Glatfelter Corp - Annual Report: 2020 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020

or

For the transition period from                  to

4350 Congress Street, Suite 600

Charlotte, North Carolina 28209

(Address of principal executive offices)

(704) 885-2555

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  ☐    No   ☑.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.  Yes  ☐    No  ☑.

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  ☑    No  ☐.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  ☑    No  ☐.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a small reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. ☑ Large accelerated filer ☐ Accelerated filer ☐ Non-accelerated filer ☐ Small reporting company ☐ Emerging Growth Company

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.  ☑

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

Based on the closing price as of June 30, 2020, the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by non‑affiliates was $691.3 million.

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.  ☐

Common Stock outstanding on February 18, 2021 totaled 44,367,836 shares.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be delivered to shareholders in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 6, 2021 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

GLATFELTER CORPORATION

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended

DECEMBER 31, 2020

Table of Contents

PART I

Glatfelter Corporation makes regular filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including this Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings are available, free of charge, on our website, www.glatfelter.com, and the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. We also provide copies of our SEC filings at no charge upon request to Investor Relations at (717) 225-2746, ir@glatfelter.com, or by mail to Investor Relations, 4350 Congress Street, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC 28209. In this filing, unless the context indicates otherwise, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company,” or “Glatfelter” refer to Glatfelter Corporation and subsidiaries.

The following discussion of our Business sets forth an update of the material developments since our most recent full discussion included in Item 1 – “Business” of our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2020.

Overview   Glatfelter is a leading global supplier of engineered materials.  Our high-quality, innovative, and customizable solutions are found in tea and single-serve coffee filtration, personal hygiene as well as in many diverse packaging, home improvement and industrial applications. Our annual net sales approximate $916 million with customers in over 100 countries. We own and operate eleven manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Our facilities have a combined production capacity of approximately 298,000 metric tons of composite fibers and airlaid materials used in a wide array of applications. In addition, we operate sales and distribution offices in Russia, Italy, China, and the United States.

Glatfelter has undergone a strategic transformation focused on becoming a leading engineered materials company accelerating growth through innovation and sustainability. The transformation includes unlocking value through the realignment of our product portfolio, investing in strategic growth opportunities, delivering shareholder distributions, and creating financial capacity for strategic flexibility. Our portfolio now consists of leading positions serving markets growing at or above gross domestic product rates, a predictable cash flow profile, and significantly improved adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (“EBITDA”).

We manage our business and make investment decisions under a functional operating model with two distinct reporting segments: Composite Fibers and Airlaid Materials. These segments serve growing global customers and markets providing innovative and customizable solutions, ultimately delivering high-quality engineered materials. As a leading global supplier of engineered materials for consumer and industrial applications, we partner with leading consumer product companies and other market leaders to provide innovative solutions delivering outstanding performance to meet market requirements. Over the past several years, we have divested non-strategic assets and made investments to increase production capacity and improve our technical capabilities to ensure we are best positioned to serve the market demands and grow our sales. We are committed to growing with our key markets and will make appropriate investments to support our customers and satisfy market demands.

On January 5, 2021, we signed a definitive agreement to purchase Georgia-Pacific's U.S. nonwovens business ("G-P”) for $175 million. This business includes the Mount Holly, NC manufacturing facility with annual production capacity of approximately 37,000 metric tons and an R&D center and pilot line for nonwovens product development in Memphis, TN. G-P had annual net sales of approximately $100 million. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory clearances. Additional information related to this pending acquisition is set forth in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data- Note 3 – “Acquisitions.”

Our strategy focuses on:

Segments Consolidated net sales and the relative net sales contribution of each of our two segments for the past three years are summarized below:

Net tons sold by each segment for the past three years were as follows:

COMPOSITE FIBERS   Our Composite Fibers segment, with annual net sales of approximately $525.1 million, processes specialty long fibers, primarily from natural sources such as abaca, and other materials to create premium value-added products in the following categories:

We believe Composite Fibers maintains a market leadership position in the single-serve coffee and tea filtration markets, wallcover base material and many other products it produces. We believe many of the markets served by Composite Fibers present attractive growth opportunities due to evolving consumer preferences, new or emerging geographic markets, new product innovation and increased market share through superior products and quality.

This segment’s net sales composition by categories is set forth in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data- Note 8 – “Revenue.”

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Composite Fibers is comprised of five paper making facilities (Germany (3), France and England), a metallizing operation (Wales) and a pulp mill (the Philippines). The combined attributes of the facilities are summarized as follows (in metric tons):

Composite Fibers’ lightweight products are produced using highly specialized inclined wire paper machine technology.

The primary raw materials used in the production of our lightweight materials are softwood pulps, abaca pulp, and other specialty fibers. Enough quantities of abaca pulp and its source material, abaca fiber, are important to support growth in this segment. Abaca pulp, a specialized pulp with limited sources of availability globally, is produced by our Philippine pulp mill, providing a unique advantage to our Composite Fibers segment. As the supply of abaca fiber becomes constrained or when production demands exceed the capacity of the Philippines mill, alternative sources and/or substitute fibers are used to meet customer demands.

In addition to critical raw materials, Composite Fibers’ production cost is influenced by the price of electricity and natural gas. In 2020, Composite Fibers purchased approximately 77% of its electricity needs, the cost of which is influenced by the natural gas markets. In addition, the segment generates all the steam used in production by burning natural gas.

In Composite Fibers’ markets, competition is product line specific as the necessity for technical expertise and specialized manufacturing equipment limits the number of companies offering multiple product lines. The following chart summarizes key competitors by market segment:

Our strategy in Composite Fibers is focused on:

AIRLAID MATERIALS   Airlaid Materials, with annual net sales of approximately $391.4 million, is a leading global supplier of highly absorbent and engineered cellulose-based airlaid nonwoven materials, primarily used to manufacture consumer products for growing global end-user markets. Our products are composed of all-natural fluff pulp, which is sustainable by design. The categories served by Airlaid Materials include:

Airlaid Materials’ customers are industry leading consumer product companies as well as private label converters. We believe this business holds a leading position in the majority of the markets it serves. Airlaid Materials has developed long-term customer relationships through superior quality, customer service, and a reputation for quickly bringing product and process innovations to market.

This segment’s net sales composition by categories is set forth in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data- Note 8 – “Revenue. “

The feminine hygiene category accounted for 52% and 51% of Airlaid Material’s net sales in 2020 and 2019, respectively. Most feminine hygiene sales are to a group of large, leading global consumer products companies. We believe these markets are growth oriented due to population growth in certain geographic regions and changing consumer preferences. In developing regions, demand is also influenced by increases in disposable income and cultural preferences.

Airlaid Materials operates state-of-the-art facilities in Falkenhagen and Steinfurt, Germany, Gatineau, Canada and Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Airlaid Materials’ four facilities operate with the following combined attributes (in metric tons):

Key raw material used in the airlaid production process other than fluff pulp include synthetic fibers, super absorbent polymers, and latex. The cost to produce is influenced by the cost of critical raw materials and energy prices. Airlaid Materials purchases substantially all the electricity and natural gas used in its operations. Approximately 74% of this segment’s net sales in 2020 was earned under contracts whose selling price is influenced by pass-through provisions directly related to the cost of certain key raw materials.

Airlaid Materials continues to be a technology and product innovation leader in technically demanding segments of the markets it serves. Its airlaid material production employs multi-bonded and thermal-bonded airlaid technologies as opposed to other methods such as hydrogen-bonding. We believe that its facilities are among the most modern and flexible airlaid facilities in the world, allowing it to produce at industry leading operating rates. Its proprietary single-lane festooning technology provides converting and product packaging capabilities which supports efficiency in the customers converting processes. Airlaid Materials’ in-house technical expertise combined with significant capital investment requirements and rigorous customer expectations creates large barriers to entry for new competitors.

The following summarizes Airlaid Materials’ key competitors:

The global markets served by Airlaid Materials are characterized by attractive growth opportunities. To take advantage of this, our strategy is focused on:

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Concentration of Customers   Approximately 16% of our consolidated net sales in each of the past three years was from sales to Procter & Gamble Company, a customer in the Airlaid Materials segment.

Capital Expenditures   Our business requires expenditures for equipment enhancements to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, and for normal upgrades or replacements. Most recently, we incurred significant expenditures for Airlaid Materials’ capacity expansion project completed in early 2018. Capital expenditures totaled $28.1 million, $27.8 million and $42.1 million in 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Capital expenditures in 2021 are estimated to total between approximately $38 million and $42 million.

Government Regulations   We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. These regulations include, among others, limits on air emissions and water use and discharges by our facilities throughout the world. Glatfelter is committed to operating responsibly and addressing the concerns and needs of our stakeholders. At various times, we have incurred costs to comply with these regulations and we could incur additional costs as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities change.

Human Capital Our business is guided by our Board of Directors and a diverse management team comprised of leaders with extensive business and industry experience. Additional information on our leadership team is set forth within this Form 10-K under the caption “Executive Officers.” As of December 31, 2020, we employed 2,415 people worldwide, the substantial majority of whom are skilled personnel responsible for the production and commercialization of our Composite Fibers and Airlaid Materials products. Our facilities are a continuous flow manufacturing operation with approximately 79% of our employees represented by local works councils or trade unions in Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the Philippines.  

The daily work of Glatfelter employees is rooted in the Company’s longstanding Code of Business Conduct and Core Values of Integrity, Financial Discipline, Mutual Respect, Customer focus, Environmental Responsibility and Social Responsibility.

Employee Health and Safety We have a well-established safety management system and ongoing employee wellness programs. The health and safety of our employees and their families have remained a top priority, and we have been diligently taking the necessary measures to protect them. This includes expanded safety, hygiene, and communication protocols throughout our facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We view health and safety as everyone’s responsibility and involve all employees at every level of the organization in our programs. Glatfelter facilities are striving to be “injury free every day” through implementation of our Global Health & Safety Protocol, regulatory compliance, site-specific safety plans, safety resources and training, ongoing risk assessment and a safety auditing program. We track multiple safety metrics, including total case incident rate (“TCIR”), to encourage and ensure continuous improvement and mitigation of potential safety risks. In recent years, our TCIR has consistently ranked in the top quartile of safety performance in our industry.

Talent Attraction, Retention and Development  Our employees make essential contributions to our success and ability to drive growth and innovation. Even as the organization has undertaken substantial change in recent years, our vision and Core Values remain the center of our steadfast compliant culture. We are always working to enhance our human resources programs by implementing and integrating enterprise-level processes for talent attraction, career development and training. Creating a best-in-class, globally consistent process for these employee experiences has become even more important as part of our strategic transformation and the move of our corporate headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina.

Glatfelter supports its team by providing fair wages, competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, diverse wellness programs and other benefits to help enhance the lives of our employees. We regularly review our employee offerings to ensure we are positioned to attract and retain world-class talent.

Employee Training Training and professional growth are central to developing our workforce and driving long-term success for our organization. Global training encompasses a variety of programs, from apprenticeships and machine-specific skill development, grant-funded partnerships, Lean Six Sigma principles training, leadership development and compliance training. To ensure we continue to have the necessary resources with skills necessary to support the production of increasingly sophisticated engineered materials, we invest in the development of skills necessary to operate our machinery including operational apprenticeship programs in many of our global locations.

Diversity and Inclusion We are a global company that encourages and embraces different cultures and backgrounds. Our employees, including our management team, are diverse – as our facilities hire locally for leadership positions, as well as salaried and production positions at all levels. We strive to create an inclusive culture and provide opportunities for people of all backgrounds to share their unique viewpoints and contribute to our success. The global nature of our business helps drive our inclusive corporate environment, as we regularly collaborate with colleagues who have different backgrounds, ethnicities and world views.

We are committed to ensuring our Company is diverse and inclusive place to work, while also strengthening the communities in which we live.

Other Available Information  The Corporate Governance page of our website includes our Governance Principles, Code of Business Conduct, and biographies of our Board of Directors and Executive Officers. In addition, the website includes charters of the Audit, Compensation, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance page also includes the Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers of Glatfelter, our “whistle-blower” policy and other related material. We satisfy the disclosure requirement for any future amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Business Conduct or Code of Business Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers by posting such information on our website. We will provide a copy of these documents, without charge, to any person who requests one by contacting Investor Relations at (717) 225-2746, ir@glatfelter.com or by mail to 4350 Congress Street, Suite 600, Charlotte, NC, 28209.

Our business and financial performance may be adversely affected by a weak global economic environment or downturns in the target markets that we serve.

Adverse global economic conditions could impact our target markets resulting in decreased demand for our products. Our results could be adversely affected if economic conditions weaken. Also, there may be periods during which demand for our products is insufficient to enable us to operate our production facilities at full capacity and in an economical manner which may force us to take machine downtime to curtail production to match demand.

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic as the virus spread throughout the world. As the virus continued its rapid spread, a significant portion of the world’s economies was significantly impacted, and will continue to be so, by government mandates that all “non-essential” businesses close and that residents “shelter-in-place” or practice “social distancing.” The actions undertaken across the globe in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus have had an unprecedented and significant adverse impact on global economies in terms of reduced GDP, increased unemployment, and insolvencies in a variety of industries and markets.

In the event economic activity continues to be adversely impacted, or the impact intensifies, due to the spread of COVID-19 or due to actions to control the spread, we could be forced to curtail operations further due to reduced customer demand, compliance with government mandates or the inability to adequately staff production facilities due to a widespread or sustained outbreak of COVID-19 at one or more of our facilities. In addition, our global supply chain could be disrupted, demand for our products, or the prices the products are sold, could be adversely impacted if economic conditions in the target markets that we serve remain weak or weaken further. We also could face potential legal actions that could arise due to our operations during the pandemic. This economic environment may also cause customer insolvencies which may result in their inability to satisfy their financial obligations to us. The conditions are beyond our control and may have a significant impact on our sales and results of operations.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on various economies throughout the world could lead to financial instabilities or insolvencies of some of our customers or the customers they in turn serve which could impact our ability to sell our products. These conditions are beyond our control and may have a significant impact on our sales and results of operations. As we cannot predict the duration or scope of the COVID-19 pandemic, in the event the spread continues or the government actions intensify, our results of operations and/or financial position could be adversely impacted.

Approximately 55% of our net sales in 2020 was from shipments to customers in Europe, the demand for which is dependent on economic conditions in this area, or to the extent such customers do business outside of Europe, in other regions of the world. Uncertain economic conditions in this region may cause weakness in demand for our products as well as volatility in our customers buying patterns.

The cost of raw materials and energy used to manufacture our products could increase or the availability of certain raw materials could become constrained.

We require access to sufficient, and reasonably priced, quantities of pulps, pulp substitutes, abaca fiber, synthetic fibers, and certain other raw materials, as well as access to reliable and abundant supplies of water to support many of our

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production facilities. We require significant quantities of wood pulps and, therefore, the volatility of wood pulp prices can have a significant impact on our results of operations.

Our Philippine mill purchases abaca fiber to produce abaca pulp, a key material used to manufacture paper for single-serve coffee, tea, and technical specialty products at Composite Fibers’ facilities. At certain times, the supply of abaca fiber has been constrained or the quality diminished due to factors such as weather-related damage to the source crop as well as decisions by landowners to produce alternative crops in lieu of those used to produce abaca fiber. These factors have contributed to volatility in fiber prices or limited available supply.

Airlaid Materials requires access to sufficient quantities of fluff pulp, the supply of which is subject to availability of certain softwoods.

The cost of many of our production materials, including petroleum-based chemicals and freight charges, are influenced by the cost of oil. Natural gas is the principal source of fuel for each of our facilities worldwide and has historically been more volatile than other fuels.

Government rules, regulations and policies have an impact on the cost of certain energy sources, particularly for our European operations. In Europe, we currently benefit from a number of government-sponsored programs related to, among others, green energy or renewable energy initiatives designed to mitigate the cost of electricity to larger industrial consumers of power. Any reduction in the extent of government sponsored incentives may adversely affect the cost ultimately borne by our operations.

Although we have contractual arrangements with certain Airlaid Materials customers pursuant to which our product’s selling price is adjusted for changes in the cost of certain raw materials, we may not be able to fully pass increased raw materials or energy costs on to all customers if the market will not bear the higher price or if existing agreements limit price increases. If price adjustments significantly trail increases in raw materials or energy prices, our operating results could be adversely affected.

Foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations could adversely affect our results of operations.

A significant proportion of our net sale and earnings is generated from operations outside of the United States. In addition, we own and operate manufacturing facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. A significant portion of our business is transacted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar including the euro, British pound, Canadian dollar, and Philippine peso, among others. Our euro denominated net sales exceeds euro expenses by an estimated €150 million. With respect to the British pound, Canadian dollar, and Philippine peso, we have greater outflows than inflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree than the euro. As a result, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant.

Our ability to maintain our products' price competitiveness is reliant, in part, on the relative strength of the currency in which the product is denominated compared to the currency of the market into which it is sold and the functional currency of our competitors. Changes in the rate of exchange of foreign currencies in relation to the U.S. dollar, and other currencies, may adversely impact our results of operations and our ability to offer products in certain markets at acceptable prices.

In the event of significant currency weakening in the countries into which our products are sold, demand for our products, pricing of our products, or a customer’s ability to satisfy obligations to us, could be adversely impacted.

Approximately $79 million of our net sales in 2020 was earned from customers located in Ukraine and Russia. Uncertain geo-political conditions, this region’s economic environment and volatile currencies may cause demand for our products to be volatile and cause abrupt changes in our customers buying patterns.

Our industry is highly competitive and increased competition could reduce our sales and profitability.

The global markets in which we compete are served by a variety of competitors and a variety of substrates. As a result, our ability to compete is sensitive to, and may be adversely impacted by:

The impact of any significant changes may result in our inability to effectively compete in the markets in which we operate, and as a result our sales and operating results would be adversely affected.

We may not be able to develop new products acceptable to our existing or potential customers.

Our business strategy is market focused and includes investments in developing new products to meet the changing needs of our customers, serve new customers and to maintain our market share. Our success will depend, in part, on our ability to develop and introduce new and enhanced products that keep pace with introductions by our competitors and changing customer preferences. If we fail to anticipate or respond adequately to these factors, we may lose opportunities for business with both current and potential customers. The success of our new product offerings will depend on several factors, including our ability to:

Our inability to develop new products or new business opportunities could adversely impact our business and ultimately harm our profitability.

We are subject to substantial costs and potential liability for environmental matters.

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations that govern our operations, including discharges into the environment, and the handling and disposal of hazardous substances and wastes. We are also subject to laws and regulations that impose liability and clean-up responsibility for releases of hazardous substances. To comply with environmental laws and regulations, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial expenditures.

We may incur obligations to remove or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment, such as air and water quality, resulting from mills we operate or have operated. Potential obligations include costs for government oversight of the remediation activities, the restoration of natural resources, and/or personal injury and property damages.

Airlaid Materials generates a substantial portion of its net sales from one customer serving the hygiene products market, the loss of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Airlaid Materials’ derives approximately 52% of its net sales from sales to the feminine hygiene market. In addition, one customer accounted for 39% of this segment’s sales, and the balance is concentrated with a small group of large customers. The loss of the large customer or a decline in sales of hygiene products could have a material adverse effect on this business’s operating results. Our ability to effectively compete could be affected by technological production alternatives which could provide substitute products into this market segment. Customers in the airlaid nonwoven fabric material market, including the hygiene market, may also switch to less expensive products, change preferences or otherwise reduce demand for Airlaid Materials’ products, thus reducing the size of the markets in which it currently sells its products. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance and business prospects.

Our operations may be impaired, and we may be exposed to potential losses and liability as a result of natural disasters, acts of terrorism or sabotage or similar events.

If we have a catastrophic loss or unforeseen operational disruption at any of our facilities, we could suffer significant lost production which could impair our ability to satisfy customer demands.

Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, hurricanes, typhoons, flooding or fire, and acts of terrorism or sabotage affecting our operating activities and major facilities could materially and adversely affect our operations, operating results and financial condition.

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In addition, many of our operations require a reliable and abundant supply of water. Such mills rely on a local water body or water source for their water needs and, therefore, are particularly sensitive to drought conditions or other natural or manmade interruptions to water supplies. Any interruption or curtailment of operations at any of our production facilities due to drought or low flow conditions at the principal water source or another cause could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition.

Our pulp mill in Lanao del Norte on the Island of Mindanao in the Republic of the Philippines is located along the Pacific Rim, one of the world’s hazard belts. By virtue of its geographic location, this mill is subject to similar types of natural disasters discussed above, cyclones, typhoons, and volcanic activity. Moreover, the area of Lanao del Norte has been a target of suspected terrorist activities. Our pulp mill in Mindanao is located in a rural portion of the island and is susceptible to attacks and/or power interruptions. The Mindanao mill supplies the abaca pulp used by Composite Fibers to manufacture paper for single serve coffee and tea products and certain technical specialties products. Any interruption, loss, or extended curtailment of operations at our Mindanao mill could affect our ability to meet customer demands for our products and materially affect our operating results and financial condition.

We have operations in a potentially politically and economically unstable location.

Our pulp mill in the Philippines is located in a region that is unstable and subject to political unrest. As discussed above, our Philippine pulp mill produces abaca pulp, a significant raw material used by Composite Fibers and is currently our main source of abaca pulp. There are limited suitable alternative sources of readily available abaca pulp in the world. In the event of a disruption in supply from our Philippine mill, there is no guarantee that we could obtain adequate amounts of abaca pulp, if at all, from alternative sources at a reasonable price. Further, there is no assurance the performance of such alternative materials will satisfy customer performance requirements. As a consequence, any civil disturbance, unrest, political instability, or other event that causes a disruption in supply could limit the availability of abaca pulp and would increase our cost of obtaining abaca pulp. Such occurrences could adversely impact our sales volumes, net sales, and operating results.

Our international operations pose certain risks that may adversely impact sales and earnings.

We have significant operations and assets located in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. Our international sales and operations are subject to a number of unique risks, in addition to the risks in our domestic sales and operations, including, but not limited to, economic and trade disruptions resulting from geopolitical developments, differing protections of intellectual property, trade barriers, labor unrest, exchange controls, regional economic uncertainty, differing (and possibly more stringent) labor regulation, risk of governmental expropriation, domestic and foreign customs and tariffs, differing regulatory environments, difficulty in managing widespread operations and political instability. These factors may adversely affect our future profits. Also, in some foreign jurisdictions, we may be subject to laws limiting the right and ability of entities organized or operating therein to pay dividends or remit earnings to affiliated companies unless specified conditions are met. Any such limitations would restrict our flexibility in using funds generated in those jurisdictions.

We are subject to cyber-security risks related to unauthorized or malicious access to sensitive customer, vendor, company, or employee information as well as to the technology that supports our operations and other business processes.

Our business operations rely upon secure systems for mill operations, and data capture, processing, storage, and reporting. Although we maintain appropriate data security and controls, our information technology systems, and those of our third-party providers, could become subject to cyberattacks. Systems such as ours are inherently exposed to cyber-security risks and potential attacks. The result of such attacks could result in a breach of data security and controls. Such a breach of our network, systems, applications or data could result in operational disruptions or damage or information misappropriation including, but not limited to, interruption to systems availability, denial of access to and misuse of applications required by our customers to conduct business with us, denial of access to the applications we use to plan our operations, procure materials, manufacture and ship products and account for orders, theft of intellectual knowhow and trade secrets, and inappropriate disclosure of confidential company, employee, customer or vendor information, could stem from such incidents.

Any of these operational disruptions and/or misappropriation of information could adversely affect our results of operations, create negative publicity, and could have a material effect on our business.

We operate in and are subject to taxation from numerous U.S. and foreign jurisdictions.

The multinational nature of our business subjects us to taxation in the U.S and numerous foreign jurisdictions. Due to economic and political conditions, tax rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change. Our effective tax rates could be affected by changes in tax laws or their interpretation or changes in the mix of earnings in jurisdictions with differing statutory tax rates, changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities. For example, the European Commission has opened formal investigations to examine whether decisions by the tax authorities in certain European countries comply with European Union rules on state aid. The outcome of the European Commission’s investigations could require changes to existing tax rulings that, in turn, could have an impact on our income taxes and results of operations.

In the event any of the above risk factors impact our business in a material way or in combination during the same period, we may be unable to generate enough cash flow to simultaneously fund our operations, finance capital expenditures, satisfy obligations and make dividend payments on our common stock.

In addition to debt service obligations, our business requires expenditures to support growth strategies, research and development initiatives, and for normal upgrades or replacements. We expect to meet all our near and long-term cash needs from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, availability under our credit facility or other long-term debt. If we are unable to generate enough cash flow from these sources, we could be unable to fund our operations, finance capital expenditures, satisfy our near and long-term cash needs or make dividend payments.

None.

We own substantially all the land and buildings comprising our manufacturing facilities located in Arkansas; Canada; the United Kingdom; Germany; France; and the Philippines; as well as substantially all of the equipment used in our manufacturing and related operations. Certain of our operations are under lease arrangements including our metallized paper production facility located in Caerphilly, Wales, office and various warehouse space in the United States, Canada, Europe, Russia, China and our corporate offices in Charlotte, NC and York, PA. All our properties, other than those that are leased, are free from any material liens or encumbrances. We consider all our buildings to be in good structural condition and well maintained and our properties to be suitable and adequate for present operations.

We are involved in various lawsuits that we consider to be ordinary and incidental to our business. The ultimate outcome of these lawsuits cannot be predicted with certainty; however, we do not expect such lawsuits, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, liquidity, or results of operations.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our executive officers and other senior management members of February 24, 2021

Dante C. Parrini became Chief Executive Officer effective January 1, 2011 and Chairman of the Board in May 2011. Prior to this, he was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, a position he held since February 2005. Mr. Parrini joined us in 1997 and previously served as Senior Vice President and General Manager, a position he held beginning in January 2003 and prior to that as Vice President responsible for Sales and Marketing.

Christopher W. Astley was named Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer in September 2019. Previously he was Senior Vice President & Business Unit President, Airlaid Materials a position he held since January 2015. He joined us in August 2010 as Vice President, Corporate Strategy and was promoted to Senior Vice President in February 2014. Prior to joining us, he was an entrepreneur leading a privately held business from 2004 until 2010. Prior to that Mr. Astley held positions with Accenture, a global management consulting firm, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Samuel L. Hillard was promoted to Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer in March of 2019. He joined us in March 2016 as Vice President, Corporate Development & Strategy. Prior to joining us, Mr. Hillard was Vice President – Business Development for Dover Corporation from July 2014 until 2016 where he was responsible for strategy and mergers & acquisitions within the Fluids Business Segment. From February 2011 to 2014, he served as Vice President – Business Development for SPX Corporation where he was responsible for all M&A related strategy activity within the Flow Technology Segment. Additionally, he previously worked for Blackstone in their M&A group.

Wolfgang Laures is our Senior Vice President, Integrated Global Supply Chain and Information Technology. He joined us in September 2019 with responsibility for our global supply chain and in July 2020 assumed additional leadership of Information Technology for Glatfelter. Prior to joining us, Mr. Laures served as Executive Vice President, Global Supply Chain and Digital Transformation from 2014 to 2019 for Perstorp Group, a private equity-owned specialty chemicals innovator. Prior to joining Perstorp, he held supply chain and operations-related roles at Avery Dennison, McKinsey & Company and Procter & Gamble.

Eileen L. Beck was promoted to Vice President Human Resources & Administration in April 2017. She joined us in 2012 as Director, Global Compensation and Benefits and was promoted to Vice President in September 2015. Ms. Beck previously held various Human Resources roles at Armstrong World Industries.

David C. Elder was named Vice President, Finance in December 2011 and serves as our Chief Accounting Officer. Prior to his promotion, he was our Vice President, Corporate Controller, a position held since joining Glatfelter in January 2006. Mr. Elder was previously Corporate Controller for YORK International Corporation.

Jill L. Urey was promoted to Vice President, Deputy General Counsel & Corporate Secretary in July 2019 and has led our legal function since December 2018. She joined Glatfelter in January 2013 as Assistant General Counsel and assumed the additional role of Chief Compliance Officer in the beginning of 2016. Prior to joining us, Ms. Urey was Corporate Counsel and later Interim General Counsel for Graham Packaging Company from 2007 to 2012.

Not Applicable

PART II

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “GLT”

Our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.135 per common share in beginning with the second quarter of 2020 and declared a $0.13 per share dividend in the first quarter of 2020 and each of the four quarters of 2019.

As of February 16, 2021, we had 902 shareholders of record.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following stock performance graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return of our common stock with the cumulative total returns of both a broad market index and a peer group. We compare our stock performance to the S&P Small Cap 600 index and to the S&P Small Cap 600 Paper Products index comprised of us, Clearwater Paper Corp., Neenah, Inc., and Schweitzer-Mauduit International.

The following graph assumes $100 was invested in our common stock, in each index, and in the peer group (including reinvestment of dividends) on December 31, 2015 and charts the performance through December 31, 2020.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

You should read the following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report. Our discussion and analysis of 2020 compared to 2019 is included herein. For discussion and analysis of 2019 compared to 2018, please refer to Item 7 of Part II, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, which was filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Forward-Looking Statements    This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact, including statements regarding industry prospects and future consolidated financial position or results of operations, made in this Report on Form 10-K are forward looking. We use words such as “anticipates”, “believes”, “expects”, “future”, “intends” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Our actual results may differ significantly from such expectations. The following discussion includes forward-looking statements regarding expectations of, among others, environmental costs, capital expenditures and liquidity, all of which are inherently difficult to predict. Although we make such statements based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from our expectations. Accordingly, we identify the following important factors, among others, which could cause our results to differ from any results that might be projected, forecasted or estimated in any such forward-looking statements:

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Introduction  We manufacture a wide array of engineered materials and manage our company along two operating segments:

Specialty Papers’ results of operations and financial condition are reported as discontinued operations. The following discussion and analysis primarily focuses on the financial results of operations and financial condition of our continuing operations.

COVID-19 Pandemic  On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic as the virus spread throughout the world. As the virus continued its rapid spread, a significant portion of the world’s economies were significantly impacted by government mandates that all “non-essential” businesses close and that residents “shelter-in-place” or practice “social distancing.” These actions have had, and are likely to have, a continuing significant adverse impact on a wide range of economies and industries throughout the world, including certain markets we serve.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the actions undertaken throughout the world in an attempt to contain the virus have had an unprecedented and significant adverse impact on global economies in terms of reduced GDP, increased unemployment, and insolvencies in a variety of industries and markets. As a result, we have experienced and may continue to experience weaker demand for certain of our products due to the effects of the pandemic, and there may be periods during which demand for our products is insufficient to enable us to operate our production facilities in an economical manner which may force us to take machine downtime to curtail production to match demand.

Our financial performance and results of operations have been impacted by the weaker economic conditions related to the pandemic as demand for wallcover products were significantly weaker particularly during the second quarter of 2020, although shipping volumes increased significantly during the second half of 2020. In addition, demand for tabletop products has been significantly adversely impacted by the pandemic and the effect on venues, such as restaurants, which use tabletop products. The majority of our other product portfolios is considered to be “essential” consumer staples. We believe demand for certain of our products, such as Composite Fibers’ food & beverage filtration products and Airlaid Materials’ personal hygiene and wipes, will remain strong. To date, we have successfully maintained our global supply chain securing critical raw materials with minimal disruptions or incremental costs and the demand for substantially all products has been stable as our customers continued to serve critical products to end-user consumers.

As disclosed in Item 1A – Risk Factors to this Annual Report, approximately $79 million of our net sales in 2020 was earned from customers located in Ukraine, Russia, and members of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The large majority of our net sales from this region consists of wallcover base material. During the second quarter of 2020, our wallcover net sales were significantly impacted by temporary suspension of operations of many of our customers due to government orders related to the pandemic. Although our customers have resumed operations and demand for our wallcover products returned to more normalized levels, if the governmental authorities reimplement actions to fight any resurgence of COVID-19 in these regions, or if economic hardships continue, sales to some of our customers, such as wallpaper printers, may be adversely impacted. In addition, as authorities instituted restrictions limiting business operations, social distancing and other health and safety measures, restaurants and similar venues globally were forced to significantly curtail or close their businesses. As a result, tabletop volumes in our Airlaid Materials segment were significantly lower in 2020.

The health and safety of our employees and their families are a top priority, and we remain committed to taking all the necessary measures to protect them. We have instituted appropriate new safety, hygiene, and communication protocols throughout our facilities to ensure we maintain our ability to produce product. Accordingly, we continue to proactively work to identify and mitigate risks to safeguard the continuity of our business. We believe we are well positioned from a liquidity and leverage perspective following the successful restructuring and cost optimization initiatives in 2019 and 2020 and the debt refinancing in 2019. As a result, we believe we are able to supply our customers high-quality engineered materials necessary to manufacture a variety of essential and life-sustaining consumer staples including wipes, health and hygiene products, and food and beverage items during this challenging time.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

2020 versus 2019

Overview For the year ended December 31, 2020 we reported income from continuing operations of $20.8 million, or $0.47 per share compared with a loss of $25.2 million, or $0.57 per share in 2019.

 The following table sets forth summarized GAAP-based consolidated results of operations:

We generated $109.0 million of cash from operations in 2020 compared with $102.8 million a year ago. The amount reported for 2019 includes $53.4 million of cash, before tax, available to us as a result of the pension plan termination and settlement of all liabilities. During 2020 and 2019, capital expenditures totaled $28.1 and $27.8 million, respectively.

The results presented above are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and reflect a number of significant actions we undertook including cost optimization, the restructuring and consolidation of our metallized business, debt refinancing and termination and settlement of our qualified pension plan, among others. Excluding these items from reported results, adjusted earnings, a non-GAAP measure, was $37.4 million, or $0.84 per diluted share for 2020, compared with $33.2 million, or $0.75 per diluted share, a year ago. Operating income for our segments, Composite Fibers and Airlaid Materials, increased by $4.2 million, or 8.8%, and $5.2 million, or 12.6%, respectively. Although growth in aggregate shipping volumes was limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the segments’ results benefited from a favorable mix of products sold, efficient operations and disciplined cost control. In addition, interest expense, net declined $2.7 million reflecting the benefits of our debt refinancing in 2019.

Adjusted earnings consists of net income determined in accordance with GAAP adjusted to exclude the impact of the following:

Discontinued Operations. In connection with the sale of the Specialty Papers business, its results of operations, including the loss recorded in 2018 connection with the sale, are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. This adjustment reflects the net results of this discontinued operation.

Restructuring charge – Metallized operations. This adjustment represents the charges incurred in connection with the decision to restructure a portion of the Composite Fibers segment, primarily consisting of the consolidation of our metallizing operation from Gernsbach, Germany to Caerphilly, U.K. The adjustment includes a non-cash charge of $5.0 million associated with accelerated depreciation and the write-off of inventory and spare parts in addition to cash severance costs totaling $6.1 million.

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Cost optimization actions. These adjustments reflect charges incurred in connection with initiatives to optimize the cost structure of the Company, including costs related to the organizational change to a functional operating model. The costs are primarily related to executive separations, other headcount reductions, professional fees, asset write-offs and certain contract termination costs. These adjustments, which have occurred at various times in the past, are irregular in timing and relate to specific identified programs to reduce or optimize the cost structure of a particular operating segment or the corporate function.

Corporate headquarters relocation. These adjustments reflect costs incurred in connection with the strategic relocation of the Company’s corporate headquarters to Charlotte, NC. The costs are primarily related to employee relocation costs and exit costs at the previous corporate headquarters.

Pension settlement expenses, net. This adjustment reflects expenses incurred in connection with the termination of the Company’s qualified pension plan in 2019 and the reversion of excess pension plan assets to the Company. In the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company incurred a $75.3 million pension settlement charge in connection with the termination of the plan. Since the pension plan was fully funded, the settlement of the pension obligations did not require the use of the Company’s cash, but instead was accomplished with plan assets. In connection with the reversion of excess pension plan assets in the second quarter of 2020, the Company incurred pension settlement expenses related to excise taxes, net of post settlement adjustments and certain related professional fees.

COVID-19 incremental costs. This adjustment represents incremental cash costs incurred directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic such as mill employee incentive payments, enhanced hygiene protocols, safety and supplies and professional fees primarily associated with the CARES Act benefit.

Asset Impairment Charge. This adjustment represents a non-cash charge recorded to reduce the carrying amount of a tradename intangible asset of the Dresden wallcover business due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on the underlying forecasted revenue stream.

Airlaid capacity expansion costs. These adjustments reflect non-capitalized, one-time costs incurred related to the start-up of a new airlaid production facility in Fort Smith, Arkansas and implementation of a new business system.

Strategic initiatives. These adjustments primarily reflect professional and legal fees incurred directly related to evaluating and executing certain strategic initiatives including costs associated with acquisitions and the related integration.

Debt refinancing costs. Represents a charge to write-off unamortized debt issuance costs in connection with the redemption of the Company’s $250 million, 5.375% Notes.

Fox River environmental matter. This adjustment excludes a gain and reflects a decrease in the Company’s overall reserve for the Fox River matter primarily due to the resolution of the litigation in the first quarter of 2019.

Timberland sales and related costs. These adjustments exclude gains from the sales of timberlands as these items are not considered to be part of our core business, ongoing results of operations or cash flows. These adjustments are irregular in timing and amount and may benefit our operating results.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act 2020. This adjustment reflects the tax benefit recognized as a result of the March 27, 2020 change in U.S. tax law which, among others, allows net operating losses to be carried back five years.

These adjustments are each unique and not considered to be on-going in nature. The transactions are irregular in timing and amount and may significantly impact our operating performance. As such, these items may not be indicative of our past or future performance and therefore are excluded for comparability purposes.

Adjusted earnings and adjusted earnings per diluted share are considered measures not calculated in accordance with GAAP, and therefore are non-GAAP measures. The non-GAAP financial information should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table sets forth the reconciliation of net income to adjusted earnings for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:

Segment Financial Performance

The sum of individual amounts set forth above may not agree to the consolidated financial statements included herein due to rounding.

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Segments Results of individual operating segments are presented based on our management accounting practices and management structure. There is no comprehensive, authoritative body of guidance for management accounting equivalent to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; therefore, the financial results of individual segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other company. The management accounting process uses assumptions and allocations to measure performance of the segments. Methodologies are refined from time to time as management accounting practices are enhanced and businesses change. The costs incurred by support areas not directly aligned with the operating segment are allocated primarily based on an estimated utilization of support area services or are included in “Other and Unallocated” in the table above.

Management evaluates results of operations of the segments before certain corporate level costs and the effects of certain gains or losses not considered to be related to the core business operations. Management believes that this is a more meaningful representation of the operating performance of its core businesses, the profitability of operating segments and the extent of cash flow generated from these core operations. Such amounts are presented under the caption “Other and Unallocated.” In the evaluation of operating segment results, management does not use any measures of total assets. This presentation is aligned with the management and operating structure of our company. It is also on this basis that the Company’s performance is evaluated internally and by the Company’s Board of Directors.

Sales and Costs of Products Sold

The following table sets forth the contribution to consolidated net sales by each segment:

Net sales on a consolidated basis totaled $916.5 million and $927.7 million in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The $11.2 million decrease was primarily driven by lower average selling prices partially offset by favorable currency translation. Shipping volumes increased 0.1%.

Composite Fibers’ net sales increased $3.4 million, or 0.7%, and totaled $525.1 million in 2020. The increase was primarily due to a more favorable mix of products sold and $7.1 million from favorable currency translation. Shipping volumes increased 1.0% and lower selling prices adversely impacted the comparison by $11.3 million.

Composite Fibers’ operating income for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $4.2 million to $52.1 million compared to a year ago. The segment’s results were favorably impacted by $10.4 million from lower raw material and energy prices, operational efficiencies, and volume/mix improvements. Currency was $0.9 million unfavorable compared to the prior year. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart (in millions):

Airlaid Materials’ net sales totaled $391.4 million in 2020, a $14.6 million decrease in the year-over-year comparison driven by $13.7 million of lower selling prices. Shipping volumes declined slightly as the closure of restaurants globally due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in significantly lower tabletop volumes. This decline was partially offset by strong shipments of home care, food pads and wipes products. Lower selling prices primarily reflects contractual pass-through arrangements. Currency translation was favorable $4.4 million.

Airlaid Materials’ operating income totaled $46.3 million, an increase of $5.2 million, or 12.6% compared to a year ago. The increase was primarily due to lower raw material and energy costs partially offset by lower selling prices, primarily reflecting pass-through arrangements. Currency translation was favorable $2.0 million. The primary drivers are summarized in the following chart (in millions):

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Other and Unallocated The amount of net operating expenses not allocated to an operating segment and reported as “Other and Unallocated” in our table of Segment Financial Performance, totaled $49.2 million for 2020 compared with $34.4 million in 2019. Excluding the items identified to present “adjusted earnings,” unallocated expenses for the comparison declined $1.3 million primarily reflecting cost reduction initiatives, position elimination and less travel.

Gain on Sales of Plant, Equipment and Timberlands, net    During each of the past two years, we completed the following sales of assets:

Income taxes For continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded a $11.6 million income tax provision on a pretax income of $32.4 million. The comparable amounts for 2019 were a $9.2 million income tax benefit on a pretax loss of $34.5 million. The income tax expense in 2020 includes the impact of nondeductible excise tax totaling $8.3 million partially offset by a $6.1 million benefit recorded in connection with passage of the CARES Act. This Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, modified the “net operating loss” provisions of previous law to allow certain losses to be carried back five years. These amounts are excluded from net income when arriving at adjusted earnings. The amounts for 2019 included a $23.1 million tax benefit recorded in connection with the $75.3 million pension settlement charge. In addition, income taxes in 2019 included a $3.0 million benefit due to the completion of tax audits and the release of certain state valuation allowances.

On adjusted pre-tax income of $60.5 million, income tax expense was $23.1 million in 2020. The comparable amounts in 2019 were $47.6 million and $14.0 million, respectively. The effective tax rate on adjusted earnings was 38.2% in the 2020 compared to 30.4% in 2019.

Foreign Currency We own and operate facilities in Canada, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Philippines. The functional currency of our Canadian operations is the U.S. dollar. However, in Germany and France it is the Euro, in the UK, it is the British pound sterling, and in the Philippines the functional currency is the peso. On an annual basis, our euro denominated net sales exceeds euro expenses by an estimated €150 million. For 2020 compared to 2019, the average currency exchange rate of the euro strengthened relative to the U.S. dollar by approximately 9.5% in the year over year comparison, and the British pound sterling to the dollar strengthened by approximately 2.3%. With respect to the British pound sterling, Canadian dollar, and Philippine peso, we have differing amounts of inflows and outflows of these currencies, although to a lesser degree than the euro. As a result, we are exposed to changes in currency exchange rates and such changes could be significant. The translation of the results from international operations into U.S. dollars is subject to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The table below summarizes the translation impact on reported results that changes in currency exchange rates had on our non-U.S. based operations from the conversion of these operation’s results for the period indicated.

The above table only presents the financial reporting impact of foreign currency translations assuming currency exchange rates in 2020 were the same as 2019, or “constant currency.” It does not present the impact of certain competitive advantages or disadvantages of operating or competing in multi-currency markets.

Discontinued Operations We completed the sale of our Specialty Papers business on October 31, 2018. Its results of operations are reported as discontinued operations for all periods presented. There was an immaterial amount of activity in results of discontinued operations for 2020. In 2019, we reported income from discontinued operations of $3.7 million

primarily relating to adjustments for post-closing working capital, pension and the reversal of tax reserves associated with the closure of tax matters, and other items in connection with the sale of Specialty Papers.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our business requires expenditures for new or enhanced equipment, research and development efforts, and to support our business strategy. In addition, we have mandatory debt service requirements of both principal and interest. The following table summarizes cash flow information for each of the periods presented:

At December 31, 2020, we had $99.6 million in cash and cash equivalents (“cash”), of which approximately 86% was held by foreign subsidiaries. Cash held by our foreign subsidiaries can be repatriated without incurring a significant amount of additional taxes. In addition to cash, as of December 31, 2020, $175.2 million was available under our existing revolving credit agreement.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $109.0 million in 2020 compared with $102.8 million a year ago, which included $53.4 million of cash received in connection with the termination of our overfunded qualified pension plan. The improvement in operating cash flow reflects a $12.9 million increase in EBITDA, adjusted to exclude items identified to determine adjusted earnings, $21.7 million from improved working capital usage, a $20.4 million tax refund associated with the CARES Act, and $17.2 million of lower cash used for the Fox River matter, partially offset by cash used for restructuring activities, excise taxes on the pension asset reversion and strategic initiatives in 2020. Cash used for interest payments declined $4.0 million in the comparison reflecting savings from our debt refinancing in early 2019.

Net cash used by investing activities decreased by $0.3 million in the year-over-year comparison. Capital expenditures totaled $28.1 million in 2020 compared with $27.8 million in 2019. Capital expenditures are expected to total between $38 million and $42 million in 2021.

Net cash used by financing activities totaled $100.3 million in 2020 compared with $72.8 million in 2019. The change in the year-to-year comparison primarily reflects reductions in amounts outstanding under our Revolving credit facility and term loan repayments.

The following table sets forth our outstanding long-term indebtedness:

Our revolving credit facility due in February 2024, contains a number of customary compliance covenants, the most restrictive of which is a maximum leverage ratio of 4.0x at the end of 2020. As of December 31, 2020, the leverage ratio, as calculated in accordance with the definition in our amended credit agreement, was 1.8x, within the limits set forth in our credit agreement.

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The table above sets forth our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2020. The significant terms of the debt instruments are more fully discussed in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 20 - “Long-Term Debt.” All term loans are denominated in euros and the balances reported are influenced by currency translation, the effect of which is mitigated by certain financial derivatives as discussed in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note - 22 “Financial Derivatives and Hedging Activities.”

In early 2019, we significantly changed our debt capital structure. In February 2019 we redeemed at par, all outstanding 5.375% Notes. In addition, on February 8, 2019, we entered into a new credit facility with a consortium of financial institutions. The new five-year facility (the “2019 Facility”) replaces our existing Revolving credit facility and consists of a $400 million variable rate revolver and a €220 million term loan. The other terms of the 2019 Facility are substantially similar to our then existing Revolving credit facility.

Financing activities includes cash used for common stock dividends. In 2020, we used $23.5 million of cash for dividends on our common stock compared with $22.9 million in 2019. In the second quarter of 2020, we increased the quarterly cash dividend by 3.85%. Our Board of Directors determines what, if any, dividends will be paid to our shareholders. Dividend payment decisions are based upon then-existing factors and conditions and, therefore, historical trends of dividend payments are not necessarily indicative of future payments.

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations intended to protect the environment as well as human health and safety. At various times, we have incurred costs to comply with these regulations and we could incur additional costs as new regulations are developed or regulatory priorities change.

As more fully discussed in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 24 – “Commitments, Contingencies and Legal Proceedings,” we are involved in the Lower Fox River in Wisconsin (the “Fox River”), an EPA Superfund site for which we remain potentially liable for certain government oversight and long-term monitoring and maintenance costs. Pursuant to a consent decree with certain government agencies entered into in January 2019, we paid $20.5 million for past government oversight costs. Although there remains some uncertainty as to the amount we may ultimately be required to spend, primarily for government oversight costs, the consent decree specifies the nature of our future obligations.

We expect to meet all our near and long-term cash needs, including the pending acquisition of Georgia-Pacific's U.S. nonwovens business for $175 million, from a combination of operating cash flow, cash and cash equivalents, our existing credit facility and other long-term debt.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements    As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, we had not entered into any off-balance-sheet arrangements. Financial derivative instruments, to which we are a party, and guarantees of indebtedness, which solely consist of obligations of subsidiaries, are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets included herein in Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Contractual Obligations    The following table sets forth contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020:

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates   The preceding discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial position and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses, and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, pension and post-employment obligations, environmental liabilities, and income taxes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

We believe the following represent the most significant and subjective estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Long- and indefinite-lived Assets    We evaluate the recoverability of our long- and indefinite-lived assets, including plant, equipment, timberlands, goodwill, and other intangible assets periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Goodwill and non-amortizing tradename intangible assets are reviewed for impairment annually, during the third quarter, or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. However, in 2020, as a result of potential impairment indicators related to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated such assets as of the end of the second quarter and, in connection with our normal review cycle, in the third quarter. In addition, in order to align the evaluation process more closely with the timing change for our strategic planning cycle, we changed the timing of the annual evaluation to be completed in the fourth quarter. Accordingly, we completed an evaluation during the fourth quarter of 2020, and we concluded there was no impairment of goodwill or non-amortizing tradename intangible assets.

The fair value of our reporting units, which are also our operating segments, is determined using a market approach and a discounted cash flow model. The fair value of non-amortizing tradename intangible assets is determined using a discounted cash flow model. Our evaluations include a variety of qualitative factors and analyses based on estimates of future cash flows expected to be generated from the use of the underlying assets, trends or other determinants of fair value. If the value of an asset determined by these evaluations is less than its carrying amount, a loss is recognized for the difference between the fair value and the carrying value of the asset. Future adverse changes in market conditions or poor operating results of the related business may indicate an inability to recover the carrying value of the assets, thereby possibly requiring an impairment charge in the future.

Pension and Other Post-Employment Obligations    Accounting for defined-benefit pension plans, and any curtailments or settlements thereof, requires various assumptions, including, but not limited to discount rates, expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, future compensation growth rates and mortality rates. Accounting for our retiree medical plans, and any curtailments or settlements thereof, also requires various assumptions, which include, but are not limited to, discount rates and annual rates of increase in the per capita costs of health care benefits.

The following chart summarizes the more significant assumption used in the actuarial valuation of our defined-benefit plans for each of the past three years:

We evaluate these assumptions at least once each year or as facts and circumstances dictate and we make changes as conditions warrant. Changes to these assumptions will increase or decrease our reported net periodic benefit expense, which will result in changes to the recorded benefit plan assets and liabilities.

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Environmental Liabilities    We maintain accruals for losses associated with environmental obligations when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated based on existing legislation and remediation technologies. These accruals are adjusted periodically as assessment and remediation actions continue and/or further legal or technical information develops. Such liabilities are exclusive of any insurance or other claims against third parties. Environmental costs are capitalized if the costs extend the life of the asset, increase its capacity and/or mitigate or prevent contamination from future operations. Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties, including insurance carriers, are recorded as assets when their receipt is assured beyond a reasonable doubt.

Income Taxes    We record the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and amounts reported in our consolidated balance sheets, as well as operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. These deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when such amounts are expected to reverse or be utilized. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability based on historical taxable income, projected future taxable income, the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences and tax planning strategies. If we are unable to generate sufficient future taxable income, or if there is a material change in the actual effective tax rates or time period within which the underlying temporary differences become taxable or deductible, we could be required to increase the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets, which may result in a substantial increase in our effective tax rate and a material adverse impact on our reported results.

Significant judgment is required in determining our worldwide provision for income taxes and recording the related assets and liabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, there are many transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is less than certain. We and our subsidiaries are examined by various Federal, State and foreign tax authorities. We regularly assess the potential outcomes of these examinations and any future examinations for the current or prior years in determining the adequacy of our provision for income taxes. We continually assess the likelihood and amount of potential adjustments and adjust the income tax provision, the current liability and deferred taxes in the period in which the facts that give rise to a revision become known.

Other significant accounting policies, not involving the same level of uncertainties as those discussed above, are nevertheless important to an understanding of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Refer to Item 8 – Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional accounting policies.