Table of Contents


 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
 
þ
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
 
¨

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM    TO
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 001-33776
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
98-0526415
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. employer identification number)
111 Duke Street, Suite 5000; Montréal, Quebec; Canada H3C 2M1
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(514) 875-2160
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ      No    ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
    Yes þ      No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  
Large accelerated filer    ¨
 
Accelerated filer  þ
Non-accelerated filer   ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company    ¨


 
 
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.   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes   ¨      No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.
Yes þ      No   ¨
As of October 31, 2017 , there were 89,798,406 shares of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.
 


Table of Contents


RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Financial Statements:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Table of Contents


PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)

 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
885

 
$
888

 
 
$
2,615

 
$
2,656

 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
 
624

 
 
681

 
 
 
1,936

 
 
2,026

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
52

 
 
51

 
 
 
153

 
 
157

 
Distribution costs
 
110

 
 
109

 
 
 
328

 
 
331

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
43

 
 
37

 
 
 
123

 
 
115

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
10

 
 

 
 
 
82

 
 
37

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
Operating income (loss)
 
48

 
 
10

 
 
 
(5
)
 
 
(8
)
 
Interest expense
 
(13
)
 
 
(10
)
 
 
 
(36
)
 
 
(29
)
 
Other income, net
 
6

 
 
1

 
 
 
11

 
 
14

 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
41

 
 
1

 

 
(30
)
 
 
(23
)
 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
(15
)
 
 
14

 
 
 
(63
)
 
 
(9
)
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
 
26

 
 
15

 
 
 
(93
)
 
 
(32
)
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(2
)
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
24

 
$
14

 
 
$
(97
)
 
$
(36
)
 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.16

 
 
$
(1.07
)
 
$
(0.40
)
 
Diluted
 
0.26

 
 
0.15

 
 
 
(1.07
)
 
 
(0.40
)
 
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
 
90.5

 
 
89.9

 
 
 
90.4

 
 
89.8

 
Diluted
 
91.6

 
 
90.4

 
 
 
90.4

 
 
89.8

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


1

Table of Contents


RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited, in millions)

 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
$
26

 
$
15

 
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(32
)
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unamortized prior service credits
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unamortized prior service credits
 
(5
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(12
)
 
 
(12
)
 
Income tax provision
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

 
Change in unamortized prior service credits, net of tax
 
(5
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(12
)
 
 
(12
)
 
Unamortized actuarial losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unamortized actuarial losses
 
(2
)
 
 
12

 
 
 
25

 
 
36

 
Income tax provision
 
(3
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 
(8
)
 
 
(9
)
 
Change in unamortized actuarial losses, net of tax
 
(5
)
 
 
9

 
 
 
17

 
 
27

 
Foreign currency translation
 
1

 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
1

 
 

 
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
 
(9
)
 
 
4

 
 
 
6

 
 
15

 
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
 
17

 
 
19

 
 
 
(87
)
 
 
(17
)
 
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 
(2
)
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
15

 
$
18

 
 
$
(91
)
 
$
(21
)
 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

2

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amount)

 
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
38

 
$
35

 
Accounts receivable, net:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trade
 
377

 
 
358

 
Other
 
72

 
 
83

 
Inventories, net
 
555

 
 
570

 
Other current assets
 
53

 
 
35

 
Total current assets
 
1,095

 
 
1,081

 
Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation of $1,568 and $1,415 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 
1,737

 
 
1,842

 
Amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $20 and $16 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
 
66

 
 
70

 
Goodwill
 
81

 
 
81

 
Deferred income tax assets
 
1,090

 
 
1,039

 
Other assets
 
163

 
 
164

 
Total assets
$
4,232

 
$
4,277

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
449

 
$
466

 
Current portion of long-term debt
 

 
 
1

 
Total current liabilities
 
449

 
 
467

 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
832

 
 
761

 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
1,249

 
 
1,281

 
Deferred income tax liabilities
 
9

 
 
2

 
Other liabilities
 
64

 
 
55

 
Total liabilities
 
2,603

 
 
2,566

 
Commitments and contingencies
 

 
 

 
Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value. 117.8 shares issued and 89.8 shares outstanding as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 

 
 

 
Additional paid-in capital
 
3,783

 
 
3,775

 
Deficit
 
(1,307
)
 
 
(1,207
)
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(749
)
 
 
(755
)
 
Treasury stock at cost, 28.0 shares as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 
(120
)
 
 
(120
)
 
Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity
 
1,607

 
 
1,693

 
Noncontrolling interests
 
22

 
 
18

 
Total equity
 
1,629

 
 
1,711

 
Total liabilities and equity
$
4,232

 
$
4,277

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
(Unaudited, in millions)
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$

 
$
3,775

 
$
(1,207
)
 
$
(755
)
 
$
(120
)
 
$
18

 
$
1,711

 
Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards
 

 
 
8

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
8

 
Net (loss) income
 

 
 

 
 
(97
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
4

 
 
(93
)
 
Cumulative-effect adjustment upon deferred tax charge elimination (Note 10)
 

 
 

 
 
(3
)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
(3
)
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
6

 
 

 
 

 
 
6

 
Balance as of September 30, 2017
$

 
$
3,783

 
$
(1,307
)
 
$
(749
)
 
$
(120
)
 
$
22

 
$
1,629

 

 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
 
Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Deficit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Treasury
Stock
Non-
controlling
Interests
Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2015
$

 
$
3,765

 
$
(1,126
)
 
$
(587
)
 
$
(120
)
 
$
13

 
$
1,945

 
Share-based compensation costs for equity-classified awards
 

 
 
8

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
8

 
Net (loss) income
 

 
 

 
 
(36
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
4

 
 
(32
)
 
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
15

 
 

 
 

 
 
15

 
Balance as of September 30, 2016
$

 
$
3,773

 
$
(1,162
)
 
$
(572
)
 
$
(120
)
 
$
17

 
$
1,936

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.


4

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in millions)

 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests
$
(93
)
 
$
(32
)
 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss including noncontrolling interests to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Share-based compensation
 
8

 
 
8

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
153

 
 
157

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
68

 
 
36

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
24

 
 
5

 
Deferred income taxes
 
60

 
 
5

 
Net pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments
 
(94
)
 
 
(102
)
 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
Gain on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes
 
(80
)
 
 
(53
)
 
Loss on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
65

 
 
44

 
Gain on disposition of equity method investment
 

 
 
(5
)
 
Net planned major maintenance payments
 
(6
)
 
 
(6
)
 
Changes in working capital:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
 
(6
)
 
 
21

 
Inventories
 
(6
)
 
 
(27
)
 
Other current assets
 
(8
)
 
 
(3
)
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
12

 
 
7

 
Other, net
 
4

 
 
(2
)
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
99

 
 
51

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash invested in fixed assets
 
(136
)
 
 
(177
)
 
Disposition of assets
 
3

 
 
5

 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper
 
(17
)
 
 
(17
)
 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber
 
(18
)
 
 

 
Increase in restricted cash, net
 
(2
)
 
 

 
Decrease in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net
 
2

 
 

 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(168
)
 
 
(189
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities
 
70

 
 
90

 
Issuance of long-term debt
 

 
 
46

 
Payments of debt
 
(1
)
 
 
(1
)
 
Payments of financing and credit facility fees
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
69

 
 
134

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
3

 
 
1

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
3

 
 
(3
)
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 
35

 
 
58

 
End of period
$
38

 
$
55

 
See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

Table of Contents

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation
Nature of operations
Resolute Forest Products Inc. (with its subsidiaries and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated, referred to as “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us,” “Parent” or the “Company”) is incorporated in Delaware. We are a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers, which are marketed in over 70 countries. We own or operate some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the United States and Canada.
Financial statements
Our interim consolidated financial statements and related notes (“Consolidated Financial Statements”) are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for interim reporting. Under those rules, certain footnotes and other financial information that are normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) may be condensed or omitted. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements have been made. All amounts are expressed in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise indicated. The results for the interim period ended September 30, 2017 , are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. These unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , filed with the SEC on March 1, 2017 . Certain prior period amounts in our footnotes have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.
New accounting pronouncements adopted
In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory until the transferred assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. This update is effective on a modified retrospective approach for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. As early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period, we adopted this ASU on January 1, 2017. For additional information, see Note 10, “Income Taxes .”
Accounting pronouncements not yet adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts from Customers,” which provides a framework that replaces existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP. In March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016, the FASB also issued ASU 2016-08, “Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net),” ASU 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing,” ASU 2016-12, “Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients,” and ASU 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” respectively, which further affect the guidance of ASU 2014-09. These updates are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We plan to adopt these standards on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach.
We are making progress in our assessment of the impact of these standards on our results of operations and financial position. Our current assessment is subject to change as we continue our analysis. Our preliminary findings are as follows:
The majority of our revenue arises from contracts with customers in which the sale of goods is generally expected to be the main performance obligation. Accordingly, we expect to recognize revenue for most of our revenue streams at a point in time when control of the asset is transferred to the customer, generally upon delivery of the goods, consistent with our current practice. However, we continue to review our current contracts with customers for the identification of any additional performance obligations, which could be treated differently and affect our preliminary assessment.
Certain of our contracts with customers provide incentive offerings, including special pricing agreements, and other volume-based incentives. Currently, we recognize revenue from the sale of goods measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable, net of provisions for customer incentives. If revenue cannot be reliably measured, revenue recognition is deferred until the uncertainty is resolved. Such contract provisions give rise to variable consideration under ASU 2014-09, and will be required to be estimated at contract inception. ASU 2014-09 requires the estimated variable consideration to be constrained to prevent the over-recognition of revenue. We continue to assess individual contracts to determine the estimated variable consideration and related constraint.

6

Table of Contents

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

ASU 2014-09 provides presentation and disclosure requirements, which are more detailed than under current GAAP. We are therefore in the process of developing procedures to collect the required information to comply with the additional required financial statement disclosures.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost,” which requires employers that present a measure of operating income in their statements of earnings to disaggregate and present only the service cost component of net periodic benefit cost in operating expenses (together with other employee compensation costs arising during the period). The other components of the net periodic benefit cost are to be reported separately outside any subtotal of operating income. This update is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2016. We plan to adopt this ASU on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance will impact the presentation of our results of operations, the effect of which cannot be reasonably estimated due to the inherent uncertainties with respect to the variations in assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost, and could be material.
Note 2. Closure Costs, Impairment and Other Related Charges
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 , were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Impairment
of Assets
Accelerated
Depreciation
Pension and OPEB Plan Curtailments and Other
Severance
and Other
Costs
Total
Pulp mill in Coosa Pines, Alabama (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
First nine months
 
55

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
55

 
Permanent closures
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paper machine in Catawba, South Carolina
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 

 
 

 
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
First nine months
 
5

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
4

 
 
11

 
Paper machines in Calhoun, Tennessee
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 

 
 
6

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
8

 
First nine months
 

 
 
6

 
 

 
 
2

 
 
8

 
Paper mill in Mokpo, South Korea
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
First nine months
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
7

 
 
7

 
Other
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Third quarter
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
First nine months
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
Total
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
Third quarter
$

 
$
6

 
$
2

 
$
2

 
$
10

 
First nine months
 
60

 
 
6

 
 
2

 
 
14

 
 
82

 
(1)  
As a result of the continued deterioration of actual and projected cash flows, we recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $55 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, to reduce the carrying value of the assets to their estimated fair value, which was determined using the market approach, by reference to market transaction prices for similar assets. The fair value measurement is considered a Level 3 measurement due to the significance of its unobservable inputs.

7

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Closure costs, impairment and other related charges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 , were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Accelerated
Depreciation
Severance
and Other
Costs
Total
Permanent closure
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paper machine in Augusta, Georgia
 


 
 


 
 


 
Third quarter
$

 
$

 
$

 
First nine months
 
32

 
 
4

 
 
36

 
Other
 

 
 

 
 

 
Third quarter
 

 
 

 
 

 
First nine months
 
1

 
 

 
 
1

 
Total
 

 
 

 
 

 
Third quarter
$

 
$

 
$

 
First nine months
 
33

 
 
4

 
 
37

 
Note 3. Other Income, Net
Other income, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was comprised of the following:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Foreign exchange gain
$
7

 
$

 
 
$
10

 
$
3

 
Gain on disposition of equity method investment (1)
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
5

 
Miscellaneous (expense) income
 
(1
)
 
 
1

 
 
 
1

 
 
6

 
 
$
6

 
$
1

 
 
$
11

 
$
14

 
(1)  
On February 1, 2016, we sold for total consideration of $5 million our interest in Produits Forestiers Petit-Paris Inc., an unconsolidated entity located in Saint-Ludger-de-Milot, Quebec, in which we had a 50% interest, resulting in a gain on disposition of $5 million .

8

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 4. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The change in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component (net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , was as follows:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Unamortized Prior Service Credits
Unamortized Actuarial Losses
Foreign
Currency
Translation
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2016
$
67

 
$
(819
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(755
)
 
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications
 

 
 
(15
)
 
 
1

 
 
(14
)
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (1)
 
(12
)
 
 
32

 
 

 
 
20

 
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income
 
(12
)
 
 
17

 
 
1

 
 
6

 
Balance as of September 30, 2017
$
55

 
$
(802
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(749
)
 
(1)  
See the table below for details about these reclassifications.
The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
Amounts Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Affected Line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unamortized Prior Service Credits
 
 
 
 
Amortization of prior service credits
$
(11
)
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs (1)
Curtailment gain
 
(1
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges (1)
 
 

 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
$
(12
)
 
Net of tax
Unamortized Actuarial Losses
 
 
 
 
Amortization of actuarial losses
$
38

 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs (1)
Curtailment loss
 
1

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges (1)
Settlement loss
 
1

 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs (1)
 
 
(8
)
 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
$
32

 
Net of tax
Total Reclassifications
$
20

 
Net of tax
(1)  
These items are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost related to our pension and other postretirement benefit (“OPEB”) plans summarized in Note 9, “Employee Benefit Plans .”

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 5. Net Income (Loss) Per Share
The reconciliation of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
24

 
$
14

 
 
$
(97
)
 
$
(36
)
 
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding
 
90.5

 
 
89.9

 
 
 
90.4

 
 
89.8

 
Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards
 
1.1

 
 
0.5

 
 
 

 
 

 
Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding
 
91.6

 
 
90.4

 
 
 
90.4

 
 
89.8

 
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.16

 
 
$
(1.07
)
 
$
(0.40
)
 
Diluted
$
0.26

 
$
0.15

 
 
$
(1.07
)
 
$
(0.40
)
 
The weighted-average number of outstanding stock options and nonvested equity-classified restricted stock units, deferred stock units and performance stock units (collectively, “stock unit awards”) that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) per share, as the impact would have been antidilutive, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017

 
2016

 
 
2017


2016


Stock options
1.4

 
1.5

 
 
1.4

 
1.5

 
Stock unit awards

 

 
 
4.3

 
2.2

 
Note 6. Inventories, Net
Inventories, net as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Raw materials
$
111

 
$
126

 
Work in process
 
36

 
 
45

 
Finished goods
 
205

 
 
183

 
Mill stores and other supplies
 
203

 
 
216

 
 
$
555

 
$
570

 
During the three months ended September 30, 2017 , we recorded charges for write-downs of mill stores and other supplies of $11 million , primarily related to the permanent closure of two paper machines in Calhoun. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , we also recorded charges of $13 million for write-downs of mill stores and other supplies primarily related to the permanent closures of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill and our Mokpo paper mill. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016 , we recorded charges of $5 million for write-downs of mill stores and other supplies primarily as a result of the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill. These charges were included in “Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , were comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
Trade accounts payable
$
325

 
$
346

 
Payroll, bonuses and severance payable
 
56

 
 
51

 
Accrued interest
 
14

 
 
5

 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 
18

 
 
17

 
Book overdrafts
 

 
 
13

 
Income and other taxes payable
 
9

 
 
7

 
Environmental liabilities
 
2

 
 
5

 
Other
 
25

 
 
22

 
 
$
449

 
$
466

 
Note 8. Long-Term Debt
Overview
Long-term debt, including current portion, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , was comprised of the following:
(Unaudited, in millions)
September 30,
2017
December 31,
2016
5.875% senior notes due 2023:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal amount
$
600

 
$
600

 
Deferred financing costs
 
(5
)
 
 
(6
)
 
Unamortized discount
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
Total senior notes due 2023
 
591

 
 
590

 
Term loan due 2025
 
46

 
 
46

 
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities
 
195

 
 
125

 
Capital lease obligation
 

 
 
1

 
Total debt
 
832

 
 
762

 
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
832

 
$
761

 
2023 Notes
We issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2023 (the “2023 Notes”) on May 8, 2013. Upon their issuance, the notes were recorded at their fair value of $594 million , which reflected a discount of $6 million that is being amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the notes, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6% . Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15, until their maturity date of May 15, 2023. In connection with the issuance of the notes, we incurred financing costs of approximately $9 million , which were deferred and recorded as a reduction of the notes. These deferred financing costs are being amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the notes. The fair value of the 2023 Notes was $595 million and $543 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, and was determined by reference to over-the-counter prices (Level 1).
Senior Secured Credit Facility
On September 7, 2016, we entered into a senior secured credit facility (the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) for up to $185 million . The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides a term loan of $46 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2025 (“Term Loan”), and a revolving credit facility of up to $139 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2022 (“Revolving Credit Facility”). As of September 30, 2017 , we had $33 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, net of $106 million of borrowings. The fair values of the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility approximated their carrying values

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

as of September 30, 2017 , as the variable interest rates reflect current interest rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics and maturities (Level 2). We repaid $3 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility in the first 40 days of the fourth quarter of 2017.
ABL Credit Facility
On May 22, 2015, we entered into a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Credit Facility”), with an aggregate lender commitment of up to $600 million at any time outstanding, subject to borrowing base availability based on specified advance rates, eligibility criteria and customary reserves. The ABL Credit Facility will mature on May 22, 2020. As of September 30, 2017 , we had $329 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, net of $89 million of borrowings and $40 million of ordinary course letters of credit outstanding. The fair value of the ABL Credit Facility approximated its carrying value as of September 30, 2017 , as the variable interest rates reflect current interest rates for financial instruments with similar characteristics and maturities (Level 2). We repaid $27 million of borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility in the first 40 days of the fourth quarter of 2017.
Capital lease obligation
We have a capital lease obligation for a warehouse with a maturity date of December 1, 2017, which can be renewed for 20 years at our option. Minimum monthly payments are determined by an escalatory price clause.
Note 9. Employee Benefit Plans
Pension and OPEB plans
The components of net periodic benefit cost relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , were as follows:
Pension Plans:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Service cost
$
6

 
$
5

 
 
$
15

 
$
15

 
Interest cost
 
51

 
 
54

 
 
 
149

 
 
161

 
Expected return on plan assets
 
(66
)
 
 
(62
)
 
 
 
(190
)
 
 
(185
)
 
Amortization of actuarial losses
 
14

 
 
13

 
 
 
42

 
 
40

 
Amortization of prior service credits
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Net periodic benefit cost before special events
 
5

 
 
10

 
 
 
16

 
 
30

 
Curtailment, settlement and other losses
 
3

 
 

 
 
 
4

 
 

 
 
$
8

 
$
10

 
 
$
20

 
$
30

 
OPEB Plans:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Service cost
$

 
$
1

 
 
$
1

 
$
1

 
Interest cost
 
2

 
 
2

 
 
 
5

 
 
6

 
Amortization of actuarial gains
 
(1
)
 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
Amortization of prior service credits
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(11
)
 
 
(11
)
 
Net periodic benefit cost before special events
 
(3
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 
 
(9
)
 
 
(8
)
 
Curtailment gain
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(2
)
 
 
$
(10
)
 
$
(8
)
 

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Defined contribution plans
Our expense for the defined contribution plans totaled $5 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $16 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.
Canadian pension funding
On March 31, 2017, we reached an agreement with the province of Ontario with respect to the additional solvency deficit reduction contributions required for past capacity reductions in Ontario, as provided by the terms of the undertakings in connection with the funding relief regulations, stipulating that we are no longer required to make additional contributions for capacity reductions that occurred in Ontario after April 15, 2014. As a result, our requirement to make additional contributions to our material Canadian registered pension plans was reduced by Cdn $16 million for 2017 and Cdn $8 million for 2018. The expiration of the original 2010 undertaking in December 2015 did not eliminate the obligations already incurred under the terms of that undertaking prior to its expiration.
Note 10. Income Taxes
The income tax (provision) benefit attributable to income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , as a result of the following:
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
$
41

 
$
1

 
 
$
(30
)
 
$
(23
)
 
Income tax (provision) benefit:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Expected income tax (provision) benefit
 
(14
)
 
 

 
 
 
11

 
 
8

 
Changes resulting from:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Valuation allowance (1)
 
(19
)
 
 
(20
)
 
 
 
(94
)
 
 
(65
)
 
Enactment of change in foreign tax rate
 

 
 

 
 
 
(12
)
 
 

 
Adjustments for unrecognized tax benefits
 

 
 
37

 
 
 

 
 
37

 
Foreign exchange
 
8

 
 
(5
)
 
 
 
9

 
 
(2
)
 
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit
 
1

 
 
2

 
 
 
7

 
 
5

 
Foreign tax rate differences
 
7

 
 
4

 
 
 
15

 
 
11

 
Research and development tax incentives
 
1

 
 

 
 
 
1

 
 

 
Other, net
 
1

 
 
(4
)
 
 
 

 
 
(3
)
 
 
$
(15
)
 
$
14

 
 
$
(63
)
 
$
(9
)
 
(1)  
We recorded a valuation allowance of $19 million and $20 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $94 million and $65 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, primarily related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets.
Deferred tax charge
On January 1, 2017, we adopted ASU 2016-16, “Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory,” which eliminates the deferral of the tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers other than inventory until the transferred assets are sold to a third party or recovered through use. Accordingly, the deferred tax charge recognized in 2015 as a result of a gain on an intercompany asset transfer in connection with an operating company realignment was eliminated, resulting in a decrease in “Other assets” of $35 million and an increase in deferred tax assets of $32 million , with a cumulative-effect adjustment of $3 million to “Deficit” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 1, 2017.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal matters
We become involved in various legal proceedings and other disputes in the normal course of business, including matters related to contracts, commercial and trade disputes, taxes, environmental issues, activists’ damages, employment and workers’ compensation claims, Aboriginal claims and other matters. Although the final outcome is subject to many variables and cannot be predicted with any degree of certainty, we regularly assess the status of the matters and establish provisions (including legal costs expected to be incurred) when we believe an adverse outcome is probable, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Except as described below and for claims that cannot be assessed due to their preliminary nature, we believe that the ultimate disposition of these matters outstanding or pending as of September 30, 2017 , will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations on softwood lumber products
On November 25, 2016, countervailing and anti-dumping duty petitions were filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce (“Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (“ITC”) by certain U.S. softwood lumber producers and forest landowners, requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian-origin softwood lumber products exported to the U.S. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petition as being a Canadian exporting producer of softwood lumber products to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce in both the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations.
On April 24, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty investigation, and, as a result, beginning April 28, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at a rate of 12.82% for estimated countervailing duties on our imports to the U.S. of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. The preliminary rate remained in effect until August 26, 2017, and we have not been required to pay countervailing duty deposits since then. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final determinations in the countervailing duty investigation, including an estimated countervailing duty rate of 14.7% for our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S. from our Canadian sawmills. We will be required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at that rate if and when the ITC publishes an affirmative final determination. If as a result of the ITC final determination, Commerce issues an order that we are subject to countervailing duty deposit requirements on any of our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S., then we will be required to resume making cash deposits at the 14.7% rate until Commerce sets a duty rate in a subsequent administrative review. Through September 30, 2017 , our cash deposits totaled $15 million , and based on the 14.7% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $65 million per year.
On June 26, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the anti-dumping duty investigation, and, as a result, since June 30, 2017, we have been required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at a rate of 4.59% for estimated anti-dumping duties on our imports to the U.S. of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final determinations in the investigation, including an estimated anti-dumping duty rate of 3.2% for our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S. from our Canadian sawmills. As a result, since November 8, 2017, we have been paying cash deposits for estimated anti-dumping duties at the 3.2% rate. Through September 30, 2017 , our cash deposits totaled $3 million , and based on the 3.2% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $15 million per year. If the ITC does not publish its final determination before the date that is six months from the preliminary determination date, we would not be required to pay anti-dumping duty deposits until the ITC publishes its final determination. If as a result of the ITC final determination, Commerce issues an order that we are subject to anti-dumping duty deposit requirements on any of our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S., then we would be required to resume making cash deposits at the 3.2% rate until Commerce sets a duty rate in a subsequent administrative review. Based on the preliminary 4.59% rate until November 7, 2017, and the 3.2% rate thereafter, and our current operating parameters, cash deposits on our imports of the affected softwood lumber products to the U.S. would be approximately $8 million for the initial six -month period of the anti-dumping duty investigation.
In addition, before Commerce issues any countervailing or anti-dumping duty order, the ITC must determine whether any alleged subsidization or dumping threatens injury to the U.S. softwood lumber industry or causes current injury. If the ITC determines that there is a threat of injury or no injury, rather than current injury, then all deposits paid between Commerce’s preliminary determination and the publication of the ITC’s final determination, would be returned.
We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of these matters, but we believe it is not probable that we will ultimately be assessed with significant duties on our Canadian-produced softwood lumber products that are exported to the U.S. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of these petitions in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

nine months ended September 30, 2017 , and our cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Countervailing duty investigation on SC paper
On February 26, 2015, a countervailing duty petition was filed with Commerce and the ITC by certain U.S. supercalendered (“SC”) paper producers requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing duties on Canadian-origin SC paper exported to the U.S. market. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petition as being a Canadian exporting producer of SC paper to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce. As a result of that investigation, since August 3, 2015, we have been required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. for estimated countervailing duties on our imports to the U.S. of SC paper produced at our Canadian mills. Between August 3, 2015 and October 15, 2015, we were required to make cash deposits at a rate of 2.04% . On October 15, 2015, that rate increased to 17.87% , 17.10% of which was not based on any countervailable subsidy we received, but rather on a punitive application of “adverse facts available.” We are required to continue making cash deposits at the 17.87% rate until Commerce sets a countervailing duty rate in an administrative review. We were selected as a mandatory respondent in the first administrative review, which Commerce commenced on February 13, 2017. Our countervailing duty rate for our SC paper exported to the U.S. market in 2015, if any, will be based on Commerce’s determination in this administrative review as to whether we received countervailable subsidies that benefited our Canadian production of SC paper during the relevant period. Following the initial administrative review, which may not be finalized in 2017, we may remain subject to annual administrative reviews until December 2020, or possibly later, and the duty rate, if any, applicable to our SC paper exported to the U.S. market during periods subsequent to December 31, 2015, will be based on Commerce’s determinations in such future administrative reviews. The decision in each administrative review is subject to appeal. To the extent the countervailing duty rate set by Commerce is lower than 17.87% , we will recover excess deposits, plus interest. If the countervailing duty rate set by Commerce is at or above 17.87% , the deposits and any deficiency will be converted into actual countervailing duties.
Following Commerce’s rate determination in 2015, we appealed that determination to a bi-national panel under the North American Free Trade Agreement (the “Panel”). On April 13, 2017, the Panel issued its decision, remanding the matter to Commerce and upholding several of Commerce’s determinations, including among others its application of adverse facts available in setting our 17.87% subsidy rate. Notwithstanding the Panel’s decision, Commerce’s prior determination of adverse facts available does not apply in an administrative review. In addition, the Panel’s decision can be challenged by the Canadian government, although not until the conclusion of the remand process. The Canadian government has already filed a separate World Trade Organization challenge to Commerce’s countervailing duty determination in the SC paper investigation, including Commerce’s use of adverse facts available against us.
Through September 30, 2017 , our cumulative cash deposits totaled $44 million , and based on our current operating parameters, could be as high as $25 million in 2017. We are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of this matter, but we believe it is not probable that we will ultimately be assessed with significant countervailing duties on our Canadian-produced SC paper. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of this petition in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 . These cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Jedson Case
On March 9, 2017, Jedson Engineering, Inc. and Jedson C.M., Inc. (the “Jedson plaintiffs”) filed a complaint against our subsidiary, Resolute FP US Inc., and other defendants in state court in Tennessee. The complaint alleged breach of contract and violation of Tennessee's Prompt Pay Act for failure to pay for services in connection with the design and construction of our Calhoun tissue project, and sought a recovery of, and enforcement of mechanic’s liens for, approximately $10 million , plus interest and cost of litigation. On April 17, 2017, Resolute filed an answer and counterclaim alleging, among other things, breach of contract and professional negligence by the Jedson plaintiffs and seeking recovery for, among other things, resulting costs on the project. On April 4, 2017, the Jedson plaintiffs also filed a motion for an injunction under the Prompt Pay Act seeking immediate payment of monies claimed and, on April 20, 2017, a motion to abate Resolute FP US Inc.’s counterclaim, both of which we opposed and have not been heard by the court. On August 25, 2017, the Jedson plaintiffs amended their complaint. As amended, the complaint includes allegations of fraud, intentional and negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment, and a claim for punitive damages in an amount of up to approximately $20 million . The Company disputes the Jedson plaintiffs’ allegations, and intends to vigorously defend the action. The lawsuit is at a preliminary stage. Accordingly, we are not presently able to determine the ultimate resolution of this matter or to reasonably estimate the potential impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Modification of U.S. OPEB plan
Effective January 1, 2015, we modified our U.S. OPEB plan so that unionized participants, upon reaching Medicare eligibility, are provided Medicare coverage via a Medicare Exchange program rather than via a Company-sponsored medical plan. On March 2, 2016, a proposed class action lawsuit ( Reynolds, et al v. Resolute Forest Products Inc., Resolute FP US Inc., Resolute FP US Health and Resolute Welfare Benefit Plan ) was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee (“District Court”) on behalf of certain Medicare-eligible retirees who were previously unionized employees of our Calhoun, Catawba, and Coosa Pines mills, and their spouses and dependents (the “proposed class”). The plaintiffs allege that the modifications described above breach the collective bargaining agreements and plan covering the members of the proposed class in the lawsuit. Plaintiffs seek reinstatement of the health care benefits as in effect before January 1, 2015, for the proposed class in the lawsuit. On May 23, 2016, the Company filed a motion to dismiss the complaint. The motion to dismiss was denied by the District Court on March 1, 2017. On June 28, 2017, a settlement agreement in principle was reached between the parties to the lawsuit. Because the settlement will resolve the claims of the proposed class, court approval of the settlement will be required. A final settlement order issued by the court would result in an amendment of our U.S. OPEB plan and a corresponding increase to both “Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations” and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, with any such increase to be recorded at the date the plan amendment is adopted. We do not expect that the resulting increase would have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Fibrek acquisition
Effective July 31, 2012, we completed the final step of the transaction pursuant to which we acquired the remaining 25.4% of the outstanding Fibrek Inc. (“Fibrek”) shares, following the approval of Fibrek’s shareholders on July 23, 2012, and the issuance of a final order of the Quebec Superior Court in Canada approving the arrangement on July 27, 2012. Certain former shareholders of Fibrek exercised (or purported to exercise) rights of dissent in respect of the transaction, asking for a judicial determination of the fair value of their claim under the Canada Business Corporations Act . No consideration has to date been paid to the former Fibrek shareholders who exercised (or purported to exercise) rights of dissent. Any such consideration will only be paid out upon settlement or judicial determination of the fair value of their claims and will be paid entirely in cash. Accordingly, we cannot presently determine the amount that ultimately will be paid to former holders of Fibrek shares in connection with the proceedings, but we have accrued approximately Cdn  $14 million ( $11 million , based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2017 ) for the eventual payment of those claims. The hearing in this matter is expected to begin in 2019.
Partial wind-ups of pension plans
On June 12, 2012, we filed a motion for directives with the Quebec Superior Court, the court with jurisdiction in the creditor protection proceedings under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act (Canada) (the “CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings”), seeking an order to prevent pension regulators in each of Quebec, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador from declaring partial wind-ups of pension plans relating to employees of former operations in New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador, or a declaration that any claim for accelerated reimbursements of deficits arising from a partial wind-up is a barred claim under the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. We contend, among other things, that any such declaration, if issued, would be inconsistent with the Quebec Superior Court’s sanction order confirming the CCAA debtors’ CCAA Plan of Reorganization and Compromise , as amended, and the terms of our emergence from the CCAA Creditor Protection Proceedings. A partial wind-up would likely shorten the period in which any deficit within those plans, which could reach up to Cdn  $150 million ( $120 million , based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2017 ), would have to be funded if we do not obtain the relief sought. No hearing date has been set to date.
Environmental matters
We are subject to a variety of federal or national, state, provincial and local environmental laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which we operate. We believe our operations are in material compliance with current applicable environmental laws and regulations. Environmental regulations promulgated in the future could require substantial additional expenditures for compliance and could have a material impact on us, in particular, and the industry in general.
We may be a “potentially responsible party” with respect to four hazardous waste sites that are being addressed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as Superfund) or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act corrective action authority. We believe we will not be liable for any significant amounts at any of these sites.
We have recorded $8 million of environmental liabilities as of both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , primarily related to environmental remediation related to closed sites. The amount of these liabilities represents management’s estimate of

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

the ultimate settlement based on an assessment of relevant factors and assumptions and could be affected by changes in facts or assumptions not currently known to management for which the outcome cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
We have also recorded $24 million and $23 million of asset retirement obligations as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, primarily consisting of liabilities associated with landfills, sludge basins and the dismantling of retired assets. These liabilities are included in “Accounts payable and accrued liabilities” or “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Other matters
On October 30, 2014, we received a notice from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry of Ontario (the “MNRF”) directing us to repay a conditional amount of Cdn  $23 million ( $18 million , based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2017 ) offered to us in 2007 toward the construction of an electricity-producing turbine, should we fail to restart our Fort Frances, Ontario, pulp and paper mill or otherwise implement an alternative remedy acceptable to the MNRF. Several extensions of the deadline to implement an alternative remedy were granted to us by the MNRF, the last of which extended the remedy date to June 30, 2017. However, as a result of an agreement reached on June 29, 2017, we will not be required to repay this amount.

17

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 12. Segment Information
We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Accordingly, our reportable segments correspond to our principal product lines: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers.
None of the income or loss items following “ Operating income (loss) ” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations are allocated to our segments, since those items are reviewed separately by management. For the same reason, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, certain components of pension and OPEB costs and credits as well as other discretionary charges or credits are not allocated to our segments. We allocate depreciation and amortization expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all selling, general and administrative expenses are allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.”
In the first quarter of 2017, we changed our presentation of segment operating income to reallocate the amortization of prior service credits component of pension and OPEB costs from the reportable segments to “corporate and other.” Current service costs will continue to be allocated to the reportable segments. This approach is consistent with the indicators management uses internally to evaluate performance, including those used by the chief operating decision maker. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.
Information about certain segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was as follows:
(Unaudited,
in millions)
Market Pulp (1)
Tissue
Wood Products (2)
Newsprint
Specialty
Papers
Segment
Total
Corporate
and Other
Total
Sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
$
227

 
$
21

 
$
219

 
$
199

 
$
219

 
$
885

 
$

 
$
885

 
2016
 
198

 
 
23

 
 
168

 
 
242

 
 
257

 
 
888

 
 

 
 
888

 
First nine months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
649

 
 
61

 
 
593

 
 
626

 
 
686

 
 
2,615

 
 

 
 
2,615

 
2016
 
619

 
 
70

 
 
432

 
 
756

 
 
779

 
 
2,656

 
 

 
 
2,656

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
$
8

 
$
2

 
$
9

 
$
16

 
$
11

 
$
46

 
$
6

 
$
52

 
2016
 
10

 
 
2

 
 
7

 
 
17

 
 
11

 
 
47

 
 
4

 
 
51

 
First nine months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
24

 
 
4

 
 
25

 
 
49

 
 
34

 
 
136

 
 
17

 
 
153

 
2016
 
28

 
 
6

 
 
23

 
 
56

 
 
34

 
 
147

 
 
10

 
 
157

 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Third quarter
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
$
19

 
$
(3
)
 
$
64

 
$
(6
)
 
$
7

 
$
81

 
$
(33
)
 
$
48

 
2016
 
4

 
 
(5
)
 
 
36

 
 
(8
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
23

 
 
(13
)
 
 
10

 
First nine months
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2017
 
42

 
 
(4
)
 
 
129

 
 
(17
)
 
 
4

 
 
154

 
 
(159
)
 
 
(5
)
 
2016
 
33

 
 
(11
)
 
 
52

 
 
(17
)
 
 
16

 
 
73

 
 
(81
)
 
 
(8
)
 
(1)  
Inter-segment sales of $9 million and $11 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $28 million and $26 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which are transacted at cost, were excluded from market pulp sales.
(2)  
Wood products sales to our joint ventures, which are transacted at arm’s length negotiated prices, were $6 million and $4 million f or the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $16 million and $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

18

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
The following information is presented in accordance with Rule 3-10 of Regulation S-X and the public information requirements of Rule 144 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection with Resolute Forest Products Inc.’s 2023 Notes that are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our 100% owned material U.S. subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The 2023 Notes are not guaranteed by our foreign subsidiaries (the “Non-guarantor Subsidiaries”).
The following condensed consolidating financial information sets forth the Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , the Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , and the Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 for the Parent, the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis, and the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries also on a combined basis. The condensed consolidating financial information reflects the investments of the Parent in the Guarantor Subsidiaries and Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, as well as the investments of the Guarantor Subsidiaries in the Non-guarantor Subsidiaries, using the equity method of accounting. The principal consolidating adjustments are entries to eliminate the investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales
$

 
$
716

 
$
570

 
$
(401
)
 
$
885

 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
 

 
 
669

 
 
357

 
 
(402
)
 
 
624

 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 
18

 
 
34

 
 

 
 
52

 
Distribution costs
 

 
 
39

 
 
71

 
 

 
 
110

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
4

 
 
19

 
 
20

 
 

 
 
43

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 

 
 
10

 
 

 
 

 
 
10

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 

 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
Operating (loss) income
 
(4
)
 
 
(39
)
 
 
90

 
 
1

 
 
48

 
Interest expense
 
(23
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
16

 
 
(13
)
 
Other income, net
 

 
 
20

 
 
2

 
 
(16
)
 
 
6

 
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
 
51

 
 
(3
)
 
 

 
 
(48
)
 
 

 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
24

 
 
(25
)
 
 
89

 
 
(47
)
 
 
41

 
Income tax provision
 

 
 

 
 
(15
)
 
 

 
 
(15
)
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
 
24

 
 
(25
)
 
 
74

 
 
(47
)
 
 
26

 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
24

 
$
(25
)
 
$
72

 
$
(47
)
 
$
24

 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
15

 
$
(41
)
 
$
79

 
$
(38
)
 
$
15

 

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales
$

 
$
2,131

 
$
1,660

 
$
(1,176
)
 
$
2,615

 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
 

 
 
2,028

 
 
1,084

 
 
(1,176
)
 
 
1,936

 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 
55

 
 
98

 
 

 
 
153

 
Distribution costs
 

 
 
119

 
 
210

 
 
(1
)
 
 
328

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
18

 
 
53

 
 
52

 
 

 
 
123

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 

 
 
74

 
 
8

 
 

 
 
82

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 

 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
Operating (loss) income
 
(18
)
 
 
(198
)
 
 
210

 
 
1

 
 
(5
)
 
Interest expense
 
(65
)
 
 
(7
)
 
 
(9
)
 
 
45

 
 
(36
)
 
Other income, net
 

 
 
53

 
 
3

 
 
(45
)
 
 
11

 
Equity in loss of subsidiaries
 
(14
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
16

 
 

 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(97
)
 
 
(154
)
 
 
204

 
 
17

 
 
(30
)
 
Income tax provision
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 
(62
)
 
 

 
 
(63
)
 
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests
 
(97
)
 
 
(155
)
 
 
142

 
 
17

 
 
(93
)
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 
(4
)
 
 

 
 
(4
)
 
Net (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
(97
)
 
$
(155
)
 
$
138

 
$
17

 
$
(97
)
 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
(91
)
 
$
(173
)
 
$
162

 
$
11

 
$
(91
)
 

20

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales
$

 
$
722

 
$
538

 
$
(372
)
 
$
888

 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
 

 
 
684

 
 
366

 
 
(369
)
 
 
681

 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 
19

 
 
32

 
 

 
 
51

 
Distribution costs
 

 
 
43

 
 
66

 
 

 
 
109

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
5

 
 
14

 
 
18

 
 

 
 
37

 
Operating (loss) income
 
(5
)
 
 
(38
)
 
 
56

 
 
(3
)
 
 
10

 
Interest expense
 
(20
)
 
 

 
 
(3
)
 
 
13

 
 
(10
)
 
Other income, net
 

 
 
11

 
 
3

 
 
(13
)
 
 
1

 
Equity in income of subsidiaries
 
39

 
 
11

 
 

 
 
(50
)
 
 

 
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
14

 
 
(16
)
 
 
56

 
 
(53
)
 
 
1

 
Income tax benefit
 

 
 

 
 
13

 
 
1

 
 
14

 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
 
14

 
 
(16
)
 
 
69

 
 
(52
)
 
 
15

 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
14

 
$
(16
)
 
$
68

 
$
(52
)
 
$
14

 
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
18

 
$
(19
)
 
$
75

 
$
(56
)
 
$
18

 

21

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Sales
$

 
$
2,193

 
$
1,591

 
$
(1,128
)
 
$
2,656

 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
 

 
 
2,067

 
 
1,084

 
 
(1,125
)
 
 
2,026

 
Depreciation and amortization
 

 
 
62

 
 
95

 
 

 
 
157

 
Distribution costs
 

 
 
126

 
 
205

 
 

 
 
331

 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
15

 
 
46

 
 
54

 
 

 
 
115

 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 

 
 
37

 
 

 
 

 
 
37

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 

 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
Operating (loss) income
 
(15
)
 
 
(145
)
 
 
155

 
 
(3
)
 
 
(8
)
 
Interest expense
 
(59
)
 
 

 
 
(9
)
 
 
39

 
 
(29
)
 
Other income, net
 

 
 
46

 
 
7

 
 
(39
)
 
 
14

 
Equity in income (loss) of subsidiaries
 
38

 
 
(11
)
 
 

 
 
(27
)
 
 

 
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(36
)
 
 
(110
)
 
 
153

 
 
(30
)
 
 
(23
)
 
Income tax provision
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 
(9
)
 
 
1

 
 
(9
)
 
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interests
 
(36
)
 
 
(111
)
 
 
144

 
 
(29
)
 
 
(32
)
 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
 

 
 

 
 
(4
)
 
 

 
 
(4
)
 
Net (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
(36
)
 
$
(111
)
 
$
140

 
$
(29
)
 
$
(36
)
 
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
$
(21
)
 
$
(120
)
 
$
164

 
$
(44
)
 
$
(21
)
 

22

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of September 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
4

 
$
34

 
$

 
$
38

 
Accounts receivable, net
 

 
 
301

 
 
148

 
 

 
 
449

 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
 
1

 
 
505

 
 
632

 
 
(1,138
)
 
 

 
Inventories, net
 

 
 
260

 
 
306

 
 
(11
)
 
 
555

 
Note, advance and interest receivable from parent
 

 
 
536

 
 

 
 
(536
)
 
 

 
Notes and interest receivable from affiliates
 

 
 
47

 
 

 
 
(47
)
 
 

 
Other current assets
 

 
 
23

 
 
30

 
 

 
 
53

 
Total current assets
 
1

 
 
1,676

 
 
1,150

 
 
(1,732
)
 
 
1,095

 
Fixed assets, net
 

 
 
698

 
 
1,039

 
 

 
 
1,737

 
Amortizable intangible assets, net
 

 
 
13

 
 
53

 
 

 
 
66

 
Goodwill
 

 
 
81

 
 

 
 

 
 
81

 
Deferred income tax assets
 

 
 

 
 
1,087

 
 
3

 
 
1,090

 
Note receivable from parent
 

 
 
318

 
 

 
 
(318
)
 
 

 
Note receivable from affiliate
 

 
 
117

 
 

 
 
(117
)
 
 

 
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
 
3,907

 
 
2,066

 
 

 
 
(5,973
)
 
 

 
Other assets
 

 
 
89

 
 
74

 
 

 
 
163

 
Total assets
$
3,908

 
$
5,058

 
$
3,403

 
$
(8,137
)
 
$
4,232

 
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
14

 
$
186

 
$
249

 
$

 
$
449

 
Accounts payable to affiliates
 
505

 
 
632

 
 
1

 
 
(1,138
)
 
 

 
Note, advance and interest payable to subsidiaries
 
536

 
 

 
 

 
 
(536
)
 
 

 
Notes and interest payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
47

 
 
(47
)
 
 

 
Total current liabilities
 
1,055

 
 
818

 
 
297

 
 
(1,721
)
 
 
449

 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
591

 
 
241

 
 

 
 

 
 
832

 
Note payable to subsidiary
 
318

 
 

 
 

 
 
(318
)
 
 

 
Note payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
117

 
 
(117
)
 
 

 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 

 
 
381

 
 
868

 
 

 
 
1,249

 
Deferred income tax liabilities
 

 
 
2

 
 
7

 
 

 
 
9

 
Other liabilities
 
2

 
 
24

 
 
38

 
 

 
 
64

 
Total liabilities
 
1,966

 
 
1,466

 
 
1,327

 
 
(2,156
)
 
 
2,603

 
Total equity
 
1,942

 
 
3,592

 
 
2,076

 
 
(5,981
)
 
 
1,629

 
Total liabilities and equity
$
3,908

 
$
5,058

 
$
3,403

 
$
(8,137
)
 
$
4,232

 

23

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
As of December 31, 2016
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
2

 
$
33

 
$

 
$
35

 
Accounts receivable, net
 

 
 
283

 
 
158

 
 

 
 
441

 
Accounts receivable from affiliates
 

 
 
479

 
 
395

 
 
(874
)
 
 

 
Inventories, net
 

 
 
259

 
 
323

 
 
(12
)
 
 
570

 
Note, advance and interest receivable from parent
 

 
 
373

 
 

 
 
(373
)
 
 

 
Notes and interest receivable from affiliates
 

 
 
54

 
 

 
 
(54
)
 
 

 
Other current assets
 

 
 
16

 
 
19

 
 

 
 
35

 
Total current assets
 

 
 
1,466

 
 
928

 
 
(1,313
)
 
 
1,081

 
Fixed assets, net
 

 
 
733

 
 
1,109

 
 

 
 
1,842

 
Amortizable intangible assets, net
 

 
 
14

 
 
56

 
 

 
 
70

 
Goodwill
 

 
 
81

 
 

 
 

 
 
81

 
Deferred income tax assets
 

 
 

 
 
1,036

 
 
3

 
 
1,039

 
Note receivable from parent
 

 
 
443

 
 

 
 
(443
)
 
 

 
Note receivable from affiliate
 

 
 
109

 
 

 
 
(109
)
 
 

 
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates
 
3,918

 
 
2,068

 
 

 
 
(5,986
)
 
 

 
Other assets
 

 
 
62

 
 
102

 
 

 
 
164

 
Total assets
$
3,918

 
$
4,976

 
$
3,231

 
$
(7,848
)
 
$
4,277

 
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
$
5

 
$
222

 
$
239

 
$

 
$
466

 
Current portion of long-term debt
 

 
 
1

 
 

 
 

 
 
1

 
Accounts payable to affiliates
 
479

 
 
395

 
 

 
 
(874
)
 
 

 
Note, advance and interest payable to subsidiaries
 
373

 
 

 
 

 
 
(373
)
 
 

 
Notes and interest payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
54

 
 
(54
)
 
 

 
Total current liabilities
 
857

 
 
618

 
 
293

 
 
(1,301
)
 
 
467

 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
 
590

 
 
171

 
 

 
 

 
 
761

 
Note payable to subsidiary
 
443

 
 

 
 

 
 
(443
)
 
 

 
Note payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
109

 
 
(109
)
 
 

 
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations
 

 
 
397

 
 
884

 
 

 
 
1,281

 
Deferred income tax liabilities
 

 
 
1

 
 
1

 
 

 
 
2

 
Other liabilities
 

 
 
24

 
 
31

 
 

 
 
55

 
Total liabilities
 
1,890

 
 
1,211

 
 
1,318

 
 
(1,853
)
 
 
2,566

 
Total equity
 
2,028

 
 
3,765

 
 
1,913

 
 
(5,995
)
 
 
1,711

 
Total liabilities and equity
$
3,918

 
$
4,976

 
$
3,231

 
$
(7,848
)
 
$
4,277

 


24

Table of Contents

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities
$

 
$
69

 
$
30

 
$

 
$
99

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash invested in fixed assets
 

 
 
(106
)
 
 
(30
)
 
 

 
 
(136
)
 
Disposition of assets
 

 
 

 
 
3

 
 

 
 
3

 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper
 

 
 
(17
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(17
)
 
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber
 

 
 
(18
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(18
)
 
Increase in restricted cash, net
 

 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
(2
)
 
Decrease in deposit requirements for letters of credit, net
 

 
 

 
 
2

 
 

 
 
2

 
Decrease in notes receivable from affiliate
 

 
 
5

 
 

 
 
(5
)
 
 

 
Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
 
(136
)
 
 
(27
)
 
 
(5
)
 
 
(168
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities
 

 
 
70

 
 

 
 

 
 
70

 
Payments of debt
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Decrease in notes payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
(5
)
 
 
5

 
 

 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 

 
 
69

 
 
(5
)
 
 
5

 
 
69

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 

 
 

 
 
3

 
 

 
 
3

 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 

 
 
2

 
 
1

 
 

 
 
3

 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 

 
 
2

 
 
33

 
 

 
 
35

 
End of period
$

 
$
4

 
$
34

 
$

 
$
38

 

25

Table of Contents

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(Unaudited, in millions)
Parent
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
Non-guarantor
Subsidiaries
Consolidating
Adjustments
Consolidated
Net cash provided by operating activities
$

 
$
21

 
$
30

 
$

 
$
51

 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash invested in fixed assets
 

 
 
(126
)
 
 
(51
)
 
 

 
 
(177
)
 
Disposition of assets
 

 
 

 
 
5

 
 

 
 
5

 
Increase in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper
 

 
 
(17
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(17
)
 
Increase in notes receivable from affiliate
 

 
 
(4
)
 
 

 
 
4

 
 

 
Net cash used in investing activities
 

 
 
(147
)
 
 
(46
)
 
 
4

 
 
(189
)
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net borrowings under revolving credit facilities
 

 
 
90

 
 

 
 

 
 
90

 
Issuance of long-term debt
 

 
 
46

 
 

 
 

 
 
46

 
Payments of debt
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Payments of financing and credit facility fees
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
(1
)
 
Increase in notes payable to affiliate
 

 
 

 
 
4

 
 
(4
)
 
 

 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 

 
 
134

 
 
4

 
 
(4
)
 
 
134

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 

 
 

 
 
1

 
 

 
 
1

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 

 
 
8

 
 
(11
)
 
 

 
 
(3
)
 
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning of period
 

 
 
13

 
 
45

 
 

 
 
58

 
End of period
$

 
$
21

 
$
34

 
$

 
$
55

 

26

Table of Contents


ITEM 2.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis is intended to help the reader understand Resolute Forest Products, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition. The discussion is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes (or the “ Consolidated Financial Statements ”) contained in Item 1 – Financial Statements of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (or “ Form 10-Q ”).
When we refer to “Resolute Forest Products,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company,” we mean Resolute Forest Products Inc. with its subsidiaries and affiliates, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated.
C AUTIONARY S TATEMENTS R EGARDING F ORWARD -L OOKING I NFORMATION AND U SE OF T HIRD -P ARTY D ATA
Statements in this Form 10-Q that are not reported financial results or other historical information of Resolute Forest Products are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. They include, for example, statements relating to our: efforts and initiatives to reduce costs and increase revenues and profitability; business and operating outlook; future pension funding obligations; assessment of market conditions; growth strategies and prospects, and the growth potential of the Company and the industry in which we operate; liquidity; future cash flows, including as a result of changes to our pension funding obligations; and strategies for achieving our goals generally. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words “should,” “would,” “could,” “will,” “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “attempt,” “project” and other terms with similar meaning indicating possible future events or potential impact on our business or Resolute Forest Products’ shareholders.
The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on management’s current assumptions, beliefs and expectations, all of which involve a number of business risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The potential risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future financial condition, results of operations and performance to differ materially from those expressed or implied in this Form 10-Q include, but are not limited to, the impact of: developments in non-print media, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; the highly cyclical nature of the forest products industry; intense competition in the forest products industry; any inability to offer products certified to globally recognized forestry management and chain of custody standards; any inability to successfully implement our strategies to increase our earnings power; the possible failure to successfully integrate acquired businesses with ours or to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions, such as Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, or divestitures or other strategic transactions or projects, such as our Calhoun, Tennessee, tissue operations; uncertainty or changes in political or economic conditions in the U.S., Canada or other countries in which we manufacture or sell our products; global economic conditions; any difficulties in obtaining wood fiber at favorable prices, or at all; changes in the cost of purchased energy and other raw materials; physical and financial risks associated with global, regional and local climate conditions and change; any disruption in operations or increased labor costs due to labor disputes; disruptions to our supply chain, operations or the delivery of our products; cybersecurity risks; negative publicity, even if unjustified; currency fluctuations; any increase in the level of required contributions to our pension plans, including as a result of any increase in the amount by which they are underfunded; the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, which could restrict our current and future operations; our ability to maintain adequate capital resources to provide for all of our substantial capital requirements; losses that are not covered by insurance; any additional closure costs and long-lived asset or goodwill impairment or accelerated depreciation charges; any need to record additional valuation allowances against our recorded deferred income tax assets; our exports from one country to another country becoming or remaining subject to duties, cash deposit requirements, border taxes, quotas or other trade remedies or restrictions; the future regulation of our Canadian exports to the U.S., including softwood lumber and supercalendered (or “ SC ”) and uncoated groundwood (or “ UGW ”) paper; any failure to comply with laws or regulations generally; any additional environmental or health and safety liabilities; any violation of trade laws, export controls or other laws relating to our international sales and operations; unanticipated outcomes of legal proceedings or disputes in which we are involved; the actions of holders of a significant percentage of our common stock; and the potential risks and uncertainties set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 , filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the “ SEC ”, on March 1, 2017 (the “ 2016 Annual Report ”).
All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section and in our other filings with the SEC and the Canadian securities regulatory authorities. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

27

Table of Contents


Market and industry data
The information on industry and general economic conditions in this Form 10-Q was derived from third-party sources and trade publications we believe to be widely accepted and accurate. We have not independently verified the information and cannot assure you of its accuracy.
O VERVIEW
Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers, which are marketed in over 70 countries. The company owns or operates some 40 manufacturing facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. We are the largest Canadian producer of wood products east of the Canadian Rockies and one of the most significant pulp producers in North America. By capacity, we are the number one producer of newsprint in the world and the largest producer of uncoated mechanical papers in North America. We are also an emerging tissue producer.
We report our activities in five business segments: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers.
We are guided by our vision and values, focusing on safety, profitability, accountability, sustainability and teamwork. These are the elements that we believe best define us:
Competitive cost structure and diversified asset base - Through our large-scale, efficient and integrated operations, competitive sources of energy and fiber, strategically located mills, and cost-effective management structure, we believe we are well positioned to compete in the global marketplace. We maintain a rigorous focus on reducing costs, optimizing production across our network, adjusting to market dynamics, as well as capitalizing on our access to international markets.
Conservative capital structure - Our low debt and solid liquidity levels are key to our continued transformation to a more sustainable company. In order to maintain financial strength and flexibility, we continue to spend our capital in a disciplined, strategic and focused manner, concentrating on our most successful sites.
Strategic perspectives - We pursue initiatives that improve our cost position, advance diversification, provide synergies or position us to expand into future growth markets. All are key to our long-term success. To that end, we take an opportunistic approach that aligns with our strategic plan and that we believe positions us favorably for the long-term evolution of the paper and forest products industry.
Our Business
For information relating to our business, including our products, strategy, capital management, sustainable performance and development, and power generation assets, refer to our 2016 Annual Report.
Third Quarter Overview
In the first quarter of 2017, we changed our presentation of segment operating income to reallocate the amortization of prior service credits component of pension and other postretirement benefit (or “ OPEB ”) costs from the reportable segments to “corporate and other.” Current service costs will continue to be allocated to the reportable segments. We now also treat the amortization of prior service credits component of pension and OPEB costs as a special item to be adjusted for purposes of establishing our non-GAAP performance measures, as further described below in note 1 under “ Third Quarter Overview ,” and in note 1 under “ Results of Operations Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ,” together with our non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits. This approach is consistent with the indicators management uses internally to evaluate performance, including those used by the chief operating decision maker. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2017 presentation.
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Our operating income was $48 million in the quarter, compared to $10 million in the third quarter of 2016. Excluding special items, we generated operating income of $66 million , compared to $13 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.
Our net income in the quarter was $24 million , or $0.26 per share, compared to $14 million , or $0.15 per share, in the year-ago period. Our net income in the quarter, excluding special items, was $31 million , or $0.34 per share, compared to $15 million , or $0.17 per share, in the year-ago period.

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Table of Contents


Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS
 
 
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported
$
48

 
$
24

 
$
0.26

 
Adjustments for special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange gain
 

 
 
(7
)
 
 
(0.08
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
10

 
 
10

 
 
0.11

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
11

 
 
11

 
 
0.12

 
Start-up costs
 
3

 
 
3

 
 
0.03

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(0.02
)
 
Non-operating pension and OPEB credits
 
(4
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(0.04
)
 
Other expense, net
 

 
 
1

 
 
0.01

 
Income tax effect of special items
 

 
 
(5
)
 
 
(0.05
)
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$
66

 
$
31

 
$
0.34

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS
 
 
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported
$
10

 
$
14

 
$
0.15

 
Adjustments for special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Start-up costs
 
1

 
 
1

 
 
0.01

 
Non-operating pension and OPEB costs
 
2

 
 
2

 
 
0.03

 
Other income, net
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 
(0.01
)
 
Income tax effect of special items
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 
(0.01
)
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$
13

 
$
15

 
$
0.17

 
(1)  
Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and net income (loss) per share (or “ EPS ”), in each case as adjusted for special items, are not financial measures recognized under generally accepted accounting principles (or “ GAAP ”). We calculate operating income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as operating income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for items such as closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, and other charges or credits that are excluded from our segment’s performance from GAAP operating income (loss). We calculate net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, as net income (loss) from our Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for the same special items applied to operating income (loss), in addition to foreign exchange gains and losses, other income (expense), net, and the income tax effect of the special items. EPS, as adjusted for special items, is calculated as net income (loss), as adjusted for special items, per diluted share. We believe that using these non-GAAP measures is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance, and it allows the reader to more easily compare our operations and financial performance from period to period. Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP.

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Table of Contents


Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Our operating loss was $5 million in the first nine months of the year, compared to $8 million in the year-ago period. Excluding special items, we generated operating income of $109 million , compared to $43 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.
Our net loss in the first nine months of the year was $97 million , or $1.07 per share, compared to $36 million , or $0.40 per share, in the year-ago period. Our net loss in the period, excluding special items, was $2 million , or $0.02 per share, compared to $5 million , or $0.06 per share, in the year-ago period.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS
 
 
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported
$
(5
)
 
$
(97
)
 
$
(1.07
)
 
Adjustments for special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange gain
 

 
 
(10
)
 
 
(0.11
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
82

 
 
82

 
 
0.91

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
24

 
 
24

 
 
0.26

 
Start-up costs
 
18

 
 
18

 
 
0.20

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(0.02
)
 
Non-operating pension and OPEB credits
 
(8
)
 
 
(8
)
 
 
(0.09
)
 
Other income, net
 

 
 
(1
)
 
 
(0.01
)
 
Income tax effect of special items
 

 
 
(8
)
 
 
(0.09
)
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$
109

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(0.02
)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
Operating
Income
(Loss)
Net
Income
(Loss)
EPS
 
 
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported
$
(8
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(0.40
)
 
Adjustments for special items:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange gain
 

 
 
(3
)
 
 
(0.04
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
37

 
 
37

 
 
0.41

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
5

 
 
5

 
 
0.06

 
Start-up costs
 
5

 
 
5

 
 
0.06

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(0.02
)
 
Non-operating pension and OPEB costs
 
6

 
 
6

 
 
0.07

 
Other income, net
 

 
 
(11
)
 
 
(0.13
)
 
Income tax effect of special items
 

 
 
(6
)
 
 
(0.07
)
 
Adjusted for special items (1)
$
43

 
$
(5
)
 
$
(0.06
)
 
(1)  
Operating income (loss), net income (loss) and EPS, in each case as adjusted for special items, are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include these measures, see note 1 under “ Overview – Third Quarter Overview above.


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Table of Contents


R ESULTS OF O PERATIONS
Consolidated Results
Selected financial information
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
2017
2016
 
2017
2016
Sales
$
885

 
$
888

 
 
$
2,615

 
$
2,656

 
Operating income (loss) per segment:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Market pulp
 
19

 
 
4

 
 
 
42

 
 
33

 
Tissue
 
(3
)
 
 
(5
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(11
)
 
Wood products
 
64

 
 
36

 
 
 
129

 
 
52

 
Newsprint
 
(6
)
 
 
(8
)
 
 
 
(17
)
 
 
(17
)
 
Specialty papers
 
7

 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
4

 
 
16

 
Segment total
 
81

 
 
23

 
 
 
154

 
 
73

 
Corporate and other
 
(33
)
 
 
(13
)
 
 
 
(159
)
 
 
(81
)
 
Operating income (loss)
 
48

 
 
10

 
 
 
(5
)
 
 
(8
)
 
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.
 
24

 
 
14

 
 
 
(97
)
 
 
(36
)
 
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.27

 
$
0.16

 
 
$
(1.07
)
 
$
(0.40
)
 
Diluted
 
0.26

 
 
0.15

 
 
 
(1.07
)
 
 
(0.40
)
 
Adjusted EBITDA (1)
$
118

 
$
64

 
 
$
262

 
$
200

 
 
(Unaudited, in millions)
September 30,  
 2017
December 31,  
 2016
Cash and cash equivalents
$
38

 
$
35

 
Total assets
 
4,232

 
 
4,277

 
(1)
Earnings before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization, or “ EBITDA ” and adjusted EBITDA are not financial measures recognized under GAAP. EBITDA is calculated as net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests from the Consolidated Statements of Operations, adjusted for interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA means EBITDA, excluding special items, such as foreign exchange gains and losses, closure costs, impairment and other related charges, inventory write-downs related to closures, start-up costs, gains and losses on disposition of assets, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, and other charges or credits. We believe that using non-GAAP measures such as EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA is useful because they are consistent with the indicators management uses internally to measure the Company’s performance and it allows the reader to more easily compare our operations and financial performance from period to period. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are internal measures, and therefore may not be comparable to those of other companies. These non-GAAP measures should not be viewed as substitutes to financial measures determined under GAAP.

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Table of Contents


 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
$
26

 
$
15

 
 
$
(93
)
 
$
(32
)
 
Interest expense
 
13

 
 
10

 
 
 
36

 
 
29

 
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
15

 
 
(14
)
 
 
 
63

 
 
9

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
52

 
 
51

 
 
 
153

 
 
157

 
EBITDA
$
106

 
$
62

 
 
$
159

 
$
163

 
Foreign exchange gain
 
(7
)
 
 

 
 
 
(10
)
 
 
(3
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
10

 
 

 
 
 
82

 
 
37

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
11

 
 

 
 
 
24

 
 
5

 
Start-up costs
 
3

 
 
1

 
 
 
18

 
 
5

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
Non-operating pension and OPEB (credits) costs
 
(4
)
 
 
2

 
 
 
(8
)
 
 
6

 
Other expense (income), net
 
1

 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
(11
)
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
118

 
$
64

 
 
$
262

 
$
200

 
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
CONSOBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $3 million lower than in the year-ago period, to $885 million . Sales volume had an unfavorable impact of $54 million, mainly due to the permanent closure of our Mokpo, South Korea, paper mill in the first quarter of 2017, the indefinite idling of our Thorold, Ontario, paper mill in the first quarter of 2017, and the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, South Carolina, at the end of the second quarter of 2017. However, shipments in market pulp and wood products were up by 8% and 5%, respectively. Pricing had a favorable impact of $51 million, including the favorable effect of currency of $1 million, reflecting a 25% increase in the average transaction price for wood products, and 7% for market pulp, offset in part by a drop of 2% in the average transaction price of specialty papers, and 1% for newsprint.

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Table of Contents


Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs, which we refer to as “ COS ”, were $57 million lower in the quarter. After removing the effect of the lower volume, manufacturing costs improved by $18 million, reflecting:
the effect of capacity closures and restructuring initiatives ($23 million), including the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill;
favorable chemical costs ($8 million), mostly as a result of grade mix following the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba; and
lower defined benefit pension and OPEB plans costs ($5 million), mostly due to lower interest costs, as a result of the lower discount rates;
partly offset by:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($11 million), primarily as a result of the permanent closure of two paper machines in Calhoun at the end of the third quarter of 2017; and
unfavorable fiber costs ($8 million), including higher stumpage fees in the province of Quebec.
Distribution costs
After removing the effects of the lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs increased by $9 million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average length of haul, in part due to closures, higher fuel surcharges, and higher freight rates.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses (or “ SG&A ”) were $6 million higher in the quarter, mainly due to the SG&A related to our tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun, higher project costs, increased bad debt expense, and the stronger Canadian dollar.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
See the corresponding variance analysis under “– Segment Earnings – Corporate and Other ” below.
Net income variance analysis
Interest expense
Interest expense was $3 million higher, primarily due to higher borrowings under our credit facilities, and higher capitalized interest on capital projects in the year-ago period.
Other income, net
We recorded other income, net of $6 million in the quarter, compared to $1 million in the year-ago period. The difference mostly reflects, in the current period, a non-cash foreign exchange gain of $7 million on the translation of Canadian dollar net monetary balances.
Income taxes
We recorded an income tax provision of $15 million in the quarter, on income before income taxes of $41 million , compared to an expected income tax provision of $14 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%. The difference reflects mostly a $19 million valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets, mostly offset by foreign exchange items ($8 million), and foreign tax rate differences ($7 million).
In the third quarter of 2016 , we recorded an income tax benefit of $14 million , on income before income taxes of $1 million , compared to none expected based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%. The difference reflects a $37 million adjustment primarily related to the release of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of the statute of limitations

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Table of Contents


of the applicable jurisdictions, partially offset by a $20 million valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets.
Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating loss variance analysis
CONSOBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $41 million , or 2% , lower than in the year-ago period, at $2,615 million . Sales volume had an unfavorable impact of $145 million, mostly attributable to the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, and the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta, Georgia, mill in the second quarter of 2016. However, shipments were higher in both wood products and market pulp, up by 15% and 2%, respectively. Pricing had a favorable impact of $104 million, including the favorable effect of currency of $1 million, reflecting a 19% increase in the average transaction price for wood products, 3% for market pulp, and 1% for newsprint, offset in part by a drop of 3% in the average transaction price for specialty papers.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS were $90 million lower in the period. After removing the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and the lower volume, manufacturing costs increased by $3 million, reflecting:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($24 million), primarily as a result of the permanent closures of two paper machines in Calhoun, a paper machine in Catawba, and our Mokpo paper mill, compared to write-downs of mill stores and other supplies recorded in the year-ago period ($5 million), primarily as a result of the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill;
unfavorable fiber costs ($14 million), mostly due to higher recycled fiber prices and log costs, partly offset by favorable wood prices at U.S. mills and better usage;
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets that sell power externally ($6 million), in part due to the timing of outages, and our hydroelectric facilities ($5 million), due to capital programs on certain water wheels;
higher natural gas prices ($10 million);
start-up costs related to the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility ($14 million), compared to start-up costs incurred in the year-ago period ($4 million) for the continuous pulp digester project and tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun;
higher asset preservation costs ($5 million), primarily related to the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill; and
higher maintenance costs ($3 million);

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partly offset by:
the favorable effect of capacity closures and restructuring initiatives ($42 million), including the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, and the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill;
lower defined benefit pension and OPEB plans costs ($13 million), mostly due to lower interest costs, as a result of the lower discount rates; and
favorable chemical costs ($12 million), mostly as a result of grade mix following the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba.
Distribution costs
After removing the effects of the lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs increased by $19 million, primarily as a result of higher freight rates, higher fuel surcharges, and an increase in the average length of haul, in part due to closures.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $4 million lower in the period, largely reflecting the reduced carrying value of our Coosa Pines, Alabama, assets after the impairment charge taken in the second quarter of 2017, the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill, and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, partly offset by the amortization of costs associated with the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility, and the implementation of our integrated business management software.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A was $8 million higher in the period, largely reflecting higher variable compensation expense and the SG&A related to our tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
See the corresponding variance analysis under “– Segment Earnings – Corporate and Other ” below.
Net loss variance analysis
Interest expense
Interest expense was $7 million higher, primarily due to higher borrowings under our credit facilities, and higher capitalized interest on capital projects in the year-ago period.
Other income, net
We recorded other income, net of $11 million in 2017, compared to $14 million in the year-ago period. The difference mostly reflects, in the current period, a non-cash foreign exchange gain of $10 million on the translation of Canadian dollar net monetary balances, compared to a non-cash foreign exchange gain of $3 million, and a $5 million gain on the disposition of our 50% interest in Produits Forestiers Petit-Paris Inc. in 2016. We also recorded rental income from certain wood products facilities of $3 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Income taxes
We recorded an income tax provision of $63 million in the period, on a loss before income taxes of $30 million , compared to an expected income tax benefit of $11 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%. The difference reflects mostly a $94 million valuation allowance primarily related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets, and a $12 million decrease to our deferred income tax assets due to the enactment of a lower foreign income tax rate, offset in part by state and foreign tax rate differences ($22 million), and foreign exchange items ($9 million).
In the first nine months of 2016 , we recorded an income tax provision of $9 million , on a loss before income taxes of $23 million , compared to an expected income tax benefit of $8 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35%. The difference reflects mostly a $65 million valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations where we recognize a full

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valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets, partially offset by a $37 million adjustment primarily related to the release of previously unrecognized tax benefits due to the lapse of the statute of limitations of the applicable jurisdictions, and foreign tax rate differences.
Segment Earnings
We manage our business based on the products we manufacture. Our reportable segments correspond to our principal product lines: market pulp, tissue, wood products, newsprint and specialty papers.
We do not allocate any of the income or loss items following “ operating income (loss) ” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations to our segments because those items are reviewed separately by management. Similarly, we do not allocate to the segments: closure costs, impairment and other related charges; inventory write-downs related to closures; start-up costs; gains and losses on disposition of assets; non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits; as well as other discretionary charges or credits.
We allocate depreciation and amortization expense to our segments, although the related fixed assets and amortizable intangible assets are not allocated to segment assets. Additionally, all SG&A is allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.”
In the first quarter of 2017, we changed our presentation of segment operating income to reallocate the amortization of prior service credits component of pension and OPEB costs from the reportable segments to “corporate and other.” For more information see “ Overview – Third Quarter Overview ” above.

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MARKET PULP
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
227

 
$
198

 
 
$
649

 
$
619

 
Operating income (1)
 
19

 
 
4

 
 
 
42

 
 
33

 
EBITDA (2)
 
27

 
 
14

 
 
 
66

 
 
61

 
(In thousands of metric tons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments
 
348

 
 
323

 
 
 
1,037

 
 
1,020

 
Downtime
 
20

 
 
10

 
 
 
67

 
 
47

 
 
September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)
2017
2016
Finished goods inventory
 
100

 
 
100

 
(1)  
Net income including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating income in this segment.
(2)  
EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
19

 
$
4

 
 
$
42

 
$
33

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
8

 
 
10

 
 
 
24

 
 
28

 
EBITDA
 
27

 
 
14

 
 
 
66

 
 
61

 
Industry trends
PULPTRENDS.JPG

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World demand for chemical pulp grew by 3.3% through September, compared to the same period of 2016, including increases of 6.6% and 3.8% in China and North America, respectively, partly offset by a reduction of 1.4% in Western Europe. World capacity grew by 2.9% in that same period.
World demand for softwood pulp was up by 2.3% through September. This reflects increases in shipments of 5.9% and 0.5% to North America and China, respectively, while shipments to Western Europe were down by 0.8%. In the same period, demand for hardwood pulp was up by 4.3%, with shipments to China and North America up by 11.7% and 0.2%, respectively, while Western Europe was down by 1.5%.
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
PULPBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $29 million higher, or 15% , to $227 million in the quarter. The average transaction price rose by $40 per metric ton as a result of higher prices across all grades, reflecting the realization of the announced virgin pulp price increases in the first half of 2017, and higher recycled fiber costs for recycled bleached kraft (or “ RBK ”) prices. Shipments increased by 25,000 metric tons, mainly as a result of higher shipments of hardwood pulp, primarily related to the increased production from the continuous digester in Calhoun.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS increased by $13 million in the quarter. Manufacturing costs increased by $3 million after adjusting for the effects of higher volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, reflecting higher maintenance costs ($2 million) and lower contribution from our cogeneration assets in Saint-Félicien, Quebec, that sell power externally ($2 million), both as a result of the annual maintenance outage in 2017, which had been deferred to October in 2016, partly offset by lower chemical costs ($2 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
PULPBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $30 million higher, to $649 million , in the first nine months of the year. The increase in the average transaction price of $19 per metric ton is mostly attributable to RBK, as a result of higher recycled fiber costs. The average transaction price for virgin pulp grades also increased, reflecting the realization of the announced pulp price increases in the first half of 2017, mitigating the significant decrease in market prices in the second half of 2016, mainly for hardwood pulp. Shipments were higher by 17,000 metric tons, due to an increase in shipments of hardwood pulp, primarily related to the increased production from the continuous digester in Calhoun, partly offset by lower shipments of softwood pulp, due in part to annual maintenance outages.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS increased by $20 million in the period. Manufacturing costs increased by $13 million after adjusting for the effects of higher volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, reflecting:
higher fiber costs ($8 million), mostly related to higher recycled fiber prices;
higher natural gas prices ($4 million); and
lower contribution from our cogeneration assets in Saint-Félicien that sell power externally ($4 million) as a result of the annual maintenance outage in 2017, which had been deferred to October in 2016;
partly offset by lower chemical costs ($4 million).
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $4 million lower in the period, largely reflecting the reduced carrying value of our Coosa Pines assets after the impairment charge taken in the second quarter of 2017.

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TISSUE
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
21

 
$
23

 
 
$
61

 
$
70

 
Operating loss (1)
 
(3
)
 
 
(5
)
 
 
 
(4
)
 
 
(11
)
 
EBITDA (2)
 
(1
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 

 
 
(5
)
 
(In thousands of short tons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments
 
15

 
 
15

 
 
 
44

 
 
46

 
Downtime
 
1

 
 

 
 
 
1

 
 

 
 
September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of short tons)
2017
2016
Finished goods inventory
 
10

 
 
4

 
(1)  
Net loss including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating loss in this segment.
(2)  
EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests
$
(3
)
 
$
(5
)
 
 
$
(4
)
 
$
(11
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
2

 
 
2

 
 
 
4

 
 
6

 
EBITDA
 
(1
)
 
 
(3
)
 
 
 

 
 
(5
)
 
Industry trends
TISSUETREND.JPG
In the first nine months of the year, total tissue consumption in the U.S. grew by 1.9% against the same period last year. U.S. converted tissue product shipments were up by 1.8% in the period compared to the year-ago period, led by away-from-home shipments, which grew by 2.8%, while at-home shipments increased by 1.3%. U.S. parent roll production in the period showed

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a growth of 2.0% from the year-ago period. Tissue capacity increased by 2.0%, contributing to a 94% average industry operating rate, unchanged from the year-ago period.
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating loss variance analysis
TISSUEBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $2 million lower, or 9% , to $21 million in the quarter. The average transaction price dropped by $154 per short ton as a result of unfavorable product mix and market development initiatives. The decrease in converted product shipments, mainly attributable to the discontinuance of unprofitable away-from-home business, was entirely offset by an increase in parent roll shipments.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, our manufacturing costs improved by $3 million in the quarter, despite facility damage and business interruption associated with Hurricane Irma, primarily attributable to lower maintenance and related labor costs, improved material usage, as well as integration costs recorded in the year-ago period.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating loss variance analysis
TISSUEBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $9 million lower, or 13% , to $61 million in the first nine months of the year. The average transaction price dropped by $139 per short ton as a result of unfavorable product mix and market development initiatives. The decrease in shipments is mainly attributable to converted products, in part due to the discontinuance of unprofitable away-from-home business, mostly offset by an increase in parent rolls shipments.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, our manufacturing costs improved by $9 million in the period, despite facility damage and business interruption associated with Hurricane Irma, primarily attributable to lower maintenance and related labor costs, improved material usage, as well as integration costs recorded in the year-ago period.
Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility
In 2017, we started our new tissue machine in Calhoun that produced its first tissue parent roll on February 28, 2017. Converted tissue products sold from Calhoun are now manufactured entirely from parent rolls produced on-site. The operating loss, excluding depreciation and amortization, of $18 million incurred in the first nine months of 2017 was recorded as start-up costs under “corporate and other.”



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WOOD PRODUCTS
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
219

 
$
168

 
 
$
593

 
$
432

 
Operating income (1)
 
64

 
 
36

 
 
 
129

 
 
52

 
EBITDA (2)
 
73

 
 
43

 
 
 
154

 
 
75

 
(In millions of board feet)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments (3)
 
531

 
 
506

 
 
 
1,545

 
 
1,341

 
Downtime
 
32

 
 
28

 
 
 
112

 
 
172

 
 
September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions of board feet)
2017
2016
Finished goods inventory (3)
 
122

 
 
121

 
(1)  
Net income including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating income in this segment.
(2)  
EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
(3)  
Includes wood pellets measured by mass, converted to board feet using a density-based conversion ratio.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
64

 
$
36

 
 
$
129

 
$
52

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
9

 
 
7

 
 
 
25

 
 
23

 
EBITDA
 
73

 
 
43

 
 
 
154

 
 
75

 
Industry trends
WOODTREND.JPG
Average U.S. housing starts were 1.2 million on a seasonally-adjusted basis in the first nine months of 2017, up by 3.1% from the same period last year. Single-family starts, which consume larger lumber volumes per start, rose by 9.0%.

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Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
WOODBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $51 million higher, or 30% , to $219 million in the quarter. Shipments were higher by 25 million board feet, reflecting lower sales from eight-foot stud sawmills in the year-ago period. The average transaction price increased by $82 per thousand board feet, or 25%, largely associated with the imposition of trade barriers in the U.S. and supply disruptions associated with forest fires.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After adjusting for the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and higher volume, manufacturing costs increased by $15 million, reflecting higher fiber costs ($5 million), including higher stumpage fees in the province of Quebec and higher transportation costs, the recognition of tax credits in the year-ago period in connection with infrastructure investments ($3 million), and lower internal wood chip selling prices ($3 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
WOODBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Sales were $161 million higher, or 37% , to $593 million in the first nine months of the year. Shipments were higher by 204 million board feet, reflecting an additional 60 million board feet of downtime taken in 2016, which was impacted in particular by unfavorable pricing for eight-foot stud grades. The increase in shipments is also due to improved productivity for certain sawmills and volume from our new sawmill in Senneterre – Lac-Clair, Quebec. The average transaction price increased by $62 per thousand board feet, or 19%, largely associated with the imposition of trade barriers in the U.S. and supply disruptions associated with forest fires.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After adjusting for the effects of the Canadian dollar fluctuation and higher volume, manufacturing costs increased by $27 million, reflecting:
higher fiber costs ($11 million), including higher stumpage fees in the province of Quebec and higher transportation costs;
higher maintenance, labor, as well as log yard and other related costs ($8 million); and
the recognition of tax credits in the year-ago period, in connection with infrastructure investments ($3 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effect of the higher volume, distribution costs increased by $5 million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average length of haul, higher fuel surcharges, and higher freight rates.

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NEWSPRINT
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
199

 
$
242

 
 
$
626

 
$
756

 
Operating loss (1)
 
(6
)
 
 
(8
)
 
 
 
(17
)
 
 
(17
)
 
EBITDA (2)
 
10

 
 
9

 
 
 
32

 
 
39

 
(In thousands of metric tons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments
 
388

 
 
470

 
 
 
1,228

 
 
1,499

 
Downtime
 
35

 
 
23

 
 
 
52

 
 
58

 
 
September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)
2017
2016
Finished goods inventory
 
98

 
 
105

 
(1)
Net loss including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating loss in this segment.
(2)
EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests
$
(6
)
 
$
(8
)
 
 
$
(17
)
 
$
(17
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
16

 
 
17

 
 
 
49

 
 
56

 
EBITDA
 
10

 
 
9

 
 
 
32

 
 
39

 
Industry trends
NEWSTRENDS.JPG
North American demand for newsprint fell by 10.9% in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period last year, while global demand was down by 7.3%. North American exports declined by 6.2% over the same period. Despite continued declines in demand, the North American operating rate was 91% in 2017.

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Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating loss variance analysis
NEWSPRINTBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Newsprint sales dropped by $43 million , or 18% , to $199 million in the quarter, reflecting an 82,000 metric ton decrease in shipments, which is in line with the lower production volumes following the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, both in the first quarter of 2017. We also recorded 12,000 metric tons of additional downtime in the current quarter, primarily in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, and Augusta, due to softer market conditions, partly offset by downtime taken in the year-ago period for our Thorold paper mill, prior to it being indefinitely idled. The average transaction price decreased by $4 per metric ton, mainly due to market prices for exports.
Compared to the same period of 2016, our international shipments fell by 26%, mainly as a result of the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill. Our domestic shipments decreased by 12% over the same period, and represented 64% of total newsprint shipments in the quarter, up by 4% from the year-ago period.
On September 30, 2017, two paper machines at our Calhoun mill were permanently closed, which resulted in the reduction of approximately 100,000 metric tons of annual production capacity of newsprint.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS were $42 million lower in the quarter. After removing the effects of lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, manufacturing costs improved by $15 million compared to the same period last year, reflecting the positive effect of capacity closures ($10 million), including the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, as well as higher contribution from our cogeneration facility at Thunder Bay, Ontario ($2 million), mostly due to a planned maintenance outage in the year-ago period.
Distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, distribution costs increased by $4 million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average length of haul, in part due to the closure of certain newsprint mills.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating loss variance analysis
NEWSPRINTBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Newsprint sales dropped by $130 million , or 17% , to $626 million in the first nine months of the year, reflecting a 271,000 metric ton decrease in shipments, which is in line with the lower production volumes following the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill in the second quarter of 2016, the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill. The average transaction price increased by $6 per metric ton, mainly due to a rise in North American pricing.
Compared to the same period of 2016, our international shipments fell by 24%, mainly as a result of the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, as well as lower shipments to Latin America. Our domestic shipments decreased by 14% over the same period, and represented 63% of total newsprint shipments in the period, up by 3% from the year-ago period.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
COS were $110 million lower in the period. After removing the effects of lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, manufacturing costs improved by $23 million compared to the same period last year, reflecting:
the favorable effect of capacity closures ($29 million), including the permanent closure of our Mokpo paper mill, the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill, and the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill; and
lower fiber costs ($3 million);
partly offset by:
higher power costs ($5 million);
unfavorable steam costs ($3 million), mostly due to higher natural gas prices; and
lower contribution from our cogeneration facility at Thunder Bay ($3 million), due to a more extensive planned maintenance outage in 2017.

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Distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, distribution costs increased by $9 million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average length of haul, in part due to the closure of certain newsprint mills.
Depreciation and amortization
The lower depreciation and amortization is due to the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill and the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill.

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SPECIALTY PAPERS
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Sales
$
219

 
$
257

 
 
$
686

 
$
779

 
Operating income (loss) (1)
 
7

 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
4

 
 
16

 
EBITDA  (2)
 
18

 
 
7

 
 
 
38

 
 
50

 
(In thousands of short tons)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments
 
333

 
 
384

 
 
 
1,046

 
 
1,159

 
Downtime
 
5

 
 
13

 
 
 
28

 
 
19

 
 
September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of short tons)
2017
2016
Finished goods inventory
 
86

 
 
75

 
(1)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests is equal to operating income (loss) in this segment.
(2)
EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, is reconciled below. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include this measure, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interests
$
7

 
$
(4
)
 
 
$
4

 
$
16

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
11

 
 
11

 
 
 
34

 
 
34

 
EBITDA
 
18

 
 
7

 
 
 
38

 
 
50

 
Industry trends
UNCOATEDTREND.JPG
North American demand for uncoated mechanical papers in the first nine months of the year was down by 7.9%, with SC papers and standard papers down by 11.1% and 3.8%, respectively. Industry production through September was down by 10.1%, keeping operating rates at around 91%.

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COATEDTREND.JPG
North American coated mechanical paper demand was down by 8.9% in the first nine months of the year. Production was also down significantly, by 193,000 short tons (175,000 metric tons), which represents a reduction of 9.7%. Operating rates in North America were 95% for the period. North American coated mechanical paper imports were down by 14,000 short tons (13,000 metric tons) in the period, which represents a decrease of 4.8%.

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Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income (loss) variance analysis
SPECIALTYBRIDGEQTD.JPG
Sales
Specialty paper sales decreased by $38 million , or 15% , to $219 million in the quarter. The average transaction price dropped by $13 per short ton, mainly as a result of lower market prices for SC and uncoated freesheet papers. Shipments were 51,000 short tons (46,000 metric tons) lower, or 13%, following the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba at the end of the second quarter of 2017.
On September 30, 2017, two paper machines at our Calhoun mill were permanently closed, which resulted in the reduction of approximately 283,000 short tons (257,000 metric tons) of annual production capacity of specialty papers. However, in October of 2017, we restarted a previously closed paper machine at our Alma, Quebec, mill, resulting in the addition of approximately 83,000 short tons (75,000 metric tons) of annual production capacity of specialty papers.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, our manufacturing costs improved by $24 million in the quarter, primarily due to:
the effect of restructuring initiatives in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba ($14 million);
favorable chemical costs ($6 million), mostly as a result of grade mix following the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba; and
lower maintenance costs ($2 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Operating income variance analysis
SPECIALTYBRIDGEYTD.JPG
Sales
Specialty paper sales decreased by $93 million , or 12% , to $686 million in the first nine months of the year. The average transaction price dropped by $17 per short ton as a result of lower market prices across all grades, but mostly for SC, coated and uncoated freesheet papers. Shipments were 113,000 short tons (103,000 metric tons) lower, or 10%, mainly in white paper grades, as a result of declining market conditions, in addition to the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba.
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
After removing the effect of the lower volume, our manufacturing costs improved by $25 million in the period, primarily due to:
the positive impact of restructuring initiatives in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba ($14 million);
favorable chemical costs ($9 million), mostly as a result of grade mix following the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba;
lower power costs ($5 million), mostly price-related; and
favorable maintenance and fiber costs ($4 million);
partly offset by:
lower internal hydroelectric generation ($5 million), due to capital programs on certain water wheels; and
higher natural gas prices ($4 million).
Distribution costs
After removing the effects of the lower volume and the Canadian dollar fluctuation, distribution costs increased by $4 million, primarily as a result of an increase in the average length of haul, in part due to the permanent closure of a paper machine in Catawba, higher fuel surcharges, and higher freight rates.

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CORPORATE AND OTHER
Highlights
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
$
(11
)
 
$
(5
)
 
 
$
(37
)
 
$
(17
)
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
(6
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(17
)
 
 
(10
)
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(8
)
 
 
(4
)
 
 
 
(25
)
 
 
(19
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
(10
)
 
 

 
 
 
(82
)
 
 
(37
)
 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
2

 
 

 
 
 
2

 
 
2

 
Operating loss
$
(33
)
 
$
(13
)
 
 
$
(159
)
 
$
(81
)
 
Interest expense
 
(13
)
 
 
(10
)
 
 
 
(36
)
 
 
(29
)
 
Other income, net
 
6

 
 
1

 
 
 
11

 
 
14

 
Income tax (provision) benefit
 
(15
)
 
 
14

 
 
 
(63
)
 
 
(9
)
 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests
$
(55
)
 
$
(8
)
 
 
$
(247
)
 
$
(105
)
 
The table below shows the reconciliation of net loss including noncontrolling interests to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA, which are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the calculation and reasons we include these measures, see note 1 under “ Results of Operations – Consolidated Results – Selected Financial Information ” above.
 
Three Months Ended 
 September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
 
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net loss including noncontrolling interests
$
(55
)
 
$
(8
)
 
 
$
(247
)
 
$
(105
)
 
Interest expense
 
13

 
 
10

 
 
 
36

 
 
29

 
Income tax provision (benefit)
 
15

 
 
(14
)
 
 
 
63

 
 
9

 
Depreciation and amortization
 
6

 
 
4

 
 
 
17

 
 
10

 
EBITDA
$
(21
)
 
$
(8
)
 
 
$
(131
)
 
$
(57
)
 
Foreign exchange gain
 
(7
)
 
 

 
 
 
(10
)
 
 
(3
)
 
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
 
10

 
 

 
 
 
82

 
 
37

 
Inventory write-downs related to closures
 
11

 
 

 
 
 
24

 
 
5

 
Start-up costs
 
3

 
 
1

 
 
 
18

 
 
5

 
Net gain on disposition of assets
 
(2
)
 
 

 
 
 
(2
)
 
 
(2
)
 
Non-operating pension and OPEB (credits) costs
 
(4
)
 
 
2

 
 
 
(8
)
 
 
6

 
Other expense (income), net
 
1

 
 
(1
)
 
 
 
(1
)
 
 
(11
)
 
Adjusted EBITDA
$
(9
)
 
$
(6
)
 
 
$
(28
)
 
$
(20
)
 
Three months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
We incurred COS of $11 million in the quarter, including:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($11 million), primarily related to the permanent closure of two paper machines in Calhoun at the end of the third quarter of 2017;
start-up costs ($2 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility; and
asset preservation costs ($2 million), primarily related to the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill in the first quarter of 2017;
partly offset by non-operating pension and OPEB credits ($4 million).

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This compares to COS of $5 million in the year-ago period, consisting mostly of:
asset preservation costs ($2 million), primarily for the permanently closed Fort Frances, Ontario, mill;
non-operating pension and OPEB costs ($1 million); and
start-up costs ($1 million) for the tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A was $4 million higher in the quarter, in part due to higher project costs and the SG&A related to our tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun.
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
We recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $10 million in the quarter, compared to none in the year-ago period. The current period included accelerated depreciation ($6 million) and severance and other closure-related costs ($2 million) associated with the permanent closure of two paper machines in Calhoun.
Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs
We incurred COS of $37 million in the first nine months of 2017, comprised of:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($24 million), primarily related to the permanent closures of two paper machines in Calhoun, of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill at the end of the second quarter of 2017, and of our Mokpo paper mill in the first quarter of 2017;
start-up costs ($14 million) for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility; and
asset preservation costs ($8 million), primarily related to the indefinite idling of our Thorold paper mill and our permanently closed Fort Frances mill;
offset by non-operating pension and OPEB credits ($9 million).
This compares to COS of $17 million in the year-ago period, which included:
write-downs of mill stores and other supplies ($5 million), mostly as a result of the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill in the second quarter of 2016;
non-operating pension and OPEB costs ($4 million);
start-up costs ($4 million) for the continuous pulp digester project and tissue manufacturing and converting facility, both located in Calhoun; and
asset preservation costs ($3 million), primarily for the permanently closed Fort Frances mill.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization was $7 million higher in the first nine months of the year, mainly because of the amortization of costs associated with the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility, and the additional costs related to the implementation of our integrated business management software.
Selling, general and administrative expenses
SG&A was $6 million higher in the first nine months of the year, in part due to the SG&A related to our tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun and higher project costs.

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Closure costs, impairment and other related charges
In 2017, we recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $82 million, comprised of:
a long-lived asset impairment charge related to our Coosa Pines pulp mill ($55 million);
a long-lived asset impairment charge ($5 million) and severance and other closure-related costs ($6 million) in connection with the permanent closure of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill;
accelerated depreciation ($6 million) and severance and other closure-related costs ($2 million) associated with the permanent closure of two paper machines in Calhoun; and
severance and other costs related to the permanent closure of our paper mill in Mokpo ($7 million).
In the same period last year, we recorded closure costs, impairment and other related charges of $37 million, primarily for accelerated depreciation in connection with the permanent closure of a newsprint machine at our Augusta mill.
L IQUIDITY AND C APITAL R ESOURCES
Capital Resources
We rely on cash and cash equivalents, net cash provided by operations and our revolving credit facilities to fund our operations, make pension contributions, and finance our working capital and capital expenditures. In addition, from time to time we may use available cash to reduce debt. As of September 30, 2017 , we had cash and cash equivalents of $38 million and availability of $362 million under our revolving credit facilities.
In our view, we have sufficient financial resources available to finance our business plan, meet working capital requirements and maintain an appropriate level of capital spending.
Flow of Funds
Summary of cash flows
A summary of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 , was as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended 
 September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)
2017
 
 
2016
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
99

 
$
51

 
Net cash used in investing activities
 
(168
)
 
 
(189
)
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
69

 
 
134

 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
 
3

 
 
1

 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
3

 
$
(3
)
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017 vs. September 30, 2016
Net cash provided by operating activities
We generated $99 million of cash from operating activities in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $51 million in the year-ago period. The increase is mainly attributable to lower pension contributions, as further discussed below, and higher profitability, partly offset by start-up costs for the Calhoun tissue manufacturing and converting facility, and closure costs in connection with the permanent closures of a paper machine at our Catawba paper mill and our paper mill in Mokpo.
Net cash used in investing activities
Cash used in investing activities, down by $21 million against the year-ago period, consisted mostly of cash invested in fixed assets of $136 million, which reflects investments in strategic projects such as the tissue manufacturing and converting facility in Calhoun, for which $91 million was spent in 2017, compared to $110 million spent in the year-ago period. The current period also included countervailing duty cash deposits of $17 million on our imports of SC papers to the U.S. from our Canadian mills, compared to $17 million in the prior year, and countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits of

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$18 million on our imports of softwood lumber products to the U.S. from our Canadian mills. The prior period also included a consideration of $5 million received from the disposition of our 50% interest in Produits Forestiers Petit-Paris Inc.
Net cash provided by financing activities
We borrowed $70 million under our credit facilities in the first nine months of 2017, compared to $136 million borrowed in the same period of 2016, primarily to support the completion of the tissue project. We repaid $30 million of borrowings under our credit facilities in the first 40 days of the fourth quarter of 2017.
Countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations on softwood lumber products
On April 24, 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce (or “ Commerce ”) announced its preliminary determinations in the countervailing duty investigation into the alleged subsidization of Canadian softwood lumber product exports to the U.S., and, as a result, beginning April 28, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at a rate of 12.82% for estimated countervailing duties on our imports to the U.S. of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. The preliminary rate remained in effect until August 26, 2017, and we have not been required to pay countervailing duty deposits since then. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final determinations in the countervailing duty investigation, including an estimated countervailing duty rate of 14.7% for our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S. from our Canadian sawmills. We will be required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at that rate if and when the International Trade Commission (or “ ITC ”) publishes an affirmative final determination. If as a result of the ITC final determination, Commerce issues an order that we are subject to countervailing duty deposit requirements on any of our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S., then we will be required to resume making cash deposits at the 14.7% rate until Commerce sets a duty rate in a subsequent administrative review. Based on the 14.7% rate and our current operating parameters, cash deposits on our imports of the affected softwood lumber products to the U.S. could be as high as $65 million per year.
On June 26, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determinations in the anti-dumping duty investigation into the alleged dumping of Canadian softwood lumber product exports to the U.S., and, as a result, since June 30, 2017, we have been required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. at a rate of 4.59% for estimated anti-dumping duties on our imports to the U.S. of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final determinations in the investigation, including an estimated anti-dumping duty rate of 3.2% for our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S. from our Canadian sawmills. As a result, since November 8, 2017, we have been paying cash deposits for estimated anti-dumping duties at the 3.2% rate. Based on the 3.2% rate and our current operating parameters, cash deposits on our imports of the affected softwood lumber products to the U.S. could be as high as $15 million per year. If the ITC does not publish its final determination before the date that is six months from the preliminary determination date, we would not be required to pay anti-dumping duty deposits until the ITC publishes its final determination. If as a result of the ITC final determination, Commerce issues an order that we are subject to anti-dumping duty deposit requirements on any of our softwood lumber product imports to the U.S., then we would be required to resume making cash deposits at the 3.2% rate until Commerce sets a duty rate in a subsequent administrative review. Based on the preliminary 4.59% rate until November 7, 2017, and the 3.2% rate thereafter, and our current operating parameters, cash deposits on our imports of the affected softwood lumber products to the U.S. would be approximately $8 million for the initial six-month period of the anti-dumping duty investigation.
In addition, before Commerce issues any countervailing or anti-dumping duty order, the ITC must determine whether any alleged subsidization or dumping threatens injury to the U.S. softwood lumber industry or causes current injury. If the ITC determines that there is a threat of injury or no injury, rather than current injury, then all deposits paid between Commerce’s preliminary determination and the publication of the ITC’s final determination, would be returned.
Countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations on UGW paper
On August 9, 2017, a countervailing and anti-dumping duty petition was filed with Commerce and the ITC by a U.S. UGW paper producer requesting that the U.S. government impose countervailing and anti-dumping duties on Canadian-origin UGW paper exported to the U.S. market. One of our subsidiaries was identified in the petition as being a Canadian exporting producer of UGW paper to the U.S. and was selected as a mandatory respondent to be investigated by Commerce in both the countervailing and anti-dumping duty investigations. The investigations are at a preliminary stage. If as a result of these investigations we become subject to countervailing or anti-dumping duties, we would then be required to make cash deposits on our imports to the U.S. of UGW paper produced at our Canadian mills based on rates determined by Commerce. The imposition of such duties could materially affect our cash flow, and the competitive position of our operations.

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Employee Benefits Plans
Canadian funding requirements
On March 31, 2017, we reached an agreement with the province of Ontario with respect to the additional solvency deficit reduction contributions required for past capacity reductions in Ontario, as provided by the terms of the undertakings in connection with the funding relief regulations, stipulating that we are no longer required to make additional contributions for capacity reductions that occurred in Ontario after April 15, 2014. As a result, our requirement to make additional contributions to our material Canadian registered pension plans was reduced by Cdn $16 million for 2017 and Cdn $8 million for 2018. The expiration of the original 2010 undertaking in December 2015 did not eliminate the obligations already incurred under the terms of that undertaking prior to its expiration.
In addition, estimated contributions to our Quebec pension plans through 2020, upon our voluntary exit from the Quebec funding relief regulations, are expected to be reduced by approximately Cdn $40 million ($32 million, based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2017), including Cdn $8 million in 2017, following clarifications with respect to the application of the Quebec’s Supplemental Pension Plans Act (or “ SPPA ”).
As provided under the Quebec’s SPPA, our 2017 annual contributions to our Quebec plans were finalized in the third quarter of 2017. As such, contributions to our Quebec plans for the first half of 2017 were unchanged from 2016, but will be reduced for the remainder of the year, including a retroactive reduction of Cdn $13 million in the third quarter of 2017.
When we refer to the funding relief regulations, we mean the regulations specific to us, adopted by the provinces of Quebec and Ontario, that previously governed the funding of our material Quebec registered pension plans, and that continue to govern the funding of our material Ontario registered pension plans.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

ITEM 3.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Information relating to quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk is disclosed in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk,” in our 2016 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk as previously disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report.
ITEM 4.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures:
We have evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of September 30, 2017 . Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of such date in recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting information required to be disclosed in our reports to the SEC.
(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting:
In connection with the evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, there were no changes during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
In addition to the legal proceedings presented under Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our 2016 Annual Report, see the description of our material pending legal proceedings in Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies – Legal matters,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements, which is incorporated in this “Item 1 – Legal Proceedings” by reference. Except as described below, there have been no material changes to the legal proceedings described in Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our 2016 Annual Report.
On October 13, 2016, Environment Canada charged our subsidiary, Resolute FP Canada Inc., with alleged violations of Section 36(3) of the Fisheries Act (Canada). The charges were based on an alleged discharge of bunker fuel into a stream, alleged to have occurred at our Baie-Comeau paper mill on June 19, 2012. On October 12, 2017, the Company settled the case, agreeing to plead guilty to the deposit of a deleterious substance in water frequented by fish and to pay a fine of Cdn $100,000.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this Form 10-Q, you should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2016 Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in this report and in our 2016 Annual Report are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2016 Annual Report.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
†10.1*
 
 
 
†10.2*
 
 
 
†10.3*
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
32.2*
 
 
 
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
*
Filed with this Form 10-Q.
This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Interactive data files furnished with this Form 10-Q, which represent the following materials from this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.
 

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.
 
 
By
 
/s/ Jo-Ann Longworth
 
 
Jo-Ann Longworth
 
 
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
By 
 
/s/ Hugues Dorban
 
 
Hugues Dorban
 
 
Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Date: November 9, 2017


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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit No.
 
Description
 
 
†10.1*
 
 
 
†10.2*
 
 
 
†10.3*
 
 
 
31.1*
 
 
 
31.2*
 
 
 
32.1*
 
 
 
32.2*
 
 
 
101.INS**
 
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.LAB**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF**
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
*
Filed with this Form 10-Q.
This is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
**
Interactive data files furnished with this Form 10-Q, which represent the following materials from this Form 10-Q formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Statements of Operations, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

63
EXHIBIT 10.1

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK SETTLED RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
THIS RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT, dated as of [November __], 20__, (the “ Date of Grant ”) is made by and between Resolute Forest Products Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and « FIRST » « LAST » (“ Participant ”).
WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), pursuant to which restricted stock units may be granted in respect of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Stock ”); and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources and Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Company (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant the restricted stock unit award provided for herein to Participant subject to the terms set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the covenants of the parties contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, for themselves, their successors and assigns, hereby agree as follows:
1. Grant of Restricted Stock Unit .
(a)     Grant . The Company hereby grants to Participant « RSUs » restricted stock units (the “ RSUs ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and as otherwise provided in the Plan (the "Initial Grant"). Each RSU represents the right to receive one share of Stock as of the Settlement Date (defined in Section 2(b)), to the extent the Participant is vested in such RSUs as of the Settlement Date, subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.
(b)     Incorporation by Reference, Etc. The provisions of the Plan are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and any interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations promulgated by the Committee from time to time pursuant to the Plan. Any capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the definitions set forth in the Plan. The Committee shall have final authority to interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement and to make any and all determinations under them, and its decision shall be binding and conclusive upon Participant and his legal representative in respect of any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
(c)     Acceptance of Agreement . Unless Participant notifies the Company in writing within 14 days after the Date of Grant that Participant does not wish to accept this Agreement, Participant will be deemed to have accepted this Agreement and will be bound by the terms of the Agreement and the Plan. Any such notice may be given to the Director, Corporate Compensation at the Company’s principal executive office.
2.     Terms and Conditions .
(a)     Vesting . Subject to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary or in the case of terminations of employment due to Retirement as provided in





Section 3(a), Section 3(a), the RSUs shall vest ratably in four equal increments (rounded to the nearest whole restricted stock unit) on each of the dates set forth as follows (each such date, a “ Vesting Date ”):
Vesting Date
Percentage of RSU Vested
December 1 of first calendar year following the calendar year that includes the
Date of Grant
25% (rounded to the nearest whole)
First anniversary of the first Vesting Date
25% (rounded to the nearest whole)
Second anniversary of the first Vesting Date
25% (rounded to the nearest whole)
Third anniversary of the first Vesting Date
Remaining 25%

(b)     Settlement . The obligation to make payments and distributions with respect to RSUs shall only be satisfied through the issuance of one share of Stock for each earned and vested RSU (the “ settlement ”) and the settlement of the RSUs may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine. The Company undertakes and agrees not to exercise its right under the Plan to settle the RSUs in any other means other than Stock. RSUs shall be settled as soon as practicable after the earliest of (i) the applicable Vesting Date, (ii) an involuntary termination of employment by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of a Participant who will not attain age 55 at any time before the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant, (iii) the Vesting Date that immediately follows (A) an involuntary termination of employment by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary of a Participant who otherwise meets the criteria for Retirement at any time before the fourth anniversary of the Date of Grant, but for the receipt of severance, (B) voluntary termination by the Participant on or after age 55 that does not constitute a Retirement, or (C) Retirement (as defined in Section 3(a)) within six months after the Date of Grant, (iv) death, or (v) termination of employment by reason of Disability. For payment time or events described in clauses (i), (ii), (iv) and (v), settlement shall in no event be later than March 15 of the year following the year of such payment time or event, as applicable. For purposes of this Agreement, each date on which RSUs are settled pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a “Settlement Date.” For purposes of this Agreement and to the extent applicable to the Participant, the term “termination of employment” shall be interpreted to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”). To the extent payments are made during the periods permitted under Section 409A (including any applicable periods before or after the specified payment dates set forth in this Section 2(b)), the Company shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligations under the Plan and shall be deemed not to be in breach of its payments obligations hereunder.
(c)     Dividend Equivalents and Voting Rights . Participant will from time to time be credited with additional RSUs (including a fractional RSU), the number of which will be determined by dividing:
(i)     The product obtained by multiplying the amount of each dividend (including extraordinary dividend if so determined by the Company) declared and paid by the

2



Company on the Stock on a per share basis during the Vesting Period by the number of RSUs recorded in Participant's account on the record date for payment of any such dividend, by
(ii)     The Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Stock on the dividend payment date for such dividend.
Subject to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary or as otherwise provided in Section 3, the additional RSUs shall vest and be settled at the same time and in the same proportion as the Initial Grant. No additional RSUs shall be accrued for the benefit of Participant with respect to record dates occurring before, or with respect to record dates occurring on or after the date, if any, on which Participant has forfeited the RSUs. Participant shall not be a shareholder of record with respect to the RSUs and shall have no voting rights with respect to the RSUs.
3.     Termination of Employment with the Company.
(a)     Retirement . If the Participant’s employment with the Company, Affiliates and Subsidiaries terminates as a result of “Retirement” at any time on or after six months from the Date of Grant has elapsed, then Section 2(a) shall continue to apply to the Participant and the Participant shall receive settlement of RSUs following each Vesting Date, unless Section 3(c) applies. For purposes of the Agreement, “Retirement” means the Participant terminates employment with the Company, all Affiliates and Subsidiaries under circumstances that do not entitle the Participant to severance either pursuant to an agreement or policy, plan or program and such termination occurs on or after: (i) attaining age 58, (ii) completing at least two years of service, and (iii) having a combined age and years of service (counting partial years) equal to at least 62.5 points.
(b)     Involuntary Termination and Certain Voluntary Terminations . The Participant shall become vested in a prorated number of RSUs in the following circumstances: (1) the Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary terminates as a result of Retirement within six months after the Date of Grant, (2) the Participant voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company, Affiliates and Subsidiaries on or after age 55 and the termination does not constitute a Retirement, or (3) the Participant is involuntarily terminated by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary without Cause (whether or not the Participant is eligible for Retirement, regardless of his age at termination and other than due to Disability or death). For purposes of the preceding, the prorated portion of the RSUs that is vested as of the Participant’s retirement date or date of termination, as applicable, including the portion of the RSUs then already vested, shall be the total number of granted and credited RSUs multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from the Date of Grant through the Participant’s retirement date or last day worked (in the case of termination) and the denominator of which shall be 48 (the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month).
(c)     Death . If the Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary terminates due to the Participant’s death, then, in addition to the RSUs vested as of the date of death under Section 2(a), the RSUs scheduled to vest on the next scheduled Vesting Date shall also vest on the date of death.

3



(d)     Disability . If the Participant becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits under a plan sponsored by the Company, an Affiliate or a Subsidiary, then, in addition to the RSUs then vested, the RSUs scheduled to vest on the next scheduled Vesting Date shall also vest on the first date of the long-term disability period. For the avoidance of doubt, RSUs shall continue to vest during any short-term disability period.
(e)     Other Termination . If the Participant’s employment with the Company, all Affiliates and Subsidiaries terminates for Cause or resignation (before attainment of age 55 and before Retirement eligibility) then all outstanding RSUs, whether vested but unsettled or unvested, shall immediately terminate.
Notwithstanding anything contained to the contrary in this Section 3, in no event shall any RSUs be settled before the applicable Vesting Date except if otherwise determined by the Company.
4.     Compliance with Legal Requirements . The granting and settlement of the RSUs, and any other obligations of the Company under this Agreement, shall be subject to all applicable federal, provincial, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required.
(a)     Transferability . Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in writing, the RSUs shall not be transferable by Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
(b)     No Rights as Stockholder . The Participant shall not be deemed for any purpose to be the owner of any shares of Stock subject to RSUs.
(c)     Tax Withholding . All distributions under the Plan are subject to withholding of all applicable federal, state, provincial, local and foreign income taxes and social contributions (the “Withholding Obligation”). The Company may satisfy such Withholding Obligation by any means whatsoever, including withholding cash from any other payment or amounts due to the Participant. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Company will satisfy its Withholding Obligation by issuing, upon the settlement of the RSUs, a net number of Stocks to the Participant equal to the number of Stocks that the Participant would otherwise be entitled to receive on the Settlement Date minus such number of Stocks with a value determined on that date equal to any amount required to satisfy the Withholding Obligation.
5.     Miscellaneous .
(a)     Waiver . Any right of the Company contained in this Agreement may be waived in writing by the Committee. No waiver of any right hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right, or as a waiver of the same right with respect to any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or as a waiver of any right to damages. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a waiver of the continuation of the same breach.
(b)     Notices . Any written notices provided for in this Agreement or the Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if either hand delivered or if sent by fax or

4



overnight courier, or by postage paid first class mail. Notices sent by mail shall be deemed received three business days after mailing but in no event later than the date of actual receipt. Notices shall be directed, if to the Participant, at the Participant’s address indicated by the Company’s records, or if to the Company, to the attention of the Director, Corporate Compensation at the Company’s principal executive office.
(c)     Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and each other provision of this Agreement shall be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.
(d)     No Rights to Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Participant any right to be retained, in any position, as an employee, consultant or director of the Company or its Affiliates or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or its Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to remove, terminate or discharge Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever.
(e)     Beneficiary . The Participant other than a Participant residing in the Province of Québec, may file with the Committee a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Committee and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. Any notice should be made to the attention of the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal executive office. If no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be Participant’s beneficiary.
(f)     Québec Participant . The Participant residing in the Province of Québec may only designate a beneficiary by will. Upon the death of the Participant residing in the Province of Québec, the Company shall settle the RSUs pursuant to Section 2(b) of this Agreement to the liquidator, administrator or executor of the estate of the Participant.
(g)     Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns, and of the Participant and the beneficiaries, executors, administrators, heirs and successors of the Participant.
(h)     Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersede all prior communications, representations and negotiations in respect thereto. No change, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same be in writing and signed by the parties hereto, except for any changes permitted without consent under Section 9 of the Plan.
(i)     Governing Law .  This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law thereof, or principles of conflicts of laws of any other jurisdiction which could cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
(j)     Headings . The headings of the Sections hereof are provided for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction, and shall not constitute a part, of this Agreement.

5



*    *    *
[signature page follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Agreement as of the day first written above.
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.


By: _____________________________________
    




6

EXHIBIT 10.2

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
STOCK SETTLED PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT
THIS PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AGREEMENT, dated as of [November __], 20__, (the “ Date of Grant ”) is made by and between Resolute Forest Products Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and « FIRST » « LAST » (“ Participant ”).
WHEREAS, the Company has adopted the Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan (the “ Plan ”), pursuant to which performance stock units may be granted in respect of shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (“ Stock ”); and
WHEREAS, the Human Resources and Compensation and Nominating and Governance Committee of the Company (the “ Committee ”) has determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders to grant the performance stock unit award provided for herein to Participant subject to the terms set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the premises and the covenants of the parties contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, for themselves, their successors and assigns, hereby agree as follows:
1. Grant of Performance Stock Unit .
(a)      Grant . The Company hereby grants to Participant « PSUs » performance stock units (the “ PSUs ”), on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and as otherwise provided in the Plan (the “Initial Grant”). Each PSU represents the right to receive one share of Stock as of the Settlement Date (defined in Section 2(c)), to the extent the Participant is vested in such PSUs as of the Settlement Date, subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Plan.
(b)      Incorporation by Reference, Etc. The provisions of the Plan are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the provisions of the Plan and any interpretations, amendments, rules and regulations promulgated by the Committee from time to time pursuant to the Plan. Any capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the definitions set forth in the Plan. The Committee shall have final authority to interpret and construe the Plan and this Agreement and to make any and all determinations under them, and its decision shall be binding and conclusive upon Participant and his legal representative in respect of any questions arising under the Plan or this Agreement.
(c)      Acceptance of Agreement . Unless Participant notifies the Company in writing within 14 days after the Date of Grant that Participant does not wish to accept this Agreement, Participant will be deemed to have accepted this Agreement and will be bound by the terms of the Agreement and the Plan. Any such notice may be given to the Director, Corporate Compensation at the Company’s principal executive office.




2.      Terms and Conditions .
(a)      Calculation of Earned Performance Stock Units . The period over which the PSUs earned by the Participant will be measured is the three calendar years beginning with the calendar year that immediately follows the Date of Grant (“Performance Period”). If the Participant is otherwise vested as provided in Section 2(b), the Participant will receive a number of PSUs equal to the “average STIP payout” during the Performance Period multiplied by the number of PSUs granted in Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, the “average STIP payout” means the average of the actual payout percentage determined for achievement of the corporate measures established under the Short-Term Incentive Plan (“STIP”) for each of the three calendar years during the Performance Period, as determined by the Committee, in its sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, the aggregate payout limit of 7% of free cash flow is disregarded when calculating the average STIP payout.
(b)      Vesting . Subject to Section 3, a Participant will be 100% vested if he remains employed with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary on [February __], 20__ (the “Vesting Date”). For purposes of the Agreement, the “Vesting Period” is the period from the first day of the calendar month immediately following the calendar month that includes the Date of Grant through the Vesting Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Participant who meets the criteria to terminate employment due to Retirement (as provided in Section 3(a)) shall be 100% vested as of the date the Participant meets such criteria (irrespective of whether the Participant terminates employment due to Retirement).
(c)      Settlement . The obligation to make payments and distributions with respect to PSUs shall only be satisfied through the issuance of one share of Stock for each earned and vested PSU (the “ settlement ”) and the settlement of the PSUs may be subject to such conditions, restrictions and contingencies as the Committee shall determine. Subject to Section 4(c), the Company undertakes and agrees not to exercise its right under the Plan to settle the PSUs in any other means other than Stock. PSUs shall be settled as soon as practicable after the Vesting Date. However, in the event (i) the Participant dies or becomes Disabled on or after the Grant Date and before the Performance Period, the PSUs shall be settled no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the end of the first calendar year of the Performance Period, and (ii) the Participant dies or becomes Disabled during the Performance Period, the PSUs shall be settled no later than March 15 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Participant dies or becomes Disabled. For purposes of this Agreement, the date on which PSUs are settled pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be a “Settlement Date.”
(d)      Dividend Equivalents and Voting Rights . Participant will from time to time be credited with additional PSUs (including a fractional PSU), the number of which will be determined by dividing:
(i)      The product obtained by multiplying the amount of each dividend (including extraordinary dividend if so determined by the Company) declared and paid by the Company on the Stock on a per share basis during the Vesting Period by the number of PSUs recorded in the Participant’s account on the record date for payment of any such dividend, by

2



(ii)      The Fair Market Value (as defined in the Plan) of one (1) share of Stock on the dividend payment date for such dividend.
Subject to continued employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary or as otherwise provided in Section 3, the additional PSUs shall vest and be settled at the same time and in the same proportion as the Initial Grant. No additional PSUs shall be accrued for the benefit of Participant with respect to record dates occurring before, or with respect to record dates occurring on or after the date, if any, on which Participant has forfeited the PSUs. Participant shall not be a shareholder of record with respect to the PSUs and shall have no voting rights with respect to the PSUs.
3.      Termination of Employment with the Company . For purposes of this Agreement and to the extent applicable to the Participant, the term “termination of employment” shall mean “separation from service” as defined in Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 409A”). To the extent payments are made during the periods permitted under Section 409A (including any applicable periods before or after the specified payment dates set forth in this Section 2(c)), the Company shall be deemed to have satisfied its obligations under the Plan and shall be deemed not to be in breach of its payments obligations hereunder.
(a)      Retirement . If the Participant’s employment with the Company, Affiliates and Subsidiaries terminates as a result of “Retirement” at any time on or after six months from the Date of Grant, then the Participant shall be entitled to receive 100% of the PSUs he would have earned had he remained employed with the Company, Affiliates and Subsidiaries for the entire Vesting Period, based on actual performance as provided in and determined pursuant to Section 2(a). For purposes of the Agreement, “Retirement” means the Participant terminates employment with the Company, all Affiliates and Subsidiaries under circumstances that do not entitle the Participant to severance either pursuant to an agreement or policy, plan or program and such termination occurs on or after: (i) attaining age 58, (ii) completing at least two years of service, and (iii) having a combined age and years of service (counting partial years) equal to at least 62.5 points.
(b)      Involuntary Termination and Certain Voluntary Terminations . The Participant shall become vested in a prorata number of PSUs and entitled to receive a number of PSUs based on actual performance in the following circumstances: (1) the Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary terminates as a result of Retirement within six months after the Date of Grant, (2) the Participant voluntarily terminates his employment with the Company, Affiliates and Subsidiaries on or after age 55 and the termination does not constitute a Retirement, or (3) the Participant is involuntarily terminated by the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary without Cause (whether or not the Participant is eligible for Retirement, regardless of his age at termination and other than due to Disability or death). For purposes of the preceding, the prorata number of the PSUs shall be equal to (A) the total number of granted PSUs under Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from the Date of Grant through the Participant’s retirement date or last day worked (in the case of termination) and the denominator of which shall be 39 (the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar

3



month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month). The actual number of PSUs to be settled shall be the prorated number of PSUs determined pursuant to this subsection multiplied by the average STIP payout, as provided in Section 2(a).
(c)      Death . If the Participant’s employment with the Company or any Affiliate or Subsidiary terminates due to the Participant’s death, the Participant shall become vested in a prorata number of PSUs and entitled to receive a number of PSUs based on actual performance.
(i)      Death During Performance Period . If the Participant’s death while employed occurs during the Performance Period, the prorata number of the PSUs shall be equal to (A) the total number of granted PSUs under Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from the Date of Grant through the end of the calendar year that contains the Participant’s date of death and the denominator of which shall be 39 ( i.e., the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the actual number of PSUs to be settled shall be the prorated number of PSUs determined pursuant to this clause multiplied by the average STIP payout for the completed calendar years during the Performance Period before the year of settlement. For example, if the Participant dies during the second calendar year of the Performance Period, the average STIP payout will be the average of the actual payout percentage determined for achievement of the corporate measures established under the STIP for the first and second calendar years during the Performance Period.
(ii)      Death On/After Date of Grant and Before Performance Period . If the Participant’s death while employed occurs on or after the Date of Grant, but before the Performance Period begins, the prorata number of the PSUs shall be equal to (A) the total number of granted PSUs under Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from the Date of Grant through the end of the first calendar year of the Performance Period and the denominator of which shall be 39 ( i.e. , the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the actual number of PSUs to be settled shall be the prorated number of PSUs determined pursuant to this clause multiplied by the actual STIP payout percentage determined for achievement of the corporate measures established under the STIP for the first calendar year of the Performance Period, as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
(d)      Disability . If the Participant becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits under a plan sponsored by the Company, an Affiliate or a Subsidiary (“Disabled”), the Participant shall become vested in a prorata number of PSUs and entitled to receive a number of PSUs based on actual performance.
(i)      Disability During Performance Period . If the Participant becomes Disabled during the Performance Period, the prorata number of the PSUs shall be equal to (A) the total number of granted PSUs under Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from

4



the Date of Grant through the end of the calendar year that contains the date on which the Participant becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits and the denominator of which shall be 39 ( i.e. , the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month). For the avoidance of doubt, any short-term disability period shall be included when determining the numerator in the preceding sentence. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the actual number of PSUs to be settled shall be the prorated number of PSUs determined pursuant to this clause multiplied by the average STIP payout for the completed calendar years during the Performance Period before the year of settlement. For example, if the Participant becomes eligible for long-term disability benefits during the second calendar year of the Performance Period, the average STIP payout will be the average of the actual payout percentage determined for achievement of the corporate measures established under the STIP for the first and second calendar years during the Performance Period.
(ii)      Disabled On/After Date of Grant and Before Performance Period . If the Participant becomes Disabled on or after the Date of Grant, but before the Performance Period begins, the prorata number of the PSUs shall be equal to (A) the total number of granted PSUs under Section 1(a) plus any dividend equivalents multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which shall be the number of full calendar months elapsed from the Date of Grant through the end of the first calendar year of the Performance Period and the denominator of which shall be 39 ( i.e. , the number of calendar months in the Vesting Period, treating the calendar month following the Date of Grant as the first calendar month). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the actual number of PSUs to be settled shall be the prorated number of PSUs determined pursuant to this clause multiplied by the actual STIP payout percentage determined for achievement of the corporate measures established under the STIP for the first calendar year of the Performance Period, as determined by the Committee in its discretion.
(e)      Other Termination . If the Participant’s employment with the Company, all Affiliates and Subsidiaries terminates (i) by the Company for Cause at any time or (ii) by resignation before attainment of age 55 and before Retirement eligibility, then all outstanding PSUs, whether vested but unsettled or unvested, shall immediately terminate.
In no event shall any PSUs be settled before the Vesting Date except as provided above in the event of death, Disability or as otherwise determined by the Company.
4.      Compliance with Legal Requirements . The granting and settlement of the PSUs, and any other obligations of the Company under this Agreement, shall be subject to all applicable federal, provincial, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations and to such approvals by any regulatory or governmental agency as may be required.
(a)      Transferability . Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in writing, the PSUs shall not be transferable by Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.
(b)      No Rights as Stockholder . The Participant shall not be deemed for any purpose to be the owner of any shares of Stock subject to PSUs.

5



(c)      Tax Withholding . All distributions under the Plan are subject to withholding of all applicable federal, state, provincial, local and foreign income taxes and social contributions (the “Withholding Obligation”). The Company may satisfy such Withholding Obligation by any means whatsoever, including withholding cash from any other payment or amounts due to the Participant. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the Company will satisfy its Withholding Obligation by issuing, upon the settlement of the PSUs, a net number of shares of Stock to the Participant equal to the number of shares of Stock that the Participant would otherwise be entitled to receive on the Settlement Date minus such number of shares with a value determined on that date equal to any amount required to satisfy the Withholding Obligation.
5.      Miscellaneous .
(a)      Waiver . Any right of the Company contained in this Agreement may be waived in writing by the Committee. No waiver of any right hereunder by any party shall operate as a waiver of any other right, or as a waiver of the same right with respect to any subsequent occasion for its exercise, or as a waiver of any right to damages. No waiver by any party of any breach of this Agreement shall be held to constitute a waiver of any other breach or a waiver of the continuation of the same breach.
(b)      Notices . Any written notices provided for in this Agreement or the Plan shall be in writing and shall be deemed sufficiently given if either hand delivered or if sent by fax or overnight courier, or by postage paid first class mail. Notices sent by mail shall be deemed received three business days after mailing but in no event later than the date of actual receipt. Notices shall be directed, if to the Participant, at the Participant’s address indicated by the Company’s records, or if to the Company, to the attention of the Director, Corporate Compensation at the Company’s principal executive office.
(c)      Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Agreement shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement, and each other provision of this Agreement shall be severable and enforceable to the extent permitted by law.
(d)      No Rights to Employment . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as giving Participant any right to be retained, in any position, as an employee, consultant or director of the Company or its Affiliates or shall interfere with or restrict in any way the right of the Company or its Affiliates, which are hereby expressly reserved, to remove, terminate or discharge Participant at any time for any reason whatsoever.
(e)      Beneficiary . The Participant other than a Participant residing in the Province of Québec, may file with the Committee a written designation of a beneficiary on such form as may be prescribed by the Committee and may, from time to time, amend or revoke such designation. Any notice should be made to the attention of the Corporate Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal executive office. If no designated beneficiary survives the Participant, the Participant’s estate shall be deemed to be Participant’s beneficiary.

6



(f)      Québec Participant . The Participant residing in the Province of Québec may only designate a beneficiary by will. Upon the death of the Participant residing in the Province of Québec, the Company shall settle the PSUs pursuant to Section 2(c) of this Agreement to the liquidator, administrator or executor of the estate of the Participant.
(g)      Successors . The terms of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and its successors and assigns, and of the Participant and the beneficiaries, executors, administrators, heirs and successors of the Participant.
(h)      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Plan contain the entire agreement and understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein and supersede all prior communications, representations and negotiations in respect thereto. No change, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement shall be valid unless the same be in writing and signed by the parties hereto, except for any changes permitted without consent under Section 9 of the Plan.
(i)      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to principles of conflicts of law thereof, or principles of conflicts of laws of any other jurisdiction which could cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.
(j)      Headings . The headings of the Sections hereof are provided for convenience only and are not to serve as a basis for interpretation or construction, and shall not constitute a part, of this Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has executed this Agreement as of the day first written above.
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.


By: _____________________________________


7

EXHIBIT 10.3

SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
The Resolute Forest Products Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) as established by Resolute Forest Products Inc. (the “Company”), is hereby amended as follows, pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company on October 31, 2017 and the authority retained in Section 9 of the Plan.
1.    The heading of Section 7.2 of the Plan shall be amended to read as “ Minimum Vesting .”
2.    Section 7.2 of the Plan shall be amended by adding the following at the end thereof to read as follows:
“Notwithstanding the foregoing, effective for Awards granted on and after October 30, 2017, if the right to become vested in a Full Value Award of restricted stock units is conditioned on the completion of a specified period of service with the Company or the Subsidiaries, without achievement of Performance Measures or other performance objectives (whether or not related to Performance Measures) being required as a condition of vesting, and without it being granted in lieu of other compensation, then the required period of service for full vesting shall be not less than three years, or ratably (whether monthly, quarterly, annual or otherwise) over not less than a three-year period.”
3.    This amendment is effective on the date on which it was approved by the Board of Directors, and shall apply to all Awards made on or after such date. Except as otherwise provided herein, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Second Amendment to be executed by a duly authorized officer this 1 st day of November, 2017.
RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.


By:
__________________________________
    Richard Garneau
    President and Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT 31.1
Certification
I, Richard Garneau, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017 of RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered
by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 9, 2017
 
/s/ Richard Garneau
Richard Garneau
President and Chief Executive Officer





EXHIBIT 31.2
Certification
I, Jo-Ann Longworth, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017 of RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered
by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial
reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: November 9, 2017
 
/s/ Jo-Ann Longworth
Jo-Ann Longworth
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer





EXHIBIT 32.1
Certification
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10‑Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: November 9, 2017
/s/ Richard Garneau
 
Name: Richard Garneau
 
Title: President and Chief Executive Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Resolute Forest Products Inc. and will be retained by Resolute Forest Products Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.





EXHIBIT 32.2
Certification
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the undersigned officer of RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that the Company’s quarterly report on Form 10‑Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: November 9, 2017
/s/ Jo-Ann Longworth
 
Name: Jo-Ann Longworth
 
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906, or other document authenticating, acknowledging or otherwise adopting the signature that appears in typed form within the electronic version of this written statement required by Section 906, has been provided to Resolute Forest Products Inc. and will be retained by Resolute Forest Products Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.