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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2020

			☐			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 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard

Suite 5000

Montreal

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)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share			RFP			New York Stock Exchange
						Toronto Stock Exchange
(Title of class)			(Trading Symbol)			(Name of exchange on which registered)

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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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, a 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

☒

Non-accelerated Filer

☐

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 ☒

As of October 30, 2020, there were 81,533,731 shares of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

			Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements:
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019			1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019			2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019			3
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019			4
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020 and 2019			6
Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements			7
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			50
Item 4. Controls and Procedures			50
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings			51
Item 1A. Risk Factors			51
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			52
Item 6. Exhibits			53
SIGNATURES			54

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PART I.    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts)

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			730						$			705									$			2,031						$			2,255
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs						475									558												1,463									1,648
Depreciation and amortization						43									42												125									124
Distribution costs						80									94												258									295
Selling, general and administrative expenses						35									30												101									103
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges						—									—												(2)									—
Net gain on disposition of assets						—									(1)												(9)									(1)
Operating income (loss)						97									(18)												95									86
Interest expense						(8)									(8)												(26)									(24)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						5									12												24									36
Other (expense) income, net						(14)									(17)												24									(22)
Income (loss) before income taxes						80									(31)												117									76
Income tax provision						(23)									(12)												(55)									(52)
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest						57									(43)												62									24
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest						—									—												—									—
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.			$			57						$			(43)									$			62						$			24
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
Basic			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26
Diluted			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding:
Basic						86.0									90.9												87.4									91.9
Diluted						86.2									90.9												87.6									93.0

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars)

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest			$			57						$			(43)									$			62						$			24
Other comprehensive income:
Unamortized prior service costs
Change in unamortized prior service costs						(1)									(2)												(17)									(9)
Income tax provision						—									—												—									—
Change in unamortized prior service costs, net of tax						(1)									(2)												(17)									(9)
Unamortized actuarial losses
Change in unamortized actuarial losses						14									6												46									17
Income tax provision						(3)									(2)												(10)									(4)
Change in unamortized actuarial losses, net of tax						11									4												36									13
Foreign currency translation						1									—												—									—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						11									2												19									4
Comprehensive income (loss) including noncontrolling interest						68									(41)												81									28
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest						—									—												—									—
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.			$			68						$			(41)									$			81						$			28

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amount)

			September 30, 2020									December 31, 2019
Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents			$			20						$			3
Accounts receivable, net:
Trade						273									273
Other						46									76
Inventories, net						511									522
Other current assets						58									33
Total current assets						908									907
Fixed assets, less accumulated depreciation of $1,543 and $1,658 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively						1,503									1,459
Amortizable intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $31 and $27 as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively						65									48
Goodwill						31									—
Deferred income tax assets						825									915
Operating lease right-of-use assets						56									61
Other assets						290									236
Total assets			$			3,678						$			3,626
Liabilities and equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			$			339						$			342
Current portion of long-term debt						2									1
Current portion of operating lease liabilities						8									8
Total current liabilities						349									351
Long-term debt, net of current portion						559									448
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations						1,337									1,460
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion						51									57
Other liabilities						82									75
Total liabilities						2,378									2,391
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value. 120.2 million shares issued and 82.6 million shares outstanding as of September 30, 2020; 119.5 million shares issued and 86.7 million shares outstanding as of December 31, 2019						—									—
Additional paid-in capital						3,805									3,802
Deficit						(1,183)									(1,245)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss						(1,160)									(1,179)
Treasury stock at cost, 37.6 million shares and 32.8 million shares as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively						(163)									(144)
Total Resolute Forest Products Inc. shareholders’ equity						1,299									1,234
Noncontrolling interest						1									1
Total equity						1,300									1,235
Total liabilities and equity			$			3,678						$			3,626

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars)

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
			Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common Stock									Additional Paid-In Capital									Deficit									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss									Treasury Stock									Non-controlling Interest									Total Equity
Balance as of June 30, 2020			$			—						$			3,805						$			(1,240)						$			(1,171)						$			(145)						$			1						$			1,250
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes						—									—									—									—									—									—									—
Net income						—									—									57									—									—									—									57
Purchases of treasury stock (4.5 million shares) (Note 12)						—									—									—									—									(18)									—									(18)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						—									—									—									11									—									—									11
Balance as of September 30, 2020			$			—						$			3,805						$			(1,183)						$			(1,160)						$			(163)						$			1						$			1,300

			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
			Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common Stock									Additional Paid-In Capital									Deficit									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss									Treasury Stock									Non-controlling Interest									Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2019			$			—						$			3,802						$			(1,245)						$			(1,179)						$			(144)						$			1						$			1,235
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes						—									3									—									—									—									—									3
Net income						—									—									62									—									—									—									62
Purchases of treasury stock (4.8 million shares) (Note 12)						—									—									—									—									(19)									—									(19)
Stock unit awards vested (0.7 million shares), net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes						—									—									—									—									—									—									—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						—									—									—									19									—									—									19
Balance as of September 30, 2020			$			—						$			3,805						$			(1,183)						$			(1,160)						$			(163)						$			1						$			1,300

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars)

			Three Months Ended September 30, 2019
			Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common Stock									Additional Paid-In Capital									Deficit									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss									Treasury Stock									Non- controlling Interest									Total Equity
Balance as of June 30, 2019			$			—						$			3,803						$			(1,131)						$			(948)						$			(125)						$			1						$			1,600
Net loss						—									—									(43)									—									—									—									(43)
Purchases of treasury stock (1.1 million shares) (Note 12)						—									—									—									—									(7)									—									(7)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						—									—									—									2									—									—									2
Balance as of September 30, 2019			$			—						$			3,803						$			(1,174)						$			(946)						$			(132)						$			1						$			1,552

			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019
			Resolute Forest Products Inc. Shareholders’ Equity
			Common Stock									Additional Paid-In Capital									Deficit									Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss									Treasury Stock									Non- controlling Interest									Total Equity
Balance as of December 31, 2018			$			—						$			3,802						$			(1,198)						$			(950)						$			(120)						$			1						$			1,535
Share-based compensation, net of withholding taxes						—									1									—									—									—									—									1
Net income						—									—									24									—									—									—									24
Purchases of treasury stock (1.8 million shares) (Note 12)						—									—									—									—									(12)									—									(12)
Stock unit awards vested (0.3 million shares), net of shares forfeited for employee withholding taxes						—									—									—									—									—									—									—
Other comprehensive income, net of tax						—									—									—									4									—									—									4
Balance as of September 30, 2019			$			—						$			3,803						$			(1,174)						$			(946)						$			(132)						$			1						$			1,552

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in millions of U.S. dollars)

			Nine Months Ended September 30,
			2020									2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income including noncontrolling interest			$			62						$			24
Adjustments to reconcile net income including noncontrolling interest to net cash provided by operating activities:
Share-based compensation						4									4
Depreciation and amortization						125									124
Deferred income taxes						55									52
Net pension contributions and other postretirement benefit payments						(66)									(96)
Net gain on disposition of assets						(9)									(1)
Loss (gain) on translation of foreign currency denominated deferred income taxes						23									(26)
(Gain) loss on translation of foreign currency denominated pension and other postretirement benefit obligations						(28)									27
Net planned major maintenance (payments) amortization						(2)									16
Changes in working capital:
Accounts receivable						20									60
Inventories						21									(14)
Other current assets						(21)									(11)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities						(14)									(41)
Other, net						6									2
Net cash provided by operating activities						176									120
Cash flows from investing activities:
Cash invested in fixed assets						(53)									(82)
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired						(172)									—
Disposition of assets						9									2
Decrease in countervailing duty cash deposits on supercalendered paper						—									1
Increase in countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits on softwood lumber						(52)									(46)
Decrease in countervailing duty cash deposits on uncoated groundwood paper						—									6
Proceeds from insurance settlement						15									—
Other investing activities, net						5									—
Net cash used in investing activities						(248)									(119)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net repayments under revolving credit facilities						(71)									—
Proceeds from long-term debt						180									—
Repayments of debt						(1)									(225)
Purchases of treasury stock						(19)									(12)
Payments of financing and credit facility fees						—									(2)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities						89									(239)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash						—									1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash			$			17						$			(237)
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
Beginning of period			$			42						$			345
End of period			$			59						$			108
Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period:
Cash and cash equivalents			$			20						$			69
Restricted cash (included in “Other assets”)			$			39						$			39

See accompanying notes to unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements.

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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, 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, and paper, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. We own or operate some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada.

Financial statements

Our interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes (or, the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or, 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 (or, “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, 2020, 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, 2019, filed with the SEC on March 2, 2020. Certain prior period amounts in the notes to our Consolidated Financial Statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2020 presentation.

Use of estimates

The uncertainties around the novel coronavirus (or, “COVID-19”) pandemic required the use of judgments and estimates that resulted in no significant impacts to our Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020. The future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic could generate, in future reporting periods, a significant risk of material adjustment to the carrying amounts of deferred income tax assets and long-lived assets.

New accounting pronouncements adopted in 2020

ASU 2016-13 “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”

Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted on a modified retrospective basis Accounting Standards Update (or, “ASU”) 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or, the “FASB”) in 2016 and amended in 2018 by ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” which introduces the current expected credit losses model in the estimation of credit losses on financial instruments. The adoption of this new accounting guidance did not impact the opening deficit balance as of January 1, 2020. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-13, our accounts receivable accounting policy was updated as follows:

Accounts receivable are recorded at cost, net of an allowance for expected credit losses that is based on expected collectability, and such carrying value approximates fair value.

Accounts receivable are subject to impairment review that is based on the aging method. Impairment is calculated based on how long a receivable has been outstanding. We established an impairment loss allowance by considering historical credit loss experience (based on days past due), current conditions, and forward-looking factors specific to the customers and the economic environment.

We also consider if we are no longer doing business with the customer, and any other factors that may affect collectability from customers with significant outstanding balances. A receivable is written off when there is no reasonable expectation of recovering the contractual cash flows. Usually, the allowance for doubtful accounts fully covers the receivable.

ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement”

Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-13 “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” issued by the FASB in 2018. The adoption of this accounting guidance did not impact our Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

ASU 2018-15 “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract”

Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2018-15, “Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract,” issued by the FASB in 2018, which aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use software license). The adoption of this accounting guidance did not materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

Accounting pronouncement not yet adopted as of September 30, 2020

ASU 2020-04 “Reference Rate Reform”

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform,” which provides optional guidance for a limited period of time to ease the potential burden in accounting for (or recognizing the effects of) reference rate reform on financial reporting. This update provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. This update is effective as of March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. We are currently evaluating this accounting guidance and have not elected an adoption date. We do not expect this accounting guidance to materially impact our results of operations or financial position.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 2. Business Acquisition

On February 1, 2020 (or, the “Acquisition Date”), we acquired from Conifex Timber Inc. all of the equity securities and membership interests in certain of its subsidiaries, the business of which consists mainly in the operation of three sawmills and related assets in Cross City (Florida) and in Glenwood and El Dorado (Arkansas) (or, the “U.S. Sawmill Business”). The U.S. Sawmill Business acquired produces construction-grade dimensional lumber and decking products from locally sourced southern yellow pine for distribution within the U.S. This acquisition will diversify our lumber production, and increase our operating capacity in the U.S. South.

The fair value of the consideration, paid in cash, for the U.S. Sawmill Business acquired is $173 million. We intend to structure the acquisition as an asset purchase for tax purposes.

We account for business combinations using the acquisition method as of the date control is transferred to us. Under this approach, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their respective fair values at the date of acquisition. Any amount of the purchase price paid that is in excess of the estimated fair values of net identifiable assets acquired is recorded in “Goodwill” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

The following table summarizes our preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the Acquisition Date:

(Unaudited, in millions)
Current assets (1)			$			19
Fixed assets						114
Amortizable intangible assets (2)						21
Operating lease right-of-use assets						2
Goodwill (3)						31
Total assets acquired and goodwill			$			187
Current liabilities			$			11
Long-term debt, net of current portion						2
Operating lease liabilities, net of current portion						1
Total liabilities assumed			$			14
Net assets acquired			$			173
Fair value of consideration transferred			$			173

(1)Includes cash and cash equivalents of $1 million.

(2)These intangible assets are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of 10 years. The fair value of the customer relationships was determined using the income approach through an excess earnings analysis discounted at a rate of 12.6%.

(3)The goodwill represents the future economic benefit arising from other assets acquired that could not be individually identified and separately recognized and is mostly attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business’s assembled workforce and synergies expected from combining our operations with the U.S. Sawmill Business. Goodwill has been assigned to the wood products reportable segment for the purposes of impairment testing. The total amount of goodwill is deductible for tax purposes.

The allocation of the purchase price to assets acquired and liabilities assumed was based upon a preliminary valuation for all items and may be subject to adjustment during the 12-month measurement period following the Acquisition Date since we are finalizing the assumptions in regards to the fair values of these assets and liabilities.

The allocation of the purchase price was based on management’s estimate of the fair values of the acquired identifiable assets and assumed liabilities using valuation techniques including income, cost and market approaches. We utilized both the cost and market approaches to value fixed assets, and both the income and cost approaches to value intangible assets (Level 3).

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

From the Acquisition Date to the nine months period ended September 30, 2020, our consolidated financial results included sales of $98 million and net income of $32 million attributable to the U.S. Sawmill Business. In connection with the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, we also recognized transaction costs of $3 million in “Other (expense) income, net” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2020.

The following unaudited pro forma information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, represents our results of operations as if the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business had occurred on January 1, 2019, excluding the results of operations of the El Dorado sawmill that has been idled since October 2019. This pro forma information does not purport to be indicative of the results that would have occurred for the periods presented or that may be expected in the future.

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			730						$			729									$			2,039						$			2,328
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.			$			57						$			(48)									$			65						$			6

Note 3. Other (Expense) Income, Net

Other (expense) income, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was comprised of the following:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Foreign exchange (loss) gain			$			(5)						$			1									$			9						$			(9)
Insurance recovery (1)						—									—												15									—
Provision related to a litigation (2)						—									(23)												—									(23)
Miscellaneous (expense) income						(9)									5												—									10
			$			(14)						$			(17)									$			24						$			(22)

(1)We recorded $15 million as other income for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, from the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas Paper Holdings, Inc. (or, “Atlas”) in 2015.

(2)We accrued C$30 million of legal indemnity and interest costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, in connection with the Quebec Superior Court decision of the fair value of the shares of former dissenting shareholders of Fibrek Inc. (or, “Fibrek”) upon acquisition in 2012. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies – Fibrek acquisition,” for more information.

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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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

(Unaudited, in millions)			Unamortized Prior Service Costs									Unamortized Actuarial Losses									Foreign Currency Translation									Total
Balance as of June 30, 2020			$			—						$			(1,164)						$			(7)						$			(1,171)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications						—									—									1									1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss						(1)									11									—									10
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income						(1)									11									1									11
Balance as of September 30, 2020			$			(1)						$			(1,153)						$			(6)						$			(1,160)

(Unaudited, in millions)			Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs)									Unamortized Actuarial Losses									Foreign Currency Translation									Total
Balance as of December 31, 2019			$			16						$			(1,189)						$			(6)						$			(1,179)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss						(17)									36									—									19
Balance as of September 30, 2020			$			(1)						$			(1,153)						$			(6)						$			(1,160)

(Unaudited, in millions)			Unamortized Prior Service Credits									Unamortized Actuarial Losses									Foreign Currency Translation									Total
Balance as of June 30, 2019			$			21						$			(962)						$			(7)						$			(948)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss						(2)									4									—									2
Balance as of September 30, 2019			$			19						$			(958)						$			(7)						$			(946)

(Unaudited, in millions)			Unamortized Prior Service Credits									Unamortized Actuarial Losses									Foreign Currency Translation									Total
Balance as of December 31, 2018			$			28						$			(971)						$			(7)						$			(950)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications						—									(3)									—									(3)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss						(9)									16									—									7
Net current period other comprehensive (loss) income						(9)									13									—									4
Balance as of September 30, 2019			$			19						$			(958)						$			(7)						$			(946)

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

The reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were comprised of the following:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																		Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019									2020									2019									Affected Line in the Consolidated Statements of Operations
Unamortized Prior Service Credits (Costs)
Amortization of prior service credits (costs)			$			(1)						$			(2)						$			(3)						$			(8)						Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
Other items						—									—									(14)									(1)
						—									—									—									—						Income tax provision
Net of tax						(1)									(2)									(17)									(9)
Unamortized Actuarial Losses
Amortization of actuarial losses						14									6									43									21						Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits (1)
Other items						—									—									3									—
						(3)									(2)									(10)									(5)						Income tax provision
Net of tax						11									4									36									16
Total Reclassifications			$			10						$			2						$			19						$			7

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

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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, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Numerator:
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.			$			57						$			(43)									$			62						$			24
Denominator:
Weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding						86.0									90.9												87.4									91.9
Dilutive impact of nonvested stock unit awards						0.2									—												0.2									1.1
Diluted weighted-average number of Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shares outstanding						86.2									90.9												87.6									93.0
Net income (loss) per share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
Basic			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26
Diluted			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26

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 their impact would have been antidilutive, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

			Three Months Ended September 30,															Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020						2019									2020						2019
Stock options			0.9						1.0									0.9						1.0
Stock unit awards			0.6						2.1									0.7						—

Note 6. Inventories, Net

Inventories, net as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)			September 30, 2020									December 31, 2019
Raw materials			$			130						$			128
Work in process						44									46
Finished goods						146									164
Mill stores and other supplies						191									184
			$			511						$			522

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities

Accounts payable and accrued liabilities as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, were comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)			September 30, 2020									December 31, 2019
Trade accounts payable			$			249						$			255
Accrued compensation						51									52
Accrued interest						9									3
Pension and other postretirement benefit obligations						14									15
Income and other taxes payable						5									4
Other						11									13
			$			339						$			342

Note 8. Long-Term Debt

Overview

Long-term debt, including current portion, as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was comprised of the following:

(Unaudited, in millions)			September 30, 2020									December 31, 2019
5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023:
Principal amount			$			375						$			375
Deferred financing costs						(2)									(3)
Unamortized discount						(1)									(1)
Total 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023						372									371
Term loans due 2030						180									—
Borrowings under revolving credit facilities						—									71
Finance lease obligations						9									7
Total debt						561									449
Less: Current portion of finance lease obligations						(2)									(1)
Long-term debt, net of current portion			$			559						$			448

2023 Notes

We issued $600 million in aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (or, the “2023 Notes”) on May 8, 2013. Upon their issuance, the 2023 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 2023 Notes, resulting in an effective interest rate of 6%. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually beginning November 15, 2013, until their maturity date of May 15, 2023. In connection with the issuance of the 2023 Notes, we incurred financing costs of $9 million, which were deferred and recorded as a reduction of the 2023 Notes. Deferred financing costs are amortized to “Interest expense” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations using the interest method over the term of the 2023 Notes.

On January 3, 2019, we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2023 Notes, pursuant to a notes purchase agreement entered into on December 21, 2018, with certain noteholders, at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest. As a result of the repurchase, we recorded a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $3 million in “Other (expense) income, net” in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2019.

The fair value of the 2023 Notes (Level 1) was $369 million and $380 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Senior Secured Credit Facility

On September 7, 2016, we entered into a senior secured credit facility for up to $185 million. This senior secured credit facility provided a term loan of $46 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2025, and a revolving credit facility of up to $139 million with a maturity date of September 7, 2022. On October 28, 2019, we entered into an amended and restated senior secured credit facility (or, the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) for up to $360 million, replacing our existing $185 million senior secured credit facility. The Senior Secured Credit Facility provides a term loan facility of up to $180 million with a delayed draw period of up to three years, and the choice of maturities of six to 10 years from the date of drawing (or, the “Term Loan Facility”), and a six-year revolving credit facility of up to $180 million with a maturity date of October 28, 2025 (or, the “Revolving Credit Facility”). There is also an uncommitted option to increase the Senior Secured Credit Facility by up to an additional $360 million, subject to certain terms and conditions. On October 28, 2019, we repaid our $46 million term loan by borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility.

In March 2020, we borrowed under the Term Loan Facility $180 million in term loans maturing in 2030. As of September 30, 2020, we had $180 million of availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, which was undrawn. The fair values of the Term Loan Facility (Level 2) and Revolving Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated their carrying values as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

ABL Credit Facility

On May 14, 2019, we entered into an amended senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (or, the “ABL Credit Facility”) with an aggregate lender commitment of up to $500 million at any time outstanding, subject to borrowing base availability based on specified advance rates, eligibility criteria and customary reserves. The amended credit agreement provides for an extension of the maturity date to May 14, 2024. As of September 30, 2020, we had $277 million of availability under the ABL Credit Facility, which was undrawn except for $57 million of ordinary course letters of credit outstanding. The fair value of the ABL Credit Facility (Level 2) approximated its carrying value as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Secured Term Loan Facility

On November 4, 2020, we entered into a 10-year secured delayed term loan facility with Investissement Québec. For more information, see Note 14, “Subsequent Event,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 9. Employee Benefit Plans

Pension and other postretirement benefit plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) relating to our pension and OPEB plans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, were as follows:

Pension Plans:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Interest cost			$			38						$			45									$			112						$			135
Expected return on plan assets						(57)									(63)												(168)									(187)
Amortization of actuarial losses						15									8												47									26
Amortization of prior service credits						—									1												—									—
Non-operating pension credits						(4)									(9)												(9)									(26)
Service cost						4									4												11									11
Net periodic benefit (credits) costs before special events						—									(5)												2									(15)
Other (gains) losses						—									—												3									(1)
			$			—						$			(5)									$			5						$			(16)

OPEB Plans:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Interest cost			$			1						$			2									$			3						$			4
Amortization of actuarial gains						(1)									(2)												(4)									(5)
Amortization of prior service credits						(1)									(3)												(3)									(8)
Non-operating other postretirement benefit credits						(1)									(3)												(4)									(9)
Service cost						(1)									—												—									—
Net periodic benefit credits before special events						(2)									(3)												(4)									(9)
Curtailment gain						—									—												(14)									—
			$			(2)						$			(3)									$			(18)						$			(9)

Defined contribution plans

Our expense for the defined contribution plans totaled $4 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $12 million and $14 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 10. Income Taxes

The income tax provision attributable to income (loss) before income taxes differs from the amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, as a result of the following:

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Income (loss) before income taxes			$			80						$			(31)									$			117						$			76
Income tax provision:
Expected income tax (provision) benefit						(17)									6												(25)									(16)
Changes resulting from:
Valuation allowance (1)						(5)									(7)												(21)									(18)
Foreign exchange						2									(3)												(8)									1
U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings (2)						(1)									(6)												(1)									(11)
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit						1									3												3									5
Foreign tax rate differences						(5)									(1)												(10)									(10)
Other, net (3)						2									(4)												7									(3)
			$			(23)						$			(12)									$			(55)						$			(52)

(1)Relates to our U.S. operations.

(2)Reduces income tax benefits on U.S. losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

(3)Includes $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020, related to the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas.

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies

Legal matters

We become involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inquiries, investigations, and other disputes in the normal course of business, including matters related to contracts, commercial and trade disputes, taxes, environmental issues, activist damages, employment and workers’ compensation claims, grievances, human rights complaints, pension and benefit plans and obligations, health and safety, product safety and liability, asbestos exposure, financial reporting and disclosure obligations, corporate governance, First Nations claims, antitrust, governmental regulations, 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, 2020, will not have a material adverse effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Asbestos-related lawsuits

We are involved in a number of asbestos-related lawsuits filed primarily in U.S. state courts, including certain cases involving multiple defendants. These lawsuits principally allege direct or indirect personal injury or death resulting from exposure to asbestos-containing premises. While we dispute the plaintiffs’ allegations and intend to vigorously defend these claims, the ultimate resolution of these matters cannot be determined at this time. These lawsuits frequently involve claims for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and we are unable to reasonably estimate a range of possible losses. However, unfavorable rulings, judgments or settlement terms could materially impact our Consolidated Financial Statements. Hearings for certain of these matters are scheduled to occur in the next twelve months.

Countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations on softwood lumber

On November 25, 2016, countervailing duty and anti-dumping petitions were filed with the U.S. Department of Commerce (or, “Commerce”) and the U.S. International Trade Commission (or, “ITC”) by certain U.S. softwood lumber products 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 petitions 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 duty and anti-dumping investigations.

On April 24, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the countervailing duty investigation and, as a result, after April 28, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency (or, “U.S. Customs”) at a rate of 12.82% for estimated countervailing duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. The preliminary rate remained in effect until August 26, 2017. Commerce changed the rate in its final affirmative determination on November 2, 2017, but the new rate did not take effect until December 28, 2017, following the ITC’s final affirmative determination and the publication by Commerce of a countervailing duty order. Since that date, we have been required to resume paying cash deposits to U.S. Customs at a rate of 14.70% for our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. This rate will apply until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or a new rate may be set through a remand determination by a North American Free Trade Agreement binational panel (or, “Panel”) on appeal. Through September 30, 2020, our cash deposits totaled $170 million and, based on the 14.70% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $50 million per year. Commerce issued on January 31, 2020, its preliminary results in the countervailing duties administrative review, and on May 15, 2020, and July 10, 2020, issued its post-preliminary results establishing our new preliminary rates at 17.57% for the period of review from April 28, 2017, to December 31, 2017, and at 17.11% for the period of review from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, which are not yet effective. The new rate to be established in the final results for the period of review from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018, will be used as the basis for cash deposits to U.S. Customs from the publication of the final results.

On June 26, 2017, Commerce announced its preliminary determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, after June 30, 2017, we were required to pay cash deposits to U.S. Customs at a rate of 4.59% for estimated anti-dumping duties on our U.S. imports of softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills. On November 2, 2017, Commerce announced its final affirmative determination in the anti-dumping investigation and, as a result, since November 8, 2017, we have been required to pay cash deposits to U.S. Customs, at a rate of 3.20% for our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. This rate will apply until Commerce sets a duty rate in an administrative review, or a new rate may be set through a remand determination by a Panel on appeal. Through September 30, 2020, our cash deposits totaled

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$44 million and, based on the 3.20% rate and our current operating parameters, could be as high as $10 million per year. On January 31, 2020, Commerce issued its preliminary results in the anti-dumping administrative review and established our new preliminary rate at 1.18%, which will not be effective until the issuance of the final results.

On April 1, 2019, Commerce published a notice initiating the administrative reviews of the countervailing duty and anti-dumping orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. We were selected as a mandatory respondent in these administrative reviews and we are in the process of responding to Commerce with the information requested. On March 10, 2020, Commerce published a notice initiating the second administrative review of the countervailing duty and anti-dumping orders on softwood lumber products from Canada. We were selected as a mandatory respondent for the second administrative review of the countervailing duty order and we are acting as a voluntary respondent for the second administrative review of the anti-dumping order.

In parallel, on September 4, 2019, a Panel issued an interim decision upholding the affirmative final injury determinations of the ITC in both investigations of softwood lumber products from Canada. The Panel remanded the ITC to reconsider several findings and ordered the ITC to submit its redetermination on remand within 90 days from the date of the Panel interim decision. On December 19, 2019, the ITC issued its redetermination on remand that maintained the affirmative final injury determinations, and on May 22, 2020, the Panel issued its final decision and affirmed in its entirety the ITC’s injury determination on remand.

In addition, on August 24, 2020, the World Trade Organization’s (or, “WTO”) dispute panel issued a report (or, the “Panel Report”) in the case brought by the government of Canada in “United States — Countervailing Measures on Softwood Lumber from Canada” (DS533), concluding, among other things, that Commerce acted inconsistently with the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing Measures on most of the matters. On September 28, 2020, the United States notified the WTO’s dispute settlement body of its decision to appeal the Panel Report.

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, if any, on our U.S. imports of Canadian-produced softwood lumber products. Accordingly, no contingent loss was recorded in respect of these petitions in our Consolidated Statements of Operations, and our cash deposits were recorded in “Other assets” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Cash deposits for the countervailing duty and anti-dumping investigations through December 31, 2019, totaled $128 million and $34 million, respectively.

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. shares, following the approval of Fibrek’s shareholders on July 23, 2012, and the issuance of a final order by the Quebec Superior Court in Canada (or, “Quebec Superior Court”) approving the arrangement on July 27, 2012. Certain former shareholders of Fibrek exercised 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. On September 26, 2019, the Quebec Superior Court rendered a decision fixing the fair value of the shares of the dissenting shareholders at C$1.99 per share, or C$31 million in aggregate, plus interest and an additional indemnity, for a total estimated at C$44 million payable in cash. As previously reported, we had accrued C$14 million for the payment of the dissenting shareholders’ claims and accrued an additional C$30 million following the court decision. Of the total amount of C$44 million, C$19 million was payable immediately and paid on October 2, 2019, bringing the remaining balance to C$25 million ($19 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019), which was recorded in “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019. We are appealing the decision, therefore the payment of any additional consideration and its timing will depend on the outcome of the appeal. On November 13, 2019, a legal hypothec in the amount of C$30 million was registered on our Saint-Félicien (Quebec) immovable and movable property to secure the payment of any additional amounts following the outcome of the appeal.

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) (or, 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’

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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 C$150 million ($113 million), would have to be funded if we do not obtain the relief sought. The hearing in this matter has not yet been scheduled but could occur in the next twelve months.

Environmental matters

We are subject to a number of federal or national, state, provincial, and local environmental laws, regulations, and orders in various jurisdictions. We believe our operations are in material compliance with current applicable environmental laws and regulations. Environmental regulations promulgated and orders issued 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 a hazardous waste site that is being addressed pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (commonly known as Superfund). We believe we will not be liable for any significant amounts at this site.

We have environmental liabilities of $8 million recorded as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, primarily related to environmental remediation related to closed sites. The amount of these liabilities represents management’s estimate of 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” and “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We also have asset retirement obligations of $26 million recorded as of both September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 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” and “Other liabilities” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Note 12. Share Capital

On March 2, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 15% of our common stock, for an aggregate consideration of up to $100 million. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased 4.5 million and 4.8 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $18 million and $19 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019, we repurchased 1.1 million and 1.8 million shares, respectively, at a cost of $7 million and $12 million under our $150 million share repurchase program, which was completed in 2019.

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Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 13. 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, and paper. As of the second quarter of 2020, the results from our newsprint and specialty papers operations have been combined to form the paper reportable segment. This better reflects management’s internal analysis, given the diminishing percentage newsprint and specialty papers represent in our product portfolio. Comparative year information has been modified to conform to this revised segment presentation.

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, gains and losses on disposition of assets, 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.”

Information about certain segment data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

(Unaudited, in millions)			Market Pulp (1)									Tissue									Wood Products (2)									Paper												Segment Total									Corporate and Other									Total
Sales
Third quarter
2020			$			161						$			39						$			322						$			208															$			730						$			—						$			730
2019			$			201						$			43						$			146						$			315															$			705						$			—						$			705
First nine months
2020			$			499						$			132						$			695						$			705															$			2,031						$			—						$			2,031
2019			$			621						$			125						$			475						$			1,034															$			2,255						$			—						$			2,255
Depreciation and amortization
Third quarter
2020			$			6						$			4						$			11						$			18															$			39						$			4						$			43
2019			$			7						$			4						$			8						$			18															$			37						$			5						$			42
First nine months
2020			$			18						$			13						$			32						$			51															$			114						$			11						$			125
2019			$			17						$			13						$			25						$			54															$			109						$			15						$			124
Operating income (loss)
Third quarter
2020			$			(4)						$			2						$			128						$			(12)															$			114						$			(17)						$			97
2019			$			(12)						$			(3)						$			(4)						$			8															$			(11)						$			(7)						$			(18)
First nine months
2020			$			3						$			2						$			148						$			(27)															$			126						$			(31)						$			95
2019			$			57						$			(15)						$			(1)						$			83															$			124						$			(38)						$			86

(1)Inter-segment sales of $8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $22 million and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, which were transacted either at the lowest market price of the previous month or 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 $7 million and $6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $17 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019.

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RESOLUTE FOREST PRODUCTS INC.

Notes to Unaudited Interim Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 14. Subsequent Event

The following significant event occurred subsequent to September 30, 2020:

•On November 4, 2020 (or, the “closing date”), we entered into a 10-year secured delayed draw term loan facility (or, the “Loan Facility”) with Investissement Québec as lender, for up to C$220 million ($167 million as of the closing date), with an initial availability of C$149 million ($114 million as of the closing date), subject to certain conditions. The Loan Facility will bear interest at a floating rate equal to 1.45% above the one month Canadian banker’s acceptance rate. The principal shall be repayable in monthly installments over a period of eight years after an interest only period of two years from the date of the first draw. The Loan Facility is subject to prepayment requirements under certain conditions and may be repaid earlier without premium or penalty, but subject to prepayment of accrued and unpaid interest. The Loan Facility provides for a maximum of 10 draws and the fulfillment of certain conditions upon each draw. Borrowings under the Loan Facility are subject to certain restrictions.

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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,” “Resolute,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company,” we mean Resolute Forest Products Inc. with its subsidiaries, either individually or collectively, unless otherwise indicated.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND USE OF THIRD-PARTY DATA

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 the impact of the novel coronavirus (or, “COVID-19”) pandemic and resulting economic conditions on our business, results of operations and market price of our securities, and to our: efforts and initiatives to reduce costs, increase revenues, and improve profitability; business and operating outlook; future pension 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 the changes to our pension funding obligations; estimated capital expenditures; 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,” “see,” “anticipate,” “continue,” “attempt,” “project,” “progress,” “build,” “pursue,” “plan,” “grow” 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: the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic conditions; developments in non-print media, and the effectiveness of our responses to these developments; 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 our entry into wood manufacturing in the U.S., and tissue production and sales, or divestitures or other strategic transactions or projects, including loss of synergies following business divestitures; uncertainty or changes in political or economic conditions in the U.S., Canada or other countries in which we sell our products, including the effects of pandemics; global economic conditions; the highly cyclical nature of the forest products industry; any difficulties in obtaining timber or 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 weather conditions, and climate change; any disruption in operations or increased labor costs due to labor disputes or occupational health and safety issues; difficulties in our employee relations or in employee attraction or retention; disruptions to our supply chain, operations, or the delivery of our products, including due to public health epidemics; disruptions to our information technology systems including cybersecurity incidents; risks related to the operation and transition of legacy system applications; 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; our ability to maintain adequate capital resources to provide for all of our substantial capital requirements; the terms of our outstanding indebtedness, which could restrict our current and future operations; changes relating to the London Interbank Offered Rate, which could impact our borrowings under our credit facilities; losses that are not covered by insurance; any shutdown of machines or facilities, restructuring of operations or sale of assets resulting in any additional closure costs and long-lived asset 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; countervailing and anti-dumping duties on imports to the U.S. of the vast majority of our softwood lumber products produced at our Canadian sawmills; 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; adverse outcomes of legal proceedings, claims and governmental inquiries, investigations, and other 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, 2019, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (or, the “SEC”) on March 2, 2020 (or, the “2019 Annual Report”), which

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have been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, including related governmental responses and economic impacts, market disruptions and changes in consumer habits, and which should be read in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic risk factor update further set forth in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Form 10-Q.

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.

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.

OVERVIEW

Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper, which are marketed in close to 70 countries. The Company owns or operates some 40 facilities, as well as power generation assets, in the U.S. and Canada. We are the largest producer of wood products east of the Canadian Rockies, the largest producer of uncoated mechanical papers in North America, and a competitive pulp producer in North America. We are also a leading global producer of newsprint and an emerging tissue producer.

We report our activities in four business segments: market pulp, tissue, wood products, and paper. We believe an integrated approach across these segments maximizes value creation for our Company and stakeholders.

We are guided by our vision and values, focusing on safety, sustainability, profitability, accountability, and teamwork. We believe we can be distinguished by the following competitive strengths:

•Competitive cost structure combined with diversified and integrated asset base

–large-scale and cost-effective operations, including significant internal energy production from cogeneration and hydroelectric facilities, which support our value proposition;

–control over fiber transformation chain from standing timber to end-product for the majority of our offering;

–nearly 100% of our products sourced from high-quality virgin fiber;

–harvesting rights for the majority of fiber needs in Canada; and

–sophisticated logistics capabilities to meet demanding customer expectations.

•Solid balance sheet

–favorable pricing and flexibility under borrowing agreements together with our liquidity levels support our ability to weather challenging market cycles and to execute our transformation strategy;

–significant tax assets to defer cash income taxes and provide synergies to execute this strategy; and

–customers benefit from a financially stable and reliable business partner in a challenging industry.

•Seasoned management team

–deep industry expertise, with influential leaders in forestry, operations, environmental risk management and public policy;

–culture of accountability, encouraging transparency and straightforwardness; and

–core identity tied to renewable resources we harvest in a truly sustainable manner.

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Our Business

For information relating to our products, strategy and highlights, sustainable development and performance, and power generation assets, refer to Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview – Our Business” in our 2019 Annual Report.

Third Quarter Overview

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

We have sustained operations across all of our business segments through the COVID-19 pandemic, but we had to take certain measures in the face of the dramatic reduction in economic activity, particularly for marketing-dependent products like newspapers, inserts, flyers and commercial paper. In particular, we continue to focus on key short-term priorities, including: operating under rigorous protocols around the health and safety of our employees, contractors and suppliers; reducing our paper production consistent with the dramatic decrease in economic activity affecting demand; maintaining disciplined liquidity management; monitoring customer credit risk; and controlling spending around selling, general and administrative (or, “SG&A”) expenses and capital expenditures.

Specifically, as of the end of the third quarter, we reduced our operational footprint by temporarily idling paper machines representing in aggregate 28% of our run-rate capacity (equivalent to 48,000 metric tons per month). This decision led to workforce reductions and spending limitations or deferrals.

Business acquisition

On February 1, 2020, we acquired from Conifex Timber Inc. all of the equity securities and membership interests in certain of its subsidiaries, the business of which consists mainly in the operation of three sawmills and related assets in Cross City (Florida) and in Glenwood and El Dorado (Arkansas) (or, the “U.S. Sawmill Business”). The U.S. Sawmill Business acquired produces construction-grade dimensional lumber and decking products from locally-sourced southern yellow pine for distribution within the U.S.

The fair value of the consideration, paid in cash, for the U.S. Sawmill Business acquired was $173 million. For more information, see Note 2, “Business Acquisition,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Our operating income was $97 million in the quarter, compared to an operating loss of $18 million in the third quarter of 2019. Excluding special items, we incurred an operating income of $97 million, compared to an operating loss of $19 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.

Our net income in the quarter was $57 million, or $0.66 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $43 million, or $0.47 per share, in the year-ago period. Our net income in the quarter, excluding special items, was $62 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $34 million, or $0.37 per share, in the year-ago period.

Three Months Ended September 30, 2020			Operating Income									Net Income									EPS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported			$			97						$			57						$			0.66
Adjustments for special items:
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						—									(5)									(0.06)
Other expense, net						—									14									0.17
Income tax effect of special items						—									(4)									(0.05)
Adjusted for special items (1)			$			97						$			62						$			0.72

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2019			Operating Loss									Net Loss									EPS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported			$			(18)						$			(43)						$			(0.47)
Adjustments for special items:
Net gain on disposition of assets						(1)									(1)									(0.01)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						—									(12)									(0.13)
Other expense, net						—									17									0.19
Income tax effect of special items						—									5									0.05
Adjusted for special items (1)			$			(19)						$			(34)						$			(0.37)

(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 U.S. 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, and gains and losses on disposition of assets 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 non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit (or, “OPEB”) costs and credits, other income and 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 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.

Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Our operating income was $95 million in the first nine months of the year, compared to operating income of $86 million in the year-ago period. Excluding special items, we incurred operating income of $84 million, compared to operating income of $85 million in the year-ago period. Special items are described below.

Our net income in the first nine months of the year was $62 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, compared to net income of $24 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, in the year-ago period. Our net income in the period, excluding special items, was $11 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net income of $7 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, in the year-ago period.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020			Operating Income									Net Income									EPS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported			$			95						$			62						$			0.71
Adjustments for special items:
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges						(2)									(2)									(0.02)
Net gain on disposition of assets						(9)									(9)									(0.10)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						—									(24)									(0.27)
Other income, net						—									(24)									(0.27)
Income tax effect of special items						—									8									0.08
Adjusted for special items (1)			$			84						$			11						$			0.13

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2019			Operating Income									Net Income									EPS
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)
GAAP, as reported			$			86						$			24						$			0.26
Adjustments for special items:
Net gain on disposition of assets						(1)									(1)									(0.01)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						—									(36)									(0.39)
Other expense, net						—									22									0.24
Income tax effect of special items						—									(2)									(0.02)
Adjusted for special items (1)			$			85						$			7						$			0.08

(1)Operating income, net income 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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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Consolidated Results

Selected financial information

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except per share amounts)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			730						$			705									$			2,031						$			2,255
Operating income (loss) per segment:
Market pulp			$			(4)						$			(12)									$			3						$			57
Tissue						2									(3)												2									(15)
Wood products						128									(4)												148									(1)
Paper						(12)									8												(27)									83
Segment total						114									(11)												126									124
Corporate and other						(17)									(7)												(31)									(38)
Operating income (loss)			$			97						$			(18)									$			95						$			86
Net income (loss) attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc.			$			57						$			(43)									$			62						$			24
Net income (loss) per common share attributable to Resolute Forest Products Inc. common shareholders:
Basic			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26
Diluted			$			0.66						$			(0.47)									$			0.71						$			0.26
Adjusted EBITDA (1)			$			140						$			23									$			209						$			209

 

(Unaudited, in millions)			September 30, 2020									December 31, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents			$			20						$			3
Total assets			$			3,678						$			3,626

(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 interest 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 closure costs, impairment and other related charges, gains and losses on disposition of assets, non-operating pension and OPEB costs and credits, and other income and expense, net. 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 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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			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest			$			57						$			(43)									$			62						$			24
Interest expense						8									8												26									24
Income tax provision						23									12												55									52
Depreciation and amortization						43									42												125									124
EBITDA			$			131						$			19									$			268						$			224
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges						—									—												(2)									—
Net gain on disposition of assets						—									(1)												(9)									(1)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						(5)									(12)												(24)									(36)
Other expense (income), net						14									17												(24)									22
Adjusted EBITDA			$			140						$			23									$			209						$			209

Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

Sales

Sales increased by $25 million compared to the year-ago period, to $730 million. After removing the sales related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business in the first quarter of 2020, sales declined by $29 million. Lower volume reduced sales by $110 million, mainly reflecting lower shipments of market pulp and paper, partly offset by higher shipments of wood products. Pricing had a favorable impact of $82 million, mainly as a result of an increase in the average transaction price for wood products and tissue, up by 76% and 9%, respectively, partly offset by lower average transaction price for market pulp and paper, down by 5% and 9%, respectively.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs (or, “COS”) decreased by $83 million in the quarter. After removing the COS related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, and the effects of lower volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, COS decreased by $31 million, largely reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($22 million), as a result of reduced spending, the timing of scheduled outages and the indefinite idling of our Augusta (Georgia) mill in November 2019; and

•a decrease in energy prices ($3 million) and chemical costs ($2 million);

partly offset by an increase in fiber costs ($2 million).

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Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses increased by $5 million in the quarter, mainly due to higher incentive plan expense, which is based on company performance, and higher stock-based compensation expense, partly offset by lower headcount.

Net gain on disposition of assets

See the corresponding variance analysis under “Corporate and Other” below.

Net income (loss) variance analysis

Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits

We recorded non-operating pension and OPEB credits of $5 million in the quarter, compared to $12 million in the year-ago period. The difference mainly reflects: lower interest cost ($8 million); partly offset by higher amortization of actuarial losses ($7 million) and lower expected return on plan assets ($6 million).

Other expense, net

We recorded other expense, net of $14 million in the quarter, compared to other expense, net of $17 million in the year-ago period. The difference reflects a provision of $23 million related to a litigation in connection with the dissenting shareholders related to our 2012 acquisition of Fibrek Inc. (or, “Fibrek”) recorded in the third quarter of 2019, offset by other items. For more information, see Note 3, “Other (Expense) Income, Net,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes

We recorded an income tax provision of $23 million in the quarter on income before income taxes of $80 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $17 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference mainly reflects an increase to our valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations ($5 million), where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets, and foreign tax rate differences ($5 million), partly offset by foreign exchange items ($2 million).

In the third quarter of 2019, we recorded an income tax provision of $12 million on loss before income taxes of $31 million, compared to an expected income tax benefit of $6 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference mainly reflects a valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations ($7 million), where we recognize a valuation allowance against virtually all of our net deferred income tax assets, U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings ($6 million), and foreign exchange items ($3 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income variance analysis

Sales

Sales decreased by $224 million compared to the year-ago period, to $2,031 million. After removing the sales related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, sales declined by $322 million. Lower volume reduced sales by $249 million, reflecting lower shipments of paper and market pulp. Pricing had an unfavorable impact of $71 million, mainly as a result of a drop in the average transaction price for market pulp and paper, down by 17% and 13%, respectively, offset by an increase in pricing for wood products and tissue, up 31% and 7%, respectively.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

COS decreased by $185 million in the period. After removing the COS related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, and the effects of lower volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, COS improved by $85 million, largely reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($49 million), as a result of reduced spending, the timing of scheduled outages and the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill;

•a decrease in energy prices ($13 million);

•favorable fiber costs ($10 million); and

•lower labor and overhead costs ($5 million), primarily due to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill, partly offset by the temporary idling of the Baie-Comeau (Quebec) and Amos (Quebec) paper mills, and compensation expense increase.

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses decreased by $2 million in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the same period last year due to lower headcount, partly offset by higher incentive plan expense, which is based on company performance, and higher stock-based compensation expense.

Net gain on disposition of assets

See the corresponding variance analysis under “Corporate and Other” below.

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Net income variance analysis

Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits

We recorded non-operating pension and OPEB credits of $24 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to $36 million in the year-ago period. The difference mainly reflects: lower interest cost ($24 million); and an OPEB curtailment credit related to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill ($14 million); partly offset by: higher amortization of actuarial losses ($21 million) and lower amortization of prior service credits ($5 million); lower expected return on plan assets ($19 million); and a pension special termination benefit cost related to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill ($3 million).

Other income (expense), net

We recorded other income, net of $24 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to other expense, net of $22 million in the year-ago period. The difference mostly reflects a favorable insurance claim settlement of $15 million related to our acquisition of Atlas in 2015 compared to a provision of $23 million related to a litigation in connection with the dissenting shareholders related to our 2012 acquisition of Fibrek. For more information, see Note 3, “Other (Expense) Income, Net,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income taxes

We recorded an income tax provision of $55 million in the period on income before income taxes of $117 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $25 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference mainly reflects an increase to our valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations ($21 million), where we recognize a full valuation allowance against our net deferred income tax assets, foreign exchange items ($8 million), and state and foreign tax rate differences ($7 million), partly offset by other, net ($7 million) mainly related to the settlement of an insurance claim in connection with our acquisition of Atlas.

In the first nine months of 2019, we recorded an income tax provision of $52 million on income before income taxes of $76 million, compared to an expected income tax provision of $16 million based on the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21%. The difference reflects an increase to our valuation allowance related to our U.S. operations ($18 million), where we recognize a valuation allowance against virtually all of our net deferred income tax assets, U.S. tax on non-U.S. earnings ($11 million), and state and foreign tax rate differences ($5 million).

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, and paper. As of the second quarter of 2020, the results from our newsprint and specialty papers operations have been combined to form the paper reportable segment. This better reflects management’s internal analysis, given the diminishing percentage newsprint and specialty papers represent in our product portfolio. Comparative information has been modified to conform to this revised segment presentation.

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; gains and losses on disposition of assets; 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 expenses are allocated to our segments, with the exception of certain discretionary charges and credits, which we present under “corporate and other.”

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MARKET PULP

Highlights

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			161						$			201									$			499						$			621
Operating (loss) income (1)			$			(4)						$			(12)									$			3						$			57
EBITDA (2)			$			2						$			(5)									$			21						$			74
(In thousands of metric tons)
Shipments						273									320												834									863
Downtime						42									16												75									39

			September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)			2020									2019
Finished goods inventory						71									74

(1)Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest is equal to operating (loss) 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)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest			$			(4)						$			(12)									$			3						$			57
Depreciation and amortization						6									7												18									17
EBITDA			$			2						$			(5)									$			21						$			74

Industry trends

World demand for chemical pulp grew by 5.0% in the first eight months of 2020 compared to the year-ago period, reflecting an increase in China of 10.2% and of 3.9% in North America, while Western Europe decreased by 4.4%. World capacity remained unchanged compared to last period.

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World demand for softwood pulp fell by 2.6% in the first eight months of 2020, reflecting a decrease of 9.2% and 6.0% in Western Europe and China, respectively, while North America increased by 6.0%. The operating rate was 91%.

In the same period, world demand for hardwood pulp rose by 10.6%, with shipments to China and North America up by 20.2% and 1.6%, respectively, while Western Europe was down by 1.2%. The operating rate was 94%.

Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating loss variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $40 million lower, or 20%, to $161 million in the quarter. Sales volume was $35 million lower, and pricing reduced sales by $5 million, reflecting a decline in the average transaction price of $32 per metric ton, mostly in virgin pulp grades due to softer market conditions.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After adjusting for the effects of lower volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, manufacturing costs improved by $17 million, reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($11 million), mainly due to the timing of scheduled outages and reduced spending; and

•favorable fiber costs ($3 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $122 million lower, or 20%, to $499 million in the first nine months of the year. Sales volume was $19 million lower. Pricing reduced sales by $103 million, reflecting a decline in the average transaction price of $122 per metric ton due to a significant drop in all pulp grades.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After adjusting for the effects of lower volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, manufacturing costs improved by $44 million, reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($20 million), mainly due to the timing of scheduled outages;

•a decrease in fiber cost ($14 million); and

•lower energy prices ($6 million).

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TISSUE

Highlights

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			39						$			43									$			132						$			125
Operating income (loss) (1)			$			2						$			(3)									$			2						$			(15)
EBITDA (2)			$			6						$			1									$			15						$			(2)
(In thousands of short tons)
Shipments (3)						21									25												73									74
Downtime						2									1												4									2

			September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of short tons)			2020									2019
Finished goods inventory (3)						6									6

(1)Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 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.

(3)Tissue converted products, which are measured in cases, are converted to short tons.

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest			$			2						$			(3)									$			2						$			(15)
Depreciation and amortization						4									4												13									13
EBITDA			$			6						$			1									$			15						$			(2)

Industry trends

Total U.S. tissue consumption grew by 8.7% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the year-ago period. Converted product shipments increased by 7.8%, led by at-home shipments up by 15.9%, while away-from-home shipments decreased by 8.6%.

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U.S. parent roll production rose by 6.5% in the first nine months, contributing to a 97% average industry production-to-capacity ratio, up from 93% in the year-ago period.

Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $4 million lower, or 9%, to $39 million in the quarter. The average transaction price was $153 per short ton higher, due to favorable product mix and price increases. Shipments decreased by 4,000 short tons mainly in away-from-home products, due to the ongoing pandemic.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After removing the effect of lower volume, our manufacturing costs improved by $4 million compared to the year-ago period, mainly due to lower fiber costs.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $7 million higher, or 6%, to $132 million in the first nine months of the year. The average transaction price was $117 per short ton higher, due to favorable product mix and price increases.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

Our manufacturing costs improved by $6 million compared to the year-ago period, mainly due to favorable fiber costs.

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WOOD PRODUCTS

Highlights

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			322						$			146									$			695						$			475
Operating income (loss) (1)			$			128						$			(4)									$			148						$			(1)
EBITDA (2)			$			139						$			4									$			180						$			24
(In millions board feet)
Shipments (3)						537									429												1,501									1,341
Downtime						56									74												224									168

			September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions board feet)			2020									2019
Finished goods inventory (3)						121									122

(1)Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest 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.

(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)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest			$			128						$			(4)									$			148						$			(1)
Depreciation and amortization						11									8												32									25
EBITDA			$			139						$			4									$			180						$			24

Industry trends

U.S. housing starts were 1.3 million on a seasonally-adjusted basis in the first nine months of 2020, up 6.5% from the same period last year, which reflects a 6.4% increase in single-family starts and an increase of 6.9% in multi-family starts.

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2x4 – Random Length (or “RL”) #1-2 Kiln Dried Great Lakes (or “KD GL”) price rose by 36.0% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the year ago period, and the 2x4x8 Stud KD GL price rose by 62.6%. The 2x4 – RL #2 KD Southern Pine (Eastside) price increased by 32.0%, and the 2x4 – RL #2 KD Southern Pine (Westside) price was up by 33.2%.

Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $176 million higher, or 121%, to $322 million in the quarter, as the average transaction price rose by $259 per thousand board feet, or 76%, and shipments increased by 108 million board feet, or 25%, reflecting new volume related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, the increase in market demand for home repairs and remodeling, and stronger U.S. market housing starts. After removing the sales related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, sales were $122 million higher. Pricing contributed to a $104 million increase, reflecting a rise in average transaction price, and sales volume was $18 million higher.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After removing the COS related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, and the effects of higher volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, manufacturing costs increased by $2 million, mainly reflecting higher stumpage costs related to current wood prices.

Distribution costs

After removing the effect of lower volume, distribution costs increased by $6 million mainly due to higher freight rates and unfavorable destination mix.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating income (loss) variance analysis

Sales

Sales were $220 million higher, or 46%, to $695 million in the first nine months of the year, as the average transaction price rose by $109 per thousand board feet, or 31%, and shipments increased by 160 million board feet, or 12%, reflecting the new volume related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, the increase in market demand for home repairs and remodeling, and stronger U.S. market housing starts. After removing the sales related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, sales were $122 million higher, reflecting the rise in the average transaction price.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After removing the COS related to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business and the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar, manufacturing costs increased by $5 million, mainly reflecting higher wood fiber costs.

Depreciation and amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased by $7 million compared to the year-ago period, primarily due to the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business.

Distribution costs

Distribution costs increased by $8 million mainly due to higher freight rates and unfavorable destination mix.

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PAPER

Highlights

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions, except where otherwise stated)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Sales			$			208						$			315									$			705						$			1,034
Operating (loss) income (1)			$			(12)						$			8									$			(27)						$			83
EBITDA (2)			$			6						$			26									$			24						$			137
(In thousands of metric tons)
Shipments						351									482												1,183									1,522
Downtime						171									86												371									163

			September 30,
(Unaudited, in thousands of metric tons)			2020									2019
Finished goods inventory						124									148

(1)Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest is equal to operating (loss) 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)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest			$			(12)						$			8									$			(27)						$			83
Depreciation and amortization						18									18												51									54
EBITDA			$			6						$			26									$			24						$			137

Industry trends

North American newsprint demand fell by 27.0% in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period last year. Demand from newspaper publishers fell by 30.0%, while demand from commercial printers declined by 23.0%. The North American shipment-to-capacity ratio was 75%, compared to 83% in the year-ago-period.

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Global demand for newsprint fell by 22.4% in the first nine months of 2020, with North America down by 27.0%, Western Europe down by 23.0%, and Asia down by 19.3%. Accordingly, the global operating rate decreased to 71%, down from 83% in the year-ago period.

North American demand for uncoated mechanical papers was down by 24.3% in the first nine months of 2020 compared to the year-ago period, reflecting a 29.9% decline in supercalendered grades, and a 18.7% decrease in standard grades. Accordingly, the shipment-to-capacity ratio for all uncoated mechanical papers decreased to 73%, compared to 83% in the year-ago period.

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Three months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating (loss) income variance analysis

Sales

Sales fell by $107 million, or 34%, to $208 million in the quarter. Shipments decreased by 131,000 metric tons, largely reflecting much lower demand levels since the onset of the pandemic and our resulting capacity adjustments. The average transaction price declined by $61 per metric ton due to weaker market fundamentals.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

After adjusting for the effects of lower volume and the weaker Canadian dollar, manufacturing costs improved by $13 million, reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($9 million), due to reduced spending as well as to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill; and

•a decrease in energy costs ($3 million).

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Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Operating (loss) income variance analysis

Sales

Sales fell by $329 million, or 32%, to $705 million in the first nine months of the year. Shipments decreased by 339,000 metric tons, largely reflecting much lower demand levels since the onset of the pandemic and our resulting capacity adjustments. The average transaction price declined by $85 per metric ton due to weaker market fundamentals.

Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs

Manufacturing costs improved by $37 million after adjusting for the effect of the weaker Canadian dollar, as a significant portion of our production capacity is based in Canada, and the effect of lower volume, reflecting:

•favorable maintenance costs ($28 million), due to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill, as well as reduced spending;

•lower labor and overhead costs ($8 million), primarily due to the indefinite idling of our Augusta mill, partly offset by the temporary idling of the Baie-Comeau and Amos paper mills, and compensation expense increase; and

•lower energy prices ($7 million);

partly offset by an increase in fiber costs ($6 million).

Selling, general and administrative expenses

SG&A expenses decreased by $8 million in the first nine months of the year, compared to the same period last year, due to lower headcount.

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Corporate and Other

Highlights

			Three Months Ended September 30,																					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Cost of sales, excluding depreciation, amortization and distribution costs			$			(2)						$			—									$			(6)						$			(7)
Depreciation and amortization						(4)									(5)												(11)									(15)
Selling, general and administrative expenses						(11)									(3)												(25)									(17)
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges						—									—												2									—
Net gain on disposition of assets						—									1												9									1
Operating loss						(17)									(7)												(31)									(38)
Interest expense						(8)									(8)												(26)									(24)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						5									12												24									36
Other (expense) income, net						(14)									(17)												24									(22)
Income tax provision						(23)									(12)												(55)									(52)
Net loss including noncontrolling interest			$			(57)						$			(32)									$			(64)						$			(100)

The table below shows the reconciliation of net loss including noncontrolling interest 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)			2020									2019												2020									2019
Net loss including noncontrolling interest			$			(57)						$			(32)									$			(64)						$			(100)
Interest expense						8									8												26									24
Income tax provision						23									12												55									52
Depreciation and amortization						4									5												11									15
EBITDA						(22)									(7)												28									(9)
Closure costs, impairment and other related charges						—									—												(2)									—
Net gain on disposition of assets						—									(1)												(9)									(1)
Non-operating pension and other postretirement benefit credits						(5)									(12)												(24)									(36)
Other expense (income), net						14									17												(24)									22
Adjusted EBITDA			$			(13)						$			(3)									$			(31)						$			(24)

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Net gain on disposition of assets

We recorded a net gain of $9 million on the disposition of the Augusta mill in the nine months ended September 30, 2020. The mill was indefinitely idled in November 2019.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Capital Resources

We rely on cash and cash equivalents, cash flows provided by operations, and our credit facilities to fund our operations, make pension contributions, and finance our working capital, capital expenditures, and duty cash deposits. In addition, from time to time we may use available cash to reduce debt and to return capital to shareholders, including through share repurchases or special dividends. As of September 30, 2020, we had cash and cash equivalents of $20 million and availability of $457 million under our credit facilities.

Based on our current projections, we expect to have sufficient financial resources available to finance our business plan, make pension contributions, meet working capital and duty cash deposit requirements, and maintain an appropriate level of capital spending.

Based on market conditions, we may seek to repay or refinance our outstanding indebtedness, including under the 5.875% senior unsecured notes due 2023 (or, the “2023 Notes”) and credit facilities, as we continue to focus on reducing costs and enhancing our flexibility.

Secured Term Loan Facility

On November 4, 2020, we entered into a 10-year secured delayed term loan facility with Investissement Québec for up to C$220 million ($167 million), with an initial availability of C$149 million ($114 million), subject to certain conditions. For more information, see Note 14, “Subsequent Event,” to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit rating risk

On March 18, 2020, Standard & Poor’s revised:

•our senior unsecured debt rating from B+ to B;

•our long-term corporate credit rating from BB- to B+; and

•our outlook from stable to negative.

On April 20, 2020, Moody’s Investors Service revised:

•our senior unsecured debt rating from B1 to B2;

•our corporate family rating from Ba3 to B1;

•our outlook from stable to negative; and

•our liquidity rating from SGL-1 to SGL-2.

Although our debt agreements do not include any provision that would require material changes in payment schedules or terminations as a result of a credit rating downgrade, we believe our access to capital markets at a reasonable cost is determined in part by credit quality. A credit rating downgrade could impact our ability to access capital markets at a reasonable cost. These ratings reflect the views of the rating agencies only. An explanation of the significance of these ratings can be obtained from each rating agency. The ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Any rating can be revised upward or downward or withdrawn at any time by a rating agency.

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Flow of Funds

Summary of cash flows

A summary of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

			Nine Months Ended September 30,
(Unaudited, in millions)			2020									2019
Net cash provided by operating activities			$			176						$			120
Net cash used in investing activities						(248)									(119)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities						89									(239)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash						—									1
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash			$			17						$			(237)

Nine months ended September 30, 2020 vs. September 30, 2019

Net cash provided by operating activities

We generated $176 million of cash from operating activities in the first nine months of 2020, compared to $120 million of cash generated in the year-ago period. The increase is primarily driven by higher profitability, a favorable working capital variance in the current period, and lower pension contributions.

Net cash used in investing activities

We used $248 million of cash in investing activities in the current period, compared to $119 million in the year-ago period. The difference reflects:

•the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, net of cash acquired, in the current period ($172 million); and

•higher net countervailing and anti-dumping duty cash deposits ($13 million);

partly offset by:

•lower capital expenditures ($29 million) and higher disposition of assets ($7 million); and

•proceeds from an insurance recovery related to our acquisition of Atlas in 2015 ($15 million), in the current period.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net cash provided by financing activities was $89 million in the first nine months of 2020, compared to cash used in financing activities of $239 million in the year-ago period. The difference reflects:

•proceeds from long term debt of $180 million in 10-year term loans under our existing senior secured credit facility (or, the “Senior Secured Credit Facility”) to finance the acquisition of the U.S. Sawmill Business, whereas in the year-ago period we repurchased $225 million in aggregate principal amount of our 2023 Notes;

partly offset by the net repayments under revolving credit facilities of $71 million in the current period.

Employee Benefit Plans

Newly enacted U.S. legislation in 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, allows plan sponsors to delay contributions due during 2020 until January 1, 2021. We postponed our contributions to U.S. pension plans that were due during the second and third quarter for a total of $26 million. On October 30, 2020, we made the postponed contributions.

Share Repurchase Program

On March 2, 2020, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 15% of our common stock, for an aggregate consideration of up to $100 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020, we repurchased 4.8 million shares at a cost of $19 million.

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SUPPLEMENTAL OBLIGOR GROUP INFORMATION

The following information is presented in accordance with Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X adopted in 2020, and the public information requirements of Rule 144 promulgated pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, in connection to the 2023 Notes issued by Resolute Forest Products Inc. (or, the “Issuer”) and fully guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by all of our existing and subsequently acquired or organized direct or indirect wholly-owned U.S. subsidiaries that guarantee the ABL Credit Facility as further defined below (or, the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”) (together, the “Obligor Group”). The 2023 Notes are not guaranteed by our foreign subsidiaries (or, the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

The following summarized financial information of the Obligor Group is presented on a combined basis, with all intercompany transactions between the Issuer and the Guarantor Subsidiaries eliminated and excluding any earnings from and investments in the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. Financial information of the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries is not included.

Summarized financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, was as follows:

(Unaudited, in millions)			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020												Year Ended December 31, 2019
Sales (1)			$			1,653									$			2,379
Operating loss			$			(74)									$			(203)
Net loss			$			(75)									$			(207)

(1)Includes $31 million and $76 million of sales to the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries for the nine months ended September 30, 2020 and year ended December 31, 2019, respectively.

Summarized financial information as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, was as follows:

(Unaudited, in millions)			September 30, 2020												December 31, 2019
Total current assets (1)			$			414									$			414
Total long-term assets (2)			$			920									$			833
Total current liabilities (3)			$			641									$			913
Total long-term liabilities			$			972									$			872

(1)Includes $4 million of interest receivable from the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019.

(2)Includes a note receivable of $112 million from the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2019.

(3)Includes accounts payable to the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries of $516 million and $794 million as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The 2023 Notes are unsecured and effectively junior to indebtedness under both the senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility (or, “ABL Credit Facility”) and the Senior Secured Credit Facility, and to future secured indebtedness. In addition, the 2023 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities of our Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries.

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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 2019 Annual Report. There have been no material changes in our exposure to market risk as previously disclosed in our 2019 Annual Report, except that our exposure to market risk has been heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic, including related governmental responses and economic impacts, market disruptions and changes in consumer habits, and such prior disclosure should be read in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic risk factor update further described in Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Form 10-Q.

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, 2020. 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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PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In addition to the legal proceedings presented under Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings,” in our 2019 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.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS

We are supplementing the risk factors described under Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our 2019 Annual Report and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020, with the additional risk factor set forth below. This supplemental risk factor should be read in conjunction with the other risk factors described in our 2019 Annual Report, which have been heightened by this additional risk factor.

We face various risks related to the COVID-19 pandemic

The outbreak of the pandemic caused by COVID-19 has had, and could continue to have a negative impact on financial markets, economic conditions and portions of our business. While we are unable to predict the extent, nature and duration of these impacts at this time, the global COVID-19 pandemic could negatively affect our business and results of operations, as well as the market price of our securities, in a number of ways, including the following:

•While we expect to continue to operate in all of our business segments in Canada and the U.S., we have reduced our operational footprint to levels consistent with essential needs for the duration of the crisis, including by the temporary idling of certain machines or facilities and implementing temporary layoffs. Further adjustments to our operational footprint, temporary or permanent, could be made as the COVID-19 pandemic situation develops.

•The COVID-19 pandemic has already accelerated the secular demand decline for paper products like those we manufacture as widespread confinement alters consumer habits, and which could also impact the demand for pulp. The decline in demand and altered habits could become permanent.

•Any construction slowdown in North America may result in a decline in demand for wood products. If the demand for wood products falls and we reduce harvesting and sawmill activity as a result, we could have greater difficulty obtaining the supply of timber and wood fiber required for our operations at favorable prices, or at all.

•There is increased risk that we may not obtain raw materials, chemicals and other required supplies or services in timely fashion and at favorable prices due to the impact of the reduced economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on our suppliers, which could affect our production output.

•Additional trade restrictions or barriers could also affect negatively our supply chain as well as the sales or distribution of our products.

•The impact of the reduced economic activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on our customers could increase our risk of credit exposure.

•Although the forest products industry has generally been recognized as critical or essential in locations where we operate, the current health restrictions, including social distancing measures, are having an impact on how our workers can fulfill their duties, and limit the number of employees we can have in our operations, which in turn could impact our production output and costs.

•It could be difficult or costly to restart certain of our temporarily idled operations, and we could face personnel shortages if employees are no longer available or amenable to return to work.

•Further, should any key employees become ill from COVID-19 or unable to work, the attention of our management team could be diverted.

•The reduced operations and staffing in our facilities, remote working conditions and increased risk in not obtaining supplies or services could increase the risk of non-compliance and incidents.

If necessary, to preserve liquidity, we could suspend or defer capital projects, as well as other strategic initiatives. Strategies to increase earnings power or generate additional cash flow, including acquisitions, divestitures and other transactions could be

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delayed or not materialize given the current economic uncertainty. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we could decide to permanently shut down machines or facilities and be required to record significant closure costs, long-lived asset impairment or accelerated depreciation charges.

The economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing decline in financial market returns and low-interest rate environment could result in an increase in the amount by which our pension plans are underfunded by the next measurement date at year-end. This could result in a significant increase in the amount of our required future pension contributions, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition.

If we don’t generate enough cash to fund our short-term or long-term obligations, we may have to draw further on our credit facilities to meet our obligations or seek additional sources of liquidity. The economic uncertainty resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and recent downgrades of our credit ratings could lead to greater difficulty in obtaining additional financing on favorable terms.

The COVID-19 pandemic, including related governmental responses and economic impacts, market disruptions and changes in consumer habits, has heightened the risks related to the other risk factors described in our 2019 Annual Report, and should be read in conjunction therewith.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth information about our stock repurchases for the three months ended September 30, 2020:

Period			Total Number of Shares Purchased									Average Price Paid per Share									Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs									Approximate Dollar Value of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (1)
July 1 to July 31						1,035,249						$			2.47									1,035,249						$			96,914,787
August 1 to August 31						1,215,250									4.07									1,215,250									91,968,947
September 1 to September 30						2,263,588									4.90									2,263,588									80,888,339
Total						4,514,087						$			4.12									4,514,087						$			80,888,339

(1)$100 million share repurchase program launched in 2020. For more information, see Note 12, “Share Capital,” to our             Consolidated Financial Statements.

As of October 30, 2020, we repurchased 1,066,988 additional shares at an average price per share of $4.71 for a total cost of $5 million.

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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.						Description
†10.1						Form of Resolute Forest Products 2019 Equity Incentive Plan Stock Settled Performance Stock Unit Agreement.
31.1						Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2						Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1						Certification of President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2						Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
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.

†			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. The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the inline XBRL document.

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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/ Remi G. Lalonde
						Remi G. Lalonde
						Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
By						/s/ Hugues Dorban
						Hugues Dorban
						Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

Date: November 9, 2020

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