPANT, may control such access as needed for making repairs and alterations, provided such control minimizes interference with such access. OCCUPANT shall be responsible for providing access to the Premises to the agents, employees, invitees and guests after business hours and on weekends and holiday, but in no event shall OCCUPANT’s use of and access to the Premises during non-business hours compromise the security of the Building.

(b) Owner shall have the right, at all reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice to OCCUPANT’s designated representative, either itself or through its authorized agents, to enter the Premises (i) to make repairs, alterations or changes as OWNER deems reasonably necessary, (ii) to inspect the Premises, mechanical systems and electrical devices, and (iii) to show the Premises to prospective mortgages, purchasers or Occupants. In addition to the foregoing, OWNER shall have the right to enter the Premises at any time without notice in the event of an emergency.

 

2


5. Common Areas. OCCUPANT and its employees, guests, contractors or any other visitors shall be entitled to park in the parking areas at the Project.

6. Facility Services. OWNER will provide the following services to OCCUPANT subject to change in Landlord’s reasonable discretion:

 

  (a)

Facility/Maintenance Services- Owner will provide basic facility maintenance services typical in office leases such as repairs for HVAC, lights, water leaks, and other building maintenance involving the fixtures, furniture and equipment in the Premises.

 

  (b)

Information Technology Services: IT services shall include network switches, wiring and jacks, access to HP-managed printers, wireless access points, WAN and Internet Access, IT support of existing Telepresence video conference units, IT support of existing conference room a/v (monitors, wireless presentation, etc.), and in-building cellular services for AT&T and Verizon.

 

  (c)

Health Services-Nurses are on site Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for emergency needs only.

 

  (d)

Mail & Parcel Processing Services. Owner will receive and deliver to Occupant at a designated location. Owner will meter outgoing U.S. Mail for Occupant (such charges to be paid by Occupant). Owner will also receive and deliver any exchange of mail between Owner and Occupant. Occupant will be responsible for preparing labels and packages for outgoing packages for FedEx and UPS, but may drop packages off with Owner for pickup by such carriers. Postage for and large outbound distributions are not included in mail services and will be charged to Occupant separately.

 

  (e)

Printing & Bindery Services Occupant may submit large printing jobs to the printing center Occupant will be charged separately for the costs of any print job(s) performed in the printing center.

 

  (f)

Security Services. Security Services shall include employee and visitor badging, stationary and roving security guards, Memphis Police Department roving patrols, and emergency response to security matters. Occupant will instruct its employees to apply for a security badge and upon application, Occupant employees will receive a badge, together with the access and restrictions afforded to Occupant employees at the Building including access to the Tower I Lobby, as well as the stairwell doors on the 8th and 9th floors of Tower I.

 

  (g)

Janitorial Services & Carpet Cleaning. Trash collection, cleaning and disinfecting bathrooms in accordance with the rest of the building

 

  (h)

Access to Dining & Catering Services- Occupant will have access to the on-site cafeteria. Occupant may utilize the catering services offered by the on-site cafeteria, but will not receive a discount on such services.

 

3


  (i)

Coffee Service- Owner will supply coffee brewers/machines, condiments, and cups on each floor of the Premises.

 

  (j)

Parking- Employees of Occupant may park in any of the lots of the Property.

7. Alterations and Improvements. OCCUPANT shall not make any additions, alterations, or improvements to the Premises without obtaining the prior written consent of Owner, which may be withheld in OWNER’s sole and absolute discretion, and may be conditioned upon OCCUPANT removing any such additions, alterations or improvements at the expiration or earlier termination of the Term and restoring the Premises to the same condition as the date OCCUPANT took possession. Any work performed pursuant to this Section shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner by properly qualified and licensed personnel.

8. Default. Either party shall be in default under this Agreement in the event such party fails to pay when due any amount owing under this Agreement, or breaches any other agreement, covenant or obligation in this Agreement and such breach is not remedied within fifteen (15) days after notice of such non-compliance with the agreement.

9. Remedies.

(a) In the event OWNER defaults in any obligation of performance under this Agreement, OCCUPANT may, upon thirty (30) days’ written notice to OWNER, terminate this Agreement.

(b) In the event OCCUPANT defaults in any obligation under this Agreement, OWNER may, at its option, (i) terminate this Agreement and recover all damages caused by OCCUPANT’s breach; (ii) repossess the Premises; or (iii) pursue any other remedy available in law or equity.

(c) All rights and remedies are cumulative, and the exercise of any one shall not preclude the exercise of another remedy. In no event shall either party be liable to the other for any special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages arising from any breach of this Agreement. In addition to all other remedies, the non-defaulting party shall be entitled to reimbursement upon demand of all reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred by the prevailing party in connection with any default by the other party.

10. Repairs. Except for damage to or within the Project or Premises caused by OCCUPANT, its employees, agents, contractors, or invitees, OWNER shall be responsible for all other repairs to the Project and to the Premises. OWNER’s obligations under this Section do not relieve OCCUPANT of its obligations under Section 5 above, which include returning the Premises systems in the same working order as received (normal wear and tear and damage by casualty or by OWNER or its employees, agents or contractors excepted), including warehouse lighting fixtures and dock doors/equipment. OWNER and OCCUPANT agree that they will do a thorough walk through prior to occupancy and document the existing condition of the Premises (“Inspection Report”). OCCUPANT will not be responsible for any pre-existing damage as noted in the Inspection Report.

11. Vacation of Premises. Upon vacation of the Premises, Occupant agrees to return the Premises broom-clean and in substantially the same condition as received (normal wear and tear and damage by casualty or by OWNER or its employees, agents or contractors excepted), which includes any improvements or modifications performed by OCCUPANT. The condition of the Premises shall be documented as of the Commencement Date by both parties. In addition to the foregoing, Occupant shall remove all security technology installed for Occupant upon its vacation of the Premises, and shall repair any damage caused by such removal.

 

4


12. Holdover. If, after the expiration of the initial Term, OCCUPANT remains in possession of the Premises without OWNER’s permission, OCCUPANT’s Rent shall be increased to three hundred percent (300%) of the monthly installments of Rent set forth in Section 3 above.

13. Compliance.

(a) OCCUPANT agrees to use the Premises in a manner which shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, orders and ordinances which relate specifically to, or are imposed by reason of its use of the Premises, and further agrees not to suffer or permit the Premises to be used for any unlawful purpose, and to protect Owner and save it and the Premises harmless from any and all fines and penalties that may result from or be due to any infractions of or noncompliance with the said laws, rules, regulations, orders and ordinances. As of the commencement of the Term, OCCUPANT shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, orders and ordinances which relate to the Premises and the common areas and all ingress and egress associated with the Premises, including, but not limited to, laws requiring the removal of asbestos or other hazardous materials and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 1991.

(b) OCCUPANT shall comply with the Rules and Regulations attached as Exhibit “B” to this Agreement. The Rules and Regulations may be modified from time to time by OWNER, effective as of the date delivered to OCCUPANT or posted on the Premises.

14. Governing Laws, Assignment. This Agreement shall be construed under and enforceable in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee. This Agreement may not be assigned by OCCUPANT without the prior written consent of OWNER. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of OCCUPANT and OWNER, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, if any.

15. Attorneys’ Fees. In the event of any litigation between the parties arising out of this Agreement the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its reasonable costs of litigation and attorneys’ fees from the non-prevailing party.

16. Quiet Possession. OWNER covenants and agrees with OCCUPANT that upon OCCUPANT’s paying Rent and complying with all other terms of this Agreement, OCCUPANT may peaceably and quietly have, hold, occupy and enjoy the Premises, subject to the provisions of this Agreement.

17. Notices. All notices or communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be personally delivered or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or by receipted overnight delivery service. Notices to the parties shall be sent to the addresses specified at the end of this Agreement. Either party may change its notice address at any time upon written notice to the other party.

18. Modifications. All amendments or modifications to this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by both parties.

19. Special Conditions. The following special conditions shall apply, and where in conflict with earlier provisions in this Agreement shall control:

 

5


  (a)

Amendment of EDGE Lease. The parties acknowledge that the Building, of which the Premises is a part, is subject to that certain Real Property Lease Agreement (the “EDGE Lease”) dated December 31, 2015, made between THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROWTH ENGINE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD OF THE CITY OF MEMPHIS AND COUNTY OF SHELBY, TENNESSEE (“EDGE”) and Owner. As such, the parties acknowledge and agree further that the signing of this Agreement may necessitate an amendment of the EDGE Lease to redefine the basis of the PILOT due during the term of the EDGE Lease. Occupant will cooperate with Owner to amend the EDGE Lease at any time on and after the Effective Date for said purpose, and in any future amendment to the EDGE Lease. Occupant shall pay all costs and expenses of Owner, including, but not limited to, a reasonable attorney’s fee associated with any such amendment(s).

 

  (b)

PILOT Benefits. It is understood and agreed that the tax benefits granted by the EDGE Lease shall be solely for the benefit of Owner. Owner may charge Occupant the entire amount of any increase in PILOT payments owing under the EDGE Lease occasioned by this Agreement and/or Occupant’s presence in the Building.

[Signature Page to Follow]

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, OCCUPANT and OWNER have executed this Temporary Occupancy Agreement to be effective as of the date first set forth above.

 

OCCUPANT:
Sylvamo North America, LLC
By:  

/s/ Patrick Wilczynski

Name: Patrick Wilczynski
Title: SVP, Operational Excellence
OWNER:
International Paper Company
By:  

/s/ Neely Mallory

Name: Neely Mallory
Title: Director, Global Real Estate Services
International Paper Company
Attn: Corporate Real Estate Department
6400 Poplar Avenue,
Memphis, Tennessee 38197
with required copy to:
International Paper Company
Attn: Senior Counsel- Real Estate 1740 International Drive, Tower IV 9-038
Memphis, Tennessee 38197

 

6


EXHIBIT “A”

FLOOR PLAN

 

7


Exhibit “B”

Rules and Regulations

 

8

Exhibit 10.2

CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS

EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND IS THE TYPE THAT THE

REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. THE REDACTED

TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED WITH THREE ASTERISKS [***]

NET LEASE

THIS LEASE, entered into as of this 1st day of September, 2021 for reference purposes, is by and between International Paper Company, a New York corporation, hereinafter referred to as “Landlord”, and Sylvamo North America, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, hereinafter referred to as “Tenant”.

DEFINED TERMS/SPECIAL PROVISIONS

“Landlord”

International Paper Company, a New York corporation, with its principal place of business at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197. Landlord’s notice address and address for payment of rent may be changed at any time by Landlord upon written notice to Tenant.

“Tenant”

Sylvamo North America, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company with its principal place of business at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197, Tower I, Floors 8-9.

“Leased Premises”

The building located at 15005 Northam Street, La Mirada, California 90638 containing 236,069 square feet of rentable area (the “Building”), and all improvements and facilities appurtenant to the Building including all drive aisles, parking areas, sidewalks, walls, landscaping and exterior improvements located on the land upon the Building is situated as more particularly described in Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

“Term”

The Term shall be thirty-six and 12 (3612) months, beginning September 1, 2021 (“Commencement Date”), plus any partial month at the beginning of the Term, together with any extensions thereof permitted hereunder.

“Options”

One (1) Five (5)-year option subject to Tenant providing written notice to Landlord not less than One Hundred Eighty (180) days prior to the expiration of the then current term of its intent to exercise its option, all upon the terms and at the rental rate outlined in Article XXVI.

 


“Rent”

During the Term, monthly Base Rent shall be paid in accordance with the schedule immediately following this paragraph. Rent shall escalate by [***] percent ([***]%) on each anniversary of the Commencement Date and shall be payable as provided in the schedule below. Rent payments shall commence on the Commencement Date as defined herein. If the Commencement Date shall fall on any day other than the first day of any month, the Rent for that month shall be prorated for the number of days left in the month after the Commencement Date. Thereafter, Rent shall be due on the first day of each successive month. The Rent shall be timely remitted to Landlord’s address above set forth or to such other address as Landlord may from time to time hereafter direct by written notice to Tenant. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Parties agree that Rent is abated for the first month of the Term unless and until Landlord conveys its fee interest in the Property and assigns its leasehold interest to another landlord (a “New Landlord”), at which time, Tenant shall owe Rent as set forth herein to the New Landlord on a pro-rated basis beginning the date of such assignment.

 

Months

   PSF/Month    Monthly Rent    Annual Rent

Months 1-12

   $[***]    $[***]    $[***]

Months 13-24

   $[***]    $[***]    $[***]

Months 25-36 1/2

   $[***]    $[***]    $[***]

“Additional Rent”

At the commencement of any calendar year during the Term hereof, Landlord may deliver to Tenant a written estimate of any Additional Rent (such expense being hereinafter referred to as “Estimated Operating Expenses”) which may be due hereunder during the calendar year. For each month, Tenant shall pay 1/12 of the amount of the Estimated Operating Expenses for that particular calendar year in addition to the monthly Base Rent and concurrently with each payment of monthly Base Rent. Estimated Operating Expenses shall include without limitation all reimbursements by Tenant for Landlord’s insurance, any repair and maintenance costs incurred by Landlord as a result of any default by Tenant in its maintenance and repair obligations under this Lease and any taxes or utilities not timely paid by Tenant. Landlord agrees that there shall be no property management fee payable to Landlord during the initial Term, but Tenant agrees that Landlord shall have the right to charge a management fee equal to 2.0% of monthly Base rent during the Extension Term.

Statements showing the actual Operating Expenses for the Leased Premises (hereinafter referred to as “Statement of Actual Expenses”) shall be delivered by Landlord to Tenant within ninety (90) days after any calendar year in which Estimated Operating Expenses were paid by Tenant or due Landlord under the provisions hereof. Any overpayment owed to Tenant by Landlord shall be paid to Tenant within the same timeframe.

Upon request, Landlord shall present copies of such charges included in Additional Rent for Tenant’s review and Tenant shall have the right to contest any charges that appear inaccurate or excessive to Tenant. Upon notice of such contest, Landlord agrees to work in good faith with Tenant to rectify any inaccuracies. Tenant shall not be required to pay any contested charges during the pendency of said contest and any overpayment or underpayment made shall be returned or remitted to Tenant or Landlord, as applicable, within thirty (30) days of determination of the same.

 

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“Acceptance of Premises”

Tenant acknowledges that, as of the Commencement Date, the Leased Premises and the Building of which it forms a part and its systems and components are in good working order and condition and repair and Tenant accepts the Premises in its current as-is condition. Tenant acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Lease neither Landlord nor any agent of Landlord has made any representation or warranty with respect to the Leased Premises, or with respect to the condition and/or suitability thereof for the conduct of Tenant’s business and that pursuant to Section 1938 of the California Civil Code, Landlord hereby advises Tenant that as of the date of this Lease neither the Premises, nor the Building have undergone inspection by a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) as to compliance with applicable access laws and regulations and Tenant accepts such fact and as-is condition of the Premises.

“Assignment of Contractors’ Warranties to Tenant”

Landlord does hereby assign to Tenant, on a non-exclusive basis, the benefits of any and all manufacturers’ and contractors’ warranties and guarantees with regard to construction and improvement of the Leased Premises prior to commencement of the Term. Landlord shall enforce such warranties or guarantees on behalf of Tenant upon written notice from Tenant as to any defects in the Leased Premises which might be covered by any such warranties or guarantees.

ARTICLE I

Lease of Premises

Landlord does hereby lease to Tenant the Leased Premises as described and referred to above for the Term and at the rental above set forth upon the following provisions, each of which shall be both covenants and conditions, and Landlord and Tenant hereby covenant and agree to abide by and perform each and every provision hereof. Landlord reserves the right from time to time to do any of the following: (a) make any changes, additions, improvements, maintenance, repairs or replacements in or to the Leased Premises if required to do so by any applicable Laws or to the extent necessary in conjunction with any improvements to the Leased Premises, provided that Tenant’s use of the Premises is not materially and adversely affected); (c) close temporarily any of the Premises while engaged in making repairs, improvements or alterations to the Leased Premises; and (d) perform such other acts and make such other changes with respect to the Leased Premises, as Landlord may, in the exercise of good faith business judgment, deem to be appropriate, provided in all events Landlord gives Tenant reasonable prior notice before commencing any such actions at the Premises and Landlord uses commercially reasonable and diligent efforts to avoid interfering with Tenant’s use and operations at the Premises.

 

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ARTICLE II

Net Basis Lease

Except as provided herein to the contrary, it is intended that the Rent provided for in this Lease shall be an absolute net return to Landlord (exclusive of any debt service and income taxes of Landlord) for the initial Term or for any extensions or renewals thereof, free of any expenses or charges whatsoever with respect to the Leased Premises, including, but not in limitation of the foregoing, all insurance premiums, all utility charges, all taxes, and all repairs, replacements and betterments, except for repairs, replacements or betterments to the roof (membrane and structural elements), structural floors and structural portions and exterior walls of the Building on the Leased Premises and electrical, embedded plumbing and other utility lines serving the Premises and situated outside the exterior walls and roof of the Building (collectively, the “Structural Elements”), each of which shall be the responsibility of Landlord under Article IX, Section 1.

ARTICLE III

Use of Leased Premises

The Leased Premises may be used for the operation of a warehouse, or for any other lawful use which does not increase the wear and tear on the Leased Premises above that which is likely to be caused by the enumerated uses. Tenant shall, at its sole cost and expense, observe and comply with all Laws and all requirements of any board of fire underwriters or similar body relating to the Leased Premises now or hereafter in force relating to or affecting the condition, use, occupancy, alteration or improvement of the Leased Premises (whether, except as otherwise provided herein, structural or nonstructural, including unforeseen and/or extraordinary alterations and/or improvements to the Leased Premises and regardless of the period of time remaining in the Term). Tenant shall not use or allow the Leased Premises to be used for any improper, immoral, unlawful or reasonably objectionable purpose. Tenant shall not cause, maintain or permit any nuisance in, on or about the Leased Premises, the Building or the Property, nor commit or suffer to be committed any waste in, on or about the Leased Premises. Without limiting the foregoing, Tenant is prohibited from engaging or permitting others to engage in any activity which would be a violation of any state and/or federal laws relating to the use, sale, possession, cultivation and/or distribution of any controlled substances (whether for commercial or personal purposes) regulated under any applicable law or other applicable law relating to the medicinal use and/or distribution of marijuana (“Prohibited Drug Law Activities”).

ARTICLE IV

Utility Charges

Tenant shall pay and be liable for all charges for fuel, electricity, water, gas, telephone service, sewage, garbage collection and other utilities to be furnished to the Leased Premises during the Term of this Lease. Landlord shall have no liability to Tenant for any interruption in utilities or services to be provided to the Leased Premises when such failure is caused by all or any of the following: (a) accident, breakage or repairs; (b) strikes, lockouts or other labor

 

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disturbances or labor disputes of any such character; (c) governmental regulation, moratorium or other governmental action; (d) inability, despite the exercise of reasonable diligence, to obtain electricity, water or fuel; (e) service interruptions or any other unavailability of utilities resulting from causes beyond Landlord’s control including without limitation, any electrical power “brown-out” or “black-out”; or (f) any other cause beyond Landlord’s reasonable control. In addition, in the event of any such interruption in utilities or services, Tenant shall not be entitled to any abatement or reduction of Rent, no eviction of Tenant shall result, and Tenant shall not be relieved from the performance of any covenant or agreement in this Lease. In the event of any stoppage or interruption of services or utilities which are not obtained directly by Tenant, Landlord shall diligently attempt to resume such services or utilities as promptly as practicable.

ARTICLE V

Taxes

Section 1. Tenant covenants and agrees to pay or cause to be paid, in addition to all other sums required to be paid by Tenant under the provisions of this Lease, all taxes, including, but not limited to, all real property taxes and assessments of any kind, sales taxes on rents, and all sewer use fees or charges for utilities, which may be levied or imposed by the United States, or the state, county or municipality in which the Leased Premises are located, or by any subdivision or department thereof, upon all or any part of the Leased Premises, upon any buildings, structures, fixtures or improvements now or hereafter located thereon or arising in respect of the occupation, use or possession of the Leased Premises or any estate, right, title or interest of the owner of the fee or of Landlord as the owner of a leasehold (excluding, however, any taxes imposed upon or measured by the net income of Landlord, which shall be the sole responsibility of Landlord), which are assessed or become a lien or due and owing at any time during the Term; provided, however, that any taxes, assessments or levies as aforesaid which become due and owing during the year that rent first or last becomes payable under this Lease and prior or subsequent to such time, as the case may be, shall be prorated as of the date for which rent first or last becomes payable under the terms of this Lease, as appropriate. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if such a tax, assessment or levy is payable over a period which exceeds the Term, only that portion which is attributable to the Term is to be paid by Tenant, and in computing the term over which such a tax, assessment or levy is due, the longest available period shall be utilized. If the Leased Premises are not separately assessed, said taxes and assessments shall be determined by Landlord through a reasonable apportionment in accordance with a fraction, the numerator of which is the total floor area of the Leased Premises and the denominator of which is the total leasable floor area of the Buildings multiplied by the amount of tax or assessment.

Section 2. Tenant may, at its own expense and in its own name and behalf or in the name and behalf of Landlord, in good faith, following reasonable prior notice to Landlord and an opportunity for Landlord to participate in any such contest, contest any such taxes, levies, assessments and other charges and, in the event of any such contest, may permit the taxes, levies, assessments or other charges so contested to remain unpaid during the period of such contest and any appeal therefrom unless by such action the title of Landlord to any part of the Leased Premises shall be materially endangered or the Leased Premises or any part thereof shall become subject to loss or forfeiture, in which event such taxes, assessments or charges shall be paid forthwith by Tenant. Landlord will cooperate fully with Tenant in any such contest at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.

 

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Section 3. Subject to its right of contest as provided in Section 2 hereof, should Tenant fail within the time provided and before the same become delinquent to pay any of such taxes to be paid by Tenant under the provisions hereof, including all penalties, fines, interest, costs and expenses, Landlord may, but shall not be so obligated, discharge or in any manner compromise or adjust the payments or obligations involved or any part thereof, and in the case of any sale or sales to enforce the same, Landlord may seek and effect any redemption therefrom as Landlord may deem fit, and Tenant shall pay to Landlord on demand therefor by Landlord, the full amount so paid and expended by Landlord, including all costs and expenses paid or incurred, which shall include reasonable attorney’s fees, together with interest at the highest rate permitted in the State of California from the date of payment by Landlord until paid by Tenant.

Section 4. Notwithstanding anything found in this Lease to the contrary, Landlord shall notify Tenant of all taxes and assessments on the Leased Premises owed by Tenant, within one hundred eighty (180) days of the first day of the following year for which the taxes and assessments were made. Any deficiency owed for such taxes and assessments shall be paid by Tenant within thirty (30) days of Tenant’s receipt of written notice from Landlord. Any overpayment of such taxes and assessments paid by Tenant shall be reimbursed to Tenant within thirty (30) days of written notice of such overpayment. If Landlord fails to notify Tenant of such taxes and assessments within eighteen (18) months after the first day of the following year for which the taxes and assessments were made, Landlord shall be estopped from attempting to charge Tenant for the same at a later date.

ARTICLE VI

Insurance

Section 1. Tenant agrees, at Tenant’s expense, to procure and maintain in force and effect continuously during the entire Term and any extensions or renewals thereof, a policy or policies of Commercial General Liability insurance in a company or companies authorized to do business in the state of California, insuring Landlord as an Additional Insured, and, at Landlord’s option, any other person, firm, or corporation having an interest in the leasehold estate, but for each Additional Insured only for occurrences arising out of Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Leased Premises in an amount of Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000.00) combined single limit for bodily injury and property damage per occurrence and Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00) in the aggregate. Tenant agrees to provide evidence of all such policies of insurance and all renewals thereof to Landlord. Tenant shall also procure and maintain at Tenant’s expense continuously during the entire Term and any extensions or renewals thereof, (i) Special Form (formerly known as “all risk”) insurance, including fire and extended coverage, sprinkler leakage (including earthquake sprinkler leakage), vandalism, malicious mischief plus earthquake and flood coverage upon property of every description and kind owned by Tenant and located in or on the Leased Premises, or for which Tenant is legally liable or installed by or on behalf of Tenant including, without limitation, furniture, equipment and any other personal property, and any alterations, in an amount not less than the full replacement cost thereof, (ii) Commercial Automobile Liability

 

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covering all owned, hired and non-owned automobiles, (iii) Worker’s compensation, in statutory amounts and employers’ liability, covering all persons employed in connection with any work done in, on or about the Leased Premises for which claims for death, bodily injury or illness could be asserted against Landlord, Tenant or the Leased Premises, and (iv) Umbrella liability insurance on an occurrence basis in an amount not less than Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000.00).

Section 2. At all times during the Term, Landlord shall, at Tenant’s expense, keep or cause to be kept the Building and all other improvements at any time constituting the Leased Premises, insured against fires and all perils included within full standard extended coverage insurance, in good and responsible insurance companies, authorized to do business in the state of California, in an amount not less than One Hundred Percent (100%) of the insurable value of the building erected or to be erected on the Leased Premises or One Hundred Percent (100%) of its replacement cost, whichever shall be less, said insurance to be for the benefit of Landlord and the mortgagee of the Leased Premises, if any, as their interests appear. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the cost of all such insurance under this Section 2 within ten (10) days of receipt of a billing therefor. If the Leased Premises are not separately insured, said insurance premiums shall be determined by Landlord through a reasonable apportionment in accordance with a fraction, the numerator of which is the total floor area of the Leased Premises and the denominator of which is the total leasable floor area of the Buildings multiplied by the amount of such insurance premiums.

ARTICLE VII

Indemnity

Section 1. Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall be liable to the other or any other person for any consequential damages, special or punitive damages, or for loss of business, revenue, income or profits (excluding however all rent payable by Tenant under this Lease) and each hereby waives any and all claims for any such damages against the other. Subject to the limitation set forth below, and to the extent not provided by any insurance coverage carried by Landlord, Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, damages, judgments, suits, causes of action, losses, liabilities and expenses, including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees and court costs including all reasonable expenses to Landlord (except as provided herein pursuant to Section 2 of this Article VII), for, or in connection with, any accident, injury or damage whatsoever caused to any person or property arising, directly or indirectly, out of the business conducted in the Leased Premises or occurring in, on or about the Leased Premises or any part thereof or arising directly or indirectly from any negligent act or omission of Tenant or any sub-tenant, or their respective servants, agents, employees or contractors, and from and against any and all costs, expenses and liabilities incurred in connection with any such claim or proceeding brought thereon.

Section 2. Notwithstanding anything in Section 1 of this Article VII to the contrary, Landlord shall remain liable for any and all claims and demands for, or in connection with, any accident, injury or damage whatsoever caused to any person or property arising, directly or indirectly, from any grossly negligent act or willful misconduct by Landlord or Landlord’s officers, employees, agents, servants or contractors occurring in, on or about the Leased Premises or any part thereof.

 

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ARTICLE VIII

Damage or Destruction of Leased Premises

Section 1. If, during the Term, twenty-five percent (25%) or less of the insurable value of the buildings and improvements, now or hereafter existing upon the Leased Premises, shall be destroyed by fire, explosion, the elements, an act of God or any other insured casualty, Landlord shall promptly rebuild and restore the same as nearly as possible to the condition existing prior to the damage. Rent payments shall be reduced proportionately from the date of such loss until the Leased Premises are restored to the condition which existed prior to the damage.

Section 2. If, during the Term, more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the insurable value of the building or improvements upon the Leased Premises shall be damaged or destroyed by fire, explosion, the elements, an act of God or any other casualty or any uninsured casualty or event, this Lease shall nevertheless continue in full force and effect for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such damage or destruction or until sooner terminated by the Tenant, subject to abatement of Rent for the period following such destruction. During such thirty (30) day period, Tenant shall have the option of terminating the Lease. In the event Tenant does not elect to terminate the Lease within such period, Landlord shall promptly commence to restore or rebuild the building or improvements and complete the same within one hundred and twenty (120) days from the date of destruction, with Rent abated from the date of destruction and throughout the period of repair and reconstruction during which Tenant is deprived of the use of the Leased Premises.

Section 3. If the Landlord shall fail to rebuild and restore the said building and improvements within such one hundred and eighty (180) day period as above provided, the Tenant shall have the right to cancel this Lease at the expiration of such one hundred and eighty (180) day period.

Section 4. Landlord shall also have the right to terminate this Lease if any damage to the Building occurs during the last twelve (12) months of the Term and Landlord’s contractor estimates in writing delivered to the parties that the repair, reconstruction or restoration of such damage cannot be completed within the earlier of (a) the scheduled expiration date of the Term, or (b) sixty (60) days after the date of such casualty.

 

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ARTICLE IX

Maintenance of Leased Premises

Section 1. Landlord’s Obligations. Upon receipt of written notice from Tenant, Landlord agrees to proceed with due diligence, at its sole cost and expense, to make any repairs, replacements or renewals to the Structural Elements, provided such repairs, replacements and renewals are not made necessary by any neglect or act of Tenant (which shall be paid by Tenant), other than normal wear and tear and depreciation. Without limiting the foregoing, Landlord intends to replace the roof membrane in Year 4 of the Term, at Landlord’s cost, provided if Landlord determines that the roof needs to be replaced sooner than during Year 4, then Landlord will replace the roof as and when so required at Landlord’s cost. All preventative maintenance and repairs of the existing roof shall be made by Landlord, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense as part of Operating Expenses. In addition, Landlord shall, at Tenant’s expense to be billed to Tenant monthly as “Operating Expenses” as provided herein, maintain, repair and replace all utility lines running outside of the exterior walls and roof, all HVAC systems, fire/life safety systems, electrical and plumbing systems of the Leased Premises and all drive aisles, driveways, walks, parking areas and landscaping and lighting and irrigation systems at the Leased Premises, including periodic removal of graffiti and periodic repainting of the exterior walls of the Building and periodic slurry coating and striping of the parking areas, provided however, any capital expenditures, including, but not limited to, the replacement of parking areas, drive aisles, HVAC system(s), etc. that are a part of Operating Expenses shall be amortized on a straight line basis over the useful life thereof and paid by Tenant monthly with other Operating Expenses. Landlord shall provide Tenant with monthly estimates of estimated Operating Expenses which Tenant shall pay to Landlord During any period of repair by Landlord, Rent shall be abated if, and to the extent, that Tenant’s use of the Leased Premises is restricted.

Section 2. Tenant’s Obligations. Tenant agrees promptly to make all repairs, replacements and renewals which become necessary in or about the Leased Premises, other than those which are Landlord’s obligation under Section 1 of this Article IX. To the extent Tenant is obligated to make any repairs, replacements or renewals in or about the Leased Premises, Landlord does hereby assign to Tenant all manufacturers’ and contractors’ warranties and guarantees covering the Building and any other improvements on the Leased Premises that may be in effect during the Term.

ARTICLE X

Waiver of Claims for Damages to Real and Personal Property

Section 1. Landlord and Tenant, for themselves and for their respective insurers, agree to and do hereby mutually release each other of and from any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action that each may have or claim to have against the other for loss of or damage to the property of the other, both real and personal, caused by or resulting from fire, tornado and all other casualties or perils of the type and character covered by fire and extended coverage insurance, notwithstanding that any such loss or damage may be due to or result from the negligence of either of the parties hereto or their respective officers, employees or agents. Landlord and Tenant will each secure an appropriate clause in, or endorsement on, any fire and extended coverage insurance policy covering their respective real and personal property, pursuant to which the respective insurance companies waive subrogation; provided, however, that a failure on the part of either party to secure such appropriate clause in, or endorsement on, any fire and extended coverage insurance policy covering their respective real and personal property, pursuant to which the respective insurance companies waive subrogation, shall not, in any manner, affect or restrict the provisions of the above and foregoing mutual releases.

 

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Section 2. Tenant, for itself and for its respective insurers, if any, does hereby agree that all personal property on the Leased Premises shall be at the risk of the Tenant only, and Landlord shall not be or become liable for any damage to said personal property or to Tenant or to any other persons for damage whatsoever done or occasioned by or from any boiler, plumbing, gas, water, steam or other pipes or any fixtures or appurtenances whatsoever, or arising by reason of the use of, said building, fixtures or appurtenances therein, or by damage caused in any other manner whatsoever; provided, however, that Landlord shall not be relieved of any liability for damage to Tenant’s personal property where such damage results from a condition or malfunction of equipment, fixtures or appurtenances, the maintenance or repair of which is Landlord’s responsibility hereunder.

ARTICLE XI

Mechanic’s Liens

Except for work or material which is the responsibility of Landlord under this Lease, Tenant agrees to pay promptly for any work done or material furnished in or about the Leased Premises after the commencement of the Term and to not suffer or permit any lien to attach to the Leased Premises, and Tenant further agrees promptly to cause any such lien or claims therefor to be released; provided, however, that in the event Tenant contests any such claim, Tenant agrees to indemnify and secure Landlord to the satisfaction of Landlord. Notice is hereby given that no mechanic’s, materialman’s or other lien sought to be taken or vested on the Leased Premises shall in any manner affect the right, title or interest of the Landlord therein, and that Tenant shall have no authority from Landlord to permit or create such lien. In the event that any such lien shall be filed upon the Leased Premises by reason of any act or omission (or alleged act or omission) of Tenant or any subtenant, and Tenant shall not, within thirty (30) days from and after notice to Tenant of the filing thereof, have caused the same to be released or have indemnified and secured Landlord to the satisfaction of Landlord, then in such event, Landlord may, but shall not be obligated to, cause the same to be discharged; and if Landlord does so, Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord promptly upon demand for all costs, expenses and other sums of money expended by Landlord in connection therewith.

 

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ARTICLE XII

Eminent Domain

Section 1. If the whole or any part of the land or Building constituting the Leased Premises shall be taken by any public authority under the power of eminent domain, and if the portion of such land or Building remaining after such taking shall not constitute sufficient space for the maintenance and operation of Tenant’s business in an economically feasible and profitable manner, as determined by Tenant, then the Term shall cease as of the date possession is delivered by Tenant, and Tenant shall pay Rent up to that date with an appropriate refund by Landlord of such Rent as may have been paid in advance for a period subsequent to the date of taking; provided, however, if Tenant, in its sole opinion, can use any part of the Building constituting a portion of the Leased Premises in an economically feasible and profitable manner, then the Lease shall continue in effect as to that part of the Building, and the Rent shall be abated from the date of taking in proportion to the number of square feet so taken. In the case of taking of unused land but not of Building, such that Tenant, it its sole opinion, can still use the remaining part of the Leased Premises in an economically feasible and profitable manner, then the Lease shall continue in effect, and no abatement of Rent shall occur by reason thereof. Landlord agrees at its sole cost and expense to make all repairs, construction, additions or alterations that may be necessary or requisite for the making of the remainder of the Leased Premises a complete architectural and operating unit, and suitable for the business and operations of Tenant in an economically feasible and profitable manner.

Section 2. All compensation awarded for any taking under the power of eminent domain, whether for the whole or a part of the Leased Premises, shall be the property of Landlord, whether such damages shall be awarded as compensation for diminution in the value of, or loss of, the fee of the Leased Premises, and Tenant hereby assigns to Landlord all of Tenant’s right, title and interest in and to any and all such compensation; provided, however, that Landlord shall not be entitled to any award made to Tenant for the cost of removal of fixtures, stock and other personal property of Tenant, or for any other expenses or losses of Tenant connected with or resulting from any such taking, or any other awards, reimbursements or payments that may be made, awarded or granted to Tenant directly under applicable law.

ARTICLE XIII

Quiet Enjoyment

Landlord covenants that Tenant, when paying the Rent and performing all the covenants and agreements herein provided to be performed by Tenant, shall peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Leased Premises for the Term.

 

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ARTICLE XIV

Default

Section 1. Subject to the provisions of this Article XIV, this Lease is made upon the express condition that Tenant shall faithfully and punctually perform and observe all the agreements, covenants and conditions herein set forth to be performed by Tenant, and that if at any time any Rent, taxes, assessments, charges, insurance premiums, utilities charges or any other monies required to be paid by Tenant hereunder, or any part thereof, shall be in arrears and unpaid for a period of five (5) days after notice in writing thereof shall have been given by Landlord to Tenant, or if defaults shall be made or suffered in the performance or observance of any of the other covenants or conditions of this Lease, and if Tenant fails to commence action to eliminate such default within thirty (30) days after notice in writing thereof shall have been given by Landlord to Tenant, Landlord shall have the right, at its election, to terminate this Lease or to enter upon the Leased Premises and take immediate possession thereof. If Landlord shall elect to so terminate this Lease, then Landlord may recover from Tenant: (a) the worth at the time of award of any unpaid Rent which had been earned at the time of such termination; plus (b) the worth at the time of the award of the amount by which the unpaid Rent which would have been earned after termination until the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that Tenant proves could have been reasonably avoided; plus (c) the worth at the time of award of the amount by which the unpaid Rent for the balance of the term after the time of award exceeds the amount of such rental loss that Tenant proves could be reasonably avoided; plus (d) any other amount necessary to compensate Landlord for all the detriment proximately caused by Tenant’s failure to perform its obligations under this Lease or which, in the ordinary course of things, would be likely to result therefrom, and this Lease and the Building and all improvements upon the Leased Premises shall be forfeited to Landlord without compensation therefor to Tenant, or any other person, firm or corporation whomsoever; provided, however, that Tenant may at any time before the expiration of such periods, pay and/or perform the engagements of this Lease for which Tenant shall be in default, and thereby prevent such entry and forfeiture. As used herein, the “worth at the time of award” is computed by allowing interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum. As used in (c) above, the “worth at the time of award” is computed by discounting such amount at the discount rate of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco at the time of award plus one percent (1%). Such right to sue and the right to forfeit and reenter are cumulative and not exclusive of each other or of any other lawful right or remedy that Landlord may have, and the fact that Landlord may have brought suit and recovered judgment for Rent or other sums in default hereunder shall not impair its right to cause forfeiture of this Lease and reenter, upon the terms set forth herein, in case the default upon which any such suit was based shall continue unsatisfied for the period of time hereinabove stipulated for such forfeiture and entry.

Section 2. Should any of the events of default hereinabove specified occur, in case Landlord does not elect to exercise the right to terminate this Lease conferred by the provisions of Section 1 of this Article XIV, Landlord shall nevertheless have, and is hereby expressly given, the right at its sole election to reenter the Leased Premises with or without legal process, and to remove and store for Tenant, Tenant’s signs and all property and effects of Tenant or other occupants of said premises, and to relet the premises or any part thereof at or near market rents and upon such terms and to such person or persons and for such period or periods as may seem

 

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fit to Landlord; and in case of such reletting, Tenant shall be liable to Landlord for the difference between the rents and payments herein reserved and agreed upon for the residue of the Term (except as hereinafter otherwise provided) and the rent realized by Landlord by such reletting, such net rents and payments to be determined by deducting from the entire rents and payments received by Landlord from such reletting, the expenses of recovering possession, reletting, repairing said premises, storing Tenant’s property, and collecting rents; and Tenant hereby agrees to pay to Landlord such deficiency each month, as the same may accrue. Tenant shall pay to Landlord within ten (10) days after the expiration of each month during such residue of the Term the difference between the reserved rents and payments for said month, and the net amount realized by Landlord from the premises during said month from such reletting. Landlord shall have the right at any time after such reentry and reletting, in its sole discretion, to terminate this Lease and thence forward there shall be no liability on the part of Tenant for any future accruing Rent or payments reserved under this Lease.

Section 3. If, after the commencement of the Term, (a) Tenant shall be adjudicated as bankrupt or adjudged to be insolvent; (b) a receiver or trustee shall be appointed for Tenant’s property and affairs; (c) Tenant shall make an assignment for the benefit of creditors or shall file a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization or debtor’s arrangement or shall make application for the appointment of a receiver, or (d) any execution or attachment shall be issued against Tenant or any of Tenant’s property, whereby the Leased Premises or any building or buildings or any improvements thereon shall be taken or occupied or attempted to be taken or occupied by someone other than Tenant, except as may be herein permitted, and such adjudication, appointment, assignment, petition, application, execution or attachment shall not be set aside, vacated, discharged or bonded within thirty (30) days after the issuance of the same, then an event of default hereunder shall become effective, and Landlord shall have the rights and remedies provided for herein. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, so long as the Rent shall continue to be paid hereunder, and Tenant shall perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions on its part to be performed, Landlord shall not have the right to declare a default in this Lease.

Section 4. This Lease is also made upon the express condition that Landlord shall faithfully and punctually perform and observe all the agreements, covenants and conditions set forth herein to be performed by Landlord. If any default shall be made or suffered in the performance or observance of any of the covenants or conditions of this Lease to be performed by Landlord, and if Landlord fails to commence action to eliminate such default within thirty (30) days after notice in writing thereof shall have been given by Tenant to Landlord, Tenant shall have the right, at its election, to (i) terminate this Lease and thence forward this Lease shall become void for all intents and purposes whatsoever subject, however, to the right of Tenant to sue on such Lease for damages sustained by reason of Landlord’s default; or (ii) cure said default and offset the next succeeding months’ Base Rent by the cost of curing the same. Provided, however, that Landlord may at any time before the expiration of such period of thirty (30) days, perform its obligations under this Lease for which Landlord shall be in default, and thereby prevent such termination of this Lease. Any rights of Tenant hereunder in the event of default by Landlord are cumulative and not exclusive of each other or any other lawful right or remedy that Tenant may have, and the fact that Tenant may have brought suit and recovered judgment against Landlord shall not impair its right to cause termination of this Lease.

 

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Section 5. If Landlord does not receive Rent or any other payment within three (3) business days of when due from Tenant on the due date, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of such past due Rent or other payment; provided, however, Landlord agrees not to impose a late charge for the first late payment in any calendar year of the Term provided Tenant pays such late payment within five (5) business days of written invoice. Tenant agrees that this late charge represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the cost Landlord will incur by reason of Tenant’s late payment. Accepting any late charge shall not constitute a waiver by Landlord of Tenant’s default with respect to any overdue amount nor prevent Landlord from exercising any other rights or remedies available to Landlord. If any installment of Monthly Base Rent or Additional Rent, or any other amount payable by Tenant hereunder is not received by Landlord within thirty (30) days after written invoice by Landlord, it shall bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the due date until paid.

ARTICLE XV

Surrender of Leased Premises

Section 1. Upon the end of the Term, Tenant shall quit and surrender the Leased Premises, in good condition and repair (depreciation, wear and tear excepted). Tenant shall, upon or before the end of the Term, remove from the Leased Premises all its property, including by way of illustration the furniture, fixtures, equipment and trade fixtures, and all property not so removed shall be deemed abandoned by Tenant.

Section 2. It is understood that all movable furniture, fixtures, equipment and all trade fixtures of every kind, character and description, placed in or upon the Leased Premises or owned by Tenant shall remain the property of Tenant, and may be removed by Tenant at any time.

Section 3. At the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Landlord and Tenant shall schedule a walk-through of the Leased Premises to determine whether Tenant has complied with its obligation to surrender the Leased Premises in accordance with Section 1 above. Landlord shall notify Tenant of any non-compliance at said time or Landlord shall be estopped from attempting to charge Tenant for any repairs it deems the responsibility of Tenant at a later date.

ARTICLE XVI

Holding Over

If Tenant should remain in possession of the Leased Premises after the expiration of the Term, as renewed or extended, and without executing a new lease, then such holding over shall be construed as a tenancy from month to month, subject to all the conditions, provisions and obligations of this Lease insofar as the same are applicable to a month-to-month tenancy, and Rent computed as One Hundred Fifty Percent (150%) of the monthly Base Rent paid during the last month of the term previously expired and shall continue to apply to such extended tenancy.

 

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ARTICLE XVII

Compliance With Laws

Section 1. Tenant agrees to use the Leased Premises in a manner which shall be in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, orders and ordinances which relate specifically to, or which are imposed by reason of, its particular use or alteration of the Leased Premises, and further agrees not to suffer or permit the Leased Premises to be used for any unlawful purpose, and to protect Landlord and save it and the Leased Premises harmless from any and all fines and penalties that may result from or be due to any infractions of or noncompliance with the said laws, rules, regulations, orders and ordinances. Landlord shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, orders and ordinances which relate to the Leased Premises generally and to the parking lots, walkways, common areas and all ingress and egress associated with the Leased Premises and any modifications thereto initiated by Landlord, and which laws, rules, regulations, orders and ordinances are not applicable solely due to Tenant’s particular use of the Leased Premises, including by way of illustration, laws requiring the removal of asbestos or other hazardous materials and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 1991.

Section 2. Landlord shall be responsible for compliance with all laws including but not limited to the requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) 1991, as the same may become applicable either through alterations to the Leased Premises by Landlord or new construction of a portion or portions of Leased Premises by Landlord.

ARTICLE XVIII

Notices

Section 1. Any notice herein provided to be given to Landlord shall be given by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to Landlord, return receipt requested, or by hand delivery or overnight courier service, as above provided for the payment of Rent.

Section 2. Any notice herein provided to be given to Tenant shall be given by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid, and shall be addressed return receipt requested, or by hand delivery or overnight courier service, as follows:

If to Tenant:

Sylvamo North America, LLC

Attn: Corporate Real Estate Department

6400 Poplar Avenue, Tower I

Memphis, TN 38197

with required notice to:

Sylvamo North America, LLC

 

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Attn: Brian Wamble

6400 Poplar Avenue, Tower I

Memphis, TN 38197

Section 3. Any and all notices given, as above provided, shall be deemed to be given when received by the addressee, as evidenced by return receipt.

Section 4. Each party shall have the right to specify, in lieu of its above-specified address, any other address in the United States of America by giving to the other party at least fifteen (15) days prior written notice of such change of address sent in accordance with Section 1 or 2 above.

ARTICLE XIX

Non-Waiver; Rights and Remedies Cumulative

No requirement of this Lease shall be deemed waived or varied, nor shall either party’s acceptance of any payment with knowledge of any default or either party’s failure or delay to take advantage of any default constitute a waiver of such party’s rights hereunder or of any subsequent or continued breach of any requirement of this Lease. All rights and remedies of either party hereunder or in connection with this Lease shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any rights or remedies otherwise available to such party.

ARTICLE XX

Successors and Assigns

All covenants, agreements, conditions, limitations, exceptions and undertakings contained in this Lease shall extend to, and inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns of Tenant and Landlord. The parties hereto further agree that all of the covenants, agreements, conditions, limitations, exceptions and undertakings contained in this Lease shall be binding upon the parties hereto and shall be construed to be covenants running with the land.

ARTICLE XXI

Access to Leased Premises

Subject to applicable laws, and Tenant’s compliance with same, Tenant shall have access to the Leased Premises 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, 365 days per year.

Tenant agrees that Landlord, its agents, servants or employees, or any person authorized by Landlord, may enter the Leased Premises during usual business hours and upon twenty four (24) hours prior written notice to inspect the condition of the same and to make such repairs as Landlord may be required or permitted to make under the provisions of this Lease, to exhibit the same to prospective purchasers of the Leased Premises, and, within one hundred eighty (180) days prior to the termination of this Lease, or any extensions thereof, to exhibit the Leased

 

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Premises to prospective tenants and to place in and upon the premises at such places as Landlord may determine “For Rent” signs or notices; provided, however, that such signs or notices shall not be placed in positions in which they would unreasonably interfere with the continued conduct of Tenant’s business or obstruct Tenant’s own signs as then erected. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be deemed or construed to impose upon Landlord any obligation or liability whatever for care, supervision, repair, improvement, addition, change or alteration of the Leased Premises or the building or improvements thereon other than as expressly provided in this Lease.

ARTICLE XXII

Assignment and Subletting

Tenant may not assign this Lease or sublet all or part of the Leased Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord to such assignment or such subletting, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, provided the new entity is financially sound in the reasonable opinion of Landlord and further provided, however, that in the event of such assignment or such subletting, Tenant shall give Landlord prior written notice thereof and continue primarily responsible to Landlord for the performance of each of the terms, conditions and covenants to be performed by Tenant under the terms of this Lease, and provided further, that at the time of such assignment or subletting, such assignee or subtenant shall execute a document agreeing to perform for the benefit of Landlord each and every term, condition and covenant of this Lease. Landlord shall be permitted to proceed directly against Tenant for the failure of the performance of any term, condition or covenant of this Lease without the necessity of joining in any such action or actions any assignee or subtenant, provided, however, that at Landlord’s option, Landlord may join such assignee or subtenant. Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord as Additional Rent within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof, fifty percent (50%) of any rent or other economic consideration received by Tenant as a result of any assignment or subletting which exceeds, in the aggregate, (i) the total Rent which Tenant is obligated to pay Landlord under this Lease (prorated to reflect obligations allocable to any portion of the Premises subleased) for the applicable period, plus (ii) any reasonable brokerage commissions and attorneys’ fees actually paid by Tenant in connection with such assignment or subletting. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may assign or sublet this Lease without Landlord’s consent to: (i) any affiliate, subsidiary or parent entity of Tenant; or (ii) any entity resulting from a merger involving Tenant and/or Tenant’s affiliates, subsidiaries or parent entity.

 

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ARTICLE XXIII

Modification/Construction

No oral statement or written matter bearing date prior to the date hereof shall have any force or effect in connection with the interpretation of this agreement or otherwise. Tenant and Landlord agree that they are not relying on any representations or agreements other than those contained in this Lease. No agreement shall be held as changing or in any manner modifying, adding to, or detracting from, any of the terms or conditions of this Lease unless such agreement shall be in writing and duly executed by the parties hereto. Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that this Lease constitutes their mutual work product and agree that no inferences shall be drawn based upon this Lease being drafted either by Landlord or by Tenant.

ARTICLE XXIV

Signage; Parking

Tenant shall be permitted to erect signs that comply with all applicable zoning laws and regulations now or hereafter in effect. Landlord shall cooperate with Tenant in obtaining approval from the appropriate state and local authorities to install such signage on behalf of Tenant, located as shown on the site plan attached hereto as Exhibit B. Tenant shall bear all costs associated with obtaining said approvals.

Tenant shall have access to the parking as identified on Exhibit “B” hereto.

ARTICLE XXV

Alterations and Additions

Tenant shall not make or allow to be made any alterations, additions or improvements to or of the Premises or any part thereof, which alteration costs in excess of $50,000.00, without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any alteration made to the Leased Premises below the above-referenced threshold amount shall not require Landlord’s prior written consent but shall require written notice from Tenant to Landlord.

ARTICLE XXVI

Options to Extend Term

Tenant is hereby granted one (1) option to extend the Term hereof an additional five (5) years each, upon one hundred eighty (180) days written notice prior to the expiration of the Term (the “Extended Term”). Rent for said Extended Term shall be equal to the then prevailing fair market rent (“FMV”). Fair Market Value shall mean the average annual rental rate then being charged in the La Mirada, Sante Fe Springs, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Fullerton areas for comparable space in comparable buildings, comparably located for which market rate is being determined, taking into consideration: location in the building, tenant improvements or

 

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allowances to be provided, rental abatements, lease takeovers/assumptions, moving expenses and other forms of rental concessions, proposed term of lease, extent of service provided or to be provided, whether or not the transaction is a sublease, the time the particular rate under consideration became or is to become effective, contraction and expansion options, and any other relevant terms or conditions. In the event Landlord and Tenant are not able to agree upon the Fair Market Value rental rate for the Extended Term, such Fair Market Value rental rate shall be determined as provided in Rider No. 1. Except as provided above, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect during the Extended Term.

ARTICLE XXVII

Subordination and Acknowledgements

Section 1. At the option of the Landlord or the applicable mortgagee, chargee or trustee (as the case may be), this Lease shall be subject and subordinate to any and all mortgages, charges and deeds of trust (and instruments supplemental thereto), which may now affect the Leased Premises. Tenant acknowledges and agrees that any such mortgagee, chargee or trustee may unilaterally postpone and subordinate its mortgage, charge or deed of trust to this Lease and any renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements or extensions thereof to the intent that this Lease and all right, title and interest of Tenant in the Leased Premises shall be prior to the rights of such mortgagee, chargee or trustee as fully as if such Lease had been executed and registered before the registration of the mortgage, charge or deed of trust, as applicable. On request at any time and from time to time of Landlord or of the mortgagee, chargee or trustee under any such mortgage, charge or deed of trust, Tenant shall promptly, at no cost to the Landlord or mortgagee, chargee or trustee, and provided said mortgagee, chargee or trustee agrees to enter in a non-disturbance agreement with Tenant and agrees not to in any way disturb or modify Tenant’s rights under this Lease or Tenant’s occupancy of the Leased Premises under this Lease unless in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Lease:

(a) attorn to such mortgagee, chargee or trustee and become its tenant of the Leased Premises or the tenant of the Leased Premises of any purchaser from such mortgagee, chargee or trustee in the event of an exercise of any permitted power of sale contained in any such mortgage, charge or deed of trust for the then unexpired residue of the Term on the terms herein contained; and/or

(b) postpone and subordinate this Lease to such mortgage, charge or deed of trust to the intent that this Lease and all right, title and interest of Tenant in the Leased Premises shall be subject to the rights of such mortgagee, chargee or trustee as fully as if such mortgage, charge or deed of trust had been executed and registered and the money thereby secured had been advanced before the execution of this Lease (and notwithstanding any authority or consent of such mortgagee, or trustee, express or implied, to the making of this Lease).

 

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Section 2. Tenant shall, within not more than twenty (20) days’ written request therefor, execute and return to Landlord or its mortgagee as required by Landlord from time to time and without cost to Landlord or such mortgagee, a statement in writing certifying that this Lease is unmodified and in full force and effect (or if modified, stating the modifications and that the Lease is in full force and effect as modified), the amount of the annual Rent then being paid hereunder, the dates to which the same, by instalment or otherwise, and other charges hereunder have been paid, whether or not there is any existing default on the part of Landlord of which Tenant has notice, and any other information reasonably required.

ARTICLE XXVIII

Environmental

Section 1. Landlord covenants and warrants that it knows of no transportation, storage (including underground storage tanks), placement, handling, treatment, discharge, generation, production or disposal (treatment) of any waste, petroleum product, waste products, radioactive waste, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, asbestos, hazardous materials of any kind, or any substance which is regulated by any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation (“Hazardous Materials”), by Landlord or any other person or entity (including other tenants) on or around the Leased Premises prior to the Tenant taking possession of the Leased Premises.

Section 2. Landlord hereby agrees it will indemnify, defend, save and hold harmless Tenant and Tenant’s officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, representatives, invitees, licensees, subtenants, customers or contractors and their respective heirs, successors, and assigns (collectively “Indemnified Parties/Tenant”) against and from, and to reimburse the Indemnified Parties/Tenant with respect to, any and all damages, claims, liabilities, loss, costs, and expenses (including reasonable and actual attorneys’ fees and expenses, court costs, administrative costs and costs of appeals), incurred by or asserted against the Indemnified Parties/Tenant by reason of or arising out of: (a) the breach of any representation or undertaking of Landlord of its agents, employees, heirs, successors, or assigns under Section 1 of this Article or (b) arising out of any act or negligence or violation of any law, statute, ordinance, rule or regulation with respect to the treatment or handling of Hazardous Materials at any time by Landlord, its agents, employees, contractors, other tenants or their respective heirs, successors or assigns. Further, Tenant shall not be responsible or liable for any violation of any environmental law during the Term of this Lease not caused by Tenant or an employee, authorized agent or invitee of Tenant.

Section 3. Except for ordinary and general office supplies, such as copier toner, liquid paper, glue, ink and common household cleaning materials, and motor vehicle fuel stored in fuel tanks of motor vehicles used on site in compliance with all environmental laws (some or all of which may constitute Hazardous Materials), Tenant agrees not to cause or permit any Hazardous Materials to be brought upon, stored, used, handled, generated, released or disposed of on, in, under or about the Leased Premises, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent Landlord may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion. Upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, Tenant agrees to promptly remove from the Leased Premises, at its sole cost and expense, any and all Hazardous Materials, including any equipment or systems

 

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containing Hazardous Materials which are installed, brought upon, stored, used, generated or released upon, in, under or about the Leased Premises or any portion thereof by Tenant or any of Tenant’s Parties. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Tenant agrees to promptly indemnify, protect, defend and hold harmless Landlord and Landlord’s members, shareholders, partners, officers, directors, managers, employees, agents, contractors, successors and assigns (collectively, “Landlord Parties”) from and against any and all claims, damages, judgments, suits, causes of action, losses, liabilities, penalties, fines, expenses and costs (including, without limitation, clean-up, removal, remediation and restoration costs, sums paid in settlement of claims, attorneys’ fees, consultant fees and expert fees and court costs) which arise or result from the presence of Hazardous Materials on, in, under or about the Leased Premises or any portion thereof and which are caused or permitted by Tenant or any of Tenant’s Parties. The provisions of this Article 10 will survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

ARTICLE XXIX

Broker

Landlord and Tenant warrant that no broker was involved in this Lease or the transactions contemplated hereby except IP Commercial Properties, LLC (“Broker”). Tenant shall not be responsible for any real estate commission claimed to be owed to any broker or other person on any renewal, amendment, modification, or the like, of the Lease unless said party is specifically authorized in writing to receive the same by Tenant. Each party agrees to indemnify the other party from claims for real estate commissions or fees arising out of any acts or negotiations of the indemnifying party with any broker, realtor or finder.

ARTICLE XXX

Confidentiality

Each party agrees to treat all information contained in the Lease (including the name of the other party) as strictly confidential and shall not disclose any information about the Lease or the other party to anyone not an agent of said party, and if then only on a “need to know” basis and with the requirement that said agent treat the Lease and the terms hereof as strictly confidential. Neither party shall make any marketing or press release regarding the Lease without the prior written consent of the other party, which consent may be withheld in said party’s sole and absolute discretion. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, either party may disclose information regarding the Lease under proper authority of court.

ARTICLE XXXI

Public Recordation of Lease

Each party agrees that neither party shall have the right to record and/or cause or permit this Lease, or any memorandum of this Lease, to be recorded publicly without prior written consent of the other party.

 

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ARTICLE XXXII

Counterpart Signatures

This Lease may be executed simultaneously in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

ARTICLE XXXIII

Miscellaneous

Section 1. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, the obligations of Landlord under this Lease (including as to any actual or alleged breach or default by Landlord) do not constitute personal obligations of the individual members, managers, investors, partners, directors, officers, or shareholders of Landlord or Landlord’s members or partners, and Tenant shall not seek recourse against the individual members, managers, investors, partners, directors, officers, or shareholders of Landlord or Landlord’s members or partners or any other persons or entities having any interest in Landlord, or any of their personal assets for satisfaction of any liability with respect to this Lease. In addition, in consideration of the benefits accruing hereunder to Tenant and notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, Tenant hereby covenants and agrees for itself and all of its successors and assigns that the liability of Landlord for its obligations under this Lease (including any liability as a result of any actual or alleged failure, breach or default hereunder by Landlord), shall be limited solely to, and Tenant’s and its successors’ and assigns’ sole and exclusive remedy shall be against, Landlord’s interest in the Leased Premises, and no other assets of Landlord. The term “Landlord” as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of the Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners, at the time in question, of the fee title to, or a lessee’s interest in a ground lease of, the Leased Premises. In the event of any transfer or conveyance of any such title or interest (other than a transfer for security purposes only), the transferor shall be automatically relieved of all covenants and obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease. Landlord and Landlord’s transferees and assignees shall have the absolute right to transfer all or any portion of their respective title and interest in the Leased Premises and/or this Lease without the consent of Tenant, and such transfer or subsequent transfer shall not be deemed a violation on Landlord’s part of any of the terms and conditions of this Lease.

Section 2. Within 15 business days following Landlord’s written request, Tenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord a commercially reasonable and typical estoppel certificate. Any such estoppel certificate may be relied upon by any mortgagee, beneficiary, purchaser or prospective purchaser of any portion of the Leased Premises, as well as their assignees. Tenant’s failure to deliver such estoppel certificate following an additional two (2) business day cure period after notice shall constitute a default hereunder. Tenant’s failure to deliver such certificate within such time shall be conclusive upon Tenant that this Lease is in full force and effect, without modification except as may be represented by Landlord, that there are no uncured defaults in Landlord’s performance, and that not more than one (1) month’s Rent has been paid in advance.

 

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Section 3. This Lease shall be governed by, and construed pursuant to, the laws of the state of California. Venue for any litigation between the parties hereto concerning this Lease or the occupancy of the Premises shall be initiated in the county in which the Premises are located. Tenant shall comply with all governmental and quasi-governmental laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the Premises, and all rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto and all covenants, conditions and restrictions applicable to and/or of record against the Premises (individually, a “Law” and collectively, the “Laws”).

Section 4. All of the covenants, conditions and provisions of this Lease shall be binding upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective heirs, personal representatives and permitted successors and assigns.

Section 5. If either Landlord or Tenant should bring suit (or alternate dispute resolution proceedings) against the other with respect to this Lease, including for unlawful detainer, forcible entry and detainer, or any other relief against the other hereunder, then all costs and expenses incurred by the prevailing party therein (including, without limitation, its actual appraisers’, accountants’, attorneys’ and other professional fees, expenses and court costs), shall be paid by the other party, including any and all costs incurred in enforcing, perfecting and executing such judgment and all reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees associated with any appeal.

Section 6. Landlord acknowledges that Tenant anticipates becoming a public company on or about October 1, 2021. In the event Tenant does not become a publicly traded company by October 31, 2021, or should Tenant after becoming a public company assign this Lease to a company which is not a publicly traded company, then Tenant or such assignee, as applicable agree to provide financial information to Landlord as follows: Upon fifteen (15) days prior written request from Landlord (which Landlord may make at any time during the Term including in connection with Tenant’s exercise of any Option in this Lease, but no more often that two (2) times in any calendar year, other than in the event of a default by Tenant during such calendar year or the exercise of any Option in such calendar year, when such limitation shall not apply), Tenant shall deliver to Landlord for review by Landlord and by Landlord’s accountants, investors and prospective purchasers and lenders: (a) a current financial statement of Tenant and any guarantor of this Lease, and (b) financial statements of Tenant and such guarantor for the two (2) years prior to the current financial statement year. If Tenant does become a publicly traded company by October 31, 2021, Landlord shall have the right to perform a creditworthiness evaluation of Tenant and based on such evaluation may require a commercially reasonable security deposit from Tenant which shall be held by Landlord as provided in Section 9 below. Landlord covenants and agrees not to disclose any information regarding Tenant’s financial statements to any parties other than its accountants, investors, purchasers, and lenders to keep all of Tenant’s financial information confidential. Such statements shall be prepared in accordance with generally acceptable accounting principles and certified as true in all material respects by Tenant (if Tenant is an individual) or by an authorized officer, member/manager or general partner of Tenant (if Tenant is a corporation, limited liability company or partnership, respectively).

 

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Section 7. This Lease may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which shall be one and the same agreement. Signatures and initials required in this document may be executed via “wet” original handwritten signature or initials, or via electronic signature or mark, which shall be binding on the parties as originals, and the executed signature pages may be delivered using pdf or similar file type transmitted via electronic mail, cloud based server, e-signature technology or other similar electronic means, and any such transmittal shall constitute delivery of the executed document for all purposes of this Lease.

Section 8. Landlord and its employees and agents shall at all reasonable times have the right to enter the Leased Premises to inspect the same, to supply any service required to be provided by Landlord to Tenant under this Lease, to exhibit the Leased Premises to prospective lenders or purchasers (or during the last year of the Term or during any default by Tenant, to prospective tenants), to post notices of non-responsibility, and/or to alter, improve or repair the Leased Premises or any portion thereof, all without being deemed guilty of or liable for any breach of Landlord’s covenant of quiet enjoyment or any eviction of Tenant, and without abatement of Rent. In exercising such entry rights, Landlord shall endeavor to minimize, to the extent reasonably practicable, the interference with Tenant’s business, and shall provide Tenant with reasonable advance notice (oral or written) of such entry (except in emergency situations and for scheduled services). For each of the foregoing purposes, Landlord shall at all times have and retain a key with which to unlock all of the doors in, upon and about the Leased Premises, excluding Tenant’s vaults and safes, and Landlord shall have the means which Landlord may deem proper to open said doors in an emergency in order to obtain entry to the Leased Premises. Any entry to the Leased Premises obtained by Landlord by any of said means or otherwise shall not under any circumstances be construed or deemed to be a forcible or unlawful entry into, or a detainer of, the Leased Premises, or an eviction of Tenant from the Leased Premises or any portion thereof, or grounds for any abatement or reduction of Rent and Landlord shall not have any liability to Tenant for any damages or losses on account of any such entry by Landlord.

Section 9. If Landlord requires a security deposit from Tenant pursuant to Section 6 above, the security deposit shall be held by Landlord as security for the full and faithful performance by Tenant of all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease to be performed by Tenant during the Term. If Tenant defaults with respect to any of its obligations under this Lease, Landlord may (but shall not be required to) use, apply or retain all or any part of the security deposit for the payment of any Monthly Base Rent, Additional Rent or any other sum in default, or for the payment of any other amount, loss or damage which Landlord may spend, incur or suffer by reason of Tenant’s default. If any portion of the security deposit is so used or applied, Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after demand therefor, deposit cash with Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the security deposit to its original amount. Landlord shall not be required to keep the security deposit separate from its general funds, and Tenant shall not be entitled to interest on the security deposit. If Tenant shall fully and faithfully perform every provision of this Lease to be performed by it, the security deposit or any balance thereof shall be returned to Tenant within thirty (30) days following the expiration of the Term, provided that Landlord may retain the security deposit until such time as any amount due from Tenant in accordance with this Lease has been determined and paid in full. If Landlord sells its interest in the Building during the Term and if Landlord deposits with or credits to the purchaser the security deposit (or balance thereof), then, upon such sale, Landlord shall be discharged from any further liability with respect to the security deposit.

[The remainder of this page intentionally left blank. Signature page follows.]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease this 1st day of September, 2021.

 

LANDLORD:
INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Neely Mallory

Name:   Neely Mallory
Title:   Director, Global Real Estate Services

 

 

TENANT:
SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC
By:  

/s/ Patrick Wilczynski

Name:   Patrick Wilczynski
Title:   SVP, Operational Excellence

 

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EXHIBIT A

DESCRIPTION OF LEASED PREMISES

 

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EXHIBIT B

SITE PLAN

 

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Exhibit 10.3

CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND IS THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. THE REDACTED TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED WITH THREE ASTERISKS [***]

SUPPLY AGREEMENT

This Supply Agreement (“Agreement”) is made as of September 1, 2021 by and between Sylvamo North America, LLC, a Delaware Company, with corporate offices located in Memphis TN (“Buyer”) and International Paper Company, a New York corporation with corporate offices located at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38197 (“Seller”).

WHEREAS, prior to the date hereof Seller, through its North American Container business unit, manufactured and sold corrugated packaging products (“Products”) to Seller’s North American Papers business unit (the “Papers Business”); and

WHEREAS, Seller is spinning off the Papers Business into a stand-alone, publicly traded company operated under Buyer’s name and marks by Buyer (the “Transaction”); and

WHEREAS, Buyer will purchase and Seller will to continue to supply Products that were supplied to the Papers Business prior to the close of the Transaction, as further described herein.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

CONTRACT ELEMENT   

SPECIFICS

1.    Term of Contract    Three (3) Years (“Initial Term”). After the Initial Term, the Agreement shall automatically renew for a successive one (1) year term (a “Renewal Term”) unless either party gives written notice of termination to the other party at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or Renewal Term (the Initial Term and Renewal Term referred to herein as the “Term”).
2.    Start Date and End Date    September1, 2021 through August 31, 2024
3.    Purchase Commitment    During the Term of this Agreement, Buyer agrees to purchase 100% of its requirements for the Products identified in the attached Exhibit A from International Paper, including any replacements, modifications or revisions of said Products (“Replacement Products”). Provided, however, in the event International Paper is unable to manufacture the Replacement Product(s) to meet Buyer’s requirements, Buyer shall be free to purchase said Replacement Product(s) from an alternate supplier.
4.    Prices    Initial prices are listed in Exhibit A. Prices may be changed as described below in Section 5.
5.    Price changes based on changes in price/ton of linerboard    The prices of Products shall increase or decrease by [***] % for every $10/ton movement in the midpoint of the East Coast, open market price for 42# unbleached kraft linerboard as reported in the “Price Watch” section of Pulp & Paper Week (“PPW”). The benchmark price for calculating a change in the price of linerboard shall be $[***]/ton for the initial adjustment and thereafter the baseline will be the midpoint of the East Coast open market price as of the immediately prior price adjustment under this Agreement. Price change is made quarterly (Jan 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct 1) based on PPW price publication for the 2nd month for the prior quarter (i.e., Nov for Jan 1, Feb for April 1, May for July 1, August for October 1). Price changes will be implemented with shipments. $20 per ton min trigger (cumulative)
6.    Payment Terms    Net 30 days from date of invoice
7.    Minimum order    Full or mixed full truckload, small quantity adders for any order less than 6,000 pieces
8.    Freight    FOB Buyer location. All pricing includes freight with the exception of shipment to South Coast Paper. For South Coast Paper, freight is added as a separate line and billed to Buyer.
9.    Lead Time for Orders    Ten (10) working days existing items, Fifteen (15) working days for new items. Changes will be communicated to the customer to better understand if expectations have changed.


CONTRACT ELEMENT   

SPECIFICS

10.    Drop Trailers / Warehousing    All items are quoted make and ship. Warehousing is not included in pricing. For locations that require drop trailers (i.e., Sumter), pricing includes [***] drop trailers. Any additional trailer need will be charged at monthly fee of $[***].
11.    Cost Savings    Seller will work with Buyer to identify cost savings on an annual basis. The annual targeted cost savings shall be [***] percent ([***]%); however, the parties acknowledge that the foregoing is not intended to be a guarantee of cost savings.
12.    Commercialization Support    Seller will support Buyer with efforts around corrugated packaging opportunities with end-use customers. Our businesses will also schedule top to top meetings as appropriate, to discuss strategies on key customers / support.
13.    Pre-press and Printing Plates    Buyer pays for new and changed items, Seller pays for repairs and replacements. Print plates shall be procured only from Seller approved tooling manufacturers
14.    Cutting Dies    Buyer pays for new and changed items, Seller pays for repairs and replacements
15.    Termination for Cause and/or Performance    This Agreement may be terminated as follows: (i) by either party, upon written notice to the other party in the event that the other breaches any of its obligations under this Agreement in any material respect and such breach continues for a period of 30 days after the non-breaching party has given the breaching party written notice of such breach; or (ii) by either party, in the event that the other files a petition in bankruptcy or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors or a third party files a petition in bankruptcy against the other, which petition is not dismissed within 30 days after filing. The parties acknowledge that failure of International Paper to fulfill orders pursuant to Customer’s requirements, as identified in Section 3, in accordance with the agreed upon quality and service standards, shall constitute a breach of this Agreement that is subject to cure or termination in accordance with this provision.

The parties also agree that the provisions contained in any Schedules or Addenda attached hereto shall apply to the purchase and sale of Products under this Agreement. In addition, the Standard Terms and Conditions of Sale of Packaging Products attached hereto are incorporated into this Agreement and shall apply to the purchase and sale of Products under this Agreement, provided that any of the foregoing provisions and the provisions in any Schedules or Addenda shall prevail over any conflicting provisions in the Standard Terms and Conditions.

The parties hereby consent to this Agreement as evidenced by the signatures of their authorized representatives on the date or dates indicated below.    

 

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY    SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC   
By:   

/s/ Ron Wise

      By:  

/s/Patrick Wilczynski

  
  (Signature)         (Signature)   

Ron Wise

     

Patrick Wilczynski

  
(Name—typed or printed)       (Name—typed or printed)   

VP Commercial/National Accounts NAC

     

SVP, Operational Excellence

  
(Title)       (Title)   

08/26/2021

     

08/26/2021

  
(Date)       (Date)   


EXHIBIT A

PRICE LIST SCHEDULE

[***]

Exhibit 10.4

 

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CERTAIN IDENTIFIED INFORMATION HAS BEEN EXCLUDED FROM THIS EXHIBIT BECAUSE IT IS BOTH NOT MATERIAL AND IS THE TYPE THAT THE REGISTRANT TREATS AS PRIVATE OR CONFIDENTIAL. THE REDACTED TERMS HAVE BEEN MARKED WITH THREE ASTERISKS [***]

RECYCLABLE MATERIAL MASTER PURCHASE AGREEMENT

International Paper Company, a New York corporation, with an office and principal place of business at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197 (“International Paper” or “Buyer”) agrees to buy, and the person, firm, or corporation listed below (“Seller”) agrees to sell certain recyclable materials (“Goods”) on the terms and conditions described in this Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”).    

This Agreement consists of:

 

   

The attached addenda (“Addenda”)

   

Addendum A: Statement of Work (“SOW”)

   

Addendum B: Standard Terms and Conditions

 

   

Any additional applicable SOWs executed by the parties

 

   

Any applicable NDA between the parties

Contact Information for Notices:

 

Seller

  

Buyer

NAME: Sylvamo North America, LLC

 

Attn: General Counsel

6400 Poplar Ave

Tower 1, 9th Floor

Memphis, TN 38197

  

International Paper Company

Attention: Vice President and General Manager, Recycling and Recovered Fiber

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, Tennessee 38197

With a copy to:    With a copy to:

NAME: __________________________

ADDRESS: ______________________

PHONE: _________________________

EMAIL: __________________________

  

International Paper Company

Attention: Senior Counsel, Recycling

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, Tennessee 38197

Each party may update its contacts above by notice to the other. Routine business and technical correspondence must be in English, and may be in electronic form. The parties will give all legal notices under this Agreement in writing, in non-electronic form, and in English.

Duly authorized representatives of the parties execute this Agreement to be effective as of 9/1/2021.

 

SELLER: SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC    BUYER: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
By: /s/ Patrick Wilczynski                By: /s/ Charles Hairston            
Print Name: Patrick Wilczynski    Print Name: Charles Hairston
Title: SVP, Operational Excellence    Title: VP Recycling and Recovery Fiber

 

 

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ADDENDUM A: STATEMENT OF WORK (“SOW”)

This Statement of Work (“SOW”), between the International Paper Company (“International Paper” or “Buyer”) and Sylvamo North America, LLC (“Seller”) is entered into and made a part of the Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) between International Paper and Seller, dated 9/1/2021. Any capitalized term not defined in this SOW has the meaning attributed to it in the Agreement. To the extent that any terms of this SOW conflict with any of the terms of the Agreement, the terms of the SOW explicitly supersede the terms in the Agreement. The parties may negotiate and execute additional SOWs as agreed.

 

CONTRACT ELEMENT

  

SPECIFICS

1.    Start and End Dates    [***] until [***] (the “Initial Term”).
2.    Renewal    After the Initial Term, this SOW shall automatically renew for a successive one (1) year term (a “Renewal Term”) unless either party gives written notice of termination to the other party at least sixty (60) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or Renewal Term (the Initial Term and Renewal Term referred to herein as the “Term”).
3.    Seller’s Designated Location(s), Grade(s), and Volume    Seller’s Designated Location(s), Grade(s), and Estimated Volume for each ton of Goods sold and purchased under this SOW shall be as described in Exhibit 1. [***]
4.    Purchase Pricing Formula   

The Purchase Pricing Formula for each ton of Goods sold and purchased under this SOW shall be as described in Exhibit 1 and shall be adjusted monthly based on either:

PPI Pulp & Paper Week Recovered Paper Price Watch (“PPI”). If PPI changes pricing policy, ceases to publish, or no longer reasonably reflects the Goods’ value, then the Parties shall attempt in good faith to agree on a mutually acceptable alternative; or

The Fair Market Value (“FMV”) of the Goods as determined and quoted by Buyer from time to time and confirmed by Seller either in writing or by delivery of Goods to Buyer after receiving such quotation.

Prior to the end of each year of the Term, Buyer agrees to compare prices of each Grade as set forth in Exhibit 1 (“Sylvamo Prices”) to the average prices Buyer is paying to other suppliers for the same Goods (“Third Party Pricing). If Sylvamo Prices are inconsistent with Third Party Prices (either higher or lower), Sylvamo Prices will be adjusted in line with Third Party Prices and Exhibit 1 wil be revised accordingly to be effective for the following year.

5.    Shipping    Shipping costs are included in the Purchase Pricing Formula described above, unless otherwise indicated. Shipping shall be as described in Exhibit 1.
6.    Payment Terms    Net thirty (30) days from the date of invoice.
7.    Minimum Weight   

From Sumter: [***]

From Eastover: [***]

8.    Safe Loading Pattern    Seller will ship all baled Goods (if any) in accordance with the Safe Loading Pattern Requirements attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 2.
9.    Termination    This SOW is subject to termination at any time during the Term with no less than thirty (30) days prior written notice to the other party in the event that (i) Buyer no longer offers the services contemplated herein or (ii) Seller no longer possesses the Goods (as defined below).
10.    Container Placement    Exhibit 4 is not applicable and is intentionally not attached.

 

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CONTRACT ELEMENT

  

SPECIFICS

11.    Trailer Placement    The Parties shall execute the Trailer Placement Addendum attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit 5. Seller’s use of the Trailers shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the Trailer Placement Addendum.
12.    Equipment Placement    Exhibit 6 is not applicable and is intentionally not attached.
13.    Document Destruction    Exhibit 7 is not applicable and is intentionally not attached.
14.    Storage    Exhibit 8 is not applicable and is intentionally not attached.
15.    Transload    Exhibit 9 is not applicable and is intentionally not attached.
16.    Fees    Seller shall be assessed monthly fee(s) (“Fee(s)”), as described below:
      ☒ Trash Disposal                           $[***] per ton (Eastover and Sumter)
     

☒ Handling                                    $[***] per pickup (Eastover)

 

                                                         $[***] per pickup (Sumter)

      The parties agree the Fee(s) shall be deducted from any amounts due to Seller under the terms of the SOW. The parties agree to review the Fees annually and adjust either up or down on changes in (i) inflation as demonstrated by the Consumer Price Index or (ii) changes in costs to Buyer. INTERNATIONAL PAPER IS PROVIDING NO WARRANTY WITH REGARD TO ITEMS OR PERFORMANCE LISTED IN THIS SECTION.

 

SELLER: SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC    BUYER: INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
By: /s/ Patrick Wilczynski                                                             By: /s/ Charles Hairston                                             
Print Name: Patrick Wilczynski    Print Name: Charles Hairston
Title: SVP, Operational Excellence    Title: VP Recycling and Recovery Fiber

 

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EXHIBIT 1: SELLER’S DESIGNATED LOCATION, GRADES, VOLUME, SHIPPING, PURCHASE PRICING FORMULA

[***]

 

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ADDENDUM B: STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS (RMMPA)

 

1. APPLICABILITY. These terms and conditions of sale (“Terms”) are the only Terms that govern the purchase of the defined Goods by Buyer from Seller. Unless otherwise provided for in a written agreement executed by Buyer and Seller, these Terms, including any accompanying confirmation or purchase order (collectively, this “Agreement”) comprise the entire Agreement between the parties, and supersede all prior or contemporaneous understandings, agreements, negotiations, representations and warranties, and communications, both written and oral. These Terms prevail over any of Seller’s general terms and conditions of sale regardless whether or when Seller has submitted its invoice or such terms. Payment of Seller’s invoice does not constitute acceptance of any of Seller’s terms and conditions and does not serve to modify or amend these Terms.

2. SCOPE. The terms of this Agreement apply only to the purchase or sale of Goods or Services between Seller and International Paper’s Recycling Business Unit. The terms of this Agreement do not apply to any other purchase or sale of Goods or Services between Seller and any other International Paper business unit.

3. CURRENCY; TERMS OF PAYMENT. All purchase prices are expressed in US Dollars (”US Dollar Purchase Price”). Buyer may pay all amounts due under this Agreement, including the purchase price and indemnification or other amounts owed under this Agreement, in US Dollars. Unless otherwise agreed, Buyer shall pay for Goods on or before the last day of the calendar month after the month in which they were received. Any fees and amounts owed by Seller to Buyer may be offset by Buyer.

4. TITLE; RISK OF LOSS. Title and risk of loss shall pass from Seller to Buyer upon: (a) departure from Seller’s Designated Location if Buyer designates the carrier or picks up the Goods or (b) delivery to Buyer’s designated location if Seller designates or provides the carrier. Under no circumstances shall title to Hazardous Materials or Restricted Materials (as defined in the Agreement)

pass from Seller to Buyer and such title shall always remain with Seller.

5. INSURANCE. Seller, or Seller’s respective subcontractors, affiliates, agents, and assigns delivering to an International Paper facility shall, prior to commencing operations hereunder:

(a) Maintain at its own cost adequate insurance coverage, purchased on a primary and non-contributory basis, from an insurer with at minimum an A.M. Best’s Credit Rating of A-, VII or equivalent covering its business interests, property and employees and its obligations hereunder. Seller shall maintain, at minimum, the following types and amounts of coverage on policies on an “occurrence” basis: (i) Worker’s Compensation Insurance (or qualification as a self-insurer) covering its employees, owner(s), partners and/or executive officers in amounts (1) as required by state law where Seller’s operations are performed, or (2) if no amount is required by state law, in amounts reasonably acceptable to Buyer. The insurance required under this section shall bear an endorsement evidencing a waiver of the right of subrogation against Buyer and an assignment of statutory lien, if applicable; (ii) Commercial General Liability Insurance covering bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage, including products/completed operations liability and contractual liability coverage, with per occurrence limits of not less than $1,000,000 and an aggregate limit of not less than $1,000,000; (iii) Employer’s Liability Insurance coverage with limits not less than $500,000 each accident, $500,000 disease – policy limit and $500,000 disease – each employee; and if operating commercial vehicles, (iv) Commercial Automobile Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 and an aggregate limit of not less than $1,000,000 on any owned, non-owned, or hired vehicle. If Seller does not own, operate or use its own trucking or hauling services in the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, but uses contracted services for the delivery of Goods to Buyer, then Seller shall also maintain Truck Broker Liability coverage or similar type of coverage of not less than $1,000,000.

(b) Agree to name Buyer as an “Additional Insured” for full limits of insurance coverage, including but not limited to any excess coverage purchased and obtain a waiver of subrogation in Buyer’s favor on its Commercial General Liability, Commercial Automobile Liability or Truck Broker Liability policies. Seller will provide Buyer with copies of policy endorsements evidencing Additional Insured requirements and waivers of subrogation thereunder from each insurer. If Seller uses external carriers or subcontractors to perform such delivery services on behalf of Seller, then Seller shall require that all such carriers or subcontractors obtain and maintain adequate insurance coverage with at minimum coverage types and limits as set forth in this Section 5, including Workers Compensation Insurance. Seller shall obtain from such carriers and subcontractors evidence of such insurance coverage and make the same available for Buyer’s review upon request.

(c) Provide to Buyer a certificate of insurance, bearing applicable endorsements evidencing that Seller is maintaining the coverage provided in this Section. If Seller receives notice from its insurance company of any cancellation or any material change of such insurance policies required hereunder, Seller shall promptly provide Buyer with a copy of any such notice.

6. WARRANTY. Seller warrants to Buyer that, at the time title passes to Buyer: (i) the Goods conform to the specifications described in the most recently published ISRI Scrap Specifications Circular or required by the receiving mill, if applicable, and communicated in writing to Seller by Buyer, (ii) Buyer has marketable title to the Goods free of all lawful liens and encumbrances, and (iii) the Goods shall be free of all Hazardous Materials and Restricted Materials, where “Hazardous Materials” is defined as any toxic, hazardous, dangerous, or restricted substance or waste, including medical waste, petroleum, any byproducts or fractions thereof, polychlorinated

 

 

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biphenyls (PCBs), urea formaldehyde foam insulation, asbestos, radioactive substances, poly-aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, and any other substances regulated by, and identified as “hazardous” by, federal, state, local or municipal laws, regulations, rules, and codes, and any judicial or administrative interpretation thereof, on the basis of their actual or potential adverse effect on human health and/or the environment and “Restricted Materials” is defined as any material containing readable information whose public disclosure is restricted or prohibited by law or regulation, including, without limitation, information regulated under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA), Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Social Security numbers, bank account or credit card numbers, medical or personnel records, confidential or classified information.

7. INSPECTION; NON-CONFORMING GOODS; LIABILITY. Buyer shall have the right to inspect, accept or reject the Goods at any time for conformance with applicable specifications. Buyer shall give Seller notice of any non-conforming Goods within thirty (30) days of discovery of defect. If Seller does not object in writing to Buyer’s determination of non-conformity within two (2) days, Seller shall: (1) properly handle, remove and dispose of any and all non-conforming Goods identified by Buyer, unless Buyer has already done so in order to avoid additional cost, contamination or liability, and (2) refund the portion of the price paid with respect to such non-conforming Goods and pay all costs associated with the handling, removal, storage, disposal, inspection, testing and clean up of such non-conforming Goods or, at Buyer’s option, Buyer may credit or offset such amounts against payments to Seller. If no rejection has been made within such 30-day period, Buyer shall be deemed to have finally and unconditionally accepted the Goods, except with respect to Hazardous and Restricted Materials, in which case no time limitation shall apply.

8. MINIMUM LOAD WEIGHT; CHARGE BACK. Seller agrees to provide minimum truckload weight as designated by Buyer (“Minimum

Weight”). Truckload weight shall be defined as the total net weight of the Goods based on Buyer’s scale (“Load Weight”). If the Load Weight is less than the required Minimum Weight, Buyer may charge back Seller the freight costs associated with the difference between the Load Weight and the Minimum Weight.

9. EXCUSE OF PERFORMANCE. No liability shall result from delay in performance caused by circumstances beyond the control of the party affected, including but not limited to, act of God, fire, flood, war, government action, accident, labor trouble or shortage, inability to obtain material, equipment or transportation.

10. TERMINATION. Either party may terminate this Agreement if the other party fails to cure any default in the performance of any covenant or obligation under this Agreement within thirty (30) days after written notice. This Agreement will terminate immediately and automatically if either party files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy, or enters into an arrangement with its creditors, or applies for consents to the appointment, or suffers or permits the entry of an order adjudicating it to be bankrupt or insolvent.

11. PROPERTY DAMAGE. Seller shall be responsible for any damage to Buyer’s property to the extent caused by any negligent act, negligent omission, or willful misconduct of Seller or Seller’s respective parent company, affiliates, agents, employees, officers, directors, successors, and assigns Any damage shall be reported to International Paper immediately. Seller will pay Buyer the full current repair or replacement cost of such property within thirty (30) days after its loss or damage.

12. INDEMNIFICATION. Seller and Buyer (“Indemnitor”) each agrees to indemnify and hold the other and its respective parent company, affiliates, agents, employees, officers, directors, successors, and assigns (“Indemnitee”) harmless, against any and all third-party claims, damages, fines, penalties, costs, liabilities or losses (including sums paid in settlement of claims, reasonable attorneys’ fees, consultant fees, expert fees and costs) (“Claim”) arising out of Indemnitor’s negligence or other tort, including that of its officers, employees, contractors, agents and subcontractors,

except that no right of indemnity shall exist in that portion of such Claim resulting from the fault of Indemnitee, its officers, employees, contractors, agents and subcontractors, or if the Indemnitor has relied on the express written approval, acceptance or instructions of Indemnitee with respect to the act or omission giving rise to the Claim. Indemnitee shall, within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of notice of the commencement of any third party Claim against Indemnitee, for which indemnity may be sought, notify Indemnitor; provided, however, that the failure to provide such notice shall not relieve Indemnitor of its indemnity obligations, unless the Indemnitor is prejudiced by such delay. Unless otherwise agreed, Indemnitor shall assume the defense of any such Claim with reputable counsel. Indemnitee will cooperate with Seller in the defense of such action as Seller may reasonably request. Buyer shall have the right to participate in such defense and any related settlement discussions, but at its own cost and expense.

13. LIMITATION ON LIABILITY. Except set forth in other sections of this Agreement, neither party shall be liable to the other for incidental, consequential, punitive or exemplary damages whether in tort, contract, breach of this agreement or any warranty or any other theory.

14. WAIVER. The failure of either party to insist in any one or more instances upon strict performance of any of the provisions of the Agreement or to take advantage of any of its rights shall not operate as a continuing waiver of such rights.

15. NO INTENDED THIRD-PARTY BENEFICIARIES. There are no intended third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement.

16. ASSIGNMENT. This Agreement may be assigned by Buyer and shall pass in full force and effect to any successor in interest to Buyer.

17. GOVERNING LAW; VENUE; NOTICES. This AGREEMENT shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee, without reference to choice of law rules or to the Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods. Any dispute arising under, in connection with, or incident to this

 

 

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Agreement or about its interpretation will be resolved exclusively in in the state courts for Shelby County, Tennessee or the federal courts for the Western District of Tennessee. Seller irrevocably submits to those courts’ venue and jurisdiction. Seller waives all defenses of lack of personal jurisdiction and forum non-conveniens. A final judgment in any such suit or action may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law. All notices shall be deemed sufficient if sent by U.S. mail addressed to the party at the place of business referred to above, with copy to 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38197, Attn: General Counsel—Containerboard.

18. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS. Seller shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances and shall maintain in effect all the licenses, permissions, authorizations, consents and permits that it needs to carry out its obligations under this Agreement.

19. POLICY COMPLIANCE. Seller agrees to comply with and require its employees, contractors and agents to comply with Buyer’s Third Party Code of Conduct, as well as Buyer’s policies, rules and directions regarding safety, security and appropriate conduct on Buyer’s premises or delivery points and toward Buyer’s employees. Buyer’s Third Party Code of Conduct is attached hereto as Exhibit 3 and may also be found at:

http://www.internationalpaper.com/
company/suppliers/third-party-code-of-conduct

Seller shall be responsible for notifying any of Seller’s parent, subsidiary and affiliated companies of this Third Party Code of Conduct and its expectations.

20. SAFETY. Seller and its subcontractors shall comply with all local, state, and federal health and

safety laws and regulations applicable to Seller in the performance of its services hereunder, including, but not limited to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and its amendments and regulations. While on Buyer’s premises, Seller and its subcontractors shall comply with Buyer’s site-specific regulations and shall ensure that all of its employees, subcontractors and agents have a safe work environment. Seller shall establish and instruct its employees in good practices of safety and hygiene and enforce observance of the same. Seller shall comply with all standards set forth by OSHA Hazard Communications Standard. Seller is solely responsible for the safety of Seller’s employees or subcontractors and the means and methods employed by its employees or subcontractors in performing the services contemplated herein, and agree that Buyer shall have no such responsibility. In the event an employee of Seller or one of its subcontractors is injured while on Buyer’s premises, Seller shall (i) immediately notify Buyer of the time, nature, and severity of the injury, (ii) at its own cost and expense cause to be performed an investigation into the “root cause” of the injury by a competent investigator, and (iii) provide Buyer with a copy of the investigation report. The report shall include an explanation of causation of the accident and the steps Seller or its subcontractor is taking to avoid a similar accident from occurring. Seller shall also provide Buyer with periodic updates on the recovery of the injured individual until such time as he or she returns to work. In the event Buyer elects to perform its own investigation, or requests that a joint investigation be performed, Seller shall cooperate and actively assist in such an effort. In addition to the above, if an employee of Seller or one of its subcontractors experiences a “near miss” that could have resulted in serious

injury while on Buyer’s premises, Seller shall investigate the incident and report to Buyer its findings and the steps that Seller will take to avoid a repeat incident.

21. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR STATUS. Except as provided below, no relationship of employer-employee or master and servant is intended, nor shall it be construed, to exist between Seller and Buyer, or between Buyer and any servant, agent, employee and/or supplier of Seller. Seller shall select and pay its own servants, agents, employees, suppliers and/or subcontractors and neither Seller nor its servants, agents, employees, suppliers or subcontractors shall be subject to any orders, supervision or control of Buyer.

In Louisiana, for work and/or services performed by Seller at Buyer’s owned or leased sites, it is further agreed between Seller and Buyer that the work being performed by Seller is part of Buyer’s trade, business or occupation, and the work performed by Seller pursuant to this Agreement is an integral part of and essential to the ability of Buyer to generate Buyer’s goods, products and/or services. Accordingly, pursuant to La. R.S. 23:1061, Buyer is the statutory employer of Seller’s employees, including both direct and statutory employees, performing work under this Agreement. Seller assumes full responsibility for supervising and directing its employees.

22. MODIFICATION; MERGER. These Terms and Conditions may be modified or revised only by a writing signed by authorized agents of the parties. Unless the goods covered by this Agreement are the subject of a written contract between the parties, the Agreement, including these Terms and Conditions, shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties and there are no understandings, agreements or representations, express or implied, not specified herein.

 

 

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Exhibit 10.5

 

 

FIBER PURCHASE AGREEMENT

by and among

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY

and

SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Dated as of September 1, 2021

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I – Defined Terms

     Page 1  

ARTICLE II – Duration and Termination

     Page 5  

ATICLE III – Sale of Products and IP Procurement Services

     Page 6  

ARTICLE IV – Sylvamo Mill Woodyard Operations

     Page 9  

ARTICLE V – Title and Risk of Loss

     Page 10  

ARTICLE VI – Transition at end of Term

     Page 10  

ARTICLE VII – Quantities

     Page 12  

ARTICLE VIII – Audit/Verification

     Page 12  

ARTICLE IX – Terms of Payment

     Page 13  

ARTICLE X – Transparency and Meetings

     Page 14  

ARTICLE XI – Supply Security

     Page 15  

ARTICLE XII – Certification

     Page 15  

ARTICLE XIII – Indemnification, Limitation of Liability and Force Majeure

     Page 16  

ARTICLE XIV – Safety

     Page 18  

ARTICLE XV – General Provisions

     Page 19  

 

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EXHIBITS

Exhibit A – Example Calculations of Delivered Base Price and Monthly Procurement Fee

Exhibit B –– Product Terms

Appendix A to Exhibit B (Specifications)

Ticonderoga Mill Chip Quality Specifications and Guidelines for Delivery of Wood and Chips

Eastover Mill Chip Quality Specifications and Woodyard Specifications and Rules

Appendix B to Exhibit B (Compliance with Boiler MACT Regulations)

Exhibit C – Intentionally Omitted

Exhibit D – Transition Provisions

Exhibit E – Sylvamo Insurance Requirements

Exhibit F – Wood Employees Organizational Chart

 

 

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FIBER PURCHASE AGREEMENT

THIS FIBER PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and between International Paper Company, a New York corporation (“IP”) and Sylvamo North America LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sylvamo”) and shall become effective as of September 1, 2021 (the “Effective Date”).

W I T N E S S E T H

WHEREAS, Sylvamo Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), IP and Sylvamo intend to enter into a Separation and Distribution Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”), pursuant to which, among other things, at the Effective Time (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) certain assets and liabilities constituting the Transferred Business (as defined in the Transaction Agreement) will be contributed to Parent and its subsidiaries, which includes Sylvamo;

WHEREAS, in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, IP desires to sell and provide to Sylvamo, and Sylvamo desires to purchase and accept, Sylvamo’s requirements of the Products and IP Procurement Services; and

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, and intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINED TERMS

Section 1.1 Defined Terms. When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the respective meanings specified therefor below (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

Affiliate(s)” shall mean a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified Person as of the date on which, or at any time during the period for which, the determination of affiliation is being made. The term “control” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, direct or indirect, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other ownership interest, by contract or otherwise.

Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

 

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Area Mills

(a) shall mean, with respect to the Eastover Mill: the Eastover Mill and any IP owned mill located within a 150 road mile radius of the Eastover Mill; and

(b) shall mean, with respect to the Ticonderoga Mill: the Ticonderoga Mill only.

Auditor” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 8.1.

Business Day” shall mean a day, other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable Law to close.

Certified Products” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

Client Mills” shall mean the mills that were previously owned and operated by IP where IP is providing Procurement Services during the Term of this Agreement.

Confidential Information” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.

Continuation Services” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

Contracts with Suppliers” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Cost Management” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.7.

Delivered Base Price” shall mean the total out-of-pocket cost IP pays to third parties for the purchase price of all Products provided to the Transferred Mills and the associated fuel, handling, processing and transportation costs for such Products during a given week, but Delivered Base Price shall not include costs included in the Monthly Procurement Fee. An example of the calculation of the Delivered Base Price is attached as Exhibit A.

Disclosing Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.

Dispute” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.11.

Dispute Resolution Request” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.11.

Eastover Mill” shall mean the Converting and Specialty and Papers mill and all associated facilities in Eastover, South Carolina included in the SpinCo Assets under the Transaction Agreement.

Effective Date” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

 

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Facilities Lease Agreements” shall mean those certain Lease Agreements by and between Sylvamo and IP dated of even date herewith pursuant to which Sylvamo leases to IP the real property constituting the Supporting Facilities and improvements thereon and personal property and equipment located thereon.

FSC” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.

Governmental Authority” shall mean any foreign, federal, state or local court, administrative agency, official board, bureau, governmental or quasi-governmental entities having competent jurisdiction over IP or Sylvamo and any other tribunal or commission or other governmental department, authority or instrumentality or any subdivision, agency, mediator, arbitrator, commission or authority of competent jurisdiction.

Inventory” shall mean the inventory of Products maintained at the Transferred Mills and the Supporting Facilities for the benefit of Sylvamo.

IP” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

IP Mills” shall mean any pulp and paper mills and associated facilities owned or operated by IP and/or any of its Affiliates.

IP Procurement Services” shall mean the procurement services for Products to be provided by IP to Sylvamo consistent with the services that were provided to the Transferred Mills under IP ownership.

Joint Contracts” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.

Law” shall mean any federal, state, local or foreign law (including common law), statute, code, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction, decree, arbitration award, agency requirement, license, treaty or permit of any Governmental Authority.

Liability” shall mean all debts, liabilities, obligations, Losses, interest and penalties of any kind or nature whatsoever, whether asserted or unasserted, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising.

Losses” shall mean any and all damages, judgments, awards, liabilities, losses (including to the extent reasonably foreseeable lost profits, lost revenue and diminution in value), obligations, claims of any kind or nature, fines and costs and expenses (including interest, penalties, reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, auditors, consultants and other agents and all amounts paid in investigation, defense or settlement of any of the foregoing and the enforcement of any rights hereunder).

 

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Maximum Inventory” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 11.2.

Monthly Procurement Fee” shall mean all necessary and reasonable: (i) overhead and administrative costs; and (ii) other such costs not included in the Delivered Base Price necessary to provide the IP Procurement Services (as defined herein), including but not limited to personnel associated costs, “Supporting Facility” operating costs, maintenance costs, income credits, severance tax payments (where applicable), working capital fee, rail car lease costs, and IP region and IP corporate allocations for support services. All IP region and corporation allocation for support services shall be allocated based on the average cost per ton. An example of the calculation and allocation of the Monthly Procurement Fee is attached as Exhibit A.

MWPSA” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.3

Parent” shall have the meaning set forth in the recital hereof.

Person” shall mean a natural person, corporation, company, joint venture, individual business trust, trust association, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or other entity, including a Governmental Authority.

Physical Inventories” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.4.

Product” or “Products” shall mean hardwood and softwood, roundwood and chips, and fiber fuel.

Product Invoice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.1.

Qualifying Special Cause Event” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.

Receiving Party” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 15.1.

Service Invoice” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.2.

Special Cause Event” shall mean an event that is outside of the normal course of operations or historical norms that requires IP to take actions in order to provide products and/or services to a Transferred Mill and/or its applicable Area Mill(s) and such action adversely impacts one or more of the other applicable Area Mills (including the Transferred Mill) such that the mill(s) that was benefited should be responsible for reimbursing the other applicable Area Mills the incremental out of pocket expenses they incurred. For the avoidance of doubt, Special Cause Event shall not include changes in demand for Products by Sylvamo of IP that have been communicated to the other party with reasonable advance written notice.

Sylvamo” shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble hereof.

 

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Sylvamo’s Consent” shall mean where Sylvamo’s consent is required in this Agreement, said consent shall not unreasonably be denied, withheld, conditioned, or delayed.

Supporting Facilities” shall mean the chip mills with associated storage yards (located in Santuc, South Carolina and Silverstreet, South Carolina, the onsite storage yard (referenced as the Goss woodyard), and offsite office locations (located in Eastover, South Carolina and Ticonderoga, New York), all of which are assets owned or leased by Sylvamo and leased to IP pursuant to the Facilities Lease Agreements.

Term” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1.

Termination Assistance Services” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1.

Ticonderoga Mill” shall mean the Converting and Specialty and Papers mill and all associated facilities in Ticonderoga, New York included in the SpinCo Assets under the Transaction Agreement.

Third Party Yards” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.1.

Transaction Agreement” shall have the meaning set forth in the recital hereof.

Transfer Date” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

Transferred Mills” shall mean the Ticonderoga Mill and the Eastover Mill.

Transferred Product Inventory” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.3.

ARTICLE II

DURATION AND TERMINATION

Section 2.1 Duration. Unless earlier terminated in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.2 through 2.5 below, this Agreement shall commence and take effect on the Effective Date and continue for a period of ten (10) years thereafter (the “Term”). The Term may be extended for additional ten (10) year periods upon mutual written agreement of the parties entered into no later than one (1) year prior to the expiration of the then existing Term.

Section 2.2 Intentionally omitted.

 

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Section 2.3 Termination for Cause. Either party may terminate this Agreement in the event of a material breach of this Agreement by the other party. The non-breaching party shall give written notice of such breach to the breaching party. If the breaching party has not cured the breach in all material respects within thirty (30) days of such written notice, or if such breach is not subject to cure in all material respects, the non-breaching party may, upon written notice to the breaching party, terminate this Agreement upon sixty (60) days’ prior written notice (or such longer period up to one (1) year as the non-breaching party may specify in a written notice). For purposes of this Section 2.3, a material breach of this Agreement shall include: (i) a breach of a material obligation of either party for which a reasonable person in the position of the non-breaching party would wish to terminate this Agreement because such breach would significantly and negatively impact the benefit of the Agreement to the non-breaching party; (ii) any continuing series or pattern of breaches (whether or not similar or related) of this Agreement and which, taken together, are material in relation to this Agreement and which have not been cured; or (iii) failure to timely deliver Products conforming to the requirements of, and otherwise in accordance with, the terms and conditions of this Agreement subject to, among other terms and conditions the terms and conditions relating to a Force Majeure Event.

Section 2.4 Intentionally omitted.

Section 2.5 Termination for Insolvency. By either party if the other party becomes insolvent or is unable to pay its debts or enters into or files (or has filed or commenced involuntarily against it) a petition, arrangement, application, action or other proceeding seeking relief or protection under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or any similar laws of the United States or any state of the United States, or any other country. The parties acknowledge and agree that, in the event of a bankruptcy by either party, cause exists under the terms and circumstances of this Agreement for the court to require debtor under Section 365(d) of the Bankruptcy Code to make a decision to assume or reject this Agreement within one hundred twenty (120) days of the petition date, or such sooner date as may be allowed by Law.

Section 2.6 Effect of Termination. The following shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement: (a) Section 5.2 (a)(vi), Article VI (Transition at End of Term), Article XIII (Indemnification, Limitation of Liability, and Force Majeure) and Article XV (General Provisions); (b) Sylvamo’s obligation to pay IP the Monthly Procurement Fee for such IP Procurement Services and the Delivered Base Price for such Products provided and/or delivered through the date of termination or expiration; and (c) any expressed limitations of or releases from liability.

ARTICLE III

SALE OF PRODUCTS AND IP PROCUREMENT SERVICES

Section 3.1 Facilitation of Purchase of Products. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto, IP agrees to facilitate in the sale and delivery to Sylvamo of one hundred percent (100%) of Sylvamo’s requirements for Products at the Transferred Mills at the Delivered Base Price. Except for Section 13.4, nothing in the other provisions of this Agreement (including any efforts standard or the fact that IP is providing the IP Procurement Services) shall restrict or limit the requirement that IP facilitate in the sale to Sylvamo one hundred percent (100%) of Sylvamo’s requirements for Products.

 

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Section 3.2 IP Procurement Services. On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and any Exhibits hereto, IP agrees to provide to Sylvamo, and Sylvamo agrees to purchase from IP, the IP Procurement Services for the Monthly Procurement Fee. These Procurement Services shall include but are not limited to: procurement, delivery, and payment for the Products to meet Transferred Mills’ demand, operation of supporting facilities, managing Product inventory, scaling and weighing system maintenance, video monitoring at scale houses, data prep for external reporting (e.g. F2M, SFI), chip quality testing and reporting, and management activities of the forested areas of the Transferred Mills’ footprint. IP will be responsible for any and all fraud monitoring and associated audits related to wood purchasing, delivery, and scaling. Sylvamo will refer to IP, any fraud related information it acquires, and IP will share information on its investigation activities with Sylvamo. Sylvamo may elect (at Sylvamo’s sole cost and expense) to add its own fraud monitoring system, provided said system is compatible with IP’s system. If Sylvamo directs IP to purchase any additional fraud monitoring equipment, then any and all costs associated with the additional equipment shall be borne by Sylvamo. IP will be responsible for seeking Sylvamo’s consent and utilizing Sylvamo’s processes on any capital projects that are needed to support ongoing operations. The parties acknowledge and agree that the current fiber supply contracts associated with the Transferred Mills as set forth in Disclosure Schedule 3.16, Items 87 – 111 shall continue to be maintained during their current term, as may be amended, as an IP Procurement Service by IP’s Wood Employees on behalf of Sylvamo. Any penalties assessed against any fiber suppliers pursuant to the fiber supply contracts shall be the property of IP.

Section 3.3 Contracts with Suppliers. With respect to any obligations between IP and the suppliers who supply Product or Product-related services with respect to the Transferred Mills (the “Contracts with Suppliers”), IP will obtain Sylvamo’s Consent before entering, amending, terminating, renewing or extending any such obligation to the extent that: (i) the scope of the relevant Contract with Supplier is outside the normal course of business; or (ii) the relevant Contract with Suppliers includes a material obligation relating to the Transferred Mills binding for a period of more than twenty-four (24) months or involves an obligation of more than 300,000 tons; provided, however that Sylvamo’s Consent shall not be necessary for entry by IP with a supplier of IP’s general Master Wood Purchase and Service Agreement (“MWPSA”) with purchase orders to suppliers written against the MWPSA, and so long as such MWPSA has no more than a three (3) year term and does not contain take-or-pay obligations or volume commitments of more than 300,000 tons. Following the execution of this Agreement, IP will maintain a record for Sylvamo of all existing and new Contracts with Suppliers which contemplate delivery of Products or associated services to mills of both parties (“Joint Contracts”) so as to facilitate, in case of expiration or early termination of this Agreement, the bifurcation of such Joint Contracts with Suppliers in a fair and reasonable manner. The parties will agree in advance to any bifurcation provisions for any new Joint Contracts and assignability provisions for all Contracts with Suppliers.

 

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Section 3.4 Execution of the IP Procurement Services. All sourcing and purchasing decisions in respect to the Products to be delivered to the Transferred Mills pursuant to this Agreement shall be made by IP; provided, however, such decisions shall be made: (x) in a manner consistent with historical practices and responsible fiber procurement requirements when IP procured Products while the Transferred Mills were owned or operated by IP; (y) in order to minimize the overall spend at the applicable Area Mills; and (z) to ensure Adequate Supply to the Transferred Mills.

Section 3.5 Wood Employees. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Employee Matters Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), the parties acknowledge and agree that employees on IP’s wood procurement teams supporting the Eastover Mill (currently 19 employees), and the Ticonderoga Mill (currently 4 employees) (the “Wood Employees”) shall not be considered for the purpose of the Employee Matters Agreement as “Transferred Employees” and, therefore, shall not transfer to Sylvamo simultaneously with the Transferred Employees, but will remain employees of IP through the Term of this Agreement. The current organizational chart for the Wood Employees is attached as Exhibit F. The parties agree that any material change to the structure or number of Wood Employees during the Term of this Agreement shall require Sylvamo’s Consent; provided, however, IP agrees that in the event there is a major change in operations, (e.g. significant change in consumption at either of the Transferred Mills), IP will make appropriate adjustments in staffing to reflect the changes in operations, which shall require Sylvamo’s consent. Furthermore, for a period of one (1) year prior to the end of the Term or an early termination date, IP shall be prohibited from making any changes in the individuals serving in the Wood Employees positions without the prior written Consent of Sylvamo.

Section 3.6 Scaling Services. Sylvamo shall be responsible for determining and coordinating scaling services at the Transferred Mills, which said scaling services may be performed by Sylvamo, IP, a third party contractor, or a combination thereof. IP shall be responsible for scaling services at the Supporting Facilities. IP shall provide reasonable instruction to the Sylvamo or third party scalers on the use of the scaling system and associated applications.

Section 3.7 Cost Management

(a) Historical Cost: IP will provide historical wood cost data for the Eastover Mill and Ticonderoga Mill for the period 2000 through 2020.

 

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(b) Fiber Cost Plan: By November 1st of each year, IP will provide Sylvamo with a detailed cost forecast for the upcoming calendar year based on the annual volume plan as described in Section 7.2 (the “Fiber Cost Plan”). The Fiber Cost Plan will include the monthly as purchased fiber cost forecasts for all species and products managed herein and the estimated Monthly Procurement Fee for the Transferred Mills, as well as the Supporting Facilities and Third Party Yards holding IP-owned Inventory for the Transferred Mills as set forth in Section 7.1.

(c) Monthly Reporting: At the end of each calendar month IP will report the previous month’s actual cost and updated forecast for the remainder of the year.

(d) Performance Monitoring: On a quarterly basis, IP and Sylvamo representatives shall meet to discuss general performance under this Agreement.

(e) If Sylvamo has reason to believe IP Procurement Services were not performed pursuant to the standards set forth herein, including, but not limited to the standards set forth in Article III, Sylvamo may escalate the issue pursuant to the audit and verification process set forth in Section 8.1 and the dispute resolution process set forth in Section 15.11.

Section 3.8 Occurrence of a Qualifying Special Cause Event. Subject to IP’s obligations set forth in Article XI herein, sourcing decisions will be made to minimize the total enterprise spend for Product for each applicable set of Area Mills. If as a result of a Special Cause Event, IP is required to take enterprise-based actions with respect to a Transferred Mill or its applicable Area Mills with respect to the Products or the IP Procurement Services provided under this Agreement which adversely impact either party by more than Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($250,000.00) in a period of less than three (3) consecutive calendar months (a “Qualifying Special Cause Event”), then for the duration of the Qualifying Special Cause Event, the impacted party will be paid by the other party and/or receive an offset, as appropriate, of the out of pocket costs paid by such party in connection therewith to the extent arising out of such Qualifying Special Cause Event.

ARTICLE IV

SYLVAMO MILL WOODYARD OPERATIONS

Section 4.1 Woodyards. Sylvamo shall make commercially reasonable efforts to operate its Transferred Mill woodyard receiving facilities at the Transferred Mills in accordance with the current schedule at time of Closing, with any changes to be mutually agreed upon with the supporting IP Fiber Supply Manager whose agreement shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

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Section 4.2 Scales. IP shall maintain Sylvamo’s scales (which shall include calibration) at the Supporting Facilities in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications such that they are capable of performing all necessary functions and conform to all legal requirements. Sylvamo shall maintain its scales (which shall include calibration) at the Transferred Mills in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications such that they are capable of performing all necessary functions and conform to all legal requirements. IP is responsible for the computer systems, software and associated applications for the scales at both the Supporting Facilities and Transferred Mills. Absent fraud or demonstrable error, the weight shown on any scale ticket will be final and binding upon both parties for all purposes. IP will be the party of record for all fiber scale transaction documents such as scale tickets. IP shall provide scale data for fiber and commodities traffic to support Sylvamo’s financial accounting processes. IP and Sylvamo will mutually agree on the form and frequency of the data to be provided, which shall be based on historical practice and scale system capabilities. Sylvamo will be the party of record for all commodities scale transaction documents.

Section 4.3 Weighing and Unloading Subject to IP’s obligations in Section 3.3, Sylvamo shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide for the prompt weighing and unloading of Products delivered to the Transferred Mills. Both parties agree to jointly monitor and manage truck turnaround time and take necessary action to, at a minimum, maintain historical performance. Notwithstanding the foregoing, rail cars are not weighed and a volume determination is based on weight factors mutually agreed to with the Product supplier.

ARTICLE V

TITLE AND RISK OF LOSS

Title to all Products shall pass to Sylvamo upon the first weighing of the vehicles containing such Product at the scales at the Transferred Mills. All risk of loss or damage to Products prior to said Products arriving at a Transferred Mill shall fall upon IP. IP expressly warrants that title to Products will pass to Sylvamo free and clear of all liens, claims, security interests or encumbrances.

ARTICLE VI

TRANSITION AT END OF TERM

Section 6.1 Termination Assistance Services. The parties agree that IP will cooperate with Sylvamo and its Affiliates to assist in the orderly transfer of the IP Procurement Services (the “Termination Assistance Services”) to Sylvamo or its designee commencing up to one (1) year prior to termination or expiration. The Termination Assistance Services shall include, to the extent reasonably requested by Sylvamo: (a) for a period of up to six (6) months following termination of this Agreement prior to the end of the Term, continued performance by IP of its obligations under this Agreement, including delivery of Products and performance of the IP Procurement Services, in accordance with the terms of the Agreement (the “Continuation Services”); and (b) providing Sylvamo and its Affiliates participating in the transition activities, with

 

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reasonable access to the business processes, materials, equipment, software and other resources (including human resources) used by IP to deliver the IP Procurement Services, as reasonably necessary to support the transition of the relevant services from IP to performance by Sylvamo and its Affiliates of functions to replace the IP Procurement Services. IP shall not be required to provide the Termination Assistance Services in accordance with this Section 6.1 in the event of termination by IP due to Sylvamo’s material breach unless (1) Sylvamo pays IP for the Termination Assistance Services in accordance with Section 6.2 and (2) if such termination is due to a failure of Sylvamo to pay undisputed amounts, Sylvamo first cures such payment default. Neither the Term nor applicable Service Agreement Term shall be deemed to have expired or terminated until the Termination Assistance Services thereunder are completed.

Section 6.2 Charges for Termination Assistance Services. The charges with respect to the Continuation Services shall be the charges contemplated by this Agreement for the Products and the IP Procurement Services. The Termination Assistance Services (other than the Continuation Services) provided during the Term of this Agreement shall be provided as a part of the Monthly Procurement cost as set forth in this Agreement. Any Termination Assistance Services provided after the Term of this Agreement and/or any Continuation Services shall be provided at a cost agreed to by the parties consistent with level of services that are being provided at that time by IP.

Section 6.3 Transfer of Fiber Procurement Business. Upon expiration or termination of this Agreement or the later completion of the Continuation Services (such date, the “Transfer Date”), Sylvamo shall: (a) begin to directly purchase the Products and perform IP Procurement Services covered by this Agreement and associated with the Transferred Mills including assuming all contracts and commitments made by IP on Sylvamo’s behalf in accordance with this Agreement (except to the extent such purchasing is provided by IP as a Termination Assistance Service); and (b) purchase from IP (and IP shall sell to Sylvamo) all of the usable Inventory at the Supporting Facilities on the Transfer Date (the “Transferred Product Inventory”) at IP’s actual out-of-pocket cost. Sylvamo shall have the right to do a physical inventory to confirm the Transferred Product Inventory. In addition, the parties shall comply with the provisions of Exhibit D (Transition Provisions) with respect to assets, employees and other matters.

Section 6.4 Transfer of Fiber Procurement Employees. Upon the Transfer Date, the then current Wood Employees shall be transferred to Sylvamo as Transferred Employees under the Employee Matters Agreement, provided that for purposes of this Agreement, in the applicable provisions of the Transaction Agreement, specific terms will be modified as follows: “Sylvamo” will replace “SpinCo,” “Transfer Date” will replace “Interim Transfer Date” and “September 1, 2021,” and “Wood Employee” will replace “Business Employee.”

 

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Section 6.5 Title to Assets. If IP purchases or acquires assets during the Term for use in connection with the Wood Procurement Services, and Sylvamo reimburses IP for the costs associated with such acquisition of assets then: (1) IP hereby conveys title to such assets to Sylvamo free and clear of all liens and encumbrances effective as of the time of such reimbursement; and (2) such assets shall be deemed leased to IP under the terms of the applicable Facilities Lease Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

QUANTITIES

Section 7.1 Inventory Targets. On or before October 1st of each year, the parties will mutually agree on annual Inventory targets/plans for the upcoming calendar year for the Transferred Mills. This Inventory plan will include targets/plans for the Transferred Mills, as well as the Supporting Facilities and third party yards holding IP-owned Inventory for the Transferred Mills (“Third Party Yards”). The parties intend that these annual Inventory targets/plans will only deviate significantly from current target levels upon mutual written agreement.

Section 7.2 Estimated Quantities. On or before July 1st of each year, Sylvamo shall provide IP with a non-binding (yet best estimate after commercially reasonable analysis) annual plan of volume amounts of Products for the upcoming calendar year at the Transferred Mills. Such amounts shall be provided by month for each species on a chip equivalent basis. IP and the Transferred Mill will collaborate on the chip versus roundwood mix, subject to the limitations of the Transferred Mills and their equipment. Also to be included is the monthly amounts for Certified Products.

Section 7.3 Deliveries of Products. Subject to the obligations set forth in Article XI herein and any unforeseen events beyond the reasonable control of IP, IP shall endeavor to deliver the Products required each month in uniform weekly amounts or as otherwise agreed to by both parties.

Section 7.4 Physical Inventories. IP shall take and report to Sylvamo by location an estimate of the physical inventory on a weekly basis at the Transferred Mills, Supporting Facilities and Third Party Yards (“Physical Inventories”). Sylvamo shall provide IP with reasonably necessary consumption numbers both past and forecasted. Sylvamo shall have the right to audit the Physical Inventories on giving at least five (5) Business Days prior written notice to IP.

ARTICLE VIII

AUDIT/VERIFICATION

Section 8.1 Audit/Verification. Sylvamo is entitled, on giving at least fifteen (15) Business Days prior written notice to IP, no more than one time per calendar year during the Term and only during IP’s normal business hours, to have a reputable, independent certified public accounting firm reasonably acceptable to IP (the “Auditor”) audit:

 

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(a) the Product purchasing transaction / contract details of IP for the Area Mills and Third Party Yards supporting Area Mills. Product purchasing/transaction contract details for the Client Mills are subject to confidentiality;

(b) IP’s maintenance practices and spend at Supporting Facilities;

(c) amounts charged to Sylvamo for IP Procurement Services and Products.

Section 8.2 Auditor Non-disclosure Agreement. Prior to any such audit, the Auditor must sign a non-disclosure agreement with IP substantially having the same terms as those set out in Section 15.1 below and the results of the audit and all information reviewed during such audit will be deemed IP’s Confidential Information.

Section 8.3 Auditing Rules. Any audit shall be conducted in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and according to IP’s reasonable and customary office policies and procedures. Each such audit shall be completed within ten (10) consecutive Business Days and, in no event, shall any audit under this paragraph commence during the last two (2) weeks of any calendar quarter. Further, IP shall have the right to have a representative present at any such audit.

Section 8.4 Auditing Costs. If an audit reveals that errors have been made in connection with the amounts charged hereunder, then the parties will work together to correct the error and any overpayments revealed by the audit will be promptly paid by IP and any underpayments revealed will be promptly paid by Sylvamo. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses related to any audit.

ARTICLE IX

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Section 9.1 Sale of Products. On Thursday of each week no later than 12:00 PM Central, IP will deliver to Sylvamo an invoice for the Products delivered during the preceding week which invoice shall include, or be accompanied by, a statement showing the scale ticket numbers, the date of delivery, and the total Delivered Base Price (a “Product Invoice”).

Section 9.2 IP Procurement Services. On the 10th day of each month (or the next Business Day following such date, if such date is not a Business Day), IP will deliver to Sylvamo an invoice for the Monthly Procurement Fee for the preceding month which invoice shall include a detailed breakdown of the costs (a “Service Invoice”).

 

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Section 9.3 Payment. Sylvamo shall initiate payment via Automatic Clearing House (“ACH”) of undisputed amounts on each such Product Invoice within one (1) day after Sylvamo’s receipt thereof (or the next Business Day following such date, if such date is not a Business Day); provided that Sylvamo receives such invoice prior to noon. Sylvamo shall initiate payment via ACH undisputed amounts on each such Service Invoice within ten (10) days after Sylvamo’s receipt thereof (or the next Business Day following such date, if such date is not a Business Day). Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Sylvamo shall not be responsible for any payment-related breach or default for so long as IP is managing payment-related matters under the Transition Services Agreement (as defined in the Transaction Agreement).

Section 9.4 Sylvamo shall have no liability for and no further refund or compensation for any expense, cost or fee borne by IP other than the Monthly Procurement Fee and the Delivered Base Price, except to the extent contemplated by this Agreement upon the occurrence of a Qualifying Special Cause Event.

Section 9.5 All payments to be made under this Agreement shall be made on the due date by ACH.

Section 9.6 Without prejudice to IP’s other rights and remedies, in the event any sum due (other than those subject to dispute in good faith) to IP pursuant to the terms of this Agreement remains unpaid ten (10) Business Days after the applicable due date, interest shall accrue daily, from the due date until the date of actual payment, at an annual interest rate equal to 12%.

Section 9.7 Sylvamo may dispute in good faith amounts charged to Sylvamo hereunder. The parties shall meet in good faith to discuss such charges following delivery of such notice for a reasonable period of time. If the parties are unsuccessful, either party may consider such item a Dispute and initiate the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 15.11.

ARTICLE X

TRANSPARENCY AND MEETINGS

Section 10.1 IP shall deliver or make available to Sylvamo all reasonably requested information with respect to the purchase, freight and other transactions made on behalf of the Transferred Mills, Supporting Facilities and the Third Party Yards (which information, for avoidance of doubt, will be subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth herein). Upon Sylvamo’s reasonable request, IP shall provide Sylvamo reasonable access to the facilities, assets, employees and information used by IP (or generated by IP) in connection with providing the Products and performing the IP Procurement Services. Sylvamo will provide IP’s Wood Employees with full ingress and egress to the Transferred Mills woodyards, scale houses, and other parts of the Transferred Mills as reasonably required in the normal course of business.

Section 10.2 IP’s Product procurement teams will continue their normal interaction with mill teams at the Transferred Mills through the current Joint Team process consisting of monthly meetings with the mill manager, pulp mill manager and woodyard manager and others mill leaders as required. In addition, meetings will be scheduled periodically as requested by either party between IP and Sylvamo Product procurement management to review progress and discuss future plans.

 

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ARTICLE XI

SUPPLY SECURITY

Section 11.1 IP shall endeavor to maintain Adequate Supply at the Transferred Mills and Supporting Facilities in accordance with the Inventory Targets mutually agreed upon per Section 7.1. For purposes of this Agreement, “Adequate Supply” shall mean Inventory levels sufficient to ensure supply security for Sylvamo and to protect against any slow down or shut down of Sylvamo’s operations at the Transferred Mills. As Inventory levels decrease and become more critical, IP and Sylvamo shall increase communications and collaboration in order to ensure supply security. Specifically, if Inventory levels for any specific category of Product decrease to sixty-six percent (66%) of the target Inventory level, IP and Sylvamo will meet, review options and agree on actions to mitigate the chances of failure of supply. At forty percent (40%) of the target Inventory level, without limiting any other rights hereunder, Sylvamo shall have the right to approve all contingency sourcing procedures that the parties have discussed and determined will ensure supply security, or Sylvamo may request that IP take certain actions necessary to ensure the supply security, which such request IP cannot unreasonably reject, withhold, condition, or delay. In the event that wood supply across a Transferred Mill and its applicable Area Mills is insufficient to satisfy the combined demand, IP agrees to allocate the available fiber proportional to demand, across the Transferred Mill and its applicable Area Mills, to the extent practical, so that Sylvamo and the Transferred Mill is neither advantaged or disadvantaged relative to an Area Mill. 

Section 11.2 Should Inventory levels for a Product increase such that they are more than twenty percent (20%) above the Inventory targets set jointly by the parties in Section 7.1 herein (“Maximum Inventory”), the parties shall discuss in good faith mitigation strategies and sourcing adjustments if it is mutually determined to be necessary, and IP shall use commercially reasonable efforts to undertake such mitigation strategies and sourcing adjustments.

ARTICLE XII

CERTIFICATION

Section 12.1 IP will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide adequate volume of the certified fiber listed below (“Certified Products”) to meet Sylvamo’s demand for Certified Products at the Transferred Mills. IP will maintain the certification of Products to the following standards: FSC chain of custody, FSC controlled wood, SFI chain of custody, and SFI certified sourcing. A summary of Certified Products Volumes

 

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will be provided to Sylvamo on a monthly basis for Chain of Custody certification purposes. Volumes provided will carry one of the following claims: SFI 100% Certified Forest Content, PEFC 100% certified, or FSC 100%. Monthly, Sylvamo will provide IP with a 12-month certification forecast. Upon request, IP agrees to provide Sylvamo with species information (including the scientific name of the tree species sourced on behalf of Sylvamo) and state and county level sourcing records, and reasonably cooperate in the participation of audits and customer visits in the ordinary course of business.

Section 12.2 Cost for the Certified Products. All costs associated with Certified Products for the Transferred Mills (including but not limited to landowner premiums, audit expenses, and fees to certifying agencies) shall be paid by IP and charged back to Sylvamo as part of the Monthly Procurement Fees (net of any FSC credits). Both parties recognize that any material change to Sylvamo’s demand signal for Certified Product will require time and potential additional cost for IP to build additional Certified Product capacity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that there is a significant change to any of the standards listed above and IP reasonably determines that certification is no longer viable, practical, or cost effective, then the parties will work together to reach a mutually agreeable solution.

ARTICLE XIII

INDEMNIFICATION, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND FORCE MAJEURE

Section 13.1 IP’s Indemnification. IP shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless Sylvamo, its employees, agents, servants, successors and assigns from and against any and all Losses arising out of: (i) IP’s or its subcontractors’ performance of its obligations hereunder or failure to perform such obligations, including, but not limited to its obligations set forth in Section 11.1 herein, (ii) employment of the Wood Employees by IP (including any: (w) co-employer related claims; (x) federal state and local taxes or contributions imposed or required under unemployment insurance, social security and income tax laws; (y) claims relating to the failure of IP to secure healthcare coverage under the Affordable Healthcare Act and any resulting penalties); and (z) workers’ compensation claims; or (iii) death or bodily injury or loss of or damage to real or tangible personal property resulting from the Products or IP’s or its subcontractors’ negligent acts or omissions.

IP shall also indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless Sylvamo, its employees, agents, servants, successors and assigns from all Losses arising out of infringement or claim of infringement of any patent rights, trademark, tradename or copyright based on the sale, purchase or use of the items covered by this Agreement. IP further agrees without in any way limiting any other remedies Sylvamo, its successors and assigns might have against IP, that in the event of any such claim, and if required by Sylvamo, IP shall at its expense and at no cost to Sylvamo do one of the following:

 

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1. Procure for Sylvamo the right of license to use and continue to use said items; or

2. Replace said items with non-infringing items and/or services of like or superior kind, productivity, efficiency, quality and value; or

3. Modify said items so as to become non-infringing. Should the items or services be modified, as provided herein, such modification shall not reduce the usefulness or productivity of same.

Section 13.2 Sylvamo’s Indemnification. Sylvamo shall indemnify, defend, protect and hold harmless IP, its employees, agents, servants, successors and assigns from and against any and all Losses arising out of: (i) Sylvamo’s, or its subcontractors’, performance of its, or their, obligations hereunder or failure to perform such obligations; or (ii) death or bodily injury or loss of or damage to real or tangible personal property resulting from Sylvamo’s or its subcontractors’ negligent acts or omissions.

Section 13.3 Limitation of Liability. Except to the Losses pursuant to Section 13.1 or 13.2 or otherwise expressly contemplated hereby, neither party shall be liable to the other party for any punitive, exemplary, multiplied, special, indirect or consequential damages arising under or as a result of this Agreement (or the termination hereof).

Section 13.4 Occurrence of a Force Majeure Event. Upon the occurrence of an event of Force Majeure, if any party desires to invoke such Force Majeure Event as the reason for such party’s failure to perform any obligation hereunder, it shall promptly inform the other party of the occurrence of such event of Force Majeure and comply with the other provisions of this Section. No liability shall be borne by such party for any nonfulfillment or delay in the fulfilment of the undertakings arising out of this Agreement due to the event of Force Majeure for the entire period for which the event of Force Majeure will exist. The Force Majeure Event will postpone any terms for the fulfillments of the obligations of the parties for a period equal to the duration of the Force Majeure Event date. If, due to a Force Majeure Event, IP should be unable to meet its obligations hereunder as they become due, IP shall not discriminate against Sylvamo in favor of any other customers or in favor of any of other IP Mills.

Section 13.5 The term “Force Majeure” shall mean acts of God, unusual weather conditions, third-party strikes, lockouts or other industrial disturbances, acts of the public enemy, war, blockades, insurrections, riots, epidemics, landslides, lightning, earthquakes, fires, storms, floods, arrests and restraints of governments and people, civil disturbances, explosions, and casualty or condemnation not caused by IP. It is understood and agreed that the settlement of strikes or lockouts shall be entirely within the discretion of the person affected, and the above requirement that any Force Majeure shall be remedied with all reasonable dispatch shall not require the settlement of strikes or lockouts when such course is inadvisable in the discretion of the person affected thereby.

 

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ARTICLE XIV

SAFETY

Section 14.1 While on Sylvamo property, IP personnel, its subcontractors and agents are obligated to comply with all Sylvamo site-specific safety protocols as well as all applicable local, state, and federal safety laws and regulations, including, but not limited to the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and its amendments and regulations, as well as those set forth by the OSHA Hazard Communications Standard. IP personnel, its subcontractors and agents will participate as required in Sylvamo safety training, awareness, and other such programs and initiatives to promote a safe work environment. Sylvamo agrees to maintain and support all current safety infrastructure and protocols for protection of truck drivers and other authorized IP personnel including: safe load protocols, chip van untarping ladders, driver unloading shelters, unbinding racks, crush zones at scales, truck weight compliance, unloading procedure for unsafe loads. Sylvamo will promptly notify IP of any observed violation by drivers or IP personnel. Any disciplinary action of a driver resulting from noncompliance of a safety requirement will be at the sole discretion of IP. Sylvamo and IP agree to collaborate on adjustments and changes to safety practices and protocols relating to delivery of the Products and the performance of the IP Procurement Services. IP is solely responsible for the safety of IP’s employees and the means and methods employed by its employees in performing the services contemplated herein.

Section 14.2 In the event an employee of IP or one of its subcontractors is injured while on Sylvamo premises, or if Sylvamo learns of an injury or safety incident at the Transferred Mills that is not caused by IP or one of its subcontractors, but that could have an impact on IP’s supply chain operations, or impact driver or fiber supply employee safety, the parties shall notify each other upon learning of the incident regarding the time, nature, and severity of the injury and determine whether a joint investigation is desired. If so, the parties: (i) will reasonably cooperate and assist one another; (ii) at its own cost and expense cause to be performed an investigation into the “root cause” of the injury or safety incident by a competent investigator; and (iii) will provide the other party with a copy of the investigation report. The report shall include an explanation of causation of the incident and the steps IP, or Sylvamo, or its contractors, or subcontractors is taking to avoid a similar incident from occurring, or the steps that IP, or Sylvamo, or its contractors, or subcontractors should take to avoid the same. In addition to the above, if an employee of IP, or Sylvamo, or one of its contractors, or subcontractors experiences a “near miss” that could have resulted in serious injury while on Sylvamo’s premises, the parties shall investigate the incident and report its findings and the steps that IP or Sylvamo will take or should take to avoid a repeat incident.

 

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ARTICLE XV

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 15.1 Confidentiality. Each party (the “Receiving Party”) may have access to information (in any form) that relates to the other party’s (the “Disclosing Party”) past, present, and future business operations, clients, members, employees and other nonpublic information which is identified by the Disclosing Party or its Affiliates as confidential (“Confidential Information”); provided, that Confidential Information relating to the Transferred Business prior to or after the Closing shall be property of Sylvamo. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, proprietary information and trade secrets of the Disclosing Party, including data, customer lists, products, business plans, marketing plans, financial information, wood costs at surrounding IP mills, research and research tools, algorithms, studies, reports, designs, drawings, drafts, computer models, manuscripts, specifications, software and coding. IP shall restrict Confidential Information of Sylvamo to only those individuals who need to know such information in connection with performing their obligations hereunder. The Receiving Party shall maintain the Confidential Information in strict confidence and shall not disclose such information to any third party, unless and only to the extent required by law. Should the Receiving Party be required to disclose Confidential Information pursuant to an order of a court or governmental authority of competent jurisdiction, or if disclosure is necessary to comply with applicable governmental laws or regulations or rules or orders, the Receiving Party may, after giving prompt notice to the Disclosing Party so that the Disclosing Party may seek a protective order or other appropriate remedy (unless such notice is prohibited by law), disclose without liability the minimum amount of Confidential Information necessary for compliance. Confidential Information does not include information (including ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, and methodologies): (i) previously known to the Receiving Party without an obligation not to disclose such information; (ii) independently developed by or for the Receiving Party without use of the information; (iii) acquired by the Receiving Party from a third party which was not, to the Receiving Party’s knowledge, under an obligation not to disclose such information; or (iv) which is or becomes publicly available through no breach of this Agreement.

Section 15.2 Cooperation. The parties shall act in good faith and shall cooperate with respect to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement. Each party shall cooperate with the other in the making of any calculations or determinations provided in this Agreement and shall make available for inspection (subject to reasonable notice and reasonable confidentiality requirements) upon request all books and records reasonably required to substantiate any such calculations or determinations.

 

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Section 15.3 Notices. All notices and other communications to be given or delivered under or by the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given only: (i) when delivered personally to the recipient; (ii) one (1) Business Day after being sent to the recipient by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid); provided that confirmation of delivery is received; (iii) when sent if sent by e-mail transmission; or (iv) five (5) days after being mailed to the recipient by certified or registered mail (return receipt requested and postage prepaid). Such notices, demands and other communications shall be sent to the parties at the following addresses (or at such address for a party as will be specified by like notice):

 

  (d)

if to IP, to:

International Paper Company

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, TN 38197

Attention: Vice President - Fiber Supply

With a copy to:

International Paper Company

1740 International Drive

Tower IV, 9-039

Memphis, TN 38197

Attn: Kevin J. Havens

901-419-1935

Kevin.Havens@ipaper.com

 

  (e)

if to Sylvamo, to:

Sylvamo North America, LLC

6400 Poplar Ave

Tower 1, 9th Floor

Memphis, TN 38197

Attn: General Counsel

Any party to this Agreement may notify any other party of any changes to the address or any of the other details specified in this paragraph; provided that such notification shall only be effective on the date specified in such notice or five (5) Business Days after the notice is given, whichever is later. Rejection or other refusal to accept or the inability to deliver because of changed address of which no notice was given shall be deemed to be receipt of the notice as of the date of such rejection, refusal or inability to deliver.

 

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Section 15.4 Counterparts; Delivery by Electronic Transmission. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement. Signature pages may be executed via “wet” signature or electronic mark, and the executed signature pages may be delivered using pdf or similar file type transmitted via electronic mail, cloud based server, or e-signature technology or other similar electronic means.

Section 15.5 Independent Contractor. IP agrees that in the performance of this Agreement, IP shall act as an independent contractor and all of its agents, and employees, and agents and employees of its subcontractors, shall be subject solely to the control, supervision and authority of IP. The parties specifically acknowledge that they are not, and this Agreement is not intended to and shall not be construed to make them, affiliates of one another and that no principal and agent, joint venture, partnership or similar relationship, or any other relationship, that imposes or implies any fiduciary duty, including any duty of care or duty of loyalty exists between the parties. Except as expressly set forth herein, no party has the authority to, and each party agrees that it shall not, directly or indirectly contract any obligations of any kind in the name of or chargeable against the other party without such other party’s prior written consent.

Section 15.6 Compliance with Law. Sylvamo represents and warrants that it is a government contractor and an EEO/AA employer. IP, unless exempt from any of the requirements set out below pursuant to the rules and regulations published at 41 C.F.R. Sec.60-1.5, 41 C.F.R. Sec. 60-250.3, and Sec. 60-741-4, represents and warrants that it is an EEO/AA employer and that it shall comply with Executive Orders 11246 and 11375; the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Vietnam Era Readjustment Act of 1974; and all other related applicable regulations. Accordingly, the mandatory clauses required under those laws, being set forth in 41 CFR 60-1, et seq.; 41 CFR 60-250.5, et seq.; 41 CFR 60-250.4, et seq.; 41 CFR 60-741.4(a); 41 CFR 60-741.40; and 41 CFR 60-741.5 are incorporated herein by reference.

IP: (1) is required to meet the filing requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.7(a) and 41 CFR 61-250.11, if applicable; (2) hereby certifies that it currently observes and will hereafter observe all requirements pertaining to non-segregated facilities set out in 41 CFR 60-1.8(b); (3) will list all suitable employment openings with the appropriate state employment service pursuant to 41 CFR 60-250.5(d); and (4) will make and/or retain all records required by state and federal laws.

IP currently observes and will continue to observe the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988. IP will also comply with all provisions of the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (20) CFR 1910.1200, et seq.) including IP’s obligation to furnish any applicable material safety data sheets, together with appropriate labels and employee training and instruction materials.

IP will comply with requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, and all applicable United States Department of Labor Regulations promulgated thereunder or otherwise dealing with wages and hours of work, and shall certify at time of delivery said compliance.

 

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IP shall not, under any circumstances, in connection with the work to be performed hereunder, cause or permit the discharge, emission, release, storage, disposal or transportation of any pollutant, hazardous contaminant, toxic or other substance in amounts that would be in violation of any applicable laws, rules or regulations which are now or hereafter promulgated by Federal, state, or local authorities.

IP further agrees to comply with any and all applicable laws not specifically referenced herein.

Section 15.7 Insurance. IP shall ensure that it has procured and will maintain insurance with terms as required by Sylvamo. Sylvamo’s insurance requirements are attached hereto as Exhibit E. IP’s suppliers are required, and do, carry insurance with ratings and at levels appropriate for IP.

Section 15.8 Entire Agreement. This Agreement and the Exhibits hereto shall constitute the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the body of this Agreement and any Exhibit to this Agreement, the terms of the body of this Agreement shall control, unless the Exhibit specifically overrides the applicable provision of the body of the Agreement.

Section 15.9 Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, benefits or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any of the parties hereto (whether by operation of law or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the other party, and any purported assignment without such consent shall be null and void; provided that either party may, by written notice, assign any and all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to an Affiliate (but no such assignment shall relieve such party of any of its duties or obligations hereunder). This Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties acknowledge and agree that this Agreement is intended for the use and benefit of Sylvamo and as such, this Agreement will remain with Sylvamo after the closing of the transaction that is the subject of the Transaction Agreement and the change in control shall not constitute an assignment and shall not require the consent of any party to this Agreement.

Section 15.10 Governing Law and Venue. This Agreement and all issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement and interpretation of this Agreement (and all Exhibits hereto) shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the Laws of Tennessee, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions. The parties agree that the exclusive venue of any proceeding that arises under this Agreement shall be Shelby County, Tennessee.

 

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Section 15.11 Dispute Resolution Process. In the event of a breach or default under this Agreement or other such disputes or issues as specified in this Agreement (a “Dispute”), either party may notify the other of the existence of such Dispute. Upon receipt of the other party of such notice, IP and Sylvamo shall negotiate in good faith to promptly resolve the Dispute within the following fifteen (15) days following receipt. If IP and Sylvamo are unable to resolve such Dispute within such fifteen (15) day period, then, at the written request of either such party (the “Dispute Resolution Request”), the Dispute shall be escalated to Senior Management of each company for discussion and negotiation. In the event Senior Management is unable to resolve the Dispute within thirty (30) days after delivery of the Dispute Resolution Request, thereafter either IP or Sylvamo may, at its option, provide notice of its intent to arbitrate the Dispute. Upon receipt of such notice, the parties shall submit the Dispute to final, binding arbitration. Each party will pick an arbitrator with reasonable experience in the relevant subject matter of the Dispute and such arbitrators will pick a third arbitrator to form a panel of three. IP and Sylvamo agree to utilize the rules of the American Arbitration Association. Decisions of the panel must be in writing and will be final and binding upon the parties. The parties will submit to the panel a written notice which shall designate the issues to be arbitrated, such party’s proposed resolution of such issues and the maximum amount of damages, if any, sought by the party; the panel shall permit each party to conduct reasonable discovery as promptly and expeditiously as possible which shall be limited to requests for production of documents and examination upon deposition; the parties shall submit information, evidence, testimony that such party desires and any materials such party wishes to submit supporting of its position. Notwithstanding the foregoing, either party may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for interim, provisional, and/or emergency relief, and any such request: (1) shall not eliminate the obligation of the parties to resolve Disputes in accordance with the foregoing dispute resolution procedures; and (2) shall not be deemed incompatible with the foregoing dispute resolution procedures. Except where prevented from doing so by the matter in Dispute, IP agrees to continue performing its obligations under the Agreement while any good faith Dispute is being resolved unless and until such obligations are terminated by the termination or expiration of the Agreement.

Section 15.12 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any such provision to any Person or circumstance shall be declared judicially to be invalid, unenforceable or void, such decision shall not have the effect of invalidating or voiding the remainder of this Agreement, it being the intent and agreement of the parties hereto that this Agreement shall be deemed amended by modifying such provision to the extent necessary to render it valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent permitted while preserving its intent or, if such modification is not possible, by substituting therefor another provision that is valid, legal and enforceable and that achieves the original intent of the parties hereto.

 

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Section 15.13 Headings. The headings and captions of the Articles and Sections used in this Agreement and the table of contents to this Agreement are for reference and convenience purposes of the parties hereto only, and will be given no substantive or interpretive effect whatsoever.

Section 15.14 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended by the parties hereto at any time. This Agreement may not be amended except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

Section 15.15 Specific Performance. In the event of any default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, the party who is, or is to be, thereby aggrieved will have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of its rights under this Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity. The parties hereto agree that the remedies at law for any breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the parties hereto.

[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]

 

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In WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be signed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first written above.

 

INTERNATIONAL PAPER COMPANY
By:  

/s/ Lee Alexander

  Name: Lee Alexander
  Title: VP Global Fiber Supply
SYLVAMO NORTH AMERICA LLC
By:  

/s/ Patrick Wilczynski

  Name: Patrick Wilczynski
  Title: SVP, Operational Excellence


Exhibit A – Example Calculations of Delivered Base Price and Monthly Procurement Fee

 

26


EXHIBIT B

PRODUCT TERMS

 

27


Exhibit C – Intentionally Omitted

 

28


Exhibit D – Transition Provisions

 

29


Exhibit E – Sylvamo Insurance Requirements

 

30


Exhibit F – Wood Employees Organizational Chart

 

31

Table of Contents

Exhibit 99.1

 

INFORMATION STATEMENT

SYLVAMO CORPORATION

LOGO

Common Stock, Par Value $1.00 Per Share

 

 

International Paper Company (“International Paper”) is making this information statement available to its shareholders in connection with the pro rata distribution to International Paper shareholders of approximately 80.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Sylvamo”).

In the distribution, holders of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock owned at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 15, 2021, the record date for the distribution (the “Record Date”). No fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will be issued. If you would be entitled to a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock, then you will instead receive a cash payment with respect to the fractional share.

Sylvamo is currently a subsidiary of International Paper and will own and operate International Paper’s Printing Papers segment along with certain coated paperboard and pulp businesses in Latin America, Europe and North America following the distribution (the “Printing Papers business”). International Paper will continue to own and operate its Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses following the distribution. Following the distribution, International Paper will own approximately 19.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo, and Sylvamo will be a separate public company.

We expect the distribution of Sylvamo common stock to be completed at 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time, on October 1, 2021. You do not have to vote or take any other action to receive your shares of Sylvamo common stock or cash in lieu of fractional shares. You will not be required to surrender your shares of International Paper common stock or pay any consideration in connection with the distribution. Your shares of Sylvamo common stock will be distributed by book-entry, which means that we will not issue physical stock certificates. The number of shares of International Paper common stock that you currently own will not change as a result of the distribution.

To implement the distribution, International Paper will distribute the shares of Sylvamo common stock on a pro rata basis to International Paper’s shareholders in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to International Paper’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that shareholders receive in lieu of fractional shares.

International Paper currently owns all of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock. Accordingly, there is no current trading market for Sylvamo common stock, although we expect that a limited market, commonly known as a “when-issued” trading market, will develop on or shortly before the Record Date (as defined herein). We expect “regular-way” trading of Sylvamo common stock to begin on the date of the distribution. Sylvamo has applied to have its common stock authorized for listing on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “SLVM.” As discussed under “The Distribution—Listing and Trading of the Shares of Sylvamo Common Stock” and “The Distribution—Trading Prior to the Distribution Date,” if you sell your International Paper common stock after the Record Date and before the Distribution Date (as defined herein), you will still be entitled to receive shares of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution.

 

 

No vote of shareholders is required in connection with the distribution. We are not asking for a proxy and you are requested not to send a proxy.

Holding and disposing of shares of Sylvamo common stock involves risks. In reviewing this information statement, you should carefully consider the matters described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” of this information statement.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this information statement is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

This information statement is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

The date of this information statement is September 3, 2021.

International Paper first mailed a Notice of Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials containing instructions on how to access this information statement to its shareholders on or about September 3, 2021.


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Market and Industry Data

The market and industry data contained in this information statement, including trends in our markets and our position within such markets, are based on a variety of sources, including our good faith estimates, which are derived from our review of internal surveys, information obtained from customers and suppliers and publicly available information, as well as from independent industry publications, reports by market research firms and other published independent sources, including Fastmarkets RISI (“RISI”), a pulp and paper industry source, and are presented as of the date of this information statement. Third-party industry publications and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable.

Trademarks and Copyrights

We own or have rights to various trademarks, logos, service marks and trade names that we use in connection with the operation of our business, including Hammermill®, Chamex®, REY®, SvetoCopy® and Postmark®. Solely for convenience, the trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights referred to in this information statement are listed without the , ® and © symbols, but such references do not constitute a waiver of any rights that might be associated with the respective trademarks, service marks, trade names and copyrights included or referred to in this information statement. Products and brand designations appearing in italics are trademarks of the Company.

Certain Important Terms

“CAGR” means compound average growth rate.

“Lost Work Incident Rate” or “LWIR” measures the number of cases of recordable injuries with days away from work per 100 employees over a one-year period.

“Joint Marketing Agreement” means the Joint Marketing Agreement between JSC Ilim Group and ZAO International Paper related to the UFS production of JSC Ilim Group.

“Overall Equipment Effectiveness” is a measure of the overall machine efficiency with performance or speed included. It is calculated as (i) Overall Machine Efficiency multiplied by (ii) actual speed divided by standard speed.

“Overall Machine Efficiency” is a measure of actual tons produced compared to the optimal production level. It is calculated as acceptance percentage multiplied by availability percentage. For purposes of this definition, acceptance percentage equals weighed tons at the scale classified as good saleable (“A1”) production divided by tons produced off the reel that included both A1 production and paper loss, and availability percentage equals the hours a machine is run divided by the hours the machine is available.

“operating rates” are calculated as (i) expected demand less imports plus exports divided by (ii) capacity, in each case measured by geography.

“Printing Papers business” means International Paper’s Printing Papers segment along with certain coated paperboard and pulp businesses in Latin America, Europe and North America.

“Total Incident Rate” or “TIR” measures the number of work-related injuries per 100 employees over a one-year period.

 

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

     Page  

SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     35  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

     61  

THE DISTRIBUTION

     64  

FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

     82  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     88  

CAPITALIZATION

     89  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     90  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     100  

BUSINESS

     121  

MANAGEMENT

     150  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     157  

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

     163  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

     166  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     167  

SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     173  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION

     174  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     178  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

   


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SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this information statement. This summary may not contain all of the information that is important to you. To better understand the distribution and Sylvamo, you should carefully read this entire information statement, including the risks described in “Risk Factors,” “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the combined financial statements and the notes thereto.

We describe in this information statement the business to be transferred to Sylvamo in the distribution as if the transferred business was Sylvamo’s business for all historical periods described. References in this information statement to Sylvamo’s historical assets, liabilities, products, business or activities of its business are generally intended to refer to the historical assets, liabilities, products, business or activities of the transferred business as the business was conducted as part of International Paper and its subsidiaries prior to the distribution.

Unless otherwise indicated, all information herein gives effect to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws to be adopted prior to the completion of the distribution. As used herein, “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Sylvamo and its consolidated subsidiaries after giving effect to the distribution, unless the context otherwise requires.

Why International Paper Made This Document Available to You

International Paper made this document available to you because you were a holder of International Paper common stock on the Record Date for the distribution of shares of Sylvamo common stock. In the distribution, holders of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock owned on the Record Date for the distribution. No fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will be issued in the distribution. If you would be entitled to a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock, then you will instead receive a cash payment with respect to the fractional share.

No action is required on your part to participate in the distribution, and you do not have to surrender or exchange your shares of International Paper common stock or pay cash or any other consideration to receive the shares of Sylvamo common stock. The number of shares of International Paper common stock that you currently own will not change as a result of the distribution.

This information statement describes the business of Sylvamo, Sylvamo’s relationship with International Paper and how this transaction affects International Paper and its shareholders, and provides other information to assist you in evaluating the benefits and risks of holding or disposing of the Sylvamo common stock that you will receive in the distribution.

Sylvamo’s Business

Our Company

Sylvamo is a global uncoated papers company with a broad portfolio of top-tier brands and low-cost, large-scale paper mills located in and serving the most attractive geographies, including Latin America, Europe and North America. We produce uncoated freesheet (“UFS”) for paper products such as cutsize and offset paper, as well as market pulp, aseptic and liquid packaging board (“LPB”) and coated unbleached kraft (“CUK”) papers. With roots going back to 1898, we have a long history of offering premium quality papers to meet the needs of our customers and end-users. Our mills predominantly rank in the lowest quartile on global and regional UFS cost curves, and our low-cost operations enable us to serve our customers with the highest quality products at attractive margins. Our industry-leading brands, known for their long-standing reputation in their respective markets for product quality and performance, allow us to maintain our long-term relationships with top-tier customers throughout economic cycles. Our international reach and strong positioning across retail, merchant and e-commerce channels optimally places us to meet the paper needs of our end-users around the world. This also provides geographical diversification of our revenue and profits. From 2018 to 2020, on average, we generated 51% of our revenues and 66% of our Business Segment Operating Profit in Latin America and Europe, which regions exhibit different demand drivers than North America and all three regions have strong profitability for the paper industry relative to other geographies.


 

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2020 Revenues by product type

 

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Product type

  

Product line

  

Examples of end uses

   Uncoated papers (UFS)    Cutsize    Printing, copy and writing paper
   Offset    Commercial printing, such as brochures and books
   Envelope    Statement mailers and direct mails
   Forms    Financial statements and other print applications
   Other    Tablets, receipts and construction applications
   Uncoated papers (Others)    Uncoated bristols    Index systems, file cards, case records, menus, direct mail, counter displays
   Market pulp    BHK/BSK/BEK/BCTMP    Used for producing tissue, printing and writing paper, specialty paper and board grades
   Coated paperboard / Other    Aseptic/LPB    Packaging for liquids, such as beverages
   CUK    Beverage containers (beer and soft drinks) and heavy-duty retail packaging (hardware and laundry detergent)

UFS, our primary product, has diverse end-use applications, including printing, copy and writing papers, and advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. Additionally, we produce a wide variety of uncoated paper grades that our customers convert into envelopes, writing tablets, business forms, packaging and file folders. As a vertically integrated operator, we produce hardwood pulp (including bleached hardwood kraft (“BHK”) and bleached eucalyptus kraft (“BEK”)), and we produce bleached softwood kraft (“BSK”). We also produce bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (“BCTMP”) at our Svetogorsk mill, which we sell globally. Further, our Svetogorsk mill produces LPB and CUK papers that are sold across Russia and Eastern European countries.

Many of our UFS products, particularly cutsize, are branded with strong consumer recognition and top brand positioning in their respective markets. We believe our portfolio of trusted brands across our regions provides us with a meaningful competitive advantage. We own some of the industry’s most recognizable brands, including Chamex (Brazil), REY (France), SvetoCopy (Russia) and Hammermill (United States). Cutsize represents approximately 60% of our UFS tons sold, and our owned and licensed brands represent 58% of those cutsize sales. Further, we have a license from HP Inc. (“HP”) for the rights to produce and sell HP branded printer and copier paper in almost all geographies globally. HP Papers is a premium line of uncoated cutsize products that work seamlessly across all models of printer and copier equipment. The remaining 42% of cutsize tons sold are private label brands we produce for our major customers, including Staples.

We sell and market our products globally to over 600 customers. By leveraging our strong brand portfolio and our customized service, we have built deep relationships with top customers in each of the channels we serve. We distribute our products through a variety of channels, including merchants and distributors, office product suppliers, retailers and dealers. We also sell directly to converters that produce envelopes, forms and other similar products. With a long history of more than 120 years, we have forged long-term relationships with our top customers and their loyalty results in very little turnover. Accordingly, our top ten customers, representing approximately one-third of our net sales, have been buying our products for more than 50 years on average. Our sales, marketing, supply chain and production staff work collaboratively to provide tailored client support and valued-added services, addressing the distinct needs of customers across geographies and channels. We provide marketing support to our customers to help them develop their go-to-market strategies by leveraging our extensive end-user sales and preference data.

Our mills have an annual UFS paper production capacity of 2.8 million short tons, market pulp production capacity of 580,000 short tons, and total LPB and CUK capacity of 130,000 short tons. In addition, Sylvamo expects to distribute annually an incremental 520,000 short tons of UFS and 160,000 short tons of uncoated bristols through its offtake agreements with International Paper in North America. We have filed an application with the Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation (“FAS”) to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of the JSC Ilim Group’s UFS


 

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production, which totals 275,000 short tons annually. Our mill portfolio includes seven low-cost mills, six of which are fully vertically integrated. Vertical integration reduces costs associated with key inputs for paper production, such as pulp and energy, and decreases our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Our only non-vertically integrated mill is co-located with Suzano’s market pulp mill and has a market supply agreement with Suzano, ensuring a consistent supply of fiber, steam and energy contractually guaranteed on a long-term basis. This effectively replicates most of the key economic benefits of vertical integration without the associated capital costs. We have high quality, well-invested facilities with low operating costs. As of December 31, 2020, more than 70% of our capacity is in the lowest quartile of global and regional cost curves. We believe the competitive advantages of our mills, such as their location in sustainable low-cost fiber baskets, and significant scale and distribution efficiencies, afford us sustainable strategic benefits.

 

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The demand for our paper products is positively correlated with global commercial printing and print advertising activity, white-collar employment levels and government spending, including education spending, and negatively affected by the adoption of electronic billing and statements. We believe our low-cost position allows us to thrive in all demand environments, including in countries facing secular demand decline, and we have demonstrated this historically by strengthening Sylvamo’s supply position even in light of the rise of electronic media substitution. From 2015 through 2020, we outperformed the UFS industry demand by 1.2% on average in the regions we serve, and, in the future, we intend to target outperforming the UFS industry demand by 1% to 2% on average in such regions. We expect global demand for UFS to increase at a 0.4% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI forecasts. Approximately two-thirds of Business Segment Operating Profit on average from 2018 to 2020 comes from outside North America, and some of our key geographies, such as Latin America, have an increasing population of white-collar professionals, which supports the demand for our products.

We provide differentiated products and services in each geography we serve, underpinned by our low-cost facilities, premium brands and a talented workforce.

 

   

Latin America: Our Latin American business is engaged in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing and specialty papers, as well as converting papers and market pulp. We are the largest UFS producer in Latin America, with about 34% of the supply position as of December 2020 according to Fisher International. We sell approximately 70% of our Brazilian UFS production in 26 countries in Latin America, and export the balance to other regions around the globe. Our system of paper production consists of three mills in Brazil: two in the state of São Paulo and one in Mato Grosso do Sul. Together, our three mills have seven paper machines with an annual production capacity of 1.27 million short tons. Our integrated mill in Luiz Antônio is the lowest cost mill in Sylvamo’s portfolio, as measured by roll manufacturing cost per ton, and produces cutsize and offset UFS and market pulp. The mill has an annual production capacity of 385,000 short tons of UFS on two paper machines and also produces an additional 130,000 short tons of market pulp annually. Our mill in Mogi Guaçu is also fully integrated, and operates four paper machines that produce 460,000 short tons of UFS, primarily cutsize and offset paper. Três Lagoas, located in Mato Grosso do Sul, operates one paper machine and produces 260,000 short tons of UFS annually.

We also own approximately 250,000 acres of strategic forest plantations in close proximity to our two mills in São Paulo state. This land provides us with a sustainable source of high quality and low-cost hardwood fiber from eucalyptus. Eucalyptus and its fiber have several benefits, including:

 

   

Fastest growing and highest yielding species grown in timber plantations;

 

   

Shortened harvest cycles of 6 to 7 years, helping to keep plantation costs low; and

 

   

Homogenous fiber quality, which permits premium grade quality at lower costs by requiring less wood to manufacture a ton of pulp.

Our portfolio of brands includes two lines of printing and writing paper, Chamex and Chamequinho, and one graphic paper line, Chambril, all 100% produced from sustainably managed forests, holding Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (“PEFC”) certification. We expect existing Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC®”) and PEFC certifications to transfer to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution. Our Chamex brand has enjoyed unparalleled brand recognition in Brazil for the last 50 years.

 

   

Europe: Our European business primarily produces and sells cutsize, commercial printing and specialty papers, in addition to LPB, CUK, BCTMP (Russia), BHK and BSK (France). We own two mills in the region with a total annual production capacity of 1.1 million short tons: Svetogorsk in Russia near the Finnish border and Saillat in France. Both mills produce pulp and paper and are fully vertically integrated. Our paper and pulp mill in Svetogorsk covers approximately 494 acres on the


 

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Karelian Isthmus between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga in northwestern Russia, and comprises three pulp mills and two paper machines with an annual production capacity of 720,000 short tons. The mill produces cutsize and offset paper and is the only producer of LPB in Russia with a supply position greater than 50% based on Russian customs data. Svetogorsk produces BCTMP, which is manufactured from aspen or spruce with innovative technology and allows Sylvamo to maintain an advantaged cost position relative to most other European and Russian mills making similar products. We are able to capture demand in both UFS and BCTMP in other countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia out of our Svetogorsk mill. We have also filed an application with FAS to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of JSC Ilim Group’s UFS production totaling 275,000 short tons annually. The JSC Ilim Group is the largest pulp and paper company in Russia and operates the largest pulp and paper mills located in the European and Siberian regions of Russia, with a total pulp and paper production capacity of 4 million short tons annually. It is controlled by Ilim SA, a 50/50 joint venture between International Paper and its partners. Our paper and pulp mill in Saillat is a European leader in the production of premium grade paper with an annual production capacity of 265,000 short tons and opportunities to grow sales outside of Europe. The mill also produces an additional 130,000 short tons annually of BHK and BSK market pulp that is sold to customers in Western Europe. In Russia, we have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of government-owned forestland, where we also plant seedlings to maintain the health and productivity of forest ecosystems for future generations.

We own a portfolio of premium brands in Europe. Our REY brand is distributed primarily in France and is focused on sustainability. Our brands in Russia include Ballet and SvetoCopy, which was the first office paper brand to be produced in Russia, and together are the leading brands in the country with an estimated 45% supply position, including JSC Ilim Group’s expected cutsize capacity under the Joint Marketing Agreement based on internal estimates.

 

   

North America: Our North American business is engaged primarily in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing, converting and specialty papers. We are the second largest UFS producer in North America with a 28% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International, including UFS we will purchase from International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills pursuant to offtake agreements. We own two of the industry’s most competitive mills, Eastover and Ticonderoga, with 1.1 million short tons of combined annual production capacity. The Eastover mill, located in South Carolina, operates two paper machines producing 700,000 short tons of UFS, and a chemical pulping system producing fiber for UFS and an additional 115,000 short tons of market pulp annually. Eastover’s highly advantaged cost position in North America stems from its strategic location in an attractive fiber basket and world-class production capabilities. Sylvamo also operates a premium-grade paper mill in Ticonderoga with a well-invested asset base and proven capabilities to service the North American specialty segment. Its two paper machines and chemical pulp system produces 275,000 short tons of UFS annually, focusing on specialty paper grades. Our offtake agreements with International Paper give us the right to market and sell the UFS paper and uncoated bristols production at the Riverdale and Georgetown mills, representing an incremental 680,000 short tons of annual production capacity. Our North American mills are positioned near sustainably-managed forests that provide long-term access to competitively priced fiber.

In North America, we own a portfolio of premium brands, including Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark and Accent. According to a third-party market study conducted by TRC Advisory in 2019, the quality and product breadth associated with the Hammermill brand resulted in strong end-user customer willingness to pay. Its unparalleled brand recognition helped us secure our strategic partnership with the largest e-commerce supplier in North America.


 

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7 owned mills with total production capacity of approximately 3.5 million short tons

 

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. LOGO

 

2020 Revenues by Segment    2020 Business Segment Operating Profit
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Sylvamo recognizes that a sustainably managed forest is one that maintains and enhances economic, social, and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations. We are deeply committed to long-term environmental sustainability by ensuring sustainable sourcing of fiber and investing in and utilizing renewable energy resources. The majority of our mills are located in attractive and sustainable fiber baskets that provide access to high quality, low-cost fiber. Our practice of sourcing fiber from well-managed forests promotes the long-term health and productivity of forests. A majority of our fiber supply in the United States and France comes from privately owned forests. We work with landowners and wood suppliers to advance credible third-party forest certifications to improve our percentage of certified fiber. We follow a Fiber Certification Policy that accepts globally recognized forest management standards. These include the PEFC and standards recognized by PEFC, including the American Tree Farm System® (“ATFS®”) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (“SFI®”) in the United States and the Brazilian National Forest Certification Program, Certificacão Florestal (“CERFLOR”) in Brazil. We expect existing FSC® certification to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

We own 250,000 acres of strategic forest plantations in close proximity to our mills in Brazil, which provides a sustainable source of high quality hardwood fiber from fast-growth eucalyptus. We reserve 75,000 acres towards our conservation efforts, through which we plant native tree species to help preserve biodiversity. In Russia, we have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of government-owned forestland, where we also plant seedlings to maintain the health and productivity of forest ecosystems for future generations. Sylvamo’s forestlands in Brazil and Russia are a significant source of value for our business and are strategic assets in profitable geographies. All the forestland we own in Brazil is certified under CERFLOR, and we expect existing FSC® certification to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution. Our forestland


 

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for which we have harvesting rights in Russia also has the FSC® certification, which we expect to be transferred from Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

All of our integrated mills use renewable biomass residuals to create energy and decrease our dependence on third-party energy sources. On average, we produce 78% of our energy needs for our integrated mills through bio-energy, which is a carbon neutral energy source generated from renewable biomass residuals. We also believe in the responsible consumption of our products, and invest in recyclable, sustainable and renewable products. We have invested in product lines, such as the Hammermill Great White products, which are made from recycled materials. All of our products are recyclable, and we encourage our customers to utilize recycling services and custom recycling programs that support their business needs. In 2019, approximately 66% of all paper products in the United States were recycled to make new fiber-based products, according to the American Forest and Paper Association.

Sylvamo’s capabilities and potential are delivered through our dedicated and talented workforce, which we believe is the best in the industry. We employ more than seven thousand people globally, with 43%, 35% and 22% of our workforce located in Latin America, Europe and North America, respectively. We have a favorable employee engagement score of 86%, compared to the manufacturing industry average of 75%, according to a 2019 third-party employee engagement survey. The above-average employee engagement score at Sylvamo is driven by our employees’ perception of their career goals, employee safety, diversity in the workforce, understanding of the company’s goals, work life balance and other indicators. Specifically, employees rated safety at Sylvamo with a 91% favorability rate.

The safety of our employees is paramount. We strive to design and operate injury-free workplaces for our employees and everyone who enters our facilities. As responsible stewards of people and their communities, we have maintained record safety standards at our mills, strictly complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations. We are an industry-leading company in employee safety. Across all our mills, our TIR averaged 0.42 and our LWIR averaged 0.14 for 2020, well below the 2019 U.S. paper manufacturing industry averages of 2.5 and 0.8, respectively, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Our Competitive Strengths

We distinguish ourselves through the following competitive strengths:

A global producer of uncoated freesheet, positioned in the most profitable geographies: Latin America, Europe and North America.

Our mills, and consequently the key regions that we serve, are located in some of the world’s most attractive geographies for UFS. Given the access to low cost fiber and historical pricing levels, the regions we serve are some of the most profitable over the past three years based on average import pricing data from IHS Markit.

In Latin America, we are a major producer of UFS with a 34% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International. Latin America is a particularly attractive region given its rising levels of education, growth in white-collar employment and increasing income per capita, all of which drive UFS demand. From 2014 to 2019, UFS demand in Latin America decreased at a 3.1% CAGR, and we expect it to increase at a CAGR of 2.2% from 2021 to 2025, based on data and forecasts by RISI, a pulp and paper industry source. Industry capacity in Latin America declined at a 0.3% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect it to continue to decline at a 1.6% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations—This information statement contains forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts which are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ.” Moreover, the key raw material input we use in our Brazil mills is eucalyptus, which is a world-class, low-cost fiber for the production of UFS. The use of low-cost fiber combined with our highly efficient operations, as measured by our Overall Machine Efficiency metrics of 93% in Latin America, and export logistics advantage allow us to serve the domestic market and the export markets at attractive margins.


 

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We rank third in supply position in Europe, including our mill in Russia and JSC Ilim Group’s expected cutsize capacity under the Joint Marketing Agreement as of December 2020, according to Fisher International. We have consistently outperformed relative to industry demand in Europe. From 2011 to 2019, while the overall UFS demand in Europe fell by 2%, the demand for our products remained stable. Demand for UFS in Western Europe declined at a 2.8% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect demand for UFS in Western Europe to continue to decrease by a 2.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. In Eastern Europe, demand for UFS declined at a 0.6% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect demand in Eastern Europe to increase by a 0.2% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Industry capacity in Eastern Europe increased at a 0.7% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, while Western Europe decreased at a 2.4% CAGR over the same time period, according to RISI data and forecasts. We expect that industry capacity will decline by a 2.6% CAGR and a 5.7% CAGR in Eastern Europe and Western Europe, respectively, from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. We have a niche positioning in Europe, with our Saillat mill focusing its production on specialty UFS. In Russia, we have the number one supply position and the leading brand, SvetoCopy. We also have a strong position in other growing markets, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States. We have filed an application with FAS to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of JSC Ilim Group’s UFS production totaling 275,000 short tons annually.

In North America, we are the second largest producer of UFS with a 28% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International, including UFS we have agreed to purchase from International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills pursuant to offtake agreements. We believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from improving fundamentals in the paper industry, which are inherently linked to the balance of supply and demand. In North America, a number of competitors have announced conversion of paper mills to primarily containerboard and fluff pulp capacity, leading to favorable operating rates. North American producers have announced the shutdown of approximately 1.5 million short tons of UFS capacity, or approximately 24% of the industry capacity, since 2019, according to RISI. As a result of these actions, we expect North American UFS operating rates to increase significantly from low operating rates in 2020 after a mid-2021 industry recovery according to RISI. We believe that higher operating rates will enable us to continue to benefit from improving supply and demand dynamics through our superior cost position. Demand for UFS in North America fell at a 3.5% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect it to continue to fall at a 2.6% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Industry capacity in North America decreased at a 3.1% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect it to continue to decrease at a 1.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts.

UFS supply position per region according to Fisher International, as of December 2020

 

Latin America    North America    Europe (incl. Russia)
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Vertically integrated mills that are predominantly in the lowest quartile on the cost curve both in their regions and globally.

Our attractive, low cost positions are particularly important given that we have exposure to geographies that are either in secular decline or are experiencing limited to no growth. Historically we have seen that as volumes decline, competitors close higher cost mills or convert mills to other uses. We expect this trend to continue and therefore, we expect to be able to improve operating rates for our assets. As a result, we expect to be able to generate improved margins and substantial cash flow over the long-term despite stable or declining demand in our industry.

Our low production costs are driven by the scale of our production capacity, our mills’ proximity to fiber, self-produced energy, and the integration of our pulp and paper production process. In particular, our vertical integration into pulp helps minimize our exposure to commodity pulp price fluctuations. In Brazil, we own eucalyptus plantations in close proximity to our two São Paulo state mills, giving us access to high-quality, low-cost eucalyptus fiber. These two mills produce their own pulp that is directly used for paper production. Our third Brazilian mill, Três Lagoas, is co-located with Suzano’s market pulp mill and has a market supply agreement with Suzano, ensuring a consistent supply of fiber, steam and energy contractually guaranteed on a long-term basis. Consequently, Três Lagoas has all the benefits of integration without the associated capital costs, and therefore generates a high cash yield per ton of capacity. In fact, after accounting for the Brazilian government tax benefit and the benefits of integration and co-location with Suzano’s market pulp mill, we estimate that Três Lagoas would have production costs comparable to Mogi Guaçu, which is in the first quartile of the cost curve. Furthermore, our own produced market pulp sales from the integrated mills in Brazil work as a natural hedge for the Três Lagoas purchased pulp contract. Accordingly, from 2018 to 2020, Três Lagoas’ return on invested capital was on average approximately 350 basis points higher than Mogi Guaçu’s return on invested capital.

Our European mills produce their own pulp that is directly used for the production of paper. Our Saillat mill is the largest fully integrated UFS mill in France and the only vertically integrated mill producing value-added grades in Europe that covers the entire production process from wood harvesting to paper. Its modern pulp mill produces pulp for 100% of its UFS production as well as an additional 130,000 short tons of market pulp that is sold in France and Western Europe. In Russia, our Svetogorsk mill is fully integrated with three pulp mills and two paper machines. We also have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of forestland in Russia for excellent access to wood fiber. Likewise, all of our North American mills produce their own pulp. The Eastover mill enjoys the lowest manufacturing cost in North America according to Fisher International, and operates one of the highest-quality cutsize paper machines in North America. The mill generates its own electricity to run its two paper machines and one pulp dryer. It produces sufficient pulp to meet its needs for paper production and an additional 115,000 short tons of market pulp sold in the open market each year. Ticonderoga is a premium-grade, vertically integrated paper mill with a competitive low-cost positioning against other specialty mills, according to Fisher International. Overall, our mills have an average pulp integration of approximately 95%, requiring that we buy only 5% of our pulp inputs in the open market.

Our integrated Brazilian, Russian and U.S. Eastover mills have historically occupied first quartile positions in the global cost curve, and our Saillat and U.S. Ticonderoga mills have historically occupied first quartile positions on the regional specialty cost curves. Our low-cost operations enable us to serve our local customers with the highest quality products at competitive margins. Our Russian and Brazilian paper operations have provided strong and steady margins for more than 10 years. Most importantly, these global low-cost operations help us to remain competitive in the export markets. Our ability to participate in the export markets allows us to meet demand in other regions with a steady and reliant supply of paper, allowing us to maintain consistent operating rates in almost all demand environments.


 

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Global UFS rolls cost curve according to Fisher International as of December 31, 2020

 

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1 

Três Lagoas position excludes tax benefits and benefits of integration and co-location with a Suzano pulp mill, which significantly improves the mill’s net cost position.

Note: Sylvamo’s mill capacity figures based on internal estimates.

Premier brands in Latin America, Europe and North America with strong brand recognition.

Our portfolio of iconic, regional brands is widely recognized for its quality and reliability. We own premier brands across the globe, including Chamex, Chamequinho, Chambril, SvetoCopy, REY, Pro-Design, Ballet, Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark and Accent. These brands have a long-standing reputation in their respective markets for product quality and performance. Our strong brands have allowed us to outperform industry volumes and have supported the business through economic cycles by providing improved profitability. Over the last six years, we have outperformed the industry in terms of UFS shipments by 1.2% annually in the geographies we operate. Through the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our brands demonstrated higher brand loyalty relative to private label offerings, as evidenced by a lower decrease in our owned brand sales in 2020 as compared to the overall industry. In addition, in 2020 we outperformed the industry UFS shipments in the geographies in which we operate by 2.1%.


 

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LOGO   LOGO   LOGO    LOGO
Chamex has one of the
strongest brand recognitions in Latin America
 

SvetoCopy maintains the highest frequency of repeat purchasing and the highest level of consumption

in Russia

  Hammermill is one of the most- purchased paper brands in North America for businesses of all sizes    Global supplier of HP Papers, one of the most recognized brands in the world, in partnership with HP Inc.

Our Chamex brand enjoys unparalleled brand recognition in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America. Chamex has been part of the Brazilian culture for more than 50 years. Entire generations have grown up using Chamex in school and in the workplace. To leverage this recognition, we introduced the Chamequinho brand to target younger populations and keep the Chamex loyalty for generations to come. Chamex is the leading brand in terms of supply position in Bolivia, Brazil, Central America and Paraguay according to third-party global trade data.

Our SvetoCopy brand is the leading brand in Russia in terms of supply position and brand loyalty, according to market research and consulting firm IPSOS. SvetoCopy was the first office paper brand to be produced in Russia beginning in 1996, prior to which all office paper in Russia was imported. During our more than 20 years in Russia, we have delivered on SvetoCopy’s quality and brand reputation and have become a reliable partner for businesses.

In France, our REY brand offers a very broad range of innovative products, including commodity and value-added grades that promote sustainability. The REY brand continues to grow its recognition in France and is gaining popularity across Western Europe. Positioned as the conscientious paper choice, REY wants to represent sustainability in the office paper segment, with products ranging from white papers to tints (colors). Pro-Design is our flagship brand for professional high speed printing in Europe. Over the past decade, Pro-Design has established itself as a top-shelf product for full color, high quality laser print applications. All brands made at our Saillat mill are certified by either FSC® or PEFC and the EU Ecolabel. We expect existing FSC® and PEFC certifications to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

The Hammermill brand has a deep heritage in the United States with over 120 years of existence, and we believe it is a leading copy paper brand in the United States. We continue to invest to make the brand relevant throughout generations, and have adapted our products to the digital age. In 2003, we introduced our JAM-FREE® technology, which guarantees less than one jam in 10,000 printed sheets on high-speed digital equipment. The Hammermill Great White product was developed within the cutsize paper product line and is made from recycled materials. We recently developed and launched our Paper Shop, which provides our customers with 24/7 access to place orders, check inventory, and monitor order status from their computer, tablet or smart phone. Our Paper Shop makes doing business with us more efficient and simpler for our customers, helping us capture a greater share of their business.

In 1996, we launched the HP Papers office paper products under license from HP Inc., allowing us to exclusively manufacture and market HP Papers in over 75 countries. HP Papers is a global paper brand and is manufactured in all our regions. It is a premium line of uncoated cutsize products, scientifically engineered to work seamlessly across all makes and models of printer and copier equipment. HP Papers, HP inks and toners and HP printers are engineered to work together. In the early 2000s, we again partnered with HP to develop and


 

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introduce ColorLok Technology to improve inkjet printing quality in offices and homes around the world. Taking advantage of developments in high-speed inkjet technology, our ColorLok Technology optimization gives excellent results with both laser and high-speed inkjet sheet-fed printers.

Our brands represent 58% of our cutsize sales, and private labels represent the remaining 42%. Our private label strategy focuses primarily on North America, where we produce paper for companies such as Staples. Our top three private label customers represent approximately 280,000 short tons annually of private label sales.

Long-term, committed relationships with key customers and partners in the UFS value chain and a growing position in e-commerce.

We serve over 600 customers across every region of the world through diverse sales channels, including office product suppliers, retailers, e-commerce, converters, dealers and merchants. Our global scale and local focus help us stay committed to key customers and partners across the UFS supply chain. Over the years, we have built long-term relationships with customers thanks to our commitment to their business. We are aligned with the premier participants in all the main channels in Latin America, Europe and North America.

Our sales teams are coordinated to efficiently bring a competitive and complete product offering to our diverse customer base. We bring together our sales, marketing, supply chain and production staff to provide service and support to merchants, converters, end-users, stationers, printers and retailers alike. We further support our customers with our breadth of end-user applications, such as printing paper, brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, packaging and envelopes. This mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use and creates value for our customers, and we excel at managing the complexity this adds to our operations. As a result, we have fostered long-term relationships with our customers with minimal customer turnover. On average, our top 10 customers have been our business partners for 50 years, and today they represent approximately 33% of our supply position, with no one customer making up more than 10% of our supply position.

Leading customers with long-standing relationships per region(1)

 

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(1)

Includes predecessor companies.

We have the ability to adapt as our end-users change their channel preferences. We are well positioned to compete in the e-commerce channel, which relies more heavily on high-grade brands than traditional retail channels. We have been able to rapidly grow our e-commerce presence through close partnerships with online retailers such as Amazon in North America and Kalunga in Brazil. We have increased our sales through Amazon in North America by more than six times over the past five years. Overall, we have increased our North America e-commerce sales by approximately 85% over the past five years. Today, e-commerce makes up approximately


 

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10% of North American sales, and we believe Sylvamo sales represent greater than 50% of the channel overall in 2020, according to internal marketing intelligence. We are seeing similar trends in e-commerce developing in Latin America and Europe.

Well-invested facilities running highly efficient operations.

We believe our mills are well-invested, and we have made significant capital investments over time. Our capital spending includes maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures, cost reduction capital expenditures, and strategic capital expenditures, which include capital for rebuilds, productivity enhancements and de-bottlenecking. We believe that the investments in our well-maintained and efficient facilities increase equipment uptime and improve reliability. The only major capital expenditure across our portfolio of mills anticipated in the next few years is the rebuilding of the two recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill or, alternatively, replacing the boilers with one new recovery boiler. Our mills are technically advanced, and Sylvamo operates the two most recently built UFS assets in Latin America – Luís Antônio and Três Lagoas in Brazil. Our history of allocating capital towards high-return projects demonstrates our financial discipline and ability to identify projects that create sustainable value. Our Svetogorsk mill is one of the top pulp and paper mills in Russia with industry-leading technology and equipment. Since 1998, we have invested approximately $780 million in the upgrade and modernization of the mill to ensure its long-term competitiveness. For example, we constructed the BCTMP plant in 2008, which provides higher yields than other processes and lowers the total cost of production. We also installed a coater at one of the paper machines, allowing us to produce CUK and LPB to meet market demand. Our Eastover mill is one of the most technologically advanced pulp and paper mills in the world and, as a result, it is the lowest cost producer of UFS in North America according to Fisher International. It has a history of continued investment, with over $140 million in capital deployed since 2015. Our Ticonderoga mill is a premium-grade, vertically integrated pulp and paper mill, with a well-invested asset base and proven capabilities to service the North American specialty segment. We have likewise deployed $100 million of capital spending into the Ticonderoga mill since 2015.

 

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Strong and stable cash flow generation.

We have a track record of strong cash flow generation across cycles due to our low-cost asset base, disciplined capital investment, customer and geographic diversification, operational flexibility and strong brand recognition. We have been able to generate strong Adjusted EBITDA Conversion, defined as Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures divided by Adjusted EBITDA. For the years ended 2018, 2019 and 2020, our Adjusted EBITDA Conversion was 83.0%, 83.8% and 80.0% respectively. On a GAAP basis, our Cash Provided by Operating Activities Conversion, calculated as Cash Provided by Operating Activities minus maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures divided by Cash Provided by Operating Activities, was 77.2%, 78.1% and 79.4% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we were able to generate strong cash flow and achieve an Adjusted EBITDA Conversion level of 80%. Our ability to reduce capital spending in times of economic downturns allows us to continue generating strong and stable cash flow. For example, we reduced our total capital expenditures in 2020 to $75 million from $150 million in 2018 by delaying capital expenditures. Accordingly, we anticipate increasing capital spending to ensure that our mills stay well-invested and well-maintained. This increase may negatively impact operating cash flow, but we anticipate Adjusted EBITDA Conversion staying above 70%. Adjusted EBITDA Conversion excludes strategic and cost reduction capital expenditures and the anticipated Svetogorsk recovery boiler investment. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Conversion, see “Summary Historical Financial Data.”

Adjusted EBITDA Conversion

 

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Cash Provided by Operating Activities Conversion

 

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Our portfolio of low-cost mills enables us to achieve healthy margins. Our vertically integrated mills help minimize our exposure to the volatility of raw material prices and generate a consistent stream of cash flows. Further, we have positioned ourselves in the most attractive local markets, where we leverage our low manufacturing costs to maximize earnings. Our management’s experience in managing costs and leveraging lean processes fosters a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Our geographic, product and channel diversity gives us the flexibility to adjust to end-market demand fluctuations and maintain margins. Specifically, our global platform allows us to offset the effects of volatile movements of major currencies by tactically positioning ourselves in the export and import market to our advantage. Our broad product categories allow us to meet end-user demand for a wide variety of paper products. Additionally, our channel diversity helps us better adapt to our end-users’ channel preference with a wide breadth of end-user applications. This customer-focused strategy coupled with our decades of investments in our strong brands has allowed us to weather down-cycles.

Best-in-class management team with extensive industry experience and operating expertise to lead Sylvamo as a stand-alone company.

We have assembled a senior management team that is highly focused on delivering value to our stockholders by leveraging our low-cost assets, highly recognized brands, geographic positioning and unparalleled customer relationships. Together, our senior management team averages over 26 years of experience in the paper industry and brings deep global industry expertise to our company. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Michel Ribiéras, served in various senior leadership positions at International Paper, including most recently as Senior Vice President of the Industrial Packaging business in the Americas. During his 28 years at International Paper, Jean-Michel has run the North American, Latin American and European segments of Sylvamo. He also served on the board of directors for JSC Ilim Group, a Russian operating subsidiary of Ilim SA, a 50/50 joint venture between International Paper and its partners, and led the integration of Weyerhaeuser Company’s cellulose fibers business with International Paper’s pulp business. Our Chief Financial Officer, John Sims, most recently served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at International Paper. He joined International Paper in 1994 and has been an officer of the company since 2008. During John’s 27 years at International Paper, 18 years have been in the paper business where he ran the North American and European businesses of Sylvamo. He has held various senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Finance & Strategy for the North American Industrial Packaging business and Senior Vice President and President of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. Together, Jean-Michel and John will lead an experienced and highly capable senior management team at Sylvamo.

Strategic Overview

Our commitment to responsible environmental, social and governance principles is embedded throughout our three-pronged strategy, which focuses on creating value for our stockholders through:

 

  1.

Commercial Excellence: Remain the supplier of choice by exceeding customers’ expectations for quality and service.

 

  2.

Operational Excellence: Operate as a low-cost, focused, cash-generating company.

 

  3.

Financial Discipline: Be the investment of choice by consistently delivering on a compelling investment thesis.


 

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Specific initiatives we are focused on include:

Be commercially excellent to drive top-line growth and profitability.

 

   

Our diversified product offering and leading supply position allow us to better serve our customers. Sylvamo’s product portfolio covers a broad range of products that our customers use and sell for a wide breadth of end-user applications. This diversified offering of paper products not only creates value for our customers, but also mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use. Furthermore, our advantaged supply position gives us the significant global scale to serve customers close to their operations while leveraging distribution efficiencies to benefit our customers.

 

   

Our global portfolio of premium-margin branded and private label offerings differentiates our products in local markets. We intend to focus on maintaining and improving the success of our existing brands to further drive profitable growth. We have become the partner of choice for many businesses and households around the world, and we plan to continue to deliver on our brands’ reputations for quality. We believe that we can drive top-line growth and profitability by further enhancing our brand positioning across geographies, growing our loyal customer base and tapping into growing pockets of demand in select channels and geographies. For example, in 2019 we expanded SvetoCopy’s brand range to include a new product, SvetoCopy Premium, to better serve the premium market. We also utilize our marketing expertise and promotional support to help our customers market and sell our products more effectively. For example, in Brazil, we have a dedicated team of more than 20 promoters spread across the country visiting stores and developing campaigns to increase Chamex sales through promotional activity.

 

   

We will continue to invest in and focus on our strong, long-term customer relationships around the globe. We will support our customers through the quality and reliability of our products, customer service and our customer-centric innovation. We believe research and development (“R&D”) and innovation are core competencies of Sylvamo, and plan to leverage these capabilities to further strengthen our market positioning. We already supply to most of the top participants across all major channels, and we see potential to further expand our supply position. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic we helped our customers navigate stay-at-home orders by quickly introducing new packaging sizes that allowed for safe home delivery of UFS products. In Latin America, we created a group of preferred corporate distributors aimed at improving the go-to-market strategies for our top customers. In Europe, we are launching a plastic free wrapper used as packaging for our brands, as our end-users increasingly demand sustainable products. Our service and sales teams are trained to enhance our positioning with key customers. We believe developing customer loyalty through market-based value creation will help us differentiate our offerings and position us for steady cash generation from our core customer base as well as allow us to expand our customer base and defend our advantaged supply position.

 

   

We adapt and innovate as our end-customers change their channel preferences. We have successfully entered the e-commerce channel by innovating around pallet and box sizes to better service the needs of our e-retailer customers. In Latin America, we introduced an innovative package with fewer sheets per ream and a lower basis weight with fewer reams per box, which facilitates last mile delivery via motorcycle, a common transportation method in the region. Our brands represent approximately 56% of sales in the e-commerce channel in North America. In Europe, Sylvamo is one of the largest cutsize suppliers to the e-commerce channel, providing owned and licensed brands, as well as private brands. By further aligning ourselves with key e-commerce customers, we believe we will continue to lead the industry in performance. We believe we can increase customer penetration and drive top-line growth as we upgrade our warehousing systems, leverage new packaging techniques and increase our utilization of e-commerce channels.


 

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Operational excellence and low-cost operations to drive stockholder value.

 

   

We have a history of profitability and offsetting inflation through our low-cost operations. From 2018 to 2020, we have averaged operating margins of 11.0%. Moreover, in Latin America and Europe, which represented approximately two-thirds of our Business Segment Operating Profit on average over that period, our operating margins have averaged 17.6% and 11.6%, respectively, over that same time frame. We averaged Adjusted EBITDA margins (defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales) of 16.4% from 2018 to 2020, and we intend to target Adjusted EBITDA margins of between 15% and 18% over the business cycle. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations—This information statement contains forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts, which are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ.” We successfully implement price increases and maintain a strategy of constantly finding ways to offset input cost inflation. Our low-cost assets allow us the operational flexibility to produce a diverse product mix and serve multiple attractive channels, which mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use.

 

   

We have identified future cost reduction initiatives to help us maintain and improve our cost position in local and export markets. We expect to invest in upgrading our facilities not only to maintain our quality and low cost, but also to improve our operational flexibility. We also continuously identify opportunities to further reduce our operating costs, as evidenced by our track record of investing over $28 million on cost reduction projects per annum on average from 2010 to 2020, helping us maintain our competitive margins. We produce diverse product lines that maximize margin and value creation. For example, Eastover is able to efficiently produce different UFS product lines on its two paper machines. Additionally, when UFS demand is high we can divert more pulp to the paper machines from the market pulp machine to increase UFS production and similarly, when UFS demand is soft, we can divert more pulp to the market pulp machine. We have a similar flexible operating model across all of our geographies. Investments in technologies such as data analytics in mills to reduce costs, enhance flexibility and improve decision-making are key initiatives for Sylvamo. We expect these investments to be modest, and provide the company meaningful commercial, operational and financial benefits.

 

   

We utilize lean six sigma and other management tools to drive further cost reductions and operating improvements in our manufacturing system. Our manufacturing system focuses on six key areas, including environmental, health and safety and efficiency improvement. We track our operations against Overall Equipment Effectiveness and other key metrics to drive increasingly lean operations and ensure full visibility across our operations. Recently, we have used data analytics at our mills to further accelerate the improvement progress. Going forward we expect disruptive technology to become a significant lever for future improvement. We plan to continue utilizing our lean tools and principles and implement targeted programs in order to optimize raw materials sourcing and usage, eliminate process waste, reduce repair costs and control overhead, driving cost reductions and operating improvements across our manufacturing system.

Pursue a disciplined approach to capital allocation that rewards stockholders and drives value organically through selective investment to further our advantaged positions.

 

   

We expect to deliver strong and sustainable free cash flow by continuing to leverage our low-cost assets, premier brands, and deep customer relationships with leading companies in each of our sales channels. Our annual maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of approximately $130 to $150 million per year for the next several years, which we believe will be sufficient to maintain our operations and productivity. In addition, spending to replace the recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill is expected to begin in 2022, with approximately 80% of the estimated $220 million to be spent in 2023 and 2024. If Sylvamo chooses to rebuild the recovery


 

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boilers, the anticipated total spend may be reduced. We will pursue a disciplined approach to capital investment to complement the strategic and cost reduction investments made in the last 5 years. Any planned future strategic capital expenditures will be pursued where there is the expectation of significant return on invested capital.

 

   

We intend to use a portion of the excess cash flow generated by our business to reduce outstanding indebtedness in a disciplined manner. A healthy balance sheet will support our operations and provide the financial flexibility to maximize value creation for our stockholders. Our near-term priority is debt reduction, and we intend to target a financial leverage ratio (defined as total indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA) of less than 2.5:1 by the end of 2022. In the future, as we achieve our targeted financial leverage ratio, we anticipate that we will be in a position to return a portion of the cash flow generated by our business to our stockholders through a combination of dividends and stock repurchases, depending on market conditions and subject to restrictions under the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our senior notes (including greater restrictions until the Brazil Tax Dispute (as defined below) is resolved), and approval by our board of directors.

 

   

As an independent company, we expect to allocate capital more efficiently towards a larger number of projects that have a high return on invested capital. We remain committed to investing in our low-cost, highly competitive asset base, which underpins our operations. We believe in continually optimizing our existing core asset base to drive higher incremental returns above our cost of capital. As an independent company, we plan to focus on further enhancing our operational flexibility by undertaking projects with a high expected return on capital. Sylvamo has preliminarily identified over $100 million of investment projects with potential internal rates of returns (“IRR”) in excess of 25%. We will evaluate investing in these high return projects in the future, while continuing to maintain financial discipline focused on delivering value to our stockholders.

 

   

We will strive to create intrinsic value by achieving returns above our cost of capital. As we move forward, investment excellence is essential to growing earnings and cash generation. Strategic investments will be grounded on clear strategic and financial objectives that allow us to turn Sylvamo’s advantages into profitable growth, with a meaningful return above our cost of capital. We have a strong pipeline of projects that will reduce costs and increase efficiency over the medium- to long-term.

Lastly, we intend to follow a disciplined approach in evaluating any potential strategic transactions. We view our capital allocation framework as a foundational lever to accelerate value creation for our stockholders.

Our commitment to environmental, social and governance matters is embedded throughout our three-pronged strategy.

We incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations into our strategies and everyday processes as we seek to adequately address risks, operate sustainably and responsibly and create long-term value. Our commitment to sustainability includes our entire value chain, from the responsible sourcing of raw materials, to the safety of our employees, to using renewable energy and ensuring the recyclability of our products.

 

   

Environmental stewardship and responsible manufacturing practices are fundamental to how we operate, and we seek supply chain partners that share our commitment. Sylvamo recognizes that a sustainably managed forest is one that maintains and enhances economic, social and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations. We are committed to producing the products our customers need, while ensuring responsible stewardship of the world’s natural resources. To meet the expectations of our employees, customers and other stakeholders, we will continue to lead forest stewardship efforts globally to build a better future for people, the planet and our company. We work with landowners to advance responsible forest management practices and increase the availability of certified fiber. We also work with conservation organizations to support healthy forest ecosystems,


 

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enhance ecologically significant areas, and conserve and restore forests worldwide. Most importantly, our fiber sourcing policies and practices support our commitment to protecting forests and their ecosystems for generations to come.

 

   

We will continue to generate more than 75% of our mill energy needs using renewable biomass residuals rather than fossil fuels. We have made significant investments to promote energy self- sufficiency and replace fossil fuels. For example, in 2012, we completed the construction of a biomass boiler in Mogi Guaçu, Brazil. This high-return cost savings project reduced fossil fuel use by 75% and increased earnings by $30 million in its first year of operation. Saillat, one of the most environmentally efficient mills in the world, is the first French mill to obtain Eco-label certification for copy and graphic papers. PEFC-certified since 2006, Saillat implements rigorous sustainable practices. All of its wood comes from controlled sources, it is 85% energy self-sufficient and it produces 53% fewer carbon emissions from fossil fuels than the average of the European graphic papers sector. Additionally, Saillat and its partner Dalkia, a French energy company, were selected by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Under this program, Saillat and Dalkia will produce 25 mega-watts of biomass energy for a 20-year fixed price thereby reducing Saillat’s energy costs and consumption of fossil fuels.

 

   

We are committed to attracting and developing a diverse talented and global workforce, ensuring safety at our facilities and contributing to the resiliency of our local communities. Our international presence allows us to attract the best talent across the globe. Accordingly, our senior management team is internationally diverse with global experience, hailing from all of the geographies in which we operate—Latin America, Europe and North America. Further, we will continue to invest a portion of our earnings to address critical community needs in the communities where our employees live and work. For example, Sylvamo Brazil partners with and supports the AIPI Institute, an educational organization serving the Brazilian community.

We believe that by leveraging our strengths and executing on our strategies, we will create long-term value for our stockholders.

The Distribution

Internal Reorganization

The separation and distribution agreement between International Paper and Sylvamo will provide for the transfers of entities and related assets and liabilities so that as of the distribution, International Paper will retain the entities and assets associated with International Paper’s Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses and Sylvamo will hold certain of the entities and assets associated with the Printing Papers business. Sylvamo is currently a wholly owned subsidiary of International Paper. In connection with the distribution, International Paper will undertake a series of internal reorganization transactions to facilitate the transfers of entities and the related assets and liabilities. See “The Distribution—Internal Reorganization” for further discussion.

Reasons for the Distribution

The board of directors of International Paper determined that separating Sylvamo’s Printing Papers business from International Paper’s Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses is in the best interests of International Paper and its shareholders (the “separation”). Following the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo would each have greater financial, management and operational focus, the ability to tailor its capital structure to its specific business needs, a management team dedicated to seizing strategic growth opportunities with maximum flexibility, including by providing an opportunity for improved equity currency for use in


 

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connection with acquisitions and employee compensation and an investor base aligned with the respective businesses. The separation is designed to maximize shareholder value through the spin-off of International Paper’s Printing Papers business to an independent company, in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that shareholders receive in lieu of fractional shares.

The board of directors of International Paper considered the following potential benefits in determining to effect the distribution:

 

   

allowing each of International Paper and Sylvamo to focus on their respective businesses;

 

   

allowing for the more efficient use of capital expenditures by both International Paper and Sylvamo to invest in their respective businesses;

 

   

enhancing the effectiveness of International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s equity-linked compensation to more closely align the interests of management and employees of each of International Paper and Sylvamo with their respective stockholders;

 

   

a management team dedicated to seizing strategic growth opportunities with maximum flexibility, including by providing an opportunity for improved equity currency for use in connection with acquisitions;

 

   

optimizing the capital structure and leverage level for the distinctive business profile of each of International Paper and Sylvamo;

 

   

the Special Payment to International Paper;

 

   

International Paper’s retention of approximately a 19.9% stake in Sylvamo, which International Paper intends to subsequently dispose; and

 

   

increased value to International Paper’s stockholders, in particular Sylvamo’s anticipated value on a stand-alone basis.

Conditions to the Distribution

The distribution is subject to a number of conditions, including:

 

   

the SEC having declared effective the Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, and the Form 10 shall not be the subject of any stop order or any legal, administrative, arbitral or other action, suit, investigation, proceeding, complaint, indictment or litigation by the SEC seeking a stop order;

 

   

this information statement shall have been sent or otherwise made available to International Paper stockholders;

 

   

International Paper shall have received an opinion from a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel satisfactory to it or a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, regarding the qualification of the distribution as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”);

 

   

the completion of the internal reorganization, the contribution by International Paper to Sylvamo of certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Printing Papers business as described herein;

 

   

the receipt by International Paper’s board of directors of customary solvency and surplus opinions of a nationally recognized investment banking or appraisal firm;


 

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the actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, U.S. state or other securities laws or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted;

 

   

International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s execution of the separation and distribution agreement, the tax matters agreement, the transition services agreement, the employee matters agreement, the registration rights agreement and all ancillary agreements relating to the distribution;

 

   

the absence of any order issued by any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or other legal impediment preventing or making illegal the consummation of the separation, the distribution or any of the transactions related thereto;

 

   

Sylvamo’s common stock having been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

   

Sylvamo’s entry into the financing arrangements and incurrence of at least $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of new indebtedness pursuant thereto;

 

   

the receipt by International Paper of the proceeds from the Special Payment; and

 

   

no other events or developments shall exist or shall have occurred that, in the judgment of the board of directors of International Paper, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, the distribution or the transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement or any ancillary agreement.

We cannot assure you that any or all of the conditions will be satisfied or waived. See “The Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution” for additional details and additional conditions related to the distribution.

Regulatory Approval

Apart from the registration under U.S. federal securities laws of the shares of Sylvamo common stock that will be distributed in the distribution and related stock exchange listing requirements, we do not believe that other material governmental or regulatory filings or approvals will be necessary to consummate the distribution.

No Appraisal Rights

International Paper stockholders will not have appraisal rights in connection with the distribution.

Summary Risk Factors

Our business is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in “Risk Factors” below. You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties when investing in our common stock. The principal risks and uncertainties affecting our business include the following:

 

   

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to contain it;

 

   

general business or economic conditions which might effect demand for our products and our business;

 

   

industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products;

 

   

the cyclical nature of the paper industry, which may result in fluctuations in the prices of, and demand for, our paper products;

 

   

competition from other businesses and consolidation within the paper industry;


 

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changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation;

 

   

reduced truck, rail and ocean freight availability which could result in higher costs or poor service;

 

   

climate change and the physical and financial risks associated with fluctuating regional and global weather conditions or patterns;

 

   

material disruptions at one or more of our manufacturing facilities;

 

   

information technology risks related to potential breaches of security which may result in the distribution of company, customer, employee and vendor information;

 

   

extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental and other laws and regulations, which could result in substantial costs to the company as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations;

 

   

our reliance on a small number of significant customers;

 

   

adverse results from legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings or other loss contingencies;

 

   

failure to achieve expected investment returns on pension plan assets, as well as changes in interest rates or plan demographics;

 

   

a disruption in operations and increased labor costs due to labor disputes;

 

   

our inability to operate profitably as a stand-alone company or provide benefits and services or receive access to equivalent financial strength and resources as International Paper;

 

   

this information statement contains forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts, which are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ;

 

   

the loss of commercial agreements with International Paper;

 

   

our inability to achieve some or all of the benefits we expect to achieve from the distribution and the separation from International Paper and the cost of achieving such benefits may be higher than anticipated;

 

   

the fulfillment of our obligations as a public company, including with respect to the requirements of, and related to, rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

 

   

the failure of the distribution to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which case, International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper’s stockholders may be subject to significant U.S. federal income taxes;

 

   

our inability to take certain actions after the distribution that could jeopardize the tax-free status of the distribution;

 

   

the combined post-distribution value of International Paper and Sylvamo shares may not equal or exceed the pre-distribution value of International Paper shares;

 

   

significant one-time and ongoing costs associated with the separation that could affect our period-to-period operating results following the completion of the distribution;

 

   

the satisfaction of indemnification obligations following the distribution;

 

   

federal and state fraudulent transfer laws and New York and Delaware corporate law which may permit a court to void the distribution and related transactions;

 

   

substantial indebtedness, which could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under anticipated agreements governing our indebtedness;


 

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our inability to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, which may force us to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful;

 

   

the failure of an active trading market to develop or be sustained following the distribution;

 

   

the market price for our common stock may be volatile, and you may not be able to sell your common stock at the initial trading price; and

 

   

the actual, or perception of, a sale of substantial amounts of common stock following the distribution, which could depress the market price for our common stock.

Corporate Information

Sylvamo was incorporated on March 11, 2021. Our principal executive offices will initially be located at 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197, and beginning in the second quarter of 2022 will be at 6077 Primacy Parkway, Memphis, Tennessee 38119, and our telephone number is (901) 419-7000. Our corporate website is located at www.sylvamo.com. The information contained in, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this information statement. Upon our separation from International Paper, we expect to trade under the ticker symbol “SLVM” on the NYSE.


 

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Questions and Answers About Sylvamo and the Distribution

 

What will I receive as a result of the distribution?    Holders of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock owned at 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on September 15, 2021, the Record Date for the distribution. No fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will be issued. If you would be entitled to a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock, then you will instead receive a cash payment with respect to the fractional share.
What will happen in the distribution?    International Paper will transfer to Sylvamo certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Printing Papers business (which we refer to collectively as the “contribution”). In exchange for the contribution, Sylvamo will:
  

•  issue to International Paper shares of Sylvamo’s common stock to be distributed to International Paper’s shareholders on a pro rata basis as described below, which we refer to as the “distribution”; and

  

•  transfer to International Paper the cash from the net proceeds of debt financing Sylvamo anticipates arranging prior to the distribution, together with cash on hand, which we refer to as the “Special Payment.” See “Financing Arrangements.”

   After the contribution, International Paper will spin off Sylvamo to the shareholders of International Paper by distributing approximately 80.1% of the shares of Sylvamo common stock to holders of International Paper common stock on a pro rata basis.
  

As a result of the distribution, Sylvamo will become an independent public company, although Sylvamo will continue to have a number of significant commercial arrangements with International Paper. See “The Distribution—Relationships Between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution.” Following the distribution, International Paper will continue to hold an approximately 19.9% stake in Sylvamo. International Paper intends to dispose of such shares of our common stock that it owns after the distribution in either a registered offering or pursuant to an exemption from registration, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the Distribution Date and will occur no later than five years after the distribution.

 

We have applied to list Sylvamo common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SLVM”.

When will the distribution occur?    International Paper currently anticipates completing the distribution at 12:01 a.m., Eastern Time, on October 1, 2021 (the “Distribution Date”).

 

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What is the Record Date for the distribution?    The Record Date for the distribution is September 15, 2021, and ownership of International Paper common stock will be determined as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on that date. When we refer to the “Record Date” in this information statement, we are referring to that date and time.
Is shareholder approval required for the distribution?    Shareholder approval is not required for the distribution. The distribution of Sylvamo will be accomplished by distributing the shares of Sylvamo common stock to holders of International Paper common stock as a dividend. Accordingly, the dividend of the shares of Sylvamo common stock will be approved by the board of directors of International Paper pursuant to its statutory authority under New York law to declare and pay dividends.
What do I have to do to receive my shares of Sylvamo common stock?    Nothing. Your shares of Sylvamo common stock will be either reflected in an account statement that our transfer agent, Computershare Inc., will send to you shortly after the Distribution Date or credited to your account with your broker or other nominee on or about the Distribution Date. It is expected that it will take the transfer agent up to three business days to electronically issue Sylvamo shares to you or your bank or brokerage firm on your behalf by way of direct registration in book-entry form. You will not be required to make any payment, surrender or exchange your International Paper common stock or take any other action to receive your Sylvamo common stock.
When will I receive my shares of Sylvamo common stock?    If you hold your International Paper shares in your own name, then your account statement reflecting the Sylvamo shares will be mailed to you on or about the Distribution Date. You should allow several days for the mail to reach you.
   If you hold your International Paper shares through your broker or other nominee, your receipt of Sylvamo shares depends on your arrangements with the nominee that holds your International Paper shares for you. We anticipate that brokers and other nominees generally will credit their customers’ accounts with Sylvamo shares on or about the Distribution Date, but you should check with your broker or other nominee. See “The Distribution—When and How You Will Receive Sylvamo Common Stock.”
How will shares of Sylvamo common stock be distributed to me?    International Paper will distribute the shares of Sylvamo common stock by book-entry. If you are a record holder of International Paper common stock on the Record Date, then you will receive from our transfer agent shortly after the Distribution Date a statement of your book-entry account for the shares of Sylvamo common stock that are distributed to you. If you are not a record holder of International Paper common stock on the Record Date because your shares are held on your behalf by your broker or other nominee, then your shares of Sylvamo common stock should be credited to your account with your broker or other nominee on or about the Distribution Date, but you should check with your broker or other nominee. The transfer agent will

 

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distribute only whole shares of Sylvamo common stock. See “—Will International Paper distribute fractional shares?” for more information about the treatment of fractional shares you would otherwise have been entitled to receive in the distribution.

 

We will not issue any physical stock certificates to any stockholders, even if requested.

Will International Paper distribute fractional shares?    Fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock will not be issued in the distribution. If you would be entitled to receive a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution, then you will instead receive a cash payment in lieu of the fractional share. See “The Distribution—Treatment of Fractional Shares.”
Will the distribution affect the market price of my shares of International Paper common stock?    Following the distribution, we expect that International Paper common stock will continue to be traded on the NYSE. As a result of the distribution, the trading price of International Paper common stock immediately following the distribution may be lower than immediately prior to the distribution. Until the market has fully evaluated the operations of International Paper without Sylvamo’s business and potentially thereafter, the price of International Paper common stock may fluctuate significantly. In addition, it is anticipated that shortly before the Record Date and continuing through the close of trading on the date prior to the Distribution Date, there will be two markets in International Paper common stock: a “regular way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. International Paper common stock that will trade on the regular way market will trade with an entitlement to Sylvamo common stock distributed in the distribution. Stock that trades on the ex-distribution market will trade without an entitlement to Sylvamo common stock distributed in the distribution. There can be no assurance that, following the distribution, the combined trading prices of International Paper common stock and Sylvamo common stock will equal or exceed what the trading price of International Paper common stock would have been in the absence of the separation and the distribution. For a discussion of the trading in International Paper common stock prior to and following the distribution, see “The Distribution—Trading Prior to the Distribution Date” and “The Distribution—Listing and Trading of the Shares of Sylvamo Common Stock.”
Where will my shares of Sylvamo common stock be traded?    We have applied to list the shares of Sylvamo common stock on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SLVM” following completion of the distribution. See “The Distribution—Listing and Trading of the Shares of Sylvamo Common Stock.”
When will I be able to trade shares of Sylvamo common stock?    There is no current trading market for Sylvamo common stock, although we expect that a limited market, commonly known as a “when-issued” trading market, will develop on or shortly before the Record Date. When-issued trading in the context of a spin-off refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally on or before the Record Date because the securities of the spun-off entity have not

 

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   yet been distributed. When-issued trades generally settle within three trading days after the Distribution Date. We expect “regular-way” trading of Sylvamo common stock to begin on the Distribution Date. For a discussion of the trading in Sylvamo common stock prior to and following the distribution, see “The Distribution—Trading Prior to the Distribution Date” and “The Distribution—Listing and Trading of the Shares of Sylvamo Common Stock.”
What is Sylvamo’s dividend policy?    We do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common stock following the distribution, as we intend to use excess cash to reduce outstanding indebtedness. In the future, as we achieve our targeted financial leverage ratio, we anticipate that we will be in a position to return a portion of the cash flow generated by our business to our stockholders through a combination of dividends and stock repurchases, depending on market conditions and subject to approval by our board of directors. Any declaration of cash dividends or stock repurchases will be at the discretion of Sylvamo’s board of directors and will depend on our financial condition, earnings, liquidity, level of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to paying cash dividends or repurchasing stock, restrictions imposed by Delaware law and any other factors our board of directors deems relevant in making such a determination. The credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior notes limit the amount of dividends and share repurchases that we are permitted to make while our indebtedness remains outstanding, including greater restrictions until the Brazil Tax Dispute (as defined below) is resolved. Therefore, there can be no assurance that we will pay any cash dividends to holders of our common stock or approve any stock repurchase program, or as to the amount of any such cash dividends or stock repurchase. See “Dividend Policy.”
Can International Paper decide to cancel the distribution even if all of the conditions have been satisfied?    Yes. Until the distribution has occurred, International Paper has the right to terminate the distribution, even if all the conditions have been satisfied, if the board of directors of International Paper determines that the distribution is not in the best interest of International Paper and its shareholders or that market conditions or other circumstances are such that the separation of Sylvamo and International Paper is no longer advisable at that time.
Will there be any payments by Sylvamo to International Paper in connection with the Distribution?    Yes, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, Sylvamo is required to make a payment to International Paper of the net proceeds of the financing arrangements, together with cash on hand in excess of $100 million, estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion as of June 30, 2021, which we refer to as the “Special Payment.” See “The Distribution—Separation and Distribution Agreement.”

 

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What are the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution to me as an International Paper shareholder?    To implement the distribution, International Paper will distribute the shares of Sylvamo common stock on a pro rata basis to holders of International Paper common stock in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to its shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that shareholders receive in lieu of fractional shares. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”
What kind of relationship will Sylvamo have with International Paper after the distribution?   

Prior to the distribution, Sylvamo and International Paper will enter into agreements for International Paper to transfer to Sylvamo certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Printing Papers business, to arrange for the continued provision of certain services by each company to the other company for a period of time, to make arrangements for the distribution and to define the ongoing relationships between International Paper and Sylvamo, including with respect to employee and tax matters. Sylvamo and International Paper will also enter into certain commercial agreements prior to the distribution. See “The Distribution— Relationships Between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution.”

 

For so long as International Paper continues to hold retained outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo, International Paper will vote such retained shares in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of Sylvamo’s common stock and will grant Sylvamo a proxy for such retained shares requiring this manner of voting.

What are Sylvamo’s financing arrangements?    We expect to incur up to $1,520 million in new debt in connection with the distribution, consisting of $450 million of senior notes and $970 million of term loans, and enter into a $450 million cash flow-based revolving credit facility, under which we expect to borrow $100 million prior to the distribution. We intend to use the net proceeds from our new financing arrangements, together with cash on hand in excess of $100 million, to make the Special Payment to International Paper immediately prior to the distribution, which Special Payment is estimated to be approximately $1.6 billion as of June 30, 2021. See “Financing Arrangements.”
Will any anti-takeover protections exist following the distribution?    Certain provisions of Sylvamo’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws may have the effect of making the acquisition of control of Sylvamo in a transaction not approved by Sylvamo’s board of directors more difficult. See “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-Laws and Applicable Law.”
Do I have appraisal rights in connection with the distribution?    No. Holders of International Paper common stock have no appraisal rights in connection with the distribution.

 

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Who is the transfer agent and registrar for Sylvamo common stock?    The transfer agent and registrar for Sylvamo common stock is Computershare Inc. You can contact the transfer agent and registrar with any questions about the distribution at the following address and telephone number:
  

Computershare Inc.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

Tel: 1-877-581-5548


 

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Summary Historical Financial Data

The following summary historical financial data reflects the combined operations of Sylvamo. The summary combined operating data for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and summary combined balance sheet data as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 and 2019, as set forth below, have been derived from the unaudited condensed combined financial statements and audited combined financial statements of Sylvamo included elsewhere in this information statement.

You should read the following summary historical financial data together with “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the audited combined financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this information statement. Sylvamo’s historical results do not necessarily indicate the results expected for any future period.

 

     As of and for the
six months ended
June 30,
    As of and for the years ended
December 31,
 
     2021     2020     2020     2019     2018  
                 (in millions)  

Combined Statement of Operations Data:

          

Net Sales

   $ 1,622     $ 1,475     $ 3,009     $ 4,017     $ 4,119  

Costs of Products Sold

     1,050       1,062       2,101       2,638       2,620  

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

     240       67       198       502       573  

Net Income (Loss)

     177       54       170       377       419  

Combined Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

          

Total Current Assets

   $ 1,314       $ 1,119     $ 1,393    

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

     944         974       1,174    

Total Assets

     3,109         2,911       3,470    

Long-Term Debt

     20         22       25    

Total Parent Company Equity

     2,284         2,112       2,517    

Combined Statement of Cash Flow Data:

          

Cash Provided By Operating Activities

   $ 222     $ 152     $ 359     $ 524     $ 589  

Cash Used For Investment Activities

   $ (38   $ (25   $ (79   $ (160   $ (171

Cash Used For Financing Activities

   $ (3   $ (187   $ (350   $ (387   $ (510

Other Financial Measures:

          

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

   $ 247     $ 157     $ 373     $ 709     $ 788  

Total Operating Profit (2)

   $ 169     $ 71     $ 204     $ 498     $ 571  

Operating Margin (3)

     10.4     4.8     6.8     12.4     13.9

Operating Margin for Latin America (4)

     24.4     10.2     13.3     16.3     23.2

Operating Margin for Europe (4)

     8.7     9.9     8.3     12.5     13.9

Operating Margin for North America (4)

     4.9     —         2.9     10.0     9.0

Cash Provided By Operating Activities Conversion (5)

     85.6     73.0     79.4     78.1     77.2

Adjusted EBITDA Conversion (6)

     87.0     73.9     80.0     83.8     83.0

 

(1)

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to Net income (loss). See footnote (6) below for a reconciliation to Cash Provided by Operating Activities.

(2)

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview” for a description of Total Operating Profit and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

(3)

Operating Margin is calculated as Total Operating Profit divided by Net Sales. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview” for a description of Total Operating Profit and a reconciliation to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.


 

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(4)

Operating Margin for each business segment is calculated as Business Segment Operating Profit for the applicable segment divided by Net Sales for that segment. See Note 14 to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and Note 13 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for further information.

(5)

Represents Cash Provided by Operating Activities less Maintenance, Regulatory and Reforestation Capital Expenditures divided by Cash Provided by Operating Activities.

(6)

Adjusted EBITDA Conversion is defined as Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures divided by Adjusted EBITDA. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA Conversion excludes strategic and cost reduction capital expenditures and the anticipated Svetogorsk recovery boiler investment. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA Conversion provides investors and analysts meaningful insights into our operating performance and cash flow generation. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA Conversion may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies. Below is a reconciliation of Cash Provided By Operating Activities to Adjusted EBITDA:

 

    For the six months
ended June 30,
    For the year ended December 31,  
    2021     2020     2020     2019     2018  

Cash Provided By Operating Activities

  $ 222     $ 152     $ 359     $ 524     $ 589  

Deferred income tax (provision) benefit, net

    2       22       49       7       5  

Special items (a)

    (42     5       10       5       5  

Interest income, net

    (29     (1     (4 )      (9     (7

Income tax provision (benefit)

    63       13       28       125       154  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    31       (34)       (69 )      57       42  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

    247       157       373       709       788  

Maintenance, Regulatory and Reforestation Capital Expenditures

  $ 32     $ 41     $ 74     $ 115     $ 134  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA less Maintenance, Regulatory and Reforestation Capital Expenditures

  $ 215     $ 116     $ 299       594       654  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA Conversion

    87.0     73.9     80.0     83.8     83.0

Cash Provided By Operating Activities less Maintenance, Regulatory and Reforestation Capital Expenditures

  $ 190     $ 111     $ 285     $ 409     $ 455  

Cash Provided By Operating Activities Conversion(b)

    85.6     73.0     79.4     78.1     77.2

 

(a)

Special items include Restructuring and other charges, net and Other special items. Items included within Restructuring and other charges during the periods presented principally relate to overhead cost reduction initiatives, including severance costs. Other special items in the period presented primarily include abandoned property removal costs and foreign VAT refunds.

(b)

Represents Cash Provided by Operating Activities less Maintenance, Regulatory and Reforestation Capital Expenditures divided by Cash Provided by Operating Activities.


 

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Summary Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data

The following summary unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet of Sylvamo as of June 30, 2021 has been prepared to give effect to the Pro Forma Transactions (as defined in “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements”) as though the Pro Forma Transactions had occurred as of June 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 have been prepared to give effect to the Pro Forma Transactions as if the Pro Forma Transactions had occurred or became effective as of January 1, 2020, the beginning of our most recently completed fiscal year.

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented below have been derived from our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and do not purport to represent what our financial position and results of operations would have been had the separation occurred on the dates indicated and are not necessarily indicative of our future financial position and future results of operations. In addition, the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are provided for illustrative and informational purposes only. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and assumptions we believe are reasonable; however, such adjustments are subject to change.

You should read the following summary unaudited pro forma combined financial data of Sylvamo together with “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the audited combined financial statements and accompanying notes included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
     Year ended
December 31, 2020

(In millions)
 
    

(unaudited)

 

Combined Statement of Operations Data:

     

Net sales

   $ 1,622      $ 3,009  

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested)

     1,029        2,078  

Income (loss) before income taxes

     207        48  

Net income (loss)

     152        56  

Other Data:

     

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   $ 256      $ 378  

 

     As of
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
 
    

(unaudited)

 

Combined Balance Sheet Data (at period end):

  

Total Current Assets

   $ 957  

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

     944  

Total Assets

     2,781  

Long-Term Debt(2)

     1,522  

Total Equity

     461  

 

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(1)

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of Adjusted EBITDA. See below for a reconciliation of pro forma net income to Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
     Year Ended
December 31, 2020

(In millions)
 

Pro forma net income(a)

   $ 152      $ 56  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     55        (8

Interest (income) expense, net

     4        63  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71        154  

Stock-based compensation(b)

     7        15  

Other special items(c)

     (42      10  

Other one-time costs(d)

            55  

Non-recurring TSA costs(e)

            33  

Dis-synergies(f)

     9         
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 256      $ 378  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Pro forma net income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 reflects the removal of $17 million and $20 million, respectively, of allocated fixed costs related to facility charges that will not be incurred by Sylvamo following the separation in accordance with the Supply and Offtake agreements, as discussed in note (l) to the “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.” The facility cost charges totaled $29 million for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021.

(b)

Stock-based compensation is a non-cash item incurred during the periods presented related to the Company’s stock-based compensation expense attributable to direct Company employees and an allocation of International Paper’s corporate and shared employees.

(c)

Other special items primarily include abandoned property removal costs and foreign VAT refunds.

(d)

Other one-time costs reflect one-time expenses of approximately $55 million that are expected to be incurred within 12 months following the completion of the separation, including $8 million of one-time transaction costs directly attributable to the separation.

(e)

Non-recurring TSA costs reflects services to be provided by International Paper under the transition services agreement which are not expected to continue following expiration of the transition services agreements.

(f)

Dis-synergies reflect incremental costs related to information technology, supply chain, corporate affairs, legal, finance, human resources and other corporate functions previously shared with International Paper, offset by royalty expenses related to licensing agreements with International Paper that we do not expect to incur following the separation. Annual dis-synergies have been estimated to be $15 million, which are reflected in pro forma net income for the year ended December 31, 2020. Pro forma net income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 includes $17 million of additional costs, as discussed in note (k) to the “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements.” Therefore, an adjustment of $9 million is reflected to approximate half of the annual estimated dis-synergies in the six-month period.

(2)

Represents $1,540 million aggregate principal amount of long-term debt less $18 million of cash paid for debt issuance costs on long-term debt.


 

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RISK FACTORS

You should consider and read carefully all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as the other information contained in this information statement, including our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement. The risks described below are not the only ones we face. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe to be immaterial could cause a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. In any such case, the trading price of our common stock could decline. In addition, many of these risks are interrelated and could occur under similar business and economic conditions, and the occurrence of certain of them could in turn cause the emergence or exacerbate the effect of others. This information statement also contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below. See “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information.”

Risks Relating to Our Business

Risks Relating to Economic Conditions

The COVID-19 pandemic could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, particularly if negative economic conditions associated with the pandemic persist or deteriorate.

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures implemented to contain its spread have caused a significant global economic downturn, disrupting supply chains, significantly increasing unemployment and underemployment levels, and adversely impacting consumer confidence and spending. We face various risks related to the pandemic, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Demand-related risks:

 

   

Our business is dependent in part on demand for paper from schools, offices and other workplaces. COVID-19 has had a significant negative impact on demand for our printing papers products, in particular UFS, as a result of remote learning and remote working and many schools, offices and other workplaces being temporarily closed. Demand for our products may never return to pre-pandemic levels, even when schools, offices and other workplaces eventually reopen, as people may become accustomed to using less paper.

 

   

Cost reductions implemented across our business, including in response to decreased consumer demand for our products as a result of the pandemic and deferral of planned capital expenditures, could hinder execution of our business strategy.

Supply-related risks:

 

   

Although governments of countries in which we operate have generally considered forest products and our supply chain to be “essential industries” that should remain operational during the pandemic, any significant disruption in operations at one or more of our mills, plants or other facilities, including due to employee illness, quarantines, government actions, or other restrictions or measures responsive to the pandemic, could adversely affect our ability to produce our products at historical levels and costs.

 

   

A significant number of our employees as well as employees of customers, vendors and others with whom we do business may continue to work remotely for extended periods of time. Our business operations may be disrupted as a result of these remote working arrangements, including, for example, due to cyber risks or other disruption to our technology infrastructure to which we may be more vulnerable in a remote work environment. These disruptions could adversely affect the productivity of our workforce.

 

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Capital markets-related risks:

 

   

If the pandemic continues and current government support of markets is withdrawn, this could result in disruptions or turmoil in the credit or financial markets, which could adversely affect our ability to access capital on favorable terms and continue to meet our liquidity needs.

We expect the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to have an adverse impact on our business in the near term. The extent of any future impact is uncertain and outside of our control and will depend on various factors, including the severity of additional outbreaks and strains of the virus and the development, availability and effectiveness of treatments and vaccines, the extent and duration of the pandemic’s adverse effect on economic and social activity, consumer confidence, discretionary spending and preferences, labor and healthcare costs, and unemployment rates, any of which may reduce demand for our products, any temporary reduction in our workforce, closures of our offices and facilities, and difficulties in adequately staffing and maintaining our operations, and the ability of our customers and suppliers to continue their operations. If current conditions persist for a prolonged period, or worsen, the COVID-19 pandemic, including any of the above factors and others that are currently unknown, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

General business and economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on the demand for our products and our business, financial condition and results of operations.

General business and economic conditions, both in the United States and elsewhere around the world, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, high unemployment levels, inflation, availability and cost of credit, geopolitical issues and trade disputes have contributed in the past, and may contribute in the future, to volatility in worldwide financial markets and disruptions to, and diminished expectations for, the economy and markets. These conditions could adversely affect industrial non-durable goods production, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, white-collar employment levels and consumer confidence, all of which impact demand for our products. In addition, volatility in the capital and credit markets, which impacts interest rates, currency exchange rates and the availability of credit, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in international conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, business prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business, business prospects, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected by risks related to the countries outside the United States in which we have manufacturing facilities or sell our products. Five of the seven mills we operate are located outside the United States: three in Brazil, one in Russia and one in France. These countries are exposed to economic, and in some cases political, instability in their respective regions of the world. Fluctuations in the value of local currency versus the U.S. dollar, downturns in economic activity, adverse tax consequences or rulings, nationalization or any change in social, political or labor conditions in any of these countries or regions impacting matters such as sustainability, environmental regulations, and trade policies and agreements, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. In addition, a future outbreak of a widespread health epidemic, such as COVID-19 or another coronavirus, influenza and other highly communicable disease or virus, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, including if operations of our customers are adversely impacted.

Trade protection measures in favor of local producers of competing products, including governmental subsidies, tax benefits and other measures giving local producers a competitive advantage over our company, could also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and business prospects in these countries. For example, our mills in Brazil have historically benefited from policies favoring domestic producers. We cannot guarantee that any such policies will continue or that we will continue to benefit from existing or future policies. Likewise, disruption in existing trade agreements or increased trade friction between countries, which

 

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can result in tariffs, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations by restricting the free flow of goods and services across borders. In addition, our international operations are subject to regulation under U.S. law and other laws related to operations in foreign jurisdictions, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the policies of the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control. We may also be subject to anti-dumping and countervailing duties in the United States, which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations. Failure to comply with domestic or foreign laws could result in various adverse consequences, including the imposition of civil or criminal sanctions and the prosecution of executives overseeing our international operations.

Risks Relating to Our Industry, the Products We Offer and Product Distribution

The industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely heavily on the sale of paper products, an industry that has experienced, and is expected to continue experiencing, a secular decline in demand, which could put pressure on our future revenue, profit margin and growth opportunities. The global demand for UFS decreased at a 0.4% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, based on RISI data. This secular decline in demand is due in large part to competing technologies and materials, including the increased use of e-mail and other electronic forms of communication, increased and permanent product substitution, including less print advertising, more electronic billing, more e-commerce, fewer catalogs and a reduced volume of mail. The secular decline in demand has had a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. As the use of these alternatives grows, demand for paper products is likely to decline further, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The paper industry is cyclical. Fluctuations in the prices of, and the demand for, our paper products could result in lower sales volumes and smaller profit margins.

The paper industry is cyclical. Historically, economic and market shifts, fluctuations in capacity and changes in foreign currency exchange rates have created cyclical changes in prices, sales volume and margins for our paper products. The length and magnitude of industry cycles have varied over time and by product, but generally reflect changes in macroeconomic conditions and levels of industry capacity. Most of our paper products are commodities that are available from other producers. While brand recognition impacts the demand for products, because commodity products have few other distinguishing qualities from producer to producer, competition for these products is based primarily on price, which is determined by supply relative to demand.

The overall levels of demand for the paper products that we manufacture, and consequently our sales and profitability, reflect fluctuations in levels of end-user demand, which depend in part on general macroeconomic conditions, the continuation of the current level of service and cost of postal services, as well as competition from electronic substitution. Generally, our products are produced and sold regionally due to their heavy weight, which makes export costs high relative to selling price, which makes us dependent on demand in the regions in which we operate. See “—The industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

Industry supply of paper products is also subject to fluctuation, as changing industry conditions have and will continue to influence producers to idle or permanently close individual machines or entire mills or retool them for different products to offset a decline in demand. Any such closures by us would result in significant cash and non-cash charges. In addition, to avoid substantial cash costs in connection with idling or closing a mill, some producers will choose to continue to operate at a loss, sometimes even a cash loss, which could prolong weak pricing environments due to oversupply.

As a result, prices for our paper products are driven by many factors outside of our control, and we have little influence over the timing and extent of price changes, which are often volatile. Our profitability with respect to our products depends on managing our cost structure, particularly wood fiber, chemicals,

 

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transportation and energy costs, which represent the largest components of our operating costs and can fluctuate based upon factors beyond our control. If the prices or demand for our paper products decline, or if wood fiber, chemicals, transportation or energy costs increase, or both, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. See “—Changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

Competition from other businesses and consolidation within the paper industry could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate in a competitive environment, both in the United States and internationally. Product innovations, manufacturing and operating efficiencies, and marketing, distribution and pricing strategies pursued or achieved by competitors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, there has been a trend toward consolidation in the paper industry. Consolidation could result in the emergence of competitors with greater resources and scale than ours, which could adversely impact our competitive position, financial conditions and results of operations. In addition, actual or speculated consolidation among competitors, or the acquisition by, or of, our third party service providers and business partners by competitors could increase the competitive pressures faced by us as customers could delay spending decisions or not purchase our products at all.

Changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We rely heavily on the use of certain raw materials (principally virgin wood fiber, caustic soda and starch), energy sources (principally biomass, natural gas, electricity and fuel oil) and third-party companies that transport our goods. The market price of virgin wood fiber varies based upon availability, source, and the costs of fuels used in the harvesting and transportation of the fiber. The cost and availability of wood fiber can also be impacted by weather, climate variations, natural disasters, general logging conditions, geography and regulatory activity. The global supply and demand for recycled fiber may be affected by trade policies between countries, legislation and regulations, as well as changes in the global economy. The availability and cost of recycled fiber depends heavily on recycling rates and the domestic and global demand for recycled products. The increase in demand for products manufactured, in whole or in part, from recycled fiber, on a global basis, may cause significant fluctuations in recycled fiber prices. Energy prices, in particular prices for oil and natural gas, have fluctuated dramatically in the past and may continue to fluctuate in the future. The availability of labor and the market price for fuel may affect our costs for third-party transportation. In addition, inflationary cost pressures may make our raw materials more expensive. Our profitability has been, and will continue to be, affected by changes in the cost and availability of the raw materials, energy sources and transportation sources we use.

Due to the commodity nature of our products, the supply and demand for our products determines our ability to increase prices. Consequently, we may be unable to pass on increases in our operating costs to our customers. Any sustained increase in raw material or energy prices without any corresponding increase in product pricing would reduce our operating margins and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Reduced truck, rail and ocean freight availability could lead to higher costs or poor service, resulting in lower earnings, and could affect our ability to deliver the products we manufacture in a timely manner.

We rely on third parties for transportation and delivery of raw materials and the products we manufacture. In particular, the goods we manufacture and raw materials we use are transported by railroad, trucks and ships, which are highly regulated. If any of our transportation providers were to fail to deliver the goods that we manufacture in a timely manner, this could result in additional costs in order to remedy the untimely delivery.

 

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Similarly, if any of these providers were to fail to deliver raw materials to us in a timely manner, we may be unable to manufacture our products in response to customer demand. In addition, if any of these providers were to cease operations or cease doing business with us, we may be unable to replace them at reasonable cost. Any failure of a transportation provider to deliver raw materials to us or finished products to our customers in a timely manner could harm our reputation, negatively impact our customer relationships and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to physical and financial risks associated with climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions.

Our operations and the operations of our suppliers are subject to climate variations, which impact the productivity of forests, the frequency and severity of wildfires, the distribution and abundance of species, and the spread of disease or insect epidemics, which in turn may adversely affect timber production and availability of virgin fiber. Over the past several years, changing weather patterns and climatic conditions due to natural and man-made causes have added to the unpredictability and frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, hailstorms, snow and ice storms. Any of these natural disasters could also affect timber supply or cause variations in the cost of raw materials, such as virgin fiber. The effects of climate change and global, regional and local weather conditions could also have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Operations

Material disruptions at one of our manufacturing facilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We operate our facilities in compliance with applicable rules and regulations and take measures to minimize the risk of disruption at our facilities. A material disruption at our corporate headquarters or one of our manufacturing facilities, or involving any of our machines within such facilities, could prevent us from meeting customer demand and reduce our sales, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any of our manufacturing facilities, or any of our machines within an otherwise operational facility, could cease operations unexpectedly due to a number of events, including:

 

   

fires, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes or other catastrophes;

 

   

the effect of a drought or reduced rainfall on its water supply;

 

   

the effect of severe weather conditions on equipment and facilities;

 

   

disruption in the supply of raw materials or other manufacturing inputs;

 

   

information system disruptions or failures due to any number of causes, including cyber-attacks;

 

   

domestic and international laws and regulations applicable to our business and our business partners around the world;

 

   

unscheduled maintenance outages;

 

   

prolonged power failures;

 

   

an equipment failure or damage to any of our paper-making machines;

 

   

a chemical spill or release of pollutants or hazardous substances;

 

   

explosion of a boiler or other equipment;

 

   

damage or disruptions caused by third parties operating on or adjacent to one of our manufacturing facilities;

 

   

disruptions in the transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, railroad tracks and tunnels;

 

   

a widespread outbreak of an illness or any other communicable disease, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or any other public health crisis;

 

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failure of our third-party service providers and business partners to satisfactorily fulfill their commitments and responsibilities in a timely manner and in accordance with agreed upon terms;

 

   

labor difficulties; and

 

   

other operational problems.

Our operations require substantial capital, and any significant capital investments could increase fixed costs, which could negatively affect our profitability.

We frequently make capital investments to improve our operations. These capital expenditures could result in increased fixed costs or large one-time capital expenditures, which could negatively affect our profitability. Capital expenditures for expansion or replacement of existing facilities or equipment or to comply with future changes in environmental laws and regulations may be substantial. For example, in the next few years, we expect to replace the two recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill with one new recovery boiler, which we estimate will cost $220 million over that period, beginning in 2022, with approximately 80% of the estimated amount to be spent in 2023 and 2024. If we were to rebuild the two recovery boilers instead, the anticipated total spend would be reduced, but would result in greater downtime, which would have a significant adverse effect on production at the Svetogorsk mill as well as a corresponding adverse effect on our sales and earnings. We cannot guarantee that key pieces of equipment in our various manufacturing facilities will not need to be repaired or replaced or that we will not incur significant additional costs associated with environmental compliance. The costs of repairing or replacing such equipment and the associated downtime of the affected production line could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If for any reason we are unable to provide for our operating needs, capital expenditures, and other cash requirements on economically favorable terms, we could experience a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to information technology risks related to breaches of security pertaining to sensitive company, customer, employee and vendor information as well as breaches in the technology used to manage operations and other business processes.

Our business operations rely upon secure information technology systems for data capture, processing, storage and reporting. Despite careful security and controls design, implementation, updating and independent third-party verification, our information technology systems, and those of our third-party providers or partners, could become subject to employee error or malfeasance, cyber attacks, geopolitical events, natural disasters, failures or impairments of telecommunications networks or other catastrophic events. Network, system, application and data breaches could result in operational disruptions or information misappropriation including, but not limited to, interruption to systems availability, and denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with us. Access to applications required to plan our operations, source materials, manufacture and ship finished goods and account for orders could be denied or misused. Theft of intellectual property or trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential company, employee, customer or vendor information, could stem from such incidents. Any of these operational disruptions or misappropriation of information could result in lost sales, business delays and negative publicity, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations, and could incur substantial costs as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations.

We are subject to extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations. Environmental laws and regulations continue to evolve, and we may become subject to increasingly stringent environmental standards in the future, particularly under air quality and water quality laws and standards related to climate change issues, such as reporting of greenhouse gas emissions. Increased regulatory activity at the state, federal and international level is possible regarding climate change as well as other emerging environmental

 

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issues associated with our manufacturing sites. Compliance with regulations that implement new public policy in these areas could require significant expenditures on our part or even the curtailment of certain of our manufacturing operations.

We have incurred, and expect that we will continue to incur, significant capital and operating expenditures complying with applicable environmental laws and regulations. Our environmental expenditures include, among other areas, those related to air and water quality, waste disposal and the cleanup of contaminated soil and groundwater, including situations where we have been identified as a potentially responsible party. For example, as of June 30, 2021 we have reserved $13 million for remediation work to be performed at our mill in Svetogorsk, Russia, following identification in 2018 of mercury contamination in sediment in a river tributary that traverses the site of the mill. Moreover, we may be directly impacted by, and are working to manage, the risks and costs to us, our customers and our vendors of the effects of climate change, greenhouse gases, and the availability of energy and water resources. These risks include the potentially adverse impact on forestlands, which are a key resource in the production of our products, increased product costs and a change in the types of products that customers purchase. We also face risks arising from the increased public focus, including by governmental and nongovernmental organizations, on these and other environmental sustainability matters, such as packaging and waste, deforestation and land use.

We also face increased pressure to make commitments, set targets or establish additional goals and take actions to meet them. These commitments, targets and goals could expose us to market, operational and execution risks as well as higher costs. There can be no assurance that future remediation requirements and compliance with existing and new laws and requirements will not require significant expenditures, or that existing reserves for specific matters will be adequate to cover future costs. We could also incur substantial fines or sanctions, enforcement actions (including orders limiting our operations or requiring corrective measures), natural resource damages claims, investigation, cleanup and closure costs, and third-party claims for property damage and personal injury as a result of violations of, or liabilities under, environmental laws, regulations, codes and common law. The amount and timing of environmental expenditures is difficult to predict, and, in some cases, liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances.

Further, we are required to comply with environmental laws and the terms and conditions of multiple environmental permits. In particular, the paper industry in the United States is subject to several performance-based rules associated with effluent and air emissions. Federal, state and local laws and regulations require us to routinely obtain authorizations from and comply with the evolving standards of the appropriate governmental authorities, which have considerable discretion over the terms of permits. Failure to comply with environmental laws and permit requirements could result in civil or criminal fines or penalties or enforcement actions, including regulatory or judicial orders enjoining or curtailing our operations or requiring us to take corrective measures, install pollution control equipment, or take other remedial actions, such as product recalls or labeling changes. There can be no assurance that future environmental permits will be granted or that we will be able to maintain and renew existing permits, and the failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, as the owner and operator of real property, we may be liable under environmental laws for investigation, cleanup, closure and other damages resulting from the presence and release of hazardous substances on or from our properties or operations, including properties that we no longer own or operate. The amount and timing of environmental expenditures is difficult to predict, and, in some cases, our liability may be imposed without regard to contribution or to whether we knew of, or caused, the release of hazardous substances and may exceed forecasted amounts or the value of the property itself. The discovery of additional contamination or the imposition of additional cleanup obligations at our or third-party sites may result in significant additional costs. Any material liability we incur could preclude us from making capital expenditures that would otherwise benefit our business and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

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Our business is subject to a wide variety of laws, regulations and other government requirements that may change in significant ways, and the cost of compliance with such requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition to environmental laws and regulations (see “—We are subject to extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations, and could incur substantial costs as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations”), our operations are subject to regulation under a wide variety of other U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. laws, regulations and other government requirements, including those relating to health and safety, labor and employment, data privacy, tax, trade and health care. There can be no assurance that laws, regulations and government requirements will not be changed, applied or interpreted in ways that will require us to modify our operations and objectives or affect our returns on investments by restricting existing activities and products, subjecting them to escalating costs.

For example, we are subject to complex and evolving U.S. and international privacy laws and regulations, including those pertaining to the handling of personal data, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), Brazil’s Lei General de Proteção de Dados (“LGPD”) and the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (“CCPA”). The GDPR, which became effective on May 25, 2018, with respect to all member states of the European Union, includes operational requirements for companies receiving or processing personal data of EU residents that are partially different from those that had previously been in place and imposes significant penalties for noncompliance. The recently enacted LGPD establishes rules for the collection, use, processing, storage and transfer of personal data. The LGPD gives Brazilian data subjects expanded rights to control their personal data, including the right to access, correct and delete that personal data. In addition, the LGPD imposes obligations on companies processing personal data of individuals in Brazil, including with respect to maintaining the security of personal data, limiting the processing of personal data, reporting data breaches and cross-border data transfers. Failure to comply with the LGPD could result in potentially severe financial penalties. Application of penalties under the LGPD began on August 1, 2021. The LGPD may require additional compliance investment as well as additional changes to policies, procedures and operations. The CCPA, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, affords California residents and households expanded privacy protections. Moreover, governmental authorities around the world are considering, or are in the process of implementing, new data protection regulations.

Many of these laws and regulations are subject to uncertain application, interpretation or enforcement standards that could result in claims, changes to our business practices, data processing and security systems, penalties, increased operating costs or other impacts on our business. The recently enacted laws often provide for civil penalties for violations, as well as private rights of action for data breaches that may increase data breach litigation. Regulatory authorities could determine that our data handling practices fail to address all the requirements of certain new laws, which could subject us to penalties and litigation. In addition, there is no assurance that our security controls over personal data, the training of employees and vendors on data privacy and data security, and the policies, procedures and practices we implement will prevent the improper disclosure of personal data. Improper disclosure of personal data in violation of the GDPR, the CCPA or of other personal data protection laws could harm our reputation, cause loss of consumer confidence, subject us to government enforcement actions (including fines), or result in private litigation against us, which could result in loss of revenue, increased costs, liability for monetary damages, fines or criminal prosecution, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The application of tax law is subject to interpretation and is subject to audit by taxing authorities. Additionally, administrative guidance can be incomplete or vary from legislative intent, and therefore the application of the tax law is uncertain. While we believe the positions reported by Sylvamo comply with relevant tax laws and regulations, taxing authorities could interpret our application of certain laws and regulations differently. We are currently subject to tax audits in the United States, Brazil and other taxing jurisdictions around the world. In some cases, International Paper has appealed, and, following the distribution, we may continue to appeal, assessments by taxing authorities in the court system. As such, tax controversy matters may result in previously unrecorded tax expenses, higher future tax expenses or the assessment of interest and penalties.

 

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For example, the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has challenged the deductibility of goodwill amortization generated in a 2007 acquisition by International Paper do Brasil Ltda. (“IP Brasil”), which will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sylvamo following the distribution (the “Brazil Tax Dispute”). IP Brasil received assessments for the tax years 2007-2015 totaling approximately $116 million in tax and $376 million in interest, penalties and fees as of June 30, 2021 (adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates). We expect that IP Brasil will receive assessments for additional tax years that are expected to increase the total assessment to approximately $585 million (at June 30, 2021 currency exchange rates). After a previous favorable ruling challenging the basis for these assessments, IP Brasil received other subsequent unfavorable decisions from the Brazilian Administrative Council of Tax Appeals. International Paper is appealing this tax litigation in the Brazilian federal courts. The Brazilian government may enact a tax amnesty program that would allow IP Brasil to resolve the Brazil Tax Dispute for less than the assessed amount. If a tax amnesty program is enacted prior to the distribution date and International Paper decides to participate in the amnesty program prior to the distribution date, International Paper would pay 100% of the liability up to $180 million, Sylvamo would pay up to the next $60 million of the liability and International Paper would pay 100% of any liability over $240 million. We cannot assure you that any such amnesty program will be enacted or that International Paper will decide to participate. Any such payment by Sylvamo may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Pursuant to a tax matters agreement to be entered into between Sylvamo and International Paper, Sylvamo will pay 40% of the first $300 million of any liability resulting from the resolution (including under any tax amnesty program) of the Brazil Tax Dispute following the distribution (equivalent to a total cap on payments by Sylvamo of $120 million), with International Paper responsible for paying the 60% of the first $300 million of any such liability and 100% of any liability over $300 million. After the distribution, all decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to the Brazil Tax Dispute, including as to strategy, settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will continue to be made by International Paper. Sylvamo will thus have no control over any decision related to the ongoing litigation. As legally required by the Brazilian federal court, IP Brasil has provided surety bonds in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute, which were indemnified by International Paper. International Paper has agreed that after the distribution it will continue to indemnify the provider of the surety bonds during the pendency of the appeal in the Brazilian federal court. If IP Brasil were unable to renew the surety bonds upon their expiration, for example, as a result of a downgrade in International Paper’s credit ratings below investment grade by Moody’s, or if IP Brasil were unable to provide additional surety bonds as and when required by the Brazilian federal court, IP Brasil could be required to post acceptable collateral in order to continue the litigation which additional collateral International Paper has agreed to provide on behalf of IP Brasil. For further details about the Tax Matters Agreement, see “The Distribution—Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution—Tax Matters Agreement.” If the indemnity provided by International Paper does not allow IP Brasil to secure a surety bond or International Paper is unable to provide acceptable collateral and we are not able to continue our appeals, or if the Brazil Tax Dispute is resolved unfavorably, we could incur significant tax and related costs, which costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Any resolution of the Brazil Tax Dispute through the Brazilian courts could take six to nine years. In addition, the leverage ratio maintenance covenant under the credit agreement will step down after two years if the Brazil Tax Dispute has not been resolved by such time and for so long as it has not been resolved, and there will be greater limitations under our credit agreement on the amount of dividends, share repurchases and other restricted payments we are permitted to make from the time we enter into the credit agreement until the Brazil Tax Dispute is resolved, which could have an adverse impact on our stock price.

We are subject to tax in the United States and a number of jurisdictions throughout the world, and increases to U.S. federal income tax rates and tax rates in other jurisdictions in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Tax laws, regulations and administrative practices in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, with or without advance notice, due to economic, political and other conditions, and significant judgment is required in evaluating and estimating our provision and accruals for these taxes. There are many transactions that occur during the ordinary course of business for which the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Our effective tax rates could be affected by numerous factors, such as changes in tax laws, regulations, administrative practices, principles and

 

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interpretations, the mix and level of earnings in a given taxing jurisdiction or our ownership or capital structures. The Biden Administration has proposed changes to the tax rules that apply to corporations, including an increase in the corporate income tax rate, a minimum tax on book income and changes that generally would increase the tax rates applicable to a U.S. corporation’s international income, which could materially affect our tax obligations and effective tax rate. It is difficult to predict whether and when tax law changes will be enacted that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not achieve the expected benefits from strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, capital investments and other corporate transactions that we may pursue.

We may pursue strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, capital investments and other corporate transactions. We may not achieve the expected benefits, which could require us to record an impairment charge for goodwill or other intangible assets. Among the benefits we would expect from potential acquisitions and joint ventures are synergies, cost savings, growth opportunities and access to new markets (or a combination thereof), and in the case of divestitures, the realization of proceeds from the sale of assets to purchasers who place higher strategic value on such assets than we do.

Corporate transactions of this nature which we may pursue involve a number of special risks, including our inability to realize our business goals with respect to such transactions as noted above, the focus of our management’s attention on these transactions and the integration of acquired businesses into our operations, the demands on our financial, operational and information technology systems resulting from acquired businesses, and the possibility that we may become responsible for substantial contingent or unanticipated legal liabilities as the result of acquisitions or other corporate transactions.

In addition, if any portion of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations owned by Sylvamo as of the Distribution Date are directly or indirectly transferred, subject to certain exceptions for immaterial transfers, a subsidiary of Sylvamo will be required to make a payment of $100 million to a subsidiary of International Paper. For these purposes, a transfer includes any sale, pledge or transfer of any legal or beneficial interest in the Brazil lands, including any grant of an option or other right or interest or entry into any contract that would result in a reduction or diminution of Sylvamo’s economic ownership in the Brazil lands. A change of control of Sylvamo would also result in the payment becoming due and payable. As a result, we will not realize the full value of any transfer of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations, which may make any such transaction less attractive to us.

We rely heavily on a small number of significant customers and are exposed to risks associated with the financial viability of our customers and consolidation among our customers.

We rely heavily on a small number of significant customers, and if we were to lose one or more of such customers, it could have a material adverse effect on our sales and profitability. For example, our top ten customers represent approximately one-third of our net sales. In particular, because our business operates in a highly competitive industry, we regularly bid for new business or for renewal of existing business. Generally, our customers are not contractually required to purchase any minimum amount of products. Should our customers purchase products in significantly lower quantities than they have in the past, such decreased purchases could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are also exposed to risks associated with the ability of our customers to meet their financial obligations to us. The financial viability of our customers is key to maintaining our sales to those customers and their ability to pay for those sales. Any threat to the financial viability of our customers could result in the reduction, delay or cancellation of customer orders, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, consolidation among our customers could result in changes to the purchasing habits and volumes among our customers and could affect our relationship with our customers. If one of our competitors’

 

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customers acquires any of our customers, we could lose that business. Additionally, as our customers become larger and more concentrated, they could exert pricing pressure on all suppliers, including us. As a result, we could be forced to reduce the prices of our products. The loss or reduction of business from our larger customers, or the renewal of business on less favorable terms, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Our business and business prospects could be materially adversely affected if we fail to attract and retain our senior management team and other key employees.

We are led by a strong senior management team that has extensive experience in the paper industry. Our success and future growth will depend, to a significant degree, on the leadership, knowledge, skills and continuing contributions of these senior management members. There is no guarantee that these individuals will not leave our company. The loss of the services of any members of our senior management team or other key employees or the failure to attract qualified persons to serve in these positions could have a material adverse effect on our business and business prospects.

Adverse results from legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings or other loss contingencies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We have been, and from time to time, we could become, party to various legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings and other related matters, including with respect to environmental matters, workers compensation, wage and hour disputes and other employment-related cases. In addition, we could become subject to other loss contingencies, which may relate to past, present and future facts, events, circumstances and occurrences. An unfavorable outcome in connection with any legal, regulatory or governmental proceedings or other loss contingencies could result in significant monetary damages or injunctive relief that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

A significant write-down of goodwill or other intangible assets could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

We review our goodwill balance for impairment at least once a year using the qualitative assessment and quantitative goodwill impairment test allowed in accordance with current accounting standards. Future changes in the cost of capital, expected cash flows, or other factors could cause our goodwill and other intangible assets to be impaired, resulting in a non-cash charge against results of operations to write down these assets for the amount of the impairment. In addition, if we make changes in our business strategy or if external conditions adversely affect our business operations, we may be required to record an impairment charge for goodwill or intangibles, which would lead to decreased assets and reduced net operating results. If a significant write down is required, the charge could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to achieve expected investment returns on pension plan assets, as well as changes in interest rates or plan demographics, could adversely impact our cash flows, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We sponsor various defined benefit pension plans. The assets of the pension plans are diversified in an attempt to mitigate the risk of a large loss. Required funding for our domestic defined benefit pension plan is determined in accordance with guidelines set forth in the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”) and foreign defined benefit pension plans are funded in accordance with local statutes or practice. Additional contributions to enhance the funded status of the pension plans can be made at our discretion. We expect the Sylvamo domestic pension plan to be slightly underfunded at the time of the separation and distribution. We may need to make future contributions to reduce any such underfunding. There can be no assurance that the value of the pension plan assets, or the investment returns on those plan assets, will be sufficient to meet the future benefit obligations of such plans. In addition, during periods of adverse market

 

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conditions and declining interest rates, the company may be required to make additional cash contributions to the pension plans that could reduce our financial flexibility. Changes in plan demographics, including an increase in the number of retirements or changes in life expectancy assumptions, may also increase the costs and funding requirements of the obligations related to the company’s pension plans. An increase in costs or funding requirements could adversely impact our cash flows, business, financial condition and results of operations.

We could experience disruptions in operations and increased labor costs due to labor disputes.

A portion of our hourly workforce is unionized and operates under various collective bargaining agreements. We must negotiate to renew or extend any union contracts that have recently expired or are expiring in the near future. While we believe that we have satisfactory labor relations, we may not be able to successfully negotiate new agreements without work stoppages or labor difficulties in the future or renegotiate them on favorable terms. If we are unable to successfully or favorably renegotiate the terms of any of these agreements, or if we experience any extended interruption of operations at any of our facilities as a result of strikes or other work stoppages, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights that are material to our business, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties.

We rely on a combination of contractual rights with third parties and copyright, trademark, patent and trade secret laws to establish and protect our intellectual property. Although we endeavor to protect our rights, third parties may infringe or misappropriate our intellectual property. We may have to litigate to enforce and protect our copyrights, trademarks, patents, trade secrets and know-how or to determine their scope, validity or enforceability. This would represent a diversion of resources that may be significant and our efforts may not prove successful. The inability to secure or protect our intellectual property assets could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business and our ability to compete with other companies in our industry. In addition, we have a license from HP Inc. for the right to produce and sell HP branded copy paper in almost all geographies globally. If we were to lose such license, our production volumes could decline and our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

In addition, we may be subject to claims by third parties for (i) patent, trademark or copyright infringement, (ii) breach of patent, trademark or copyright license usage rights or (iii) misappropriation of trade secrets. Any such claims or resulting litigation could result in significant expense and liability for damages. If we were found to have infringed or misappropriated a third-party patent or other intellectual property right, we could in some circumstances be enjoined from providing certain products or services to our customers or from utilizing and benefiting from certain patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets or licenses. Alternatively, we could be required to enter into costly licensing arrangements with third parties or implement a costly alternative. Any of these scenarios could harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

This information statement contains forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts, which are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ.

This information statement contains information that is based on or includes forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts, including industry demand and capacity forecasts by RISI, targeted Adjusted EBITDA margins and financial leverage ratio, and future use of free cash flow, all of which are inherently uncertain. These forward-looking statements, targets, projections and forecasts are based on estimates and assumptions. Actual results will depend on numerous factors, which are difficult or impossible to predict, and which may be unknown to us. Actual results may differ, including materially.

 

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Risks Relating to the Separation and Distribution

We may be unable to operate profitably as a stand-alone company or provide benefits and services or have the advantage of equivalent financial strength and resources as International Paper.

We have no operating history as a separate, stand-alone public company and cannot assure you that we will be able to operate profitably as such. Historically, because the printing papers, industrial packaging and global cellulose fibers businesses of International Paper have been under one ultimate parent, they have been able to rely, to some degree, on the earnings, assets, and cash flows of each other for capital requirements. After the distribution, we will be able to rely only on the Printing Papers business for such requirements. We cannot assure you that, as a separate, public company, operating results will continue at historical levels, or that we will be profitable. Further, we will have a different credit profile than International Paper following the separation. Our failure to obtain or maintain a satisfactory credit rating could adversely affect our liquidity, capital position, borrowing costs under our indebtedness and access to capital markets. Additionally, we have relied on International Paper for various financial, administrative and managerial services in conducting our operations. Following the distribution, we will maintain our own credit and banking relationships and will perform our own financial and investor relations functions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully put in place, or thereafter maintain, the financial functions, administration and management necessary to operate as a separate company or that we will not incur additional costs operating as a separate, public company. For example, prior to the distribution, we, as a segment of International Paper’s business, were able to use International Paper’s size to procure raw materials, products and services on favorable terms. We could experience some increased costs after the distribution as a result of the absence of such economies of scale. Any such additional or increased costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Further, after the distribution, we will no longer benefit from International Paper’s resources, other than pursuant to the transition services agreement and the other commercial agreements we anticipate entering into prior to the separation. We cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately replace all of the resources provided by International Paper or replace them at the same cost. If we are not able to replace the resources provided by International Paper, are unable to replace them at the same cost or are delayed in replacing the resources provided by International Paper, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

We and International Paper will enter into certain commercial agreements prior to the separation, the loss of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.

In connection with the separation, we and International Paper will enter into agreements that will govern certain commercial relationships following the separation, including related to the supply and purchase of certain raw materials and finished products. See “The Distribution—Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution.” The expiration or termination of one or more of these agreements could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation if we are unable to acquire or sell the raw materials or finished products to third parties on similar terms or at all. For example, the offtake agreement related to the Georgetown mill may be terminated by International Paper as of January 1, 2023 and the offtake agreement related to the Riverdale mill may be terminated by International Paper as of January 1, 2024, in each case on six months notice, which could significantly reduce our UFS production capacity in the United States. Moreover, we are required to pay certain fixed costs under the offtake agreements regardless of the level of orders received, and we will not be able to terminate the offtake agreements for Georgetown and Riverdale until January 1, 2025 and January 1, 2026, respectively, even if demand has decreased such that we are no longer able to sell the UFS and other products produced at those facilities. As a result, until the early termination dates, we will not be able to reduce or eliminate the costs associated with the offtake agreements, which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

 

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Our historical and pro forma financial information may not be indicative of our future results as a separate, public company.

The historical and pro forma financial information we have included in this information statement may not reflect what our results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had we been a separate, public company during the periods presented or be indicative of what our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows may be in the future when we are a separate, public company. Our historical financial information reflects allocations for services historically provided by International Paper, and we expect these allocated costs to be different from the actual costs we will incur for these services in the future as a separate, public company. In some instances, the costs incurred for these services as a separate, public company may be higher than the share of total International Paper expenses allocated to our business historically.

The historical financial information does not reflect the increased costs associated with being a separate, public company, including changes that we expect in our cost structure, personnel needs, financing and operations of our business as a result of the distribution. In addition, the pro forma financial information we have included in this information statement is based in part upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions, which reflect the reasonable and good faith views of management, may prove not to be accurate, and accordingly, our pro forma financial information should not be assumed to be indicative of what our financial condition or results of operations actually would have been as a separate company and may not be a reliable indicator of what our financial condition or results of operations actually may be in the future. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and our audited and unaudited combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere this information statement.

We may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve from the distribution and the separation from International Paper, and the cost of achieving such benefits may be more than we estimated.

We believe that, as a separate, public company, we will be able to, among other matters, allow for the more efficient use of capital expenditures by Sylvamo to invest in our business, reduce costs, and optimize the capital structure and leverage level for the distinctive business profile of Sylvamo. However, we may be unable to achieve some or all of these benefits. These actions may not provide the benefits we currently expect, may cost more to achieve than we have estimated, and could lead to disruption of our operations, and loss of, or inability to recruit, key personnel needed to operate and grow our business following the distribution. As a result, these actions could cause a weakening of our internal standards, controls or procedures and impairment of our key customer and supplier relationships. Further, even if our strategic initiatives are successful, we may nonetheless still experience increased costs as a result of becoming a stand-alone, public company. See “—Fulfilling our obligations incident to being a public company, including with respect to the requirements of and related rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, will be expensive and time-consuming, and our accounting, management and financial reporting systems may not be adequately prepared to comply with public company reporting, disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting requirements.”

The realization of the anticipated benefits of the distribution and the separation from International Paper is subject to a number of factors, including Sylvamo’s ability to access capital markets, obtain credit ratings, maintain or improve initial credit ratings and demonstrate financial resilience as a separate company. There are also many factors that are outside the control of Sylvamo and International Paper, including the performance of financial markets, consumer behavior, and regulatory, legislative and tax changes. There can be no guarantee that the anticipated benefits of the distribution and the separation from International Paper will be realized in full or in part, or as to the timing of when any such benefits may be realized.

In addition, completion of the distribution will require a significant amount of management’s time and effort, which may divert management’s attention from operating our business. If we fail to achieve some or all of the benefits that we expect to achieve as a separate company, or do not achieve them in the time we expect, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

 

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Fulfilling our obligations incident to being a public company, including with respect to the requirements of and related rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, will be expensive and time-consuming, and our accounting, management and financial reporting systems may not be adequately prepared to comply with public company reporting, disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting requirements.

Following the distribution, we will be required to prepare and file annual and quarterly financial statements and other reports with the SEC. We will also be subject to other reporting and corporate governance requirements under the listing standards of the NYSE and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which will impose significant compliance costs and obligations. The requirements of becoming a public company will necessitate a significant commitment of additional resources and management oversight which will increase our operating costs. These requirements will also place significant additional demands on our finance and accounting staff and on our financial accounting and information systems and may require us to upgrade our systems, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems, IT systems and procedures, and hire additional accounting, legal and finance staff in the future or as services terminate under the transition services agreement. Other expenses associated with being a public company include increases in auditing, accounting and legal fees and expenses, investor relations expenses, increased directors’ fees and director and officer liability insurance costs, registrar and transfer agent fees and listing fees, as well as other expenses. We estimate that our incremental recurring expenses relating to operating as a separate, publicly traded company will be approximately $15 million per year.

As a public company, we will be required, among other things, to:

 

   

prepare and file periodic and current reports, and distribute other stockholder communications, in compliance with U.S. federal securities laws and NYSE rules;

 

   

define and expand the roles and the duties of our board of directors and its committees;

 

   

institute comprehensive compliance, investor relations and internal audit functions; and

 

   

evaluate and maintain our system of internal control over financial reporting, and report on management’s assessment thereof, in compliance with rules and regulations of the SEC and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

In particular, beginning with the year ending December 31, 2022, we will be required to perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Likewise, our independent registered public accounting firm will be required to provide an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, following the distribution, we will be required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), to maintain disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. If we are unable to conclude that we have effective internal control over financial reporting, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to provide us with an unqualified report regarding the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting (at such time as it is required to do so), investors could lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements. This could result in a decrease in the value of our common stock. Failure to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could potentially subject us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities. If we are unable to upgrade our systems, implement additional financial and management controls, reporting systems, IT systems and procedures, and hire additional accounting, legal and finance staff in a timely and effective fashion, our ability to comply with our financial reporting requirements and other rules that apply to reporting companies under the Exchange Act and the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could be impaired.

 

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If the distribution were to fail to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, then International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper’s shareholders may be subject to significant U.S. federal income taxes.

International Paper intends to receive an opinion of a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel or a private letter ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) regarding the qualification of the distribution and certain related transactions as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes to International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper shareholders. A tax opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. If any of the representations or covenants relied upon for a tax opinion or a private letter ruling becomes inaccurate, incomplete or not complied with by International Paper, Sylvamo or any of their respective subsidiaries, the private letter ruling or tax opinion, if applicable, may be invalid and the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized.

If the IRS ultimately determines that the distribution is taxable, then the distribution could be treated as a taxable dividend or capital gain to International Paper shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, and International Paper could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities. Sylvamo may be required to indemnify International Paper for such tax liability pursuant to the tax matters agreement; however, there can be no assurance that Sylvamo would have the resources or liquidity required to indemnify International Paper for any such tax liability.

Even if the distribution otherwise qualifies for non-recognition of gain or loss under Section 355 of the Code, the distribution may be taxable to International Paper (but not International Paper shareholders) pursuant to Section 355(e) of the Code if there is a 50% or more (by vote or value) change in ownership of either International Paper or Sylvamo, directly or indirectly, as part of a plan or series of related transactions that include the distribution. For this purpose, any acquisitions of International Paper’s or Sylvamo’s common stock within two years before or after the distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although International Paper or Sylvamo may be able to rebut that presumption based on either applicable facts and circumstances or a “safe harbor” described in the U.S. tax regulations.

We will be unable to take certain actions after the distribution because such actions could jeopardize the tax-free status of the distribution, and such restrictions could be significant.

The tax matters agreement will prohibit us from taking actions that could reasonably be expected to cause the distribution to be taxable or to jeopardize the conclusions of the tax opinion or the IRS ruling received by us or International Paper. In particular, we expect the tax matters agreement will provide that for two years after the distribution, we must refrain from engaging in certain transactions, including:

 

   

entering into any agreement, understanding or arrangement or engaging in any substantial negotiations with respect to any transaction involving the acquisition, issuance, repurchase or change of ownership of our capital stock, or options or other rights in respect of our capital stock, subject to certain exceptions relating to open market stock repurchases;

 

   

issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds;

 

   

ceasing the active conduct of our business; and

 

   

dissolving, liquidating, merging or consolidating with any other person.

The tax matters agreement will provide that, nevertheless, we are permitted to take any of the actions described above if we obtain International Paper’s consent, or if we obtain an IRS private letter ruling or a tax opinion that is reasonably acceptable to International Paper to the effect that the action will not affect the tax-free status of the distribution. However, the receipt by us of any such consent, opinion or ruling will not relieve us of any obligation we have to indemnify International Paper for an action we take that causes the distribution to be taxable to International Paper.

 

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The tax matters agreement will also prohibit us from taking or failing to take any other action, including restrictions on the repurchase of shares, that would prevent the distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Because of these restrictions, for two years after the distribution we may be limited in the amount of capital stock that we can issue to make acquisitions or to raise additional capital. Also, our expected indemnity obligation to International Paper may discourage, delay or prevent a third party from acquiring control of us during this two-year period in a transaction that our stockholders might consider favorable. See “The Distribution—Relationships between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution— Tax Matters Agreement” and “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

The combined post-distribution value of International Paper and Sylvamo shares may not equal or exceed the pre-distribution value of International Paper shares.

We intend to apply to list the shares of our common stock on the NYSE. We cannot assure you that the combined trading prices of International Paper common stock and our common stock after the distribution will be equal to or greater than the trading price of International Paper common stock prior to the distribution. Until the market has fully evaluated the business of International Paper without our business and potentially thereafter, the price at which International Paper common stock trades may fluctuate significantly. Similarly, until the market has fully evaluated our business and potentially thereafter, the price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate significantly.

We expect that we will incur significant one-time and ongoing costs associated with the separation that could affect our period-to-period operating results following the completion of the distribution.

We anticipate that we will incur one-time costs of approximately $55 million through the end of 2022 as result of costs associated with the separation, including initial IT set-up costs and restructuring costs, of which approximately $23 million are expected to be incurred in 2021 (all of which are expected to be incurred in the fourth quarter of 2021) and approximately $32 million in 2022. We will not be able to quantify the exact amount of these charges or the period in which they will be incurred until after the distribution is completed. The amount and timing of these charges could adversely affect our period-to-period operating results, which could result in a reduction in the market price of our common stock.

In connection with the separation, we will enter into a transition services agreement with International Paper, pursuant to which International Paper will provide us with certain specified services on a transitional basis, including in areas such as IT, payroll, sourcing and other areas where we may need assistance and support following the distribution. Depending on the particular service being provided, the services may be extended for up to six months after the initial one-year term, but may be terminated earlier under certain circumstances, including a default. If one or more of these services are terminated, we may be required to obtain such services from a third party. This may be more expensive than the fees that we will be required to pay under the agreements with International Paper. We expect to make payments to International Paper under the transition services agreement of approximately $8 million and $25 million in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

In addition, following the expiration of the transition services agreement, we will need to replicate certain services and systems to which we will no longer have access from International Paper. We may misjudge our requirements for these services and systems on a stand-alone basis, and may incur greater than expected capital and other costs associated with developing and implementing our own support functions. These costs may exceed the costs we will pay to International Paper during the transition period. There may be an adverse operational effect on our business as a result of the significant time our management and other employees and internal resources will need to dedicate to building these capabilities during the first few years following the distribution that otherwise would be available for other business initiatives and opportunities. When we begin to operate these functions independently, if we have not developed adequate systems and business functions, or obtained

 

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them from other providers, we may not be able to operate our company effectively and our profitability may decline. See “—We may be unable to operate profitably as a stand-alone company or provide benefits and services or receive access to equivalent financial strength and resources as International Paper.”

After the distribution, certain of our directors and officers may have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of their International Paper equity ownership or their former International Paper positions.

Certain of the persons who we expect to become our executive officers have been, and will be until the distribution, International Paper officers, or employees, and thus will have professional relationships with International Paper’s executive officers, directors or employees. In addition, because of their former International Paper positions, following the distribution, certain of our executive officers may own International Paper common stock or restricted stock, and, for some of these individuals, their individual holdings may be significant compared to their total assets. These relationships and financial interests may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for International Paper and us. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute between International Paper and us regarding the terms of the agreements governing the distribution and the separation, and the relationship thereafter between the companies. These agreements include the separation and distribution agreement, the tax matters agreement, the employee matters agreement, the transition services agreement, the registration rights agreement, the offtake agreements and any other commercial agreements between the parties or their affiliates.

No vote of International Paper shareholders is required in connection with the distribution.

No vote of International Paper shareholders is required in connection with the distribution. Accordingly, if the distribution occurs and you do not want to receive Sylvamo common stock in the distribution, your only recourse will be to divest your International Paper common stock prior to the record date for the distribution.

The distribution is subject to certain conditions, and therefore, the distribution may not be consummated on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all.

The distribution is subject to the satisfaction or waiver by International Paper in its sole and absolute discretion of a number of conditions, including: (i) the Form 10, of which this information statement is a part, being declared effective by the SEC and not subject to any stop order or other proceeding by the SEC seeking a stop order; (ii) International Paper’s receipt of an opinion from a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel satisfactory to it or a private letter ruling from the IRS regarding the qualification of the distribution as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Code; (iii) International Paper’s receipt of one or more opinions from nationally recognized valuation or accounting firms or investment banks as to the adequacy of surplus under applicable state law of Sylvamo and International Paper to effect the Special Payment and the distribution, respectively; (iv) International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s execution of the separation and distribution agreement, the tax matters agreement, the transition services agreement, the employee matters agreement, the registration rights agreement and other ancillary agreements relating to the distribution; (v) Sylvamo’s consummation of the Financing Arrangements with aggregate proceeds of at least $1.5 billion; (vi) the receipt by International Paper of the Special Payment; (vii) no event or development existing or occurring that in the judgment of the board of directors of International Paper makes it inadvisable to effect the separation and distribution; and (viii) Sylvamo’s common stock having been approved for listing on NYSE, subject to official notice of the distribution. See “The Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution.” We cannot assure you that the distribution will be consummated on the terms or timeline currently contemplated.

Further, until the distribution occurs, International Paper will have the sole and absolute discretion to determine and change the terms of the distribution, including the Record Date and the Distribution Date. These changes may be unfavorable to us. In addition, International Paper may decide at any time not to proceed with the distribution in its sole discretion.

 

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The transfer to us of certain contracts, permits and other assets and rights may require the consents or approvals of, or provide other rights to, third parties and governmental authorities. If such consents or approvals are not obtained, we may not be entitled to the benefit of such contracts, permits and other assets and rights, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The separation and distribution agreement will provide that certain contracts, permits and other assets and rights are to be transferred from International Paper to Sylvamo in connection with the separation. The transfer of certain of these contracts, permits and other assets and rights may require consents or approvals of third parties or governmental authorities or provide other rights to third parties. Some parties may use consent requirements or other rights to seek to terminate contracts or obtain more favorable contractual terms from us, which, for example, could take the form of price increases, require us to expend additional resources in order to obtain the services or assets previously provided under the contract, or require us to seek arrangements with new third parties or obtain letters of credit or other forms of credit support. If we are unable to obtain required consents or approvals, we may be unable to obtain all of the benefits, permits, assets and contractual commitments that are intended to be allocated to us as part of our separation from International Paper, and we may be required to seek alternative arrangements to obtain services and assets which may be more costly or of lower quality. The termination or modification of these contracts or permits or the failure to timely complete the transfer of these contracts or permits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Satisfaction of indemnification obligations following the distribution could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement and certain other agreements we expect to enter into with International Paper in connection with the distribution, International Paper will agree to indemnify us for certain liabilities, and we will agree to indemnify International Paper for certain liabilities, in each case for uncapped amounts, as discussed further in “The Distribution— Relationships Between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution.” Indemnities that we may be required to provide International Paper are not subject to any cap, may be significant and could negatively impact our business, particularly with respect to indemnities provided in the tax matters agreement.

We may also incur significant costs related to environmental liabilities that we assume from International Paper in connection with the distribution arising at our mills and other sites that were not owned by International Paper at the time of distribution but were primarily operated or used by International Paper’s Printing Papers business. For example, as of June 30, 2021, we have reserved $13 million for remediation work to be performed at our mill in Svetogorsk, Russia, following identification in 2018 of mercury contamination in sediment in a river tributary that traverses the site of the mill.

Third parties could also seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that International Paper has agreed to retain. The indemnity from International Paper may not be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities if, for example, International Paper is not able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from International Paper any amounts for which it is held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses ourselves, requiring us to divert cash that would otherwise have been used in furtherance of our operating business. Each of these risks could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Federal and state fraudulent transfer laws and New York and Delaware corporate law may permit a court to void the distribution and related transactions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In connection with the distribution, International Paper intends to undertake a series of internal corporate reorganization transactions which, along with the contribution of certain of the entities and assets associated with

 

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International Paper’s Printing Papers business to Sylvamo, the distribution of shares of Sylvamo common stock to International Paper’s shareholders, and the Special Payment by Sylvamo to International Paper, may be subject to challenge under federal and state fraudulent conveyance and transfer laws as well as under New York or Delaware corporate law. Under applicable laws, any transaction, contribution or distribution contemplated as part of the distribution could be voided as a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if, among other things, the transferor received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return and the transferor was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of the transfer.

We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not any entity involved in the distribution was insolvent at the relevant time. In general, however, a court would look at various facts and circumstances related to the entity in question, including evaluation of whether or not:

 

   

the sum of its debts, including contingent and unliquidated liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;

 

   

the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or

 

   

it could pay its debts as they become due.

If a court were to find that any transaction, contribution or distribution involved in the distribution was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the transaction, contribution or distribution. In addition, the distribution could also be voided if a court were to find that it is not a legal distribution or dividend under New York corporate law. The resulting complications, costs and expenses of either finding could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Relating to Our Indebtedness

In connection with the distribution, we expect to incur substantial indebtedness, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under anticipated agreements governing our indebtedness.

In connection with the distribution, we expect to enter into a $450 million cash flow-based revolving credit facility (under which we expect to borrow up to $100 million prior to the distribution date), $450 million term loan “B” facility and $520 million term loan “F” facility and to issue $450 million of senior notes, for an aggregate principal amount of long-term debt of $1,540 million, with the net proceeds, together with cash on hand in excess of $100 million, to be used to fund the Special Payment to International Paper immediately prior to the distribution. Our level of debt could have important consequences to our stockholders, including:

 

   

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund future working capital, capital expenditures, product development, acquisitions or other general corporate requirements;

 

   

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows to be dedicated to debt service payments instead of other purposes, thereby reducing the amount of cash flows available for working capital, capital expenditures, product development, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes;

 

   

increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

   

increasing our effective tax rate;

 

   

exposing us to the risk of increased interest rates to the extent that our borrowings are at variable rates of interest;

 

   

limiting our ability to deduct the full amount of the interest payments on any debt we incur in connection with the separation or any other borrowings from our taxable income;

 

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limiting our flexibility in planning for and reacting to changes in the industry in which we compete;

 

   

placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to other, less leveraged competitors or competitors with comparable debt and more favorable terms; and

 

   

increasing our cost of borrowing.

We and our subsidiaries may incur significant additional indebtedness in the future. If new indebtedness is added to our anticipated indebtedness levels after the distribution, the related risks that we face would increase.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our anticipated debt obligations will depend on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control, including those discussed under “—Risks Relating to Our Business.” We might not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

We expect that the agreements governing our indebtedness will contain a number of restrictive covenants that will limit our ability to conduct our business, including our ability to dispose of assets and the use of the proceeds from those dispositions, require that we use the proceeds from any future incurrence of debt or issuance of equity to repay existing indebtedness and limit our ability to incur additional indebtedness. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or to obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due. Our inability to generate sufficient cash flows to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations and our ability to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness.

A failure to make scheduled payments on our debt, or a breach of any of the covenants under the agreements governing our indebtedness, if not waived by lenders or noteholders, as applicable, or to the extent applicable, cured within specified periods, would result in an event of default under those agreements. Lenders or noteholders under the agreements governing our indebtedness could declare all outstanding principal and interest to be due and payable, and lenders could further terminate their commitments to loan money under our expected revolving credit facility or foreclose against the assets securing their borrowings, which could force us to file for bankruptcy protection and either restructure or liquidate. Any of these events could result in you losing some or all of the value of your investment. Further, an event of default may result in the acceleration of any other debt to which a cross-acceleration or cross-default provision applies. In the event the lenders or noteholders accelerate the repayment of our borrowings, we and our subsidiaries may not have sufficient assets to repay that indebtedness.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

No market for our common stock currently exists and an active trading market may not develop or be sustained after the distribution.

There is currently no public market for our common stock. We have applied to list our common stock on the NYSE. We anticipate that trading of shares of our common stock will begin on a “when-issued” basis as early as

 

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two trading days prior to the record date for the distribution and that trading will continue through the close of trading on the day prior to the Distribution Date. However, an active trading market for our common stock may not develop as a result of the distribution or, if one does develop, may not be sustained. The lack of an active market may make it more difficult for you to sell our shares at an attractive price, or at all, and could lead to our share price being depressed or volatile.

The market price for our common stock may be volatile, and you may not be able to sell your common stock at the initial trading price.

We cannot predict the prices at which our common stock may trade after the distribution. The price of our common stock in any market that develops may be higher or lower than the initial trading price. Many factors could cause the trading price of our common stock to rise and fall, including the following:

 

   

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results due to factors related to our business;

 

   

success or failure of our business strategies;

 

   

our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;

 

   

our ability to obtain financing as needed;

 

   

our announcements or our competitors’ announcements regarding new products, enhancements, significant contracts, acquisitions or strategic investments;

 

   

the failure of securities analysts to cover our common stock after the distribution;

 

   

changes in the estimates of our operating performance or changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that elect to follow our stock;

 

   

our business profile, dividend policy or market capitalization may not fit the investment objectives of International Paper’s current shareholders;

 

   

actions by institutional stockholders and other large stockholders (including International Paper), including future sales of our common stock;

 

   

overall market fluctuations;

 

   

changes in laws, rules and regulations affecting our business;

 

   

the gain or loss of significant customers or changes in our customers’ preferences;

 

   

developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic or another epidemic; and

 

   

general economic conditions and other external factors.

In particular, we cannot assure you that you will be able to resell your common stock after the distribution. Stock markets have experienced extreme volatility in recent years that has been unrelated to the operating performance of a particular company. These broad market fluctuations could also adversely affect the trading price of our common stock. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, class action litigation has often been instituted against the affected company. Any litigation of this type brought against us could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Substantial sales of our common stock following the distribution, or the perception that such sales might occur, could depress the market price of our common stock.

Following the distribution, all of the shares of our common stock will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), unless the shares are

 

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owned by our “affiliates” as that term is defined in the rules under the Securities Act. Shares of our common stock held by “affiliates” may be sold in the public market if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from registration under Rule 144 under the Securities Act and satisfy the volume, manner of sale and holding period limitations under Rule 144.

The Sylvamo common stock that International Paper distributes to its shareholders in the distribution may be sold immediately in the public market, if a market for our common stock exists at such time. It is likely that some International Paper shareholders, including some large shareholders, may sell our common stock received in the distribution for various reasons, including our business profile or market capitalization as a stand-alone company following the distribution not fitting their investment objectives. In particular, International Paper is a member of the S&P 500 stock market index and other indices, while Sylvamo will not initially be and may not be in the future. Accordingly, certain International Paper shareholders may elect or be required to sell our shares following the distribution due to investment guidelines or other reasons. The sales of significant amounts of our common stock or the perception in the market that this will occur could have a negative impact on the market price of our common stock.

A fund associated with International Paper’s 401(k) plans will receive shares of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution as a result of its ownership of International Paper common stock, representing approximately 1.2% of Sylvamo’s common stock as of the Distribution Date. We anticipate that the 401(k) plans will sell all of these shares, to the extent not sold by individual 401(k) plan participants by April 8, 2022.

In addition, after completion of the distribution, International Paper will retain no more than 19.9% of our total shares outstanding. International Paper intends to dispose of such shares of our common stock that it owns after the distribution in either a registered offering or pursuant to an exemption from registration, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the Distribution Date and will occur no later than five years after the distribution. We will agree that, upon the request of International Paper and pursuant to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we will use our reasonable best efforts to effect a registration under applicable federal and state securities laws of any shares of our common stock retained by International Paper to the extent that International Paper wishes to sell the shares of our common stock it retains in a registered offering. These shares will be restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act and will also be eligible for resale by International Paper in the public market without registration subject to volume, manner of sale and holding period limitations under Rule 144 under the Securities Act.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or publish misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our common stock will depend in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not currently have, and may never obtain, research coverage for our common stock. If there is no research coverage of our common stock, the trading price for our stock could be negatively impacted. In the event we obtain research coverage for our common stock or if one or more of securities or industry analysts downgrades our stock or publishes misleading or unfavorable research about our business, our stock price would likely decline. If one or more of the analysts ceases coverage of our common stock or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

Future offerings of debt or equity securities ranking senior to our common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In the future, we may decide to issue senior or subordinated debt securities or preferred stock or other equity securities that rank senior to our common stock. Indentures or other instruments governing such securities may include covenants restricting our operating flexibility and ability to pay dividends and make other distributions to our stockholders. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future could have

 

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rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of our common stock and could result in dilution to owners of our common stock. We and, indirectly, our stockholders, will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our common stock will bear the risk of our future offerings, reducing the market price of our common stock and diluting the value of their common stock holdings in us.

We do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common stock and, consequently, your ability to achieve a return on your investment will depend on appreciation in the price of our common stock.

We do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common stock. Therefore, the success of an investment in shares of our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in their value and any future dividends we may declare. There is no guarantee that shares of our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which our stockholders have received their shares in the distribution. The credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior notes limit the amount of dividends and share repurchases that we are permitted to make while our indebtedness remains outstanding, including greater restrictions until the Brazil Tax Dispute (as defined below) is resolved. Any future declaration and payment of dividends, stock repurchases or other distributions of capital will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on many factors, including our earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, covenants contained within agreements governing our indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares, our ability to obtain cash or other assets from our subsidiaries, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. See “Dividend Policy.” There can be no assurance that we will establish a dividend policy, pay dividends in the future or continue to pay any dividend if we do commence paying dividends or repurchase our common stock.

Your percentage ownership in Sylvamo may be diluted in the future.

Your percentage ownership in Sylvamo may be diluted in the future because of equity awards that we expect to grant to our directors, officers and other employees. Prior to completion of the distribution, we expect to approve an incentive plan that will provide for the grant of common stock-based equity awards to our directors, officers and other employees. In addition, we may issue equity as all or part of the consideration paid for acquisitions and strategic investments that we may make in the future or as necessary to finance our ongoing operations.

Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws could discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company and could affect the trading price of our common stock.

We expect that our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will contain certain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change in our management or change of control. For example, we expect our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws to, collectively:

 

   

authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our board of directors to thwart a takeover attempt;

 

   

provide that vacancies on our board of directors, including vacancies resulting from an enlargement of our board of directors, may be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;

 

   

prohibit stockholder action by written consent, thereby requiring all actions to be taken at a meeting of the stockholders; and

 

   

establish advance notice requirements for nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of our stockholders.

 

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These provisions could prevent our stockholders from receiving the benefit from any premium to the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a takeover context. Even in the absence of a takeover attempt, the existence of these provisions could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock if the provisions are viewed as discouraging takeover attempts in the future. See “Description of Capital Stock—Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-Laws and Applicable Law.”

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws could also make it difficult for stockholders to replace or remove our management. Furthermore, the existence of the foregoing provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions could facilitate management entrenchment that could delay, deter, render more difficult or prevent a change in our control, which may not be in the best interests of our stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will designate the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our current or former directors, officers or stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our stockholders by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents, (iii) action asserting a claim arising out of or pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws, or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. Neither this provision nor the exclusive forum provision will mean that stockholders have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. By becoming a stockholder of our company, you will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation related to choice of forum. The choice of forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may limit our stockholders’ ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that they find favorable for disputes with us or any of our current or former directors, officers or stockholders, which may discourage lawsuits with respect to such claims. Additionally, a court could determine that the exclusive forum provision is unenforceable. If a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more specified types of actions and proceedings, we could incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will include provisions limiting the personal liability of our directors for breaches of fiduciary duty under the DGCL.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain provisions permitted under the DGCL relating to the liability of directors. These provisions will eliminate a director’s personal liability to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, except in circumstances involving:

 

   

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty;

 

   

acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

 

   

under Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or

 

   

any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

 

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The principal effect of the limitation on liability provision is that a stockholder will be unable to prosecute an action for monetary damages against a director unless the stockholder is able to demonstrate a basis for liability for which indemnification is not available under the DGCL. These provisions, however, should not limit or eliminate our rights or any stockholder’s rights to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of a director’s fiduciary duty. These provisions will not alter a director’s liability under federal securities laws. The inclusion of this provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation could discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited us and our stockholders.

 

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CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION

This information statement contains information that includes or is based upon forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give expectations or forecasts of future events. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They use words such as “anticipate,” “assume,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “should,” “will” and other words and terms of similar meaning, or are tied to future periods, in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Forward-looking statements include statements relating to the formation of Sylvamo, the separation, the contribution and the distribution, including the timing and expected benefits thereof, the amount of the Special Payment and any future use of our free cash flow, our ability to outperform the UFS industry demand, our ability to achieve our targeted Adjusted EBITDA margins and targeted financial leverage ratio and our ability to return cash to stockholders in the form of dividends or stock repurchases.

Any or all forward-looking statements may turn out to be incorrect. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many such factors will be important in determining the actual future results of Sylvamo, its subsidiaries and affiliates. These statements are based on current expectations and the current economic environment. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. These statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Although it is not possible to identify all of these risks and factors, they include, among others:

 

   

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures implemented to contain it;

 

   

general business or economic conditions which might affect demand for our products and our business;

 

   

changes in international conditions;

 

   

industry-wide decline in demand for paper and related products;

 

   

the cyclical nature of the paper industry, which may result in fluctuations in the prices of, and demand for, our paper products;

 

   

competition from other businesses and consolidation within the paper industry;

 

   

changes in the cost or availability of raw materials, energy and transportation;

 

   

reduced truck, rail and ocean freight availability which could result in higher costs or poor service;

 

   

climate change and the physical and financial risks associated with fluctuating regional and global weather conditions or patterns;

 

   

material disruptions at one or more of our manufacturing facilities;

 

   

information technology risks related to potential breaches of security which may result in the distribution of company, customer, employee and vendor information;

 

   

extensive U.S. federal and state and non-U.S. environmental laws and regulations, which could result in substantial costs to the company as a result of compliance with, violations of or liabilities under these laws and regulations;

 

   

numerous laws, regulations and other government requirements that may change in significant ways;

 

   

our inability to achieve the expected benefits from strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, divestitures, capital investments and other corporate transactions;

 

   

our reliance on a small number of significant customers;

 

   

failure to attract and retain senior management and other key employees;

 

   

adverse results from legal, regulatory and governmental proceedings or other loss contingencies;

 

   

a significant write-down of goodwill or other intangible assets;

 

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failure to achieve expected investment returns on pension plan assets, as well as changes in interest rates or plan demographics;

 

   

a disruption in operations and increased labor costs due to labor disputes;

 

   

our failure to adequately protect our intellectual property and other proprietary rights, or to defend successfully against intellectual property infringement claims by third parties;

 

   

forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ;

 

   

our inability to operate profitably as a stand-alone company or provide benefits and services or receive access to equivalent financial strength and resources as International Paper;

 

   

the loss of commercial agreements with International Paper;

 

   

our historical pro forma financial information may not be indicative of our future results as a separate public company;

 

   

our inability to achieve some or all of the benefits we expect to achieve from the distribution and the separation from International Paper and the cost of achieving such benefits possibly being higher than anticipated;

 

   

the fulfillment of our obligations as a public company, including with respect to the requirements of, and related to, rules under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002;

 

   

the failure of the distribution to qualify for non-recognition treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which case, International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper’s shareholders may be subject to significant U.S. federal income taxes;

 

   

our inability to take certain actions after the distribution given such actions could jeopardize the tax-free status of the distribution;

 

   

the combined post-distribution value of International Paper and Sylvamo shares may not equal or exceed the pre-distribution value of International Paper shares;

 

   

significant one-time and ongoing costs associated with the separation that could affect our period-to-period operating results following the completion of the distribution;

 

   

potential conflicts of interest with certain of our directors or officers following the distribution because of International Paper equity ownership or their former International Paper positions;

 

   

the failure of the distribution to be consummated on the terms or timeline currently contemplated, or at all;

 

   

the transfer to us of certain contracts, permits and other assets and rights which may require the consents or approvals of, or provide other rights to, third parties and governmental authorities. If such consents or approvals are not obtained, we may not be entitled to the benefit of such contracts, permits and other assets and rights;

 

   

the satisfaction of indemnification obligations following the distribution;

 

   

federal and state fraudulent transfer laws and New York and Delaware corporate law, which may permit a court to void the distribution and related transactions;

 

   

substantial indebtedness, in connection with the distribution, which could prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under anticipated agreements governing our indebtedness;

 

   

our inability to generate sufficient cash to service our indebtedness, which may force us to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful;

 

   

the failure of an active trading market to develop or be sustained following the distribution;

 

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the market price for our common stock may be volatile, and you may not be able to sell your common stock at the initial trading price;

 

   

the actual sale, or perception of a sale, of substantial amounts of common stock following the distribution, which could depress the market price for our common stock;

 

   

the future offerings of debt or equity securities ranking senior to our common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock;

 

   

the inability to achieve a return on your investment due to a lack of appreciation in the price of our common stock;

 

   

the dilution of your ownership percentage in Sylvamo;

 

   

the discouragement or delay in preventing change of control of our company;

 

   

the designation of the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the sole and exclusive forum for litigation may limit stockholders ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes;

 

   

the limitation of personal liability of our directors for breaches of fiduciary duty; and

 

   

other factors described under “Risk Factors” in this information statement.

For the reasons described above, we caution you against relying on any forward-looking statements, which should also be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements included and the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified elsewhere in this information statement, including in the section entitled “Risk Factors.” Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as otherwise may be required by law.

 

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THE DISTRIBUTION

Introduction

International Paper intends to transfer certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with the Printing Papers business of International Paper to Sylvamo and then distribute approximately 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock to holders of International Paper common stock. Immediately following the distribution, International Paper will own approximately 19.9% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock and Sylvamo will be a separate public company.

Holders of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock owned on the Record Date for the distribution. The shares of Sylvamo common stock will be distributed by book-entry. We will not issue any physical stock certificates to any stockholders, even if requested. If you hold your International Paper shares in your own name, then your account statement reflecting the Sylvamo shares will be mailed to you on or about the Distribution Date. You should allow several days for the mail to reach you. If you hold your International Paper shares through your broker or other nominee, your receipt of Sylvamo shares depends on your arrangements with the nominee that holds your International Paper shares for you. We anticipate that brokers and other nominees generally will credit their customers’ accounts with Sylvamo shares on or about the Distribution Date, but you should check with your broker or other nominee. See “—When and How You Will Receive Sylvamo Common Stock.”

Background of the Distribution

International Paper’s board of directors and management team evaluated a variety of strategic options intended to maximize shareholder value and position the company for long-term growth. These options included whether to continue to operate the Printing Papers business and whether to sell or otherwise dispose of the Printing Papers business. As a result of this process, the board of directors of International Paper determined that the interests of International Paper and its shareholders would be best served by separating International Paper’s Printing Papers segment into a distinct company, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions and the board of directors’ ongoing consideration of the transaction and its final approval. See “—Conditions to the Distribution” for further discussion.

In connection with the distribution, International Paper will undertake the internal reorganization described below under “—Internal Reorganization.” Following the internal reorganization, International Paper will distribute approximately 80.1% of the shares of Sylvamo common stock to its shareholders on a pro rata basis and retain approximately 19.9% ownership interest in Sylvamo. Following the distribution, Sylvamo will operate independently from International Paper. International Paper’s shareholders will not be required to vote to effectuate the distribution. International Paper’s shareholders will not have appraisal rights with regards to the distribution.

The internal reorganization and, in turn, the distribution, are subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by International Paper, of a number of conditions. Additionally, International Paper may determine not to complete the internal reorganization or the distribution if, at any time, the board of directors of International Paper determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interest of International Paper or its shareholders or is otherwise not advisable.

Reasons for the Distribution

The board of directors and management of International Paper believe that the distribution is in the best interests of International Paper and its shareholders. Following the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo would each have greater financial, management and operational focus, the ability to tailor its capital structure to its specific business needs, a management team dedicated to seizing strategic growth opportunities with maximum flexibility, including by providing an opportunity for improved equity currency for use in connection with acquisitions and employee compensation and an investor base aligned with the respective businesses. The

 

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board of directors of International Paper considered the following potential benefits in making its determination to effect the distribution:

 

   

allowing each of International Paper and Sylvamo to focus on their respective businesses;

 

   

allowing for the more efficient use of capital expenditures by both International Paper and Sylvamo to invest in their respective businesses;

 

   

enhancing the effectiveness of International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s equity-linked compensation to more closely align the interests of management and employees of each of International Paper and Sylvamo with their respective stockholders;

 

   

a management team dedicated to seizing strategic growth opportunities with maximum flexibility, including by providing an opportunity for improved equity currency for use in connection with acquisitions;

 

   

optimizing the capital structure and leverage level for the distinctive business profile of each of International Paper and Sylvamo;

 

   

the Special Payment to International Paper

 

   

International Paper’s retention of approximately a 19.9% stake in Sylvamo, which International Paper intends to subsequently dispose; and

 

   

increased value to International Paper’s shareholders, in particular Sylvamo’s anticipated value on a stand-alone basis.

In determining whether to pursue the distribution, International Paper’s board of directors considered the costs and risks associated with the transaction, including the cost associated with preparing Sylvamo to become an independent public company (including the dedication of sufficient resources to replicate certain technology applications and hardware, infrastructure and personnel), the time and effort required by this transaction from International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s management and the potential diversion of their attention away from their respective businesses and the loss of scale from operating as a single company. Notwithstanding these costs and risks, and taking into account the factors discussed above, International Paper’s board of directors determined that the separation and the distribution was the most attractive alternative to enhance shareholder value.

International Paper’s board of directors considered the incurrence of indebtedness to fund the Special Payment to International Paper as neither a positive or negative factor in making its determination to pursue the distribution. However, as International Paper currently has a level of debt which is supported in part by the operations of Sylvamo, the board of directors and management of International Paper determined that the incurrence of debt at Sylvamo and cash payment to International Paper with a portion of the proceeds thereof was prudent as a way to set the post-distribution capitalization structure of both companies in a way that the board of directors of International Paper felt was in the best interests of International Paper’s shareholders.

Internal Reorganization

The separation and distribution agreement between International Paper and Sylvamo will provide for the transfers of entities, assets and liabilities so that, as of the distribution, International Paper will retain the entities, assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses and Sylvamo will hold certain of the entities and related assets and liabilities associated with the Printing Papers business.

The internal reorganization is expected to include various restructuring transactions pursuant to which (1) most of the operations, assets and liabilities of International Paper used to conduct the Printing Papers business will be separated from the operations, assets and liabilities of International Paper used to conduct the Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers segments’ operations, (2) such separated Printing Papers operations, assets and liabilities will be contributed, transferred or otherwise allocated to Sylvamo or one of its

 

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direct or indirect subsidiaries. These restructuring transactions may take the form of asset or equity transfers, mergers, demergers, distributions, contributions and similar transactions, and will involve the formation of new U.S. and foreign subsidiaries to own and operate International Paper’s Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses and Sylvamo’s Printing Papers business in such jurisdictions.

Following the distribution, International Paper will continue to own its Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers businesses. Sylvamo may experience increased costs following the distribution or be unable to operate profitability after becoming a stand-alone company. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Separation and the Distribution.”

Manner of Effecting the Distribution

The general terms and conditions relating to the distribution will be set forth in an agreement between Sylvamo and International Paper, which we refer to as the “separation and distribution agreement.” See “The Distribution—Relationships Between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution—Separation and Distribution Agreement.”

International Paper will transfer to Sylvamo certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Printing Papers business (which we refer to collectively as the “contribution”). In exchange for the contribution, Sylvamo will:

 

   

issue to International Paper approximately 44,232,752 shares of Sylvamo common stock, of which approximately 35,430,435 shares will be distributed to International Paper’s shareholders on a pro rata basis as described below; and

 

   

transfer to International Paper a portion of the cash from the proceeds of debt financing Sylvamo anticipates arranging prior to the distribution.

After the contribution, International Paper will spin off Sylvamo to the shareholders of International Paper by distributing approximately 80.1% of the shares of Sylvamo common stock to holders of International Paper common stock on a pro rata basis.

As a result of the distribution, Sylvamo will become an independent public company, although Sylvamo will continue to have a number of significant commercial and operational arrangements with International Paper and International Paper will continue to hold approximately a 19.9% stake in Sylvamo following the distribution. International Paper intends to dispose of the shares of Sylvamo common stock it retains within five years of the distribution. We have applied to list Sylvamo common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SLVM”.

Holders of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock owned on the Record Date for the distribution.

Based on the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding on August 15, 2021 and the distribution ratio, approximately 35,430,435 shares of Sylvamo common stock will be distributed to International Paper shareholders. The actual number of shares distributed will be based upon the number of International Paper shares outstanding on the Record Date. The shares of Sylvamo common stock to be distributed will constitute approximately 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock.

When and How You Will Receive Sylvamo Common Stock

International Paper will use a book-entry system to distribute shares of Sylvamo common stock. No stock certificates will be issued for Sylvamo shares. Following the distribution, each record holder of International Paper common stock on the Record Date will receive from the transfer agent a statement of the amount of shares of Sylvamo common stock credited to his or her account. If you are not a record holder of International Paper

 

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common stock on the Record Date because your shares are held on your behalf by your broker or other nominee, your shares of Sylvamo common stock should be credited to your account with your broker or other nominee on or about the Distribution Date, but you should check with your broker or other nominee.

No International Paper shareholder will be required to pay any cash or other consideration for shares of Sylvamo common stock received in the distribution, or to surrender or exchange shares of International Paper common stock in order to receive shares of Sylvamo common stock. No vote of International Paper shareholders is required or sought in connection with the distribution, and International Paper shareholders will have no appraisal rights in connection with the distribution.

In order to receive shares of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution, International Paper shareholders must have been shareholders as of 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the Record Date.

Treatment of Fractional Shares

The transfer agent will not deliver any fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock in connection with the distribution. Instead, the transfer agent will aggregate all fractional shares and sell them on behalf of those holders who otherwise would be entitled to receive a fractional share. The transfer agent will determine in its sole discretion when, how and through which broker-dealers and at which price to sell aggregated fractional shares. We anticipate that these sales will occur as soon as practicable after the Distribution Date. Those holders will then receive a cash payment, in the form of a check, in an amount equal to their pro rata share of the total proceeds of those sales, which proceeds will not be reduced by any fees or expenses. It is expected that all fractional shares held in street name will be aggregated and sold by brokers or other nominees according to their standard procedures. You should contact your broker or other nominee for additional details.

None of International Paper, Sylvamo, or the transfer agent will guarantee any minimum sale price for the fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock. Neither Sylvamo nor International Paper will pay any interest on the proceeds from the sale of fractional shares. The receipt of cash in lieu of fractional shares will generally be taxable to the recipient shareholders. See “Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences of the Distribution.”

Results of the Distribution

After the distribution, Sylvamo will be a separate public company operating the existing Printing Papers business of International Paper. Immediately after the distribution, Sylvamo expects to have approximately 44,232,752 shares of common stock outstanding, approximately 8,802,317 shares of which will be held by International Paper, based on the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding on August 15, 2021 and the distribution ratio of one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock. The actual number of shares distributed (and held by International Paper following the distribution) will be based upon the number of International Paper shares outstanding on the Record Date. The distribution will not affect the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding or any rights of International Paper shareholders.

Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution

For purposes of governing the separation of Sylvamo from International Paper as well as certain of the ongoing relationships between International Paper and Sylvamo after the distribution, Sylvamo will enter into the agreements with International Paper described in this section. The forms of agreements summarized in this section will be included as exhibits to the registration statement on Form 10 filed with the SEC to which this information statement is attached. The following summaries are qualified in their entirety by reference to the agreements as filed. See “Where You Can Find More Information.” International Paper and Sylvamo intend to execute the separation and distribution agreement and the other agreements described below on or before the Distribution Date.

 

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Separation and Distribution Agreement

Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities

The separation and distribution agreement will identify the entities and related assets to be transferred to, and the liabilities to be assumed by, Sylvamo or International Paper, as applicable, in the internal reorganization. In particular, the separation and distribution agreement will provide that, among other things, subject to the terms and conditions and any exceptions contained therein:

 

   

certain assets related to International Paper’s Printing Papers business, which we refer to as the “Sylvamo Assets,” will be transferred to Sylvamo or one of its subsidiaries, including:

 

   

equity interests in certain International Paper subsidiaries that hold assets relating to the Printing Papers business;

 

   

certain registered trade names and trademarks, patents and other intellectual property exclusively used in the Printing Papers business;

 

   

Sylvamo’s paper mills and other facilities related to the Printing Papers business;

 

   

contracts (or portions thereof) that relate to the Printing Papers business;

 

   

rights and assets expressly allocated to Sylvamo pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement or certain other agreements entered into in connection with the distribution;

 

   

permits that are exclusively used in the Printing Papers business; and

 

   

other assets that are included in Sylvamo’s pro forma balance sheet, included in Sylvamo’s Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements, which appear in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements”;

 

   

certain liabilities related to the Printing Papers business or the Sylvamo Assets, which we refer to as the “Sylvamo Liabilities,” will be retained by or transferred to Sylvamo, including liabilities that have not otherwise been expressly allocated to International Paper:

 

   

certain liabilities associated with previously consummated divestitures by various legal entities that will be subsidiaries of Sylvamo following the distribution or associated with divestitures primarily related to the Printing Papers business and not related to any asset retained by International Paper;

 

   

certain liabilities associated with discontinued businesses primarily related to the Printing Papers business and not related to any asset retained by International Paper;

 

   

certain latent injury liabilities associated with the Printing Papers business, Sylvamo Assets or divested or discontinued operations primarily related to the Printing Papers business and not related to any asset retained by International Paper;

 

   

certain environmental liabilities relating to Sylvamo Assets, the Printing Papers business or divested or discontinued operations primarily related to the Printing Papers business and not related to any asset retained by International Paper, in each case that will not be retained by International Paper;

 

   

liabilities arising from businesses and operations in Brazil and the United Kingdom;

 

   

liabilities that are expressly allocated to Sylvamo pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement or certain other agreements entered into in connection with the distribution; and

 

   

other liabilities that are included in Sylvamo’s pro forma balance sheet, included in Sylvamo’s Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements, which appear in the section entitled “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements”;

 

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all of the assets and liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent or otherwise) other than the Sylvamo Assets and Sylvamo Liabilities will be retained by or transferred to International Paper (such assets and liabilities, we refer to as the “International Paper Assets” and “International Paper Liabilities,” respectively).

Except as expressly set forth in the separation and distribution agreement or any ancillary agreement, neither International Paper nor Sylvamo will make any representation or warranty as to the assets, business or liabilities transferred or assumed as part of the internal reorganization, as to any approvals or notifications required in connection with the transfers, as to the value of or the freedom from any security interests of any of the assets transferred, as to the absence or presence of any defenses or right of setoff or freedom from counterclaim with respect to any claim or other asset of either International Paper or Sylvamo, or as to the legal sufficiency of any document or instrument delivered to convey title to any asset or thing of value to be transferred in connection with the separation. Except as expressly set forth in the separation and distribution agreement or any ancillary agreement, all assets will be transferred on an “as is,” “where is” basis, and the respective transferees will bear the economic and legal risks that any conveyance will prove to be insufficient to vest in the transferee good and marketable title, free and clear of all security interests, that any necessary consents or governmental approvals are not obtained, or that any requirements of law, agreements, security interests or judgments are not complied with.

Information in this information statement with respect to the assets and liabilities of the parties following the distribution is presented based on the allocation of such assets and liabilities pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, unless the context otherwise requires. The separation and distribution agreement will provide that in the event that the transfer of certain assets and liabilities to International Paper or Sylvamo, as applicable, does not occur prior to the distribution, then until such assets or liabilities are able to be transferred, International Paper or Sylvamo, as applicable, will hold such assets on behalf and for the benefit of the other party and will pay, perform and discharge such liabilities, for which the other party will reimburse International Paper or Sylvamo, as applicable, for all commercially reasonable payments made in connection with the performance and discharge of such liabilities.

The Distribution

The separation and distribution agreement will govern the rights and obligations of the parties regarding the distribution following the completion of the separation. On the distribution date, International Paper will distribute to its shareholders that hold International Paper common stock as of the Record Date approximately 80.1% of the issued and outstanding shares of Sylvamo common stock on a pro rata basis, using a distribution ratio of one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock held by a shareholder. Shareholders will receive cash in lieu of any fractional shares. Following the distribution, International Paper shareholders will own directly approximately 80.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo, and Sylvamo will be a separate company from International Paper. International Paper will retain no more than 19.9% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo following the distribution.

Conditions to the Distribution

The separation and distribution agreement will provide that the distribution is subject to satisfaction or waiver by International Paper of certain conditions. These conditions are described under “The Distribution—Conditions to the Distribution.” International Paper, in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine the terms of, and to determine whether to proceed with, the distribution and, to the extent that it determines to proceed, to determine the Record Date, the Distribution Date and the distribution ratio.

Eastover and Other Restrictions

In the separation and distribution agreement, for ten years from the distribution date, Sylvamo will agree not to convert the production capabilities of the Eastover mill to produce any products other than printing papers and

 

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those products the mill was capable of producing on the distribution date. The prohibition will survive a change of control of Sylvamo and a transfer of the Eastover mill. Sylvamo will also grant International Paper a perpetual, one-time right of first refusal over a transfer of the Eastover mill if Sylvamo proposes to sell the mill to a third party, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the separation and distribution agreement. If International Paper waives its right to exercise the right of first refusal and ten years have not elapsed from the distribution date, the prohibition on conversion would survive the transfer. Sylvamo also agrees to comply with restrictive covenants applicable to the Printing Papers business prior to the spin in connection with prior transactions by International Paper, including the sale of the Kwidzyn mill in Poland.

Releases

The separation and distribution agreement will provide that Sylvamo and its subsidiaries will release and discharge International Paper and its subsidiaries from all liabilities assumed by Sylvamo as part of the separation, from all acts and events occurring and all conditions existing prior to the distribution relating to Sylvamo’s business, and from all liabilities arising in connection with the implementation of the separation and distribution, except as expressly set forth in the separation and distribution agreement. International Paper and its subsidiaries will release and discharge Sylvamo and its subsidiaries from all liabilities retained by International Paper and its subsidiaries as part of the separation, from all acts and events occurring and all conditions existing prior to the distribution relating to International Paper’s business, and from all liabilities arising in connection with the implementation of the separation, except as expressly set forth in the separation and distribution agreement.

These releases will not extend to third parties or obligations or liabilities under any agreements between the parties that remain in effect following the distribution, which agreements include the separation and distribution agreement and the other agreements described under “Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions.”

Indemnification

In the separation and distribution agreement, Sylvamo will agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless International Paper, each of International Paper’s subsidiaries and each of International Paper and its subsidiaries’ respective directors, officers and employees and agents, from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

   

Sylvamo Liabilities;

 

   

the failure of Sylvamo or any of its subsidiaries to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the Sylvamo Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the distribution;

 

   

any breach by Sylvamo or its subsidiaries of the separation and distribution agreement or any of the ancillary agreements;

 

   

except to the extent relating to a International Paper Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of Sylvamo or any of its subsidiaries by International Paper or any of its subsidiaries that survives the distribution; and

 

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of material fact in the Form 10 or in this information statement (as amended or supplemented), except for any such statements or omissions made explicitly in International Paper’s name.

International Paper will agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sylvamo, each of Sylvamo’s subsidiaries and each of Sylvamo and Sylvamo’s subsidiaries’ respective directors, officers and employees and agents from and against all liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

   

the International Paper Liabilities;

 

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the failure of International Paper or any of its subsidiaries to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the International Paper Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms whether prior to, at or after the distribution;

 

   

any breach by International Paper of the separation and distribution agreement or any of the ancillary agreements;

 

   

except to the extent relating to a Sylvamo Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of Parent or any of its subsidiaries by Sylvamo or any of its subsidiaries that survives the distribution; and

 

   

any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission of a material fact made explicitly in International Paper’s name in the Form 10 or in this information statement (as amended or supplemented).

The separation and distribution agreement will also establish procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters, including the defense and settlement of third-party claims. Certain ancillary agreements have indemnification provisions and procedures that will govern with respect to the matters addressed in those ancillary agreements.

Insurance

The separation and distribution agreement will provide for the allocation between the parties of rights and obligations under existing International Paper insurance policies with respect to occurrences prior to the distribution and set forth procedures for the administration of insured claims and related matters.

Further Assurances

In addition to the actions specifically provided for in the separation and distribution agreement, except as otherwise set forth therein or in any ancillary agreement, both International Paper and Sylvamo will agree in the separation and distribution agreement to use reasonable best efforts, prior to, on and after the distribution, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under applicable laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement and the ancillary agreements.

Dispute Resolution

The separation and distribution agreement will contain provisions that govern, except as otherwise provided in any ancillary agreement, the resolution of disputes, controversies or claims that may arise between International Paper and Sylvamo related to the separation or distribution and that are unable to be resolved through good faith discussions between International Paper and Sylvamo. These provisions will contemplate that efforts will be made to resolve disputes, controversies and claims by escalation of the matter to executives of International Paper and Sylvamo, and that, if such efforts are not successful, either International Paper or Sylvamo may submit the dispute, controversy or claim to binding alternative dispute resolution, subject to the provisions of the separation and distribution agreement.

Expenses

Except as expressly set forth in the separation and distribution agreement or in any ancillary agreement, International Paper will be responsible for all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the separation and distribution incurred prior to the distribution, including costs and expenses relating to legal and tax counsel, financial advisors and accounting advisory work related to the separation and distribution. Except as expressly

 

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set forth in the separation and distribution agreement or in any ancillary agreement, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with the separation and distribution after the distribution will be paid by the party incurring such cost and expense.

Other Matters

Other matters governed by the separation and distribution agreement will include access to financial and other information, public filing of financial statements, confidentiality, access to and provision of records, ownership of privileged materials, domain name use, and treatment of outstanding guarantees and similar credit support.

Termination

The separation and distribution agreement will provide that it may be terminated, and the separation and distribution may be modified or abandoned, at any time prior to the distribution date in the sole and absolute discretion of International Paper without the approval of any other person, including Sylvamo. In the event of a termination of the separation and distribution agreement, no party, nor any of its directors, officers or employees, will have any liability of any kind to the other party or any other person. After the distribution, the separation and distribution agreement may not be terminated, except by an agreement in writing signed by both International Paper and Sylvamo.

Transition Services Agreement

In connection with the distribution, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a transition services agreement, pursuant to which International Paper and Sylvamo will provide to each other certain specified services on an interim, transitional basis, where Sylvamo and International Paper may need assistance and support following the distribution. Services to be provided by International Paper to Sylvamo include, but are not limited to: (i) information technology; (ii) finance; (iii) operations support and planning; (iv) facility access and services comparable to such access and services currently provided in certain locations; (v) legal consultation resources; (vi) knowledge transfer and other services with respect to sourcing; and (vii) supply chain services. Services to be provided by Sylvamo to International Paper include tax and accounting services for the French packaging business and environmental process management services.

The charges for the transition services are expected to allow the providing company to fully recover the allocated direct costs of providing the services, plus all out-of-pocket costs and expenses, generally without profit during the initial 12-month term of the services.

The services provided under the transition services agreement will generally commence on the Distribution Date and expire at various times to be specified in the agreement, but not exceeding 12 months following the Distribution Date. The receiving party may terminate certain specified services by giving prior written notice to the provider of such services. The receiving party may also extend any service for a maximum period of three months following the end of the term to the extent such service is required beyond the initial term. We anticipate that we will generally be in a position to complete transition of more services within 12 months following the Distribution Date. Services under the transition services agreement cannot be extended beyond 15 months following the Distribution Date.

The liabilities of each party providing services under the transition services agreement will generally be limited to the aggregate fees actually paid to International Paper by Sylvamo during the term pursuant to the transition services agreement.

Tax Matters Agreement

In connection with the separation and distribution, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a tax matters agreement that will govern the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to

 

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taxes (including responsibility for taxes, entitlement to refunds, allocation of tax attributes, preparation of tax returns, control of tax contests, and other tax matters).

Under the tax matters agreement, International Paper generally will be responsible for all U.S. federal, state or foreign taxes imposed on, measured by or calculated with respect to income or net worth and any other franchise or similar taxes imposed on or payable by International Paper or any member of its Group (including any such taxes due and owing on any consolidated, combined or unitary tax return that is required to be filed by International Paper or any member of its Group), and Sylvamo generally will be responsible for all U.S. federal, state or foreign taxes imposed on, measured by or calculated with respect to income or net worth and any other franchise or similar taxes imposed on or payable by Sylvamo or one or more members of its Group (other than taxes due and owing on any consolidated, combined or unitary return for which International Paper is responsible), except (1) special rules will apply with respect to certain taxes imposed in connection with the separation and distribution, (2) Sylvamo will be responsible for certain taxes specifically allocated to Sylvamo under the tax matters agreement, (3) Sylvamo will be responsible for taxes resulting from any breach of certain representations or covenants made by Sylvamo, as applicable, in the tax matters agreement or other separation-related agreements, (4) International Paper will be responsible for certain taxes specifically allocated to International Paper under the tax matters agreement and (5) International Paper will be responsible for taxes resulting from any breach of covenant made by International Paper, as applicable, in the tax matters agreement or other separation-related agreements.

The tax matters agreement will provide special rules that allocate tax liabilities in the event either (1) the distribution, together with certain related transactions, fails to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code or (2) certain internal separation transactions that are intended to qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free fail to so qualify. Under the tax matters agreement, each party generally will be responsible for any taxes and related amounts imposed on International Paper or Sylvamo as a result of the failure to so qualify, to the extent that the failure to so qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to such party’s respective stock, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant covenants made by that party in the tax matters agreement.

In addition, the tax matters agreement will impose certain restrictions on Sylvamo and its subsidiaries during the two-year period following the distribution that will be intended to prevent either of the distributions, together with certain related transactions, from failing to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. Specifically, during such period, except in specific circumstances, Sylvamo and its subsidiaries will generally be prohibited from (1) ceasing to conduct certain businesses, (2) entering into certain transactions or series of transactions pursuant to which all or a portion of the shares of Sylvamo common stock would be acquired or all or a portion of certain assets of Sylvamo and its subsidiaries would be acquired, (3) liquidating or merging or consolidating with any other person, (4) issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds, (5) repurchasing Sylvamo stock other than in certain open-market transactions or (6) taking or failing to take any other action that would cause the distribution, together with certain related transactions, to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code or for other applicable non-U.S. income tax purposes. Further, the tax matters agreement will impose similar restrictions on Sylvamo’s subsidiaries during the two-year period following the distribution that are intended to prevent certain transactions undertaken as part of the internal reorganization from failing to qualify as transactions that are generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code or for applicable non-U.S. income tax purposes.

The tax matters agreement also allocates liability for any and all taxes, interest, penalties or legal charges imposed by any Brazilian governmental authority resulting from the Brazil Tax Dispute (the “Brazil Income Tax Liabilities”). If a tax amnesty program is enacted prior to the distribution date and International Paper decides to participate in the amnesty program prior to the distribution date, International Paper would pay 100% of the liability up to $180 million, Sylvamo would pay up to the next $60 million of the liability and International Paper would pay 100% of any liability over $240 million. Unless International Paper decides to resolve the Brazil Tax Dispute prior to the date of the distribution (including by becoming party to an applicable amnesty program),

 

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International Paper will pay 60%, and Sylvamo will pay 40%, on up to $300 million of the Brazil Income Tax Liabilities (equivalent to a total cap on Sylvamo payments of $120 million), and International Paper will pay all amounts of the Brazil Income Tax Liabilities over $300 million. If any of the surety bonds provided by IP Brasil are drawn to pay any Brazil Income Tax Liabilities in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute and International Paper has indemnified the provider of such surety bonds and reimburses the surety bond providers for such amounts, Sylvamo will be required to pay International Paper an amount equal to 40% of up to $300 million of the amounts so reimbursed by International Paper. After the distribution, all decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to the Brazil Tax Dispute, including as to strategy, settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will continue to be made by International Paper. International Paper’s right to be reimbursed will be junior (but not subordinated) to Sylvamo’s existing and future senior secured indebtedness, including the credit agreements expected to be entered into prior to the distribution. International Paper has agreed that after the distribution it will continue to indemnify the provider of the surety bonds during the pendency of the appeal in the Brazilian federal court, for which Sylvamo will pay International Paper an annual guarantee fee calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on 40% of up to $300 million of the face amount of the surety bond, which face amount was $351 million as of June 30, 2021. International Paper has agreed to reimburse Sylvamo for 60% of the premium paid to the surety bond providers with a face amount of up to $300 million and 100% of any incremental premium attributable to the portion of such surety bonds that exceeds $300 million. In the event that International Paper is required to post collateral to secure its obligations under the surety bonds, the guarantee fee will terminate, and Sylvamo will pay International Paper a collateral fee calculated at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3% based on 40% of up to $300 million of the fair market value of the collateral unless Sylvamo elects to post collateral in satisfaction of 40% of up to $300 million of the liability, in which case the collateral fee shall be zero.

Employee Matters Agreement

In connection with the distribution, we will enter into an employee matters agreement with International Paper that addresses the treatment of employees and former employees of the Printing Papers business with respect to their participation in employee benefit plans that currently exist or that Sylvamo intends to establish in connection with the separation and distribution. The employee matters agreement also allocates responsibility for employment-related liabilities associated with persons who have performed services for the Printing Papers business and addresses certain other employment and compensation matters, including the treatment of the collective bargaining agreements pertaining to persons who will become our employees.

Transfer of Employment and Assumption of Liabilities; Collective Bargaining Agreements

Prior to the distribution, Sylvamo will either offer employment to each employee working in the Printing Papers business, or otherwise cause the employment of each such Printing Papers employee to transfer to Sylvamo (including pursuant to automatic employment transfers under applicable non-U.S. law), except those specifically designated to remain with International Paper. In general, Sylvamo will assume all employment-related liabilities related to transferred Printing Papers employees and all non benefit plan-related employment liabilities for former Printing Papers employees, and International Paper will assume or retain all employment-related liabilities related to its retained employees and benefit plan-related liabilities for former employees of the Printing Papers business. However, International Paper will reimburse Sylvamo for payments made under certain U.S. non-qualified retirement plans, as set forth below, and an International Paper affiliate will continue to provide coverage for certain U.S. worker’s compensation claims of Printing Papers employees. As described below, Sylvamo will also assume certain benefit plan-related liabilities related to former Printing Papers employees outside the United States in accordance with the requirements of applicable law. At or prior to the distribution, Sylvamo will assume obligations and contractual commitments under existing collective bargaining agreements covering employees of the Printing Papers business. The employee matters agreement provides that, for the 18-month period following the initial transfer of U.S.-based Printing Papers employees to Sylvamo (which is anticipated to occur one month prior to the distribution), neither Sylvamo nor International Paper may solicit or hire the other’s employees, subject to specified customary exceptions and any limitations imposed by applicable law.

 

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Continuation of Compensation and Benefits

Upon the transfer of employment, transferring Printing Papers employees will generally cease active participation in International Paper’s employee benefit plans and commence participation in Sylvamo employee benefit plans. For a period of one year following the distribution, Sylvamo shall provide each transferred employee of the Printing Papers business with, at a minimum, the same rate of base salary and the same target annual bonus opportunity that were provided prior to the transfer and employee benefits under employee benefit plans of Sylvamo that include health insurance, a tax-qualified defined contribution retirement plan and paid time off. Any new plans established by Sylvamo will generally provide each transferred employee with credit for all service, compensation and any other factors affecting benefit determinations that were recognized under the corresponding International Paper benefit plan to the same extent as such International Paper plan. Sylvamo must establish a U.S. qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plan and a U.S. qualified and non-qualified defined contribution savings plan, each of which will provide benefits to transferred employees in the U.S. that are substantially identical to the corresponding International Paper benefit plan in effect prior to the initial transfer of employment of Printing Papers employees to Sylvamo. Compensation and benefits for non-U.S. Printing Papers employees will also be provided in accordance with the requirements of applicable law.

Retirement Plans

Sylvamo’s qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan will accept all liabilities relating to transferred Printing Papers employees under the corresponding International Paper pension plan. As soon as administratively practical following the distribution, the International Paper pension plan will transfer cash to Sylvamo’s pension plan in an amount equal to the present value of the accrued benefit liabilities the Sylvamo pension plan assumed on the date such Printing Papers employees transfer to Sylvamo. Sylvamo shall also assume, under its non-qualified U.S. defined benefit pension plan, all liabilities relating to transferred Printing Papers business employees under the corresponding International Paper pension plan. International Paper shall be responsible for reimbursing Sylvamo, on a net-after tax basis, for payments made under such plan to the extent of each such transferred employee’s entitlements under the corresponding International Paper plan as of the date the employee transfers to Sylvamo. Outside of the United States, Sylvamo shall assume all International Paper plans providing pension or retirement benefits to Printing Papers employees, except for certain non-transferring Printing Papers employees working in Italy and Spain, where International Paper shall retain responsibility for all such plans. Any assets or liabilities transferred or assumed in connection with U.S. defined benefit pension plans shall be calculated and certified in accordance with the employee matters agreement, and asset and liabilities transfers outside the United States shall be effected in accordance with applicable local law.

From and after the date that transferred Printing Papers employees transfer to Sylvamo, Sylvamo will have established a qualified defined contribution savings plan that will accept a transfer of all account balances of transferred Printing Papers employees in the United States from the corresponding International Paper savings plans, including the transfer of any participant loans outstanding under such plans. Sylvamo shall also establish and maintain a non-qualified defined contribution savings plan for such transferring employees who participated in the corresponding International Paper non-qualified defined contribution savings plan and shall assume under such Sylvamo plan all liabilities for such transferring employees under such corresponding International Paper plan. International Paper shall be responsible for reimbursing Sylvamo, on a net-after tax basis, for payments made under Sylvamo’s non-qualified savings plan to the extent of each such transferred employee’s entitlements under the corresponding International Paper plan as of the date the employee transfers to Sylvamo.

Cash and Equity Incentive Compensation Plans

In connection with the distribution, equity-based awards granted by International Paper prior to the separation will be treated as described below.

PSP Awards. Effective as of the distribution, the number of shares of International Paper common stock subject to each outstanding performance share plan (“PSP”) award, including reinvested dividends, held by a

 

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transferring Printing Papers employee will be adjusted to cover a number of shares of International Paper common stock equal to (i) the number of shares covered by such award prior to the distribution multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months of the applicable performance period that have been completed as of the distribution, and the denominator of which is the total number of months in the performance period applicable to such award. Any remaining shares subject to such PSP award shall be cancelled and forfeited as of the date of the distribution. The adjusted PSP award shall remain outstanding and eligible to vest and be paid based on the applicable performance criteria at the same time and on the same terms as if such Printing Papers employee had remained employed by International Paper through the end of the applicable performance period.

Restricted Share Unit and Restricted Stock Awards. Effective as of the distribution, each outstanding award of restricted shares or restricted stock units of International Paper common stock held by a transferring employee of the Printing Papers business will be cancelled and forfeited.

Replacement Awards. Effective as of the distribution, Sylvamo shall grant to each transferred employee of the Printing Papers business who forfeits awards as described above with replacement awards in Sylvamo. For each forfeited PSP award, the holder will be granted a replacement award in Sylvamo shares of equivalent value (as of the distribution) to the shares forfeited under the PSP award, which will be eligible to vest and become payable in three equal installments on each of the three payment dates applicable to the forfeited PSP awards, based solely on the employee’s continued service with Sylvamo through such dates. For each forfeited restricted stock unit or restricted share award that is not settled by International Paper prior to the distribution, the holder will be granted a replacement award in Sylvamo shares of equivalent value (as of the distribution) to the shares forfeited under the International Paper restricted share award with terms substantially identical to those of the forfeited award, except that Sylvamo shall replace International Paper for all purposes of such award, including any continued service requirement.

Short Term Incentive Compensation. Within 30 days following the distribution, International Paper shall pay any transferred Printing Papers employee with a title below senior vice president, a cash bonus under International Paper’s Management Incentive Plan, equal to a pro-rated portion of such employee’s target annual incentive opportunity under such plan, based on the number of months prior to the distribution date in the calendar year in which the distribution occurs in which the employee worked 15 days or more. For any transferred Printing Papers employee with a title of senior vice president or higher, International Paper will pay to such employee, at the same time that bonuses are paid to other officers of International Paper, an amount under the Management Incentive Plan that such employee would have been eligible to receive, but pro-rated based on the number of months worked prior to the distribution in the same manner as described in the immediately preceding sentence. Sylvamo is required to maintain the hourly incentive plans and sales incentive plans of International Paper for Printing Papers employees until the first anniversary of the distribution, subject to adjustment, to performance metrics or otherwise, as may be necessary to reflect the distribution.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the distribution, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with International Paper to provide International Paper with registration rights relating to shares of Sylvamo common stock held by International Paper following the distribution. International Paper and its permitted transferees may require us to register under the Securities Act, all or any portion of these shares, a so-called “demand request,” subject to certain limitations and requirements.

International Paper and its permitted transferees will also have “piggyback” registration rights, such that International Paper and its permitted transferees may include their respective shares in any future registrations of Sylvamo equity securities, whether or not that registration relates to a primary offering by Sylvamo or a secondary offering by or on behalf of any of Sylvamo’s stockholders. The demand registration rights and piggyback registration rights will be each subject to market cut-back exceptions.

 

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The registration rights agreement will set forth customary registration procedures. Sylvamo will also agree to indemnify International Paper and its permitted transferees with respect to liabilities resulting from untrue statements or omissions in any registration statement used in any such registration, other than untrue statements or omissions resulting from information furnished to us for use in a registration statement by International Paper or any permitted transferee.

Supply and Offtake Agreements

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into two supply and offtake agreements (the “offtake agreements”), pursuant to which International Paper will continue to produce uncoated freesheet and, in the case of Georgetown, wallboard tape, uncoated bristols and specialty papers at its mills in Selma, Alabama and Georgetown, South Carolina for Sylvamo following the distribution. Sylvamo will purchase these products from International Paper at the total cash costs of the mill for producing each ton of product. Sylvamo will use reasonable best efforts to keep the paper machines at the mills operating at full budgeted capacity and will bear financial responsibility for lack of orders under the offtake agreements.

The term of each offtake agreement will commence on or around the Distribution Date and expire after 10 years. The Riverdale offtake agreement may be terminated early by International Paper effective as early as January 1, 2024 and by Sylvamo effective as early as January 1, 2026, in each case with six months notice. The Georgetown offtake agreement may be terminated early by International Paper effective as early as January 1, 2023 and by Sylvamo effective as early as January 1, 2025, in each case with six months notice. International Paper may also terminate the offtake agreements if orders are less than 80% of budgeted capacity for a period of 60 days.

Corrugated Packaging Purchase Agreement

In connection with the separation, International Paper through its French subsidiary Papeteries d’Espaly SAS, and Sylvamo, through its French subsidiary, will continue their contractual relationship pursuant to an agreement entered into on May 1, 2020 pursuant to which Sylvamo will purchase corrugated boxes produced by International Paper. The agreement contains pricing and minimum order quantity, including the revision formula applicable quarterly. The agreement has an initial term of three years, with renewal by mutual agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2020, Sylvamo paid International Paper €3.9 million.

Corrugated Packaging Supply Agreement

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a Supply Agreement pursuant to which Sylvamo will agree to purchase 100% of its requirements for certain corrugated packaging products, primarily corrugated boxes, from International Paper. The Supply Agreement contains pricing and minimum order quantities, with pricing being subject to quarterly price adjustments based on certain industry pricing indices. The Supply Agreement will have an initial term of three years, with automatic one year renewals that either party may decline with at least 90 days’ notice.

Fiber Purchase Agreement

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a Fiber Purchase Agreement (the “Fiber Agreement”) whereby International Paper will facilitate the sale and delivery of to Sylvamo 100% of Sylvamo’s requirements for hardwood, softwood, roundwood and chips, and fiber fuel at Sylvamo’s mills located in Ticonderoga, New York and Eastover, South Carolina. Sylvamo will pay International Paper a monthly procurement fee for its procurement services. The Fiber Agreement has an initial term of ten years, which may be extended for additional ten years periods upon mutual written agreement of the parties.

 

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Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement (“RMMPA”) pursuant to which International Paper will agree to purchase 100% of certain recyclable commodities that are not consumed in Sylvamo’s own operations, primarily hard white envelope, old corrugated containers, cores and mixed paper. Pricing is primarily based on corresponding regional Fastmarkets RISI indices. The RMMPA will have an initial term of three years, with automatic one year renewals that either party may decline with notice.

Tax-Exempt Bond Agreement (Eastover)

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a Tax-Exempt Bond Agreement (the “Eastover TEBA”) pursuant to which Sylvamo will agree to use certain assets at the Eastover mill that were financed with proceeds of tax-exempt bonds (the “Eastover Bonds”) in a qualifying manner and to assist International Paper in connection with any audit of the Eastover Bonds. The Eastover TEBA will remain in effect while the Eastover Bonds are outstanding.

Tax-Exempt Bond Agreement (Ticonderoga)

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a Tax-Exempt Bond Agreement (the “Ticonderoga TEBA”) pursuant to which Sylvamo will agree to use certain assets at the Ticonderoga Mill that were financed with proceeds of tax-exempt bonds (the “Ticonderoga Bonds”) in a qualifying manner and to assist International Paper in connection with any audit of the Ticonderoga Bonds. The Ticonderoga TEBA will remain in effect while the Ticonderoga Bonds are outstanding.

Temporary Occupancy Agreement

In connection with the separation, Sylvamo will enter into a short-term temporary occupancy agreement with International Paper for approximately 40,493 square feet of office space at the current International Paper headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. The agreement will begin September 1, 2021, and Sylvamo will pay rent in the amount of $180,666.67 per month, and the agreement term will be approximately seven months, or until the new Sylvamo headquarters is ready for occupancy.

La Mirada, California Lease

In connection with the separation, Sylvamo will enter into a three-year lease agreement with International Paper with respect to an approximately 236,069 square foot warehouse in La Mirada, California.

Intellectual Property Licenses

In connection with the separation, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a number of license agreements that will provide to each other ongoing rights to use, under specified conditions, certain intellectual property following the separation.

We will enter into a Retained Intellectual Property License Agreement, Retained Copyright License Agreement and Retained Know-How and Technology License Agreement that will grant Sylvamo a perpetual and non-exclusive license to use certain patents (and the know-how associated therewith), copyrights and general know-how and technology, respectively, owned by or licensed to International Paper.

In addition, we will enter into a Transferred Intellectual Property License Agreement that will grant International Paper a perpetual and non-exclusive license to use certain patents (and the know-how associated therewith) owned by Sylvamo to make, have made, sell, offer to sell, import and export products and services.

 

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Under a Transitional Trademark License Agreement, Sylvamo will receive a non-exclusive license, to use the “International Paper” name, subject to certain quality control provisions, (i) on finished product inventory or packaging materials, existing as of the separation or manufactured by Sylvamo thereafter, for a period of either six (6) or twelve (12) months depending on the products, and (ii) to otherwise transition off of the use of such name, for a period of six (6) months.

Brazil Payment Agreement

In connection with the separation, a subsidiary of International Paper and a subsidiary of Sylvamo will enter into a letter agreement, pursuant to which the Sylvamo subsidiary will make a payment of $100 million to the International Paper subsidiary if any portion of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations owned by Sylvamo as of the Distribution Date are directly or indirectly transferred, subject to certain exceptions for immaterial transfers. A transfer includes any sale, pledge or transfer of any legal or beneficial interest in the Brazil lands, including any grant of an option or other right or interest or entry into any contract that would result in a reduction or diminution of Sylvamo’s economic ownership in the Brazil lands. A change of control of Sylvamo would also result in the payment becoming due and payable. A U.S. subsidiary of Sylvamo will guarantee this payment obligation to the subsidiary of International Paper.

Trading Prior to the Distribution Date

We expect a “when-issued” market in our common stock to develop as early as two trading days prior to the Record Date for the distribution and continue through the close of trading on the day prior to the Distribution Date. When-issued trading refers to a sale or purchase made conditionally before the Distribution Date because the securities of the spun-off entity have not yet been distributed. If you own shares of International Paper common stock on the Record Date, you will be entitled to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. You may trade this entitlement to receive shares of our common stock, without the shares of International Paper common stock you own, on the when-issued market. We expect when-issued trades of our common stock to settle within three trading days after the Distribution Date. On the Distribution Date, we expect that when-issued trading of our common stock will end and “regular-way” trading will begin.

We also anticipate that, as early as two trading days prior to the Record Date and continuing through the close of trading on the day prior to the Distribution Date, there will be two markets in International Paper common stock: a “regular-way” market and an “ex-distribution” market. Shares of International Paper common stock that trade on the regular-way market will trade with an entitlement to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. Shares that trade on the ex-distribution market will trade without an entitlement to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. Therefore, if you sell shares of International Paper common stock in the regular-way market up to and continuing through the close of trading on the day prior to the Distribution Date, you will be selling your right to receive shares of our common stock in the distribution. However, if you own shares of International Paper common stock on the Record Date and sell those shares in the ex-distribution market up to and continuing through the close of trading on the day prior to the Distribution Date, you will still receive the shares of our common stock that you would otherwise be entitled to receive in the distribution.

Following the Distribution Date, we expect shares of our common stock to be listed on the NYSE under the trading symbol “SLVM”. If when-issued trading occurs, the listing for our common stock is expected to be under a trading symbol different from our regular-way trading symbol. We will announce our when-issued trading symbol when and if it becomes available. If the distribution does not occur, all when-issued trading will be null and void.

Listing and Trading of the Shares of Sylvamo Common Stock

As of the date of this information statement, we are a wholly-owned subsidiary of International Paper and, accordingly, there is currently no public market for our common stock, although a “when-issued” market in our common stock may develop on or shortly before the Record Date. See “—Trading Prior to the Distribution Date”

 

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above for an explanation of a “when-issued” market. We have applied to list our shares of common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SLVM”.

We cannot assure you as to the price at which our common stock will trade before, on or after the Distribution Date, and the price at which such stock trades may fluctuate significantly. In addition, the combined trading prices of International Paper common stock and Sylvamo common stock following the distribution may be less than, equal to or greater than the current trading price of International Paper common stock. There can be no assurance that, following the distribution, the combined trading prices of International Paper common stock and Sylvamo common stock will equal or exceed what the trading price of International Paper common stock would have been in the absence of the distribution. See “Risk Factors— Risks Relating to Our Common Stock.”

Shares of Sylvamo common stock distributed to International Paper’s shareholders will be freely transferable, except for such shares that are distributed to persons who are considered our affiliates. Individuals or entities may be deemed to be affiliates of Sylvamo if they control, are controlled by, or are under common control with, Sylvamo, as those terms generally are interpreted for U.S. federal securities law purposes. These persons may include certain or all of our directors, officers and significant shareholders. In addition, individuals who are affiliates of International Paper on the Distribution Date may be deemed to be affiliates of Sylvamo. Individuals who are our affiliates, or are deemed our affiliates, will be permitted to sell their shares of Sylvamo common stock only pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act, such as those afforded by Section 4(a)(1) of the Securities Act or Rule 144 thereunder.

Conditions to the Distribution

We expect that the distribution will be effective on the Distribution Date, provided that the conditions described below have been satisfied or waived by International Paper:

 

   

the SEC having declared effective the Form 10, of which this information statement forms a part, and the Form 10 shall not be the subject of any stop order or any legal, administrative, arbitral or other action, suit, investigation, proceeding, complaint, indictment or litigation by the SEC seeking a stop order;

 

   

this information statement shall have been sent or otherwise made available to International Paper shareholders;

 

   

International Paper shall have received an opinion from a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel satisfactory to it or a private letter ruling from the IRS, regarding the qualification of the Distribution as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Section 355 of the Code;

 

   

the completion of the internal reorganization, the contribution by International Paper to Sylvamo of certain of the entities and the related assets and liabilities associated with International Paper’s Printing Papers business as described herein;

 

   

the receipt by International Paper’s board of directors of customary solvency and surplus opinions of a nationally recognized investment banking or appraisal firm;

 

   

the actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable U.S. federal, U.S. state or other securities laws or blue sky laws and the rules and regulations thereunder shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted;

 

   

International Paper’s and Sylvamo’s execution of the separation and distribution agreement, the tax matters agreement, the transition services agreement, the employee matters agreement, the registration rights agreement and all ancillary agreements relating to the distribution;

 

   

the absence of any order issued by any governmental authority of competent jurisdiction or other legal impediment preventing or making illegal the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or any of the transactions related thereto;

 

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Sylvamo’s common stock having been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

   

Sylvamo’s entry into the financing arrangements and incurrence of at least $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of new indebtedness pursuant thereto;

 

   

the receipt by International Paper of the proceeds from the Special Payment; and

 

   

no other events or developments shall exist or shall have occurred that, in the judgment of the board of directors of International Paper, in its sole and absolute discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation, the distribution or the transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement or any ancillary agreement.

The fulfillment of the above conditions will not create any obligation on International Paper’s part to effect the distribution. International Paper, in its sole and absolute discretion, will determine the terms of, and whether to proceed with, the distribution and, to the extent it determines to proceed, determine the Record Date and Distribution Date.

Regulatory Approval

Apart from the registration under U.S. federal securities laws of the Sylvamo common stock to be distributed in the distribution and related stock exchange listing requirements, we do not believe that any other material governmental or regulatory filings or approvals will be necessary to consummate the distribution.

No Appraisal Rights

International Paper shareholders will not have appraisal rights in connection with the distribution.

 

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FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS

Senior Secured Credit Facilities

In connection with the the distribution, we expect to enter into a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other financial institutions and lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”), providing for senior secured credit facilities comprised of (i) a $450.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), (ii) a $450.0 million term loan “B” facility (the “Term Loan B Facility”) and (iii) a $520.0 million term loan “F” facility (the “Term Loan F Facility” and together with the Term Loan B Facility, the “Term Loan Facilities; and the Term Loan Facilities, together with the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Senior Secured Credit Facilities”).

The principal terms of our Senior Secured Credit Facilities are anticipated to be as summarized in the foregoing paragraph and below. However, the parties and principal amounts set forth in the foregoing paragraph and the applicable interest rates and other terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities described below may not be definitively determined until shortly before our entry into the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and may differ from those described, depending on market conditions and other factors.

General

The Term Loan B Facility is expected to mature on the seven-year anniversary of the signing date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The Term Loan F Facility is expected to mature on the six-year anniversary of the signing date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to mature on the five-year anniversary of the signing date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. In addition, however, we expect the Credit Agreement will provide the right upon the request of the Company and without the consent of any other lender (i) for individual lenders under each of the Term Loan Facilities, to extend the maturity date of their loans under the applicable Term Loan Facility and (ii) for individual lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility, to extend the commitment expiration date of their portion of the commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility is expected to include a sub-facility of $100.0 million for standby and commercial letters of credit and a sub-facility of $25.0 million for swing line loans. Loans under the Revolving Credit Facility may be requested to be drawn and repaid in U.S. dollars and, with respect to up to 50% of the commitments thereunder, drawn and repaid in euros and, subject to certain conditions including the approval of the administrative agent and all lenders thereunder, drawn and repaid in certain other requested currencies.

Subject to certain conditions, without the consent of the then existing lenders (but subject to the receipt of commitments), we expect that the Term Loan Facilities and the Revolving Credit Facility may be expanded (or a new term loan facility added) by up to (i) the greater of (x) $ 250.0 million and (y) an amount equal to 50% of consolidated EBITDA plus (ii) the principal amount of certain voluntary repayments of the loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (with, in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, accompanying permanent commitment reductions) and open market purchases (which if made below par, will be given credit at the purchase price) plus (iii) an unlimited amount as will not cause the pro forma consolidated secured leverage ratio after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional amount and any use of proceeds thereof to exceed a specified consolidated secured leverage ratio. Amounts available pursuant to clause (iii) of the preceding sentence may be utilized prior to amounts under clauses (i) and (ii).

Subject to our agreement that the proceeds of the Term Loan F Facility are used solely to finance new or refinance previous investments (which financing or refinancing may take the form of a distribution to International Paper) that allow our and our subsidiaries’ pulp and paper mills to generate electric power from renewable energy sources (namely, energy conversion systems fueled by biomass) and to use the renewable power for their operations, the loans under the Term Loan Facilities are expected to be incurred prior to the consummation of the distribution, and the proceeds of the Term Loan B Facility may be used to finance, in part, the Special Payment, and to pay certain fees and expenses relating to the Transactions. The loans under the

 

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Revolving Credit Facility (i) are expected to be incurred prior to the consummation of the distribution in an amount not exceeding $100.0 million to finance, in part, the Special Payment, with additional loan proceeds in excess of $100.0 million available to be incurred to pay certain fees and expenses relating to the Transactions and (ii) may be used after consummation of the distribution for working capital and for other general corporate purposes. Letters of credit may be issued on and after the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities.

Interest Rates and Fees

The loans under the Term Loan B Facility will bear interest at an annual rate equal to (i) LIBOR plus an applicable margin, or (ii) the base rate (which will be the highest of (x) the base rate established by the administrative agent as its prime rate in effect from time to time, (y) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% per annum and (z) one-month LIBOR (adjusted for maximum reserves) plus 1.00% per annum) plus an applicable margin. The loans under the Term Loan B Facility are expected to be subject to a LIBOR “floor” of 0.50%.

The loans under the Term Loan F Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to bear interest at an annual rate equal to (i) LIBOR (or in the case of euro denominated loans, EURIBOR) plus an applicable margin initially expected to be set at 1.90% with respect to the Term Loan F Facility and 1.75% with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility or (ii) other than in the case of non-U.S. dollar denominated loans, the base rate (which will be the highest of (x) the base rate established by the administrative agent as its prime rate in effect from time to time, (y) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% per annum and (z) one-month LIBOR (adjusted for maximum reserves) plus 1.00% per annum) plus an applicable margin initially expected to be set at 0.90% with respect to the Term Loan F Facility and 0.75% with respect to the Revolving Credit Facility. The loans under the Term Loan F Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to be subject to a LIBOR “floor” of 0.00%. Following the delivery of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter completed after the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, interest rate spreads under the Term Loan F Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility are expected to be determined by reference to a leveraged-based pricing grid.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under our Senior Secured Credit Facilities, we are required to pay customary agency fees, letter of credit fees and a commitment fee in respect of the unutilized commitments under the Revolving Credit Facility that is initially expected to be set at 0.275% and, following the delivery of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter completed after the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, such commitment fee to be determined by reference to a leverage-based pricing grid. We also expect to be required to pay certain ticking fees in respect of the commitments under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities prior to the earlier of the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and termination of applicable commitments thereunder.

We expect that we will have the option to amend the Revolving Credit Facility to establish environmental, social and governance targets which will be used to adjust pricing under the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to parameters to be set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Prepayments

The Term Loan Facilities are expected to be subject to mandatory prepayment and reduction in an amount equal to (a) for each of our fiscal years (commencing with our fiscal year ending December 31, 2022), 75% of excess cash flow (to be defined in the Credit Agreement) for such fiscal year, with a reduction to 50% of excess cash flow based upon achievement of a consolidated total leverage ratio of less than 3.50 to 1.00, 25% of excess cash flow based upon achievement of a consolidated total leverage ratio of less than 3.00 to 1.00 and a further reduction to zero based upon achievement of a consolidated total leverage ratio of less than 2.50 to 1.00, in each case as calculated as of the last day of the applicable fiscal year, (b) 100% of the net cash proceeds received from the incurrence of indebtedness by us or any of our restricted subsidiaries (other than indebtedness permitted under the Credit Agreement, excluding certain specified refinancing indebtedness), and (c) subject to a threshold, 100% of the net cash proceeds of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property by us or

 

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any of our restricted subsidiaries (including certain insurance and condemnation proceeds), and subject to our and our restricted subsidiaries’ right to reinvest such proceeds within a specified period of time, and other exceptions to be set forth in the Credit Agreement. Any such prepayments shall be applied pro rata among the Term Loan Facilities.

If at any time the sum of the outstanding revolving credit loans under the Revolving Credit Facility (including revolving loans, letters of credit outstanding and swing line borrowings thereunder) exceeds the total amount of lenders’ revolving commitments thereunder, prepayments of revolving loans and/or swing line borrowings and/or cash collateralization of letters of credit will be required in an amount equal to such excess.

Voluntary prepayments of borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be permitted at any time, in minimum principal amounts to be set forth in the Credit Agreement, subject to reimbursement of the lenders’ breakage and redeployment costs actually incurred in the case of a prepayment of adjusted LIBOR or EURIBOR borrowings. Prior to the date that is twelve months after the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, we expect certain voluntary prepayments of the Term Loan B Facility to be subject to a 1.0% “soft call” premium.

We are required to make quarterly payments under each of the Term Loan B Facility and the Term Loan F Facility on the last business day of the first full fiscal quarter ending after the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and each subsequent fiscal quarter thereafter, equal in each case to 0.625% (increasing after the fourth quarterly payment to 1.25%) of the original principal amount of the loans made on the initial funding date under such Term Loan Facility, with the balance due and payable on the maturity date of such Term Loan Facility.

Guarantee; Security

We expect that all of our obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and our and our restricted subsidiaries’ obligations under certain treasury management, interest protection or other hedging arrangements will be guaranteed by us and, subject to certain exclusions, each current and future, direct and indirect, wholly-owned restricted subsidiary that is organized under the laws of (x) a U.S jurisdiction and (y) certain additional jurisdictions including Luxembourg, Brazil, Finland and, subject to certain conditions, Belgium (the “Approved Jurisdictions”).

All of our and each guarantor’s obligations are expected to be secured by a perfected first priority security interest in (x) substantially all of our and the subsidiary guarantors’ (excluding guarantors organized under the laws of Brazil) present and after-acquired tangible and intangible assets, including a pledge of all of the capital stock of any subsidiary held directly by us or any such subsidiary guarantors, such pledge of capital stock limited to 65% of the voting capital stock and 100% of the non-voting capital stock of each subsidiary held directly that (i) is a “controlled foreign corporation” within the meaning of Section 957(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (a “CFC”) (other than CFCs organized in an Approved Jurisdiction), or (ii) has no material assets other than equity interests (or equity interests and indebtedness) of one or more CFCs (other than CFCs organized in an Approved Jurisdiction), and (y) all capital of any subsidiary directly held by any of the guarantors organized under the laws of Brazil.

Covenants, Representations and Warranties

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are expected to contain customary representations and warranties and customary affirmative and negative covenants. The negative covenants will, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, limit our and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness, guarantees or other contingent obligations;

 

   

incur liens;

 

   

pay dividends, redeem stock or make other distributions in respect of capital stock;

 

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make investments, loans and acquisitions;

 

   

amend, prepay, redeem or purchase subordinated, junior lien or unsecured debt for borrowed money;

 

   

transfer or sell assets;

 

   

change the nature of our business;

 

   

engage in transactions with affiliates;

 

   

create restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends to us or make other intercompany transfers;

 

   

make negative pledges;

 

   

enter into sale and leaseback transactions; and

 

   

amend organizational documents or the definitive documentation related to the Spin-Off.

With respect to our Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan F Facility, we will also be required to comply with a minimum consolidated interest charge coverage ratio of 3.00 to 1.00 and a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of 4.25 to 1.00, stepping down to 4.00 to 1.00 following the third fiscal quarter after the Applicable First Testing Quarter (as defined below), and with a further step down to 3.50 to 1.00 on and after the second anniversary of the signing date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities if and so long as certain conditions related to our potential liability in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute have not been satisfied. These financial maintenance covenants are to be tested on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning with the fiscal quarter during which the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities occurs, or, to the extent such initial funding date occurs after the first 45 days of such fiscal quarter, the next fiscal quarter (such fiscal quarter, the “Applicable First Testing Quarter”). In addition, until certain conditions related to our potential liability in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute have been satisfied, our ability to make certain restricted payments will be capped at an annual amount equal to $25 million, which amount shall be increased to $50 million in any calendar year if our pro forma consolidated total leverage ratio is below 2.50:1.00 and $75 million in any calendar year if our pro forma consolidated total leverage ratio is below 2.00:1.00.

Events of Default

The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are expected to contain certain events of default, subject to customary thresholds, notices and grace periods, including nonpayment of principal when due, nonpayment of interest or other amounts, inaccuracy of representations or warranties in any material respect, violation of covenants, cross-default to other material debt, certain bankruptcy or insolvency events, inability to pay debts, certain ERISA events, certain material judgments, actual or asserted invalidity of material guarantees and certain other loan documents or security interests, a change of control, failure to consummate the Spin-Off within two business days of the initial funding date of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and the failure by International Paper to reimburse or pay (or procure payment of) certain minimum payments that may be made in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations— Our business is subject to a wide variety of laws, regulations and other government requirements that may change in significant ways, and the cost of compliance with such requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.”

Senior Notes

On August 20, 2021, we priced $450 million in aggregate principal amount of our 7.000% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “Senior Notes”) to be issued under the Indenture, to be entered into on September 3, 2021 (the “Base Indenture”), among Sylvamo, International Paper and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee (the “Trustee”). The offering is expected to close, and the Senior Notes are expected to be issued on September 3, 2021, subject to customary closing conditions. Prior to the distribution, the Base Indenture will be

 

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supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture” and, together with the Base Indenture, the “Indenture”), among Sylvamo, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and the Trustee, pursuant to which the subsidiary guarantors will become party to the Indenture.

Interest on the Senior Notes will accrue at the rate of 7.000% per annum and will be payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1, commencing on March 1, 2022.

Ranking

The Senior Notes are our senior unsecured obligations. The Senior Notes rank senior in right of payment to our subordinated indebtedness; rank equally in right of payment with all of our existing and future senior indebtedness, including the indebtedness to be incurred under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and any future senior secured credit facility; are effectively subordinated to our secured senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and any future senior secured credit facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such indebtedness; and are structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of any of our non-guarantor subsidiaries (other than indebtedness and liabilities owed to us or one of our subsidiary guarantors).

Guarantees

The Senior Notes will be initially guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by International Paper. Upon the completion of the spin-off on the Distribution Date, the International Paper Guarantee will terminate and be automatically and unconditionally released and discharged.

The Senior Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the subsidiary guarantors, which are expected to become guarantors prior to the consummation of the distribution. Each subsidiary guarantee is a senior unsecured obligation of such subsidiary guarantor. Each subsidiary guarantee ranks senior in right of payment to all subordinated obligations of the subsidiary guarantor; is effectively subordinated to the subsidiary guarantor’s existing secured obligations, including the subsidiary guarantor’s guarantee of obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and any future senior secured credit facility, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such guarantee; ranks equally in right of payment with all of the subsidiary guarantor’s existing and future senior obligations, including the subsidiary guarantor’s guarantee of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and any future senior secured credit facility; and is structurally subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of any non-guarantor subsidiary of the subsidiary guarantor (other than indebtedness and liabilities owed to Sylvamo or one of our subsidiary guarantors). Any subsidiary guarantee of the Senior Notes may be released in certain circumstances.

Special Mandatory Redemption

In the event and upon the earliest of (x) the distribution has not been consummated on or prior to January 4, 2022 (the “Outside Date”), (y) prior to the Distribution Date, the Issuer notifies the Trustee in writing that International Paper will not effect the consummation of the Transaction by the Outside Date or (z) prior to the Distribution Date, the Board of Directors of International Paper has made a public announcement that it has determined not to proceed with the spin-off, then the Company will be required to redeem all outstanding Senior Notes on the special mandatory redemption date at a special mandatory redemption price equal to 100.0% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon (if any) to, but not including, the special mandatory redemption date (subject to the rights of holders of Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date).

Optional Redemption

At any time prior to September 1, 2024, we may on any one or more occasions redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes (including the aggregate principal amount of any additional

 

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securities constituting Senior Notes) issued under the Indenture, at our option, at a redemption price equal to 107.000% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to (but not including) the date of redemption (subject to the rights of holders of Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date), with funds in an aggregate amount equal to the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Sylvamo or any contribution to Sylvamo’s common equity capital made with the net cash proceeds of one or more equity offerings by Sylvamo’s direct or indirect parent; provided that: (1) at least 50% of the aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes originally issued under the Indenture (including the aggregate principal amount of any additional securities constituting Senior Notes issued under the Indenture) remains outstanding immediately after the occurrence of such redemption; and (2) the redemption occurs within 180 days of the date of, and may be conditioned upon, the closing of such equity offering.

The Senior Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at any time prior to September 1, 2024, at the option of Sylvamo, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed plus the applicable make-whole premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, to, the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

On or after September 1, 2024, we may redeem all or a part of the Senior Notes, at our option, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon, if any, on the Senior Notes to be redeemed to the applicable redemption date (subject to the rights of holders of Senior Notes on the relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on September 1 of the years indicated below:

 

Period    Redemption Price  

2024

     103.500

2025

     101.750

2026 and thereafter

     100.000

Change of Control

Upon the occurrence of a change of control, which is defined in the Base Indenture, each holder of the Senior Notes has the right to require us to repurchase some or all of such holder’s Senior Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date.

Covenants

The Indenture contains covenants limiting, among other things, our ability and the ability of most of our subsidiaries to: incur additional indebtedness or issue certain preferred shares; pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our or its capital stock or make investments or other restricted payments; create restrictions on the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends to us or make certain other intercompany transfers; sell certain assets; create liens; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; and enter into certain transactions with its affiliates.

Events of Default

The Indenture will also provide for events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on Senior Notes to become or to be declared due and payable.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We do not expect to declare or pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase our common stock following the distribution, as we intend to use excess cash to reduce outstanding indebtedness. In the future, as we achieve our targeted financial leverage ratio, we anticipate that we will be in a position to return a portion of the cash flow generated by our business to our stockholders through a combination of dividends and stock repurchases, depending on market conditions and subject to approval by our board of directors. The credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facility and the indenture governing our senior notes limit the amount of dividends and share repurchases that we are permitted to make while our indebtedness remains outstanding, including greater restrictions until the Brazil Tax Dispute (as defined below) is resolved. Any payment of dividends or stock repurchase will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon various factors then existing, including earnings, financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, level of indebtedness, covenants contained within agreements governing our indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to payment of dividends or repurchasing stock, our ability to obtain cash or other assets from our subsidiaries, restrictions imposed by applicable law, general business conditions and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our cash and temporary investments and our capitalization as of June 30, 2021 on an historical and pro forma basis to give effect to the separation, the incurrence of debt, the Special Payment and other matters, as discussed in “The Distribution.”

The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and assumptions that management believes are reasonable; however, such adjustments are subject to change based on the finalization of the terms of the separation and the agreements which define our relationship with International Paper after the completion of the separation. In addition, such adjustments are estimates and may not prove to be accurate.

You should read the information in the following table together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements,” and our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement.

We are providing the capitalization table for information purposes only. The capitalization table below may not reflect the capitalization or financial condition that would have resulted had we been operating as an independent, publicly-traded company on June 30, 2021 and is not necessarily indicative of our future capitalization or financial condition.

 

     As of June 30, 2021  

In millions, except per-share amounts

   Actual      Pro Forma
(Unaudited)
 

Cash and temporary investments(1)

   $ 226      $ 121  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Indebtedness(1):

     

Short-term:

     

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

     2        2  

Long-term:

     

Long-term debt

     20        1,522  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total indebtedness

     22        1,524  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Equity:

     

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 200.0 shares authorized and 44.4 shares outstanding, pro forma(2)

     —          44  

Additional paid-in-capital

     —          1,910  

Parent company investment

     3,777        —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,493      (1,493
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     2,284        461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 2,306      $ 1,985  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

We currently estimate that we will have $121 million in cash and temporary investments at separation. Sylvamo expects to enter into new financing arrangements in connection with the distribution consisting of $970 million of term loans, $100 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and $450 million of senior unsecured notes. Sylvamo intends to use the net proceeds from the financing arrangements, together with cash on hand in excess of $100 million, to make the Special Payment to International Paper immediately prior to the distribution. Sylvamo also expects to enter into a $450 million cash flow-based revolving credit facility that will be available for immediate working capital needs and for general corporate purposes. We expect to draw $100 million prior to separation.

(2)

We have estimated the number of outstanding shares of our common stock based on the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding on June 30, 2021 and a distribution ratio of one share of our common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements consist of an unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet as of June 30, 2021 and unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and our audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto, along with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included elsewhere in this information statement. The unaudited pro forma combined balance sheet has been prepared to give effect to the Pro Forma Transactions (as defined below) as though the Pro Forma Transactions had occurred as of June 30, 2021. The unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020 have been prepared to give effect to the Pro Forma Transactions as if the Pro Forma Transactions had occurred or became effective as of January 1, 2020, the beginning of our most recently completed fiscal year. The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements constitute forward-looking information and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. See “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information.”

The unaudited pro forma combined financial statements presented below have been derived from our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement and do not purport to represent what our financial position and results of operations would have been had the separation occurred on the dates indicated and are not necessarily indicative of our future financial position and future results of operations. In addition, the unaudited pro forma combined financial statements are provided for illustrative and informational purposes only. The pro forma adjustments are based on available information and assumptions we believe are reasonable; however, such adjustments are subject to change.

International Paper did not account for us as, and we were not operated as, an independent, publicly-traded company for the periods presented. Our unaudited pro forma combined financial statements have been prepared to reflect adjustments to our historical financial information for the following autonomous entity adjustments and transaction accounting adjustments (the “Pro Forma Transactions”):

 

   

The contribution by International Paper to us of all the assets and liabilities that comprise our business and the retention by International Paper of certain specified assets and liabilities reflected in our historical combined financial statements, in each case, pursuant to the separation;

 

   

The anticipated post-separation capital structure, including: (i) the incurrence of third-party debt and the funding of the Special Payment to International Paper; (ii) the distribution of our common stock to holders of International Paper common stock; and (iii) the resulting elimination of International Paper’s net investment in us; and

 

   

The impact of, and transactions contemplated by, the Separation and Distribution Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Transition Services Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement, Intellectual Property License Agreements, Supply and Offtake Agreements, Corrugated Packaging and Supply Agreement, Global Sourcing Agreement, Recyclable Material Master Purchase Agreement, Fiber Supply Agreement and other agreements related to the separation between us and International Paper and the provisions contained therein. See “The Distribution—Relationships between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution.”

Subject to the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, International Paper will pay all nonrecurring third-party costs and expenses related to the separation and incurred prior to the completion of the separation. Such nonrecurring amounts are expected to include costs to separate and duplicate information technology systems, investment banking, third-party legal and accounting fees and similar costs. After the completion of the separation, subject to the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, all costs and expenses related to the separation incurred by either International Paper or us will be borne by the party incurring the costs and expenses.

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Balance Sheet

As of June 30, 2021

 

In millions at June 30, except per-share amounts

   Historical     Autonomous
Entity
Adjustments
     Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
         Pro Forma  

ASSETS

       

Current Assets

       

Cash and temporary investments

   $ 226     $ —      $ (105   (a)    $ 121  

Accounts and notes receivable (less allowance)

     417       —          —            417  

Related-party receivable

     223       —          (223   (b)      —    

Inventories

     340       —          (28   (c)      312  

Other current assets

     108       —          (1   (c)      107  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     1,314       —          (357        957  

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

     944       —          —            944  

Forestlands

     309       —          —            309  

Goodwill

     147       —          —            147  

Right of Use Assets

     42       —          —            42  

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

     353       —          29     (d)(h)(i)      382  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 3,109     $ —        $ (328      $ 2,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

            

Current Liabilities:

            

Accounts payable

   $ 289     $ —        $ (28   (c)    $ 261  

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

     2       —          —            2  

Accrued payroll and benefits

     65       —          (14   (c)(e)      51  

Related party payable

     43       —          (9   (b)      34  

Other current liabilities

     142       —          (6   (c)(f)      136  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     541       —          (57        484  

Long-Term Debt

     20       —          1,502     (d)      1,522  

Deferred Income Taxes

     166       —          (6   (i)      160  

Other Liabilities

     98       —          56     (f)(g)(h)      154  

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

            

Equity

            

Common stock, $1.00 par value, 200.0 shares authorized and 44.4 shares outstanding, pro forma

     —         —          44     (j)      44  

Additional paid-in-capital

     —         —          1,910     (j)      1,910  

Parent company investment

     3,777       —          (3,777   (j)      —    

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

     (1,493     —          —            (1,493
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total Equity

     2,284       —          (1,823        461  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

   $ 3,109     $ —        $ (328      $ 2,781  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

      

 

 

 

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

In millions for the six months ended June 30, except per-share
amounts

   Historical     Autonomous
Entity
Adjustments
         Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
         Pro Forma  

Net sales

   $ 1,622     $ —          $ —          $ 1,622  

Costs and expenses

              

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested)

     1,050       (21   (k)(l)      —            1,029  

Selling and administrative expenses

     99       21     (k)      —            120  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71       —            —            71  

Distribution expenses

     178       —            —            178  

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

     13       —            —            13  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (29     —            33     (d)      4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     240       —            (33        207  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     63       —       (m)      (8   (m)      55  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 177     $ —          $ (25 )       $ 152  
  

 

 

   

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Pro forma earnings per share of common stock:

              

Basic

               $ 3.40  

Diluted

               $ 3.40  

Pro forma weighted-average shares outstanding:

              

Basic

                 44.5  

Diluted

                 44.5  

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

 

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Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Statement of Operations

Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

In millions for the year ended December 31, except per-share amounts

   Historical     Autonomous
Entity
Adjustments
        Transaction
Accounting
Adjustments
        Pro Forma  

Net sales

   $ 3,009     $ —         $ —         $ 3,009  

Costs and expenses

            

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation,
amortization and cost of timber harvested)

     2,101       (23   (k)(l)     —           2,078  

Selling and administrative expenses

     209       98     (k)     8     (k)     315  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     154       —           —           154  

Distribution expenses

     321       —           —           321  

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

     30       —           —           30  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (4     —           67     (d)     63  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     198       (75       (75       48  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     28       (18   (m)     (18   (m)     (8
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

   $ 170     $ (57     $ (57 )      $ 56  
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

 

Pro forma earnings per share of common stock:

            

Basic

             $ 1.27  

Diluted

             $ 1.27  

Pro forma weighted-average shares outstanding:

            

Basic

               44.6  

Diluted

               44.6  

See Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

 

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Notes to Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements

 

(a)

Reflects adjustments to present an expected cash and temporary investments balance of $121 million at separation, including $21 million to offset the total net unfunded pension liability related to transferred pension plans:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Cash received from borrowings

   $ 1,520  

Special Payment to International Paper

     (1,605

Cash paid for debt issuance costs

     (20
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to cash and temporary investments

   $ (105
  

 

 

 

 

(b)

Reflects a reclassification adjustment to extinguish the related party receivable and related party payable balances with International Paper in connection with the separation, except for a reclassification to accounts payable of $16 million related to inventory purchases from JSC Ilim Group that will be paid in cash on an ongoing basis following the separation, and the establishment of a $34 million related party payable to International Paper related to existing inventory produced by mills owned by International Paper that will be paid in cash after the separation.

The following represents adjustments to related party payable:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Reclassification to additional paid-in-capital

   $ (27

Reclassification to accounts payable

     (16

Establishment of related party payable to International Paper

     34  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to related party payable

   $ (9
  

 

 

 

 

(c)

Reflects the removal of certain current assets and current liabilities that will be retained by International Paper, along with the reclassification of select related party payable balances.

The following represents adjustments to current assets:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Inventories

   $ (28

Other current assets

     (1
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to current assets

   $ (29
  

 

 

 

We expect to purchase this inventory from International Paper beginning in January 2022 for inventory at International Paper’s Riverdale mill and April 2022 for inventory at International Paper’s Georgetown mill, which will be paid for, in each case, in three equal installments.

 

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The following represents adjustments to current liabilities:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Accounts payable, net of reclassification of related party payable

   $ (28

Accrued payroll and benefits

     (8

Other current liabilities

     (3
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to current liabilities

   $ (39
  

 

 

 

 

(d)

Reflects $1.5 billion of borrowings expected to be incurred in connection with the separation, including $1.4 billion of term loans and senior notes, offset by debt issuance costs of $18 million for these borrowings, and $100 million of borrowings related to a five-year cash flow-based revolving credit facility with debt issuance costs of $2 million. We will use substantially all of the borrowings to make the Special Payment to International Paper immediately prior to the distribution. The pro forma combined statements of operations reflect estimated interest expense of $67 million expected to be incurred within the first 12 months following the separation and $33 million expected to be incurred within the subsequent six month period related to the $1.5 billion of long-term debt, amortization of deferred debt issuance costs and an annual fee assessed on the unused portion of the revolving credit facility. We currently estimate the weighted average interest rate to be approximately 4.1%. Interest expense was calculated assuming constant debt levels throughout the period. Interest expense may be higher or lower if the actual interest rate changes or if we prepay debt with excess cash. A 1/8% change to the annual interest rate would change annual interest expense by approximately $1.9 million.

The following represents adjustments to long-term debt:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Cash received from borrowings

   $ 1,520  

Cash paid for debt issuance costs on long-term debt

     (18
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to long-term debt

   $ 1,502  
  

 

 

 

The following represents adjustments to deferred charges and other assets:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Cash paid for debt issuance costs on revolving credit facility

   $ 2  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to deferred charges and other assets

   $ 2  
  

 

 

 

 

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The following represents adjustments to interest (income) expense, net:

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
     Year ended
December 31, 2020
(In millions)
 

Interest expense related to long-term debt

   $ 32      $ 63  

Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs

     1        3  

Annual fee assessed on unused portion of revolving credit facility

     —          1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to interest (income) expense, net

   $ 33      $ 67  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(e)

Reflects an adjustment to remove $6 million in employee-related accrued liabilities for incentive and sales commission programs that are expected to be retained by International Paper.

 

(f)

Reflects an adjustment to remove $6 million related to a deferred liability of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax related to our employees permitted by the Coronavirus, Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), which is expected to be retained by International Paper.

The following accounts were adjusted for the removal of this liability:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Other current liabilities

   $ (3

Other liabilities

     (3
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments

   $ (6
  

 

 

 

 

(g)

Reflects the addition of accrued liabilities of $1 million related to the Brazilian Industrial Packaging business divested by International Paper in October 2020, which are expected to be transferred to us in accordance with the separation.

 

(h)

Reflects the addition of the $10 million net unfunded pension plan liability related to the U.S. Qualified Pension Plan and a $13 million net unfunded pension plan liability related to international pension plans for our active employees participating in these plans, as the net unfunded liabilities will transfer to us in connection with the separation. This adjustment also reflects the addition of $19 million and $16 million of accrued liabilities related to the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Savings Plan and non-qualified Pension Restoration Plan, respectively, as these liabilities will transfer to us in connection with the separation and the addition of $19 million and $16 million of other assets related to the non-qualified Deferred Compensation Savings Plan and non-qualified Pension Restoration Plan, respectively, as International Paper will reimburse us for payments to employees to the extent of the accrued liability as of the separation date. Our participation in these plans was accounted for as multi-employer plans in the unaudited condensed combined financial statements. Accordingly, the related assets and liabilities were not reflected.

 

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The following represents adjustments to other liabilities:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Deferred Compensation Savings Plan

   $ 19  

Pension Restoration Plan

     16  

International pension plans

     13  

U.S. Qualified Pension Plan

     10  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to other liabilities

   $ 58  
  

 

 

 

The following represents adjustments to deferred charges and other assets:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Deferred Compensation Savings Plan

   $ 19  

Pension Restoration Plan

     16  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to deferred charges and other assets

   $ 35  
  

 

 

 

 

(i)

Reflects adjustments to remove a deferred tax asset of $13 million resulting from a historical net operating loss expected to be retained by International Paper and the reclassification of a deferred tax liability of $4 million related to operations in France and add deferred tax assets resulting from the pro forma adjustments herein. Deferred income taxes adjustments reflect an addition of $7 million tax basis in goodwill related to the Brazilian Industrial Packaging business that will be transferred to us in accordance with the separation, the $4 million reclassification and deferred income tax adjustments related to the pro forma adjustments herein. Certain U.S. state tax credits, which have a full valuation allowance, are also expected to be retained by International Paper.

The following represents adjustments to deferred charges and other assets:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Net operating loss deferred tax asset

   $ (13

Reclassification of deferred tax liability

     4  

Deferred tax assets related to international pension plans

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to deferred charges and other assets

   $ (8
  

 

 

 

The following represents adjustments to deferred income taxes:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Industrial Packaging goodwill tax basis

   $ (7

Reclassification of deferred tax liability

     4  

Deferred income tax adjustments, net

     (3
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to deferred income taxes

   $ (6
  

 

 

 

 

(j)

Reflects the reclassification of International Paper’s investment in us, the issuance of common stock, related party balances with International Paper, the estimated Special Payment to International Paper immediately prior to the distribution and the additional net liabilities expected to be transferred to us by International Paper into additional paid-in-capital.

 

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The following represents adjustments to additional paid-in-capital:

 

     As of
June 30, 2021
(In millions)
 

Reclassification of parent company investment

   $ 3,777  

Special Payment to International Paper

     (1,605

Reclassification of related party receivable

     (223

Reclassification of related party payable

     27  

Issuance of common stock

     (44

Net liabilities expected to be transferred to us

     (22
  

 

 

 

Total pro forma adjustments to additional paid-in-capital

   $ 1,910  
  

 

 

 

We have assumed the number of outstanding shares of our common stock based on the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding on June 30, 2021 and a distribution ratio of one share of our common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock.

 

(k)

As an independent, publicly-traded company, we expect to incur certain additional costs, including costs resulting from:

 

   

separation and establishment of Sylvamo as a stand-alone company, including incremental costs related to information technology, supply chain, corporate affairs, legal, finance, human resources and other corporate functions previously shared with International Paper to be incurred on a recurring basis, offset by a decrease in royalty expense related to licensing agreements with International Paper that we do not expect to incur following the separation;

 

   

services to be provided by International Paper under the Transition Services Agreement primarily related to information technology, supply chain, operations and administrative support functions within 12 months following the completion of the separation;

 

   

occupancy agreements related to transitional use of certain International Paper corporate facilities within 12 months following the completion of the separation; and

 

   

one-time expenses primarily related to the separation and establishment of information technology capabilities, professional fees related to stand-alone transition, rebranding and legal fees within 12 months following the completion of the separation.

We expect to incur approximately $103 million of expenses within 12 months following the completion of the separation (including one-time expenses of approximately $55 million that are expected to be incurred within 12 months following the completion of the separation, including $8 million of one-time transaction costs directly attributable to the separation) and approximately $17 million of expenses within the subsequent six month period in addition to corporate and shared costs allocated by International Paper to us in the audited combined statement of operations and unaudited condensed combined statement of operations, respectively. Accordingly, the pro forma combined statements of operations have been adjusted to depict Sylvamo as an autonomous entity and reflect one-time transaction costs expected to be incurred in connection with the separation. The additional expenses have been estimated based on assumptions that management believes are reasonable. However, actual additional costs that will be incurred could be different from the estimates and would depend on several factors, including the economic environment and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology, supply chain, sales and marketing, operations and infrastructure.

 

(l)

Reflects an adjustment to remove $17 million and $20 million of allocated fixed costs related to facility charges recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, that will not be incurred following the separation in accordance with the Supply and Offtake Agreements.

 

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(m)

The pro forma income tax expense adjustments reflect a blended statutory tax rate of 24.3% based on statutory rates by jurisdiction. Management believes the blended statutory tax rate provides a reasonable basis for the pro forma adjustments.

The following summarizes the calculation of our pro forma income tax expense adjustments:

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
    Year ended
December 31, 2020
(In millions)
 

Total autonomous entity adjustments to income (loss) before income taxes

   $ —       $ (75

Blended statutory tax rate

     24.3     24.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total autonomous entity pro forma adjustment to income taxes

   $ —       $ (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

     Six months ended
June 30, 2021

(In millions)
    Year ended
December 31, 2020
(In millions)
 

Total transaction accounting adjustments to income (loss) before income taxes

   $ (33   $ (75

Blended statutory tax rate

     24.3     24.3
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total transaction accounting pro forma adjustment to income taxes

   $ (8   $ (18
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

As reflected in Note 9, Income Taxes, of our audited combined financial statements, there is an income tax provision of $28 million on $198 million of income before taxes, resulting in an effective tax rate of 14% for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our 2020 income tax provision includes a tax benefit of $10 million relating to tax audits and a tax benefit of $5 million relating to the impact of rate differentials on non-U.S. permanent differences and earnings. After including the income tax benefit of the pro forma adjustments above, the pro forma combined statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 reflects an income tax benefit of $(8) million on $48 million of income before taxes, resulting in an effective tax rate of (17)%. We have reflected an income tax benefit following recording of the pro forma autonomous entity adjustments and transaction accounting adjustments as we believe the benefit, including the carryforward (deferred tax asset) expected to be generated by the additional U.S. interest expense, will be realizable based on our forecasts of future taxable income. Going forward, our effective tax rate could be different depending on actual operating results by jurisdiction and the application of enacted tax law to those specific results.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 and the three years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, together with our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and our audited combined financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this information statement, as well as the information presented under “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” and “Business.” This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the sections of this information statement entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements and Information.”

OVERVIEW

On December 3, 2020, International Paper Company (“International Paper“) announced that its Board of Directors had approved a plan to spin-off its Printing Papers segment along with certain coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “business,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) and separate into two distinct publicly-traded companies.

The Company is one of the world’s largest producers of printing and writing papers, manufacturing uncoated freesheet into a variety of papers for business and home use. The business produces papers for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers, and digital imaging. End-use applications include advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. The business also produces a variety of grades that are converted by customers into envelopes, tablets, business forms and file folders. The Company’s products are sold under private labels and Company-owned brand names that include Hammermill®, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark®, Accent®, Great White®, Chamex®, Ballet®, REY® and SvetoCopy®. The business also produces high-quality coated paperboard for a variety of packaging end uses along with paper-grade pulp and Bleached Chemical Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (“BCTMP”).

The Company is organized into three reportable business segments, consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. Uncoated paper, pulp and coated paperboard capacity are presented in short tons.

 

   

North America. The primary product in this segment is uncoated papers, along with market pulp production. Our North American mills, located in the United States (New York and South Carolina), have annual uncoated paper and market pulp production capacity of 975,000 and 115,000 tons, respectively. Our historical operations have been further supported by paper production at International Paper’s North American Riverdale and Georgetown mills. As part of the separation, we expect to enter into offtake agreements with International Paper for 520,000 tons of uncoated freesheet and 160,000 tons of uncoated bristols, a heavier weight paper grade used in products such as file folders. The papers produced in this segment are for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers and digital imaging, which are sold under private labels and such Company brand names as Hammermill®, Springhill, Williamsburg, Accent®, DRM® and Postmark®.

 

   

Latin America. With a presence in Brazil for more than 50 years, our operations focus on uncoated papers through the ownership or management of approximately 250,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil. The system of printing and writing paper production in Brazil consists of three mills, two of which are integrated, with a total annual capacity of approximately 1.1 million tons and also produces an additional 165,000 tons of market pulp annually: two in the State of São Paulo and one in Mato Grosso do Sul. Our Brazilian brands Chamex®, Chamequinho and Chambril are produced exclusively from eucalyptus grown on Company-owned land that is independently certified for sustainable forestry

 

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under the Brazilian National Forest Certification Program (“CERFLOR”) and the Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC”). We expect existing FSC certifications to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

 

   

Europe. Europe produces and offers a broad portfolio of uncoated papers for a multitude of uses and applications, along with coated paperboard and market pulp. We operate two mills in the region: Saillat, France and Svetogorsk, Russia. Located in the Limousin region of France, the Company’s Saillat mill produces both paper and market pulp. It is the only mill in France to cover the entire production process from harvesting to paper and is one of the leading cutsize producers in France. The Saillat mill produces entry-level to high value-added products such as tinted and colored laser printing paper under leading brands REY® Adagio and Pro-Design, as well as graphic and high-speed inkjet printing under the brands Preprint S and Jetstar. We have harvesting rights to approximately 860,000 acres of forestlands in Russia with our Svetogorsk facility being one of the leading paper and pulp mills. It covers some 494 acres on the Karelian Isthmus, and comprises three pulp mills, two papermaking machines, and A3 and A4 cutsize finishing. Our Svetogorsk mill produces high-quality printing paper and pulp products such as BCTMP and a variety of our Ballet® office papers, including Ballet Brilliant, Ballet Premier, Ballet Classic, Ballet Universal and SvetoCopy®. We also produce coated paperboard at our mill in Russia with an annual capacity of 130,000 tons. Our Europe paper and pulp mills have a total annual capacity of approximately 685,000 and 300,000 tons, respectively.

In addition, we present a “Corporate” category for purposes of reconciliation of net sales and operating profit, which is not considered a reportable operating segment.

Components of Results of Operations

Net Sales

Net sales represent gross sales of our printing paper, coated paperboard and pulp products, that are adjusted to reflect estimates for customer rebates, primarily volume rebates, early payment discounts and other customer refunds. Product prices are affected by general economic trends, inventory levels, currency exchange rate movements and worldwide capacity utilization. We expect recent positive pricing trends will benefit Sylvamo in the near term.

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold includes all material, labor and overhead costs incurred in the production process for our products. These costs are impacted by various drivers, the most significant of which include changes in raw material costs, principally wood, pulp and chemical costs, energy costs, mill outage costs, salary and benefits costs and manufacturing conversion costs. Cost of products sold does not include the associated depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested for assets involved in the manufacturing process, as we separately report those expenses in our combined statement of operations. We estimate depreciation and amortization to be approximately $140 million in 2021 and 2022.

Cost of products sold includes allocations of costs for certain centralized functions and programs provided and administered by International Paper. See “Basis of Presentation and Separation from International Paper” below, Note 2 Basis of Combination to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies to our audited combined financial statements for further details on our methodology for allocating these costs. Allocations of expenses from International Paper are not necessarily indicative of future expenses and do not necessarily reflect results that we would have achieved as an independent, publicly-traded company for the periods presented. We estimate that our incremental recurring expenses relating to operating as a separate, publicly traded company will be approximately $15 million per year. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” for more information.

 

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Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses include salary, benefit and travel expenses for selling and administrative employees, real estate and other office expenses for these employees, advertising and other administrative expenses. Selling and administrative expenses are primarily driven by headcount, which impacts related salary, benefit and travel costs.

Selling and administrative expenses include allocations of costs for certain centralized functions and programs provided and administered by International Paper. See “Basis of Presentation and Separation from International Paper” below, Note 2 Basis of Combination to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and Note 2 Significant Accounting Policies to our audited combined financial statements for further details on our methodology for allocating these costs. Allocations of expenses from International Paper are not necessarily indicative of future expenses and do not necessarily reflect results that would have been achieved as an independent, publicly-traded company for the periods presented. We estimate that our incremental recurring expenses relating to operating as a separate, publicly traded company will be approximately $15 million per year. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” for more information.

Distribution Expenses

Distribution expenses principally include outbound freight costs to customers’ destinations and warehouse rental costs. In addition to our sales volumes, distribution expenses are most significantly impacted by changes in transportation costs.

Taxes other than Payroll and Income Taxes

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes include real estate taxes, sales taxes and use taxes, along with excise taxes and duties paid related to energy produced and purchased.

Restructuring and other charges, Net

Restructuring and other charges represent periodic expenses incurred to realign operating capacity, including any related headcount actions.

Interest Income, Net

Interest income, net includes the interest earned on our cash and temporary investment balances and interest expense incurred on our debt obligations, along with interest income related to a Brazilian VAT refund that is explained further below. Our future capital structure will include the addition of third-party debt. This will result in a substantial increase in annual interest expense to approximately $63 million.

Significant Factors and Trends That May Affect Our Results of Operations

Macroeconomic Conditions

The Company’s operating results are typically closely tied to changes in the general economic conditions in North America, Europe and Latin America, as well as general global economic conditions. The Company’s profitability and operating results are dependent on the price of our products and the market price of raw materials (primarily virgin wood fiber, recycled fiber and caustic soda and starch), energy sources and third-party transport of our goods.

Consumer Behavior

Factors that impact the demand for our products include consumer preferences, consumer spending, commercial printing and advertising activity, adoption of electronic mediums, white-collar employment, including the shift to work-from-home during the COVID-19 pandemic, remote schooling and movements in currency exchange rates.

 

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COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Many of these restrictive measures have been lifted or reduced as the number of COVID-19 cases has declined in the United States and various other countries in comparison to earlier levels at the height of the pandemic, and economic conditions have improved. In addition, most of our facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic and at the current time our facilities are generally operational.

Demand for printing papers products, which account for the majority of our net sales, initially was significantly impacted by the pandemic, but has seen a steady increase over the first half of 2021. Our operations have experienced higher supply chain costs and constrained transportation due in part to the impacts of COVID-19. There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of new variants of the virus in many areas globally; additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact; the efficacy and, availability of various vaccines and associated levels of vaccination, as well as the possibility that strains of the virus may be resistant to current available vaccines; and the impact of COVID-19 on unemployment, economic activity and consumer confidence. COVID-19 has significantly adversely affected portions of our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows if public health and/or global economic conditions deteriorate.

Basis of Presentation and Separation from International Paper

Under the plan, International Paper will retain approximately 19.9% of the shares of the Company and would execute a spin-off of the Company in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to International Paper’s shareholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that shareholders receive in lieu of fractional shares, by way of a pro rata distribution of the remaining approximately 80.1% of the common stock of the Company to International Paper’s shareholders of record whereby each holder of International Paper common stock will receive one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper stock held as of the spin-off transaction record date. For additional information, see “The Distribution.” International Paper will dispose of such shares of our common stock that it owns after the distribution in either a registered offering or pursuant to an exemption from registration, which is expected to occur within 12 months of the Distribution Date and will occur no later than five years after the distribution.

We have historically operated as part of International Paper and not as a stand-alone company. The accompanying audited combined financial statements included in this information statement were prepared on a “carve-out” basis in connection with the separation and were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper. These combined financial statements reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented as the Company was historically managed within International Paper. The combined financial statements have been prepared in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”). The combined financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented.

The combined balance sheets include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the International Paper corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to the Company. The combined statements of operations also include expense allocations for certain functions provided by International Paper, including, but not limited to general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, insurance and stock-based compensation. These expenses have been allocated to the Company on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder principally

 

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allocated on the basis of percent of capital employed, headcount or other measures. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, and for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company was allocated $85 million, $78 million, $167 million, $209 million and $203 million, respectively, of such general corporate expenses, which were included within cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations. Management considers the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by the Company during the periods presented. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expenses the Company would have incurred if the Company had been an independent company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been an independent company would depend on several factors, including the organizational structure, whether functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. The Company is unable to determine what such costs would have been had the Company been independent. Following the separation, the Company may perform these functions using its own resources or purchased services. For an interim period following the separation, however, some of these functions will continue to be provided by International Paper under a transition services agreement. Additionally, we will provide some services to International Paper under a transition services agreement. We expect to make payments to International Paper under the transition services agreement of $8 million and $25 million in 2021 and 2022, respectively. We will also enter into certain commercial agreements with International Paper in connection with the separation. See “The Distribution—Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution.”

Following completion of the separation, we expect to incur expenditures to establish certain stand-alone functions and information technology systems and other one-time costs. Recurring stand-alone costs include accounting, financial reporting, tax, regulatory compliance, corporate governance, treasury, legal, internal audit and investor relations functions, as well as the annual expenses associated with running an independent, publicly-traded company including listing fees, board of director fees and external audit costs. We estimate that our incremental recurring expenses relating to operating as a separate, publicly traded company will be approximately $15 million per year. See “Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Financial Statements” for more information.

The Company operates on a calendar year-end. All percentages shown in the tables below and the discussion that follows have been calculated using unrounded numbers.

 

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Results of Operations

The following summarizes our results of operations for the periods presented:

 

     Six Months Ended June 30,     Years Ended December 31,     Percent Change  

In millions

   2021     2020     Percent
Change
    2020     2019     2018     2020     2019  

NET SALES (including sales to a related party of $23, $8 and $19 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively)

   $ 1,622     $ 1,475       10.0     $ 3,009     $ 4,017     $ 4,119       (25.1     (2.5

COSTS AND EXPENSES (including purchases from a related party of $372, $513 and $572 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively)

                

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested shown separately below)

     1,050       1,062       (1.1     2,101       2,638       2,620       (20.3     0.7  

Selling and administrative expenses

     99       100       (1.0     209       262       288       (20.2     (9.1

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71       79       (9.9     154       192       198       (19.8     (2.6

Distribution expenses

     178       156       14.1       321       393       408       (18.3     (3.8

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

     13       12       8.5       30       33       35       (10.1     (5.2

Restructuring and other charges, net

     —         —         —         —         6       4       (100.0     62.3  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (29     (1     2844.6       (4     (9     (7     (57.3     14.4  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     240       67       257.7       198       502       573       (60.5     (12.4

Income tax provision (benefit)

     63       13       384.6       28       125       154       (78.0     (18.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 177     $ 54       227.3     $ 170     $ 377     $ 419       (54.7     (10.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Net Sales

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company reported net sales of $1.6 billion, compared with $1.5 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The net sales increase of 10% was driven by a 268,000 ton increase in sales volume of uncoated freesheet reflecting recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. International net sales (based on the location of the seller and including U.S. exports) totaled $860 million, or 53% of total sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021. This compares with international net sales of $773 million, or 52% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Additional details on net sales are provided in the section titled “Business Segment Results.”

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold decreased by $12 million, or 1.1%, primarily due to the recognition of a Brazilian VAT refund, a portion of which ($42 million) is recorded in and reduced our cost of products sold. The decrease in cost of products sold was partially offset by an increase in raw materials ($20 million) and packaging costs ($11 million) due to the recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional details regarding the Brazilian VAT refund are provided in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and in Note 11 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

Depreciation, Amortization and Cost of Timber Harvested

The $8 million, or 9.9%, decrease in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested was a direct result of the decline in our capital spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noted in “Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investment Activities” below.

 

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Distribution Expenses

The $22 million, or 14.1%, increase in distribution expenses was the direct result of the increase in net sales activity. The cost increase was primarily driven by higher out-bound freight expense ($24 million), slightly offset by a decrease in warehousing expense ($2 million).

Interest (Income) Expense, net

The increase in net interest income was the result of the recognition of $28 million of interest income related to a Brazilian VAT refund recorded during the six months ended June 30, 2021. Additional details regarding the Brazilian VAT refund are provided in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and in Note 11 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

Income Taxes

A net income tax provision of $63 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2021. A net income tax provision of $13 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The effective income tax rate was 26.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to 19.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The income tax provision and effective income tax rate increased for the six months ended June 30, 2021 by approximately $50 million and 7.1%, respectively, primarily due to the change in the jurisdictional mix of earnings and the recognition of a VAT refund special item.

2020 Compared to 2019

Net Sales

For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reported net sales of $3.0 billion, compared with $4.0 billion in 2019. The net sales decline of 25% was driven by unprecedented demand decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 1 million ton, or 26%, decline in sales volume of freesheet in 2020 when compared to 2019. International net sales (based on the location of the seller and including U.S. exports) totaled $1.6 billion, or 53% of total sales in 2020. This compares with international net sales of $2.1 billion, or 54% in 2019.

Additional details on net sales are provided in the section titled “Business Segment Results.”

Cost of Products Sold

Cost of products sold decreased by $537 million, or 20%, due to decreased production, reducing our consumption of raw materials. The decrease was primarily driven by declines in roll-stock ($191 million), fiber ($142 million), purchased stock ($131 million) and chemicals ($46 million). The 20% decline in cost of products sold was less than the 25% decline in our net sales due to unabsorbed fixed costs.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $53 million, or 20%, primarily due to a decline in administrative ($14 million) and selling ($4 million) salaries and benefits, travel and entertainment ($8 million), and professional fees ($4 million) due to cost reduction initiatives and stronger cost management necessitated by economic conditions. The remaining decline is due to a reduction in International Paper corporate expenses allocated to us due to our reduced direct usage and a reduction in expenses allocated to our business due to the outsized impact of COVID-19 on our business in comparison to other International Paper businesses.

 

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Depreciation, Amortization and Cost of Timber Harvested

The $38 million, or 20%, decline in depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested was a direct result of the decline in our capital spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, noted in “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Investment Activities” below. In addition, due to a decrease in demand for our products due to COVID-19, our cost of timber harvested decreased $12 million in 2020.

Distribution Expenses

The $72 million, or 18%, decrease in distribution expenses was the direct result of the decline in net sales activity. The cost reduction was primarily driven by a decline in out-bound freight ($67 million) and warehousing ($6 million) expenses. The decline in distribution expenses was less than the decline in our net sales primarily due to fixed warehouse costs.

Income Taxes

A net income tax provision of $28 million was recorded for 2020, including a tax benefit of $5 million related to non-U.S. tax rate differentials, a $10 million tax benefit relating to tax audits and a $1 million expense related to taxes to non-U.S. earnings.

A net income tax provision of $125 million was recorded for 2019, including tax expense of $12 million related to non-U.S. tax rate differentials and a $4 million expense related to taxes on non-U.S. earnings. The effective income tax rate was 14% in 2020 compared to 25% in 2019. The income tax provision and effective income tax rate decreased in 2020 by approximately $97 million and 11%, respectively, primarily due to the change in mix of earnings in the United States and various income tax rates in non-U.S. jurisdictions and the $10 million tax benefit in 2020 relating to the tax audit settlement.

2019 Compared to 2018

Net Sales

For the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company reported net sales of $4.0 billion, compared with $4.1 billion in 2018. Net sales decreased 2.5% primarily due to increased economic downtime in 2019, resulting in a 27,000 ton and 45,000 ton decline in sales volume of uncoated freesheet and market pulp, respectively. International net sales (based on the location of the seller and including U.S. exports) totaled $2.1 billion, or 54% of total sales in 2019. This compares with international net sales of $2.2 billion in 2018, or 54% of total sales in 2018.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses decreased by $26 million, or 9%, primarily due to a decline in administrative ($6 million) and selling ($3 million) salaries and benefits, office supplies and equipment ($8 million), advertising ($2 million) and travel and entertainment ($2 million) due to cost reduction initiatives.

Distribution Expenses

The $15 million, or 5%, decrease in distribution expenses was primarily driven by a reduction in freight expense ($22 million) associated with the reduction in net sales. The decrease in freight expense was offset by increased warehousing costs of $7 million.

Income Taxes

A net income tax provision of $154 million was recorded for 2018, including $19 million of expense related to non-U.S. tax rate differentials and a $9 million expense related to taxes on non-U.S. earnings. The effective income tax

 

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rate was 25% in 2019 compared to 27% in 2018. The income tax provision and effective income tax rate decreased in 2019 by approximately $29 million and 2%, respectively, primarily due to the change in mix of earnings in the United States and various income tax rates in non-U.S. jurisdictions.

Business Segment Results

Overview

Management intends to provide Total Operating Profit, a non-GAAP financial measure, to supplement our GAAP financial information, and it should be considered in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that Total Operating Profit provides investors and analysts useful insights into our operating performance. Total Operating Profit is reconciled to Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Total Operating Profit may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies.

The following table presents a reconciliation of income (loss) before taxes to Total Operating Profit:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Years Ended
December 31
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes

   $ 240      $ 67      $ 198      $ 502      $ 573  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (29      (1      (4      (9      (7

Restructuring and other charges, net(2)

     —          —          —          6        4  

Other special items, net(2)

     (42      5        10        (1      1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Operating Profit(1)

   $ 169      $ 71      $ 204      $ 498      $ 571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

North America operating profit

     40        (4      43        200        185  

Latin America operating profit

     87        29        84        158        227  

Europe operating profit

     42        46        77        140        159  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Operating Profit(1)

   $ 169      $ 71      $ 204      $ 498      $ 571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

We define Total Operating Profit as our income (loss) before income taxes calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding interest (income) expense, net, restructuring and other charges, net and other special items, net, which includes corporate special items, net (there were no corporate special items in any of the periods presented). We believe that Total Operating Profit is an important indicator of operating performance as it is a measure reported to our management for purposes of making decisions about allocating resources to our business segments and assessing the performance of our business segments and is presented in our financial statements footnotes in accordance with ASC 280.

(2)

Special items represent income or expenses that are incurred periodically, rather than on a regular basis. Items included within restructuring and other charges during the periods presented principally relate to overhead cost reduction initiatives, including severance costs. Other special items in the periods presented primarily include abandoned property removal costs and foreign VAT refunds.

 

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Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Total Operating Profit for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $98 million higher than for the six months ended June 30, 2020 as higher input costs ($39 million) were more than offset by lower operating costs ($75 million), higher average sales volumes ($37 million) and higher average sales price and mix ($22 million).

Total Operating Profit (in millions)

 

LOGO

2020 Compared to 2019

Total Operating Profit in 2020 was $294 million lower than in 2019 as the benefits from lower input costs ($52 million) and lower maintenance outage costs ($13 million) were more than offset by lower average sales price and mix ($191 million) and lower sales volumes ($160 million).

Total Operating Profit (in million)

 

 

LOGO

 

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2019 Compared to 2018

Total Operating Profit in 2019 was $73 million lower than in 2018 as the benefits from higher average sales price and mix ($51 million) was more than offset by higher operating costs ($61 million), higher input costs ($54 million) and increased maintenance outage costs ($5 million).

Total Operating Profit (in millions)

 

 

LOGO

The following tables present net sales and operating profit (loss), which is the Company’s measure of segment profitability, for each of the Company’s segments. See Note 14 Financial Information by Business Segment and Geographic Data to our unaudited condensed combined financial statements and Note 13 Financial Information by Business Segment and Geographic Data to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for more information on the Company’s segments.

North America

 

North America

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Year Ended
December 31,
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

Net Sales

   $  808        739      $ 1,490      $ 1,996      $ 2,037  

Operating Profit (Loss)

   $ 40      $ (4 )     $ 43      $ 200      $ 185  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net sales increased $69 million, or 9%, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to the demand recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 62,000 ton increase in sales volume of uncoated freesheet.

Operating profit for North America for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $44 million higher than the same period in 2020 as volumes were higher primarily due to less economic downtime ($52 million) and increased sales volume ($13 million) across all grades of uncoated freesheet reflecting demand recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Higher volumes were partially offset by increased input costs ($22 million) primarily for wood, energy and chemicals.

Related party sales to International Paper included in North America net sales totaled $1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Related party purchases

 

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from International Paper totaled $104 million and $130 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

2020 Compared to 2019

The Company reported North America net sales of $1.5 billion, compared with $2.0 billion in 2019. The approximately $500 million, or 25%, decrease was driven by the unprecedented demand decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 460,000 ton, or 26%, decline in sales volume of uncoated freesheet in 2020 when compared to 2019.

North America operating profit in 2020 was $157 million lower than 2019 as volumes for 2020 were significantly lower primarily driven by economic downtime ($104 million) and decreased sales volume ($97 million) across all grades of uncoated freesheet due to the adverse demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lower volumes were partially offset by decreased operating costs ($44 million) reflecting cost reduction initiatives and strong cost management.

Related party sales to International Paper included in North America net sales totaled $3 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2019. Related party purchases from International Paper totaled $210 million and $283 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

2019 Compared to 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, net sales decreased $41 million, or 2%, compared to the same period in 2018, primarily due to increased economic downtime in 2019, resulting in an 87,000 ton and 39,000 ton decline in sales volume of uncoated freesheet and market pulp, respectively.

North America operating profit in 2019 was $15 million higher than 2018 as average sales margins improved due to the realization of sales price increases for cutsize paper ($57 million). The increase in sales margins was substantially offset by lower volumes driven by economic downtime ($37 million) and increased operating costs due to an unfavorable manufacturing mix ($4 million).

Related party sales to International Paper included in North America net sales in 2018 totaled $3 million. Related party purchases from International Paper totaled $404 million in 2018.

Latin America

 

Latin America

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Years Ended
December 31,
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

Net Sales

   $ 357      $ 284      $  632      $  969      $  979  

Operating Profit (Loss)

   $ 87      $ 29      $ 84      $ 158      $ 227  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to 2020

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net sales increased $73 million, or 26%, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily reflecting recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 203,000 ton increase in sales volume of uncoated freesheet.

Operating profit for Latin America for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $58 million higher than the same period in 2020 as volumes were significantly higher primarily driven by increased sales price and volume ($44 million) and less economic downtime ($10 million) reflecting recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Operating costs were lower ($12 million) driven by a decrease in VAT taxes due to the

 

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mix of domestic sales at our Mato Grosso do Sul mill and reduced labor costs. Higher volumes were partially offset by increased input costs ($15 million) primarily for purchased pulp, chemicals, packaging, virgin fiber and energy.

There were no related party sales to International Paper included in Latin America net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

2020 Compared to 2019

The Company reported net sales of $632 million, compared with $969 million in 2019. The $337 million, or 35%, net sales decline was driven by the unprecedented demand decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 332,000 ton decline in sales volume of uncoated freesheet in 2020 when compared to 2019.

Latin America operating profit in 2020 was $74 million lower than 2019 driven by decreased export and import sales volumes and margin ($83 million) and economic downtime ($21 million) attributable to the pandemic. Lower volumes and sales price were partially offset by decreased operating costs ($28 million) primarily due to decreased waste costs and labor.

Related party sales to International Paper included in Latin America net sales in 2020 and 2019 totaled $9 million and $1 million, respectively.

2019 Compared to 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, net sales decreased $10 million, or 1%, compared to the same period in 2018 primarily due to the decrease in the market price of uncoated freesheet for export markets and a 12,000 ton decline in market pulp sales volumes.

Latin America operating profit in 2019 was $69 million lower than 2018 driven by an increase in input costs ($32 million), primarily for virgin fiber, chemicals and energy, an unfavorable geographic mix ($20 million) and higher operating costs ($17 million) consisting of increased waste costs, labor and bad debt.

Related party sales to International Paper included in Latin America net sales in 2018 totaled $3 million.

Europe

 

Europe

   Six Months Ended
June 30,
     Years Ended
December 31,
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

Net Sales

   $  481      $  462      $  921      $  1,122      $  1,143  

Operating Profit (Loss)

   $ 42      $ 46      $ 77      $ 140      $ 159  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to 2020

For the six months ended June 30, 2021, net sales increased $19 million, or 4%, compared to the same period in 2020, primarily due to a recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 15,000 ton and 5,000 ton increase in sales volume of BCTMP pulp and coated paperboard, respectively.

Europe operating profit for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $4 million lower than the same period in 2020 as the benefit of higher sales prices ($5 million) and increased sales volumes in Europe ($1 million) were more than offset by lower sales volumes in Russia ($5 million) and higher planned maintenance outages in both Russia ($4 million) and France ($1 million).

 

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Related party sales to International Paper included in Europe net sales for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 totaled $2 million and $6 million, respectively. Related party purchases from the Ilim Group totaled $91 million and $80 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

2020 Compared to 2019

The Company reported net sales of $921 million, compared with $1.1 billion in 2019. The approximate $200 million, or 18%, net sales decline was driven by the unprecedented demand decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a 111,000 ton decline in sales volume of uncoated freesheet in 2020 when compared to 2019.

Europe operating profit in 2020 was $63 million lower than 2019 as volumes for uncoated freesheet in 2020 were lower in both France ($6 million) and Russia ($15 million), as well as increased economic downtime ($22 million), all attributable to the pandemic. Average sales margins decreased for uncoated freesheet in both France ($27 million) and Russia ($22 million), reflecting lower average sale prices, which were partially offset by lower operating and planned maintenance costs ($28 million).

Related party sales to International Paper included in Europe net sales in 2020 and 2019 totaled $11 million and $6 million, respectively. Related party purchases from the Ilim Group totaled $162 million and $230 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

2019 Compared to 2018

For the year ended December 31, 2019, net sales decreased $21 million, or 2%, for the same period compared to 2018, primarily due to increased economic downtime and the decline in the market price for BCTMP pulp.

Europe operating profit in 2019 was $19 million lower than 2018 as the benefit of higher volumes in both France ($4 million) and Russia ($5 million) were more than offset by higher total operating costs ($23 million) and increased input costs for chemicals in France ($5 million).

Total related party sales to International Paper included in Europe in 2018 totaled $13 million. Related party purchases from the Ilim Group totaled $168 million in 2018.

 

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management intends to provide Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to supplement our GAAP financial information, and it should be considered in addition to, but not instead of, the financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors and analysts meaningful insights into our operating performance and is expected to be utilized in connection with the third-party debt we expect to incur related to the separation. Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to Net Income (Loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure. Adjusted EBITDA may be determined or calculated differently by other companies and therefore may not be comparable among companies.

 

     Six Months
Ended June 30,
     Years Ended
December 31,
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 177      $ 54      $ 170      $ 377      $ 419  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     63        13        28        125        154  

Interest income, net

     (29      (1      (4      (9      (7

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71        79        154        192        198  

Non-Cash Items(2)

              

Stock-based compensation

     7        7        15        19        19  

Special Items(3)

              

Restructuring and other charges, net

     —          —          —          6        4  

Other special items

     (42      5        10        (1      1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

   $ 247      $ 157      $ 373      $ 709      $ 788  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

We define Adjusted EBITDA as our net income (loss) calculated in accordance with GAAP, excluding the sum of income taxes, interest income, net, depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, and, if applicable for the periods reported, the effects of significant non-cash items and special items. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is an important indicator of operating performance for both management and investors because Adjusted EBITDA excludes the effects of income taxes, as well as the effects of financing and investing activities by eliminating the effects of interest and depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested and therefore provides an additional measure of our operational performance.

(2)

Non-cash items represent expenses recorded by the Company for which there was no associated cash outflow. The only significant non-cash item incurred during the periods presented related to our stock-based compensation expense attributable to direct Company employees and an allocation of International Paper’s corporate and shared employees.

(3)

Special items represent income or expenses that are incurred periodically, rather than on a regular basis. Items included within restructuring and other charges during the periods presented principally relate to overhead cost reduction initiatives, including severance costs. Other special items in the periods presented primarily include abandoned property removal costs and foreign VAT refunds.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Historically, we have generated strong annual cash flow from operating activities. However, we have operated within International Paper’s management structure. Following the completion of the separation, the Company’s capital structure and sources of liquidity will change significantly from our historical capital structure. We will no longer participate in cash management and funding arrangements with International Paper. Instead, our ability to fund the Company’s cash needs will depend on our ongoing ability to generate cash from operations and obtain debt financing on acceptable terms. Based upon our history of generating strong operating cash flow, we believe we will be able to meet our short-term liquidity needs. We believe we will meet known or reasonably likely future cash requirements through the combination of cash flows from operating activities, available cash balances and available borrowings through the issuance of third-party debt.

 

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A major factor in the Company’s liquidity and capital resource planning is its generation of operating cash flow, which is highly sensitive to changes in the pricing and demand for our products. While changes in key operating cash costs, such as raw materials, energy, mill outages and distribution expenses do have an effect on operating cash generation, we believe that our focus on commercial and operational excellence, as well as our ability to manage costs and working capital will provide sufficient cash flow generation.

In connection with the separation, we will incur new debt, which we intend to use primarily to, directly or indirectly, fund the Special Payment to International Paper, to pay related fees and expenses, and for other general corporate purposes. The terms of the agreements governing our debt will likely contain customary limitations for the anticipated financing. These provisions may also restrict our business and, in the event we cannot meet the terms of those provisions, may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. In addition, our separation from International Paper’s other businesses and our anticipated capital structure on the Distribution Date may increase the overall cost of debt funding and decrease the overall debt capacity and commercial credit available to the Company.

During 2020, International Paper took various actions to further strengthen liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which also benefited the Company. This included deferring the payment of approximately $6 million of our payroll taxes as allowed under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act allows for the deferral of the payment of the employer portion of Social Security taxes accrued between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. Under the CARES Act, 50% of the deferred payroll taxes will be paid by December 31, 2021 and the remainder will be paid by December 31, 2022.

Our cash flows for the periods below were as follows:

 

     Six Months
Ended June 30,
     Years Ended December 31,  

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 222      $ 152      $ 359      $ 524      $ 589  

Cash used for investing activities

   $ (38    $ (25    $ (79    $ (160    $ (171

Cash used for financing activities

   $ (3    $ (187    $ (350    $ (387    $ (510

Operating Activities

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $222 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with cash provided by operating activities of $152 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The increase in cash provided by operating activities in 2021 corresponds to the significant increase in our earnings reflecting recovery from the negative demand impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cash used by working capital components (accounts and notes receivable, related party receivable and inventories less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, related party payable and other) totaled $31 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared with cash provided by working capital components of $34 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. The six months ended June 30, 2021 working capital reduction primarily reflects a $18 million and $4 million increase in our accounts and notes receivable and related-party receivable balances, respectively, driven by the 10% increase in net sales. The six months ended June 30, 2020 working capital increase primarily reflects a $121 million and $31 million decrease in our accounts and notes receivable and our inventories balances, respectively, partially offset by an $89 million decrease in our accounts payable and accrued liabilities balance.

2020 Compared to 2019 and 2018

Cash provided by operations totaled $359 million in 2020, compared with $524 million and $589 million for 2019 and 2018, respectively. The reduction in cash provided by operating activities in 2020 corresponds to the significant reduction in our earnings due to the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations.

 

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Cash provided by working capital components (accounts and notes receivable, related party receivable and inventories less accounts payable and accrued liabilities, related party payable and other) totaled $69 million in 2020, compared with cash used by working capital components of $57 million in 2019 and used by working capital components of $42 million in 2018. The 2020 working capital improvement primarily reflects a $65 million and $71 million reduction in our accounts and notes receivable and inventories balances, respectively, driven by the 25% decline in net sales, offset by a $45 million reduction in accounts payable and accrued expenses. 2019 cash used by working capital components was principally driven by a $47 million increase in our inventories.

Investment Activities

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

The total cash outflow from investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 increased from six months ended June 30, 2020, primarily due to the impact of cash pooling arrangements with International Paper, which more than offset the decline in capital spending during the period.

2020 Compared to 2019 and 2018

Total cash outflow from investing activities in 2020 decreased substantially from 2019, as the Company made an effort to control capital spending in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Total cash outflow in 2019 declined compared to 2018 as the increase in cash pooling arrangements with International Paper was more than offset by declining capital spending as funds were designated for broader International Paper strategic initiatives.

The following table shows capital spending by business segment, which represents the most significant portion of our investment activities.

 

     Six Months
Ended
June 30
     Years Ended
December 31,
 

In millions

   2021      2020      2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $ 9      $ 7      $ 15      $ 36      $ 37  

Latin America

     15        27        45        61        86  

Europe

     8        8        15        21        27  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital Spending

   $ 32      $ 42      $ 75      $ 118      $ 150  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital spending primarily consists of purchases of machinery and equipment related to our global mill operations. Capital spending was $32 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and $42 million for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Capital spending was $75 million in 2020, $118 million in 2019 and $150 million in 2018. As a percentage of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested, capital spending totaled 45% for the six months ended June 30, 2021, 53% for the six months ended June 30, 2020, 49% in 2020, 61% in 2019, and 76% in 2018. Across our segments, capital spending as a percentage of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested ranged from 30% to 68% in 2020 and 38% to 52% for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021, the six months ended June 30, 2020 and the three years ended December 31, 2020 primarily represented transactions between us and International Paper. These transactions are considered to be effectively settled for cash at the time the transaction is recorded. The components of these transactions (or transfers) include (i) constructive cash transfers from us to International Paper, (ii) cash transfers from International Paper to fund our requirements for working capital

 

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commitments and (iii) an allocation of International Paper’s corporate expenses. The decrease in cash used by financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 corresponds to the decrease in net transfers to International Paper during the period. The decline in cash used for financing activities in 2020 corresponds to the decrease in net transfers to International Paper due to the decline in our operating cash flows during the period.

Contractual Obligations

Contractual obligations for future payments at December 31, 2020 primarily relate to lease commitments and raw material purchase obligations. Operating and financing leases represent minimum required lease payments during the noncancelable lease term. Most real estate leases also require payment of related operating expenses such as taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance, which are not included in our estimated capital lease obligation. Our total estimated capital lease obligations total $19 million in 2021, an average of $10 million from 2022 to 2025 and $17 million thereafter.

Purchase obligations for commercial commitments include inventory obligations to purchase raw materials, including starch, electricity, fuel oil, corrugated boxes, wood and Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (“PCC”). Our total estimated commercial commitments include $117 million in 2021, $73 million in 2022 and average $39 million annually from 2023 to 2025, with $42 million thereafter.

We consider the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020, to be permanently reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided thereon (see Note 9 Income Taxes in the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for further discussion). We do not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to the United States to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business.

Capital Expenditures

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, we have invested an average of 2.9% of net sales in total capital expenditures, or approximately $114 million on average each year. Over that period, we spent approximately $65 million annually, or 1.7% of net sales, in maintenance capital expenditures, and approximately $30 million annually, or 0.8% of net sales, in strategic capital expenditures and reforestation. In that same period, we invested the remainder in regulatory and cost reduction capital expenditures for rebuilds, productivity enhancements and de-bottlenecking. Our annual maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of approximately $130 to $150 million per year for the next several years, which we believe will be sufficient to maintain our operations and productivity, with approximately $160 million of maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures expected in 2022, which includes $15 million related to engineering costs for the Svetogorsk recovery boiler and $6 million of one-time transition-related capital expenditures. The only major capital expenditure anticipated in the next few years is replacing the two recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill with one new recovery boiler, which we estimate will cost $220 million over that period, beginning in 2022, with approximately 80% of the estimated amount to be spent in 2023 and 2024. If Sylvamo chooses to rebuild the two existing recovery boilers, the anticipated total spend may be reduced.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires the Company to establish accounting policies and to make estimates that affect both the amounts and timing of the recording of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Some of these estimates require subjective judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Accounting policies whose application may have a significant effect on the reported results of operations and financial position of the Company, and that can require judgments by management that affect their application, include the accounting for impairment or disposal of long-lived assets and goodwill and income taxes.

 

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The Company has not made any changes in these critical accounting policies for the six months ended June 30, 2021.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

An impairment of a long-lived asset exists when the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value and is recorded when the carrying amount is not recoverable through undiscounted cash flows from future operations or disposals. A goodwill impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Assessments of possible impairments of long-lived assets and goodwill are made when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable through future operations. Additionally, evaluation for possible impairment of goodwill is required annually. The amount and timing of any impairment charges based on these assessments may require the estimation of future cash flows or the fair market value of the related assets based on management’s best estimates of certain key factors, including future selling prices and volumes, operating, raw material, energy and freight costs, various other projected operating economic factors and other intended uses of the assets. As these key factors change in future periods, the Company will update its impairment analysis to reflect its latest estimates and projections.

ASU 2011-08, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” allows entities testing goodwill for impairment the option of performing a qualitative assessment before performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test. If a qualitative assessment is performed, an entity is not required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test unless the entity determines that, based on that qualitative assessment, it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying value.

The Company performed its annual testing of its reporting units for possible goodwill impairments by performing the quantitative goodwill impairment test for each of its reporting units as of October 1, 2020. The Company elected to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test for its reporting units due to the current economic environment. The quantitative goodwill impairment test was performed by comparing the carrying amount of each respective reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The Company calculated the estimated fair value of each of the reporting units with goodwill using a weighted approach based on discounted future cash flows, market multiples and transaction multiples. The determination of fair value using the discounted cash flow approach requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, operating profit margins, and discount rates. The determination of fair value using market multiples and transaction multiples requires management to make significant assumptions related to revenue multiples and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples. The results of our annual impairment test indicated that the carrying amount did not exceed the estimated fair value of any reporting units. While the reporting unit’s forecasted results support the fair value, significant changes in or inability to achieve the forecasts could result in the impairment of all or a portion of the reporting unit’s goodwill balance as of December 31, 2020. While our business segments experienced a significant decline in demand for its products during the year ended December 31, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the Company has determined the fair values for those reporting units have not been materially impacted based on management’s cumulative long-term outlook and forecasts, which are inherently subjective given the uncertainty around the duration and magnitude of the economic impact of COVID-19. As of October 1, 2020, the annual testing date, the estimated fair value of our Brazilian reporting unit, which comprises substantially all of the Company’s recorded goodwill balance, exceeded its carrying value by approximately 109%.

In addition, the Company considered whether there were any events or circumstances outside of the annual evaluation that would reduce the fair value of its reporting units below their carrying amounts and necessitate a goodwill impairment evaluation. In consideration of all relevant factors, there were no indicators that would require goodwill impairment subsequent to October 1, 2020.

No goodwill impairment charges were recorded in 2020, 2019 or 2018.

 

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Income Taxes

The Company is included in the consolidated tax returns of International Paper. We calculate the provision for income taxes by using a separate-return method. Under this method, we are assumed to file a separate return with the tax authority, thereby reporting our taxable income or loss and paying the applicable tax to or receiving the appropriate refund from International Paper. Our current provision is the amount of tax payable or refundable on the basis of a hypothetical, current-year separate return. We provide deferred taxes on temporary differences and on any carryforwards that we could claim on our hypothetical return and assess the need for a valuation allowance on the basis of our projected separate-return results. The amounts recorded are not necessarily representative of the amounts that would have been reflected in the financial statements had we been an entity that operated independently of International Paper. It is possible that we will make different tax accounting elections and assertions. Consequently, our future results after our separation from International Paper may be materially different from our historical results.

Any difference between the tax provision (or benefit) allocated to us under the separate-return method and payments to be made to (or received from) International Paper for tax expense is treated as either dividends or capital contributions. Accordingly, the amount by which our tax liability under the separate-return method exceeds the amount of tax liability ultimately settled as a result of using incremental expenses of International Paper is periodically settled as a capital contribution from International Paper to us.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax balances on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax balances is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate valuation allowances against deferred tax assets. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted under the tax law and results of recent operations.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740. Significant judgment is required in evaluating the need for and magnitude of appropriate uncertain tax positions. We estimate uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

While we believe that these judgments and estimates area appropriate and reasonable under the circumstances, actual resolution of these matters may differ from recorded estimates and amounts.

Recent Accounting Developments

See Note 3 Recent Accounting Developments in both the unaudited condensed combined financial statements and the audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement for a discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

Foreign Currency Effects

The Company has operations in a number of countries. Its operations in those countries also export to, and compete with, imports from other regions. As such, currency movements can have a number of direct and

 

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indirect impacts on the Company’s financial statements. Direct impacts include the translation of international operations’ local currency financial statements into U.S. dollars and the remeasurement impact associated with non-functional currency financial assets and liabilities. Indirect impacts include the change in competitiveness of imports into, and exports out of, the United States (and the impact on local currency pricing of products that are traded internationally). In general, a weaker U.S. dollar and stronger local currency is beneficial to the Company. The currencies that have the most impact are the Euro, the Brazilian real, and the Russian ruble.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We use financial instruments, including fixed and variable rate debt for capital spending programs. We do not use financial instruments for trading purposes. Additionally, various derivative contracts are used to hedge exposures to foreign currency risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to capital leases that include a variable interest rate. Our interest rate risk exposure related to these investments was not material.

Foreign Currency Risk

The Company transacts business in many currencies and is also subject to currency exchange rate risk through investments and businesses owned and operated in foreign countries. Our objective in managing the associated foreign currency risks is to minimize the effect of adverse exchange rate fluctuations on our after-tax cash flows. We address these risks on a limited basis by entering into cross-currency interest rate swaps, or foreign exchange contracts. At December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the net fair value of financial instruments with exposure to foreign currency risk was approximately a $2 million asset, $1 million asset and $9 million liability, respectively. The potential loss in fair value for such financial instruments from a 10% adverse change in quoted foreign currency exchange rates would have been approximately $7 million, $13 million and $12 million at December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Company

Sylvamo is a global uncoated papers company with a broad portfolio of top-tier brands and low-cost, large-scale paper mills located in and serving the most attractive geographies, including Latin America, Europe and North America. We produce uncoated freesheet (“UFS”) for paper products such as cutsize and offset paper, as well as market pulp, aseptic and liquid packaging board (“LPB”) and coated unbleached kraft (“CUK”) papers. With roots going back to 1898, we have a long history of offering premium quality papers to meet the needs of our customers and end-users. Our mills predominantly rank in the lowest quartile on global and regional UFS cost curves, and our low-cost operations enable us to serve our customers with the highest quality products at attractive margins. Our industry-leading brands, known for their long-standing reputation in their respective markets for product quality and performance, allow us to maintain our long-term relationships with top-tier customers throughout economic cycles. Our international reach and strong positioning across retail, merchant and e-commerce channels optimally places us to meet the paper needs of our end-users around the world. This also provides geographical diversification of our revenue and profits. From 2018 to 2020, on average, we generated 51% of our revenues and 66% of our Business Segment Operating Profit in Latin America and Europe, which regions exhibit different demand drivers than North America and all three regions have strong profitability for the paper industry relative to other geographies.

 

2020 Revenues by product type

 

LOGO

  

Product type

  

Product line

  

Examples of end uses

   Uncoated papers (UFS)    Cutsize    Printing, copy and writing paper
   Offset    Commercial printing, such as brochures and books
   Envelope    Statement mailers and direct mails
   Forms    Financial statements and other print applications
   Other    Tablets, receipts and construction applications
   Uncoated papers (Others)    Uncoated bristols    Index systems, file cards, case records, menus, direct mail, counter displays
   Market pulp    BHK/BSK/BEK/BCTMP    Used for producing tissue, printing and writing paper, specialty paper and board grades
   Coated paperboard / Other    Aseptic/LPB    Packaging for liquids, such as beverages
   CUK    Beverage containers (beer and soft drinks) and heavy-duty retail packaging (hardware and laundry detergent)

UFS, our primary product, has diverse end-use applications, including printing, copy and writing papers, and advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. Additionally, we produce a wide variety of uncoated paper grades that our customers convert into envelopes, writing tablets, business forms, packaging and file folders. As a vertically integrated operator, we produce hardwood pulp (including bleached hardwood kraft (“BHK”) and bleached eucalyptus kraft (“BEK”)), and we produce bleached softwood kraft (“BSK”). We also produce bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (“BCTMP”) at our Svetogorsk mill, which we sell globally. Further, our Svetogorsk mill produces LPB and CUK papers that are sold across Russia and Eastern European countries.

Many of our UFS products, particularly cutsize, are branded with strong consumer recognition and top brand positioning in their respective markets. We believe our portfolio of trusted brands across our regions provides us with a meaningful competitive advantage. We own some of the industry’s most recognizable brands, including Chamex (Brazil), REY (France), SvetoCopy (Russia) and Hammermill (United States). Cutsize represents approximately 60% of our UFS tons sold, and our owned and licensed brands represent 58% of those cutsize sales. Further, we have a license from HP Inc. (“HP”) for the rights to produce and sell HP branded printer and copier paper in almost all geographies globally. HP Papers is a premium line of uncoated cutsize products that work seamlessly across all models of printer and copier equipment. The remaining 42% of cutsize tons sold are private label brands we produce for our major customers, including Staples.

 

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We sell and market our products globally to over 600 customers. By leveraging our strong brand portfolio and our customized service, we have built deep relationships with top customers in each of the channels we serve. We distribute our products through a variety of channels, including merchants and distributors, office product suppliers, retailers and dealers. We also sell directly to converters that produce envelopes, forms and other similar products. With a long history of more than 120 years, we have forged long-term relationships with our top customers and their loyalty results in very little turnover. Accordingly, our top ten customers, representing approximately one-third of our net sales, have been buying our products for more than 50 years on average. Our sales, marketing, supply chain and production staff work collaboratively to provide tailored client support and valued-added services, addressing the distinct needs of customers across geographies and channels. We provide marketing support to our customers to help them develop their go-to-market strategies by leveraging our extensive end-user sales and preference data.

Our mills have an annual UFS paper production capacity of 2.8 million short tons, market pulp production capacity of 580,000 short tons, and total LPB and CUK capacity of 130,000 short tons. In addition, Sylvamo expects to distribute annually an incremental 520,000 short tons of UFS and 160,000 short tons of uncoated bristols through its offtake agreements with International Paper in North America. We have filed an application with the Federal Antimonopoly Service (“FAS”) to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of the JSC Ilim Group’s UFS production, which totals 275,000 short tons annually. Our mill portfolio includes seven low-cost mills, six of which are fully vertically integrated. Vertical integration reduces costs associated with key inputs for paper production, such as pulp and energy, and decreases our exposure to commodity price fluctuations. Our only non-vertically integrated mill is co-located with Suzano’s market pulp mill and has a market supply agreement with Suzano, ensuring a consistent supply of fiber, steam and energy contractually guaranteed on a long-term basis. This effectively replicates most of the key economic benefits of vertical integration without the associated capital costs. We have high quality, well-invested facilities with low operating costs. As of December 31, 2020, more than 70% of our capacity is in the lowest quartile of global and regional cost curves. We believe the competitive advantages of our mills, such as their location in sustainable low-cost fiber baskets, and significant scale and distribution efficiencies, afford us sustainable strategic benefits.

 

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LOGO

The demand for our paper products is positively correlated with global commercial printing and print advertising activity, white-collar employment levels and government spending, including education spending, and negatively affected by the adoption of electronic billing and statements. We believe our low-cost position allows us to thrive in all demand environments, including in countries facing secular demand decline, and we have demonstrated this historically by strengthening Sylvamo’s supply position even in light of the rise of electronic media substitution. From 2015 through 2020, we outperformed the UFS industry demand by 1.2% on average in the regions we serve, and, in the future, we intend to target outperforming the UFS industry demand by 1% to 2% on average in such regions. We expect global demand for UFS to increase at a 0.4% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI forecasts. Approximately two-thirds of Business Segment Operating Profit on average from 2018 to 2020 comes from outside North America, and some of our key geographies, such as Latin America, have an increasing population of white-collar professionals, which supports the demand for our products.

 

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We provide differentiated products and services in each geography we serve, underpinned by our low-cost facilities, premium brands and a talented workforce.

 

   

Latin America: Our Latin American business is engaged in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing and specialty papers, as well as converting papers and market pulp. We are the largest UFS producer in Latin America, with about 34% of the supply position as of December 2020 according to Fisher International. We sell approximately 70% of our Brazilian UFS production in 26 countries in Latin America, and export the balance to other regions around the globe. Our system of paper production consists of three mills in Brazil: two in the state of São Paulo and one in Mato Grosso do Sul. Together, our three mills have seven paper machines with an annual production capacity of 1.27 million short tons. Our integrated mill in Luiz Antônio is the lowest cost mill in Sylvamo’s portfolio, as measured by roll manufacturing cost per ton, and produces cutsize and offset UFS and market pulp. The mill has an annual production capacity of 385,000 short tons of UFS on two paper machines and also produces an additional 130,000 short tons of market pulp annually. Our mill in Mogi Guaçu is also fully integrated, and operates four paper machines that produce 460,000 short tons of UFS, primarily cutsize and offset paper. Três Lagoas, located in Mato Grosso do Sul, operates one paper machine and produces 260,000 short tons of UFS annually.

We also own approximately 250,000 acres of strategic forest plantations in close proximity to our two mills in São Paulo state. This land provides us with a sustainable source of high quality and low-cost hardwood fiber from eucalyptus. Eucalyptus and its fiber have several benefits, including:

 

   

Fastest growing and highest yielding species grown in timber plantations;

 

   

Shortened harvest cycles of 6 to 7 years, helping to keep plantation costs low; and

 

   

Homogenous fiber quality, which permits premium grade quality at lower costs by requiring less wood to manufacture a ton of pulp.

Our portfolio of brands includes two lines of printing and writing paper, Chamex and Chamequinho, and one graphic paper line, Chambril, all 100% produced from sustainably managed forests, holding Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (“PEFC”) certification. We expect existing Forest Stewardship Council (“FSC®”) and PEFC certifications to transfer to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution. Our Chamex brand has enjoyed unparalleled brand recognition in Brazil for the last 50 years.

 

   

Europe: Our European business primarily produces and sells cutsize, commercial printing and specialty papers, in addition to LPB, CUK, BCTMP (Russia), BHK and BSK (France). We own two mills in the region with a total annual production capacity of 1.1 million short tons: Svetogorsk in Russia near the Finnish border and Saillat in France. Both mills produce pulp and paper and are fully vertically integrated. Our paper and pulp mill in Svetogorsk covers approximately 494 acres on the Karelian Isthmus between the Gulf of Finland and Lake Ladoga in northwestern Russia, and comprises three pulp mills and two paper machines with an annual production capacity of 720,000 short tons. The mill produces cutsize and offset paper and is the only producer of LPB in Russia with a supply position greater than 50% based on Russian customs data. Svetogorsk produces BCTMP, which is manufactured from aspen or spruce with innovative technology and allows Sylvamo to maintain an advantaged cost position relative to most other European and Russian mills making similar products. We are able to capture demand in both UFS and BCTMP in other countries throughout Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia out of our Svetogorsk mill. We have also filed an application with FAS to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of JSC Ilim Group’s UFS production totaling 275,000 short tons annually. The JSC Ilim Group is the largest pulp and paper company in Russia and operates the largest pulp and paper mills located in the European and Siberian regions of Russia, with a total pulp and paper production capacity of 4 million short tons annually. It is controlled by Ilim SA, a 50/50 joint

 

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venture between International Paper and its partners. Our paper and pulp mill in Saillat is a European leader in the production of premium grade paper with an annual production capacity of 265,000 short tons and opportunities to grow sales outside of Europe. The mill also produces an additional 130,000 short tons annually of BHK and BSK market pulp that is sold to customers in Western Europe. In Russia, we have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of government-owned forestland, where we also plant seedlings to maintain the health and productivity of forest ecosystems for future generations.

We own a portfolio of premium brands in Europe. Our REY brand is distributed primarily in France and is focused on sustainability. Our brands in Russia include Ballet and SvetoCopy, which was the first office paper brand to be produced in Russia, and together are the leading brands in the country with an estimated 45% supply position, including JSC Ilim Group’s expected cutsize capacity under the Joint Marketing Agreement based on internal estimates.

 

   

North America: Our North American business is engaged primarily in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing, converting and specialty papers. We are the second largest UFS producer in North America with a 28% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International, including UFS we will purchase from International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills pursuant to offtake agreements. We own two of the industry’s most competitive mills, Eastover and Ticonderoga, with 1.1 million short tons of combined annual production capacity. The Eastover mill, located in South Carolina, operates two paper machines producing 700,000 short tons of UFS, and a chemical pulping system producing fiber for UFS and an additional 115,000 short tons of market pulp annually. Eastover’s highly advantaged cost position in North America stems from its strategic location in an attractive fiber basket and world-class production capabilities. Sylvamo also operates a premium-grade paper mill in Ticonderoga with a well-invested asset base and proven capabilities to service the North American specialty segment. Its two paper machines and chemical pulp system produces 275,000 short tons of UFS annually, focusing on specialty paper grades. Our offtake agreements with International Paper give us the right to market and sell the UFS paper and uncoated bristols production at the Riverdale and Georgetown mills, representing an incremental 680,000 short tons of annual production capacity. Our North American mills are positioned near sustainably-managed forests that provide long-term access to competitively priced fiber.

In North America, we own a portfolio of premium brands, including Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark and Accent. According to a third-party market study conducted by TRC Advisory in 2019, the quality and product breadth associated with the Hammermill brand resulted in strong end-user customer willingness to pay. Its unparalleled brand recognition helped us secure our strategic partnership with the largest e-commerce supplier in North America.

 

2020 Revenues by Segment    2020 Business Segment Operating Profit
LOGO   

LOGO

 

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Sylvamo recognizes that a sustainably managed forest is one that maintains and enhances economic, social, and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations. We are deeply committed to long-term environmental sustainability by ensuring sustainable sourcing of fiber and investing in and utilizing renewable energy resources. The majority of our mills are located in attractive and sustainable fiber baskets that provide access to high quality, low-cost fiber. Our practice of sourcing fiber from well-managed forests promotes the long-term health and productivity of forests. A majority of our fiber supply in the United States and France comes from privately owned forests. We work with landowners and wood suppliers to advance credible third-party forest certifications to improve our percentage of certified fiber. We follow a Fiber Certification Policy that accepts globally recognized forest management standards. These include the PEFC and standards recognized by PEFC, including the American Tree Farm System® (“ATFS®”) and Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (“SFI®”) in the United States and the Brazilian National Forest Certification Program, Certificacão Florestal (“CERFLOR”) in Brazil. We expect existing FSC® certification to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

We own 250,000 acres of strategic forest plantations in close proximity to our mills in Brazil, which provides a sustainable source of high quality hardwood fiber from fast-growth eucalyptus. We reserve 75,000 acres towards our conservation efforts, through which we plant native tree species to help preserve biodiversity. In Russia, we have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of government-owned forestland, where we also plant seedlings to maintain the health and productivity of forest ecosystems for future generations. Sylvamo’s forestlands in Brazil and Russia are a significant source of value for our business and are strategic assets in profitable geographies. All the forestland we own in Brazil is certified under CERFLOR, and we expect existing FSC® certification to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution. Our forestland for which we have harvesting rights in Russia also has the FSC® certification, which we expect to be transferred from Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

All of our integrated mills use renewable biomass residuals to create energy and decrease our dependence on third-party energy sources. On average, we produce 78% of our energy needs for our integrated mills through bio-energy, which is a carbon neutral energy source generated from renewable biomass residuals. We also believe in the responsible consumption of our products, and invest in recyclable, sustainable and renewable products. We have invested in product lines, such as the Hammermill Great White products, which are made from recycled materials. All of our products are recyclable, and we encourage our customers to utilize recycling services and custom recycling programs that support their business needs. In 2019, approximately 66% of all paper products in the United States were recycled to make new fiber-based products, according to the American Forest and Paper Association.

Sylvamo’s capabilities and potential are delivered through our dedicated and talented workforce, which we believe is the best in the industry. We employ more than seven thousand people globally, with 43%, 35% and 22% of our workforce located in Latin America, Europe and North America, respectively. We have a favorable employee engagement score of 86%, compared to the manufacturing industry average of 75%, according to a 2019 third-party employee engagement survey. The above-average employee engagement score at Sylvamo is driven by our employees’ perception of their career goals, employee safety, diversity in the workforce, understanding of the company’s goals, work life balance and other indicators. Specifically, employees rated safety at Sylvamo with a 91% favorability rate.

The safety of our employees is paramount. We strive to design and operate injury-free workplaces for our employees and everyone who enters our facilities. As responsible stewards of people and their communities, we have maintained record safety standards at our mills, strictly complying with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) regulations. We are an industry-leading company in employee safety. Across all our mills, our TIR averaged 0.42 and our LWIR averaged 0.14 for 2020, well below the 2019 U.S. paper manufacturing industry averages of 2.5 and 0.8, respectively, according the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

 

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Our Competitive Strengths

We distinguish ourselves through the following competitive strengths:

A global producer of uncoated freesheet, positioned in the most profitable geographies: Latin America, Europe and North America.

Our mills, and consequently the key regions that we serve, are located in some of the world’s most attractive geographies for UFS. Given the access to low cost fiber and historical pricing levels, the regions we serve are some of the most profitable over the past three years based on average import pricing data from IHS Markit.

In Latin America, we are a major producer of UFS with a 34% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International. Latin America is a particularly attractive region given its rising levels of education, growth in white-collar employment and increasing income per capita, all of which drive UFS demand. From 2014 to 2019, UFS demand in Latin America decreased at a 3.1% CAGR, and we expect it to increase at a CAGR of 2.2% from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Industry capacity in Latin America declined at a 0.3% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect it to continue to decline at a 1.6% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Moreover, the key raw material input we use in our Brazil mills is eucalyptus, which is a world-class, low-cost fiber for the production of UFS. The use of low-cost fiber combined with our highly efficient operations, as measured by our Overall Machine Efficiency metrics of 93% in Latin America, and export logistics advantage allow us to serve the domestic market and the export markets at attractive margins.

We rank third in supply position in Europe, including our mill in Russia and JSC Ilim Group’s expected cutsize capacity under the Joint Marketing Agreement as of December 2020, according to Fisher International. We have consistently outperformed relative to industry demand in Europe. From 2011 to 2019, while the overall UFS demand in Europe fell by 2%, the demand for our products remained stable. Demand for UFS in Western Europe declined at a 2.8% CAGR from 2014 to 2019 and we expect demand for UFS in Western Europe to continue to decrease by a 2.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. In Eastern Europe, demand for UFS declined at a 0.6% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect demand in Eastern Europe to increase by a 0.2% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Industry capacity in Eastern Europe increased at a 0.7% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, while Western Europe decreased at a 2.4% CAGR over the same time period, according to RISI data and forecasts. We expect that industry capacity will decline by a 2.6% CAGR and a 5.7% CAGR in Eastern Europe and Western Europe, respectively, from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. We have a niche positioning in Europe, with our Saillat mill focusing its production on specialty UFS. In Russia, we have the number one supply position and the leading brand, SvetoCopy. We also have a strong position in other growing markets, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States. We have filed an application with FAS to approve Sylvamo as the new controller of ZAO International Paper. ZAO International Paper will remain a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, which would allow us to retain the exclusive rights to market and sell all of JSC Ilim Group’s UFS production totaling 275,000 short tons annually.

In North America, we are the second largest producer of UFS with a 28% supply position as of December 2020, according to Fisher International, including UFS we have agreed to purchase from International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills pursuant to offtake agreements. We believe that we are well-positioned to benefit from improving fundamentals in the paper industry, which are inherently linked to the balance of supply and demand. In North America, a number of competitors have announced conversion of paper mills to primarily containerboard and fluff pulp capacity, leading to favorable operating rates. North American producers have announced the shutdown of approximately 1.5 million short tons of UFS capacity, or approximately 24% of the industry capacity, since 2019, according to RISI. As a result of these actions, we expect North American UFS operating rates to increase significantly from low operating rates in 2020 after a mid-2021 industry recovery according to RISI. We believe that higher operating rates will enable us to continue to benefit from improving

 

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supply and demand dynamics through our superior cost position. Demand for UFS in North America fell at a 3.5% CAGR from 2014 to 2019 and we expect it to continue to fall at a 2.6% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts. Industry capacity in North America decreased at a 3.1% CAGR from 2014 to 2019, and we expect it to continue to decrease at a 1.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2025, based on RISI data and forecasts.

UFS supply position per region according to Fisher International, as of December 2020

 

Latin America   North America   Europe (incl. Russia)
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Vertically integrated mills that are predominantly in the lowest quartile on the cost curve both in their regions and globally.

Our attractive, low cost positions are particularly important given that we have exposure to geographies that are either in secular decline or are experiencing limited to no growth. Historically we have seen that as volumes decline, competitors close higher cost mills or convert mills to other uses. We expect this trend to continue and therefore, we expect to be able to improve operating rates for our assets. As a result, we expect to be able to generate improved margins and substantial cash flow over the long-term despite stable or declining demand in our industry.

Our low production costs are driven by the scale of our production capacity, our mills’ proximity to fiber, self-produced energy, and the integration of our pulp and paper production process. In particular, our vertical integration into pulp helps minimize our exposure to commodity pulp price fluctuations. In Brazil, we own eucalyptus plantations in close proximity to our two São Paulo state mills, giving us access to high-quality, low-cost eucalyptus fiber. These two mills produce their own pulp that is directly used for paper production. Our third Brazilian mill, Três Lagoas, is co-located with Suzano’s market pulp mill and has a market supply agreement with Suzano, ensuring a consistent supply of fiber, steam and energy contractually guaranteed on a long-term basis. Consequently, Três Lagoas has all the benefits of integration without the associated capital costs, and therefore generates a high cash yield per ton of capacity. In fact, after accounting for the Brazilian government tax benefit and the benefits of integration and co-location with Suzano’s market pulp mill, we estimate that Três Lagoas would have production costs comparable to Mogi Guaçu, which is in the first quartile of the cost curve. Furthermore, our own produced market pulp sales from the integrated mills in Brazil work as a natural hedge for the Três Lagoas purchased pulp contract. Accordingly, from 2018 to 2020, Três Lagoas’ return on invested capital was on average approximately 350 basis points higher than Mogi Guaçu’s return on invested capital.

Our European mills produce their own pulp that is directly used for the production of paper. Our Saillat mill is the largest fully integrated UFS mill in France and the only vertically integrated mill producing value-added grades in Europe that covers the entire production process from wood harvesting to paper. Its modern pulp mill

 

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produces pulp for 100% of its UFS production as well as an additional 130,000 short tons of market pulp that is sold in France and Western Europe. In Russia, our Svetogorsk mill is fully integrated with three pulp mills and two paper machines. We also have long-term harvesting rights on 860,000 acres of forestland in Russia for excellent access to wood fiber. Likewise, all of our North American mills produce their own pulp. The Eastover mill enjoys the lowest manufacturing cost in North America according to Fisher International, and operates one of the highest-quality cutsize paper machines in North America. The mill generates its own electricity to run its two paper machines and one pulp dryer. It produces sufficient pulp to meet its needs for paper production and an additional 115,000 short tons of market pulp sold in the open market each year. Ticonderoga is a premium-grade, vertically integrated paper mill with a competitive low-cost positioning against other specialty mills, according to Fisher International. Overall, our mills have an average pulp integration of approximately 95%, requiring that we buy only 5% of our pulp inputs in the open market.

Our integrated Brazilian, Russian and U.S. Eastover mills have historically occupied first quartile positions in the global cost curve, and our Saillat and U.S. Ticonderoga mills have historically occupied first quartile positions on the regional specialty cost curves. Our low-cost operations enable us to serve our local customers with the highest quality products at competitive margins. Our Russian and Brazilian paper operations have provided strong and steady margins for more than 10 years. Most importantly, these global low-cost operations help us to remain competitive in the export markets. Our ability to participate in the export markets allows us to meet demand in other regions with a steady and reliant supply of paper, allowing us to maintain consistent operating rates in almost all demand environments.

Global UFS rolls cost curve according to Fisher International as of December 31, 2020

 

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Três Lagoas position excludes tax benefits and benefits of integration and co-location with a Suzano pulp mill, which significantly improves the mill’s net cost position.

Note: Sylvamo’s mill capacity figures based on internal estimates.

 

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Premier brands in Latin America, Europe and North America with strong brand recognition.

Our portfolio of iconic, regional brands is widely recognized for its quality and reliability. We own premier brands across the globe, including Chamex, Chamequinho, Chambril, SvetoCopy, REY, Pro-Design, Ballet, Hammermill, Springhill, Williamsburg, Postmark and Accent. These brands have a long-standing reputation in their respective markets for product quality and performance. Our strong brands have allowed us to outperform industry volumes and have supported the business through economic cycles by providing improved profitability. Over the last six years, we have outperformed the industry in terms of UFS shipments by 120 basis points annually in the geographies we operate. Through the downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, our brands demonstrated higher brand loyalty relative to private label offerings, as evidenced by a lower decrease in our owned brand sales in 2020 as compared to the overall industry. In addition, in 2020 we outperformed the industry UFS shipments in the geographies in which we operate by 210 basis points.

 

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Chamex has one of the
strongest brand recognitions in Latin America
 

SvetoCopy maintains the highest frequency of repeat purchasing and the highest level of consumption

in Russia

  Hammermill is one of the most-purchased paper brands in North America for businesses of all sizes    Global supplier of HP Papers, one of the most recognized brands in the world, in partnership with HP Inc.

Our Chamex brand enjoys unparalleled brand recognition in Brazil and elsewhere in Latin America. Chamex has been part of the Brazilian culture for more than 50 years. Entire generations have grown up using Chamex in school and in the workplace. To leverage this recognition, we introduced the Chamequinho brand to target younger populations and keep the Chamex loyalty for generations to come. Chamex is the leading brand in terms of supply position in Bolivia, Brazil, Central America and Paraguay, with a 25% supply position in Latin America, according to third-party global trade data.

Our SvetoCopy brand is the leading brand in Russia in terms of supply position and brand loyalty, according to market research and consulting firm IPSOS. SvetoCopy was the first office paper brand to be produced in Russia beginning in 1996, prior to which all office paper in Russia was imported. During our more than 20 years in Russia, we have delivered on SvetoCopy’s quality and brand reputation and have become a reliable partner for businesses.

In France, our REY brand offers a very broad range of innovative products, including commodity and value-added grades that promote sustainability. The REY brand continues to grow its recognition in France and is gaining popularity across Western Europe. Positioned as the conscientious paper choice, REY wants to represent sustainability in the office paper segment, with products ranging from white papers to tints (colors). Pro-Design is our flagship brand for professional high speed printing in Europe. Over the past decade, Pro-Design has established itself as a top-shelf product for full color, high quality laser print applications. All brands made at our Saillat mill are certified by either FSC® or PEFC and the EU Ecolabel. We expect existing FSC® and PEFC certifications to be transferred to Sylvamo from International Paper prior to the distribution.

The Hammermill brand has a deep heritage in the United States with over 120 years of existence, and we believe it is a leading copy paper brand in the United States. We continue to invest to make the brand relevant

 

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throughout generations, and have adapted our products to the digital age. In 2003, we introduced our JAM-FREE® technology, which guarantees less than one jam in 10,000 printed sheets on high-speed digital equipment. The Hammermill Great White product was developed within the cutsize paper product line and is made from recycled materials. We recently developed and launched our Paper Shop, which provides our customers with 24/7 access to place orders, check inventory, and monitor order status from their computer, tablet or smart phone. Our Paper Shop makes doing business with us more efficient and simpler for our customers, helping us capture a greater share of their business.

In 1996, we launched the HP Papers office paper products under license from HP Inc., allowing us to exclusively manufacture and market HP Papers in over 75 countries. HP Papers is a global paper brand and is manufactured in all our regions. It is a premium line of uncoated cutsize products, scientifically engineered to work seamlessly across all makes and models of printer and copier equipment. HP Papers, HP inks and toners and HP printers are engineered to work together. In the early 2000s, we again partnered with HP to develop and introduce ColorLok Technology to improve inkjet printing quality in offices and homes around the world. Taking advantage of developments in high-speed inkjet technology, our ColorLok Technology optimization gives excellent results with both laser and high-speed inkjet sheet-fed printers.

Our brands represent 58% of our cutsize sales, and private labels represent the remaining 42%. Our private label strategy focuses primarily on North America, where we produce paper for companies such as Staples. Our top three private label customers represent approximately 280,000 short tons annually of private label sales.

Long-term, committed relationships with key customers and partners in the UFS value chain and a growing position in e-commerce.

We serve over 600 customers across every region of the world through diverse sales channels, including office product suppliers, retailers, e-commerce, converters, dealers and merchants. Our global scale and local focus help us stay committed to key customers and partners across the UFS supply chain. Over the years, we have built long-term relationships with customers thanks to our commitment to their business. We are aligned with the premier participants in all the main channels in Latin America, Europe and North America.

Our sales teams are coordinated to efficiently bring a competitive and complete product offering to our diverse customer base. We bring together our sales, marketing, supply chain and production staff to provide service and support to merchants, converters, end-users, stationers, printers and retailers alike. We further support our customers with our breadth of end-user applications, such as printing paper, brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, packaging and envelopes. This mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use and creates value for our customers, and we excel at managing the complexity this adds to our operations. As a result, we have fostered long-term relationships with our customers with minimal customer turnover. On average, our top 10 customers have been our business partners for 50 years, and today they represent approximately 33% of our supply position, with no one customer making up more than 10% of our supply position.

 

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Leading customers with long-standing relationships per region(1)

 

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Includes predecessor companies.

We have the ability to adapt as our end-users change their channel preferences. We are well positioned to compete in the e-commerce channel, which relies more heavily on high-grade brands than traditional retail channels. We have been able to rapidly grow our e-commerce presence through close partnerships with online retailers such as Amazon in North America and Kalunga in Brazil. We have increased our sales through Amazon in North America by more than six times over the past five years. Overall, we have increased our North America e-commerce sales by approximately 85% over the past five years. Today, e-commerce makes up approximately 10% of North American sales, and we believe Sylvamo sales represent greater than 50% of the channel overall in 2020, according to internal marketing intelligence. We are seeing similar trends in e-commerce developing in Latin America and Europe.

Well-invested facilities running highly efficient operations.

We believe our mills are well-invested, and we have made significant capital investments over time. Our capital spending includes maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures, cost reduction capital expenditures, and strategic capital expenditures, which include capital for rebuilds, productivity enhancements and de-bottlenecking. We believe that the investments in our well-maintained and efficient facilities increase equipment uptime and improve reliability. The only major capital expenditure across our portfolio of mills anticipated in the next few years is the rebuilding of the two recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill or, alternatively, replacing the boilers with one new recovery boiler. Our mills are technically advanced, and Sylvamo operates the two most recently built UFS assets in Latin America – Luís Antônio and Três Lagoas in Brazil. Our history of allocating capital towards high-return projects demonstrates our financial discipline and ability to identify projects that create sustainable value. Our Svetogorsk mill is one of the top pulp and paper mills in Russia with industry-leading technology and equipment. Since 1998, we have invested approximately $780 million in the upgrade and modernization of the mill to ensure its long-term competitiveness. For example, we constructed the BCTMP plant in 2008, which provides higher yields than other processes and lowers the total cost of production. We also installed a coater at one of the paper machines, allowing us to produce CUK and LPB to meet market demand. Our Eastover mill is one of the most technologically advanced pulp and paper mills in the world and, as a result, it is the lowest cost producer of UFS in North America according to Fisher International. It has a history of continued investment, with over $140 million in capital deployed since 2015. Our Ticonderoga mill is a premium-grade, vertically integrated pulp and paper mill, with a well-invested asset base and proven capabilities to service the North American specialty segment. We have likewise deployed $100 million of capital spending into the Ticonderoga mill since 2015.

 

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Strong and stable cash flow generation.

We have a track record of strong cash flow generation across cycles due to our low-cost asset base, disciplined capital investment, customer and geographic diversification, operational flexibility and strong brand recognition. We have been able to generate strong Adjusted EBITDA Conversion, defined as Adjusted EBITDA less maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures divided by Adjusted EBITDA. For the years ended 2018, 2019 and 2020, our Adjusted EBITDA Conversion was 83.0%, 83.8% and 80.0% respectively. On a GAAP basis, our Cash Provided by Operating Activities Conversion, calculated as Cash Provided by Operating Activities minus maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures divided by Cash Provided by Operating Activities, was 77.2%, 78.1% and 79.4% for 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we were able to generate strong cash flow and achieve an Adjusted EBITDA Conversion level of 80%. Our ability to reduce capital spending in times of economic downturns allows us to continue generating strong and stable cash flow. For example, we reduced our total capital expenditures in 2020 to $75 million from $150 million in 2018 by delaying capital expenditures. Accordingly, we anticipate increasing capital spending to ensure that our mills stay well-invested and well maintained. This increase may negatively impact operating cash flow, but we anticipate Adjusted EBITDA Conversion staying above 70%. Adjusted EBITDA Conversion excludes strategic and cost reduction capital expenditures and the anticipated Svetogorsk recovery boiler investment. For a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA Conversion, see “Summary Historical Financial Data.”

Adjusted EBITDA Conversion

 

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Cash Provided by Operating Activities Conversion

 

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Our portfolio of low-cost mills enables us to achieve healthy margins. Our vertically integrated mills help minimize our exposure to the volatility of raw material prices and generate a consistent stream of cash flows. Further, we have positioned ourselves in the most attractive local markets, where we leverage our low manufacturing costs to maximize earnings. Our management’s experience in managing costs and leveraging lean processes fosters a culture of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Our geographic, product and channel diversity gives us the flexibility to adjust to end-market demand fluctuations and maintain margins. Specifically, our global platform allows us to offset the effects of volatile movements of major currencies by tactically positioning ourselves in the export and import market to our advantage. Our broad product categories allow us to meet end-user demand for a wide variety of paper products. Additionally, our channel diversity helps us better adapt to our end-users’ channel preference with a wide breadth of end-user applications. This customer-focused strategy coupled with our decades of investments in our strong brands has allowed us to weather down-cycles.

Best-in-class management team with extensive industry experience and operating expertise to lead Sylvamo as a stand-alone company.

We have assembled a senior management team that is highly focused on delivering value to our stockholders by leveraging our low-cost assets, highly recognized brands, geographic positioning and unparalleled customer relationships. Together, our senior management team averages over 26 years of experience in the paper industry and brings deep global industry expertise to our company. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Michel Ribiéras, served in various senior leadership positions at International Paper, including most recently as Senior Vice President of the Industrial Packaging business in the Americas. During his 28 years at International Paper, Jean-Michel has run the North American, Latin American and European segments of Sylvamo. He also served on the board of directors for JSC Ilim Group, a Russian operating subsidiary of Ilim SA, a 50/50 joint venture between International Paper and its partners, and led the integration of Weyerhaeuser Company’s cellulose fibers business with International Paper’s pulp business. Our Chief Financial Officer, John Sims, most recently served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development at International Paper. He joined International Paper in 1994 and has been an officer of the company since 2008. During John’s 27 years at International Paper, 18 years have been in the paper business where he ran the North American and European businesses of Sylvamo. He has held various senior leadership positions, including Vice President of Finance & Strategy for the North American Industrial Packaging business and Senior Vice President and President of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. Together, Jean-Michel and John will lead an experienced and highly capable senior management team at Sylvamo.

 

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Strategic Overview

Our commitment to responsible environmental, social and governance principles is embedded throughout our three-pronged strategy, which focuses on creating value for our stockholders through:

 

  1.

Commercial Excellence: Remain the supplier of choice by exceeding customers’ expectations for quality and service.

 

  2.

Operational Excellence: Operate as a low-cost, focused, cash-generating company.

 

  3.

Financial Discipline: Be the investment of choice by consistently delivering on a compelling investment thesis.

Specific initiatives we are focused on include:

Be commercially excellent to drive top-line growth and profitability.

 

   

Our diversified product offering and leading supply position allow us to better serve our customers. Sylvamo’s product portfolio covers a broad range of products that our customers use and sell for a wide breadth of end-user applications. This diversified offering of paper products not only creates value for our customers, but also mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use. Furthermore, our advantaged supply position gives us the significant global scale to serve customers close to their operations while leveraging distribution efficiencies to benefit our customers.

 

   

Our global portfolio of premium-margin branded and private label offerings differentiates our products in local markets. We intend to focus on maintaining and improving the success of our existing brands to further drive profitable growth. We have become the partner of choice for many businesses and households around the world, and we plan to continue to deliver on our brands’ reputations for quality. We believe that we can drive top-line growth and profitability by further enhancing our brand positioning across geographies, growing our loyal customer base and tapping into growing pockets of demand in select channels and geographies. For example, in 2019 we expanded SvetoCopy’s brand range to include a new product, SvetoCopy Premium, to better serve the premium market. We also utilize our marketing expertise and promotional support to help our customers market and sell our products more effectively. For example, in Brazil, we have a dedicated team of more than 20 promoters spread across the country visiting stores and developing campaigns to increase Chamex sales through promotional activity.

 

   

We will continue to invest in and focus on our strong, long-term customer relationships around the globe. We will support our customers through the quality and reliability of our products, customer service and our customer-centric innovation. We believe research and development (“R&D”) and innovation are core competencies of Sylvamo, and plan to leverage these capabilities to further strengthen our market positioning. We already supply to most of the top participants across all major channels, and we see potential to further expand our supply position. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic we helped our customers navigate stay-at-home orders by quickly introducing new packaging sizes that allowed for safe home delivery of UFS products. In Latin America, we created a group of preferred corporate distributors aimed at improving the go-to-market strategies for our top customers. In Europe, we are launching a plastic free wrapper used as packaging for our brands, as our end-users increasingly demand sustainable products. Our service and sales teams are trained to enhance our positioning with key customers. We believe developing customer loyalty through market-based value creation will help us differentiate our offerings and position us for steady cash generation from our core customer base as well as allow us to expand our customer base and defend our advantaged supply position.

 

   

We adapt and innovate as our end-customers change their channel preferences. We have successfully entered the e-commerce channel by innovating around pallet and box sizes to better

 

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service the needs of our e-retailer customers. In Latin America, we introduced an innovative package with fewer sheets per ream and a lower basis weight with fewer reams per box, which facilitates last mile delivery via motorcycle, a common transportation method in the region. Our brands represent approximately 56% of sales in the e-commerce channel in North America. In Europe, Sylvamo is one of the largest cutsize suppliers to the e-commerce channel, providing owned and licensed brands, as well as private brands. By further aligning ourselves with key e-commerce customers, we believe we will continue to lead the industry in performance. We believe we can increase customer penetration and drive top-line growth as we upgrade our warehousing systems, leverage new packaging techniques and increase our utilization of e-commerce channels.

Operational excellence and low-cost operations to drive stockholder value.

 

   

We have a history of profitability and offsetting inflation through our low-cost operations. From 2018 to 2020, we have averaged operating margins of 11.0%. Moreover, in Latin America and Europe, which represented approximately two-thirds of our Business Segment Operating Profit on average over that period, our operating margins have averaged 17.6% and 11.6%, respectively, over that same time frame. We successfully implement price increases and maintain a strategy of constantly finding ways to offset input cost inflation. Our low-cost assets allow us the operational flexibility to produce a diverse product mix and serve multiple attractive channels, which mitigates our exposure to any one channel or end-use. In addition, we averaged Adjusted EBITDA margins (defined as Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales) of 16.4% from 2018 to 2020, and we intend to target Adjusted EBITDA margins of between 15% and 18% over the business cycle. See “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Operations—This information statement contains forward-looking information, targets, projections and forecasts, which are inherently uncertain and actual results may differ.”

 

   

We have identified future cost reduction initiatives to help us maintain and improve our cost position in local and export markets. We expect to invest in upgrading our facilities not only to maintain our quality and low cost, but also to improve our operational flexibility. We also continuously identify opportunities to further reduce our operating costs, as evidenced by our track record of investing over $28 million on cost reduction projects per annum on average from 2010 to 2020, helping us maintain our competitive margins. We produce diverse product lines that maximize margin and value creation. For example, Eastover is able to efficiently produce different UFS product lines on its two paper machines. Additionally, when UFS demand is high we can divert more pulp to the paper machines from the market pulp machine to increase UFS production and similarly, when UFS demand is soft, we can divert more pulp to the market pulp machine. We have a similar flexible operating model across all of our geographies. Investments in technologies such as data analytics in mills to reduce costs, enhance flexibility and improve decision-making are key initiatives for Sylvamo. We expect these investments to be modest, and provide the company meaningful commercial, operational and financial benefits.

 

   

We utilize lean six sigma and other management tools to drive further cost reductions and operating improvements in our manufacturing system. Our manufacturing system focuses on six key areas, including environmental, health and safety and efficiency improvement. We track our operations against Overall Equipment Effectiveness and other key metrics to drive increasingly lean operations and ensure full visibility across our operations. Recently, we have used data analytics at our mills to further accelerate the improvement progress. Going forward we expect disruptive technology to become a significant lever for future improvement. We plan to continue utilizing our lean tools and principles and implement targeted programs in order to optimize raw materials sourcing and usage, eliminate process waste, reduce repair costs and control overhead, driving cost reductions and operating improvements across our manufacturing system.

 

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Pursue a disciplined approach to capital allocation that rewards stockholders and drives value organically through selective investment to further our advantaged positions.

 

   

We expect to deliver strong and sustainable free cash flow by continuing to leverage our low-cost assets, premier brands, and deep customer relationships with leading companies in each of our sales channels. Our annual maintenance, regulatory and reforestation capital expenditures are expected to be in the range of approximately $130 to $150 million per year for the next several years, which we believe will be sufficient to maintain our operations and productivity. In addition, spending to replace the recovery boilers at our Svetogorsk mill is expected to begin in 2022, with approximately 80% of the estimated $220 million to be spent in 2023 and 2024. If Sylvamo chooses to rebuild the recovery boilers, the anticipated total spend may be reduced. We will pursue a disciplined approach to capital investment to complement the strategic and cost reduction investments made in the last 5 years. Any planned future strategic capital expenditures will be pursued where there is the expectation of significant return on invested capital.

 

   

We intend to use a portion of the excess cash flow generated by our business to reduce outstanding indebtedness in a disciplined manner. A healthy balance sheet will support our operations and provide the financial flexibility to maximize value creation for our stockholders. Our near-term priority is debt reduction, and we intend to target a financial leverage ratio (defined as total indebtedness to Adjusted EBITDA) of less than 2.5:1 by the end of 2022. In the future, as we achieve our targeted financial leverage ratio, we anticipate that we will be in a position to return a portion of the cash flow generated by our business to our stockholders through a combination of dividends and stock repurchases, depending on market conditions and subject to restrictions under the credit agreement governing our senior secured credit facilities and the indenture governing our senior notes (including greater restrictions until the Brazil Tax Dispute is resolved), and approval by our board of directors.

 

   

As an independent company, we expect to allocate capital more efficiently towards a larger number of projects that have a high return on invested capital. We remain committed to investing in our low-cost, highly competitive asset base, which underpins our operations. We believe in continually optimizing our existing core asset base to drive higher incremental returns above our cost of capital. As an independent company, we plan to focus on further enhancing our operational flexibility by undertaking projects with a high expected return on capital. Sylvamo has preliminarily identified over $100 million of investment projects with potential internal rates of returns (“IRR”) in excess of 25%. We will evaluate investing in these high return projects in the future, while continuing to maintain financial discipline focused on delivering value to our stockholders.

 

   

We will strive to create intrinsic value by achieving returns above our cost of capital. As we move forward, investment excellence is essential to growing earnings and cash generation. Strategic investments will be grounded on clear strategic and financial objectives that allow us to turn Sylvamo’s advantages into profitable growth, with a meaningful return above our cost of capital. We have a strong pipeline of projects that will reduce costs and increase efficiency over the medium- to long-term.

Lastly, we intend to follow a disciplined approach in evaluating any potential strategic transactions. We view our capital allocation framework as a foundational lever to accelerate value creation for our stockholders.

Our commitment to environmental, social and governance matters is embedded throughout our three-pronged strategy.

We incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations into our strategies and everyday processes as we seek to adequately address risks, operate sustainably and responsibly and create long-term value. Our commitment to sustainability includes our entire value chain, from the responsible sourcing of raw materials, to the safety of our employees, to using renewable energy and ensuring the recyclability of our products.

 

   

Environmental stewardship and responsible manufacturing practices are fundamental to how we operate, and we seek supply chain partners that share our commitment. Sylvamo recognizes that a

 

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sustainably managed forest is one that maintains and enhances economic, social and environmental values for the benefit of present and future generations. We are committed to producing the products our customers need, while ensuring responsible stewardship of the world’s natural resources. To meet the expectations of our employees, customers and other stakeholders, we will continue to lead forest stewardship efforts globally to build a better future for people, the planet and our company. We work with landowners to advance responsible forest management practices and increase the availability of certified fiber. We also work with conservation organizations to support healthy forest ecosystems, enhance ecologically significant areas, and conserve and restore forests worldwide. Most importantly, our fiber sourcing policies and practices support our commitment to protecting forests and their ecosystems for generations to come.

 

   

We will continue to generate more than 75% of our mill energy needs using renewable biomass residuals rather than fossil fuels. We have made significant investments to promote energy self-sufficiency and replace fossil fuels. For example, in 2012, we completed the construction of a biomass boiler in Mogi Guaçu, Brazil. This high-return cost savings project reduced fossil fuel use by 75% and increased earnings by $30 million in its first year of operation. Saillat, one of the most environmentally efficient mills in the world, is the first French mill to obtain Eco-label certification for copy and graphic papers. PEFC-certified since 2006, Saillat implements rigorous sustainable practices. All of its wood comes from controlled sources, it is 85% energy self-sufficient and it produces 53% fewer carbon emissions from fossil fuels than the average of the European graphic papers sector. Additionally, Saillat and its partner Dalkia, a French energy company, were selected by the French Ministry of Ecological Transition to promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emission. Under this program, Saillat and Dalkia will produce 25 mega-watts of biomass energy for a 20-year fixed price thereby reducing Saillat’s energy costs and consumption of fossil fuels.

 

   

We are committed to attracting and developing a diverse talented and global workforce, ensuring safety at our facilities and contributing to the resiliency of our local communities. Our international presence allows us to attract the best talent across the globe. Accordingly, our senior management team is internationally diverse with global experience, hailing from all of the geographies in which we operate—Latin America, Europe and North America. Further, we will continue to invest a portion of our earnings to address critical community needs in the communities where our employees live and work. For example, Sylvamo Brazil partners with and supports the AIPI Institute, an educational organization serving the Brazilian community.

We believe that by leveraging our strengths and executing on our strategies, we will create long-term value for our stockholders.

Our Reportable Segments

We are organized into three reportable business segments based on geography—Latin America, Europe and North America. The following summary describes the products and services offered in each of the segments:

Latin America: Our Latin American operations focus on uncoated freesheet paper as well as market pulp through the ownership or management of approximately 250,000 acres of forestlands in Brazil. Our system of paper and pulp production in Brazil consists of three mills: two integrated mills in the State of São Paulo and one non-integrated mill in Mato Grosso do Sul. Our Brazilian uncoated freesheet brands include Chamex, Chamequinho and Chambril. We also produce the HP papers line in Brazil. All of our products are produced exclusively from planted and sustainable certified eucalyptus. We create papers for a variety of business and home use.

Europe: Our Europe segment produces a broad portfolio of uncoated freesheet papers for numerous uses and applications as well as liquid packaging board, coated unbleached kraft and market pulp. We operate two paper, pulp and board mills in the region: Saillat, France and Svetogorsk, Russia. Located in the Limousin region of

 

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France, the Company’s Saillat mill produces both paper and market pulp. It is the only mill in France to cover the entire production process from wood harvesting to paper, and is one of the leading cutsize producers in France and Western Europe. The Saillat mill produces UFS papers, such as copy paper, and value-added products such as tinted paper and colored laser printing paper under leading brands such as REY Adagio and Pro-Design. We also produce graphic and high-speed inkjet printing papers under the brand Jetstar. The Saillat mill has some of the highest environmental credentials for our products and mill in Europe. Our Svetogorsk mill is one of the premier pulp and paper mills in Russia, with industry-leading technology and equipment. It covers more than 434 acres on the Karelian Isthmus, and comprises three pulp mills, two papermaking machines, and A3 and A4 cutsize finishing. Our Svetogorsk mill is one of Russia’s leading producers of high-quality uncoated freesheet papers under brands Ballet Brilliant, Ballet Premier, Ballet Classic, Ballet Universal and SvetoCopy, and pulp products such as Bleached Chemical Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (“BCTMP”).

North America: The North American paper business manufactures uncoated freesheet papers at its mills in Eastover, South Carolina and Ticonderoga, New York and has offtake agreements to purchase the uncoated papers produced by International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills in Selma, Alabama and Georgetown, South Carolina. The North American papers business comprises three sub-segments, Imaging Papers, Commercial Printing Papers and Converting Papers. The imaging papers business, which comprises roughly half of the North American segment’s volume, produces copy paper for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers and digital imaging. These products are important for office use, home office use and in businesses such as education, healthcare and financial services. The commercial printing business comprises about 16.3% of the North American segment’s volume, and end-use applications in the commercial printing business include advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. The converting business manufactures a variety of grades that are converted by our customers into envelopes, tablets, business forms, file folders and several specialty grades. Uncoated papers are sold under private label and brand names that include Hammermill®, Springhill®, Williamsburg, Accent®, DRM® and Postmark®.

Our Products

Our primary product line is uncoated freesheet papers (“UFS”), which includes cutsize papers, offset papers, and specialty papers. We also produce liquid packaging board, coated unbleached kraft and market pulp.

Uncoated Freesheet Papers

UFS is the largest category of printing and writing papers. It is used in printed communications across products such as copy paper, book publishing, direct mail, envelopes and business form papers. UFS constitutes 79%, or 2.75 million short tons, of the paper, board and market pulp that we have the capability of producing annually.

Cutsize Papers

Cutsize papers are a subset of UFS, and refers to paper that has been trimmed to a specific size for printing, copying and other purposes. Cut-size papers can vary in quality from an everyday 20 lbs. 92 bright product up to a 32 lbs. 100 bright product with superior smoothness and brightness. Examples of cutsize paper include 8.5x11 paper, A3 paper, A4 paper and 11x17 paper for home and office printers.

Our cutsize papers comprise some of the most well-known paper brands in the world, including the following:

Hammermill

Hammermill is Sylvamo’s most-purchased brand of paper for businesses across North America. It is the #1 brand sold through e-commerce channels. The Hammermill brand has a deep heritage in the United States with over 120 years of existence and commands a price premium over private label brands.

 

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HP Papers

We also produce the HP Papers office papers product line, through a partnership for brand use, with HP Inc. HP Papers is manufactured with ColorLok® technology to produce documents with brighter colors, more intense black and quicker drying, with less risk of smudges. It is suitable for home and office use and an ideal brand for high quality printing.

Chamex and Chamequinho

Chamex enjoys strong brand recognition as the leading printing paper in Brazil, being named #1 customer’s choice in Brazil according to internal studies by the Company. Part of Brazilian culture for over 50 years, entire generations have grown up using Chamequinho in school and later Chamex in the workplace. Outside of Brazil, Chamex is exported to more than 60 countries and is recognized for its high quality in Bolivia, Central America, Chile, Peru and Paraguay. For every three sheets of paper consumed in Latin America, one is from Sylvamo’s brands, according to Fisher International. We have leveraged this brand loyalty to introduce additional brands, including Chamequinho, which focuses on younger generations.

REY

Our premium REY brand is sold across Europe with a strong historical presence in France. Sylvamo’s REY brand maintains strong consumer awareness and is recognized as a top leading brand in its market. It is 100% sourced from sustainably managed forests. REY paper sold in Europe has internationally recognized certifications such as FSC®, PEFC and the EU Ecolabel.

SvetoCopy

Before 1996, all office paper in Russia was imported. SvetoCopy was the first office paper brand to be produced in Russia and is now one of two leading brands in the market. SvetoCopy also shows the highest frequency of repeat purchasing alongside the highest level of consumption in Russia according to IPSOS.

Offset Papers

Offset paper is a type of uncoated freesheet paper that is primarily used for printing books, magazines, manuals, catalogs, posters, calendars, flyers, letterheads, publication interior sheets, brochures and envelopes. Offset paper has a relatively coarse surface that enhances its ability to absorb printing inks and dampening solutions making it ideal for offset printing. The surface characteristics of offset paper make it easier to write on with ballpoint and fountain ink pens and to stamp clearly. Uncoated offset papers are commonly used for office stationery for this reason. For printing purposes, it is possible to print high quality, multicolored graphics and illustrations and texts on these papers for a variety of products and publications.

Specialty Papers

Specialty papers are papers with a specialized end use based on the application. These specialty papers products include bleached kraft, release liner and wallboard tape paper. Bleached kraft grades are used for animal feed bags, food packaging or high end shopping bags and are designed to perform through the complete bag making process, from printing and converting, to filling and sealing. Our uncoated release liner products are suitable for polycoating and are designed for good converting performance as well as poly adhesion. These products are used for release papers, label applications and graphic art applications. Wallboard tape paper becomes joint tape that reinforces wall and ceiling joints to prevent cracking. It works on all interior wall and corner joints and is suitable for outside corners and corner bead applications.

 

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Liquid Packaging Board and Coated Unbleached Kraft

LPB and CUK grades are produced at our Svetogorsk mill. Liquid packaging board is primarily used in the beverage packaging industry while coated unbleached kraft is used to package beverages such as beer and soft drinks and for heavy duty packaging needs such as laundry detergent.

Pulp

The Sylvamo pulp business produces softwood, hardwood and bleached chemi-thermomechanical pulp (“BCTMP”). These pulp grades are used for our paper products, and the excess is sold globally and used in a variety of products such as tissues and towels, specialty and packaging papers and folding box board. BCTMP provides higher yields than other forms of pulp and is used in coated paperboard grades.

Our Raw Materials

The manufacturing of paper, board and pulp requires wood fiber, chemicals and energy. We discuss these three key raw materials used in our manufacturing operations below.

Wood Fiber

North American paper mills

The fiber used by our paper mills in the United States is softwood and hardwood, both readily available in the market from multiple third-party sources. These sources include a combination of supply contracts, wood lot management arrangements and advance stumpage and spot market purchases. Both the Ticonderoga and Eastover mills are located near sustainably managed forests in New York and South Carolina, respectively.

Latin American paper mills

The fiber used by our two integrated mills at Mogi Guaçu and Luís Antônio come from our owned strategic forestry plantations that cover approximately 250,000 acres, providing a sustainable source of high-quality and low-cost hardwood fiber from eucalyptus. We reserve approximately 75,000 acres of that property to plant native forests to protect the region’s natural biodiversity. Similarly, our non-integrated mill at Três Lagoas uses bleached eucalyptus fiber for paper production. Eucalyptus produces an ideal fiber for making paper, as it is one of the fastest growing and highest yielding species grown on timber plantations with a shortened harvest cycles of six to seven years, which helps to keep the planation costs low. Its homogenous fiber quality permits premium grade products with better porosity and opacity, which enhances print quality. Eucalyptus also requires less wood to manufacture a ton of pulp, making it an appropriate source for producing pulp and renewable energy, and it requires fewer chemicals during production, reducing the environmental impact of our products.

European paper mills

Our Saillat and Svetogorsk mills are self-sustainable and produce their own bleached pulp for use in paper production. In Saillat, our own wood-sourcing subsidiary provides access to more than 1.1 million tons of wood from private forests annually.

In Russia, in addition to our own harvesting rights to over 860,000 acres of forest land owned by Russia, we source both hardwood and softwood primarily from third party leaseholders. Together, we have reliable access to over 2.0 million cubic meters of wood fiber. Our harvesting rights are valid for terms ranging from 5-30 years. Our harvesting rights may be terminated in the event of certain breaches of contract, including non-payment of rental fees, failure to report on current activities and certain other violations of the agreement.

 

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Chemicals

We use various chemical compounds in our paper, board and pulp manufacturing operations that we purchase through contracts of varying length to ensure product availability. Most of the contracts have pricing that fluctuates based on prevailing market conditions. For paper production, on our machines we also use several chemical products including starch, precipitated calcium carbonate, optical brighteners, dyes and aluminum sulfate. For bleached pulp production, we use numerous chemicals including caustic soda, sodium chlorate, sulfuric acid, lime and peroxide.

Energy

Our operations produce and consume substantial amounts of energy. Our primary energy sources include: biomass residuals, fossil fuels and electricity. Approximately 78% of the total energy required to manufacture our products comes from renewable fuels such as bark and spent pulping liquor, generated as byproducts from our manufacturing processes. The remainder of the energy comes from smaller amounts of fossil fuels such as fuel oil and natural gas and purchased steam procured under supply contracts. Under most of these contracts, suppliers are committed to provide quantities within predetermined ranges that provide us with our needs for a particular type of fuel at a specific facility. Most of these contracts have pricing that may fluctuate based on prevailing market conditions. Biomass residuals and fossil fuels are consumed primarily to produce steam that is used in the manufacturing process and, to a lesser extent, to provide direct heat used in the chemical recovery process.

We have cogenerating assets at all six of our integrated mills. These generating assets produce approximately 64% of the electricity requirements of our manufacturing operations, with the balance supplied from local utilities. Electricity is primarily used to drive motors, pumps and other equipment and provide lighting.

Our Transportation

Transportation of raw materials, wood fiber, chemicals and pulp into our mills is mostly done by rail and trucks. We rely on third parties for the transportation of our pulp and paper products between our mills, distribution centers and customers. Our paper products are shipped mostly by truck, with logistics operations and procurement being managed centrally in collaboration with each location. Our pulp is either shipped by vessel, rail or truck depending on destination and customer preference. We work with major railroads, ocean carriers, and trucking and third-party transportation companies in North America, Latin America and Europe. Service agreements are typically negotiated on an annual basis. We pay diesel fuel surcharges, which vary depending on the mode of transportation used and the cost of diesel fuel.

Properties

Our portfolio of properties spans three continents and includes six fully-vertically integrated mills and one non-fully integrated mill with an aggregate annual paper and pulp production capacity of 3.5 million short tons. We have two mills in the United States (Ticonderoga, New York and Eastover, South Carolina), three mills in Brazil (Três Lagoas, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Luís Antônio and Mogi Guaçu, Sao Paulo), two mills in Europe (Saillat, France and Svetogorsk, Russia). Our paper manufacturing operations are further supported by 10-year offtake agreements with International Paper (subject to their earlier termination) for paper production at the North American Riverdale and Georgetown mills for 520,000 short tons of uncoated freesheet and 160,000 short tons of uncoated bristols, a heavier weight paper grade used in products such as file folders.

 

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7 owned mills with total production capacity of approximately 3.5 million short tons

 

LOGO

 

LOGO

 

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LOGO

In addition to our mills, we own and lease a number of other properties, including warehouses, in the United States, France, the United Kingdom and Brazil, and our headquarters in                .

Environmental, Social and Governance Responsibilities

Sylvamo has a responsibility to generate long-term value while protecting the planet and improving people’s lives. We incorporate environmental, social and governance considerations into our strategies and everyday processes to ensure that we adequately address risks, operate sustainably and responsibly, and create long-term value for all of our stakeholders—employees, customers, suppliers, communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and stockholders. We seek to improve people’s lives, the planet, and our company’s performance by transforming renewable resources into recyclable products that people depend on every day for education, communication and entertainment.

We do the right things, in the right ways, for the right reason, all of the time – this is The Sylvamo Way, which together with our core values serve as our guideposts as we carry out our mission:

SAFETY: Above all, we care about people. We look out for each other to ensure everyone returns home safely.

ETHICS: We act honestly and operate with integrity and respect. We promote a culture of openness and accountability.

STEWARDSHIP: We are responsible stewards of people and communities, natural resources and capital. We strive to leave everything in better shape for future generations.

We focus our sustainability strategy on the issues where we have the greatest impact. Our approach to sustainability includes our entire value chain, from sourcing raw materials responsibly to providing a market for recovered products, and from the safety of our employees to addressing critical needs in the communities where we live and operate.

From the way we manage natural resources to our manufacturing processes, energy use, transportation, recovery and recycling, Sylvamo is committed to sustainable, transparent practices.

We believe the sustainable management, conservation and restoration of forestland is an important lever for mitigating climate change through carbon storage in forests and is vital to the long-term prosperity of our company, our communities and our planet. Advancements in technology and emerging consumer trends continue to impact how people view and value forests around the globe.

We are well-positioned to address global challenges, including climate change, clean water, education and decent work and economic growth. Our goals and strategy support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (“SDGs”), which are driving cross-sector collaboration to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future for everyone around the world.

 

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Sylvamo’s goals reflect our commitment to be a more sustainable corporation—one that generates profits for its stockholders while protecting the planet and improving the lives of those with whom we interact. Our long-term goals demonstrate that we are thinking differently about how we use natural resources and our impact on the environment. Our three goals, Sustainable Planet, Healthy People and Communities, and Responsible Operations, are designed to demonstrate how we will drive sustainable outcomes for the environment, people and communities and our customers.

Our sustainable business practices recognize the interdependence between people, the planet, profit and our products. Sustainability is the foundation of how we operate. It starts with people—attracting and developing a talented workforce, ensuring everyone arrives home safely at the end of each day and helping our local communities thrive.

Customers and Contracts

We leverage our powerful brands and premium service to build relationships with top customers in each of the channels we serve. Sales are made through a variety of means ranging from multi-year supply contracts to transactional sales. We sell and market our products globally to over 600 customers around the world. We distribute our products through a variety of channels, including merchants and distributors, office product suppliers, retailers and dealers. We also sell directly to converters that produce envelopes, forms and other similar products. We have forged long-term relationships with our top customers, and their loyalty results in very little turnover. For example, our top 10 customers, representing approximately one-third of our business, have been buying our products for more than 50 years on average. Our sales, marketing, supply chain and production staff work collaboratively to provide tailored client support and valued-added services, which we believe helps address the distinct needs of customers across geographies and channels. We provide marketing support to our customers to help them develop their go-to-market strategies by leveraging our extensive end-user sales and preference data.

Well-known global brands and regional producers are part of our customer portfolio for pulp. Many customers are located in a number of countries with much of our product going into North and South America, Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan and China. We sell directly to end customers as well as through agents and merchants depending on the geography and needs of the individual customer. In some cases, we provide consignment programs or maintain pulp inventories at strategically located warehouses to respond to variability in customer demand and order patterns.

Competition

The markets in which we operate are highly competitive with well-established domestic and foreign manufacturers. For instance, in North America, the four largest manufacturers of UFS, including Sylvamo, represent approximately 81% of the total annual production capacity. As the use of electronic mediums and alternative products increases, and because paper production does not generally rely on proprietary processes, except for highly specialized papers or products, the areas into which Sylvamo sells its principal products are increasingly competitive. Furthermore, the level of competitive pressure Sylvamo may face is dependent, in part, upon exchange rates, particularly the rate between the U.S. dollar and the Euro as well as the U.S. dollar and the Brazilian real.

Some of our competitors have converted mills or paper machines at their mills to linerboard, pulp and boxboard capacity, which reduces the supply of UFS and other printing papers.

The competitive landscape in each of our business segments is described below:

 

   

Latin America: Our Latin American business is engaged in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing and specialty papers, as well as converting papers and market pulp. In Latin America, we are the largest producer of UFS with a 34% supply position as of December 2020

 

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according to Fisher International. Our peer competitors include Suzano, BioPappel and Carvajal. Approximately 70% of our Brazilian UFS production is sold across Latin America, while the balance is exported to other regions around the globe. The use of low-cost eucalyptus fiber combined with our highly effective operations and export logistics advantage allow us to serve the domestic market and the export markets at competitive margins.

 

   

Europe: We rank third in supply position in Europe, according to Fisher International as of December 2020, and we have consistently outperformed relative to industry demand in Europe. From 2011 to 2019, while the overall UFS demand in Europe fell by 2%, the demand for our products remained stable. We have a niche positioning in Europe, with our Saillat mill focusing production on specialty UFS. We have the top brand in Russia, SvetoCopy, and we are one of the two leading suppliers of office papers in the market. We also have a strong position in other growing markets, such as the Commonwealth of Independent States. Our peer competitors include Navigator, Mondi, Stora Enso and UPM Communication Papers.

 

   

North America: Our North American business is engaged primarily in the production and sale of cutsize, commercial printing, converting and specialty papers. According to Fisher International, we are the second largest UFS player in North America with 28% supply position as of December 2020, including UFS we will purchase from International Paper’s Riverdale and Georgetown mills pursuant to offtake agreements. We own two of the industry’s most competitive mills, Eastover and Ticonderoga, with 1.1 million short tons of combined annual production capacity. The Eastover mill, located in South Carolina, operates two paper machines and a chemical pulping system producing 700,000 million short tons of UFS and 100,000 million short tons of market pulp annually. Our peer competitors include Domtar, Pixelle Specialty and Packaging Corporation of America.

Regulatory and Environmental Compliance

Sylvamo is subject to a wide range of general and industry-specific laws and regulations in the United States and every other location in which Sylvamo operates. In addition, new laws or regulations impacting our facilities around the world are routinely passed or proposed. Current or proposed laws or regulations may include those governing wood harvesting, air emissions, climate change, waste water discharges, storage, management and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes, contaminated sites, landfill operation and closure obligations and health and safety matters. Compliance with these laws and regulations, therefore, is a significant factor in the operation of our business and may result in capital expenditures as well as additional operating costs. For example, we have completed capital projects to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (“EPA”) maximum achievable control technology (“MACT”) and risk and technology review (“RTR”) regulations that require owners of specified pulp and paper process equipment and boilers to meet new air emissions standards for certain substances. As portions of these MACT and RTR regulations have been remanded to EPA for further consideration, it is not clear at this time what, if any, additional capital project expenditures might result from resolution of the open issues.

As such, Sylvamo may encounter situations in which our operations fail to maintain full compliance with applicable requirements possibly leading to civil or criminal fines, fees, penalties, or enforcement actions, including those that could result in governmental or judicial orders to stop or interrupt our operations or require us to take corrective measures at substantial costs, such as installation of additional pollution control equipment or other remedial actions. Nonetheless, Sylvamo remains committed to controlling emissions and discharges from our facilities to avoid adverse impacts on the environment, and maintaining compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

In 2018, International Paper discovered and voluntarily disclosed to regulators the presence of mercury contamination in sediment in a river tributary that traverses the Company’s mill property in Svetogorsk, Russia. The mercury contamination resulted from the operations of a former chlor-alkali manufacturing plant on the mill site. Remediation of the river tributary was completed in 2020. We are presently investigating the scope of

 

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remediating the soil and groundwater contamination associated with the old chlor-alkali plant. See Note 10 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

Human Capital

Sylvamo has more than 7,000 employees around the world, with approximately 1,600 in North America, 3,000 in Latin America and 2,400 in Europe. Of these employees, approximately 50% are unionized. We believe that our relationships with our unions are constructive.

The attraction, retention and development of our employees is critical to our success. We accomplish this, in part, by developing the capabilities of our team members through our continuous learning, development and performance management programs. One such program is our REACH (Recruit, Engage, Align College Hires) program through which the Company recruits and develops early career engineers and safety professionals for our U.S. mill system, preparing them to become future leaders. We invest in the growth and development of our employees by providing a multi-dimensional approach to learning that empowers, intellectually grows, and professionally develops our employees. We provide continuing education courses that are relevant to our industry and job function within the Company. In addition, we have created learning paths for specific positions that are designed to encourage an employee’s advancement and growth within our organization. We also offer a peer mentor program and leadership and customer service training to support and develop our employees. These resources provide employees with the skills they need to achieve their career goals, build management skills and become leaders within our Company.

The Company believes in an inclusive workforce, where diverse backgrounds are represented, engaged and empowered to inspire innovative ideas and decisions. Our goal is to create a working environment that is welcoming, inclusive and in which diversity is valued. We are committed to fostering holistic respect and full participation for all employees, to providing equal opportunities in employee experience with a focus on hiring and development of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. We aim to have an inclusive, thriving and high performing culture where people come first, feel safe, respected, valued and supported, regardless of differences. We want to give everyone equal opportunity and celebrate the different perspectives and talents that each of us brings.

The Company is focused on promoting a culture of diversity and inclusion that leverages the talents of all employees, and implementing practices that attract, recruit and retain diverse top talent. To attain these goals, we plan to:

 

   

Build leadership capability through women in leadership initiatives (which could include mentoring, skills training, confidence building, on-the-job development and short-term stretch opportunities);

 

   

Increase overall female representation, including in senior leadership roles;

 

   

Build inclusive leadership capabilities;

 

   

Ensure all policies, practices and processes support the D&I strategy and our people;

 

   

Commit to diversity and inclusion in our people, customer, partner and community promises; and

 

   

Increase awareness of pay equity, ensuring that all employees are paid according to the same rules in accordance with pay principles developed for Sylvamo.

We rely on a global workforce, and we take measures to protect the health and safety of our employees, customers and others with whom we do business, while continuing to effectively manage our employees and maintain business operations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken additional measures and incurred additional expenses to protect the health and safety of our employees and comply with applicable government requirements and safety guidance, such as social distancing, enhanced cleaning and disinfection, frequent

 

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handwashing and using close contact PPE. Our business operations may be additionally disrupted if a significant portion of our workforce is unable to work safely and effectively due to illness, quarantines, government actions, or other restrictions or measures responsive to the pandemic. Measures taken across our business operations to address health and safety may not be sufficient to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among our employee base, customers and others.

Safety

We are committed to the safety and well-being of our employees, and seek to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities at our mills. The pursuit of this vision involves:

 

   

Promoting accountability and responsibility for ourselves and our colleagues;

 

   

Embracing a positive safety culture through application of safety leading indicators;

 

   

Applying safety leadership skills;

 

   

Engaging employees in proactive initiatives;

 

   

Anticipating, recognizing and removing hazards;

 

   

Intervening when unsafe conditions are identified;

 

   

Integrating layers of protection into our work systems and processes;

 

   

Maintaining an active safety mindset at work and at home; and

 

   

Fostering a culture where we learn from events and near misses.

While we pursue reduction of all workplace incidents, our LIFE (Life-changing Injury and Fatality Elimination) initiative focuses on eliminating the most serious injuries and implementing sustainable systems to prevent all injuries and incidents. Project teams use our company’s manufacturing excellence tools, communications channels, LIFE investigations, equipment and workplace designs, standard operating procedures, employee engagement, training and general education to improve workplace safety. LIFE is designed to make everyone aware of serious injury risks.

The LIFE program has five focus areas:

 

   

Driver safety;

 

   

Machine safeguarding;

 

   

Exposure to harmful substances or environments;

 

   

Motorized equipment; and

 

   

Slips, trips and falls.

All manufacturing and non-manufacturing sites report on seven proactive safety leading indicators to help identify areas for improvement and where resources are needed to properly execute our programs.

These safety leading indicators work in conjunction with our LIFE program. For example, a key safety leading indicator promotes reporting near-miss events—called LIFE Potentials—that did not result in serious injury because the hazard was recognized before a potential injury occurred. The LIFE Potentials reported by our team each per month allow us to proactively identify performance trends and areas for continuous improvement, and to communicate this learning across the company.

Intellectual Property

We hold a number of foreign and domestic trademarks, trademark applications, trade names, patents, patent applications and licenses relating to our business, our products and our production processes. We have registered

 

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trademarks for many of our brand name products. Key brands include Accent®, Ballet®, Chambril®, Chamex®, Chamequinho®, DRM®, Great White®, Hammermill®, Jetstar®, Postmark®, Pro-Design ®, REY®, Springhill®, and Svetocopy®. Our brands are important to our business and are recognized for quality and reliability. We have multiple U.S. and foreign patents and patent applications. Our patent portfolio, consisting primarily of utility patents relating to our products and manufacturing operations, is important to our operations as a whole. Our intellectual property has various expiration dates.

Seasonality

Sylvamo’s sales exhibit some seasonality, with an increase in sales in the third and fourth quarter in connection with back-to-school purchases.

Legal Proceedings

Sylvamo may be involved in legal proceedings arising from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Sylvamo is not involved in any legal proceedings that we believe will result, individually or in the aggregate, in a material adverse effect upon its financial condition or results of operations. See Note 10 to our audited combined financial statements included elsewhere in this information statement.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth information regarding our directors and executive officers following the distribution. The respective age of each individual in the table below is as of August 1, 2021.

 

Name

   Age     

Principal Positions and Directorships

Jean-Michel Ribiéras

     59      Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Barron

     49      Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Thomas A. Cleves

     59      Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs

Rodrigo Davoli

     42      Senior Vice President & General Manager, Latin America

Greg Gibson

     60      Senior Vice President & General Manager, North America

Peggy Maes

     57      Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer

John V. Sims

     58      Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Oliver Taudien

     50      Senior Vice President & General Manager, Europe

Patrick Wilczynski

     52      Senior Vice President, Operational Excellence

Stan Askren

     60      Director

Christine S. Breves

     65      Director

Jeanmarie Desmond

     54      Director

Liz Gottung

     65      Director

Joia M. Johnson

     61      Director

David Petratis

     63      Director

J. Paul Rollinson

     59      Director

James P. Zallie

     60      Director

Set forth below is biographical information for each of the directors and executive officers named in the table above.

Executive Officers

Jean-Michel Ribiéras. Jean-Michel Ribiéras has been our President and a director since March 2021 and will be our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer as of the Distribution Date. Mr. Ribiéras has over 26 years of service with International Paper. He has served as Senior Vice President – Industrial Packaging the Americas of International Paper since June 2018. He previously served as Senior Vice President – Global Cellulose Fibers of International Paper from July 2016 through June 2018 and led the integration of Weyerhaeuser’s cellulose fibers business with International Paper’s pulp business. Prior to that role, he served as Senior Vice President & President, IP Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia of International Paper from 2013 until June 2016, and Vice President & President – IP Latin America of International Paper from 2009 until 2013. He previously held a variety of roles of increasing responsibility at International Paper in Europe and in the United States, including Vice President of European Papers from 2002 to 2004 and Vice President of International Paper’s pulp and Converting Papers businesses from 2005 to 2009. Mr. Ribiéras has a bachelor’s degree in Management from École Supérieure des Dirigeants d’Entreprise (France) and a Master of Marketing from University of Hartford, and has completed INSEAD’s advanced management program (France).

Mr. Ribiéras brings to the board his extensive experience and leadership skills, developed from his nearly three decades of experience at the Company, including his experience running the North American, Latin American and European segments of Sylvamo.

Matthew Barron. Matthew Barron will be our Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary as of the Distribution Date. Since 2018, Mr. Barron has served as International Paper’s associate

 

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general counsel with responsibility for corporate law, environmental, health and safety, information technology and intellectual property. In 2014, Mr. Barron was appointed associate general counsel supporting International Paper’s Papers, Pulp and Consumer Packaging businesses, and after the acquisition of Weyerhaeuser’s Cellulose Fibers business in 2016, he was dedicated to the Global Cellulose Fibers business. In 2011, he was named finance director, Consumer Packaging, and later served as general counsel for xpedx, International Paper’s former distribution business, where he assisted with the spin-off of that division. Mr. Barron spent his first five years at International Paper as an attorney in the company’s corporate law department, responsible for mergers, acquisitions and securities law. Mr. Barron joined International Paper in 2006, after working for the law firm of Sullivan & Worcester LLP in Boston, Mass. Mr. Barron served on the board of directors of the Mid-South Food Bank from 2016 to 2021 and previously served on the board of ASG Worldwide (AGI-Shorewood), a business of Atlas Holdings LLC. He has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Fairfield University and a JD from the University of Connecticut.

Thomas A. Cleves. Thomas A. Cleves will be our Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs as of the Distribution Date. Mr. Cleves has served as International Paper’s vice president, Global Citizenship, with responsibility for sustainability, community engagement, communications and corporate marketing, since 2015. In 2007, Mr. Cleves was named vice president, Investor Relations, and served as vice president and general manager, Containerboard and Recycling from 2011 to 2015. During his career, Mr. Cleves has worked in sales, marketing, strategic planning, general management and leadership roles in International Paper’s Fine Papers, Printing Papers and Industrial Packaging businesses. Mr. Cleves entered the paper and packaging industry in 1983 and joined International Paper in 1987 with the acquisition of Hammermill Paper Company. He serves on the board of trustees for the Memphis Shelby Crime Commission. Mr. Cleves has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Northern Kentucky University and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.

Rodrigo Davoli. Rodrigo Davoli will be our Senior Vice President & General Manager, Latin America as of the Distribution Date. In 2017, Mr. Davoli was named vice president, Latin America Printing Papers and president of International Paper Brazil. From 2011 to 2017, Mr. Davoli served as marketing manager, European Papers. Mr. Davoli served as general sales manager of IPEX, International Paper’s export company, and as commercial director for Latin America Printing Papers from 2016 to 2017. He has also held a variety of leadership positions in finance, strategic planning, marketing and sales. Mr. Davoli entered the paper and packaging industry in 1993 and joined International Paper with the merger of Champion International in 2000. Mr. Davoli serves on the Brazilian Pulp and Paper Association Board. He has bachelor’s degree in Law from Unipinhal University (Brazil) and an International Executive Master of Business Administration from São Paulo University (Brazil).

Greg Gibson. Greg Gibson will be our Senior Vice President and General Manager, North America as of the Distribution Date. Since 2016, Mr. Gibson has served as Vice President & General Manager, North American Papers. He has served as vice president and general manager for multiple International Paper commercial divisions, including Commercial Printing and Imaging papers, European Papers, European Packaging, Coated Paperboard and North American Papers. Mr. Gibson joined International Paper in 2000 as part of the company’s merger with Champion International. During his career, Mr. Gibson has held a variety of sales, marketing and general management roles. Mr. Gibson entered the paper and packaging industry in 1982. Mr. Gibson has served on the boards of the American Forest & Paper Association, Confederation of European Paper Industries, United Way of the Mid South and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. He also serves on the City of Hope Medical Center National Business Products Council. Mr. Gibson has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from DePauw University.

Peggy Maes. Peggy Maes will be our Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer as of the Distribution Date. Ms. Maes joined International Paper in 2014 as human resources director, Europe, Middle East, and Africa. Ms. Maes has 37 years of human resources experience, including helping multi-national corporations with start-ups, turnarounds, acquisitions and spin-offs. She spent 15 years working in high-tech industries and then as

 

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a consultant for start-up companies. She also worked in global human resources and talent management roles for Ingersoll Rand and Stanley Black & Decker. Ms. Maes has a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Instituut FUNCK (Belgium) and a Master of General Management from Solvay Brussels School (Belgium).

John V. Sims. John Sims will be our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer as of the Distribution Date. Mr. Sims has served as senior vice president, Corporate Development of International Paper since December 2019. Mr. Sims served as senior vice president and president, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia of International Paper from 2016 until December 2019. He became vice president and general manager, European Papers of International Paper in March 2016 and prior to that served as the vice president & general manager for International Paper’s North American Papers business from 2014. Mr. Sims has been an officer of International Paper since 2008 when he was appointed as vice president Strategic Planning. He then served as vice president Finance & Strategy for International Paper’s North American Industrial Packaging business before assuming general management responsibility for the U.S. Imaging Papers business, and then for the North American Papers division. Mr. Sims holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy and an MBA from the University of Michigan.

Oliver Taudien. Oliver Taudien will be our Senior Vice President and General Manager, Europe as of the Distribution Date. He has served as chief financial officer and strategy director for Europe, Middle East and Africa since 2016. During his career, he has held leadership roles across multiple geographic regions in finance and strategy, information technology and general management. He served in roles such as business analysis director at the company’s global headquarters, European Papers finance director, finance director for Europe, Middle East and Africa Packaging, Information Technology director and general manager for the Corrugated Packaging business in Italy. Mr. Taudien joined International Paper in 1998. Mr. Taudien has a Master of Business from the University of Cologne (Germany).

Patrick Wilczynski. Patrick Wilczynski will be our Senior Vice President, Operational Excellence as of the Distribution Date. Since 2019, he has served as International Paper’s vice president, Capital Effectiveness. From 2017 to 2019, he was vice president and general manager, Coated Paperboard. He served as vice president, Global Manufacturing Safety from 2015 to 2016, where he helped establish the company’s safety leading indicators program. In 2012, Mr. Wilczynski was named vice president, Manufacturing, for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Mr. Wilczynski has held a variety of leadership roles in operations, technical services, manufacturing, environmental, health and safety and finance. Mr. Wilczynski joined International Paper in 1992. He began his career working in engineering and operating roles in paper mills. Mr. Wilczynski has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Pennsylvania State University.

Non-Employee Directors

Stan Askren. Stan Askren will serve as a director following the distribution. Since 2018, Mr. Askren has served as Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Quiet Trail Advisors, a private, senior level strategy and lean business advisory practice. He also currently serves as an advisor and lean business consultant for Lean Focus, LLC, a position he has held since 2019. Prior to his current roles, Mr. Askren held various positions of increasing responsibility over 27 years at HNI Corporation (“HNI”) until his retirement in 2018. Mr. Askren served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HNI from 2014 to 2018, President of HNI from 2003 to 2018 and Executive Vice President of HNI from 2001 to 2003. Mr. Askren has served on the board of Armstrong World Industries, Inc. since 2008 and on the board of Allison Transmission Holdings since 2016. He previously served on the board of HNI from 2003 to 2018. Mr. Askren has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from Washington University.

Mr. Askren brings beneficial experience and attributes to our board of directors, including expertise in lean operations and business practice and experience gained from his position as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of HNI as well as broad-based experience in human resources, operations, marketing and multi-channel sales.

 

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Christine S. Breves. Christine Breves will serve as a director following the distribution. Since 2019, Ms. Breves has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United States Steel Corporation, a producer of flat-rolled and tubular steel products with operations in the United States and Central Europe (“U.S. Steel”). As Chief Financial Officer, she leads all aspects of the company’s financial responsibilities including internal and external reporting, credit, tax, treasury services, investor relations, pension responsibilities, internal controls, and internal audit administrative oversight. She also continues to lead the company’s global procurement function, S&OP, and information technology. Prior to her current role at U.S. Steel, she was Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Support and Chief Supply Chain Officer from 2017 to 2019, Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer from 2015 to 2017, and Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer from 2013 to 2015. Prior to joining U.S. Steel, Ms. Breves held increasingly responsible leadership positions at Alcoa, culminating in her serving as Chief Procurement Officer. Ms. Breves holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from College of Charleston and a Master of Business Administration from The Citadel.

Ms. Breves brings executive experience in financial system management, risk management, procurement and global sourcing strategies, manufacturing operations, strategy, and business transformation.

Jeanmarie Desmond. Jeanmarie Desmond will serve as a director following the distribution. From 2019 to 2020, Ms. Desmond was the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of DuPont de Nemours, Inc., a global multi-industry specialty solutions company formerly known as DowDuPont, Inc. (collectively “DuPont”). Ms. Desmond previously served as Vice President and Co-Controller for DuPont from 2017 to 2019 and as Vice President, Controller of EI DuPont De Nemours & Company, the predecessor to DuPont prior to its merger with the Dow Chemical Company in 2017, from 2015 to 2017. Since 2021, Ms. Desmond has served on the board of IPG Photonics Corporation and since 2020, she has served on the board of Trinseo S.A. Ms. Desmond has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Mt. St. Mary’s University and is a certified public accountant (inactive).

Ms. Desmond has substantial finance and accounting experience, including finance leadership and operations financial planning and analysis, tax, internal audit, accounting controls, risk management, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations and extensive experience in the manufacturing and chemicals industry.

Liz Gottung. Liz Gottung will serve as a director following the distribution. Since 2017, Ms. Gottung has served as Principal and Consultant for Liz Gottung, LLC. Prior to her current role, over the past 25 years Ms. Gottung held a variety of human resources, manufacturing and operational roles of increasing responsibility with Kimberly-Clark Corporation (“Kimberly-Clark”). Mostly recently, she served as Chief Human Resources Officer from 2002 to 2017. Since 2006, Ms. Gottung has served on the board of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation and currently serves as Chair of the Governance Committee and Vice-Chair of the Compensation Committee. Ms. Gottung has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the State University of New York at Albany.

Ms. Gottung brings experience in labor relations and human resources in a large publicly held corporation to our board of directors, with extensive experience in leading, designing and implementing human capital strategies including compensation and benefits, both domestically and globally, talent management, diversity and inclusion, organizational strategy and deployment.

Joia M. Johnson. Joia Johnson will serve as a director following the distribution. She retired in 2021 as Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Hanesbrands Inc. (NYSE: HBI), a leading marketer and manufacturer of apparel (“Hanes”). Ms. Johnson served as Hanes’ Chief Administrative Officer from 2016 to 2021 and as its Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary from 2007 to 2021. She currently serves on the board of Global Payments Inc. (NYSE: GPN), a leading Fortune 500 payments technology company. At Global Payments, Johnson is a member of the Compensation Committee and the Technology Committee. She also serves on the boards of Regions Financial Corp. (NYSE: RF) and its subsidiary, Regions Bank, and is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Risk Committee of both boards.

 

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From February 2011 to May 2019, Ms. Johnson was a member of the board of Crawford & Company (NYSE: CRDA and CRDB), specializing in insurance claims administration. For four of those years she served as Chair of the Compensation Committee, and throughout she served as a member of the Audit Committee. From 2003 to 2019, Ms. Johnson was a member of the board of H.J. Russell & Company, a private real estate development, construction and property management business. Ms. Johnson serves on the board of Novant Health, having served as immediate past chair of the board of the Greater Winston-Salem Market, and she has chaired the boards of several other non-profit organizations in Winston-Salem.

Ms. Johnson earned her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania, her master of business administration degree from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, and her bachelor’s degree from Duke University.

Ms. Johnson brings to our board of directors global leadership experience over several corporate functions for publicly traded companies, including legal, human resources, corporate social responsibility, government and trade relations, real estate, corporate security and her domestic and global mergers and acquisitions experience.

David Petratis. David Petratis will serve as a board member following the distribution. Since 2013, Mr. Petratis has served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Allegion plc, a global provider of mechanical and electronic security products and access solutions, and he led the spin-off of the company (NYSE: ALLE). Mr. Petratis previously served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Quanex Building Products Corporation from 2008 to 2013, and held prior senior leadership roles at Schneider Electric, MGE UPS Systems Americas and Square D Company. He has extensive board experience, including eight years of service on the Gardner Denver corporate board and his present role on the University of Northern Iowa Business Executive Advisory Board. Mr. Petratis has a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from the University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine University.

Mr. Petratis has extensive experience with operations and lean manufacturing, distribution and channel marketing and management, mergers and acquisitions, and strategy development and has won acclaim for manufacturing excellence and industry-leading safety performance.

J. Paul Rollinson. J. Paul Rollinson will serve as a board member following the distribution. Since 2012, Mr. Rollinson has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinross Gold Corporation, a gold mining company with a global portfolio of mines and projects (“Kinross”). Mr. Rollinson previously served as Executive Vice President, New Investments for Kinross from 2008 to 2012. Mr. Rollinson has a bachelor’s degree in geology from Laurentian University, Canada and a Master of Engineering in mining from McGill University, Canada.

Mr. Rollinson brings relevant leadership experience to our board of directors, including his current service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kinross, his extensive experience in the forestry, mining, power and utilities, and industrial sectors and his experience in the Brazilian and Russian markets.

James P. Zallie. James Zallie will serve as a director following the distribution. Since 2018, Mr. Zallie has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Ingredion Incorporated, a global ingredients solutions company (“Ingredion”). Prior to his current role, Mr. Zallie served Ingredion in various roles of increasing responsibility including as Executive Vice President, Global Specialties and President, Americas from 2016 to 2017, Executive Vice President, Global Specialties and President, North America and EMEA from 2014 to 2015, Executive Vice President, Global Specialties and President, EMEA and Asia Pacific from 2012 to 2014 and Executive Vice President and President, Global Ingredient Solutions from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Zallie previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Starch LLC (“National Starch”) from 2007 to 2010. National Starch was acquired by Ingredion in October 2010. Mr. Zallie previously served on the board of Innophos Holdings, Inc. from 2014 to 2018. Mr. Zallie has a bachelor’s degree in food science from Pennsylvania State University, a master’s degree in food science from Rutgers University and a Master of Business Administration from Rutgers University.

 

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Mr. Zallie brings leadership, operating and manufacturing and general management experience to our board of directors, including his current service as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ingredion.

Corporate Governance

Board Composition and Director Independence

Following the completion of the separation and distribution, we expect that the size of our board of directors will be nine directors. Our directors will be elected annually to serve until the next annual meeting of stockholders or until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

The number of members on our board of directors may be fixed by majority vote of the members of our board of directors. Any vacancy in the board of directors shall be filled by an affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Each director shall hold office until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified, or until his or her earlier death, resignation or removal.

Our board of directors has determined that Stan Askren, Christine Breves, Jeanmarie Desmond, Liz Gottung, Joia M. Johnson, David Petratis, J. Paul Rollinson and James P. Zallie are independent in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE.

Committees of Our Board of Directors

Effective upon the listing of our common stock, our board of directors will have the following committees.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee, which following the distribution is expected to consist of Jeanmarie Desmond (Chair), Stan Askren, Christine Breves and James Zallie, has the responsibility for, among other things, assisting the board of directors in reviewing our financial reporting and other internal control processes, our financial statements, the independent auditors’ qualifications and independence, the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors and our compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and our code of business conduct and ethics. The charter of our Audit Committee will be available without charge on the investor relations portion of our website upon the listing of our common stock.

Jeanmarie Desmond has been identified as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the rules and regulations of the SEC and each of the members has been determined to be “financially literate” under NYSE rules.

Management Development and Compensation Committee

The Management Development and Compensation Committee, which following the distribution is expected to consist of Liz Gottung (Chair), Stan Askren, Joia Johnson and J. Paul Rollinson, has the responsibility for reviewing and approving the compensation and benefits of our employees, directors and consultants, administering our employee benefits plans, authorizing and ratifying stock option grants and other incentive arrangements and authorizing employment and related agreements. The charter of our Management Development and Compensation Committee will be available without charge on the investor relations portion of our website upon the listing of our common stock.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which following the distribution is expected to consist of David Petratis (Chair), Jeanmarie Desmond, Liz Gottung and Joia Johnson, has the responsibility,

 

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among its other duties and responsibilities, for identifying and recommending candidates to the board of directors for election to our board of directors, reviewing the composition of the board of directors and its committees, developing and recommending to the board of directors corporate governance guidelines that are applicable to us, and overseeing board of directors evaluations. The charter of our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will be available without charge on the investor relations portion of our website upon the listing of our common stock.

Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Prior to the listing of our common stock, our board of directors will adopt Corporate Governance Guidelines and a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for directors, officers, and employees. The Corporate Governance Guidelines will set forth our policies and procedures relating to corporate governance effective as of the completion of the distribution and will comply with the requirements of the NYSE. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines will be available on our website as of the time of our listing on the NYSE. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be applicable to our directors, officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other senior officers effective as of the time of our listing on the NYSE, in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be available on our website as of the time of our listing on the NYSE.

Director Nomination Process

As discussed above, we intend to establish a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which will develop criteria for filling vacant board of director positions, taking into consideration such factors as it deems appropriate, including the candidate’s education and background, his or her general business experience and familiarity with our business and whether he or she possesses unique expertise or perspective that will be of value to us. After completing this evaluation, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will make recommendations to the full board of directors which in turn will make the final determination whether to nominate or appoint the new director after considering the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee’s recommendation.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Sylvamo has not yet paid any compensation to the individuals who will become its executive officers or made any determinations with respect to the compensation of such executive officers following the distribution. We expect that Sylvamo’s board of directors or its Management Development and Compensation Committee will review all aspects of compensation of its executive officers and structure executive compensation arrangements as it believes appropriate. Information as to the historical compensation by International Paper of certain persons who will become executive officers of Sylvamo upon the completion of the distribution is not indicative of the expected compensation of those executives following the completion of the distribution. Accordingly, we have not included information regarding compensation and other benefits paid to those executives by International Paper prior to the date hereof.

Effective upon the listing of our common stock, our board of directors will have a Management Development and Compensation Committee. See “Management—Committees of Our Board of Directors—Management Development and Compensation Committee.” Following the distribution, the Management Development and Compensation Committee will commence to oversee and determine the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other executive officers of Sylvamo and evaluate and determine the appropriate executive compensation philosophy and objectives for Sylvamo’s business. The Management Development and Compensation Committee will evaluate and determine the appropriate design of Sylvamo’s executive compensation program and the appropriate process for establishing executive compensation. If determined to be necessary or appropriate by the Management Development and Compensation Committee, the Management Development and Compensation Committee will retain a compensation consultant to provide advice and support to the committee in the design and implementation of the executive compensation program for Sylvamo.

Compensation Arrangements Following the Distribution

International Paper’s Management Development and Compensation Committee (“MDCC”) has determined the general framework of Sylvamo’s initial executive compensation program, including, for the individuals we expect to be Sylvamo’s executive officers for 2021, base salary, short-term and long-term incentive compensation targets and severance arrangements. In connection with Sylvamo becoming an independent, publicly-traded company, two plans have been approved and adopted by the MDCC: the 2021 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Sylvamo ICP”) and the 2021 Executive Severance Plan (the “Sylvamo Severance Plan”), each described below. Following the distribution, our Management Development and Compensation Committee and board of directors will review and consider these plans and may make adjustments as it determines are necessary or appropriate.

General Executive Compensation Framework

The MDCC approved a compensation philosophy for Sylvamo that is described below. Following the distribution, our Management Development and Compensation Committee will review and consider this philosophy and may make adjustments as it determines are necessary or appropriate. The current compensation philosophy for Sylvamo aims to achieve the following for our executive officers:

 

   

Be market competitive and flexible to react to changing business and industry dynamics

 

   

Drive engagement through rewards programs that differentiate individual contributions and motivate employees to strive for superior performance

 

   

Reward achievement of specific goals that drive sustainable long-term profitability and shareholder value creation

 

   

Promote accountability by placing a significant emphasis on at-risk variable incentive compensation

 

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The MDCC also approved the following base salary and short-term and long-term incentive compensation targets for the following four individuals, each of whom we expect to be one of our named executive officers for 2021. Like our compensation philosophy, these targets will be subject to review and adjustment as our Management Development and Compensation Committee determines to be necessary or appropriate. Due to uncertainty in the expected post-distribution compensation for certain of our other executive officers, we are not able to determine our expected fifth named executive officer for 2021 at this time.

 

Name

   Annual Base
Salary
     Annual
Target Bonus
     Annual
Target
Long-Term
Incentive
 

Jean-Michel Ribiéras

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

   $ 1,000,000      $ 1,000,000      $ 3,300,000  

John V. Sims

Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

   $ 575,000      $ 440,000      $ 1,050,000  

Greg C. Gibson

Senior Vice President & General Manager, North America

   $ 480,000      $ 280,000      $ 560,000  

Thomas A. Cleves

Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs

   $ 437,295      $ 196,700      $ 432,900  

None of our named executive officers are expected to have employment agreements with Sylvamo as of the distribution, but are expected to participate in the Sylvamo Severance Plan. The treatment of our executive officers’ short-term and long-term International Paper incentive awards outstanding as of the distribution will be as described under “The Distribution – Employee Matters Agreement – Cash and Equity Incentive Compensation Plans”.

2021 Incentive Compensation Plan

Purpose, Eligibility and Duration

The purpose of the Sylvamo ICP is to provide incentives for non-employee directors and designated employees of Sylvamo and its affiliates to improve the performance of Sylvamo on a long-term basis, and to attract and retain employees. Our employees and directors will be eligible to receive awards under the Sylvamo ICP.

Unless earlier terminated by action of our board of directors, the Sylvamo ICP will terminate on the date of Sylvamo’s 2031 annual shareholder meeting, and no further awards may be granted under the Sylvamo ICP after the end of the term.

Administration

The Sylvamo ICP will be administered by our board of directors or a committee of the board of directors designated by the board to administer the plan (the “Administrator”). We expect that our Management Development and Compensation Committee will administer the Sylvamo ICP. Subject to certain limitations and applicable law, the Administrator may delegate its authority under the Sylvamo ICP to one or more members of the board of directors or our Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer. With respect to awards to officers or directors subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act, the Administrator will mean two or more “non-employee directors” within the meaning of such rule.

The Administrator will select the employees and directors who receive awards under the Sylvamo ICP and determine the type of award to be granted, the number of shares subject to awards or the cash amount payable in

 

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connection with an award and the terms and conditions of these awards. Among other powers, the Administrator may, in its discretion, at any time accelerate or suspend the vesting of any award granted under the Sylvamo ICP. The Administrator will have full authority to interpret the Sylvamo ICP and to establish and prescribe rules for its administration.

Plan Limits

We expect that an aggregate of ten percent (10%) of the shares of Sylvamo common stock outstanding as of the distribution will be authorized to be issued under the Sylvamo ICP and that the plan will include additional provisions on how shares would be counted against the plan limit and when cancelled, forfeited, terminated or expired shares will be added back to the plan limit and again be made available for future grant.

Permissible Awards

The Sylvamo ICP authorizes the granting of awards in any of the following forms:

 

   

restricted stock, which is subject to restrictions on transferability and subject to forfeiture on terms set by the Administrator;

 

   

restricted or deferred stock units, which represent the right to receive shares of common stock (or an equivalent value in cash or other property, as specified in the award certificate) at a designated time in the future;

 

   

performance awards, which are awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals (any award that may be granted under the Sylvamo ICP may be granted in the form of a performance award);

 

   

dividend equivalents, which entitle the participant to payments (or an equivalent value payable in stock or other property) equal to any dividends paid on the shares of stock underlying such full-value award, which dividend equivalents may be paid only at the time the underlying award is paid;

 

   

market-priced options to purchase shares of our common stock, which may be designated under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) as non-qualified stock options (which may be granted to all participants) or incentive stock options (which may be granted to employees, but not to non-employee directors)

 

   

stock appreciation rights, which give the holder the right to receive the difference (payable in cash or stock, as specified in the award certificate) between the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of exercise over the base price of the award (which cannot be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock as of the grant date);

 

   

other stock-based awards in the discretion of the Administrator, including unrestricted stock grants; and

 

   

cash-based awards, including performance-based annual incentive awards.

Limitations on Transfer; Beneficiaries 

A participant may not assign or transfer an award under the Sylvamo ICP, other than by will, the laws of descent and distribution, or except in the case of an incentive stock option, under a qualified domestic relations order. The Administrator may permit other transfers where it concludes that such transferability does not result in accelerated taxation, does not cause any option intended to be an incentive stock option to fail to qualify as such, and is otherwise appropriate and desirable, taking into account any factors deemed relevant, including without limitation, any state or federal tax or securities laws or regulations applicable to transferable awards; however, no award may be transferred for value. A participant may, in the manner determined by the Administrator, designate a beneficiary to exercise the rights of the participant and to receive any distribution with respect to any award upon the participant’s death.

 

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Conditions on Awards

As may be specified in an award agreement, awards may be forfeited if a participant voluntarily terminates employment prior to retirement eligibility or is terminated for cause; if a participant violates a non-competition, non-solicitation or confidentiality agreement; if an executive officer fails to provide one year’s advance notice of retirement (except in the event of death, disability or waiver by the Administrator); or, if a participant engages in conduct that is detrimental to the business interest or reputation of Sylvamo, or deemed to be a deliberate disregard of Sylvamo’s policies.

Awards under the Sylvamo ICP shall also be subject to any compensation recoupment policy that Sylvamo may adopt from time to time. Further, if any of Sylvamo’s financial statements are required to be restated, resulting from errors, omissions or fraud, the Administrator may direct that Sylvamo recover all or any portion of an award with respect to any fiscal year of Sylvamo the financial results of which are negatively affected by such restatement.

Acceleration Upon Certain Events

Unless otherwise provided in an award certificate, special plan document, or other agreement:

 

   

If a participant’s service terminates by reason of death or disability, (a) outstanding service-based awards will become fully vested, and (b) outstanding performance-based awards will be prorated based on the number of months the participant remained employed in the performance period and such prorated amount will be payable at the end of the performance period based on actual Sylvamo performance.

 

   

If a participant’s service terminates after he or she becomes retirement eligible under the Sylvamo ICP, (a) outstanding service-based awards will vest on a prorated basis based on the number of months the participant remained employed in the vesting period, and (b) outstanding performance-based awards will be prorated based on the number of months the participant remained employed in the performance period and such prorated amount will be payable at the end of the performance period based on actual Sylvamo performance.

 

   

Upon a change in control of Sylvamo, the following will occur with respect to outstanding awards (i) upon the change in control, if outstanding awards are not assumed by the surviving company in the change in control or (ii) upon a termination of employment without cause or a resignation for good reason within two years following a change in control, if outstanding awards are not assumed by the surviving company in the change in control (and the date of the change in control or employment termination is referred to below as the “relevant date”):

 

   

all time-based restrictions applicable to outstanding awards shall lapse as of the relevant date;

 

   

the level of performance achievement under a participant’s performance-based awards shall be calculated as follows for segmented awards:

 

   

the portion of the award that has been “banked” by the Administrator (i.e., have been earned due to achievement of performance conditions but require additional service in order to fully vest) shall be fully vested as of relevant date; and

 

   

the portion of the award that relates to any segment that has not been completed as of the relevant date shall vest based on target performance levels; and

 

   

the level of performance achievement under a participant’s performance-based awards shall be calculated as follows for non-segmented awards:

 

   

where less than a year has elapsed in the performance period as of relevant date, the award will fully vest based on target performance levels; and

 

   

where a year or more has elapsed in the performance period as of the relevant date, as applicable, the award will vest based on actual company performance through such date.

 

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In addition, the Administrator may, in its discretion, accelerate the vesting and/or payment of awards at any time. The Administrator may differentiate among participants or among awards in exercising such discretion. The Administrator may not accelerate payment of any award if such acceleration would violate Section 409A of the Code.

Adjustments

In the event of a transaction between Sylvamo and its stockholders that causes the per-share value of our common stock to change (including, without limitation, any stock dividend, stock split, spin-off, rights offering, or large nonrecurring cash dividend), the share authorization limits under the Sylvamo ICP will be adjusted proportionately, and the Administrator will make such adjustments to the Sylvamo ICP and awards as it deems necessary, in its sole discretion, to prevent dilution or enlargement of rights immediately resulting from such transaction. In the event of a stock split, a stock dividend, or a combination or consolidation of the outstanding common stock into a lesser number of shares, the authorization limits under the Sylvamo ICP will automatically be adjusted proportionately, and the shares then subject to each award will automatically be adjusted proportionately without any change in the aggregate purchase price.

Termination and Amendment

The board of directors or the Administrator may, at any time and from time to time, terminate or amend the Sylvamo ICP; however, if an amendment would constitute a material amendment requiring shareowner approval under applicable listing requirements, laws, policies or regulations, then such amendment will be subject to stockholder approval. In addition, the board of directors or the Administrator may condition any amendment on the approval of stockholders for any other reason. No termination or amendment of the Sylvamo ICP may, without the written consent of the participant, reduce or diminish the value of an award determined as if the award had been exercised, vested, cashed in or otherwise settled on the date of such amendment or termination.

The Administrator may amend or terminate outstanding awards to one or more participants. However, such amendments may require the consent of the affected participants and, unless approved by stockholders, the exercise price of an outstanding option or base price of a stock appreciation right may not be reduced, directly or indirectly, and the original term of an option may not be extended.

Prohibition on Repricing

As indicated above under “—Termination and Amendment,” outstanding stock options and stock appreciation rights cannot be repriced, directly or indirectly, without the prior consent of stockholders. The exchange of an “underwater” option (i.e., an option having an exercise price in excess of the current market value of the underlying stock) for another award would be considered an indirect repricing and would, therefore, require the prior consent of stockholders.

Expenses

All expenses of the Sylvamo ICP are paid for by Sylvamo.

2021 Executive Severance Plan

The Sylvamo Severance Plan is designed to provide consistent severance payments and benefits to Sylvamo’s U.S.-based executives, including its executive officers, in the event of a termination of employment (i) by Sylvamo for reasons other than death, disability or for “cause” (as defined in the Sylvamo Severance Plan) or (ii) by the executive for “good reason” (as defined in the Sylvamo Severance Plan) (each, a “Qualifying Termination”). In general, the Sylvamo Severance Plan will provide Sylvamo’s executive officers with severance following a Qualifying Termination equal to the executive’s annual base salary payable in a lump sum, a pro-rata

 

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bonus based on actual performance for the year of termination and certain outplacement benefits. Upon a Qualifying Termination that occurs within two years following a change in control of Sylvamo, the severance benefit for an executive officer would be equal to 1.5 times (or, in the case of the CEO, 2.5 times) the sum of his of her annual base salary and target bonus, payable in a lump sum, plus a pro rata bonus paid at target levels. Following a Qualifying Termination, the Sylvamo Severance Plan also provides for continuation of group health care coverage at active employee rates for a period of up to 18 months (or up to one year for an executive other than the CEO terminated not in connection with a change in control), plus certain outplacement benefits.

In addition to the Qualifying Termination benefits described above, the Sylvamo Severance Plan will provide for certain benefits under Sylvamo’s annual cash bonus plan upon a termination of employment due to death, permanent disability or retirement after age 55 with at least 10 years of service with Sylvamo (which shall include services with International Paper prior to the distribution) or at any point after age 65. Participants in the Sylvamo Severance Plan whose employment terminates due to their death or permanent disability will receive a pro rated annual bonus for the year of termination assuming target levels of performance had been achieved. Participants in the Sylvamo Severance Plan whose employment terminates due to their retirement will receive a pro rated annual bonus for the year of termination based on actual performance achieved.

As a condition to participation in the Sylvamo Severance Plan, eligible executives must agree to a one-year post-termination non-compete and employee and client/customer non-solicit covenant, a perpetual confidentiality covenant and a perpetual non-disparagement covenant, and must execute a customary release of claims in order to receive any severance payments or benefits.

Director Compensation

International Paper’s Governance Committee has determined that the individuals who will become Sylvamo’s non-employee directors will receive an annual cash retainer of $100,000 and an equity retainer of $125,000. The chairperson of each of the Audit Committee, Management Development and Compensation Committee and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will receive an additional annual cash payment of $25,000, $20,000 and $15,000, respectively. The lead independent director will receive an additional annual cash payment of $25,000. Following the distribution, compensation of Sylvamo’s directors will be reviewed and recommended by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and set by Sylvamo’s board of directors. It is anticipated that no additional remuneration will be paid to any of our directors who are also our executives. We expect the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will periodically review the compensation payable to our directors who are not our executives.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, Sylvamo was not an independent company, and did not have a compensation committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the compensation of those individuals who will serve as Sylvamo’s executive officers following the distribution will be made by Sylvamo’s Management Development and Compensation Committee.

 

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SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

As of the date of this information statement and immediately prior to the distribution, all of the outstanding shares of Sylvamo’s common stock will be owned by Sylvamo’s parent, International Paper. Immediately following the distribution, International Paper will retain no more than approximately 19.9% of Sylvamo’s common stock.

The table below presents information with respect to the expected beneficial ownership of our common stock immediately after the distribution by: (i) each person known by us who will beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock, including International Paper; (ii) each of our directors and executive officers; and (iii) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. Except as otherwise noted above or in the footnotes below, each person or entity identified below has sole voting and investment power with respect to such securities. To the extent our directors and executive officers own International Paper common stock as of the Record Date for the distribution, they will participate in the distribution on the same terms as other holders of International Paper common stock.

The share amounts and percentages listed below are based on each person’s beneficial ownership of International Paper common stock on August 15, 2021, giving effect to a distribution ratio of one share of Sylvamo common stock for every 11 shares of International Paper common stock held by such person.

Immediately following the distribution, we estimate that approximately 44,232,752 shares of Sylvamo common stock will be issued and outstanding, based on approximately 389,734,789 shares of International Paper common stock outstanding as of August 15, 2021. The actual number of shares of Sylvamo common stock outstanding following the distribution will be determined on the Record Date.

The amounts and percentages of shares beneficially owned are reported on the basis of regulations of the SEC governing the determination of beneficial ownership of securities and give effect to the distribution. Under SEC rules, a person is deemed to be a “beneficial owner” of a security if that person has or shares voting power or investment power, which includes the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any securities of which that person has a right to acquire beneficial ownership within 60 days. Securities that can be so acquired are deemed to be outstanding for purposes of computing such person’s ownership percentage, but not for purposes of computing any other person’s percentage. Under these rules, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same securities, and a person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of securities as to which such person has no economic interest.

 

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Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each beneficial owner who is also a director or executive officer is c/o Sylvamo Corporation, 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38197.

 

     Common Stock Beneficially Owned After the Distribution  
Name of Beneficial Owner    Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned
     Percentage of Common
Stock Outstanding
 

International Paper Company(1)

     8,802,317        19.9

The Vanguard Group(2)

     4,108,368        9.3

T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc.(3)

     3,640,308        8.2

BlackRock, Inc.(4)

     3,345,887        7.6

State Street Corporation(5)

     2,246,591        5.1

Jean-Michel Ribiéras

     6,136        *  

Matthew Barron

     98        *  

Thomas A. Cleves

     1,173        *  

Rodrigo Davoli

     1,107        *  

Greg Gibson

     431        *  

Peggy Maes

     —          *  

John V. Sims

     3,391        *  

Oliver Taudien

     —          *  

Patrick Wilczynski

     2,293        *  

Stan Askren

     —          *  

Christine S. Breves

     —          *  

Jeanmarie Desmond

     29        *  

Liz Gottung

     —          *  

Joia M. Johnson

     —          *  

David Petratis

     —          *  

J. Paul Rollinson

     —          *  

James P. Zallie

     —          *  

All directors and executive officers as a group (17 persons)

     15,266        *  

 

*

Less than 1%.

(1)

Immediately prior to the spin-off, International Paper will be the record holder of 44,232,752 shares of common stock. International Paper’s principal place of business is 6400 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38197.

(2)

The address of The Vanguard Group (“Vanguard”) is 100 Vanguard Blvd., Malvern, PA 19355. We have relied upon information supplied by Vanguard in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC relating to International Paper on February 10, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, Vanguard had shared voting power over 622,406 shares, sole dispositive power over 43,474,705 shares of International Paper and shared dispositive power over 1,717,351 shares of International Paper.

(3)

The address of T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. (“T. Rowe Price”) is 100 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202. We have relied upon information supplied by T. Rowe Price in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC relating to International Paper on February 16, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, T. Rowe Price had sole voting power over 20,052,362 shares of International Paper and sole dispositive power over 40,043,391 shares of International Paper.

(4)

The address of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) is 55 East 52nd Street, New York, NY 10055. We have relied upon information supplied by BlackRock in a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC relating to International Paper on January 29, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G/A, BlackRock had sole voting power over 33,393,680 shares of International Paper and sole dispositive power over 36,804,762 shares of International Paper.

(5)

The address of State Street Corporation (“State Street”) is State Street Financial Center, One Lincoln Street, Boston, MA 02111. We have relied upon information supplied by State Street in a Schedule 13G filed with

 

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  the SEC relating to International Paper on February 12, 2021. According to the Schedule 13G, State Street had shared voting power over 22,843,806 shares of International Paper and shared dispositive power over 24,667,209 shares of International Paper. State Street held shares of common stock of International Paper as independent trustee in trust funds for employee savings, thrift and similar employee benefit plans of the Company and its subsidiaries (“IP Trust Funds”). In addition, State Street is trustee for various third-party trusts and employee benefit plans. The common stock held by the IP Trust Funds is allocated to participants’ accounts and such stock or the cash equivalent will be distributed to participants upon termination of employment or pursuant to withdrawal rights. For purposes of the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, State Street is deemed to be a beneficial owner of such securities; however, State Street expressly disclaims that it is, in fact, the beneficial owner of such securities.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PERSON TRANSACTIONS

Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions

In connection with the distribution, we expect that our board of directors will approve policies and procedures with respect to the review and approval of certain transactions between Sylvamo and a “Related Person” (a “Related Person Transaction”), which we refer to as our “Related Person Transaction Policy.” Pursuant to the terms of the Related Person Transaction Policy, any Related Person Transaction will be required to be reported to the legal department, which will then determine whether it should be submitted to our Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee for consideration. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee must then review and decide whether to approve any Related Person Transaction.

For the purposes of the Related Person Transaction Policy, we expect that a “Related Person Transaction” will be a transaction, arrangement or relationship (or any series of similar transactions, arrangements or relationships) in which Sylvamo (including any of its subsidiaries) was, is or will be a participant and in which any Related Person had, has or will have a direct or indirect interest.

We expect that a “Related Person,” as defined in the Related Person Transaction Policy, will mean any person who is, or at any time since the beginning of our last fiscal year was, a director or executive officer of Sylvamo or a nominee to become a director of Sylvamo; any person who is known to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of Sylvamo common stock; any immediate family member of any of the foregoing persons, including any child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, spouse, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law, or sister-in-law of the director, executive officer, nominee or more than five percent beneficial owner, and any person (other than a tenant or employee) sharing the household of such director, executive officer, nominee or more than five percent beneficial owner; and any firm, corporation or other entity in which any of the foregoing persons is a general partner or, for other ownership interests, a limited partner or other owner in which such person has a beneficial ownership interest of ten percent or more.

Related Person Transactions

Agreements with International Paper

For a description of the agreements that we expect will exist between International Paper and Sylvamo following the distribution, see “The Distribution—Relationships Between International Paper and Sylvamo Following the Distribution.”

Director Indemnification Agreements

Prior to the completion of the distribution, we will enter into indemnification agreements with our directors. The indemnification agreements will provide the directors with contractual rights to indemnification and expense rights. See “Description of Capital Stock—Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

General

Following the distribution, our authorized capital stock will consist of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $1.00 per share.

Based on the number of shares of International Paper common stock outstanding on August 15, 2021, approximately 35,430,435 shares of Sylvamo common stock will be issued to holders of International Paper common stock on the Distribution Date. In addition, International Paper will continue to hold 8,802,317 shares of Sylvamo common stock following the Distribution Date. The actual number of shares distributed (and held by International Paper following the distribution) will be based on the number of International Paper shares outstanding on the Record Date. All of the shares of Sylvamo common stock to be distributed to International Paper shareholders in the distribution will be fully paid and non-assessable.

In connection with the distribution, we will amend and restate our certificate of incorporation and by-laws. The following summary describes certain provisions of Sylvamo’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws relating to its capital stock. This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to Sylvamo’s amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws, the forms of which will be filed as exhibits to a subsequent amendment to the registration statement on Form 10 of which this information statement is a part.

Common Stock

Voting Rights

A holder of common stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held by such holder of record on the books of Sylvamo for all matters on which stockholders of Sylvamo are entitled to vote. There shall be no cumulative voting.

Our amended and restated by-laws will provide the voting requirements for the election of directors. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting and entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders will decide the election of any directors in a non-contested election. Pursuant to our amended and restated by-laws, any director nominee in a non-contested election who fails to receive the requisite majority of votes cast “for” his or her election must tender his or her resignation, and our board of directors, through its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (excluding the nominee in question), will determine whether or not to accept the resignation at its next regularly scheduled meeting. In case the resignation is not accepted, our board of directors will disclose the explanation of its decision through a Form 8-K. In a contested election, the affirmative vote of a plurality of the shares of our common stock present, in person or by proxy, at the meting and entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders will decide the election of any directors. An election will be considered contested if, as of the record date, there are more nominees for election than positions on the board of directors to be filled by election at the meeting. The affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of our common stock present, in person or by proxy, at the meeting and entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders will decide all other matters voted on by stockholders, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of law, under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, or under our amended and restated by-laws, a different vote is required, in which case such provision will control.

For so long as International Paper continues to hold retained outstanding shares of common stock of Sylvamo, International Paper will vote such retained shares in proportion to the votes cast by the other holders of Sylvamo’s common stock and will grant Sylvamo a proxy for such retained shares requiring this manner of voting.

 

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Dividend Rights

Holders of Sylvamo common stock will be entitled to participate ratably in such dividends, whether in cash, property, stock or otherwise, as may be declared by the board of directors from time to time out of assets or funds of Sylvamo legally available therefor, subject to the prior rights and preferences, if any, that may be applicable to preferred stock then outstanding. See “Dividend Policy.”

Liquidation

Holders of Sylvamo common stock will be entitled, upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, to share equally and ratably in any assets remaining after the payment of all debt and other liabilities, subject to the prior rights, if any, of holders of any outstanding shares of preferred stock.

In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of all or substantially all of the assets or winding-up of Sylvamo, after all creditors of Sylvamo shall have been paid in full and after payment of all sums, if any, payable in respect of preferred stock, if any, the holders of our common stock shall be entitled to share ratably in all distributions of assets pursuant to such voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, distribution of all or substantially all of the assets or winding-up of Sylvamo.

Others Rights

Holders of our common stock will have no preemptive or conversion rights or other subscription rights, and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to our common stock. The rights, preferences and privileges of the holders of our common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock that our board of directors may designate and issue in the future.

Preferred Stock

Under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, our board of directors will have the authority, without further action by our stockholders, to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and the relative participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications, limitations and restrictions of each series, including dividend rights, dividend rates, conversion rights, voting rights, terms of redemption, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any series. Upon completion of the distribution, no shares of our authorized preferred stock will be outstanding.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws and Applicable Law

We expect that certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws, as well as certain provisions of Delaware law, may discourage or make more difficult a takeover attempt that a stockholder might consider in his or her best interest. These provisions may also adversely affect prevailing market prices for our common stock. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantage of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of the proposals could result in an improvement of their terms.

Authorized but Unissued Shares of Capital Stock

Common Stock. The remaining shares of authorized and unissued common stock will be available for future issuance without additional stockholder approval. While the additional shares are not designed to deter or prevent a change of control, under some circumstances we could use the additional shares to create voting impediments or to frustrate persons seeking to effect a takeover or otherwise gain control by, for example, issuing those shares in private placements to purchasers who might side with our board of directors in opposing a hostile takeover bid.

 

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Preferred Stock. The existence of authorized but unissued preferred stock could reduce our attractiveness as a target for an unsolicited takeover bid since we could, for example, issue shares of preferred stock to parties who might oppose such a takeover bid or shares that contain terms the potential acquiror may find unattractive. This may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, may discourage bids for the common stock at a premium over the market price of the common stock, and may adversely affect the market price of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock.

Removal of Directors; Vacancies

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that directors may be removed, with or without cause, at any time upon the affirmative vote of holders of at least a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock then entitled to vote at an election of directors. Any vacancy in the board of directors shall be filled by an affirmative vote of at least a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.

No Stockholder Action by Written Consent

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that stockholder action may be taken only at an annual meeting or special meeting of stockholders and may not be taken by written consent in lieu of a meeting.

Special Meetings of Stockholders

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by or at the direction of the Chairperson of our board of directors or our chief executive officer or our board of directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of our board of directors or by the Secretary upon written request of one or more record holders representing ownership of 20% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote on the business to be brought before the proposed special meeting.

Requirements for Advance Notice of Stockholder Nominations and Proposals

Our amended and restated by-laws will establish an advance notice procedure for stockholders to make nominations of candidates for election as directors or to bring other business before an annual meeting of our stockholders. Our amended and restated by-laws will provide that any stockholder wishing to nominate persons for election as directors at, or bring other business before, an annual meeting must deliver to our corporate secretary a written notice of the stockholder’s intention to do so. These provisions may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the proper procedures are not followed. We expect that these provisions may also discourage or deter a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirer’s own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to obtain control of our company. To be timely, the stockholder’s notice must be delivered to our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days before the first anniversary date of the annual meeting for the preceding year; provided, however, that in the event that the annual meeting is called for a date that is not within 30 days before or more than 70 days after the first anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered to our corporate secretary (x) not less than 90 days nor more than 120 days prior to the meeting or (y) no later than the close of business on the 10th day following the day on which a public announcement of the date of the meeting is first made by us.

Amendments to Certificate of Incorporation and By-laws

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may be amended by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock then entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders.

 

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In addition, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will provide that our amended and restated by-laws may be amended, altered or repealed, or new by-laws may be adopted, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the board of directors, or by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock then entitled to vote at any annual or special meeting of stockholders.

Section 203 of the DGCL

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that we not will be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL until the first date on which International Paper ceases to own (directly or indirectly) 10% of the then-outstanding shares of our common stock. From and after such date, we will be governed by Section 203 for so long as Section 203 by its terms would apply to us.

Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s outstanding voting stock for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder, unless:

 

   

prior to such time, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

   

upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the voting stock outstanding, but not the outstanding voting stock owned by the interested stockholder, those shares owned (i) by persons who are directors and also officers and (ii) employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

   

at or subsequent to such time, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock that is not owned by the interested stockholder.

Generally, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An “interested stockholder” is any entity or person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation. We expect the existence of this provision in the future to have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions our board of directors does not approve in advance. We also anticipate that Section 203 may discourage attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders.

Choice of Forum

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Sylvamo, (ii) any action or proceeding asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to Sylvamo or Sylvamo’s stockholders by any of Sylvamo’s current or former directors, officers, employees, stockholders or agents, (iii) any action or proceedings asserting a claim arising under the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated by-laws, or as to which the DGCL confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (iv) any action asserting or proceeding a claim against Sylvamo that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. As permitted by Delaware law, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the federal district courts of the United States of America will, to the fullest extent permitted

 

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by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for the resolution of any complaint asserting a cause of action arising under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, and the rules and regulations thereunder. To the fullest extent permitted by law, by becoming a stockholder of Sylvamo, you will be deemed to have notice of and have consented to the provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation related to choice of forum. Neither this provision nor the exclusive forum provision will mean that stockholders have waived our compliance with federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

We have included this exclusive forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation because such provision, in our view, is in the best interests of Sylvamo and our stockholders for the following reasons: (i) the exclusive forum provision provides that certain intra-corporate disputes will be litigated in Delaware, the state in which Sylvamo is incorporated and whose law governs such disputes; (ii) the Delaware Chancery Court has developed extensive expertise in dealing with corporate law issues, as well as a substantial and influential body of case law interpreting Delaware’s corporate law; (iii) the exclusive forum provision will help us avoid multiple lawsuits in numerous jurisdictions relating to the same dispute, thus preventing corporate resources from being unnecessarily diverted to address duplicative, costly and wasteful multi-forum litigation; (iv) the exclusive forum provision will provide value to Sylvamo and our stockholders by facilitating consistency and predictability in litigation outcomes and reducing the risk that the outcome of cases in multiple jurisdictions could be inconsistent, even though each jurisdiction purports to follow Delaware law; (v) the exclusive forum provision does not materially change the substantive legal claims or remedies available to our stockholders, but rather only regulates the forum in which stockholders may file claims relating to certain specified intra-corporate disputes; and (vi) our board of directors has the ability to consent to an alternative forum in appropriate circumstances where the board determines that the interests of Sylvamo and our stockholders are best served by permitting a particular dispute to proceed in a forum other than Delaware.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain provisions permitted under the DGCL relating to the liability of directors. These provisions will eliminate a director’s personal liability for monetary damages resulting from a breach of fiduciary duty, except in circumstances involving:

 

   

any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty;

 

   

acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of the law;

 

   

Section 174 of the DGCL (unlawful dividends); or

 

   

any transaction from which the director derives an improper personal benefit.

The principal effect of the limitation on liability provision is that a stockholder will be unable to prosecute an action for monetary damages against a director unless the stockholder can demonstrate a basis for liability for which indemnification is not available under the DGCL. These provisions, however, should not limit or eliminate our rights or any stockholder’s rights to seek non-monetary relief, such as an injunction or rescission, in the event of a breach of director’s fiduciary duty. These provisions will not alter a director’s liability under U.S. federal securities laws. The inclusion of this provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may discourage or deter stockholders or management from bringing a lawsuit against directors for a breach of their fiduciary duties, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise have benefited us and our stockholders.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated by-laws will require us to indemnify and advance expenses to our directors and officers to the fullest extent not prohibited by the DGCL and other applicable law. Our amended and restated by-laws will provide that we are required to indemnify our directors and executive officers, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred in connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings because

 

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of the director’s or officer’s positions with us or another entity that the director or officer serves at our request, subject to various conditions, and to pay the expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by our directors and officers in advance of the final disposition to enable them to defend against such proceedings.

Listing

We have applied to list our shares of common stock on the NYSE under the symbol “SLVM.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for Sylvamo common stock will be Computershare Inc. The contact information for the transfer agent and registrar is:

Computershare Inc.

250 Royall Street

Canton, MA 02021

Tel: 1-877-581-5548

 

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SHARES AVAILABLE FOR FUTURE SALE

There is currently no public trading market for our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the prevailing market price and our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

Upon completion of the distribution, approximately 44,232,752 shares of common stock will be outstanding. All of the shares distributed in the distribution will be freely tradable without restriction under the Securities Act, unless purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Persons who can be considered our affiliates after distribution generally include individuals or entities that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, control, are controlled by or are under common control with us, and may include certain of our officers and directors. In addition, individuals who are affiliates of International Paper on the Distribution Date may be deemed to be affiliates of ours. Our affiliates may sell shares of common stock received in the distribution only:

 

   

pursuant to a registration statement that the SEC has declared effective under the Securities Act; or

 

   

under an exemption from registration under the Securities Act, such as the exemption afforded by Rule 144.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, a person (or persons whose shares are aggregated) who is not deemed to be or have been one of our affiliates for purposes of the Securities Act at any time during 90 days preceding a sale and who has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least six months, including the holding period of any prior owner other than an affiliate, is entitled to sell such shares without registration, subject to compliance with the public information requirements of Rule 144. If such a person has beneficially owned the shares proposed to be sold for at least one year, including the holding period of a prior owner other than an affiliate, then such person is entitled to sell such shares without complying with any of the requirements of Rule 144.

In general, under Rule 144, as currently in effect, our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates, who have met the six-month holding period for beneficial ownership of “restricted shares” of our common stock, are entitled to sell within any three-month period, a number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:

 

   

1% of the number of shares of common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 442,327 shares immediately after the completion of the distribution; and

 

   

the average reported weekly trading volume of our common stock on the NYSE during the four calendar weeks preceding the date of filing a notice of the sale on Form 144.

Sales under Rule 144 by our affiliates or persons selling shares on behalf of our affiliates are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us. The sale of these shares, or the perception that sales will be made, could adversely affect the price of our common stock after the completion of the distribution because a great supply of shares would be, or would be perceived to be, available for sale in the public market.

Registration Rights Agreement

International Paper will have the right to require us to register shares of common stock for resale in some circumstances. See “The Distribution—Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution—Registration Rights Agreement.”

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION

The following summarizes the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution to “U.S. holders” (as defined below). This summary is based on the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated under the Code, and interpretations of the Code and the Treasury regulations by the courts and the IRS, all as they exist as of the date hereof and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect. This summary is based upon the assumption that the separation and the distribution, together with certain related transactions, will be consummated in accordance with the separation and distribution agreement and the other separation-related agreements and as described elsewhere in this information statement.

This summary is limited to U.S. holders of shares of International Paper common stock. This is not a complete summary of all of the tax consequences of the distribution and it does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to particular holders of International Paper common stock in light of their particular circumstances, nor does it address tax considerations applicable to holders of International Paper common stock that are or may be subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as, without limitation, financial institutions, mutual funds, certain former U.S. citizens or long-term residents of the United States, dealers in securities, traders in securities who elect to apply a mark-to-market method of accounting, insurance companies, tax-exempt entities, partnerships (or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes) or other pass-through entities or owners thereof, holders who hold their International Paper common stock as part of a “hedge,” “straddle,” “conversion,” “synthetic security,” “integrated investment” or “constructive sale” transaction, or holders who acquired International Paper common stock upon the exercise of employee stock options or otherwise as compensation or holders whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar). In addition, this summary is limited to holders of International Paper common stock that hold such common stock as a capital asset. Finally, this summary does not address any tax consequences arising under the alternative minimum tax, the Medicare tax on net investment income, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (including the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and intergovernmental agreements entered into pursuant thereto or in connection therewith), estate, gift or other non-income tax consequences or any state, local or foreign tax consequences.

If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes holds International Paper common stock, the U.S. federal income tax consequences arising from distribution will generally depend in part upon the status and activities of such entity and the particular partner. Holders of International Paper common stock that are partnerships and partners in such partnerships should consult their own tax advisors regarding the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution.

A U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of International Paper common stock that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes:

 

   

an individual who is a citizen or a resident of the United States;

 

   

a corporation, or other entity taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, created or organized in or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

   

an estate, the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or

 

   

a trust, if (i) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary jurisdiction over its administration and one or more United States persons have the authority to control all of its substantial decisions, or (ii) it has a valid election in place under applicable Treasury regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.

THE FOLLOWING DISCUSSION IS A SUMMARY OF MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION UNDER CURRENT LAW AND IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ALL HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO THEM, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

 

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The distribution is conditioned, among other things, on the receipt by International Paper of an opinion of a nationally recognized accounting firm or tax counsel or a private letter ruling from the IRS regarding the qualification of the Distribution and certain related transactions as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes to International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper stockholders. A tax opinion is not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or a court will not take a contrary position. International Paper is also pursuing a private letter ruling from the IRS to the effect that the distribution and certain related transactions will qualify as tax-free to International Paper, Sylvamo and International Paper stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If any of the representations or covenants relied upon for a tax opinion or a private letter ruling becomes inaccurate, incomplete or not complied with by International Paper, Sylvamo or any of their respective subsidiaries, the private letter ruling or tax opinion, if applicable, may be invalid and the conclusions reached therein could be jeopardized.

If the IRS ultimately determines that the distribution is taxable, then International Paper, Sylvamo and holders of International Paper common stock could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liability. Please refer to “—Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences if the Distribution is Taxable” below.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences if the Distribution, Together with Certain Related Transactions, Qualifies as a Transaction That is Generally Tax-Free Under Section 355 and Section 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code.

If the distribution, together with certain related transactions, qualifies as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the distribution to U.S. holders are as follows:

 

   

no gain or loss will be recognized by, and no amount will be includible in the income of International Paper as a result of the distribution and separation, other than (i) gain or income arising in connection with certain internal restructurings undertaken in connection with the separation and distribution (including with respect to any portion of the borrowing proceeds transferred to International Paper from Sylvamo that is not used for qualifying purposes), (ii) with respect to any “excess loss account” or “intercompany transaction” required to be taken into account by International Paper under Treasury Regulations relating to consolidated federal income tax returns and (iii) gain or income in connection with any subsequent sale of Sylvamo’s stock owned by International Paper following the distribution;

 

   

no gain or loss will be recognized by (and no amount will be included in the income of) U.S. holders of International Paper common stock upon the receipt of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except with respect to any cash received in lieu of fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock (as described below);

 

   

each U.S. holder’s aggregate tax basis in its International Paper common stock and the Sylvamo common stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest in Sylvamo common stock for which cash is received) immediately after the distribution will equal the aggregate basis the U.S. holder had in the International Paper common stock immediately before the distribution, allocated between the International Paper common stock and the Sylvamo common stock (including any fractional share interest in Sylvamo common stock for which cash is received) in proportion to the relative fair market value of each on the date of the distribution; and

 

   

each U.S. holder’s holding period in the Sylvamo common stock received in the distribution (including any fractional share interest in Sylvamo common stock for which cash is received) will generally include the holding period at the time of the distribution for the International Paper common stock with respect to which the distribution is made, provided that the International Paper common stock is owned as a capital asset on the date of the distribution.

If a U.S. holder of International Paper common stock holds different blocks of International Paper common stock (generally shares of International Paper common stock purchased or acquired on different dates or at

 

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different prices), such U.S. holder should consult its tax advisor regarding the determination of the basis and holding period of shares of Sylvamo common stock received in the distribution in respect of particular blocks of International Paper common stock.

A U.S. holder who receives cash in lieu of a fractional share of Sylvamo common stock in the distribution will be treated as though it first received a distribution of the fractional share in the distribution and then sold such fractional share for the amount of cash such U.S. holder actually receives, and, provided the fractional share is considered to be held as a capital asset, will generally recognize capital gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount of cash received for the fractional share and such U.S. holder’s adjusted tax basis in such fractional share, determined as described above. Such gain or loss will be long-term capital gain or loss if the U.S. holder’s holding period for its International Paper common stock with respect to which the U.S. holder received the fractional share exceeds one year at the time of the distribution.

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences if the Distribution Is Taxable.

As discussed above, the IRS could assert that the distribution does not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were successful in taking this position, some or all of the consequences described above would not apply, and holders of International Paper and Sylvamo common stock could be subject to significant U.S. federal income tax liability. In addition, certain events that may or may not be within the control of International Paper or Sylvamo could cause the distribution and certain related transactions to not qualify for tax-free treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Depending on the circumstances, Sylvamo may be required to indemnify International Paper for taxes (and certain related losses) resulting from the distribution and certain related transactions not qualifying as tax-free.

If the distribution were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, in general, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, International Paper would recognize taxable gain as if it had sold the Sylvamo common stock in a taxable sale for its fair market value (unless International Paper and Sylvamo jointly make an election under Section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the distribution, in which case, in general, (1) the International Paper group would recognize taxable gain as if Sylvamo had sold all of its assets in a taxable sale in exchange for an amount equal to the fair market value of the Sylvamo common stock and the assumption of all Sylvamo’s liabilities and (2) Sylvamo would obtain a related step up in the basis of its assets), and U.S. holders of International Paper common stock who receive Sylvamo common stock in the distribution would be subject to tax as if they had received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of such shares (including any fractional shares received). Such distribution would generally result in:

 

   

a taxable dividend to the extent of the U.S. holder’s ratable share of International Paper’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as increased to reflect the gain (if any) recognized by International Paper on a taxable distribution;

 

   

a reduction in the U.S. holder’s tax basis (but not below zero) in its International Paper common stock to the extent the amount received exceeds the U.S. holder’s share of International Paper’s earnings and profits; and

 

   

a taxable gain from the exchange of International Paper common stock to the extent that the amount the U.S. holder receives exceeds both the U.S. holder’s share of International Paper’s earnings and profits and the tax basis in the U.S. holder’s International Paper common stock.

Even if the distribution were to otherwise qualify as a tax-free transaction under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code, it may result in taxable gain to International Paper (but not the holders of International Paper’s common stock) under Section 355(e) of the Code if the distribution were deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, shares representing a 50 percent or greater interest (by vote or value) in International Paper or Sylvamo. For this

 

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purpose, any acquisitions of International Paper or Sylvamo shares within the period beginning two years before the distribution and ending two years after the distribution are presumed to be part of such a plan, although International Paper or Sylvamo may be able to rebut that presumption (including by qualifying for one or more safe harbors under applicable Treasury Regulations). However, if the IRS were to determine that other acquisitions of International Paper or Sylvamo stock, either before or after the distribution, were part of a plan or series of related transactions that included the distribution, such determination could result in significant tax liabilities to International Paper. If such an acquisition of International Paper’s or Sylvamo’s common stock triggers the application of Section 355(e) of the Code, International Paper would recognize a gain equal to the excess (if any) of the fair market value of the Sylvamo common stock that it holds immediately before completion of the distribution over International Paper’s tax basis in that stock.

In connection with the distribution, International Paper and Sylvamo will enter into a tax matters agreement pursuant to which Sylvamo will be responsible for certain liabilities and obligations following the distribution. In general, under the terms of the tax matters agreement, if the distribution, together with certain related transactions, were to fail to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code (including as a result of Section 355(e) of the Code) or if certain related transactions were to fail to qualify as tax-free under applicable law, and if such failure were the result of actions taken after the distribution by International Paper or Sylvamo, then the party responsible for such failure will be responsible for all taxes imposed on International Paper or Sylvamo, as applicable, to the extent such taxes result from such actions. However, if such failure was the result of any acquisition of Sylvamo shares, or of certain of Sylvamo’s representations, statements or undertakings being incorrect, incomplete or breached, then Sylvamo generally will be responsible for all taxes imposed as a result of such acquisition or breach. For a discussion of the tax matters agreement, see “Relationships Between Sylvamo and International Paper Following the Distribution —Tax Matters Agreement.” Sylvamo’s indemnification obligations to International Paper under the tax matters agreement will not be limited in amount or subject to any cap. If Sylvamo is required to pay any taxes or indemnify International Paper or any its subsidiaries and officers and directors under the circumstances set forth in the tax matters agreement, Sylvamo may be subject to substantial liabilities.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting.

Payments of cash to U.S. holders of International Paper common stock in lieu of fractional shares of Sylvamo common stock may, under certain circumstances, be subject to information reporting and backup withholding (currently, at a rate of 24 percent), unless such U.S. holder delivers a properly completed IRS Form W-9 certifying such U.S. holder’s correct taxpayer identification number and certain other information, or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules may be refunded or credited against a U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, provided that the required information is timely furnished to the IRS.

U.S. Treasury Regulations require each U.S. holder that immediately before the distribution owned 5% or more (by vote or value) of the total outstanding stock of International Paper to attach to its U.S. federal income tax return for the year in which Sylvamo common stock is received a statement setting forth certain information related to the distribution.

THE FOREGOING DISCUSSION IS A SUMMARY OF MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION UNDER CURRENT LAW AND IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. ALL HOLDERS SHOULD CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS AS TO THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE DISTRIBUTION TO THEM, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION AND EFFECT OF U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL, NON-U.S. AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

Sylvamo has filed a registration statement on Form 10 with the SEC with respect to the shares of its common stock being distributed as contemplated by this information statement. This information statement is a part of, and does not contain all of the information set forth in, the registration statement and the exhibits to the registration statement. For further information with respect to Sylvamo and its common stock, please refer to the registration statement, including its exhibits. Statements made in this information statement relating to any contract or other document are not necessarily complete, and you should refer to the exhibits attached to the registration statement for copies of the actual contract or document. You may review a copy of the registration statement, including its exhibits, on the Internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Information contained on any website referenced in this information statement is not incorporated by reference into this information statement or the registration statement of which this information statement is a part.

Upon the effectiveness of the Form 10 registration statement, Sylvamo will become subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Exchange Act and, in accordance with the Exchange Act, will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Our future filings will be available from the SEC as described above.

Sylvamo will make its SEC filings available free of charge through our website (www.sylvamo.com) as soon as practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC. After the distribution, you may also request a copy of Sylvamo’s future SEC filings at no cost, by writing or telephoning us at:

Sylvamo Corporation

6400 Poplar Avenue

Memphis, Tennessee 38197

Attn: Corporate Secretary

Telephone: (901) 419 - 7000

We intend to furnish holders of our common stock with annual reports containing financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and audited and reported on, with an opinion expressed, by an independent registered public accounting firm.

You should rely only on the information contained in this information statement. We have not authorized any person to provide you with different information or to make any representation not contained in this information statement.

 

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INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

     PAGE  

Audited Annual Combined Financial Statements:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

     F-6  

Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

     F-7  

Combined Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2020 and 2019

     F-8  

Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December  31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

     F-9  

Combined Statements of Changes in Equity for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018

     F-10  

Notes to the Combined Financial Statements

     F-11  

 

     PAGE  

Unaudited Condensed Combined Financial Statements:

  

Condensed Combined Statements of Operations for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-39  

Condensed Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-40  

Condensed Combined Balance Sheets as of June  30, 2021 and December 31, 2020

     F-41  

Condensed Combined Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020

     F-42  

Condensed Notes to the Combined Financial Statements

     F-43  

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the shareholders and the Board of Directors of International Paper Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of the Sylvamo Corporation (the “Company”), a business of International Paper Company, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in equity, and cash flows, for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Emphasis of a Matter

As disclosed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the accompanying financial statements were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper Company. These financial statements reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented as the Company was historically managed within International Paper Company. The financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented. Our opinion is not modified with respect to this matter.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit and finance committee and that (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Goodwill — Brazil Reporting Unit — Refer to Notes 2 and 8 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company’s evaluation of goodwill associated with the Brazil reporting unit for impairment involves the comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value. The Company determines the fair value of its reporting unit using the discounted cash flow model and the market approach. The determination of the fair value using the discounted cash flow model requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, operating profit margins, and discount rates. The determination of the fair value using the market approach requires management to make significant assumptions related to revenue multiples and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) multiples. In conjunction with the annual impairment assessment, the Company’s Brazil reporting unit was tested for impairment as of October 1, 2020. Because the estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value, no impairment was recorded. As of December 31, 2020, the Brazil reporting unit’s goodwill was $121 million.

We identified the Company’s impairment evaluation of goodwill for the Brazil reporting unit as a critical audit matter. Given reductions in cash flows caused by a substantial decline in demand for printing papers across all geographic regions and given the uncertainty regarding the duration and magnitude of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort was required when performing audit procedures to evaluate the reasonableness of management’s estimates and assumptions related to the discount rate, forecasted future revenues and operating margins, and revenue and adjusted EBITDA multiples, including the need to involve our fair value specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

Our audit procedures related to the forecasts of future revenues and operating profit margins (“forecasts”), revenue and adjusted EBITDA multiples, and selection of discount rates for the Brazil reporting unit, included the following, among others:

 

 

We tested the effectiveness of controls over goodwill, including those over the determination of fair value, such as controls related to management’s selection of the discount rate and forecasts of future revenue and operating margin.

 

 

We evaluated management’s ability to accurately forecast future revenues and operating margins by comparing actual results to management’s historical forecasts.

 

 

We evaluated the reasonableness of management’s forecasts by comparing the forecasts to (1) historical results, (2) internal communications to management and the Board of Directors, and (3) forecasted information included in International Paper Company’s press releases as well as in relevant analyst and industry reports.

 

 

We considered the impact of changes in the operating environment on management’s forecasts, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the long-term demand for the Company’s products.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

 

With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the discount rates, including testing the underlying source information and the mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the discount rates selected by management.

 

 

With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the revenue and adjusted EBITDA multiples, including testing the underlying source information and mathematical accuracy of the calculations, and comparing the multiples selected by management to its guideline companies.

Income Taxes — Application of Hypothetical Separate Return Method – Refer to Notes 2 and 9 to the financial statements

Critical Audit Matter Description

The Company is included in the foreign and domestic tax filings of International Paper Company. The Company’s income tax provision is determined on a hypothetical separate return basis as if the Company was a stand-alone entity, based on management’s interpretation of the tax regulations and rulings in numerous taxing jurisdictions. When calculating the income tax provision management made certain estimates and assumptions when identifying and measuring book to tax differences, allocating and measuring applicable tax credits and carryforwards, and identifying and allocating uncertain tax positions. The Company’s income tax provision for 2020 was $28 million. In addition, as of December 31, 2020, the Company recorded a liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $18 million, and an asset for tax credit and carryforwards of $26 million, net of valuation allowances of $35 million.

Given the number of taxing jurisdictions and the complex and subjective nature of the associated tax regulations and rulings, auditing management’s application of the hypothetical separate return method required a high degree of auditor judgment and increased extent of effort, including the need to involve our income tax specialists.

How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit

With the assistance of our income tax specialists, our audit procedures related to management’s application of the hypothetical separate return method included the following, among others:

 

 

We evaluated the completeness of the Company’s identification and allocation of book to tax differences by:

 

   

Comparing the book to tax differences to those historically identified and accounted for by International Paper Company

 

   

Analyzing the book to tax differences attributed to allocations of assets, liabilities and expenses historically held at the International Paper Company corporate level

 

 

We selected a sample of book to tax differences and tested the accuracy, completeness, and classification of each selection.

 

 

We developed an expectation of the foreign income tax expense by jurisdiction and compared it to the recorded balances.

 

 

We evaluated management’s significant judgments regarding the identification and allocation of uncertain tax positions by analyzing all uncertain tax positions of International Paper Company and determining which positions were attributable to the separate operations of the Company.

 

 

We evaluated management’s significant judgments regarding the allocation and measurement of tax credits and carryforwards by:

 

   

Analyzing all tax credits and carryforwards generated by International Paper Company and determining the nature and amounts of such attributes that would have been generated through the separate operations of the Company on a hypothetical stand-alone basis.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

   

Evaluating whether the sources of management’s estimated taxable income were of the appropriate character and would be sufficient to utilize the deferred tax assets on a stand-alone basis under the relevant tax law.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

April 16, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2020.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

In millions for the years ended December 31

   2020     2019     2018  

NET SALES (including sales to a related party of $23, $8 and $19 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively)

   $ 3,009     $ 4,017     $ 4,119

COSTS AND EXPENSES (including purchases from a related party of $372, $513 and $572 for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively)

      

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested shown separately below)

     2,101       2,638       2,620  

Selling and administrative expenses

     209       262       288  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     154       192       198  

Distribution expenses

     321       393       408  

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

     30       33       35  

Restructuring and other charges, net

     —         6       4  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (4     (9     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     198       502       573  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     28       125       154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 170     $ 377     $ 419  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

In millions for the years ended December 31

   2020     2019     2018  

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 170     $ 377     $ 419  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

      

Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Adjustments:

      

Amortization of pension and postretirement net loss

     1       1       1  

Pension and postretirement liability adjustments (less tax of $1, $3 and ($2))

     (5     (7     4  

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

     (246     (38     (226

Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:

      

Net gains (losses) arising during the period (less tax of $13, ($1), and $4)

     (25     1       (8

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings (less tax of ($12), ($2), and ($2))

     24       5       3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

     (251     (38     (226
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ (81   $ 339     $ 193  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

 

In millions at December 31

   2020     2019  

ASSETS

    

Current Assets

    

Cash and temporary investments

   $ 95     $ 135  

Accounts and notes receivable (less allowances of $30 in 2020 and $34 in 2019)

     400       513  

Related party receivable

     221       198  

Inventories

     342       443  

Other current assets

     61       104  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     1,119       1,393  

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

     974       1,174  

Forestlands

     293       372  

Goodwill

     143       179  

Right of Use Assets

     46       39  

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

     336       313  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 2,911     $ 3,470  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 259     $ 311  

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

     4       9  

Accrued payroll and benefits

     68       74  

Related party payable

     25       23  

Other current liabilities

     134       163  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     490       580  

Long-Term Debt

     22       25  

Deferred Income Taxes

     170       236  

Other Liabilities

     117       112  

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 10)

    

Parent Company Equity

    

Parent company investment

     3,592       3,746  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,480     (1,229
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Parent Company Equity

     2,112       2,517  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY EQUITY

   $ 2,911     $ 3,470  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

In millions for the years ended December 31

   2020     2019     2018  

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

      

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 170     $ 377     $ 419  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

      

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     154       192       198  

Deferred income tax provision (benefit), net

     (49     (7     (5

Stock-based compensation

     15       19       19  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

      

Accounts and notes receivable

     65       45       (59

Related party receivable

     (5     (27     (6

Inventories

     71       (47     (27

Related party payable

     (1     (4     —    

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     (45     (1     51  

Other

     (16     (23     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     359       524       589  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

      

Invested in capital projects

     (75     (118     (150

Cash pool arrangements with Parent

     (5     (39     (21

Proceeds from sale of plants, properties and equipment

     —         3       —    

Other

     1       (6     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

     (79     (160     (171
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

      

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     (340     (369     (496

Reduction of debt

     (10     (18     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (350     (387     (510
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

     30       (17     36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Temporary Investments

     (40     (40     (56

Cash and Temporary Investments

      

Beginning of the period

     135       175       231  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of the period

   $ 95     $ 135     $ 175  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

 

In millions

   Parent Company
Investment
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total Parent
Company Equity
 

Balance, January 1, 2018

   $ 3,774     $ (965 )    $ 2,809  

Adoption of ASC 606 revenue from contracts with customers

     3       —         3  

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     (477     —         (477
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     419       (226     193  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2018

     3,719       (1,191     2,528  

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     (350     —         (350
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     377       (38     339  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

     3,746       (1,229     2,517  

Adoption of ASU 2016-13 expected credit losses on trade receivables and contract assets

     1       —         1  

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     (325     —         (325
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     170       (251     (81
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

   $ 3,592     $ (1,480   $ 2,112  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

NOTE 1 BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF BUSINESS

BACKGROUND

On December 3, 2020, International Paper Company (“International Paper“ or “Parent”) announced that its Board of Directors had approved a plan to spin-off its Printing Papers segment along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), and separate into two distinct publicly-traded companies. The mixed-use operations were historically reported within International Paper’s European Coated Paperboard operating segment (formerly part of the Industrial Packaging Group reportable segment) and the Global Cellulose Fibers reportable segment. Under the plan, International Paper will retain approximately 19.9% of the shares of the Company and would execute a spin-off of the Company in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to International Paper’s stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that stockholders receive in lieu of fractional shares, by way of a pro rata distribution of the remaining approximately 80.1% of the common stock of the Company to International Paper’s shareholders of record as of the spin-off transaction record date. In connection with the spin-off transaction, International Paper is being treated as the accounting “spinnor,” consistent with the legal form of the transaction.

We expect the transaction to be completed during the second half of 2021. The completion of the spin-off is subject to certain customary conditions, including the Form 10 registration statement being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and final approval by International Paper’s Board of Directors.

COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Since that time, all of our manufacturing facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic. The health and safety of our employees and contractors is our most important responsibility as we manage through the COVID-19 pandemic. We have implemented work-systems across the Company, including hygiene, social distancing, site cleaning, contact tracing and other measures, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”) and WHO. Our COVID-19 measures have proved to be effective to date, and we have not had any material disruptions to our operations.

We have seen a significant negative impact on demand for our printing papers products, which account for the majority of our net sales. There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of the virus in many areas, additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact, the extent and duration of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, the availability, efficacy of, ability to administer, and extent of adoption of any COVID-19 vaccines and the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on unemployment, economic activity and consumer confidence. Developments related to COVID-19 had a significant adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows in 2020, which could continue if negative global economic conditions persist for a significant period of time.

NATURE OF BUSINESS

The Company, headquartered in the United States, is primarily a global manufacturer of uncoated freesheet that produces a variety of papers for business and home use. The mills producing uncoated papers are located in the United States, Brazil, France and Russia. The business produces papers for use in copiers, desktop and laser printers and digital imaging. End-use applications include advertising and promotional materials such as brochures, pamphlets, greeting cards, books, annual reports and direct mail. The Company also produces a

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

variety of grades that are converted by customers into envelopes, tablets, business forms and file folders. The Company’s products are sold under private label and Company-owned brand names that include Accent®, Opaque, Ballet®, by George®, Hammermill®, Chamex®, REY®, PRO-DESIGN® and SvetoCopy®. The Company also produces high-quality coated paperboard for a variety of packaging end uses at our mill in Russia, along with market pulp, used for producing tissue, printing and writing paper, specialty paper and board grades, at our mills in the United States, Brazil, Russia and France.

NOTE 2 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

BASIS OF COMBINATION

We have historically operated as part of International Paper and not as a standalone company. The accompanying audited combined financial statements included in this information statement were prepared on a “carve-out” basis in connection with the Separation and were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper. These combined financial statements reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented as the Company was historically managed within International Paper. The combined financial statements have been prepared in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (‘‘U.S. GAAP’’). The combined financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented.

The combined statements of operations also include expense allocations for certain functions provided by International Paper, including, but not limited to general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, insurance and stock-based compensation. These expenses have been allocated to the Company on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder principally allocated on the basis of percent of capital employed, headcount or other measures. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company was allocated $167 million, $209 million and $203 million, respectively, of such general corporate expenses, which were included within cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations. Management considers the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by the Company during the periods presented. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expenses the Company would have incurred if the Company had been an independent company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been an independent company would depend on several factors, including the organizational structure, whether functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. The Company is unable to determine what such costs would have been had the Company been independent. Following the Separation from International Paper, the Company may perform these functions using its own resources or purchased services. For an interim period following the Separation, however, some of these functions will continue to be provided by International Paper under a transition services agreement. Additionally, we may provide some services to International Paper under a transition services agreement. We will also enter into certain commercial agreements with International Paper in connection with the Separation.

All intracompany transactions have been eliminated. Related-party transactions between the Company and International Paper relating to general operating activities have been included in these combined financial statements. These related-party transactions historically settled in cash between the Company and International Paper have been reflected in the combined balance sheets as “Related-party receivable” or “Related-party payable” with the aggregate net effect of these related-party transactions reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as either “Related party receivable” or “Related party payable” within operating activities.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

The aggregate net effect of transactions with International Paper not settled in cash, including corporate allocations, has been reflected in the combined balance sheets as “Parent company investment” and in the combined statements of cash flows as “Net transfers (to) from Parent” within financing activities.

In addition, certain of the Company’s Europe locations participate in International Paper’s centralized cash pooling arrangement. Amounts due from the cash pool are generally settled on a daily basis and are reflected in the combined balance sheets as “Related-party receivable” with the aggregate net activity between the Company and International Paper reflected in the combined statements of cash flows as “Cash pool arrangements with Parent” within investing activities.

International Paper utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and financing its operations. This arrangement is not reflective of the manner in which the Company would have been able to finance its operations had it been independent from International Paper. The cash and temporary investments held by International Paper at the corporate level are not specifically identifiable to the Company and therefore have not been reflected in the Company’s combined balance sheets. Effective transfers between International Paper and the Company are recorded through the Parent company investment account. Cash and temporary investments in the combined balance sheets represent cash and temporary investments held locally by the Company.

The combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the International Paper corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to the Company. International Paper’s third-party debt and the related interest expense have not been allocated to the Company for any of the periods presented as the Company is not the legal obligor of such debt.

The Company operates on a calendar year-end.

USE OF ESTIMATES

In preparing the combined financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the combined financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

The Company recognizes revenue on a point-in-time basis when the customer takes title to the goods and assumes the risks and rewards for the goods. For customized goods where the Company has a legally enforceable right to payment for the goods, the Company recognizes revenue over time, which generally is, as the goods are produced.

The Company’s revenue is primarily derived from fixed consideration; however, we do have contract terms that give rise to variable consideration, primarily volume rebates, early payment discounts and other customer refunds. The Company estimates its volume rebates at the individual customer level based upon the terms of the arrangement and expected volume purchases over the contract period, consistent with the most likely amount method outlined in ASC 606. The Company estimates early payment discounts and other customer refunds based on the historical experience across the Company’s portfolio of customers to record reductions in revenue which is consistent with the expected value method outlined in ASC 606. Management has concluded that these methods result in the best estimate of the consideration the Company will be entitled to from its customers.

The Company has elected to present all sales taxes on a net basis, account for shipping and handling activities as fulfillment activities, recognize the incremental costs of obtaining a contract as expense when incurred if the

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

amortization period of the asset the Company would recognize is one year or less, and not record interest income or interest expense when the difference in timing of control or transfer and customer payment is one year or less. See Note 4 for further details.

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less and money market funds with greater than three-month maturities but with the right to redeem without notice are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates market value. See Note 6 for further details.

SHIPPING AND HANDLING COSTS

Shipping and handling costs, such as freight to customers’ destinations, are included in distribution expenses in the combined statements of operations.

INVENTORIES

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market value and include all costs directly associated with manufacturing products: materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. In the United States, costs of raw materials and finished paper and pulp products, are generally determined using the last-in, first-out method. Other inventories are valued using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods. See Note 6 for further details.

LEASED ASSETS

Operating lease right of use (“ROU”) assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company’s leases may include options to extend the lease. These options to extend are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Some leases have variable payments, however, because they are not based on an index or rate, they are not included in the ROU assets and liabilities. Variable payments for real estate leases primarily related to common area maintenance, insurance, taxes and utilities. Variable payments for equipment, vehicles and leases within supply agreements primarily related to usage, repairs and maintenance. As the implicit rate is not readily determinable for most of the Company’s leases, the Company applies a portfolio approach using an estimated incremental borrowing rate to determine the initial present value of lease payments over the lease terms on a collateralized basis over a similar term, which is based on market and company specific information. We use the unsecured borrowing rate and risk-adjust that rate to approximate a collateralized rate, and apply the rate based on the currency of the lease, which is updated on a quarterly basis for measurement of new lease liabilities. Leases having a lease term of twelve months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet and the related lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. In addition, the Company has applied the practical expedient to account for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component for all of the Company’s leases. See Note 7 for further details.

PLANTS, PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT

Plants, properties and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for betterments are capitalized, whereas normal repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. The units-of-production method of depreciation is used for paper and pulp mills, and the straight-line method is used for other plants and equipment. See Note 6 for further details.

GOODWILL

Annual evaluation for possible goodwill impairment is performed as of the beginning of the fourth quarter of each year, with additional interim evaluation performed when management believes that it is more likely than

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

not, that events or circumstances have occurred that would result in the impairment of a reporting unit’s goodwill.

The Company has the option to evaluate goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment of events and circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amounts, then the quantitative goodwill impairment test is not required to be performed. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, or if the Company does not elect the option to perform an initial qualitative assessment, the Company is required to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test. In performing this evaluation, the Company estimates the fair value of its reporting unit using a weighted approach based on discounted future cash flows, market multiples and transaction multiples. The determination of fair value using the discounted cash flow approach requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions related to forecasts of future revenues, operating profit margins and discount rates. The determination of fair value using market multiples and transaction multiples requires management to make significant assumptions related to revenue multiples and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) multiples. The results of our annual impairment test indicated that the carrying amount did not exceed the estimated fair value of any reporting units. For reporting units whose carrying amount is in excess of their estimated fair value, the reporting unit will record an impairment charge by the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. See Note 8 for further discussion.

IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. A recoverability test is performed based on undiscounted cash flows, requiring judgments as to the weighting of operational alternatives being considered by management and estimates of the amount and timing of expected future cash flows from the use of the long-lived assets generated by their use. Impaired assets are written-down to their estimated fair value. See Note 8 for further discussion.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Certain of the Company’s employees participate in defined benefit and other postretirement plans (the “Plans”) sponsored by International Paper and accounted for by International Paper in accordance with accounting guidance for defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans. The Company accounts for the participation of its employees in these Plans as a participant in a multiemployer plan sponsored by International Paper.

The Company also serves as the sponsor of certain direct defined benefit pension and postretirement plans in Brazil and the United Kingdom, which the Company accounts for using the single-employer method, with the net funded status of these plans recorded as an asset or liability in the combined balance sheets. See Note 11 for additional disclosures regarding retirement benefits.

INCOME TAXES

The Company is included in the foreign and domestic tax returns of International Paper. We calculate the provision for income taxes by using a separate-return method. Under this method, we are assumed to file a separate return with the tax authority in each jurisdiction in which we operate, thereby reporting our taxable income or loss and paying the applicable tax to or receiving the appropriate refund from International Paper. Our current provision is the amount of tax payable or refundable on the basis of a hypothetical, current-year separate return. We provide deferred taxes on temporary differences and on any carryforwards that we could claim on our hypothetical return and assess the need for a valuation allowance on the basis of our projected separate-return results.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

Any difference between the tax provision (or benefit) allocated to us under the separate-return method and payments to be made to (or received from) International Paper for tax expense is treated as either dividends or capital contributions.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, we determine deferred tax balances on the basis of the differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities by using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax balances is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

We recognize deferred tax assets to the extent that we believe that these assets are more likely than not to be realized. In making such a determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, carryback potential if permitted under the tax law, and results of recent operations. If we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would make an adjustment to the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.

We record uncertain tax positions in accordance with ASC 740 on the basis of a two-step process in which (1) we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained on the basis of the technical merits of the position and (2) for those tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority.

TRANSLATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Balance sheets of international operations are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates, while statements of operations are translated at average rates. Adjustments resulting from financial statement translations are included as cumulative translation adjustments in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”).

PARENT COMPANY INVESTMENT

Parent company investment in the combined balance sheets represent International Paper’s historical investment in the Company, the Company’s accumulated net income, and the net effect of transactions with and allocations from International Paper.

NOTE 3 RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – CREDIT LOSSES

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. The Company adopted this guidance using the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2020. As a result of using this approach, the Company recognized a cumulative effect adjustment of $1 million to the opening balance of Parent company investment representing the adjustment to our opening allowance for doubtful accounts required to state our trade receivables and contract assets net of their expected credit losses, net of deferred taxes.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

INTANGIBLES

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” This guidance eliminates the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill under Step 2 of the previous goodwill impairment test approach to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit’s carrying amount over its fair value. This guidance should be applied prospectively. The Company early adopted the provision of this guidance in 2019 in conjunction with our annual evaluation for possible goodwill impairment, but it did not impact the combined financial statements.

LEASES

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842): Leases.” The Company adopted the provisions of this guidance effective January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective optional transition method. Therefore, the standard was applied beginning January 1, 2019, and prior periods were not restated. The adoption of the standard did not result in a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of Parent company investment. The Company elected the package of practical expedients and implemented internal controls and system functionality to enable the preparation of financial information upon adoption.

The adoption of the new standard resulted in the recognition of an ROU asset and short-term and long-term liabilities recorded on the Company’s combined balance sheets related to operating leases. Accounting for finance leases remained substantially unchanged. In addition, the adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations or cash flows. See Note 7.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the new revenue recognition standard ASC 606, “Revenue from Contracts With Customers,” (new revenue standard) and all related amendments, using the modified retrospective method. We recognized the cumulative effect of initially applying the new revenue standard as an adjustment to the operating balance of Parent company investment. The Company recorded a net increase to opening Parent company investment of $3 million as of January 1, 2018, due to the cumulative impact of adopting the new revenue standard, with the impact primarily related to our customized products.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

REFERENCE RATE REFORM

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This guidance provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

NOTE 4 REVENUE RECOGNITION

EXTERNAL NET SALES BY PRODUCT

External net sales by major products were as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

North America

        

Uncoated Papers

   $ 1,428      $ 1,912      $ 1,944  

Market Pulp

     54        40        81  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

North America

     1.482        1,952        2,025  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Latin America

        

Uncoated Papers

     579        920        922  

Market Pulp

     53        49        57  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Latin America

     632        969        979  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe

        

Uncoated Papers

     666        850        844  

Coated Paperboard / Other

     98        97        95  

Market Pulp

     131        149        176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe

     895        1,096        1,115  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,009      $ 4,017      $ 4,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

REVENUE CONTRACT BALANCES

The opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities are as follows:

 

In millions

   Contract
Assets
(Short-Term)
     Contract
Liabilities
(Short-Term)
 

Beginning Balance - December 31, 2019

   $ 47      $ 10  

Ending Balance - December 31, 2020

     23        11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

   $ (24    $ 1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

In millions

   Contract
Assets
(Short-Term)
     Contract
Liabilities
(Short-Term)
 

Beginning Balance - December 31, 2018

   $ 34      $ 5  

Ending Balance - December 31, 2019

     47        10  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Increase / (Decrease)

   $ 13      $ 5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

A contract asset is created when the Company recognizes revenue on its customized products prior to having an unconditional right to payment from the customer, which generally does not occur until title and risk of loss passes to the customer.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

A contract liability is created when customers prepay for goods prior to the Company transferring control over those goods to the customer. The contract liability is reduced once control of the goods is transferred to the customer. The majority of our customer prepayments are received during the fourth quarter each year for goods that will be transferred to customers over the following twelve months. The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities primarily results from the difference between the price and quantity at comparable points in time for goods which we have an unconditional right to payment or receive pre-payment from the customer, respectively.

PERFORMANCE OBLIGATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT JUDGEMENTS

The Company’s principal business is to manufacture and sell uncoated freesheet papers, along with coated paperboard and pulp. As a general rule, none of our businesses provide equipment installation or other ancillary services outside of producing and shipping paper goods to customers.

The nature of the Company’s contracts can vary based on the business, customer type and region; however, in all instances it is the Company’s customary business practice to receive a valid purchase order from the customer, in which each parties’ rights and related payment terms are clearly identifiable.

Contracts or purchase orders with customers could include a single type of product or it could include multiple types/grades of products. Regardless, the contracted price with the customer is agreed to at the individual product level outlined in the customer contracts or purchase orders. The Company does not bundle prices; however, we do negotiate with customers on pricing and rebates for the same products based on a variety of factors (e.g. level of contractual volume, geographical location, etc.). Management has concluded that the prices negotiated with each individual customer are representative of the stand-alone selling price of the product.

NOTE 5 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents the changes in AOCI, net of tax, reported in the combined financial statements:

 

In millions

   2020     2019     2018  

Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Adjustments

      

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (44   $ (38   $ (43

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     (5     (7     4  

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     1       1       1  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     (48     (44     (38
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

      

Balance at beginning of period

     (1,187     (1,149     (923

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     (246     (38     (226
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     (1,433     (1,187     (1,149
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives

      

Balance at beginning of period

     2       (4     1  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     (1     6       (5
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     1       2       (4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of Period

   $ (1,480   $ (1,229   $ (1,191
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

F-19


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

NOTE 6 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less and money market funds with greater than three months maturities but with the right to redeem without notices are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost. Temporary investments totaled $36 million and $104 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Accounts and notes receivable, net, by classification were:

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Accounts and notes receivable:

     

Trade

   $ 379      $ 493  

Notes

     2        4  

Other

     19        16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 400      $ 513  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable are recognized net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for expected credit losses reflects the best estimate of losses inherent in the Company’s receivables portfolio determined on the basis of historical experience, specific allowances for known troubled accounts, expectations for future economic conditions through the use of macroeconomic data and other available evidence. Based on the Company’s accounting estimates and the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date, we believe our allowance for expected credit losses is adequate. While we have taken into account certain impacts of COVID-19 in connection with our estimate of the allowance for expected credit losses, it is possible that additional expected credit losses in excess of such allowance could occur if additional containment and mitigation measures are required or negative economic conditions persist or deteriorate as a result of COVID-19.

The following provides changes in our expected credit losses:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Beginning balance

   $ 34      $ 43      $ 33  

Adjustments to reserve

     (2      (2      19  

Write-offs

     (2      (7      (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 30      $ 34      $ 43
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

INVENTORIES

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Raw materials

   $ 50      $ 57  

Finished paper and pulp products

     171        262  

Operating supplies

     102        117  

Other

     19        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 342      $ 443  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The last-in, first-out inventory method is used to value most of the Company’s U.S. inventories. Approximately 63% of total raw materials and finished paper and pulp product inventories were valued using this method. The last-in, first-out inventory reserve was $108 million and $119 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

PLANTS, PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Land

   $ 9      $ 9  

Buildings

     408        425  

Machinery

     4,299        4,483  

Construction in progress

     23        38  

Capital leases

     43        41  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross cost

     4,782        4,996  

Less: Accumulated depreciation

     3,808        3,822  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

   $ 974      $ 1,174  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-cash additions to plants, property and equipment included within accounts payable were $11 million, $13 million and $9 million as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Annual straight-line depreciable lives generally are, for buildings – 20 to 40 years, and for machinery and equipment – 3 to 20 years. Depreciation expense was $152 million, $190 million and $194 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Cost of products sold excludes depreciation and amortization expense.

NOTE 7 LEASES

The Company leases various real estate, including certain operating facilities, warehouses, office space and land. The Company also leases material handling equipment, vehicles and certain other equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of one year to 79 years.

COMPONENTS OF LEASE EXPENSE

 

In millions

   2020      2019  

Operating lease costs

   $ 10      $ 10  

Variable lease costs

     16        20  

Short-term lease costs

     1        2  

Finance lease cost

     

Amortization of right-of-use assets

     4        2  

Interest on lease liabilities

     1        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease cost, net

   $ 32      $ 35  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company recorded the following lease expense prior to the adoption of ASC 842:

 

In millions

   2018  

Total lease cost, net

   $ 20  
  

 

 

 

 

F-21


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES

 

In millions

  

Classification

   2020      2019  

Assets

        

Operating lease assets

   Right of use assets    $ 46      $ 39  

Finance lease assets

   Plants, properties, and equipment, net (a)      33        34  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total leased assets

      $ 79      $ 73  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

        

Current

        

Operating

   Other current liabilities    $ 14      $ 12  

Finance

   Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt      2        3  

Noncurrent

        

Operating

   Other Liabilities      32        28  

Finance

   Long-term debt      21        23  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities

      $ 69      $ 66  
     

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $10 million and $7 million as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

LEASE TERM AND DISCOUNT RATE

 

     2020     2019  

Weighted average remaining lease term (years)

    

Operating leases

     4.2 years       4.7 years  

Finance leases

     10.9 years       10.7 years  

Weighted average discount rate

    

Operating leases

     2.70     2.80

Finance leases

     4.81     5.17

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES

 

In millions

   2020      2019  

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

     

Operating cash flows related to operating leases

   $ 11      $ 10  

Operating cash flows related to financing leases

   $ 1      $ 1  

Financing cash flows related to finance leases

   $ 3      $ 2  

Right of use assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities

     

Operating leases

   $ 16      $ 10  

Finance leases

   $ 4      $ 5  

 

F-22


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

MATURITY OF LEASE LIABILITIES

 

In millions

   Operating Leases      Financing Leases      Total  

2021

   $ 15      $ 4      $ 19  

2022

     12        4        16  

2023

     9        3        12  

2024

     5        2        7  

2025

     4        2        6  

Thereafter

     3        14        17  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease payments

     48        29        77  

Less: imputed interest

     2        6        8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Present value of lease liabilities

   $ 46      $ 23      $ 69  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 8 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL

There were no impairment charges related to goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

The following table presents changes in the goodwill balance:

 

In millions

   North
America
     Latin
America
    EMEA     Total  

Balance as of December 31, 2018

         

Goodwill

   $ —        $ 161     $ 28     $ 189  

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          —         (5     (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     —          161       23       184  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency translation and other (a)

     —          (6     1       (5

Goodwill additions/reductions

     —          —         —         —    

Accumulated impairment loss additions/reductions

     —          —         —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2019

         

Goodwill

     —          155       29       184  

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          —         (5     (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     —          155       24       179  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Currency translation and other (a)

     —          (34     (2     (36

Goodwill additions/reductions

     —          —         —         —    

Accumulated impairment loss additions/reductions

     —          —         —         —    

Balance as of December 31, 2020

         

Goodwill

     —          121       27       148  

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          —         (5     (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ 121     $ 22     $ 143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.

The Company performed its annual testing of its reporting units for possible goodwill impairments by applying the quantitative assessment to its France, Russia and Brazil reporting units as of October 1, 2020. The Company elected to perform the quantitative goodwill impairment test due to the current economic environment. The quantitative goodwill impairment test was performed by comparing the carrying amount of each respective

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

reporting unit to its estimated fair value. The Company calculated the estimated fair value of each of its reporting units with goodwill using a weighted approach based on discounted future cash flows, market multiples and transaction multiples. The carrying amount did not exceed the estimated fair value of any reporting units.

In addition, the Company considered whether there were any events or circumstances outside of the annual evaluation that would reduce the fair value of its reporting units below their carrying amounts and necessitate a goodwill impairment evaluation. In consideration of all relevant factors, there were no indicators that would require goodwill impairment subsequent to October 1, 2020.

OTHER INTANGIBLES

Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:

 

     2020      2019  

In millions as of December 31

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Intangible
Assets
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Intangible
Assets
 

Customer relationships and lists

   $ 60      $ (49   $ 11      $ 77      $ (61   $ 16  

Non-compete agreements

     —          —         —          5        (5     —    

Software

     3        (2     1        3        (3     —    

Other

     4        (4     —          4        (4     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 67      $ (55   $ 12      $ 89      $ (73   $ 16  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

The Company recognized the following amounts as amortization expense related to intangible assets:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Amortization expense related to intangible assets

   $ 2      $ 3      $ 3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Based on current intangibles subject to amortization, estimated amortization expense for each of the succeeding years is as follows: 2021 – $2 million, 2022 – $2 million, 2023 – $2 million, 2024 – $2 million, 2025 - $2 million and cumulatively thereafter – $2 million.

NOTE 9 INCOME TAXES

The components of the Company’s income (loss) before income taxes by taxing jurisdiction were as follows.

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

U.S.

   $ 10      $ 145      $ 137  

Non-U.S.

     188        357        436  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 198      $ 502      $ 573  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-24


Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

Income tax provision (benefit) by taxing jurisdictions was as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Current tax provision (benefit)

        

U.S. federal

   $ (4    $ 36      $ 34  

U.S. state and local

     2        8        8  

Non-U.S.

     77        88        117  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 75      $ 132      $ 159  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax provision (benefit)

        

U.S. federal

   $ (4    $ (4    $ 1  

U.S. state and local

     (1      (2      1  

Non-U.S.

     (42      (1      (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ (47    $ (7    $ (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

   $ 28      $ 125      $ 154  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

A reconciliation of income taxes using the statutory U.S. income tax rate of 21% compared to the reported income tax provision (benefit) is summarized as follows:

 

In millions

   2020     2019     2018  

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 198     $ 502     $ 573  

Statutory U.S. income tax rate

     21     21     21

Income taxes using the statutory U.S. income tax rate

     42       105       120  

State and local income taxes

     1       5       7  

Impact of rate differential on non-U.S. permanent differences and earnings

     (5     12       19  

Tax audits

     (10     —         —    

US tax on non-U.S. earnings (GILTI and Subpart F)

     1       4       9  

Other, net

     (1     (1     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income tax provision (benefit)

   $ 28     $ 125     $ 154  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

     14     25     27

On March 27, 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (the “CARES Act”). The CARES Act provides various types of economic relief for individuals and businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including temporary corporate tax relief. The CARES Act did not have a material impact to the income tax provision.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

The components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019  

Deferred income tax assets:

     

Net operating and capital loss carryforwards

   $ 27      $ 21  

Accrued payroll and benefits

     9        10  

Lease liabilities

     10        9  

Tax credits

     35        32  

Other

     64        46  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross deferred income tax assets

   $ 145      $ 118  

Less: valuation allowance (a)

     (35      (33
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax asset

   $ 110      $ 85  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

     

Intangibles

   $ (45    $ (59

Right of use assets

     (10      (9

Deferred foreign income

     (35      (41

Plants, properties and equipment

     (106      (121

Forestlands

     (49      (62
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross deferred income tax liabilities

   $ (245    $ (292
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred income tax liability

   $ (135    $ (207
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

The net change in the total valuation allowance for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was an increase of $2 million and an increase of $4 million respectively.

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets for deductible temporary differences and carryforwards. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized based on estimates of future taxable income. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to permit use of the existing deferred tax assets. Based on this evaluation, as of December 31, 2020, a valuation allowance of $35 million has been recorded to recognize only the portion of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized. The valuation allowance in both periods is primarily attributable to state tax credits that cannot be realized.

The Company provides for foreign withholding taxes on earnings intended to be repatriated from non-U.S. subsidiaries, which we believe will be limited in the future to each year’s current earnings. No provision for these taxes on approximately $0.8 billion of undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries as of December 31, 2020 has been made, as these earnings are considered indefinitely invested. Determination of the amount of taxes that might be paid on these undistributed earnings if eventually remitted in a taxable manner is not practicable.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits were as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Balance at January 1

   $ (28    $ (29    $ (28

(Additions) reductions for tax positions related to current year

     (1      —          (2

(Additions) for tax positions related to prior years

     —          —          —    

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years

     11        —          1  

Settlements

     —          —          —    

Expiration of statutes of limitations

               1        —    

Currency translation adjustment

               —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ (18    $ (28    $ (29
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2020, December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are $18 million, $28 million and $29 million, respectively, of tax benefits that if recognized would affect the effective tax rate.

The Company accrues interest on unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, are recognized as a component of income tax expense. During 2020, we did not accrue any interest, and as of December 31, 2020, recognized a liability related to the unrecognized tax benefits noted above for interest of $2 million. During 2019, we accrued interest of $0.2 million, and as of December 31, 2019, recognized a liability for interest of $2.7 million. During 2018, we accrued interest of $0.3 million, and as of December 31, 2018, recognized a liability for interest of $2.5 million.

The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has challenged the deductibility of goodwill amortization generated in a 2007 acquisition by International Paper do Brasil Ltda. (“IP Brasil”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Brazil Tax Dispute”). The Company received assessments for the tax years 2007-2015 totaling approximately $114 million in tax and $367 million in interest, penalties and fees as of December 31, 2020 (adjusted for variation in currency exchange rates). After a previous favorable ruling challenging the basis for these assessments, we received other subsequent unfavorable decisions from the Brazilian Administrative Council of Tax Appeals. As legally required, International Paper provided a surety bond to the courts when appealing this matter. Sylvamo intends to further appeal these and any future unfavorable administrative judgments to the Brazilian federal courts and this tax litigation matter may take many years to resolve. Sylvamo may be required to replace International Paper’s existing guarantees of its Brazilian subsidiary’s surety bonds or reimburse International Paper for the costs of continuing to guarantee the existing surety bonds or provide other allowed collateral to continue to pursue these appeals. The Company is evaluating the availability and costs of these alternatives which could be material. The Company believes that it has appropriately evaluated the transaction underlying these assessments, and has concluded based on Brazilian tax law, that its tax position should be sustained. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for tax years subsequent to 2015.

Refer to Note 15 for an update to this matter that occurred subsequent to the original issuance of the financial statements.

The major jurisdictions where the Company files income tax returns are the United States, Brazil, France and Russia. Generally, tax years 2006 through 2018 remain open and subject to examination by the relevant tax authorities. The Company frequently faces challenges regarding the amount of taxes due. These challenges include positions taken by the Company related to the timing, nature and amount of deductions and the allocation of income among various tax jurisdictions. We do not expect a reduction in the uncertain tax positions in the next twelve months.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

The following details the scheduled expiration dates of the Company’s December 31, 2020 net operating loss and income tax credit carryforwards:

 

In millions

   2021
Through
2030
     2031
Through
2039
     Indefinite      Total  

U.S. federal and non-U.S. NOLs

   $ —        $ —        $ 24      $ 24  

State taxing jurisdiction NOLs (a)

     —          —          —          —    

U.S. deferral, non-U.S. and state tax credit carryforwards (a)

     27        4        3        34  

U.S. federal and state capital loss carryforwards (a)

     —          —          3        3  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 27      $ 4      $ 30      $ 61  

Less: valuation allowance (a)

     (27      (4      (4      (35
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total, net

   $ —        $ —        $ 26      $ 26  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

State amounts are presented net of federal benefit

NOTE 10 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

GUARANTEES

In connection with sales of property, equipment, forestlands and other assets, the Company commonly makes representations and warranties relating to such assets.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to environmental remediation laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. Remediation costs are recorded in the combined financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. The Company has estimated the probable liability associated with these environmental remediation matters, including the specific matter described below, to be approximately $16 million in the aggregate as of December 31, 2020.

In 2018, the Company discovered and voluntarily disclosed to regulators the presence of mercury contamination in sediment in a river tributary that traverses the Company’s mill property in Svetogorsk, Russia. The mercury contamination resulted from the operations of a former chlor-alkali manufacturing plant on the mill site. Remediation of the river tributary was completed in 2020. The Company is presently investigating the scope of and remediating soil and groundwater contamination associated with the old chlor-alkali plant. The Company has estimated the probable liability associated with the mercury remediation to be approximately $13 million as of December 31, 2020. Other than this Svetogorsk matter, completion of other required environmental remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our combined financial statements.

TAXES OTHER THAN PAYROLL TAXES

In 2017, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided that the state value-added tax (“VAT”) should not be included in the basis of federal VAT calculations. In 2018 and 2019, the Brazilian tax authorities published both an internal consultation and a normative ruling with a narrow interpretation of the effects of the case. We have determined that any related federal VAT refunds should be recognized when they are both probable and reasonably estimable. Based upon the best information available to us, we have determined that the amount of refund that is probable of being realized is limited to that determined by the tax authorities’ narrow interpretation,

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

for which we have recognized a receivable of $12 million as of December 31, 2020. It is possible that future court decisions and guidance from the tax authorities could expand the scope of the federal VAT refunds.

Refer to Note 15 for an update to this matter that occurred subsequent to the original issuance of the financial statements.

NOTE 11 RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS

Certain of the Company’s employees participate in defined benefit pension plans (the “Plans”) sponsored by International Paper, which include participants of other International Paper operations, that are accounted for by International Paper in accordance with accounting guidance for defined benefit pension plans. Accordingly, net periodic pension expense for Company employees is allocated to the Company based upon a percent of salaries and reported in the combined statements of operations, and the Company does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded or unfunded status of the Plans. The service and non-service cost components of net periodic pension expense for these employees is recorded within cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses in the combined statements of operations. During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, total service and non-service costs were $9 million, $11 million and $12 million, respectively.

International Paper’s net periodic pension expense and obligations are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates, and other factors. International Paper’s selection of assumptions is based on historical trends and known economic and market conditions at the time of valuation, as well as independent studies of trends performed by actuaries. However, actual results may differ substantially from the estimates that were based on the critical assumptions. Actual results that differ from International Paper’s assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect International Paper’s recognized expense in such future periods. While International Paper management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect International Paper’s net periodic pension expense and obligations. Furthermore, the assumptions used by International Paper may not be indicative of assumptions which the Company would have made on a standalone basis.

DIRECT PLANS

The Company also has direct defined benefit pension plans in Brazil and the United Kingdom, which the Company accounts for using the single-employer method.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

DIRECT PLANS - OBLIGATIONS AND FUNDED STATUS

The following table shows the changes in the benefit obligation and plan assets and the plans’ funded status:

 

In millions

   2020      2019  

Change in projected benefit obligation:

     

Benefit obligation, January 1

   $ 165      $
138
 

Service cost

     1        1  

Interest cost

     4        5  

Actuarial loss (gain)

     7        22  

Benefits paid

     (5      (5

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements

     (1      4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Benefit obligation, December 31

   $ 171      $ 165  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in plan assets:

     

Fair value of plan assets, January 1

   $ 163      $
138
 

Actual return on plan assets

     11        22  

Company contributions

     4        4  

Benefits paid

     (5      (5

Effect of foreign currency exchange rate movements

     (2      4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets, December 31

   $ 171      $ 163  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Funded status, December 31

   $ —        $ (2 ) 
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:

     

Non-current asset

   $ 5      $ 6  

Non-current liability

     (5      (8
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —        $ (2
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income under ASC 715 (pre-tax)

     

Net actuarial loss

   $ 63      $ 58  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following table summarizes obligation and asset information:

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Projected benefit obligation

   $ 171      $ 165  

Accumulated benefit obligation

     168        163  

Fair value of plan assets

     171      $ 163  

DIRECT PLANS - NET PERIODIC PENSION EXPENSE

Service cost is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current-year earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

Non-service cost components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s direct plans comprised the following:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Interest cost

   $ 4      $ 5      $ 6  

Expected return on plan assets

     (8      (9      (10

Actuarial loss (gain)

     1        1        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic pension expense (benefit)

   $ (3    $ (3    $ (3
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

For direct plans, service cost was not material in all periods. The components of net periodic pension expense other than the service cost component are included in cost of products sold in the combined statements of operations.

DIRECT PLANS - ASSUMPTIONS

The Company evaluates its actuarial assumptions annually as of December 31 (the measurement date) and considers changes in these long-term factors based upon market conditions and the requirements for employers’ accounting for pensions. These assumptions are used to calculate benefit obligations as of December 31 of the current year and pension expense to be recorded in the following year (i.e., the discount rate used to determine the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2020 is also the discount rate used to determine net pension expense for the 2021 year).

Major actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligations and net periodic pension cost for our defined benefit plans are presented in the following table:

 

     2020     2019     2018  

Actuarial assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of December 31:

      

Discount rate

     2.27     2.80     3.98

Rate of compensation increase

     3.54     3.39     3.81

Actuarial assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost for years ended December 31:

      

Discount rate

     2.76     4.23     3.82

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

     4.84     6.59     6.84

Rate of compensation increase

     3.42     3.63     3.66

DIRECT PLANS - PLAN ASSETS

The plans maintain a strategic asset allocation policy that designates target allocations by asset class. Investments are diversified across classes and within each class to minimize the risk of large losses. Derivatives, including swaps, forward and futures contracts, may be used as asset class substitutes or for hedging or other risk management purposes. Periodic reviews are made of investment policy objectives and investment manager performance.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

The pension allocations by type of asset class as of December 31 were as follows:

 

Asset Class

   2020     2019  

Equity accounts

     9     10

Fixed income accounts

     18     23

Other

     73     67
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     100     100
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

U.S. QUALIFIED PLAN

As part of the Separation, International Paper intends to transfer a portion of its U.S. Qualified Pension Plan (“U.S. Qualified Plan”) to the Company for the Company’s U.S. active employees participating in the plan. The pension benefit obligation (“PBO”) and certain assets to fund the defined benefit plan will be carved out of the current plan under International Paper and transferred to the Company. The transferred defined benefit pension plan is estimated to be 97% funded, with a PBO and assets to be transferred of approximately $338 million and $327 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s participation in International Paper’s U.S. Qualified Plan has been accounted for as multi-employer plan in these combined financial statements. Accordingly, the plan obligations and assets expected to be transferred to the Company in connection with the separation have not been recorded in the combined balance sheets.

POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

International Paper also provides certain retiree health care and life insurance benefits covering certain U.S. salaried and hourly employees. These employees are generally eligible for benefits upon retirement and completion of a specified number of years of creditable service. International Paper does not fund these benefits prior to payment and has the right to modify or terminate certain of these plans in the future. Certain of the Company’s current and former employees are eligible for these benefits. We also account for our participation in these benefit programs as a multiemployer benefit plan. Total postretirement benefit expense recognized by the Company was immaterial in all periods.

In addition to the U.S. plan, certain of the Company’s Brazilian employees are eligible for retiree health care and life insurance benefits. The accumulated benefit obligation for this plan as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $17 million and $19 million, respectively, which is recorded within other liabilities in the combined balance sheets.

NOTE 12 INCENTIVE PLANS

International Paper currently has an Incentive Compensation Plan (“ICP”). The ICP authorizes grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards at the discretion of the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of International Paper (the “Committee”) that administers the ICP.

Certain Company employees participate in the ICP. The following disclosures of stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company are based on grants related directly to Company employees, and an allocation of International Paper’s corporate and shared employee compensation expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

Total stock-based compensation cost and the associated income tax benefits recognized by the Company in the combined statements of operations were as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

Total stock-based compensation expense (included in selling and administrative expense)

   $ 15      $ 19      $ 19  

Income tax benefit (expense) related to stock-based compensation

   $ 1      $ 1      $ (1

Of the total stock-based compensation cost recognized by the Company in the years ended 2020, 2019 and 2018, $2 million, $6 million and $6 million, respectively, related directly to Company employees and $13 million, $13 million and $13 million, respectively, is related to allocations of International Paper’s corporate and shared employee stock-based compensation expenses.

As of December 31, 2020, $4 million of compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all stock-based compensation arrangements for Company employees had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 1.6 years.

PERFORMANCE SHARE PLAN

Under the Performance Share Plan (“PSP”), contingent awards of International Paper common stock are granted by the Committee. The PSP awards are earned over a three-year period. PSP awards are earned based on the achievement of defined performance of Return on Invested Capital (“ROIC”) measured against International Paper’s internal benchmark and ranking of Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) compared to the TSR peer group of companies. The 2018-2020, 2019-2021 and 2020-2022 PSP Awards are weighted 50% for ROIC and 50% for TSR for all participants. The ROIC component of the PSP awards is valued at the closing stock price on the day prior to the grant date. As the ROIC component contains a performance condition, compensation expense, net of estimated forfeitures, is recorded over the requisite service period based on the most probable number of PSP awards expected to vest. The TSR component of the PSP awards is valued using a Monte Carlo simulation as the TSR component contains a market condition. The Monte Carlo simulation estimates the fair value of the TSR component based on the expected term of the PSP award, a risk-free rate, expected dividends and the expected volatility for the Company and its competitors. The expected term is estimated based on the vesting period of the awards, the risk-free rate is based on the yield on U.S. Treasury securities matching the vesting period, and the volatility is based on International Paper’s historical volatility over the expected term. PSP grants are made in performance-based restricted stock units.

The following table sets forth the assumptions International Paper used to determine compensation cost for the market condition component of the PSP plan for the three years ended December 31:

 

     2020     2019     2018  

Expected volatility

     22.81 - 24.60     22.81 - 24.60     22.75 - 22.99

Risk-free interest rate

     1.61 - 2.44     1.47 - 2.44     1.31 - 1.98

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

The following summarizes International Paper PSP activity for Company employees:

 

     Shares      Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2017

     348,367      $  47.01  

Granted

     99,946        57.94  

Shares issued

     (93,525      52.58  

Forfeited

     (6,886      51.54  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2018

     347,902        48.56  

Granted

     141,124        40.36  

Shares issued

     (142,998      38.79  

Forfeited

     (12,049      46.61  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2019

     333,979        49.34  

Granted

     136,869        46.05  

Shares issued

     (71,638      53.22  

Forfeited

     (59,766      49.96  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Outstanding as of December 31, 2020

     339,444      $ 47.09  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 13 FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA

The Company’s business segments, North America, Latin America and Europe, are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.

Business segment operating profits are used by the Company’s management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management believes that this measure allows a better understanding of trends in costs, operating efficiencies, prices and volumes. Business segment operating profits are defined as income (loss) before income taxes, excluding corporate special items, net, interest (income) expense, net, restructuring and other charges, net, and other special items, net.

External sales by major product is determined by aggregating sales from each segment based on similar products or services. External sales are defined as those that are made to parties outside the Company’s combined group, whereas sales by segment in the Net Sales table are determined using a management approach and include intersegment sales.

INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Net Sales

 

In millions    2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $  1,490      $  1,996      $  2,037  

Latin America

     632        969        979  

Europe

     921        1,122        1,143  

Corporate and Intersegment Sales

     (34      (70      (40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Sales

   $ 3,009      $ 4,017      $ 4,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

Operating Profit

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $ 43      $ 200      $ 185  

Latin America

     84        158        227  

Europe

     77        140        159  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Business Segment Operating Profit

     204        498        571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     198        502        573  

Corporate expenses, net

     —          —          —    

Interest (income) expense, net

     (4      (9      (7

Restructuring and other charges, net

     —          6        4  

Other special items, net

     10        (1      1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 204      $ 498      $ 571  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other special items, Net

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $ 1      $ 2      $ 1  

Latin America

     (2      (3      —    

Europe

     11        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other special items, Net

   $  10      $ (1    $ 1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

North America

   $ 833      $ 1,007  

Latin America

     1,091        1,388  

Europe

     987        1,075  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Assets

   $  2,911      $  3,470  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital Spending

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $ 15      $ 36      $ 37  

Latin America

     45        61        86  

Europe

     15        21        27  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Capital Spending

   $  75      $  118      $  150  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation, Amortization and Cost of Timber Harvested

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

North America

   $ 50      $ 56      $ 55  

Latin America

     66        96        102  

Europe

     38        40        41  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation and Amortization

   $  154      $  192      $  198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

INFORMATION BY GEOGRAPHIC AREA

External Net Sales (a)

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

United States

   $ 1,490      $ 1,996      $ 1,984  

Brazil

     576        886        936  

Russia

     502        603        604  

Europe, other than Russia

     419        519        539  

Americas, other than United States and Brazil

     56        83        96  

Corporate and Intersegment Sales

     (34      (70      (40
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Sales

   $ 3,009      $ 4,017      $ 4,119  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Net sales are attributed to countries based on the location of the seller.

Long-Lived Assets

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

United States

   $ 436      $ 472  

Latin America

     601        804  

Europe

     230        270  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long-lived Assets

   $ 1,267      $ 1,546  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 14 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The combined financial statements have been prepared on a carve-out basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper. The following discussion summarizes activity between the Company and International Paper.

ALLOCATION OF GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSES

The combined statements of operations includes expenses for certain centralized functions and other programs provided and administered by International Paper that are charged directly to the Company. In addition, for purposes of preparing these combined financial statements on a carve-out basis, we have allocated a portion of International Paper’s total corporate expense to the Company. See Note 2 for a discussion of the methodology used to allocate corporate-related costs for purposes of preparing these financial statements on a carve-out basis.

RELATED PARTY SALES AND PURCHASES

For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the Company sold products to other International Paper businesses in the amount of $23 million, $8 million and $19 million, respectively, which is included in net sales in the combined statements of operations.

The Company purchases certain of its products from International Paper which are produced in facilities that will remain with International Paper. The Company expects to continue to purchase uncoated freesheet and bristols pursuant to an offtake agreement between the Company and International Paper. International Paper’s services under the offtake agreements are expected to continue for a 10-year period following the effectuation of the Separation. The Company purchased and recognized in cost of products sold inventory associated with the

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

 

contemplated offtake agreements of $210 million, $283 million and $404 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.

In addition, the Company is a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, a subsidiary of International Paper’s equity method investee Ilim SA, under which the Company purchases, markets and sells paper produced by JSC Ilim Group. The Company purchased and recognized in cost of products sold inventory under this agreement of $162 million, $230 million and $168 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

RELATED PARTY RECEIVABLE

Related party receivable consists of the following:

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Due from Parent cash pool

   $ 202      $ 197  

Professional services provided to Parent / other

     19        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 221      $ 198  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

RELATED PARTY PAYABLE

Related party payable consists of the following:

 

In millions as of December 31

   2020      2019  

Inventory purchases

   $ 16      $ 14  

Other

     9        9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 25      $ 23  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net transfers (to) from Parent are included within Parent company investment on the combined statements of equity. The components of the net transfers (to) from International Paper are as follows:

 

In millions

   2020      2019      2018  

General financing activities

   $ (494    $ (565    $ (686

Corporate allocations

     154        196        190  

Stock-based compensation

     15        19        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net transfers (to) from Parent

   $ (325    $ (350    $ (477
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 15 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Company’s management evaluated subsequent events from December 31, 2020 to April 16, 2021 and July 12, 2021, the dates the financial statements were originally issued and reissued, respectively.

TAXES OTHER THAN PAYROLL TAXES (UNAUDITED)

Regarding the Brazilian VAT matter disclosed in Note 10, on May 13, 2021, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court clarified aspects of its previous 2017 decision. Contrary to the Brazilian tax authorities narrow interpretation of the effects of the 2017 decision, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court clarified that the state VAT amount disclosed in sales invoices should be used to calculate the amount of state VAT excluded from the federal VAT calculation base. As a result of this ruling, the Company recognized a receivable and pre-tax gain of approximately $70 million ($47 million after taxes) during the quarter ended June 30, 2021, representing the incremental federal VAT refund and interest expected to be recovered from the Brazilian tax authorities through the offset of future taxes payable.

 

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BRAZIL TAX DISPUTE AND TIMBER PAYMENT AGREEMENTS (UNAUDITED)

Regarding the Brazil Tax Dispute matter disclosed in Note 9, as part of the tax matters agreement to be entered into between the Company and International Paper in connection with the Separation, the Company has agreed to pay 40% of any liability resulting from the resolution of the Brazil Tax Dispute following the distribution, with International Paper responsible for paying the remaining 60% of any such liability. After the distribution, all decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to the Brazil Tax Dispute, including as to strategy, settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will continue to be made by International Paper. The Company will thus have no control over any decision related to the ongoing litigation. As legally required by the Brazilian federal court, IP Brasil has provided surety bonds in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute, which were indemnified by International Paper. International Paper has agreed that after the distribution it will continue to indemnify the provider of the surety bonds during the pendency of the appeal in the Brazilian federal court. If IP Brasil were unable to renew the surety bonds upon their expiration, for example, as a result of a downgrade in International Paper’s credit ratings below investment grade by Moody’s, or if IP Brasil were unable to provide additional surety bonds as and when required by the Brazilian federal court IP Brasil could be required to post acceptable collateral in order to continue the litigation which additional collateral International Paper has agreed to provide on behalf of IP Brasil.

In addition, in connection with the Separation, a subsidiary of International Paper and a subsidiary of Sylvamo will enter into a letter agreement, pursuant to which the Sylvamo subsidiary will make a payment of $100 million to the International Paper subsidiary if any portion of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations owned by Sylvamo as of the distribution date are directly or indirectly transferred, subject to certain exceptions for immaterial transfers. A transfer includes any sale, pledge or transfer of any legal or beneficial interest in the Brazil lands, including any grant of an option or other right or interest or entry into any contract that would result in a reduction or diminution of Sylvamo’s economic ownership in the Brazil lands (a “Qualifying Transfer”). A change of control of Sylvamo would also result in the payment becoming due and payable. Management has concluded that a Qualifying Transfer or change in control of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations is not considered probable at this time

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

   2021     2020  

NET SALES (including sales to a related party of $3 and $9 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively)

   $ 1,622     $ 1,475  

COSTS AND EXPENSES (including purchases from a related party of $195 and $210 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively)

    

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested shown separately below)

     1,050       1,062  

Selling and administrative expenses

     99       100  

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71       79  

Distribution expenses

     178       156  

Taxes other than payroll and income taxes

     13       12  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (29     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     240       67  

Income tax provision (benefit)

     63       13  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 177     $ 54  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

     2021         2020    

NET INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 177     $ 54  

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

    

Amortization of pension and postretirement net loss

     —         —    

Change in cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment

     (15     (316

Net gains/losses on cash flow hedging derivatives:

    

Net gains (losses) arising during the period

     4       (29

Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net earnings

     (2     20  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX

     (13     (325
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

   $ 164     $ (271
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

 

In millions

   June 30,
2021
    December 31,
2020
 
     (unaudited)        

ASSETS

    

Current Assets

  

Cash and temporary investments

   $ 226     $ 95  

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     417       400  

Related party receivable

     223       221  

Inventories

     340       342  

Other current assets

     108       61  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

     1,314       1,119  

Plants, Properties and Equipment, net

     944       974  

Forestlands

     309       293  

Goodwill

     147       143  

Right of Use Assets

     42       46  

Deferred Charges and Other Assets

     353       336  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL ASSETS

   $ 3,109     $ 2,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable

   $ 289     $ 259  

Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt

     2       4  

Accrued payroll and benefits

     65       68  

Related party payable

     43       25  

Other current liabilities

     142       134  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

     541       490  

Long-Term Debt

     20       22  

Deferred Income Taxes

     166       170  

Other Liabilities

     98       117  

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities (Note 11)

    

Parent Company Equity

    

Parent company investment

     3,777       3,592  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (1,493     (1,480
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Parent Company Equity

     2,284       2,112  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARENT COMPANY EQUITY

   $ 3,109     $ 2,911  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

     2021         2020    

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

    

Net Income (Loss)

   $ 177     $ 54  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used for) operating activities:

    

Depreciation, amortization and cost of timber harvested

     71       79  

Deferred income tax provision (benefit), net

     (2     (22

Stock-based compensation

     7       7  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

    

Accounts and notes receivable

     (18     121  

Related party receivable

     (4     (2

Inventories

     5       31  

Related party payable

     17       17  

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities

     33       (89

Other

     (64     (44
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

     222       152  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

    

Invested in capital projects

     (32     (42

Cash pool arrangements with Parent

     (3     14  

Other

     (3     3  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) INVESTMENT ACTIVITIES

     (38     (25
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

    

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     1       (175

Reduction of debt

     (4     (12
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

     (3     (187
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash

     (50     49  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in Cash and Temporary Investments

     131       (11

Cash and Temporary Investments

    

Beginning of the period

     95       135  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

End of the period

   $ 226     $ 124  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

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

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1 BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF BUSINESS

BACKGROUND

On December 3, 2020, International Paper Company (“International Paper“ or “Parent”) announced that its Board of Directors had approved a plan to spin-off its Printing Papers segment along with certain mixed-use coated paperboard and pulp businesses in North America, France and Russia (collectively referred to herein as the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”), and separate into two distinct publicly-traded companies. The mixed-use operations were historically reported within International Paper’s European Coated Paperboard operating segment (formerly part of the Industrial Packaging Group reportable segment) and the Global Cellulose Fibers reportable segment. Under the plan, International Paper will retain approximately 19.9% of the shares of the Company and would execute a spin-off of the Company in a manner that is intended to be tax-free to International Paper’s stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except for cash that stockholders receive in lieu of fractional shares, by way of a pro rata distribution of the remaining approximately 80.1% of the common stock of the Company to International Paper’s shareholders of record as of the spin-off transaction record date. In connection with the spin-off transaction, International Paper is being treated as the accounting “spinnor,” consistent with the legal form of the transaction.

We expect the transaction to be completed on October 1, 2021. The completion of the spin-off is subject to certain customary conditions, including the Form 10 registration statement being declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission and final approval by International Paper’s Board of Directors.

COVID-19

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigation measures worldwide. Many of these restrictive measures have been lifted or reduced as the number of COVID-19 cases has declined in the United States and various other countries in comparison to earlier levels at the height of the pandemic, and economic conditions have improved. In addition, most of our facilities have remained open and operational during the pandemic and at the current time our facilities are generally operational.

Demand for printing papers products, which account for the majority of our net sales, initially was significantly impacted by the pandemic, but has seen a steady increase over the first half of 2021. Our operations have experienced higher supply chain costs and constrained transportation due in part to the impacts of COVID-19.

There continue to be significant uncertainties associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, including with respect to the various economic reopening plans and the resurgence of new variants of the virus in many areas globally; additional actions that may be taken by governmental authorities and private businesses to attempt to contain the COVID-19 outbreak or to mitigate its impact; the efficacy and, availability of various vaccines and associated levels of vaccination, as well as the possibility that strains of the virus may be resistant to current available vaccines; and the impact of COVID-19 on unemployment, economic activity and consumer confidence. COVID-19 has significantly adversely affected portions of our business, and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows if public health and/or global economic conditions deteriorate.

NOTE 2 BASIS OF COMBINATION

We have historically operated as part of International Paper and not as a standalone company. The accompanying condensed combined financial statements included in this information statement were prepared on a “carve-out”

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

basis in connection with the Separation and were derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper. These condensed combined financial statements reflect the historical financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the periods presented as the Company was historically managed within International Paper. The condensed combined financial statements have been prepared in United States (“U.S.”) dollars and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (‘‘U.S. GAAP’’). The condensed combined financial statements may not be indicative of the Company’s future performance and do not necessarily reflect what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows would have been had it operated as an independent company during the periods presented.

The condensed combined statements of operations also include expense allocations for certain functions provided by International Paper, including, but not limited to general corporate expenses related to finance, legal, information technology, human resources, communications, insurance and stock-based compensation. These expenses have been allocated to the Company on the basis of direct usage when identifiable, with the remainder principally allocated on the basis of percent of capital employed, headcount or other measures. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, the Company was allocated $85 million and $78 million, respectively, of such general corporate expenses, which were included within cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses in the condensed combined statements of operations. Management considers the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by the Company during the periods presented. The allocations may not, however, reflect the expenses the Company would have incurred if the Company had been an independent company for the periods presented. Actual costs that may have been incurred if the Company had been an independent company would depend on several factors, including the organizational structure, whether functions were outsourced or performed by employees, and strategic decisions made in areas such as information technology and infrastructure. The Company is unable to determine what such costs would have been had the Company been independent. Following the Separation from International Paper, the Company may perform these functions using its own resources or purchased services. For an interim period following the Separation, however, some of these functions will continue to be provided by International Paper under a transition services agreement. Additionally, we may provide some services to International Paper under a transition services agreement. We will also enter into certain commercial agreements with International Paper in connection with the Separation.

All intracompany transactions have been eliminated. Related-party transactions between the Company and International Paper relating to general operating activities have been included in these condensed combined financial statements. These related-party transactions historically settled in cash between the Company and International Paper have been reflected in the condensed combined balance sheets as “Related-party receivable” or “Related-party payable” with the aggregate net effect of these related-party transactions reflected in the condensed combined statements of cash flows as either “Related party receivable” or “Related party payable” within operating activities.

The aggregate net effect of transactions with International Paper not settled in cash, including corporate allocations, has been reflected in the condensed combined balance sheets as “Parent company investment” and in the condensed combined statements of cash flows as “Net transfers (to) from Parent” within financing activities.

In addition, certain of the Company’s Europe locations participate in International Paper’s centralized cash pooling arrangement. Amounts due from the cash pool are generally settled on a daily basis and are reflected in the condensed combined balance sheets as “Related-party receivable” with the aggregate net activity between the Company and International Paper reflected in the condensed combined statements of cash flows as “Cash pool arrangements with Parent” within investing activities.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

International Paper utilizes a centralized approach to cash management and financing its operations. This arrangement is not reflective of the manner in which the Company would have been able to finance its operations had it been independent from International Paper. The cash and temporary investments held by International Paper at the corporate level are not specifically identifiable to the Company and therefore have not been reflected in the Company’s condensed combined balance sheets. Effective transfers between International Paper and the Company are recorded through the Parent company investment account. Cash and temporary investments in the condensed combined balance sheets represent cash and temporary investments held locally by the Company.

The condensed combined financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that have historically been held at the International Paper corporate level but are specifically identifiable or otherwise attributable to the Company. International Paper’s third-party debt and the related interest expense have not been allocated to the Company for any of the periods presented as the Company is not the legal obligor of such debt.

NOTE 3 RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

REFERENCE RATE REFORM

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” This guidance provides companies with optional guidance to ease the potential accounting burden associated with transitioning away from reference rates that are expected to be discontinued. This guidance is effective upon issuance and generally can be applied through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of this guidance.

NOTE 4 REVENUE RECOGNITION

EXTERNAL NET SALES BY PRODUCT

External net sales by major products were as follows:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

In millions

   2021      2020  

North America

     

Uncoated Papers

   $ 764      $ 711  

Market Pulp

     33        28  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

North America

     797        739  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Latin America

     

Uncoated Papers

     333        262  

Market Pulp

     24        22  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Latin America

     357        284  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe

     

Uncoated Papers

     336        338  

Coated Paperboard / Other

     49        46  

Market Pulp

     83        68  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Europe

     468        452  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,622      $ 1,475  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

REVENUE CONTRACT BALANCES

A contract asset is created when the Company recognizes revenue on its customized products prior to having an unconditional right to payment from the customer, which generally does not occur until title and risk of loss passes to the customer.

A contract liability is created when customers prepay for goods prior to the Company transferring those goods to the customer. The contract liability is reduced once control of the goods is transferred to the customer. The majority of our customer prepayments are received during the fourth quarter each year for goods that will be transferred to customers over the following twelve months. Contract liabilities of $8 million and $11 million are included in other current liabilities in the accompanying condensed combined balance sheets as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

The difference between the opening and closing balances of the Company’s contract assets and contract liabilities primarily results from the difference between the price and quantity at comparable points in time for goods for which we have an unconditional right to payment or receive pre-payment from the customer, respectively.

NOTE 5 EQUITY

A summary of the changes in equity for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 is provided below:

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 

In millions

   Parent Company
Investment
     Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total Parent
Company Equity
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 3,592      $ (1,480   $ 2,112  

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     8        —         8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     177        (13     164  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30

   $ 3,777      $ (1,493   $ 2.284  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

In millions

   Parent Company
Investment
    Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total Parent
Company Equity
 

Balance, January 1

   $ 3,746     $ (1,229   $ 2,517  

Adoption of ASU 2016-13 expected credit losses on trade receivables and contract assets

     1       —         1  

Net transfers (to) from Parent

     (168     —         (168
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     54       (325     (271
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, June 30

   $ 3,633     $ (1,554   $ 2,079  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 6 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following table presents the changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”), net of tax, reported in the condensed combined financial statements:

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

In millions

   2021      2020  

Defined Benefit Pension and Postretirement Adjustments

     

Balance at beginning of period

   $ (48    $ (44

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     (48      (44
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in Cumulative Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments

     

Balance at beginning of period

     (1,433      (1,187

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     (15      (316
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     (1,448      (1,503
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Gains and Losses on Cash Flow Hedging Derivatives

     

Balance at beginning of period

     1        2  

Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

     2        (9
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

     3        (7
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at End of Period

   $ (1,493    $ (1,554
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 7 SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL STATEMENT INFORMATION

TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS

Temporary investments with an original maturity of three months or less and money market funds with greater than three months maturities but with the right to redeem without notices are treated as cash equivalents and are stated at cost. Temporary investments totaled $192 million and $36 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

ACCOUNTS AND NOTES RECEIVABLE

Accounts and notes receivable, net, by classification were:

 

In millions

   June 30,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 

Accounts and notes receivable:

     

Trade

   $ 392      $ 379  

Notes

     1        2  

Other

     24        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 417      $ 400  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The allowance for expected credit losses was $27 million and $30 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Based on the Company’s accounting estimates and the facts and circumstances available as of the reporting date, we believe our allowance for expected credit losses is adequate.

 

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Table of Contents

Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

INVENTORIES

 

In millions

   June 30,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 

Raw materials

   $ 48      $ 50  

Finished paper and pulp products

     186        171  

Operating supplies

     98        102  

Other

     8        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 340      $ 342  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

PLANTS, PROPERTIES AND EQUIPMENT, NET

Accumulated depreciation was $3.9 billion and $3.8 billion at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Depreciation expense was $70 million and $78 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Non-cash additions to plants, property and equipment included within accounts payable were $7 million and $11 million at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

NOTE 8 LEASES

The Company leases various real estate, including certain operating facilities, warehouses, office space and land. The Company also leases material handling equipment, vehicles and certain other equipment. The Company’s leases have remaining lease terms of 1 to 17 years. Total lease cost was $19 million and $17 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION RELATED TO LEASES

 

In millions

 

Classification

   June 30,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 

Assets

       

Operating lease assets

  Right of use assets    $ 41      $ 46  

Finance lease assets

  Plants, properties, and equipment, net (a)      31        33  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total leased assets

     $ 72      $ 79  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities

       

Current

       

Operating

  Other current liabilities    $ 13      $ 14  

Finance

  Notes payable and current maturities of long-term debt      2        2  

Noncurrent

       

Operating

  Other Liabilities      29        32  

Finance

  Long-term debt      19        21  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total lease liabilities

     $ 63      $ 69  
    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Finance leases are recorded net of accumulated amortization of $12 million and $10 million as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 9 GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

GOODWILL

The following table presents changes in the goodwill balance as allocated to each business segment for the six months ended June 30, 2021:

 

In millions

   North
America
     Latin
America
     EMEA      Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2021

           

Goodwill

   $ —        $ 121      $ 27      $ 148  

Accumulated impairment losses

     —                 (5      (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     —          121        22        143  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Currency translation and other (a)

     —          5        (1      4  

Goodwill additions/reductions

     —          —          —          —    

Accumulated impairment loss additions/reductions

     —          —          —          —    

Balance as of June 30, 2021

           

Goodwill

     —          126        26        152  

Accumulated impairment losses

     —          —          (5      (5
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ 126      $ 21      $ 147  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a)

Represents the effects of foreign currency translations and reclassifications.

OTHER INTANGIBLES

Identifiable intangible assets comprised the following:

 

     June 30, 2021      December 31, 2020  

In millions

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Intangible
Assets
     Gross
Carrying
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Intangible
Assets
 

Customer relationships and lists

   $ 62      $ (52   $ 10      $ 60      $ (49   $ 11  

Non-compete agreements

     —          —         —          —          —         —    

Software

     3        (2     1        3        (2     1  

Other

     4        (4     —          4        (4     —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 69      $ (58   $ 11      $ 67      $ (55   $ 12  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

NOTE 10 INCOME TAXES

An income tax provision of $63 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and the reported effective income tax rate was 26.3%. An income tax provision of $13 million was recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and the reported effective income tax rate was 19.2%.

The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has challenged the deductibility of goodwill amortization generated in a 2007 acquisition by International Paper do Brasil Ltda. (“IP Brasil”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Brazil Tax Dispute”). The Company received assessments for the tax years 2007-2015 totaling approximately $116 million in tax and $376 million in interest, penalties and fees as of June 30, 2021 (adjusted

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

for variation in currency exchange rates). After a previous favorable ruling challenging the basis for these assessments, we received other subsequent unfavorable decisions from the Brazilian Administrative Council of Tax Appeals. The Company has appealed and intends to further appeal these and any future unfavorable administrative judgments to the Brazilian federal courts; however, this tax litigation matter may take many years to resolve. The Company believes that it has appropriately evaluated the transaction underlying these assessments, and has concluded based on Brazilian tax law, that its tax position should be sustained. The Company intends to vigorously defend its position against the current assessments and any similar assessments that may be issued for tax years subsequent to 2015.

The Brazilian government may enact a tax amnesty program that would allow IP Brasil to resolve the Brazil Tax Dispute for less than the assessed amount. If a tax amnesty program is enacted prior to the distribution date and International Paper decides to participate in the amnesty program prior to the distribution date, International Paper would retain 100% of the liability up to $180 million, Sylvamo would retain up to the next $60 million of the liability and International Paper would retain 100% of the liability over $240 million. Unless International Paper decides to resolve the Brazil Tax Dispute prior to the date of the distribution (including by becoming party to an applicable amnesty program), International Paper will pay 60%, and Sylvamo will pay 40%, on up to $300 million of the Brazil Income Tax Liabilities (equivalent to a total cap on Sylvamo payments of $120 million), and International Paper will pay all amounts of the Brazil Income Tax Liabilities over $300 million. After the Separation, all decisions concerning the conduct of the litigation related to the Brazil Tax Dispute, including as to strategy, settlement, pursuit and abandonment, will continue to be made by International Paper. The Company will thus have no control over any decision related to the ongoing litigation.

As legally required by the Brazilian federal court, IP Brasil has provided surety bonds in connection with the Brazil Tax Dispute, which were indemnified by International Paper. International Paper has agreed that after the distribution it will continue to indemnify the provider of the surety bonds during the pendency of the appeal in the Brazilian federal court for which Sylvamo will pay International Paper an annual guarantee fee calculated at an annual rate of 1.5% based on 40% of up to $300 million of the face amount of the surety bonds, which face amount was $351 million as of June 30, 2021. If IP Brasil were unable to renew the surety bonds upon their expiration, for example, as a result of a downgrade in International Paper’s credit ratings below investment grade by Moody’s, or if IP Brasil were unable to provide additional surety bonds as and when required by the Brazilian federal court IP Brasil could be required to post acceptable collateral in order to continue the litigation which additional collateral International Paper has agreed to provide on behalf of IP Brasil. In the event that International Paper is required to post collateral to secure its obligations under the surety bonds, the guarantee fee will terminate, and Sylvamo will pay International Paper a collateral fee calculated at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3% based on 40% of up to $300 million of the fair market value of the collateral unless Sylvamo elects to post collateral in satisfaction of 40% of up to $300 million of the liability, in which case the collateral fee shall be zero.

NOTE 11 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

ENVIRONMENTAL AND LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is subject to environmental remediation laws and regulations in the countries in which we operate. Remediation costs are recorded in the condensed combined financial statements when they become probable and reasonably estimable. The Company has estimated the probable liability associated with these environmental remediation matters, including the specific matter described below, to be approximately $18 million in the aggregate as of June 30, 2021.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

In 2018, the Company discovered and voluntarily disclosed to regulators the presence of mercury contamination in sediment in a river tributary that traverses the Company’s mill property in Svetogorsk, Russia. The mercury contamination resulted from the operations of a former chlor-alkali manufacturing plant on the mill site. Remediation of the river tributary was completed in 2020. The Company is presently investigating the scope of and remediating soil and groundwater contamination associated with the old chlor-alkali plant. The Company has estimated the probable liability associated with environmental matters at our Svetogorsk, Russia mill to be approximately $16 million as of June 30, 2021, inclusive of $13 million related to this mercury remediation matter. Other than this Svetogorsk matter, completion of other required environmental remedial actions is not expected to have a material effect on our condensed combined financial statements.

TAXES OTHER THAN PAYROLL TAXES

In 2017, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court decided that the state value-added tax (“VAT”) should not be included in the basis of federal VAT calculations. In 2018 and 2019, the Brazilian tax authorities published both an internal consultation and a normative ruling with a narrow interpretation of the effects of the case. Based upon the best information available to us at that time, we determined an estimated refund was probable of being realized. As of December 31, 2020, we had recognized a receivable of $11 million based upon the authorities narrow interpretation. On May 13, 2021, the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court ruled again on the case. The latest ruling provides a much broader definition of the state VAT, which increases the exclusion amount from the Federal VAT calculations. Therefore, we have recognized an additional receivable of $70 million, which brings the total receivable to $81 million as of June 30, 2021. The $70 million of income recognized during the second quarter of 2021 includes income of $42 million in cost of products sold and income of $28 million in Interest expense, net in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations. The issue is now considered fully resolved, and no further ruling by either the Brazilian Supreme Court nor the Brazilian tax authorities is expected.

NOTE 12 RETIREMENT AND POSTRETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS

MULTIEMPLOYER PLANS

Certain of the Company’s employees participate in defined benefit pension plans (the “Plans”) sponsored by International Paper, which include participants of other International Paper operations, that are accounted for by International Paper in accordance with accounting guidance for defined benefit pension plans. Accordingly, net periodic pension expense for Company employees is allocated to the Company based upon a percent of salaries and reported in the condensed combined statements of operations, and the Company does not record an asset or liability to recognize the funded or unfunded status of the Plans. The service and non-service cost components of net periodic pension expense for these employees is recorded within cost of products sold and selling and administrative expenses in the condensed combined statements of operations. During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, total service and non-service costs were $3 million and $4 million, respectively.

International Paper’s net periodic pension expense and obligations are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions, including discount rates and long-term return on plan assets, retirement rates, mortality rates, and other factors. International Paper’s selection of assumptions is based on historical trends and known economic and market conditions at the time of valuation, as well as independent studies of trends performed by actuaries. However, actual results may differ substantially from the estimates that were based on the critical assumptions. Actual results that differ from International Paper’s assumptions are accumulated and amortized over future periods and, therefore, generally affect International Paper’s recognized expense in such

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

future periods. While International Paper management believes that the assumptions used are appropriate, significant differences in actual experience or significant changes in assumptions would affect International Paper’s net periodic pension expense and obligations. Furthermore, the assumptions used by International Paper may not be indicative of assumptions which the Company would have made on a standalone basis.

DIRECT PLANS

The Company also has direct defined benefit pension plans in Brazil and the United Kingdom, which the Company accounts for using the single-employer method.

DIRECT PLANS—NET PERIODIC PENSION EXPENSE

Service cost is the actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the plans’ benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the year. Interest cost represents the increase in the projected benefit obligation, which is a discounted amount, due to the passage of time. The expected return on plan assets reflects the computed amount of current-year earnings from the investment of plan assets using an estimated long-term rate of return.

Non-service cost components of net periodic pension expense for the Company’s direct plans comprised the following:

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

   2021      2020  

Interest cost

   $ 2      $ 2  

Expected return on plan assets

     (4      (4

Actuarial loss (gain)

     1        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic pension expense (benefit)

   $ (1    $ (1
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For direct plans, service cost was not material in all periods. The components of net periodic pension expense other than the service cost component are included in cost of products sold in the condensed combined statements of operations.

U.S. QUALIFIED PLAN

As part of the separation, International Paper intends to transfer a portion of its U.S. Qualified Pension Plan (“U.S. Qualified Plan”) to the Company for the Company’s U.S. active employees participating in the plan. The pension benefit obligation (“PBO”) and certain assets to fund the defined benefit plan will be carved out of the current plan under International Paper and transferred to the Company. The transferred defined benefit pension plan is estimated to be 97% funded, with a PBO and assets to be transferred of approximately $292 million and $282 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s participation in International Paper’s U.S. Qualified Plan has been accounted for as a multi-employer plan in these condensed combined financial statements. Accordingly, the plan obligations and assets expected to be transferred to the Company in connection with the separation have not been recorded in the condensed combined balance sheets.

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

INTERNATIONAL PLANS

As part of the separation, International Paper also intends to transfer certain international pension plans in Belgium, France, and Poland (“international plans”) to the Company for the Company’s active employees participating in these plans. The net unfunded pension liability to be transferred related to the international plans was approximately $13 million as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s participation in the international plans have been accounted for as multi-employer plans in these condensed combined financial statements. Accordingly, the international plans’ obligations and assets expected to be transferred to the Company in connection with the separation have not been recorded in the condensed combined balance sheets.

NOTE 13 INCENTIVE PLANS

International Paper currently has an Incentive Compensation Plan (“ICP”). The ICP authorizes grants of restricted stock, restricted or deferred stock units, performance awards payable in cash or stock upon the attainment of specified performance goals, dividend equivalents, stock options, stock appreciation rights, other stock-based awards and cash-based awards at the discretion of the Management Development and Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of International Paper (the “Committee”) that administers the ICP.

Certain Company employees participate in the ICP. The following disclosures of stock-based compensation expense recognized by the Company are based on grants related directly to Company employees, and an allocation of International Paper’s corporate and shared employee compensation expenses.

Total stock-based compensation cost and the associated income tax benefits recognized by the Company in the condensed combined statements of operations were as follows:

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

   2021     2020  

Total stock-based compensation expense (included in selling and administrative expense)

   $ 7     $ 7  

Income tax benefit (expense) related to stock-based compensation

   $ (1   $ (1

Of the total stock-based compensation cost recognized by the Company in the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, $2 million and $1 million, respectively, related directly to Company employees and $5 million and $6 million, respectively, is related to allocations of International Paper’s corporate and shared employee stock-based compensation expenses.

As of June 30, 2021, $6 million of compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to all stock-based compensation arrangements for Company employees had not yet been recognized. This amount will be recognized in expense over a weighted-average period of 2.1 years.

NOTE 14 FINANCIAL INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHIC AREA

The Company’s business segments, North America, Latin America and Europe, are consistent with the internal structure used to manage these businesses. All segments are differentiated on a common product, common customer basis consistent with the business segmentation generally used in the Forest Products industry.

Business segment operating profits are used by the Company’s management to measure the earnings performance of its businesses. Management believes that this measure allows a better understanding of trends in costs, operating efficiencies, prices and volumes. Business segment operating profits are defined as income (loss)

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

before income taxes, excluding corporate special items, net, interest (income) expense, net, restructuring and other charges, net, and other special items, net.

External sales by major product is determined by aggregating sales from each segment based on similar products or services. External sales are defined as those that are made to parties outside the Company’s combined group, whereas sales by segment in the Net Sales table are determined using a management approach and include intersegment sales.

INFORMATION BY BUSINESS SEGMENT

Net Sales

 

     Six Months Ended
June 30,
 

In millions

   2021      2020  

North America

   $ 808      $ 739  

Latin America

     357        284  

Europe

     481        462  

Corporate and Intersegment Sales

     (24      (10
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Sales

   $ 1,622      $ 1,475  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Operating Profit

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

     2021          2020    

North America

   $ 40      $ (4

Latin America

     87        29  

Europe

     42        46  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Business Segment Operating Profit

     169        71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

     240        67  

Interest (income) expense, net

     (29      (1

Other special items, net

     (42      5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 169      $ 71  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NOTE 15 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The condensed combined financial statements have been prepared on a carve-out basis and are derived from the consolidated financial statements and accounting records of International Paper. The following discussion summarizes activity between the Company and International Paper.

ALLOCATION OF GENERAL CORPORATE EXPENSES

The condensed combined statements of operations includes expenses for certain centralized functions and other programs provided and administered by International Paper that are charged directly to the Company. In addition, for purposes of preparing these condensed combined financial statements on a carve-out basis, we have

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

allocated a portion of International Paper’s total corporate expense to the Company. See Note 2 for a discussion of the methodology used to allocate corporate-related costs for purposes of preparing these financial statements on a carve-out basis.

RELATED PARTY SALES AND PURCHASES

For the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 the Company sold products to other International Paper businesses in the amount of $3 million and $9 million, respectively, which is included in net sales in the condensed combined statements of operations.

The Company purchases certain of its products from International Paper which are produced in facilities that will remain with International Paper. The Company expects to continue to purchase uncoated freesheet and bristols pursuant to an offtake agreement between the Company and International Paper. The Company purchased and recognized in cost of products sold inventory associated with the contemplated offtake agreements of $104 million and $130 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

In addition, the Company is a party to the Joint Marketing Agreement with JSC Ilim Group, a subsidiary of International Paper’s equity method investee Ilim SA, under which the Company purchases, markets and sells paper produced by JSC Ilim Group. The Company purchased and recognized in cost of products sold inventory under this agreement of $91 million and $80 million for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

RELATED PARTY RECEIVABLE

Related party receivable consists of the following:

 

In millions

   June 30,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 

Due from Parent cash pool

   $ 205      $ 202  

Professional services provided to Parent / other

     18        19  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 223      $ 221  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

RELATED PARTY PAYABLE

Related party payable consists of the following:

 

In millions

   June 30,
2021
     December 31,
2020
 

Inventory purchases

   $ 16      $ 16  

Other

     27        9  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 43      $ 25  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Sylvamo Corporation of International Paper Company

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Net transfers (to) from Parent are included within Parent company investment on the condensed combined balance sheets and with the summary of changes in equity included in Note 5. The components of the net transfers (to) from International Paper are as follows:

 

    

Six Months Ended

June 30,

 

In millions

   2021      2020  

General financing activities

   $ (79    $ (247

Corporate allocations

     80        72  

Stock-based compensation

     7        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total net transfers (to) from Parent

   $ 8      $ (168
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

TIMBER PAYMENT AGREEMENT

In connection with the Separation, a subsidiary of International Paper and a subsidiary of Sylvamo will enter into a letter agreement, pursuant to which the Sylvamo subsidiary will make a payment of $100 million to the

International Paper subsidiary if any portion of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations owned by Sylvamo as of

the distribution date are directly or indirectly transferred, subject to certain exceptions for immaterial transfers.

A transfer includes any sale, pledge or transfer of any legal or beneficial interest in the Brazil lands, including

any grant of an option or other right or interest or entry into any contract that would result in a reduction or

diminution of Sylvamo’s economic ownership in the Brazil lands (a “Qualifying Transfer”). A change of control of Sylvamo would also result in the payment becoming due and payable. Management has concluded that a Qualifying Transfer or change in control of the Brazil eucalyptus forest plantations is not considered probable at this time.

NOTE 16 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Management has evaluated subsequent events through August 9, 2021 and August 23, 2021, the date the financial statements were issued and reissued, respectively. Subsequent to the original issuance, the expected terms of the cost sharing arrangement between the Company and International Paper for the Brazil Tax Dispute were modified. These modifications have been reflected within Footnote 10—Income Taxes.

 

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